Tzirret returned the embrace, holding onto Ma'tanza tightly. Here, in a private and romantic setting, he was not afraid to be passionate as he continued kissing her. This had been a long time in the making and he was almost swimming in positive feelings as a reward for it all.

The kiss lasted almost until the light from the cups and bowls had faded completely. They were in the dark again, but standing against each other in an embrace was as good as seeing each other. Tzirret ran a hand up the back of Ma'tanza's neck and leaned his forehead against hers. He smiled in a rare moment of being completely free from his own worries. Of course, the inevitable did come back eventually.

"This one does not want to leave," Tzirret whispered. "He feels sick thinking about it."

[hr]
A mix of hubris and lack of attention to the range caused Fendros' next shot to be slightly rushed. It flew within a few centimetres of the cords, but had no chance of hitting them as they spun. The wind began to pick up slightly up the slope and the sails spun faster from then on. The challenge that the marksmen Fendros spoke to beforehand presented itself fully then.

Still, Ahnasha's shots began to land true. She shot down her first weight within a couple of turns. Fendros took his time, but didn't shoot off another until Ahnasha already had three. With only three arrows left, after loosing all others he carried at the time -- approaching twenty at that point -- Fendros finally shot down his third. However, Ahnasha had gotten used to the targets and brought down her last one in short order. This ended the competition after the hour or so that it lasted. Much banter was traded, though that was just part of the game. Fendros smiled at how Ahnasha fought back and they ended up having a good laugh at the challenge.

Of course, the contest was a genuine test of their skills in the end. The way they had to focus for each shot was unique in a training exercise. Fendros spoke with more humility now that it was over. "Huh, good shot. The marksmen weren't completely lying. Though, I suppose they exaggerated by calling it impossible." Fendros noticed a strange sound as the final weight finally rolled to a stop near Ahnasha. It was slightly hollow and rattling. Fendros suddenly took on a more careful tone, though he was making the effort to seem natural. "You know, the marksmen also told me that they sometimes put rewards in the weights, as prizes for harder challenges. I don't think any did what you've done, however."

Trying to act naturally, Fendros carefully placed his bow on the ground and picked up his bag. He rummaged through it, removing a cloth that was covering something. "Why don't you see what's inside that one?" Fendros mentioned casually.