Slings and Arrows

[highb100d_seeker]

Characters: Darkleer and Equius
Date: October 21st, shortly after the invasion
Format: Action spam
Content Warnings: None
Summary: Equius really wants to learn to shoot arrows, and Darkleer has agreed to tutor him.

[Equius' first task was to find a 'field' for them to shoot. Considering they're in a cave, that's not quite a straightforward job, but he delves into the caves outside the city, past the farmland hydroponics, where the sensitive equipment could be destroyed by wayward arrows and frustrated, raging trolls.

Finally he comes to an empty cave that's quite high-ceilinged and long. Long enough to be an archery field.

He texts Darkleer with the directions to the spot, and sits down to wait]

Comments

[highb100d_seeker]

[It really is reassurance enough. If Darkleer could do it, then there's hope for Equius. He can't imagine that he's stronger than his ancestor!

After a few more practice movements, he's sure he knows what he's doing. Boris is noticed, but not really heeded, as he focuses his gaze on the far end of the cavern.

Okay. It's time to do it. It's time to make it happen.

He draws back the arrow, and it hits him again. He can really do this! He can really fire an arrow. Right now, in a few moments, he's going to fire an arrow for the very first--

And as the excitement reaches a fever pitch it breaks again]

Fiddlesticks!

[sagitterrifying]

[It's okay; Darkleer would have been astounded if Equius had pulled it off the second try. He takes another arrow out of his sylladex, and reaches out. He puts his hands over Equius' and slowly moves through the motion with him, using the arrow. Darkleer is doing all the work, but Equius can feel it this way, the move and pull of muscles, the tautness of the bow.]

[The arrow releases with a twang, and hits the target in a perfect bullseye.]

D ---> It is all about control
D ---> Controlling yourself, and controlling the bow and the arrow
D ---> You are STRONG enough to draw the bow back, this is not an issue
D ---> You need to practice pulling back the bowstring without an arrow in it

D ---> Try

[highb100d_seeker]

[Yes, perhaps pulling back and releasing the bow string without an arrow would be a good practice. If he could only do it without getting really excited and nervous, he's sure he could release the arrow instead of snapping it in his fingers. At least he's not breaking the bow anymore.

He nods and begins to practice, pulling back the bow string and releasing it, trying to pretend there's an arrow. It's not as fulfilling as doing it with a real arrow, seeing it streak towards the target, but he knows he's just not ready]

[sagitterrifying]

[Darkleer watches, occasionally making minor adjustments to Equius' form. The kid has potential, definitely.]

Better.

Now switch hands.

[highb100d_seeker]

[Er wait, what? He's never tried to draw his bow the other way before, and now he proceeds to fumble through switching hands, switching his stance, and trying to draw and getting all tangled]

Why is this necessary?

[sagitterrifying]

[Rather than answer, Darkleer whips Archermedes out of his sylladex and begins rapidly firing arrows at the target. He alternates hands, and while there's just the slightest hesitation when he uses his left arm, it's practically indistinguishable which arm he's using.]

[Soon, the target is bristling with arrows, and he stops, not even winded.]

What if arm injured in battle? [Swallow and throat clear.] Use both, never incapacitated. Practice.

[highb100d_seeker]

[Equius' jaw is on the cavern floor]

Y-yes, sir. I understand.

[He quickly pulls out the bow again and begins to pull the bow string left-handed with renewed determination. Slowly, he begins to fall into a pattern, growing more comfortable, and relaxing]

[sagitterrifying]

Better.

[Darkleer puts one heavy hand on Equius' shoulder, and Boris takes the opportunity to scurry back up Darkleer's arm and onto his shoulder.]

Everyday, practice. Someday, use arrows.

[highb100d_seeker]

[Equius looks up at the heavy weight of that hand, so reassuring and... almost paternal, if only he knew what that word meant. He smiles with pride, then grows serious again]

May I keep the bow, so I can practice?

[sagitterrifying]

[Whatever, Equius, he was only putting his hand on your shoulder so Boris could climb back on him! That little squeeze before he lets go is strictly your imagination!]

Yes.

D ---> We will meet again in three day's time
D ---> You will continue to practice in the interim
D ---> Use both hands
D ---> Draw and release until it is as natural as breathing

[highb100d_seeker]

[Equius bows deeply, not knowing what else to do. He sort of wants to hug Darkleer, but that wouldn't be dignified, would it? Nepeta would hug him, and probably lick him, but Equius definitely can't do that.]

Thank you, sir. I won't disappoint you, I swear.

[sagitterrifying]

[Yes, please don't hug Darkleer. Tavros tried that once, and it was super awkward and weird.]

[Darkleer inclines his head back at Equius--a mutual sign of respect--and nods at his statement.]

I know you will not.

[Then the void starts to swirl up around him as he makes his departure.]