|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 8:26 pm
 
This is a private roleplay between Ran [Logue] and Jianyu [Kuro-Mizuki].
Setting :
A forest near to where Ran lives.
Jianyu takes Ran out to teach him a few things about hunting, but the two learn more about other things than how to kill a bear.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 9:06 pm
It had been a long time since Jianyu had last seen Ran. Several months had passed since their first meeting, and though Jianyu had recovered easily enough from the wounds inflicted that day, he had since gained new ones - one in particular that would never heal. He had wanted to go visit the other Legionnaire, but had not found the time; so many things had prevented him from having any sort of free time, several of which that Jianyu wished had not taken place. But finally, early one afternoon, he finally found himself on his way to the other man's house.
Jianyu felt rather guilty, and a little ashamed, for a myriad of reasons. For one thing, he had yet to repay the kindness Ran had showed him that day in the forest, though he had made such a big deal out it at the time. And for another reason, Jianyu was not entirely certain if the other man would want a now half blinded archer to teach him to hunt. Jianyu's skills at the bow had been stunted somewhat by his impaired vision at first, but what he lacked in overall strength he made up for in sheer determination and a nearly overwhelming desire to prove himself, to show that he could still fight for his alliance. His efforts had paid off significantly; Jianyu could now shoot his crossbow almost as well as he used to shoot a longbow, which made him absurdly pleased. And despite the fact that he was somewhat impaired now, he hoped that Ran would still wish for his company.
It took him a while to reach the other's household, but once he was there, Jianyu stood awkwardly on the front steps. He debated just leaving, especially since he had not even told Ran he was coming, but then that would leave the debt unpaid. Ran was a good man, from what he could see; it would be cowardly to simply turn around and leave things unfinished between them. Not only that, but he had enjoyed the other's company. Although a little stoic and serious, Ran's eyes had held a gentle kindness that was made clear by his, admittedly, somewhat awkward gestures towards Jianyu in his time of need.
Exhaling slowly, Jianyu closed his eyes briefly. Then he opened them, squared his shoulders, and knocked on the door to Ran's home. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2011 3:14 am
The day had begun like any other.
Ran had woken early to attend to his duties; feed Seta, take him out for a walk on the outskirts of the woods, wake Ishi, and go to the academy. When he returned, he knew he was to immediately begin preparations for a few hours of fishing, as their food stock was becoming somewhat low. Ran loathed fishing. He wished fishing did not exist. He wished for a lot of things.
As he begrudgingly packed his gear together - a sharpened, wooden spear, a knife, light things - he listened to his brothers' conversation. Eavesdropping was not difficult in their small home, and even if it was unintentional, it was nearly unavoidable.
"Fishing will be a nice change of pace," he heard his oldest brother remark, and he rolled his eyes.
"A lot more relaxing than hunting, to be certain," the younger twin agreed. Ran looked up and over his shoulder when he felt eyes on him; his curious gaze was met with two almost-jeering grins.
"Fishing, Ran!" A hand patted his back roughly. "Your favorite thing, yeah? We're going to have fun today."
Haruki laughed. "Try not to catch all the fish, alright? Leave some for the amateurs!" Obviously quite pleased with their teasing, the two dissolved into laughter and Ran did his best to ignore his brothers' taunts. They always loved to poke fun, regardless of the situation. Yes, he was horrible at fishing. He was horrible at killing things, in general. Shameful. His bag packed and ready to go, Ran stood and rolled his shoulders.
"Are you done? We must leave soon," came the sour reply; he was done with being mocked, he really was. He knew they meant no real harm from it, but it still stung (and was incredibly annoying) whenever they decided to torment him. Two-on-one wasn't fair. He sighed at them, unable to think of anything else to say that hadn't already been said in his defense a hundred times over.
"You're no fun," Fuyuki groaned, but quieted when several knocks resounded through the room. All heads turned to look at the door, and it was Ran who got up and crossed the room to answer it. Any excuse to get away from his brothers.
They did not get visitors often, save for the Koga family, so it was with great curiosity that Ran opened the door. When he was suddenly face-to-face with the man he had only heard stories of as of late, he made a startled face and quickly stepped through, closing the door behind himself for privacy.
