The silence was drawing out. With winter on it's way, and everything settled. Rivaxorus figured it was time to take action. In a time of war they would need to know how to defend themselves. They would have to know how each and every one of them moved. As a team. Should the time come where they needed to defend themselves at least, they should know defense. The male stood on the open plains and raised his head in a call for his pack-mates. He would not allow them to grow soft. The male lowered his head and gave out a breath. He couldn't allow himself to become soft. The world was far more cruel like that, he knew that among others. So he would train warriors to be warriors, learn from them himself. Teach those who knew nothing, to bare their teeth in order to live. His toes spread eagerly as he patiently waited. Those who didn't show would have to answer to him. ooc: This is mandatory for all myriad members unless on absence. You have until 21st to post, or your wolf will be punished unless given a good reason. "Talk" "You" Think

Hera's head turned at the sound of Rivaxorus' howl, her head tilting a bit as she listened. Training, hm? She was always up for a spar or two. She turned toward his call and moved at a comfortable trot toward him. It turned out she hadn't been very far from him after all, his large form soon appearing in her field of view. Ever since their spar she had carried a bit more respect for him. At least she knew he could fight, that was enough for her. At least for now. She gave him a grin as she settled on her haunches near him. "I guess I'll get to find out how the rest of the pack stacks up too, huh?" she asked, her gaze challenging but playful at the same time. She glanced away from him to watch for the rest of the pack as they arrived. She was glad that she was the first to arrive, given that she was still dead set on that lead warrior position. If she was going to do this pack thing she was going to do it right and she was going to be the very best at it. "Talk" "You" Think

Fighting was not in her bag of tricks. She was far too clumsy for it, and usually just ended up hurting herself more than even attacking someone. She preferred to be the sneaky type, and right now fighting did not achieve that. So when Riv's call sounded, she rose to her paws and slowly padded over. She was tempted to just ignore it, she really didn't want to do much of anything. She still wasn't used to this pack life, and she knew that she had to get out and explore before her blood boiled in her veins. A nice new land to look around was exactly what the healer ordered. When Jaelle found the little gathering she was surprised to see that she was the second wolf to arrive, and she had been taking her sweet time. Maybe the sound of her bells with every step had slowed them all down, and they were looking for her instead. The monotone woman snorted at the thought, eying the orange marked dame as she made her way past. With a grin she attempted to swat her tail towards the back of her head, her bells giving her more than enough warning to dodge the attack. It was clear to see that Jaelle was bored, and she hadn't played a prank on anyone in quite a long time. Yes, it was simple and petty, but whatever. It was something. She tossed the girl a wink afterwards, settling down away from the two wolves who were currently there. She was somewhat disappointed that Xephyris wasn't here yet, but she wouldn't mind waiting. He was really the only other wolf she spoke to. Was she supposed to fix that? The dame had no idea, and would settle for the company of her silver knight for now. "SPEAK"

Black tipped ears would perk forward at the sound of being called. Quietly Soleil would make her way out of the den and towards the man that once again called his pack to him. She wished she could understand him beyond the fact that he wanted everyone to come to him. She had learned little of this language these wolves spoke and was quickly growing tired of being unable to speak with anyone but herself. If she didnt learn soon she would have to find her sister just to talk to someone. Sure Xeph was there for her, and he was trying to teach her, but she still couldnt fully understand anything other than her attraction to him.

Upon arrival a small huff of air would escape the tri colored woman at the realization that Xeph wasnt here yet and a brow would raise at the woman with bells. She had seen the attempt made on the partly orange woman and quietly questioned it before turning to Riv and giving a small bow. She didnt bother trying to talk to him as she was sure he would be mad at her for not learning his words faster.

The summoning call of Rivaxorous would catch the attention of the blind healer. She'd stayed to herself for the most part. With Jaelle feeling better and Winter in full swing Armai was content not to venture too far from her den unless she had to. She was just happy the sickness hadn't seemed to have spread to anyone else which meant she had her work cut out for her. Even though it seemed to be a rather mild winter, herbs would still be limited until spring came around once again. Not wanting to keep everyone waiting the girl padded quietly from her den with Nox in tow. She'd begun to become familiar with Myriad's lands and a sense of where she was and where things were placed was slowly beginning to form in her mind. She was grateful for it. It meant she needed Nox less and less while walking around and it meant the leopard could take a break away from Myriad. She was certain her friend liked it here, but she still was no wolf. As she approached she could hear the jangling of Jaelle and smell that only a few others were there. So far it seemed only the females had shown up which gave her a small amount of amusement. It seemed Rivaxorous would be drowning in females until one of the males showed up. Out of the wolves not present, that she was familiar with, she was surprised Riv's mate and Xephyris weren't here yet. It was hardly a common thing that she was early to a meeting. Walk, "Talk" Think "Nox"

""

Lourdes was still adjusting to Myriad, having spent more time in the woods than she had the plains. In fact, this was her first time venturing to the plains. She hadn't been apart of the pack for long, but after proving her skills to Riv, she had gained a bit of confidence in herself and actions. The howl of Riv is what brought her closer, coming forward just like any other pack member would to the call.

