Archery

[Imrel]

An open field in lined at one end with a string of wooden targets. Markers are dotted along the grassy earth every twenty feet. Come equipped with a bow and arrows, and practice your shooting skills. Those who are skilled archers may be willing to show beginners the ropes.

[Legolas Greenleaf]

*Walking out onto the familiar archery field, Legolas set himself for warm-ups at the 60-yard line. After shooting a round with deadly accuracy, he retrieves his arrows and moves back to the 100-yard line. Taking a deep breath, he revels in the silence and peace of the range; time stood still.*

[Imrel]

*The shrill whistling of a merry tune shatters the calm of the grassy field. A young Ranger skips over the stile in the fence, and is dropping a quiver of arrows off her shoulder when she notices someone else there. Her whistling dies off in an instant. At a second glance, she recognizes the someone as Legolas Greenleaf; quite a revered archer. Loath to disturb him any further, Imrel gently puts down her bow and quiver, and sits quietly on the stile to let him take the shot in peace.*

[Legolas Greenleaf]

*Finishing his round, he turns to Imrel as he walks to the hay, plucking his arrows from the targets.*

Out for a walk, Im?

[Imrel]

*She waves her bow.*

Out for a practice. If I don't shape up soon I'll be of no more use in battle than a lump of orcish cheese.

*Picking up her quiver, she stands.*

You hardly seem to need practice, Legolas. I'm almost jealous.

[Legolas Greenleaf]

*The prince laughs good-naturedly. True, he was possibly the best archer in Middle Earth, but it was because he had practised so long and so hard that he was so.*

I am certain that you would be much more useful than any type of cheese. The thought of a sword in the hand of gouda is quite humorous, however. Perhaps you would care to join me? I could assist you in mastering your skill, if you wish.

[Imrel]

*She nods eagerly.*

I'd be happy to, as long as it's not an inconvenience.

*Drawing an arrow, she strides over, stopping at the forty yard line.*

You'll have to bare with me though. I haven't had the lifespan of an elf to practice.

*She flashes him a smile, then fits the arrow to her bow, pulls back and lets it fly at the target. As she suspects, it hits the board about halfway between the center and the edge, and she cringes inwardly. When was the last time I came here? she asks herself.*

[Legolas Greenleaf]

*The prince watches Im until a few seconds after she has let her arrow fly. The prince steps up behind her and taps her foot with his boot.*

It seems we must start with your stance. You shoot quite well already, but the way an archer positions themself is even more important than their accuracy. One can miss more often from lack of posture than anything else.

[Imrel]

*Im half smiles, more out of embarrassment than anything.*

Of course. Whatever is important would be something I've missed.

*She pulls out another arrow.*

So how's it meant to be, then? Feet apart, weight distributed...?

*She starts going into the position described, squinted as she tries to remember how Legolas stood when he was shooting.*

[Legolas Greenleaf]

*Legolas smiles and takes up his position so that she may observe. It seems his feet are in a box-shape, his toes pointing almost outward almost unnoticeably. He is drawn up porudly, the whole of his body facing Im but his head turned toward the targets. Although the prince is used to shooting very quickly, he slows his movement so she can see him maintain the exact same posture throughout his shot. He pulls an arrow from his quiver and nocks his bow, so expertly that he doesn't take his eyes from the target. He pulls back and holds it there.*

Now then, you've seen the stance. Now I will tell you what you don't see. When taking up your position, you must be certain that you are anchored enough to not move at all while you are shooting. *He smiles.* We will get to the moving shots soon enough. But the important thing here is that I am in a position that I can come back to every single time; I have an unwavering reference to my shots. My father once told me that an archer should be near-unmoveable when he shoots. If you tried to lift me from the ground now, I assure you it would be no easy task. Plant your feet where they are but be sure that you have enough spring left to be able to run in case of danger. With me so far?

[Imrel]

*She looks uncharacteristically dubious, but understandably so. The last formal lesson she's had was over four years ago, and she's pretty much been making up the rest on her own.*

I don't know, I tip over easily...

*Offering an apologetic smile, she adjusts her stance to match the elf's.*

Right, so... feet planted firmly, and... it's meant to be fairly comfortable, right, if you don't move from it?

*She shuffles her feet around a bit more until she feels she is well balanced... and less likely to be tipped over.*

I think I'm with you.

*Remainly still, she relaxes her posture a little, though not letting her spine slacken as she slides her gaze to the targets. Silently, she fits the arrow to her bow... Her fingers itch to fire it.*

[Legolas Greenleaf]

Hold it...

*The prince waits a moment before continuing.*

Now I want you to be sure that you are where you are meant to be; take a deep breath and let it out so that you can feel your body sink into place from the head down. Shoulders relaxed, pull with your back, not your arms. If you do this right, you can stand here, bow drawn all day. Steady. Deep breath.

*He takes a breath to demonstrate, letting it out slowly but audibly so that Imrel can hear. He takes another and as he lets it own, he relaxes his fingers, sending his arrow to its place on the target.*

[Imrel]

*She bites her lip impatiently, but takes a moment to try his advice. After a quick breath to center herself, she lets out another one slowly, taking the time to feel the release of breath from her head to her arms, down her spine and to her firmly planted feet. Her bow, loaded, is poised motionless before her as she carefully watches the target. Once she has drawn breath a third time, she lets fly the arrow; it zips through the air and lands midway between the center and the outer rim of the target. She looks to Legolas (not daring to actually move out of position), and offers a humble smile.*

I know, it still needs work, but... That felt more controlled. You're a good teacher.

[Legolas Greenleaf]

*Smiling broadly, the prince nods, though he knows Imrel wouldn't be able to see.*

It takes a capable student for any teacher to be effective.

*Leaving his stance, he circles around to face Im, leaning slightly against his bow, an action as natural to him as standing.*

It will take some time of conscious effort before you can focus on the target in place of your stance; in the emantime, do not feel discouraged by your aim, as it matters not. Once you can control your body, the arrow will follow.

[Imrel]

I suppose it's all been a fluke up till now, then.

*She gives him a lopsided grin before tucking her bow under her arm and explaining.*

I've always managed to wing it before... You don't really have the time to think over a stance in the midst of battle. You point and shoot. And I usually hit, miraculously. But not recently. No doubt old age is catching up with me.

*She hides a tired sigh with an ironic smile; she's barely an adult, after all.*

Many thanks for your help, at any rate. It's much appreciated.