Kili threw the bow down in frustration.
"I can’t do it! I’ve tried a hundred times, and I can’t! It’s hopeless,“ he whimpered.
Fili smothered a smile and bent to retrieve the bow. Choosing not to mention the fact that Kili had only tried a grand total of six times, he offered the eight-year-old the bow.
"Alright, then. Let me show you a trick that helps me.” Passing the bow to his left hand, Fili plucked an arrow from the quiver at his back. He moved with slow, fluid motions so that Kili could memorize his actions. Fili laid the arrow on the bow, fitting it to the string. He breathed deeply as he drew the string, flexing his shoulders so that they did all the work instead of his arms. When he felt his knuckles brush his cheek, he paused, holding his breath. He released the string. The arrow soared, slamming into the outer ring of the target. He looked at Kili, who crossed his arms and pouted.
"You make it look so easy.“
Fili crouched beside him, offering the bow once more. Kili took it this time. Fili smiled. "Okay,” he said, “take your stance.”
Kili turned sideways and laid an arrow on the bow. When he straightened and began to pull on the string, Fili stopped him. “Try using my trick,” he suggested. “Pull with your shoulders instead of making your arms bear all the weight of the draw.”
Kili’s mouth set in a determined line as he followed these instructions. It was still hard to pull the string, but he was able to draw it a little farther than he could previously. Before he could release, Fili instructed him to ease the string back to its original position.
"You’re doing great, Kili. When you draw the string this time, breathe in as you flex your shoulders, then hold your breath before releasing the arrow. It’ll steady your hands.“
This time, Kili could draw even farther! He held his breath, then released. The arrow shot toward the target and punched into the grass just inches from its base. Kili crowed in victory. He may not have hit the target, but the arrow actually flew like Fili’s did instead of flipping lamely to the grass at his feet. Fili grinned with pride as Kili grabbed another arrow to try again.
