Ordinary

Chapter 10

I stood there in disbelief. All my arrow hit was dirt. To this day, I'm still not really sure what I was expecting, but missing every target completely was not it.

"Wind resistance?" I muttered to no one in particular.

Elizabeth gave a pitying look as stormed over to the weapons table to get another arrow. I lined up again, putting even more concentration into this arrow. Inhaling and exhaling, I watched as the arrow hit the ground again, but this time it was at least closer to the target I was aiming for.

"You don't want to use that," someone said. I turned and saw Amund. He held out one hand, taking the bow and setting it back on the rack.

"Why wouldn't I want to use that?" I asked. "I want to be able to protect myself."

He laughed. "I want that too, but there are better ways to do it." He opened his hand, and in it laid a small, curved metal knife, its blade no longer than my hand.

"A knife?" I asked, skeptical.

He nodded. "They don't take as much strength as a bow, and they're much harder for the enemy to enchant than an arrow. Plus, they're much easier to transport, they don't break, and they look way cooler in battle." I took the knife from him and looked at it closely. It seemed to be made from a metal I had never seen.

"I've never thrown one of these before," I admitted.

"I'll teach you," he said. He grabbed a handful of identical knives from the table, and he walked me closer to the target. "Watch my form, and then I'll show you."

As he lined up for the throw, I realized that though his face was a but pudgy, his arms were toned and strong. He stepped forward, opening his hips, cocking his arm and letting the knife fly. It hit the bullseye.

"You don't have to show off," I grumbled.

He smirked. "That one was enchanted," he said as he lined up another. This time it just hit the outer rim of the target, making me feel a little better.

"Hey, it looks like a baseball pitch!" I pointed out. My dad had taught me as a kid how to pitch. Of course, I was never very good at it.

"Baseball?"

"Oh, it's a sport from the human realm," I explained, feeling stupid. I took a knife from his hand and faced the target. Trying to remember the nights I would play catch with my dad, I pulled back my arm and launched the knife at the target. It didn't hit the circular part of the target, but it stuck in the cloth right outside of it.

Both of our eyes widened in surprise. "Congratulations!" he shouted. I tried not to show how excited it was. I took another knife, and lined up again. "Keep you hips open until the follow through," he said. I took his advice, and the knife hit the edge of the outer ring. I jumped up in delight. I threw a few more knives, none of them great shots, but at least I hit the target every time, even if it was just barely.

"This is way better than a stupid arrow!" I said.

He laughed. "I've never been a fan of them. I always thought knives were more personal, and more efficient." He lean me over to a bench near the side of the field. I sat, thankful for the chance to rest.

"So you fight with knives?" I asked.

He shook his head. "I usually use battle magic."

Remembering something Marcus had told me on the way here, I said, "I thought only really powerful elves could use battle magic."

He gave me an embarrassed look. "Well—"

"Oh my goodness," I scrambled. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it offensively!"

He laughed. "It's alright. I've actually become quite handy with a sword," he said, motioning to the sword lying on his hip.

Before I could apologize again, Elizabeth came bouncing over to us. "Wanna see something cool?

"Of course," I nodded. She closed her eyes and held out her hands. In them, of course, was a white rose.

I couldn't help but notice that was the exact trick Marcus had taught me, but I have a feeling that she did the trick on her own and not with his help.

Truly, I tried not to be jealous of her effortless power, and I think I might have actually convinced myself that I wasn't jealous. If we were going to try to save this realm and its magic, I would have to give up the idea of me using magic and try to find other ways to help.

"Liz, that's awesome!" I exclaimed, as she held the flower out to me.

"I want you to have it," she said. I took it. Of course, she thought this was a kind gesture, and it was. It was also a painful reminder of the gift I would never have.

"Thank you," I muttered, putting the flower in my leather satchel. She skipped away and went back to Marcus, who was teaching her magic as her training.

Amund had a curious look on his face, as if he was analyzing me. I was afraid he would ask me a question I did not want to answer, but instead he turned away. I was relieved. He bent over and plucked a sunflower from a nearby patch of flowers.

He held it out to me. I took it, a genuine smile growing on my face. I'm sure that he didn't know how much this simple, mundane gesture meant. He didn't grow the flower with magic. It grew on its own, and he plucked it for me, a gesture I could return, unlike with the flower Elizabeth made for me. I didn't know how to express my thanks

All of a sudden, Valeria bounded into the training area an announced, "I would like to formally invite you all to the royal ball that our family is hosting tonight! Elizabeth, Sam, I have sent gowns to your room for you to wear!" She said, and went off, back to the castle. A ball? I jumped up excitedly while Amund groaned.

"These things are always so draining," he complained, but I barely listened, I was too excited.

"I can't wait!" I said. "I'll see you then," I called over my shoulder to him as I scurried away. To meet Elizabeth.

"A ball!" she said, excitement in her eyes.

"I know!" I shared her enthusiasm. We went back to our room to get ready. Two servants greeted us. They did our hair perfectly. Elizabeth's hair was up in a complicated twist, showing off her neck, while mine fell in loose ringlets, framing my face. My hair was decorated with small purple flowers, cascading down my back along with my curls. We looked amazing, but the real beauty was our dresses. Elizabeth tried hers on, and she looked absolutely stunning, but that was no surprise.

I was surprised when I saw myself in the mirror, having to do a double take to make sure it was me. My dress was a simple shape, sweeping the floor, and hugging my curves. It was a shimmering silver that paired perfectly with my caramel hair and brown eyes. The glittering fabric was not too bright, but it definitely would catch attention from others. I felt beautiful.

When Elizabeth saw me, her jaw dropped. "Sam, you look amazing," she said, in awe.

"So do you, of course," I said. A knock on the door brought us both to our feet. "Come in," I called.

The door opened, revealing a nervous looking Amund. His suit was light purple, which looked nice on his tanned skin.

"I'm here to escort—" He stopped when he saw us. "You look absolutely stunning," he let out. I never did find out who he was talking to. Clearing his throat and standing a bit taller, he announced, "I'm here to escort you ladies to the ball." He bowed, and I curtsied, causing him to chuckle. "We'll work on it." We each took an arm and let him escort us to the ball.