shenevermisses | 28th Throw

28th Throw - [ written ]

Looks like we're a pretty big drain on this community.

[She's wary as she writes it. Most of the people who'll see this, she hopes, are from the same Luceti she is. But there's no guarantee.]

So I'm organizing a hunting party.

Anyone who doesn't know how to hunt and wants to learn? Meet me at six in the morning by the stable.

Those of us who do know how to hunt will pair you up with a buddy. We'll leave at six-thirty sharp.

Hunting'll be Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Fishing'll be Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.

[If there's one thing she learned in Luceti -- learned from Katniss -- it's how important these skills are.]

If we're going to strain these folks' resources? Least we can do is try to help.

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[Hunting... Simon can see some merit in participating. Not only is it a good way to help with the food supply shortage, it's a good way for him to keep busy.]

What sort of weaponry do you believe would be most effective for subduing the local wildlife?

I use throwing knives and a bow and arrow. [A gift, in a way, from Katniss. The passing of one skill to another.] Or snares.

[Simon doubts he'll get the hang of a bow and arrow in time to be of much use during hunting. The throwing knives, however, may not be too far of a stretch from his usual technique. He'll have to look into that.]

I see. I take it that the construction of snares will be a lesson included in your little hunting class?

Yeah. How to make them and where to place them.

I know some people use guns for hunting, but I don't know how to do that. If you do and have one, feel free to bring it.

Hardly. My weapon of preference is the katana. However, I fear such a majestic blade will fall short in the act of hunting. [That, and he can't exactly handle it professionally. He's more of an enthusiast who likes to pretend he's a master of the sword. Seven years of not being allowed near one didn't help in that regard.]

I've also trained myself in the art of iaijutsu. It is a quick-draw technique usually applied to the katana. However, I could feasibly combine it with knives for a swift, precise throw.

[Heck, if he can use iaijutsu without holding an actual sword in his hand, he can use it with throwing knives. It's unconventional, but survival means that all rules go out the window.]

Edited 2014-10-08 17:47 (UTC)

I don't know that weapon, so I couldn't really tell you.

But my specialty is throwing knives, so we can see how you do, and I can help if you seem to need it. Which is my call, not yours.

We shall see. A worthy student is one who sharpens their own blade, so I shall attempt to progress as far as possible on my own strength before asking for aid.

[A moment's pause, then he adds:] If you wish to become more familiar with the katana, I could bring it along.

A good student is one who knows to listen to someone with experience.

[At least it's written. So it's not quite as snappish as if she'd been speaking. Not that she'd care about snapping at him.]

If it can't be used to hunt, don't bring it. You can show it to me another time.

I did not claim I would not listen. However, I would avoid being a burden if it can be helped and there is little point in asking for guidance until I know where exactly my own faults would lie.

Very well. Another time. [A bit disappointing, but she has a point.]

I trained for six years with my knives. Believe me, I'll see your faults long before you do.

We're not just going to get you knives, go into the woods, and leave you to your own devices. I'm going to make sure you can decently use them before I let you out of my sight.

[Well. He's never met someone who could be so patronizing at that age.]

Such statements leave little doubt that you take your role as mentor seriously. Careful, now. Keeping too short a leash may very well backfire, as would a condescending attitude.

I'd rather keep a short leash and a condescending attitude than have nothing to show for a day of hunting because someone wasn't ready.

[A bitter chuckle escapes him. Not that Clove will be able to hear it.]

Fair enough, but do try not to underestimate your disciples. Some may have their own skills that would aid the hunt. It will not do to crush them into the dirt before they've even had a chance to prove their worth.

And all I'm telling people is that I need to see them in action before I let them go off on their own. If you can't deal with that, you're welcome to form your own hunting party.

[Don't write down a snappy retort about hunting down condescending young women, don't write down a snappy retort about hunting down condescending young women...]

I will 'deal with it' any way I see fit. However, forming my own hunting party would not only defeat the purpose of my original intent, it would be grossly ineffective. I wish to learn, remember?

Then don't talk like you already know what you're doing and are going to be good at it.

[She, unfortunately, doesn't possess the filter he does.]

What gave you the impression I was only referring to myself? Furthermore, I cannot pretend to have knowledge on the act of hunting itself. The only thing I know for certain I am 'good' at are the skills I've spent many years honing.

[Which is exactly what he was saying earlier, so he doesn't understand why Clove's still snapping at him as if he's being arrogant. Did he use poor wording, perhaps? Not being provocative is so difficult when you've spent seven years doing just that.]

I'll be looking at everyone's skills. If we're going to do this, I want to make sure it's done right. I'm not looking to make friends with this venture -- just to organize a hunting party.

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28th Throw - [ written ]

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