Where do you carry your longbow when in melee?

[Mark CMG]

I was just wondering how one carries a longbow in D&D because many NPCs in modules have them while at the same time wield sword and shield.

I thought because it was 6-foot long and flimsy my players would have to carry it in hand and then drop it when you go into melee. Is this too cruel?

The rules don't require it, so if you add this stipulation be prepared for the players to dislike it and to begin a steady barrage of similar suggestions of other things to adjust, though they will likely only be adjustments that affect NPCs.