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Ithiel is by me!
The dust-colored coyote did spare a glance toward Col, but a brief one at best. The coyote was trying to see what Wraith was doing, and Ithiel thought it might be for the best if he saw a good student in action. Wraith seemed eager to learn and relieved with the prospect of a different hold on the string. Ithiel nodded, and walked toward the tree where he'd leaned his bow. He plucked it up and returned to Wraith promptly, nodding. You should relax for the moment, he said. It would be easier for her to pay attention if she wasn't straining to keep the bow drawn.
Ithiel lifted his bow and first illustrated the three-fingered hold. This one is good because it gives you accuracy, and spreads the tension across three fingers. You can destroy your shot, though, if your fingers don't release at the same time. The dark coyote took an arrow from his quiver with one hand, settling it and drawing it back in a slower motion than he would have in a true fight. He held the draw for a second and leaned toward Wraith so she might see his fingers better. Then, he leaned back and released the arrow. It sailed forward and stuck on the edge of one of the targets.
Now, what kinda teacher can't hit the center of the target? Col quipped, sounding more defensive than playful. The dusky coyote did not look at him, but already had another arrow in place and the bowstring drawn back, this time his grip the one he preferred. This time the arrow stuck far nearer to the center -- certainly not dead-on, but an accurate shot nonetheless. Ithiel did not glance toward Col to appraise his reaction, but the peanut gallery's silence was answer enough for the Praetorian. That is my draw, he said. It uses only the thumb -- he illustrated, drawing back on his string without an arrow -- and works very well from the back of a horse.
Try them both, and then use whichever is comfortable.
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