17th Edict [Video]
[The video opens to a hissing whir as an arrow flashes past the camera. It bolts forward, tip burying itself into a small target hanging on a nearby tree. Though hardly a bulls-eye, the shot does manage to hit on the edge of the small target.]
Not bad. [Shouryuu says, stepping into view now a few paces in front of the camera, Youko with a bow and arrow not far behind.] Not bad at all. But you're still shooting a little off. The trick is to use the muscles in your back, not your arm. The arrow will fly more true that way.
[Youko nods, wiping a gleam of sweat from her forehead.] Huh. I get it. [She smiles.] I'm sorry that it took me so long. I wasn't paying attention before.
[Shouryuu laughs.] Not at all. You're actually catching on quite quickly. I wouldn't worry. You have plenty of time to learn. [Another two paces forward. He picks up a spare arrow set against against one of the trees, evaluating it.] There's only so much I can teach you about how to aim anyway. A lot of it is just based on instinct--what your eyes tell you, and learning to adjust. It's something you will have to get a feel for yourself. You can use the arrowhead as a sight, to help you guide it in the right direction, but i wouldn't rely on that method much. It's a crutch, nothing more. And on the battlefield, you're not usually given the benefit of time.
Of course. You always know best. [She bows gratefully, straightening and then walking over to the target, pulling out one of the stubborn arrows embedded in the target.] What is the standard training for a soldier in the Imperial Army of En?
Standard training? [Shouryuu hesitates.] It depends. Normally, when En's hasn't been in dire need--and it hasn't in some time--we put them through some very basic training when they first enlist, from what I understand. I don't usually oversee it. We see what they can do--what they're good at. It takes a bit of time, but if you can spare it and figure out what the soldier's skills are, you will be able to train them more effectively--capitalize what they do well on. You try to improve what they don't, of course, keep their options open, but with any luck you'll be able to send them into a situation they'll hopefully be prepared and ready for.
[Youko nods once, looking contemplative. She lifts the bow, tensing as she makes ready to aim and fire again. But she hesitates.] What about you? Do you keep your options open?
I try. [Shouryuu laughs.] Though I'm hardly worried. I know I'd be able to use them if need be. So will you. Even if you're at a loss, Jouyuu will likely be around to help you. Heaven willing, anyway. Now shoot. Don't hesitate. Hesitation makes you second guess. Go with what your gut tells you.
[A split-second later, the arrow flies. It cuts through the air, tip piercing the center of the target just as the video flickers and ends.]
Not bad. [Shouryuu says, stepping into view now a few paces in front of the camera, Youko with a bow and arrow not far behind.] Not bad at all. But you're still shooting a little off. The trick is to use the muscles in your back, not your arm. The arrow will fly more true that way.
[Youko nods, wiping a gleam of sweat from her forehead.] Huh. I get it. [She smiles.] I'm sorry that it took me so long. I wasn't paying attention before.
[Shouryuu laughs.] Not at all. You're actually catching on quite quickly. I wouldn't worry. You have plenty of time to learn. [Another two paces forward. He picks up a spare arrow set against against one of the trees, evaluating it.] There's only so much I can teach you about how to aim anyway. A lot of it is just based on instinct--what your eyes tell you, and learning to adjust. It's something you will have to get a feel for yourself. You can use the arrowhead as a sight, to help you guide it in the right direction, but i wouldn't rely on that method much. It's a crutch, nothing more. And on the battlefield, you're not usually given the benefit of time.
Of course. You always know best. [She bows gratefully, straightening and then walking over to the target, pulling out one of the stubborn arrows embedded in the target.] What is the standard training for a soldier in the Imperial Army of En?
Standard training? [Shouryuu hesitates.] It depends. Normally, when En's hasn't been in dire need--and it hasn't in some time--we put them through some very basic training when they first enlist, from what I understand. I don't usually oversee it. We see what they can do--what they're good at. It takes a bit of time, but if you can spare it and figure out what the soldier's skills are, you will be able to train them more effectively--capitalize what they do well on. You try to improve what they don't, of course, keep their options open, but with any luck you'll be able to send them into a situation they'll hopefully be prepared and ready for.
[Youko nods once, looking contemplative. She lifts the bow, tensing as she makes ready to aim and fire again. But she hesitates.] What about you? Do you keep your options open?
I try. [Shouryuu laughs.] Though I'm hardly worried. I know I'd be able to use them if need be. So will you. Even if you're at a loss, Jouyuu will likely be around to help you. Heaven willing, anyway. Now shoot. Don't hesitate. Hesitation makes you second guess. Go with what your gut tells you.
[A split-second later, the arrow flies. It cuts through the air, tip piercing the center of the target just as the video flickers and ends.]