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alaklondewen · 03-28-2004, 09:00 AM

Cuilad walked along at Calumdril’s right heel, hanging his head and mulling over the ranger’s words. He had expected the ranger to be angry and tell him he wasn’t ready for this trip, but Calumdril had surprised the boy by giving him a lesson. When Cuilad held the arrow in his hand, ready to shoot, he never thought of his own people and their survival, only the doe that stood in front of him. His father’s training had dealt only with healing others and caring for them, so when Cuilad was faced with taking a life, even that of a mere animal, he was unprepared.

Now Cuilad scanned the ground from side to side hoping he might redeem himself by exhibiting the tracking skills the ranger had taught him. They had walked for near half an hour when the boy spotted a tree with bark missing from the part of its lower portion. Touching Calumdril’s elbow to stop him, the boy pointed to the tree and motioned toward its base.

“Ah, you have a good eye,” Calumdril said and then grabbed the boy’s wrist when Cuilad stepped forward to have a closer look. The boy spun around and looked at the ranger inquisitively, not understanding yet why he could not check it out. The ranger, seeing Cuilad’s puzzled expression, quickly explained, “If that mark is due to the presence of more game, there will be tracks. We must tread carefully for we mustn’t spoil them. Do you understand?”

Cuilad nodded and stepped back to let the ranger make the first move. The boy still had much to learn of these things, and he did not want to ruin anything else that day. Calumdril walked slowly and gently. Cuilad noticed the Ithilien paid special attention to every foot placement as they searched the area for tracks. Sure enough, around the base of the tree hoof prints could be seen in the patched earth and Calumdril pointed out how the grass was broken. The prints seemed to move in the direction the two hunters were already heading. Cuilad followed the ranger as they swiftly and silently followed the line of prints in hopes of finding more food for the settlement and maybe a prize at their homecoming.

03-28-2004, 09:00 AM	#103
alaklondewen Song of Seregon Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Following the road less traveled Posts: 1,193	Cuilad Cuilad walked along at Calumdril’s right heel, hanging his head and mulling over the ranger’s words. He had expected the ranger to be angry and tell him he wasn’t ready for this trip, but Calumdril had surprised the boy by giving him a lesson. When Cuilad held the arrow in his hand, ready to shoot, he never thought of his own people and their survival, only the doe that stood in front of him. His father’s training had dealt only with healing others and caring for them, so when Cuilad was faced with taking a life, even that of a mere animal, he was unprepared. Now Cuilad scanned the ground from side to side hoping he might redeem himself by exhibiting the tracking skills the ranger had taught him. They had walked for near half an hour when the boy spotted a tree with bark missing from the part of its lower portion. Touching Calumdril’s elbow to stop him, the boy pointed to the tree and motioned toward its base. “Ah, you have a good eye,” Calumdril said and then grabbed the boy’s wrist when Cuilad stepped forward to have a closer look. The boy spun around and looked at the ranger inquisitively, not understanding yet why he could not check it out. The ranger, seeing Cuilad’s puzzled expression, quickly explained, “If that mark is due to the presence of more game, there will be tracks. We must tread carefully for we mustn’t spoil them. Do you understand?” Cuilad nodded and stepped back to let the ranger make the first move. The boy still had much to learn of these things, and he did not want to ruin anything else that day. Calumdril walked slowly and gently. Cuilad noticed the Ithilien paid special attention to every foot placement as they searched the area for tracks. Sure enough, around the base of the tree hoof prints could be seen in the patched earth and Calumdril pointed out how the grass was broken. The prints seemed to move in the direction the two hunters were already heading. Cuilad followed the ranger as they swiftly and silently followed the line of prints in hopes of finding more food for the settlement and maybe a prize at their homecoming.