"Jianyu!" he breathed, eyes wide in his effort to take in everything that was different from months ago. He had been keeping himself up-to-date with Legionnaire news; admittedly, he had also been keeping himself updated on the exploits of valuable Captain Qian Jianyu.
He had a million questions. Wondered what took the man so long to -- no, wondered how he even found the time to come by, or why he bothered to -- how were things in the Legion? Where did your eye go, how did --
He calmed himself. Took a deep breath.
"Welcome," he spat out quickly, determined to make this encounter much less awkward than the last. He glanced apprehensively over his shoulder and back to Jianyu. Resisting the urge to bombard him with questions, he settled for a simple statement that was effortlessly rude, but not intentionally so:
"You lost an eye," he said bluntly, effectively distracted from anything else he might have liked to say. His brow knit in concern.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2011 6:36 am
Ran's expression when he opened the door was one of great surprise. Jianyu's hand was still partially raised, stopped mid-motion from his knocking, but he lowered it slowly once the other man stepped out to greet him.
"Ran," he said hesitantly, feeling a small hint of color dash across his cheeks. Seeing the man made him remember that he had, in fact, simply disappeared after their last encounter, and it made him ashamed. "Forgive me, I...I should have come earlier to pay my respects to you. And your family," Jianyu added, somewhat quickly, so as to not show a slight towards the kindness of Ran's mother and brothers. They had also been quite helpful, though it had been from Ran's assistance that he had been able to make it to the house in the first place.
"I must admit I was caught up in quite a bit, and then I just...things started to converge on me, and I...found I had no time." Jianyu finished lamely, moving his hands awkward as if he did not know what to do with them. Finally one settled on the crossbow at his hip, the other lightly pressing against his midsection. He felt horribly ill at ease, if only because he was just now realizing the extent of his disregard for coming to thank Ran after the unfortunate incident in the woods.
"You lost an eye."
Jianyu blinked. Ran's expression was not judging, though his tone was undeniably blunt. His eyes held a worried look, though his voice betrayed nothing. Yes, Ran was the type to say thing straight out, wasn't he? Jianyu thought, regarding the other man almost curiously. It was an unusual trait; most that saw his injury merely whispered about it behind hands, cast surreptitious looks in his direction when they believed him not to be noticing. His family had grown to accept his blindness, and Yue as well, but the rest of the members of his battalion were still doubtful, even after Jianyu had proved himself worthy to his superiors. However, Ran was open in his observations, and it was rather...refreshing. Jianyu felt himself relaxing, a small, somewhat rueful smile crossing his face.
"Yes," he said, raising a hand to touch his fingers to the black cloth covering his left eye. He had long since grown used to the blackness on that side of his vision. "Yes, I did. An unfortunate encounter with a group of Noble assassins sent to ambush my troops up in the North." Jianyu gave a shrug, dropping his hand. "I have become accustomed to the darkness, I'm afraid."
A small hesitation. Then, his expression shifting to one of uncertainty, Jianyu said "I, er...have come to make good on the promise I made to you...to teach you hunting. That is," he added hastily. "If you are not busy and would not mind accompanying me."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2011 2:00 pm
Hearing Jianyu apologize - unnecessary apologies, Ran thought - made him feel a bit bad. Jianyu had absolutely no reason to apologize to someone as low-ranking as Ran for being busy. On his priority list, teaching a sad excuse for a hunter how to do his job properly had to have been close to the bottom.
He raised a hand, as if to silence Jianyu. "Do not trouble yourself with concern for me. I am grateful that you returned, but you need not feel any remorse for the time it took to do so." That was Jianyu's way, it seemed; he was not afraid to admit to things he thought he had done wrong, and he never seemed to put on airs, even around someone like Ran. An extremely thoughtful person, he decided. It was one thing he liked about Jianyu.
It was difficult to hear that he had lost an eye and not imagine all of the horrible ways it could have happened. He had heard of the ambush, but only briefly and with few details. He had been curious but hadn't had the ability to pry; now, with the survivor standing before him, he had to bite his lip to keep from asking questions.
