(Untitled)

[dayenneshier]

OOC: The following archery training is open to everyone, not just the Slayers. It's like... something you can do after school if you like that. Just pretend Dayenne posted a note about it two weeks ago that everyone can come to this. I wanted to post it, but I kept forgetting about it. ^^;

Comments

[stcatsfiresoul]

Hino Rei curiously peeked her head around the corner. "Is this...where the free archery lessons are?" Looking around a little more, she realized that was a rather silly question to ask, having just noticed the many targets set up along the opposite side of the field.

Though having no training with bows in her martial arts, she had always found the idea of archery somewhat interesting. She did not expect that she would be very good, and wondered if she would be the only non-Slayer to take Professor Shier up on her offer to allow the other students use of their grounds, but she thought she would at least give it a shot.

[dayenneshier]

Dayenne looked up as the first non-Slayer student arrived. "Good afternoon," she replied calmly. "This is indeed the place where you can have some archery lessons."

She examined the girl before her. "Miss Hino Rei, wasn't it? Welcome to the practice field. Do you have any experience with archery or is there something you'd like to try out?"

[stcatsfiresoul]

"No, sensei". As Rei looked up, she noticed River arriving. Simultaneously she was irritated that her rival also chose to show up, and glad that at least she was no longer the only non-Slayer there.

Turning her attention back to the professor, the young Seer continued. "No, I don't have any experience. But kyujutsu always seemed really interesting, though. It has a certain kind of grace."

[dayenneshier]

The professor nodded. "I agree with you. Kyujutsu, hm? I suppose that means you'd like to try out a longbow. There isn't any real difference between a shortbow and longbow anyway, not in how you have to shoot. The range differs, of course."

She turned to the rack and picked up a longbow for Rei, as well as a quiver of arrows. "The shooting isn't difficult," Dayenne said while she handed over the equipment to the Seer, "but aiming and hitting is quite a bit more challenging. I'll help you with the position and what you have to do the first time."

[babblingriver]

River strode into the practice area, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to try out a bow and arrow. She glanced at Rei for a moment, but paid her no mind; she wasn't here to bicker or argue, but to learn.

Approaching the professor, River smiled. "Hello, Professor Shier. I'm here for the free archery training."

[dayenneshier]

"Miss Tam," Dayenne nodded with a smile. "You had never used a bow before, right?" She gestured to the various bows behind her. "I advice you to use one of these. Crossbows are the easiest to use, since they resemble closely a gun, but if you want to have some experience in real archery, I advice you to use either a shortbow or longbow. If you have any questions, you can ask one of the Slayers, and I'll be always somewhere around for help. I hope you'll like it."

[wildkate]

Katelyn appeared on the familiar field to find two unfamiliar girls. Not knowing of their rivalry, she smiled and greet them both. "Oh! Hello, Girl named River, and...and Hino Rei!" She hesitated slightly before mentioning the second name, falling victim once again to an April Fool's day prank - this time rumors that the miko had a score to settle with her after their quarterstaff duel.

Being the only Slayer there thus far, she simply walked over to the practice bows in the same manner that she always did, and began launching arrows at one of the many targets.

[babblingriver]

River watched Katelyn intently, picking up every motion she made; how she held her bow, the way she shot off each arrow, the tension in her arms, her legs. After watching her a few times, she picked up a bow and fired off a shot with it. Horribly off-center. Frowning, River adjusted herself slightly and fired off another one. Much closer to her mark, River noted with a smile.

[dayenneshier]

The professor watched Katelyn while she helped another girl with her position, and the whole process of drawing, aiming and releasing the arrow. Dayenne had to smile at it. She knew Kate was worried about the fact she'd never used a bow before, but the professor was as a matter of fact very pleased with her determination to learn archery.

She finished with her instructions at the girl, smiled a little and told her that she'd get the hang of it if she practised enough. She looked around then to see if someone else needed her help.

"That looks very good, River," Dayenne complimented the girl as she approached her. "Especially if this is your first time. There is just one thing I'd like to correct. Your aim is good, but your position is just a little bit wrong and you could ruin your shoulder and wrist like this."

The Slayer corrected River's position gently. "Try it again. I'm sure you might hit even closer to the center now."

[babblingriver]

River took note of what the professor was telling her with a nod. She turned back to the target and hit it almost dead-center. She smiled, though it wasn't quite a happy smile. I suppose I really am a weapon, she thought with a heavy feeling in her stomach. Biting her lip, she pushed the thought out of her mind.