Chapter 41: Lessons in Survival
Inside, Marnia feels a sense of pride for being able to give such a professional speech in front of everyone here. And even Leo had a smile grin on his face as he looks at Marnia's professional side.
Ivan, the eldest child, piped up, hand in the air. He was like a student that was in the classroom trying to score points with the teacher, as the boy asked, "What do you want us to do, mister Leo? What kind of role do you want us to take?"
Leo smiled at the boy's eagerness and explained, "First, we need to prepare ourselves for the journey ahead. While we wait for the fog to clear so we can build the boat, we can use this time to train and learn."
"We'll teach you how to hunt, how to navigate the land, and how to defend yourselves," Marnia added. "We will also share with you the knowledge of the world beyond this island, its wonders, and its dangers."
Dimitri and Anna exchanged glances, their faces a mix of uncertainty and hope. It was Dimitri who spoke up, "We are grateful for your offer, but we have little to offer."
Leo raised his hand, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He kept it brief and casual. "No need for payback. We just want to help you guys out. The world's a risky place. It is not a lie to say that only the strong truly have the world in their hands, but together, we got this. Maybe someday you'll pass it on. That is what we hope for."
Anna's eyes brimmed with tears. Her heart swelling as she gazed upon her precious children. Emotion caught in her throat as she nodded, as her voice wavering with gratitude, she says, "Leo, Marnia, your offer moves us deeply. We accept it with open hearts and infinite thanks. We'll do whatever it takes to learn from you two, which is all for the sake of ensuring a brighter future for this little family that we have."
....
In the following days, Leo and Marnia set to work, focusing the time that they have each day to the task of teaching the members of the family the skills they needed to survive alone in the forest, and although the lessons were very hard at first, the people here eventually got used to the lessons and became better over time, able to catch what they need and learning the right skills for survival. Their first lesson focused on hunting, a vital skill that Leo thought is important to teach for survival in the wild. With enthusiasm, the children gathered around, eager to learn the secrets of tracking and capturing prey.
Leo started by demonstrating the basics of tracking, pointing out the signs that an animal had passed through the area. "You see these tracks here?" he asked, motioning towards the ground. "These belong to a rabbit. Can anyone tell me how you can identify them?"
Ivan, ever eager to learn, raised his hand. "The shape of the footprint, and the distance between the tracks," he replied confidently.
"Exactly," Leo praised, smiling at the boy's enthusiasm. "Now, let's follow these tracks and see if we can find our prey."
Marnia, meanwhile, instructed the children on the use of various hunting tools, from bows and arrows to slingshots and traps, all the weapons that you can make from the materials in the forest to foster a talent in shooting.
"When you're using a bow and arrow," she explained like a patient teacher to the children, "it's important to keep a steady hand and focus on your target, just like I am doing here, and make sure to hold the pieces in this direction, with your hands in this way. Vera and Yuri, why don't you give it a try, here is the bow and arrow, now put your hand here, and hold your fingers on this spot."
Under Marnia's careful guidance, Vera notched an arrow and aimed at a makeshift target in the distance. Drawing a deep breath, she steadied her hand and focused her gaze on the target that is far away, as she manages to achieve a concentration of her attention on the place she wants to shoot the arrow upon. With a swift, smooth motion, she released the arrow, which flew straight and true, hitting the target with a satisfying thud.
Marnia beamed with pride as she congratulated Vera on her successful shot. "Well done, Vera! You've got a natural talent for this. Keep practicing, and you'll become an even better archer," she encouraged, placing a supportive hand on the girl's shoulder.
Dimitri and Anna, who were also learning to use the weapons alongside their children, watched intently. Their eyes filled with admiration for their daughter's accomplishment. They exchanged proud glances, their hearts swelling with joy as they shared in the experience of learning and growing together.
After witnessing Vera's successful shot, Dimitri decided to give it a try himself. Marnia patiently guided him through the process, helping him to find the correct stance and grip. With a determined look in his eyes, Dimitri took aim and released the arrow, which hit the target just a little off-center, and breathes a happy sigh. But doesn't let it bring him down since he has begin to follow along the goal that he has in his heart. Though it wasn't a perfect shot, yet he smiled with satisfaction. He feels himself being on the right path.
Anna was eager to learn how to use the weapon as well, as her heart beats with anticipation to try it out, taking a step forward. Especially after seeing how her husband was able to give such a close shot to the makeshift target that is in the distance. Her heart burns with desire to master the tool that she has in her hands and not to be any less than the others that are in her family. She grasped a slingshot in her hands, listening carefully as Marnia taught her the proper technique. After a few practice shots, she managed to strike the target with impressive accuracy, her face lighting up with delight. As the family continued to practice and learn together, the bond between them grew stronger, and their confidence in their newfound skills soared.
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