Okay, one more chapter for all you lovely viewers! Thanks for your patience!
C
Noire: Okay, steady and . . . Ah! Perfect bullseye.
Robin: Excellent shot, Noire.
Noire: Wah! WHO DARES ATTEMPT TO AMBUSH ME!
Robin: It's just me, Noire! No ambush, I promise!
Noire: Oh, I'm sorry, Father. You startled me.
Robin: I can see that. I'll make sure to announce my presence sooner next time.
Noire: So, um, did you need something.
Robin: I was just passing by and saw you practicing. You're a very good shot.
Noire: Oh, thank you.
Robin: I'm curious though.
Noire: About what?
Robin: Where did you learn to use a bow so well? Your mother and I don't use them very often and it doesn't seem like the first thing we'd teach you.
Noire: Well, um, I taught myself mostly. There weren't many people around to train me.
Robin: I see. That's very impressive. Do you think you could give me a few lessons?
Noire: Y-You want me to teach you?
Robin: Yes, I like to try to keep my skills diverse. Plus, it'd be some good father/daughter time.
Noire: Um, a-alright.
B
Noire: Steady, Father. Try not to move so much.
Robin: Right, okay. . . . DAMN IT!
Noire: Maybe, we should take a break for today.
Robin: WHY DO I KEEP MISSING?!
Noire: It's alright, Father, just take a deep breath and relax.
Robin: I CAN CAST THUNDER AT A WHIM BUT A POINTED STICK IS SOMEHOW TOO GREAT A FEAT?!
Noire: Father . . .
Robin: THESE DAMNED THINGS ARE INFURIATING!
Noire: Father!
Robin: WHAT?!
Noire: You're going to break the bow in . . .
SNAP!
Robin: Oops.
Noire: Oh, my. I know it's just a practice bow but it still shouldn't have broken that easily.
Robin: Sorry. For the bow and my . . . outburst.
Noire: That was certainly unexpected. I always thought I got my temperature from Mother.
Robin: Well, this has certainly been enlightening for both of us. Maybe we ought to call it a day.
Noire: Sure, sounds good. I think I need to reevaluate a few things.
A
Robin: Noire, may I ask you a question?
Noire: Alright. What is it?
Robin: I've been wondering lately why you chose the bow as your weapon. I always thought your mother and I would try to teach you about hexes or tactics.
Noire: I did study both of those for a while. However, I lost both of you before I was able to learn anything substantial.
Robin: I see.
Noire: For a long time I hid away. Afraid to come out and fight the Risen. I didn't think I was capable of defending myself.
Robin: So then how did you come across the bow?
Noire: I was out scavenging for food one day and was found by a Risen. I tried to get away but ended up cornered near the body of a dead archer. I panicked and took his bow and fired at the Risen.
Robin: That must have been frightening.
Noire: It was. I didn't kill it but it was enough to buy me time to escape. I found that I had brought the bow with me without thinking. I realized that something like that might happen again and that it might not be enough next time to simply run away. So I did what I needed to.
Robin: I see. Well, I must say I'm even more impressed.
Noire: You are? Even knowing what a coward I was?
Robin: You were a child that was scared of monsters. That's nothing to be ashamed of. What's important is that you overcame your fear. That's all any parent would want. My only regret is that I couldn't be there to help you.
Noire: It's alright. In a way you did.
Robin: Oh?
Noire: Everyone always talked about how brave you were. Every time I got scared, I just remembered that and tried to be more like you. You helped me a lot more than you think. Thank you.
Robin: Heh, you welcome, Noire.
Phew, almost done! It'll be nice to not have this story hanging over my head anymore. Anywho, thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed.
Next time: Inigo