As he padded into the ravine, laden with pouches of elk meat and a fresh hide ready to be stretched on a frame and fleshed, he ran over his mind what he should start with for Audra. Basic dodging, maybe. Footwork to instill an awareness of being swept off one’s paws and how to avoid it or counter it… Reaching the steps he gave a low woof, his nose telling him she was in, and he padded up into the main Chamber, moving to the storage alcove and tipping to let the pouches and hide slide from his back to the marble floor with a soft thump. Turning as Enito set about putting the meat away and Paladin’s primates dragged the hide off to be prepped, Cairo padded to the opening to the small Alcove the woman had chosen, scratching at the wall with the bear claws as he called, “Hey, Audra; you up for your first lesson?” Truly, he doubted she’d be up for it. Likely she’d be dreading it. But he didn’t doubt her word when she’d said she’d do her best to learn what it took to fend off an attacker, be it wolf or predator. Stepping back he waited, tail slowly waving at his hocks. Hopefully, he hadn't interrupted a good nap. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

_________________________________________________________________ A soft hum rang from her throat as she tidied up her den. Tucking stray pieces of lavender and straw back under her bed, Audra was busy attempting to make it nice as possible. Eyeing the large bear pelt on the wall behind her bed, her eyes moved over to the rest. Quietly, a trickle of water kept tune with her little hum of a song as marbled rock flickered lights off the hot coals keeping her warm. Along the tops of the walls, herbs dried and hung, ready to be used whenever she needed. The small ledge on the opposite side held her satchel, drying itself as sometimes it became damp when she traveled. Content with her work, she inhaled deeply, enjoying the home she'd made for herself. Lost in reverie, her eyes popped open at the ticking sound of large claws on marble. Turning to look over to her doorway, her smile reappeared at the sight of Cairo calling out to her as he waited patiently just outside. She let out an audible groan in means of a joke as she turned to leave her den and approach. "I suppose if I must," Audra chirped playfully, her own tail swishing back and forth. Of course, she had promised she'd do what was required of her, but it didn't mean she wasn't terrified. Violence in general was something she attempted to avoid at all costs. Even killing rabbits and squirrels made her stomach queasy. But it was the same reason she'd been ousted at a young age from her family band. Why would any pack keep her around if all she could do was apply medical salves and hide behind trees? Small in stature with a slim body, now slightly filled out from the generosity of the Valhalla pack, she was becoming more adult than a pup. Having spent some time exploring the depths of Boreas and taking part in races with new friends, her legs were somewhat more muscular, ready to bolt at a moment's notice. This she could at least use to her advantage. "Where are we practicing?" Audra asked curiously, tilting her muzzle as she walked over to stand beside Cairo. _________________________________________________________________ A  U  D  R  A

His lips twitched in a faint grin at the audible groan, recognizing the playful theatrics behind the noise. He elected to wear a mock-stern expression as she came out, though his deep sapphire eyes twinkled in veiled amusement as he rose and nodded toward the arched mouth of the cave, leading the way back out into the chill winter air with a lazy flag of his tail. “Out here. The sand’s soft and good footing, and there’s water right next to us to hydrate after a good workout.” He padded down the three steps and made his way to stand in the center of the wide area just outside the cave opening, standing ready for her as the spring’s trickling melodies filled the air. Once she’d taken a spot before him, indicated to with a nod of his chin, he grinned. “Now, we’re going to start with your foundation. A lower center of gravity means you’re harder to flip. A slight crouch, at your hocks and elbows, can anchor you against someone trying to push you over, especially if they’re the same size or smaller than you—and believe me, you are not the smallest wolf I know.” He demonstrated, relaxing into a slight crouch, legs bending slightly at the hocks and elbows. “Even an air of confidence can ward off an aggressor. Flag your tail, lift your hackles. Look mean and tough if you can. If you can scare off someone or something aggressive by acting vicious as a badger or wolverine, you need not come to physical blows.” He abruptly stood tall, features flashing into a snarl, tail flicking high as he let his fur puff out where it wasn’t covered by his armor. Then he relaxed once more into his usual genuine kindness, tail fanning the air as he continued, “But should they not be fooled, your small size means you’re agile. If anything, think of it as a dance. You watch the other’s eyes and body and read their intent, and move accordingly. Dodging, ducking, leaping away. If you have no one to protect but yourself, you need only dance long enough for an opening to escape. Entice your aggressor into moving with you if you’re cornered, until they leave an avenue of escape open. Then bolt.” He again demonstrated, moving lightly on his paws, like a horse cutting a cow, ducking with a low swoop of his front end – a move that had saved his hide more than he liked to admit he’d needed against bears – stringing each move into a fluid sequence until he stepped back and rose back into his stance, head cocking as he regarded her thoughtfully. “Luckily, bears tend to be stupid – the feral ones, at least. They don’t plan out their attacks and usually swipe and slap with their paws.” Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

_________________________________________________________________ Audra laughed at his faked stern look, knowing full well that Cairo couldn't resist her playfulness. Quickly following his long-legged steps, she ducked beneath the veil of vines covering the cavern's opening and landed softly on the sand below. Easily taking the three steps in one jump, she was in front of him by the time he turned around and nodded to her. There was determination in his eyes as he smiled at her. Her playfulness was gone as she watched his tail swing back and forth. The sudden realization that she was really going to have to go through with this training sunk in. Ugh. The word trailed through her mind as Cairo began his lesson. Her chin tilted to the side as he bent his legs and she quickly followed suit. Bending her knees so that her belly nearly touched the ground, her joints felt fluid. Being young and limber was definitely an advantage in this situation. Audra drank in every word he spoke. Her honey eyes were wide as she watched. Cairo was experienced and confident, something Audra wasn't. Her face tilted to the other side as he mentioned wolves existing smaller than her? But she was barely half his height? If they weren't a pup, how was that even possible? Confused, she shook her head softly before focusing again. When he went into explaining how to be scary, she almost laughed. Did he really think that she could appear threatening to anyone? In the next second, Cairo was standing tall, a snarl filling the space between them as he showed her exactly what he meant. Her ears flattened and she took a step back. Unexpecting the way he could so easily switch from teacher to menacing was spectacular. "Wow," she whispered in awe as his demeanor changed once more. Maybe she should try it? Stepping forward, she puffed up her chest, curled her lips, and raised her hackles. It was a pathetic attempt as she let out a breath. Quickly moving onto his next point, Audra agreed silently that being agile would be a better path of defense than trying to frighten her attacker away. A dance? Why would she dance? She wasn't trying to persuade them into falling in love with her? Trying her hardest to take Cairo seriously, she nodded anyway. He did have really good points. If she could convince her enemy that she was going to engage, it would perhaps leave her an opening to run away. Swallowing hard, her eyes followed his movements as he danced around. The way his paws were agile, hips swinging back and forth and chest cutting low to the ground, she was amazed again. Lowering her own chest, paws stepping back and forth trying to follow his movements, she froze. Bears? Bears? What did he mean bears? She had not a single intention of ever coming into contact with a bear. Ever. Shaking her head quickly as she stood up, her lips pursed in frustration. "Feral or stupid, they're still very large Cairo," Audra protested with a frown. This defense practice was going to take more than she thought. _________________________________________________________________ A  U  D  R  A