She had not been the first, no, she seemed to be one of the few coming in last. She had not met many of the other pack members, and this meeting would surely grant her that. Doe-brown eyes gazed around as she came into view, gaze drinking in the site of those around her. It was refreshing to see that Myriad had a steady, growing member base. "Riv-sama." The native words of Riv's own language fell from her tongue, head dipping to him out of respect as she had inched closer to be in his view. She lifted, giving him a soft, warm smile before joyful eyes turned to look at the others. She did not know any of them, they were all new to her view and she couldn't wait to know the names of them. There was an orange-marked female, another with bells, a tri-colored female and a blind wolf with a.. companion. Well, an odd mix for sure. She didn't let that stop her, though. Moving to the outer circle, Lourdes gave kind and warming smiles to those she made eye-contact with, and settled down to her haunches. She had taken notice that she was the smallest at the gathering so far, but that would not do anything to diminish her small confidence and joyous appearance. This was her pack now, her home- and soon she hoped to have bonds with all of these wolves here as a family.

Oops. Maybe she was the slightest bit late. Just a bit. Perhaps she had been surprised by her mate's call, surprised that he was the one calling for fight training. Not long ago she had discussed Myriad's first fight training with Xephyris, who she had thought was the ideal canine to show some leadership around the pack. She had hoped he would have called for the training earlier, though the situation was partially her fault. She should have run the idea past Riv beforehand, or at least notified him on what to expect. She just had to hope everything would sort out alright. Confused, she made her way over to the gathering area, where most of the pack had already arrived. Embarrassed by her later arrival, she ducked around the rear of the crowd to stand beside the alpha, scarlet eyes scanning the pack. The grey male was nowhere to be seen. "I was going to get Xephyris to lead the training," she hissed into his ear, tone somewhat even.

He had be far off, most likely the furthest member from the meeting. At the time he was tracking, trailing an animal that would be potential prey. He was keeping himself busy, trying to get comfortable in his rank. His first big step had been the pack hunt and now he was just working on perfecting his skills. The male had to keep busy and he had to work to become an ideal pack member. He strives to make a name for himself and to make his brother proud. His brother's call had been faint when it reached his ears, a small groan of frustration. He should have stuck close to the pack lands today, but instead he had gone off the beaten path. Now he would most likely be the last to arrive to the meeting. Turning the male too off in a full blown run trying his best to arrive at a timely matter. Crashing through brush and spooking up animals as he went. It took a while, he had been rather far away. As he closed in he began to slow.

Tongue flopped from his mouth as he began to pant, walking into the crowd of member and dipping his head to his brother and Zephyra. He picked a spacious spot and flopped with a dull thump, kicking out his back legs and continuing to pant as he cooled his body down from his run. Patiently he waited for things to begin.

Xephyris perked at the very faint call of his leader - it was time for fight training. His insides froze, for he realized now that he'd been too late to call the training session himself, after Zephyra had challenged him to arrange it. His lips pulled back as he snarled to himself. This was why he hated traveling, he hated exploring, he hated going anywhere new and being away from all the really important things. Sure, his explorations had felt worthwhile, but now that he was late... could any amount of exploring make up for what he was missing now? The man's thick legs would carry him swiftly, but he had been so far away that there was simply no way for him to make it to this training session on time. He preferred to be amongst the first to arrive, and yet today, he must walk upon the gathering, perhaps the very last to arrive. Shame filled Xephyris as he approached the group. Everyone had come before him. He was never late to these meetings. But he was definitely late today. Cursing himself, he made his way over. Now, not only was he late, but now he realized that both Soleil and Jaelle were gathered - who did he go to first? Trying not to think, he made a choice, and he went to Soleil, his beautiful French maiden. He wished he had spent more time with her lately, helping her to learn the language. Here she was with Myriad, trying her hardest amongst wolves she could not communicate with... and he had hardly helped her. Still, he'd go to her side, seating himself close to her, wanting to be laced in her scent once more. He wondered if she would be ready for this fight session - where did her skills lie? There was still so much about her that remained a mystery to him. As he sat beside her, his faithless silver eyes wandered briefly to Jaelle, hoping he'd catch her eye for just a moment. He didn't expect her to notice him amongst the crowd, but if she did, he'd offer a wink before his fleeting glance would turn to their leader. Rivaxorus II. And he would wait now for the training to commence. "Talk" "You" Think

