Rebirth Height 12- Orb 1

[avenging_archer]

[An orb feed came to life revealing a rather skeptical looking Clint. He still had problems with the whole ‘magic ball’ concept but after having seen people make multiple announcements he figured he’d just finally give in and make one of his own.]

Uh, hi? The name’s Clint Barton. If all the crazy things people have been telling me is something to believe I figured I’d do my part to try and help people get ready for whatever crazy crap comes up. So I’m offering archery lessons to anyone who wants some pointers and lessons. Thing is, I’ve only got the one bow so if you can bring your own equipment, I’d really appreciate it. Or maybe point me towards someone who has some cheap equipment for sale, that’d be great. I’m also willin’ to help people out with other kinds of projectile throwin’ like knives and the like.

[He rubbed the back of his neck and smiled wrly.] Ain’t gonna charge for the lessons too so don’t feel shy about coming around. I’ll be hostin’ them on the north road outside the city so there’s less a chance of anyone accidentally getting shot in the ass. That’s about it, ya’ll have a good day and I hope to see some of ya’ll there.

[With one final smile down at the ‘screen’, the blond archer ended the feed by letting go of the orb.]

Comments

[avenging_archer]

[Clint can't help it, his mama raised him right! Still, he didn't miss the twitch and having had plenty of practice with prickly women, wisely decided to do as the redheaded woman requested.]

Right, Alanna. And I ain't too worried about quality, especially if it's just for teaching purposes. 'Sides if that's the kind of equipment you gotta work with out in the field then better to get used to it now, right?

[shorterinperson]

At least until something better is available. I'm having equipment made by a blacksmith in town. There's nothing quite like having your weapons break in the middle of battle.

[avenging_archer]

[Soberly, he nodded his agreement.] Not as much of a concern when you're shooting arrows at people but anything else, yeah. Shoddy workmanship definitely blows.

[The blond man's colloquialisms were definitely strange and modern.]

[shorterinperson]

[ Kids these days, Goddess. ]

I'm not familiar with the phrase, but I believe the sentiment is the same. You can't do much shooting with a broken bow, either.

[avenging_archer]

[That earned her a wry grin.] Steve said that same thing to me first time right before he broke my favorite bow in half.

[He agreed, blue eyes twinkling.] But then you can always used it to bludgeon someone if needs be.

[shorterinperson]

[ She raises an eyebrow. ] And that is why I learned to fight with my fists. [ There were other contributing factors but that's a very good reason. ]

[avenging_archer]

He had a point though. [The blond man admitted with a shrug.] Ain't nothing wrong with that either. 'Course against a bunch of weeds I dunno how effective fists are gonna be unless they can actually feel pain.

[shorterinperson]

I'm not entirely convinced the thorns are even a threat. The villagers nearby certainly aren't concerned.

[avenging_archer]

Then why the hell were we dragged into this madness? [Clint demanded, a frown starting to beetle his brow.]

[shorterinperson]

[ She makes a face. ]

A game of the Gods', the King's own madness, who knows? All I know is that things are not as they appear at first glance.

[avenging_archer]

That's just all kinds of freakin' comforting isn't it.

[He grumbled under his breath.] Bad enough they kidnap our asses but now you're saying it's for nothing but some jackass's egotrip?

[shorterinperson]

That would appear to be the case. I can't say for certain what the truth is.

[avenging_archer]

Of course not because how can you even trust the word of your kidnappers? [He agreed with a grim sort of irony.]

[shorterinperson]

Kidnapper, singular. As far as I'm aware his majesty King Erasmus is the one responsible for bringing us here.

[avenging_archer]

Far as I'm concerned, the whole royal family and anyone else who helped is implicit in kidnapping me. [Clint disagreed with a frown.] Don't get me wrong, I feel for these people and would have been more than willing to help if they'd asked first but being kidnapped tends to put me in a tetchy sort of mood.

[shorterinperson]

It doesn't inspire confidence.

[avenging_archer]

Not particularly no. You seem to be a pretty level headed sort of person, Alanna, what do you think is going on? [The blond man wasn't very fond of doubletalk or flowery words. In his opinion, speaking plainly was best way to cut through confusion and bullshit.]

[shorterinperson]

[ She's not much for it either, and she can tell when someone is being a fool, as she puts it. ]

I think the King is a moron who thinks he's doing what he's supposed to be doing. I don't think he wants to do as much harm as he does, I just don't think he gets it.

[avenging_archer]

If he's a moron, how did he manage to drag us into this madness? Seems like there'd be someone pulling his strings because from what I've heard, doesn't seem like he has the balls to pull this off. [Pause.] 'Scuse my French.

[shorterinperson]

Of course there would have to be a sorcerer involved, but he's king. He could have any number of sorcerers at his beck and call if for no reason other than the nobility of it all. If there's someone else pulling the strings, they've kept themselves hidden.