"counting"

---------

one.

two. 

three. 

four.

five.

thwip

the hum of the bowstring quickly quiets as the arrow sinks into the hay filled dummy fifty meters away. grinning, she looks over her right shoulder. "I thought you said I needed to practice more?"

The woman behind her clicks her tongue, extending a black leather gloved hand as she points to the next target. Zylnia sighs, taking her eyes off the woman and focusing on the dummy. "Count the time between inhales, pull the string, release on the exhale."

inhale.

one.

two.

three.

four.

five.

thwip

exhale. 

the arrow sails through the space between herself and the wall, implanting where a chin would be on the dummy's head. "You didn't count long enough."

"Emilia, this isn't fair."

Emilia feigns concern, lower lip extended in a dramatic pout. "I didn't recall asking for your sass, Zylnia. I did the same exercises as you when I was your age, and now I cannot be out-shot."

Zylnia gazes back at her teacher, the wisps of grey at the front of her scalp are growing thicker amongst the chestnut colour of her hair. Her green eyes still sparkle, but the crows feet along the sides are more prominent. She has laugh lines, ones that perfectly frame her cheeks and deepen whenever Zylnia does exactly as she's instructed. Aging has graced Emilia Boreva well. 

"Are you finished gawking?" she asks, arms crossed over her chest. Zylnia nods quietly, pulling the front of her chest as she stares down the lane. "Now seventy five meters. Count your breaths."