"I am sorry to hear that," he answered, his voice quieting but eye contact remaining strong. He wouldn't shame him by excessively pitying him or giving him cause to think he doubted his abilities now. Jianyu was still Jianyu; a Captain was a Captain. He had earned his right. His caution had risen from the look of uncertainty he caught on Jianyu's features. Was he doubting himself, or doubting Ran's opinion of him? Regardless of the cause for the hesitation, he would set things straight.
A small smile lit his features. "I would be honored to accompany you," he said, eyebrows lifting only slightly. "Did you think I would change my mind? You have no need to worry," he assured, waving a hand dismissively, "I am still as mediocre as ever at hunting. I could use your tutelage more than ever."
To one unaccustomed to Ran's ways, it may have looked as if he were making light of the situation on Jianyu's behalf. Unfortunately, this was never the case. He meant every word he said, whatever confidence he lacked in his own abilities instead channeled to his self-doubt. But to suggest that he was seeking pity would earn a scathing glare from the young man.
Smiling more easily, Ran reached back to open the door and backed through it, holding his index finger up. "If you will allow me a few moments, I will have my things ready. I must tell my brothers that I will not be joining them for fishing." He looked immensely relieved at that.
Before disappearing, he hesitated and glanced back at him. "You may come in, if you'd like, but... I will only be a moment."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2011 8:38 pm
Jianyu was beginning to relax slightly around Ran. That serious, somewhat stoic, and yes, rather blunt nature of his was unusual, but not unpleasant. On the contrary, it rather interested him, since Jianyu had yet to meet anyone quite like Saito Ran. He was younger than he was, but only by a few years and did not act his age. Instead, he seemed years more mature than any of those that Jianyu had met lately (a rather surly innkeeper, as well as an obnoxious redhead flashed briefly into his mind, but he pushed them aside).
"Thank you," he said, and dared a friendly smile at the other. The gratitude was not just for the way Ran shook off his apparently unnecessary apology, but also for the way that he did not mince words about his injury, did not try and offer pity, or to turn the situation into something it was not, or something unwanted. The simple apology, though only a few words, was both sincere and meaningful, and Jianyu appreciated it.
His face lit up at Ran's agreement, a relieved expression appearing. "Good," he said with a nod. "Good, I am glad that you are still willing to accompany me. I'm afraid it has been quite some time since I have been hunting, and I will, perhaps, be a bit rusty, but if you are willing to bear with me, I will do my best to assist you in your learning."
Stepping into the house after Ran disappeared into it, Jianyu laid a hand on his bow again, glancing around. The home looked the same as it had all those months ago; decent sized and a little quaint, but filled with a sense of warmth and welcoming. It made him feel a little out of place, in all of his Captain's gear, but Jianyu swallowed his pride. One hand reached out to gently run down a wall of the house, fingers drifting down.
"A good house for a good family," he murmured to himself, a small smile on his face. Jianyu found, to his surprise, that he felt rather relaxed. It was unusual, especially considering everything that he had gone through lately, and was still going through. Standing there, in the hallway of the home of Saito Ran, Jianyu felt calm.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 4:12 pm
As he rummaged hastily through his things, Ran tried to gather his thoughts.
Today seemed to be going almost too smoothly. Not only was he getting out of being stuck with his brothers for hours, he was going to receive guidance and instruction from someone who was widely known for his skill with a bow. He was excited but kept it bottled in, his lips pressed into a firm line and face adopting a surly look. He must have frightened his little sister, because after she took one look at his face she walked quickly into the next room without a word. The corner of his lip curled but he wouldn't laugh at her.
He had told his brothers the news; they groaned, questioned him, eventually gave up because it wasn't worth it. Ran celebrated his small victory.
It didn't take long to prepare himself; all he had to do was exchange the fishing gear for hunting supplies, since he had already packed rations for the day. He cast a weary look toward his bow, hanging on the wall in all its foreboding glory. Staring at it - its simple design, much more so than Jianyu's strange bow - he began to feel a little self-conscious. His family was not rich by any stretch of the imagination; what they had, they likely made themselves, there of course being exceptions. Secretly, he hoped Jianyu wouldn't look down on him for it. Then he felt silly for his worries and pushed them to the back of his mind.
He could hold a bow, he could fire an arrow, he just couldn't hit the target. Concentrating on flying, moving targets was one of his greatest weaknesses.
