Now that we’re excused, Kyle, Ikah, and I go back to watch the rest of our Team practice on targets. Hanayni tells us that we can sit out, since we all did well in the scrimmage. Wynn and Kelta sit out if they wanted to, but they’re having fun.
Wynn is really good with a bow and arrow. It looks so natural for him. I have to admit, I envy his skills. He can shoot off a round of six arrows in less than five seconds. It takes me about 15 seconds. He makes me look like a beginner, and I’ve done archery since third grade. I want to go and practice more, but I’m afraid that he’ll think I’m amateur. The last thing I want is to embarrass myself in front of everyone. Again.
Eyrad seems to be doing better without the risk of being “killed”. He’s actually a pretty good shot, but I guess it’s hard for him to dodge and shoot at the same time.
The group finishes early, everyone shooting 100 arrows in 20 minutes.
There’s still about 15 minutes before we all have to go to our next class, so we sit on the edge of the field and watch Hanayni teach her next session. The next team’s members are older, maybe about 18-25 years old.
Instead of archery, Hanayni makes them do exercises with modern guns.
Real men use bows, Kyle projects to everyone. We all turn to Eyrad; he’s still pretty embarrassed. Astulad sits down next to Squirrel, and says something to the effect of “I’ll help you practice.”
Astulad looks really young, way too young to be an instructor. Kyle senses my confusion. He stops in the middle of a conversation with Ya’asa and looks at me with mock irritation.
I’m getting tired of explaining stuff to you, he complains. Ask someone else.
I don’t believe for a minute that he’s tired of explaining stuff to me; he loves the sound of his own voice.
You would just rather talk to a gorgeous brunette instead of your best friend, I jokingly accuse. I send Kyle a mental picture of himself staring at Ya’asa with cartoon hearts for eyes.
He looks at me long enough to stick his tongue out at me, and then goes back to charming Ya’asa.
“He’s cheeky”, I tell Llare, moving closer to him. “Wooing your sister right in front of you?” I shake my head and click my tongue. Llare shakes his head as well, somewhat miffed.
“I know, right?”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure. Doesn’t mean I’ll answer it though,” he replies with a twinkle in his eye.
I laugh. “Okay then. How old is Astulad?”
Llare looks at me, surprised. “That’s all you wanted to know? He’s 19 years old in your time.”
“Oh, so not that old,” I say.
“No. Not at all. He’s actually the youngest instructor at the School. Followed by Hanayni. She’s 20.”
“Ah. How old is Lorik?”
That’s a rude question, Lorik interrupts, somewhat upset.
Sorry. But I want to know. Please? I beg, giving him my best puppy-dog look. Llare snorted next to me, so I guess it isn’t working very well.
Lorik narrows his grey eyes, the barest hint of a smile forming on his lips. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you he says smugly.
Yes I would, I argue back.
I just turned 78 years old.
I laughed out loud. Yeah, you were right, I don’t believe you. But wait. With all this crazy stuff going on, I guess it’s not so outrageous that Lorik’s 78. He’s grumpy enough to be a senior citizen.
I search his mind, trying to see if he’s pulling my leg. He’s totallyserious. “Wow,” I mouth. You look good. For 78, anyway, I recover. He smirks but doesn’t say anything.
So, like, do people from your planet live longer all the time?
Again with the questions? I can hear him sighing even in his head. Yes, we live to be nearly 400 years old usually. But normally someone my age would look a bit older. Inborns have a longer life span than the regulars. About 700 years if they’re careful.
So do I get to look all hot and stuff when I’m practically 80?
Lorik’s face takes on an embarrassed and slightly concerned expression. Refresh my memory, please. What does the term “hot” mean in your world?
My face reddens, and I’m sure everyone can see it, even under my caramel-colored skin.
Of course Kyle butts in at this inopportune moment. Ooh someone has fans!
Llare’s laughter during this dialogue gets the attention of the rest of the team. I’m so embarrassed. I wish I knew how to make myself invisible like Aiyamar. Small sparks run across my fingers, a sign that I’m stressed, according to Lorik.
