The Hunters Event

Arja finally walked in the stables, confident of herself. She double-checked her gear for 5 times now, it really was becoming necessary to make Monsun ready. She put down her bow and arrows on a chair and she got Monsun’s tack. She entered the stable, and was glad she cleaned her mare before she got herself ready, or there wouldn’t be time left at all. Slowly and carefully she started to gear up her mare. Whispering soft words, more to give herself confidence then her horse. It was a while since she entered an event; the last one was on Nalin, a game in the air. It didn’t get out well for her. This time, she would win! She was certain of it. There was noting that could stop her.
Or…
No. Nothing.

And there they were. In front of the clearing, with the big forest as the source of her fear. The sun was setting and the dark skies crept their way up.
If this was a good idea or not, that was something Arja never thought of. She wanted to do this, even if there was a smaller chance of winning with her fear in the way.
She stroked the neck of her mare absently, finding her thoughts stuck in the idea of what could go wrong. She could be too afraid to even enter the forest, that would be the least bad, she thought. What if she got scared of something, and got Monsun down with her in her troubles. She didn’t know for sure what would happen if she lost control.
Monsun already knew Arja's feelings toward the dark, the unknown. They have been in a situation like that before. In that moment Monsun took the lead, and helped her owner out of the troubles. Would her mare know what to do this time?
No. Stop. No more thoughts like these!
They would enter, they would hunt. It was a forest for damn sake, they loved forests! She couldn't let the darkness take this love from her. She will enter and she will enjoy the scenery around her, like she always have.
With this thought she mounted her mare and she pushed her to near the forest.
They would do this, together.

As they entered the forest slowly, Arja felt her fear slide away. Her heart still beating loudly in her throat. The forest was stunning, the smell, the sounds, the colors.
She pressed Monsun to go faster, and they galloped slowly, taking in the environment. The cool air stroking their skin, like a silk blanket. Monsun strode carefully, balanced. After deepening in the darkness, they slowed down and focused on what they were here for, hunting. Arja breathed in the fresh air, trying to tell apart all the scents longing in the air around her. The different kinds of trees, the weather, the musk scent of moss. When focused to their maxes, they saw a fast light passing them, from behind a big tree. Is had started.

It went better then expected. After some time they found their selves strolling slowly, already caught 2 easy prey and one normal one. Arja was glad her archery didn’t fail her, since it had been a while since she picked up a bow. Arja stretched her body slowly, allowing her muscles to relax a bit. She had been so tense so far, so deep in the darkness. She was glad she picked Monsun for this hunt, because this loyal mare knew all too well how afraid her owner was, uncomfortable with not knowing what to expect.
Arja startled a bit, when she had a clear ray of light blinking in her eyes from trough the thick forest. She pushed the mare to approach the light slowly, again not knowing what to expect.
Then, suddenly, the view was clear. It was a small lake, on a little clearing inside the forest. The moon and stars shone brightly trough the opening of the trees, down in the lake, reflecting it brilliantly. Arja stared at it with a surprised expression, and at that moment a bright, beautiful flying fish jumped out. It was gliding gracefully, over the surface of the water. Arja's mouth fell open at the beauty of this sight, almost forgetting her mission in this forest.

When they left the forest together, they felt wonderful. It had been a great night, no fear anymore and completely relaxed. Arja felt good about herself. They did it, and she caught some, too! Her aiming skills didn’t leave her, like she feared for a moment. And it was so wonderful, too. The forest was so beautiful, and the animals so magnificent. They never experienced something quite like this before.