*KRACK* *POW* "Yowch! That's HOT!" "A little higher." "WHAT? SPEAK LOUDER! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" *KRACK* "Gooshurm'sEye!"

Sounds of practicing marksmen – and would-be marksmen – can be heard across the open-air grounds, as firearm bearers stand in "booths", with wooden targets across the field. Medics are on hand in case someone loses theirs.

A mouse with extra-thick spectacles, and a chitin-and-wood hook-hand looks up to Zoltan. "Very good! You have a keen eye – just like all Vartans – but you definitely have a knack for this… "

The mouse, a Skeek, is known as Lieutenant Stern – an impressive name for a not-very-impressive mouse. But the hook adds a little to his appearance, perhaps. He encourages people to call him "Hook", but nobody really does. Nonetheless, he's the best trainer money can buy. Zoltan's money, anyway.

"Thank you," Zoltan scrawks. "Is bit like throwing rocks… except I not have to move arm as much, just keep target in sight." He sneezes some gunpowder from his nose.

The mouse says, "Like throwing rocks? Heh. This hurts a lot more than a ROCK if you get hit! Now then … Hmm. Just another shot, and then I think we should take a break and go back to proper cleaning procedures."

Zoltan sets the flintlock down and begins to go through the motions of reloading it. He's still a tad slow at reloading, but practice makes perfect. Several moments later he picks up his now loaded gun, draws back the hammer, carefully aims it at the target in the distance, and fires.

Once the air clears of black smoke and the Vartan's ears stop ringing (even though they're protectively covered), he can see that he's hit the silhouette target. Not a perfect "fatal" shot, but a hit nonetheless. It would be enough to stop the average unarmed opponent.

A poodle walks by, snout held high. "Nice … grouping," he says with a superior smirk that belays his sarcasm.

Zoltan casts a glance at the poodle as he walks by. He's not too fond of poodles after all. "What next?" he squawks to his instructor.

The mouse stands there a while, before realizing that the Vartan is looking at him. "What?" He turns back toward the Vartan, facing him fully. Oh yes. Someone said the mouse was deaf… Must be a pretty good lip-reader, though.

Beak-reader, too.

The black Vartan looks back down at the mouse. He gestures to his cooling flintlock. "What next?"

The mouse nods. "Oh! Well, that looks good enough for today's lesson. Unless you want to try the clay Creens again, that is. Or, we could save that for the next lesson."

A flash of red catches Zoltan's attention out of the corner of his eye – a sash on an otherwise drab brown uniform.

"Might as well get my shekel's wor-" He stops abruptly and peeks around at the uniformed figure… is it who Zoltan thinks it is?

Sergeant Sapphire, the Temple Scout Den Leader, walks along, dressed in a plain brown uniform, save for the red sash that crosses diagonally from shoulder to waist. She walks down the line of booths, looking into each one, still several markspersons away.

( Is she following me? ) Zoltan wonders. He picks up his weapon again and squawks absently to his instructor. "Maybe I take little break for now. See if I ready in few minutes. Meanwhiles I try my hand at cleaning."

The Skeek nods. "Certainly. I'll just go back to the lodge. Just yell if you need me!" He winks.

Zoltan nods to the Skeek and goes back to concentrating on his weapon. He takes it quietly in hand and aims it at the target, even if it is unloaded. His eyes glance back behind his shoulder to see if the Sergeant stops or walks on by.

Once the Sergeant reaches the booth, she stops as she spots the large black Vartan. "Good day, Citizen," she says in a business-like tone.

The Vartan lets his arm relax, he carefully sets the flintlock back down on the counter in front of him. "Good day. You here for practice too?"

Sergeant Sapphire replies, "No, though I come here on occasion, especially when it's time for the Den to earn their Marksmanship Badge. No, I was here to give you this – " She holds out a rolled piece of parchment. "There is going to be a Temple Scout rally. Parents and interested parties are encouraged to attend. It would be a chance to learn more about the Temple Scouts and to have your questions answered. Earplugs and snacks will be provided."

Zoltan smiles and accepts the parchment. "Earplugs?"

Sergeant Sapphire nods. "There will be a concert by the Champion of Sound and the Cobalt Lance, with appearances by the Champion of Roses and the Magenta Lance. We regret that, due to recent unfortunate developments, the full Magenta Lance is not available for their famed sword-dance demonstration."

Zoltan's eyes widen. Perhaps this will be his chance to approach the Champion of Roses. "Is any chance of betting chance to meet one of Champions? Perhaps just short talk?"

The lupine Guard nods. "Yes, though you should be aware that the Champion of Roses has a vow of silence, but her Lance is under no such restriction. The Champion of Sound and the Cobalt Lance have no such restrictions, either. It will be a chance for the cubs to meet them. As you may perhaps have heard, the Magenta Lance was recruited from Temple Scout alumni."

"Had not heard that. All more reason to talk though." Zoltan scrawks. He looks back to the target for a moment. "Sergeant… if I may ask, you always show such interest in potential new recruits or is my cubs special somehow?"

The Sergeant replies, "We are in the middle of a membership drive. Different Den Leaders employ different recruitment methods, but I prefer the direct approach. It helps me to get better acquainted with the parents as well."

"And how you come to know of me and my cubs? We not been in city very long." The Vartan scrawks.

The Sergeant replies, "True. In that time, you have attracted some notoriety, especially in Vartan circles … and also in the Bazaar."

Zoltan nods, wincing a bit. "Regret doing that, but didn't think was right to keep cubs locked up alone in house all day. Suppose I should be grateful that I gots you attention and not slaver somewhere." He scratches nervously at his arm. "If it alright to ask, who specifically brought cubs to attention of Temple scouts? I not know privacy matters you have for such, but I curious."

Sergeant Sapphire closes her mouth for a moment, then says, "It was a recommendation of the Champion of Roses. Apparently she saw your cubs in the Bazaar, and was distracted before she could investigate. She nonetheless took an interest in them, for whatever reasons she has not disclosed."

The Vartan smiles inwardly as another puzzle piece clicks into place. "Was wondering why she approached us. Admittedly I tried to avoid her, thought she meant ill for cubs." He looks at the parchment in hand, "I definitely going to try and go now. Thank you for invite."

The Sergeant nods. "And the Temple thanks you for being an upstanding citizen, a good moral example for Vartans everywhere."

Zoltan arches an eyebrow. "I try, Sergeant. Is all any citizen can do."

The wolf nods. "Good day, Citizen." She makes a salute for a farewell, and heads away, leaving the Vartan in the open booth with his weapon.

Zoltan's ears flick as he watches the wolf leave. ( Recommended by the Champion herself? At least she wasn't after Third-Eye. I just hope the Champion doesn't decide to slice my head off when I speak to her about Jezebel. )

Zoltan picks his flintlock up and begins breaking it down for cleaning. He carefully examines each piece for wear and tear, then begins polishing and scrubbing. His eyes are on the work, but his mind is focused on something far different.