There was a moment and time when he knew he'd make a mistake. Zephyra's words made his muscles tensed as he instantly felt his heart jump a little. Oh he should have been paying more attention at what was going on around the pack. That was his mistake though. "Gomensai - sorry love, I'll let him take over when he shows up." he apologized. Of course the culprit was a little late, but Riv wouldn't blame him. The fact he showed up was good enough for him. "Thank you for those who came. As you all know even if you aren't a fighter at heart you'll need to learn how to defend yourself somehow, and this would also be a time for fighters to assess their skills. This session will be led by Xephyris. So I expect all of you to be attentive to him." it also could serve for a test for the gray male. As he gestured his head over to him. He looked rather serious, after all he didn't know what would come of these. "Talk"

Xephyris listened as Riv began leading the training session, insisting that every one of them would need to be able to defend themselves. Not all of them were fighters, that much was clear as he glanced around, but Xeph was glad that the current wolves had gathered to test themselves or learn. He was surprised when Riv suddenly turned the session over to him. Grinning, he was startled but ready to take over, rising to his paws while he took in a deep breath. This would be the perfect chance to prove himself. It was about time he contributed in this way. He stepped forward, dipping his head to Rivaxorus as he accepted his duty. Standing in front of the other wolves gathered, he let his silver eyes scan over them as he began getting ideas of who to pair up for spars. It was hard to know what level each wolf was at, so he would just have to let them show their own skill, and assess them later. But he would start by giving them some pointers, before he gave them partners to practice against. Clearing his throat, he began, "Like Riv was saying, you'll all need to be able to defend yourselves in a fight. So let's start with defenses. When you're in a dangerous fight, you need to keep your vital points and appendages protected. Keep your head low, chin tucked, and skin of your neck bunched up to protect your throat. Your paws need to be spaced evenly, with your legs bent and your claws gripping the ground. Even your toes play a role - keep them splayed for maximum balance. Your balance will keep you from ending up on the ground, where an enemy can reach your exposed belly. Keep your ears folded down, and your eyes protected by bunching up the skin around your face and muzzle. If you're on the defensive, tuck your tail - if you're on the offensive, keep it even with your spine. Let all the hair along your spine rise, it creates a protective buffer against your enemy's teeth." He paused for a moment, letting everything sink in for those that weren't big fighters - those with experience would surely be bored by his explanations, but he wanted to make sure everyone had a good starting point. "Might be a lot for those of you who aren't fighters," he continued, glancing around as he tried to gauge responses, "But it's important stuff to practice, which we'll do in some spars coming up. Do your best to remember and practice your defenses - it's not all about winning today, but avoiding serious injury and keeping balanced. Now, I'm going to pair you up-" He'd pause again, to look over the wolves one more time. There was an uneven number of participants, so he'd do his best to pair them up. His eyes rested on Armai - she was going to have a particularly difficult time, but even if she was never an offensive fighter, it was imperative that she knew how to defend herself. "Jackson, please work with Armai," he started - he thought that Jackson would not be too harsh on the blind healer, he seemed like an easy-going fellow - then he would continue to pair the wolves, "Hera, I'll put you with Lourdes." He looked to the remaining few, his eyes landing on Jaelle, the gray-painted gypsy. "Please work with Soleil, and help her understand what we're doing," he requested of her, knowing that she spoke some French and would be able to help Soleil in that way. Now he looked to the Alpha and his Queen. "Since there's not an equal amount of participants, what do you say you two work as a team, and I'll be your opponent," he suggested. It wouldn't be easy, as they were both enormous compared to him, but he wasn't going to let that stop him from trying. After all, not all fights were fair. OOC: Hey guys, sorry about the wait - I was waiting like a dummy for others to post but I think it makes sense for me to post out of order to commence the training XD. Anyways, let's get this show on the road! You can certainly post here again, if you'd just like to do your spar here that's fine, or if you want to do a separate thread, it's up to you guys. However, let's at least get our spars started by August 6th! That's your deadline! "Talk" "You" Think