They had only recently been granted "official" permission to explore the lands surrounding Avalon, and Lore was one of the last few pups to exercise it. In fact, she knew Theory had followed her to the border and was probably watching from a few hundred yards away. Although she'd never admit it, Lore was infinitely grateful. She basked in both of her mothers' attentions and knowing that momma was nearby made her a little bit bolder than she would otherwise be.

Lore trotted out along the border of the Veteran's Plateau, inspecting how autumn had begun to turn the grass over towards death's doorstep. It was crunchy and sparse in most places and overall a distasteful shade of brown or yellow. She had loved summer so much and was sad to see it go, but Abraxas ought to know what He was doing with the seasons and she tried to trust in His ways, even if it made her quite anxious not knowing what He was up to all the time. She'd been raised around mostly females and had developed a general mistrust of the sterner sex, which occasionally extended even to her God. Lore snuffled around a clump of dead grass, pawing at it for a moment to see if it unearthed anything neat underneath. Sometimes rarities were found here, she'd heard, but was disappointed when nothing but more mud was underneath. Why even leave Avalon if everything else was so boring? There was a certain comfort to her routine and out here she felt terribly exposed.

"speech"

coded by NachoMumma

Magdalene felt a certain sense of excitement when she was out exploring. The myriad of scents and views was exhilarating. She could encounter many different animals and wolves alike! Some were good, some were bad, but she held her own for the most part. Being a large, well built female with some instinct on how to fight certainly helped.

Her curiosity that day drew her out west toward the plains along the base of the maw. Glinting metal beneath red sunlight caught her attention and hurried her forward. Though rusted and bent, there were objects that might be of worth. Keeping her claws withdrawn, she scratched at the base of the pole that stuck up from the ground, a tattered flag fluttering in the wind.

Almost done retrieving it, another sound causes her to stop and look. Testing the air, she scents someone else, female? Around her age? Eyes narrow, searching until she sees the girl not far off. Oh, a new friend? Maybe she'd spar with her! Eagerness overtakes Mags as she bounds over quickly without any regard to boundaries and social niceties. Letting out a sharp bark of 'hello' as she makes sure not to step on anything sharp or jagged, she has to come to a skidding halt lest she run right into the stranger.

"Cool place? Yeah? Wanna explore? Or spar? I bet I can beat you," Mags grin is wide and fearless. Her paws take her back a few inches as she stares wide eyed at the girl, waiting for an answer.

"Magdalene"

Just as she was beginning to let her guard down, a brightly painted whirlwind of a girl nearly knocked her back on her butt with a ferociously happy greeting. Magdalene skidded to a stop before her and Lore backed up a few paces immediately, hackles raised. Don't turn and look for mommy. Don't turn and look for mommy. She just had to trust that Theory was still watching patiently just out of sight. Just like she trusted that Abraxas watched over her always. Steeling herself, Lore said a very small: "Hello." It was so quiet that the wind almost stole the word right from her.

She'd never interacted much with strangers - life in Avalon was quiet and serene, just the way she liked it. This girl, though, had a particular fire in her eyes when she said the word "explore," and Lore wondered if she'd ever feel that way about anything (she would, she would). "Spar..." she repeated dumbly, her brows furrowed. Oh, Abraxas above, this girl was going to think she was touched in the head. It took her a moment for her brain to catch up with the pulse-pounding anxiety that raced through her veins. Spar she could do. Sparring required a different kind of thinking entirely.

"Yes, let's!" she said sharply, making up her mind with a quickness. Don't look over your shoulder for mommy, DO NOT! Lore took a steadying breath and lifted up her heart to Abraxas. Guide me, let me strike true. After all, if she did that, whatever happened next was really out of her paws anyway. "Come at me!" Lore declared, trying to sound braver than she felt. She gripped the dirt with her claws and really dug in her hind legs for balance, making sure to tuck her ears and dip her chin to protect her throat like Thalia had taught her. This was more real than any spar she'd had with her siblings, even if it was just two puppies testing the waters.

Lore vs Magdalene for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: Under 1 year
Size: Large
Build: Light
Skills: Beginner Fighter & Advanced Healer

"speech"

coded by NachoMumma