Hopefully that would change. He didn't expect a complete turnaround from one day, but if he paid attention and applied himself, he was confident that he could at least remember how it was done to practice by himself, later. It was so frustrating; he could see how to do something and know how to do it, but applying what he learned seemed to elude him when it mattered most.
It was always different when lives were concerned.
The contents of his mission lay neatly packed in his bag. Ran gave it a once-over and slung it over his shoulder, then glanced again at his bow. He felt rude for keeping Jianyu waiting, so without further hesitation he grabbed the bow and its quiver and was on his way.
"Forgive me for the wait," he greeted hastily, eager to get out of the house and away from his family for a change. He loved them dearly, but they could be very overbearing. Sometimes, he just... didn't need it. When they were out and on the forest path he breathed a sigh of relief and cast a weary smile to his hunting companion for the day.
"Thank you for... your kindness," he began, fingers curling tightly around the bow at his side. He didn't want to let go of it. Goddess forbid he drop it and look like an even bigger fool. He cleared his throat. "I mean... what I mean is, you didn't have to come back."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 10:17 am
Jianyu turned as Ran reappeared, giving the other man a small smile. "It was not a long wait," he answered him gently. "I was merely admiring your home; it is quite...comfortable."
He hoped he was not sounding condescending, since he meant the words sincerely. His own home was large, an expansive building with over a dozen bedrooms alone, two kitchens, and several other miscellaneous rooms, as well as the whole left side of the building that served as the Qian Tattoo House. It was enormous, constantly filled with people and animals and food and drink, and although Jianyu loved it (he had grown up in it, after all; it was his home, his place of rest and respite), sometimes he longed for a home like Ran's. Quiet, small, and gentle.
"I rather like it," Jianyu said softly, his fingers drifting across the wood of the wall briefly before he dropped his hand, turning to face Ran fully. He lifted a brow, blinking. Thanks? he thought, slightly confused. He is thanking me for coming back after I have been gone for months? What a strange person Ran is.
...strange, but not unpleasant. On the contrary, I do not believe there is much to dislike about Ran at the current moment. He is a good man, strong of mind and of character, at least from what I can see.
It was rare; a man of Ran's bluntness and openness was unusual, but Jianyu found it to be welcoming, rather than off-putting. "You're welcome..." Jianyu said quietly, shifting from one foot to another, his hand moving to rest on the bow at his hip. "And I did have to come back. I cannot leave my promises broken or unfulfilled; I would not be a very trustworthy man if I did, and I told you I would come.
"Though," Jianyu added, somewhat wistfully and a little ruefully. "I had rather hoped it would be sooner than the time it took for me to actually get here. But that is all in the past; let us move to the present and focus on our task in front of us today."
With a smile, Jianyu stepped from the house, motioning for Ran to follow him. Traipsing across the land towards the forest he could see several yards ahead, Jianyu absently ran his fingers along the metal of his crossbow. He was still learning how to use this one; it was more difficult to use a normal longbow with his eye being the way it was, and Jianyu was slightly anxious; it was an awkward sensation, a feeling he did not normally have, but he was worried that he would not be able to help Ran like he had promised he would.
"May I ask," Jianyu said hesitantly, casting a sideways glance at the man walking beside him. "May I ask how you have been doing? I feel as if you know much about me, but I do not know much about you. Please, tell me a little of how you have been, and forgive my absence in this matter."
He felt terribly awkward, but Jianyu pushed his feelings away, attempting instead to focus on the situation at hand - namely finding out a little more about the man named Saito Ran, whom he would be spending the afternoon with.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 21, 2011 2:52 pm
It was a relief to hear such words from someone and not feel embarrassed or insulted; Ran knew his home was much smaller than many, but another day, he may have become defensive over the topic. Jianyu was different. He knew he meant no offense with his words, which always seemed so carefully chosen and thought-out. He wanted to emulate that. He found himself mumbling another 'thank you', but didn't dwell on the matter.
Waving his hand, he dismissed the notion of being concerned over the lapse in time between their last meeting and now. "Time is not something that is within our control. You have your own life and obligations."
He whistled softly, and Seta bound out the door after them. It would be selfish of me to expect you to set everything aside for someone like me."
