“Go on, darling. I’ll let you shoot first,” Rarity coaxed. She wasn’t one to normally be cocky, but she decided to have a little fun at Tirek’s expense. She’d go easy on him after the competition was over with. Tirek huffed and looked out at the targets Applejack and Rockhoof set up for them. He observed them with thought and planned his shots.
He moved himself into position and set his arrow on his bow before pulling the string tight. He took a moment to focus his arrow to the center of the target. His fingers loosened and the arrow soared passed his face. The arrowhead penetrated the target and embedded itself into the hay behind it. Rarity felt herself tense up. It was a bullseye.
Tirek glanced over at the unicorn. He gave her a smirk seeing the swift glint of doubt in her eyes. Noticing his smirk, she blinked and her face returned to what it once was. Tirek moved to the next target. Even though he was arrogant, he knew not to let his pride get in the way. It would only cause trouble. He pulled, aimed, took in a breath, and loosed the arrow. It flew straight to its mark. Again, a bullseye.
“Holy cow,” Applejack commented to her family. “This is gonna be a close one.”
Apple Bloom tapped her hooves in anticipation. “If he gets the next bullseye, we can only hope Rarity will pick up fast.”
Rockhoof stroked his beard as he thought. “Ah, I have hope she’ll pull through just fine. If she could not do better, then she will match him.”
Tirek came to his last target and took in a breath. Once more, he pulled his bow, took a moment, and released. Everyone held their breath in that split second the arrow disappeared from sight. It reappeared right in the center just as the others did.
Rarity almost took out her bow when Tirek strung once more. Before Rarity could say a word, he loosed the arrow and it flew. No one expected the crack that happened right after. Tirek felt a satisfaction flow through him. It had been too long since he split an arrow.
Rarity gasped out loud. “Sweet Celestia!” She had never seen someone else so skilled at archery. A tinged of red streaked across her face.
Tirek walked back to where she was. “I thought you knew not to underestimate an opponent.”
“Hmph! I could say the same to you.” The red tint on her face flustered more. She drew an arrow from her quiver. The head was made of crystal instead of stone. Tirek studied the craftsmanship of the arrowhead for the moment he could. The work was actually rather impressive. He pondered for a moment if she had made those herself.
Rarity moved up to the first target. She focused and took a few moments to herself. A bead of sweat rolled down the side of her face. She drew the bow and released the arrow. Tirek was almost stunned when he heard the crack pierce his ears. The unicorn had not only hit the center but split his arrow as well. Rarity’s face held firm. The cocky attitude she bore earlier was diminished by sheer concentration.
She moved onto the next target and took little time to shoot. There was another crack with the same results. Without pause, she moved to the next target. Everyone watched with bated breaths. She paused. The bow pulled back, she took a deep breath, and released. The arrow stayed true and another crack was heard. And just as Tirek had, she took out one more arrow and took one last shot. The arrow soared and split the third arrow.
Rarity took the chance to observe her work. This put an honest smile on her face. She should’ve never given up her hobby. Tirek was stunned, just as the others were. Rarity joined to where Tirek was. “I’d say that results in a draw, darling.”
“I…” Tirek shook himself from his stupor and cleared his throat. “It would seem so.”
“How about a compromise, then?”
“What do you propose?”
“How about I tell you what you would like to know, but you need to start out small. But you can only ask if you hang out with me or do something with me, like go to the spa for example.”
Tirek growled to himself. However, he had no choice but to accept. He wanted the information and would get it at any cost. He put out a hand to her, the gesture surprised the mare. “Agreed.” Rarity almost hesitated but shook his hand in return.
“That was amazing, Rarity!” Apple Bloom shouted from the sidelines.
“Aye! The finest shooting I’ve seen in a long from the two of you!” Tirek was surprised that any of them, especially the stallion, included him in any compliments.
Applejack looked from them to Granny Smith. “I think this calls for a cider celebration. Rockhoof, would you help them clean up while we go in and crack open the cider? Big Mac should be back anytime with the kids, too.”
Rarity made her way to the hay bales. All the arrows glowed as her magic surrounded them, pulling them from the targets. Rarity looked over all the ones that were split. “We can at least save the arrowheads. They’re still intact.” She untied the sharpened stones from the split shafts. Rarity put the crystals safely back in her bag and handed the others to Tirek.
“I must say, I didn’t expect that kind of skill from you.”
This didn’t seem to offend the unicorn. “You aren’t the first to say that. No one truly expects it.”
“Tirek,” Rockhoof interrupted, “Could I ask for your help moving these bales?”
Tirek took a quick second to think. “I suppose.” It was easy enough to help the stallion.
Rarity waited for the two to finish. She would rather be inside enjoying the cider and seeing the kids, yet she had to wait for Tirek. It didn't take too long thankfully. “Ready to relax and enjoy the rest of the day?”
“I don't have much of a choice.”
“Some social interaction will be good for you.”
Tirek grumbled in disdain but followed her in their home nonetheless.