Stop that, Ran told himself, mouth slowly working its way into his characteristic frown. Enough belittling yourself. You're only going to make Jianyu think less of you this way. He already thought less of himself whenever he began his stupid game of putting himself down. Pessimism... was difficult to fight.
Admittedly, he had begun to think that Jianyu would never come back. It was difficult to imagine himself as being important enough to reserve a day for.
Glancing every now and then at Jianyu's bow (and considering his own, modest bow with slight worry), Ran was slightly taken aback by his interest. What was there to talk about? He searched for something interesting; anything, so that he wouldn't bore his hunting companion.
"Well, I... do not talk about myself often, so you will have to forgive me if I am awkward," he confessed. Fabricating stories was simple, and exaggerating to make true stories more interesting was a favorite pastime of his. He couldn't exaggerate on his own life, though. He would have to settle with the boring facts.
"Ah... well, in short, I have been fine." He worried the sleeve of his shirt. "Life has gone on as it always has; I am still in the academy, as my brothers predicted I would be. A late bloomer, they call me. As if I really am some kind of orchid." His brow bent at his own joke, although it hadn't been intended as such. "I train every day and hope to be able to serve our emperor shortly. But... my life is not very interesting, I am afraid." He shrugged, a small smile coming and fading.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 1:08 pm
It had been some time since he had last hunted. Jianyu had spent much of his free time the past several months relaxing with Yue, or training with Huang-Fu, working in his father's tattoo parlor in order to develop his skills as an artist further. When he was not with any of his friends, he had been on missions, sent by his superiors to track down and locate Noble spies, train the new recruits to the Legion forces. It had been a busy time, filled with pain, bruises, fighting, happiness, sadness, and anything and everything in between. Jianyu had scarcely had time to breathe, let alone make good on his promise to come and see Ran, return the favor the man had done him so long ago.
But now he was here, and the woods around them were calm as they entered, the trees stretching far and wide overhead, their branches shading the sun mostly from view. Jianyu turned his gaze towards the other man.
"It is of no consequence to me should you be 'awkward,' as you say," he answered with a low laugh, shaking his head. "We are all awkward at times, are we not? There is nothing to be ashamed of."
When Ran spoke, it was hesitant, almost as if the younger man were ashamed of what he had become. Jianyu's brow knit a little in mild concern. "There is nothing wrong with being 'a late bloomer,' so they say." he said gently, pushing aside a rather large brush to step over it. A few small birds twittered, fluttering up to the treetops. Jianyu gave a shrug, his shoulders rising and falling noncommittally. "It took me quite a while to reach where I am now, but the destination was not nearly as time consuming as the journey."
There was a small pause as Jianyu tilted his head, slanting a look in Ran's direction. A small smile played at the corners of his lips. "And then again, they say the best things take longer to develop than the ones who develop quickly."
They had almost reached the middle now, and Jianyu slowed to a stop, reaching for the crossbow tied to his hip. The metal bolts were strung against his back, as well as in a small pouch on his upper thigh, and Jianyu turned to look at Ran again.
"It is best to stop here, so that I may see your skill with a bow," Jianyu said, casting a curious glance at the longbow Ran held. Though it was difficult for Jianyu to use his old instrument again, it gave him a sense of longing, a wistful eye turned on the sleek wood and wire. "I wish to see what you can do."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 2:15 pm
It was then that Ran became very aware of every flaw he ever had in his technique; every mistake he had ever made, every embarrassment he had ever endured when performing in front of others. It was so easy to relive all of those horrible experiences when put on the spot. However, whenever he regarded Jianyu just now, and every time before, he felt the calm confidence that came with experience. If he could only find trust in himself, could he also reach such levels?
The gentle reassurance Jianyu offered did do a bit to help, but it also made him wonder. He knew he trained new recruits; Ran had heard tales of him being a terror, while others said his approach was just what the younger Legions needed. It was only natural that some would complain, regardless of whether or not they realized it was important for them to get the ideals beaten into their heads. What came next for them - for him, as well - was war. There would be no gentle words, no kind reassurance.
Longbow held carefully in both hands, Ran inspected it somewhat sullenly. It had made him smile to hear Jianyu's opinion of late bloomers, but it did little to comfort him now. Whatever forces enabled Jianyu to have such patience with him could surely enable him not to make an utter fool of himself in front of the older man.
Drawing in a long breath, Ran scanned the trees around them for something to aim at. At the end of a branch was a cluster of buds, not quite ready to burst forth as proper foliage. It stood out against the rest of the tree and was a reasonable distance away, so Ran chose that as his target.
You want to see what I am capable of, and yet...
His fingers curled tightly around the bow. He could feel his own self-loathing rising, angered by the inevitable fact that he would screw up simply because he wanted to impress Jianyu. It was extremely difficult to relax, but he took another deep breath and readied his bow. A single arrow was slid from the quiver and aligned, the string drawn back.
... not you. I don't want to disappoint you, too.
He could feel Jianyu's eyes on him, checking his form, how he held the bow. Assessing his level of experience in ways only one accustomed to the art would know. It unnerved him, but underneath it all he was also honored to have this chance. He tried to comfort himself by reminding himself that any mistake he made would be noted and, hopefully, worked on. It only worked a little bit.
In one fluid motion, the arrow was released and sailed through the air. The tip of the arrow clipped the side of the branch, the cluster of buds rustling but largely untouched. His shoulders sagged, he lowered the bow.
"Cannot relax," he mumbled. He knew how to use a bow, he knew. So, why was it so hard to just do it? Why couldn't he have the confidence he wished for?
Bringing the bow up again, Ran reached for another arrow, his expression steeling. "Let me try again," he said slowly, letting the words settle before looking at Jianyu. "I can... I can do it. Let me try again."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 4:35 pm
Vaguely Jianyu wondered if he had made Ran uncomfortable. There was an unreadable expression on the other man's face, one that made Jianyu tilt his head to cast a curious glance towards him. He knew their differences in abilities very well; after all, Ran was still an academy student, whereas Jianyu was a seasoned Captain. But despite that, Ran was highly intelligent, a very strong individual who was more than capable of proving himself to be something. That was clearly evident in the way he carried himself, the depth of emotions in his eyes.
Jianyu stood back a little as Ran strung the bow, his eyes automatically moving to gauge the other man's posture. It was more of a force of habit now, since he still taught very little archery. His training of the new recruits was almost entirely hand to hand combat; once they had proven themselves, both physically and mentally, only then would he allow them the privilege of learning the bow. It was not a right; it was an honor, one that Jianyu rarely bestowed, especially to young men who could not even hold their own in a fight. So far only two of his students had ever beaten him in a fair fight, and one had been Huang-Fu, and did not really count. He had taught Miaoyin as well, but it had been so long since he had last seen the boy that Jianyu had nearly forgotten about it.
The arrow left the bow like gossamer, flitting easily through the air, though from the way that Ran's shoulders felt dejectedly he had missed his target. Jianyu did not say anything; instead he merely stood there, arms folded across his chest as he scrutinized his friend. Saito Ran may have been disappointed, but he was not the type to give up, especially judging by the look in his eyes when he turned his gaze back towards Jianyu.
He nodded at him, then stepped towards the younger man. "Keep your arm straight," Jianyu said calmly, without any trace of condescension or judgment to his voice. He placed his hand beneath Ran's elbow, pressing the arm holding the bow until it was horizontal to the forest floor. "And keep your back steady. If you're leaning too far forward, your arrows will not hit their marks. And if you're leaning too far back, your arrows will only reach the sky and not your target."
Moving around to stand behind Ran, he carefully maneuvered Ran's fingers into place around the arrow before stepping back, dropping his hands. When he spoke again his voice was gentle, like a friend giving advice rather than a teacher instructing a student. "When you pull back your arm, make sure to let your hand brush against the side of your face. You will feel the feathers of the bow against your cheek when you release, but it will not hurt and your aim will be straighter."
Moving a safe distance away, Jianyu let one hand rest on the bow at his own hip, regarding Ran with a small smile. "Saito Ran, you are perfectly capable of hitting your targets. It is not them that are difficult to hit; it is that you are not setting your sights in the right direction. Look to where you goal is and let the arrow do the rest. As long as you are true to it, it will be true to you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
