The early summer sun shone brilliantly, its golden rays stretching across the vast expanse of Polar Sound. Aresenn stood at the heart of the territory, basking in the warmth of the clearing. Towering cliffs, adorned with lush evergreen trees, framed the valley and loomed ominously in the distance. The air was crisp and clean, carrying a hint of pine and salt from the nearby ocean. Aresenn had never been one to take interest in sight seeing, but the tranquil beauty of this place never failed to reach him.

He had reflected quite a bit after his introduction to the warriors- or at least the ones who had answered his call that afternoon. He had given it quite a bit of thought as to what he liked, and what he would do different. And now that it had been a couple weeks, he felt that the moment was ripe for a band training exercise. With serious conviction, Aresenn raised his head high, a powerful howl echoing through the taiga- the echoes of his voice reverberating beyond the boundaries of the the clearing. He had big plans for this afternoon, and hoped that everyone who would be joining them on raids would be able to come.

"Aresenn Praetor"

Out in the middle of the Polar Sound, Sephiran was perched on top of a boulder. Cleaning the remnants of a fresh kill from his paws, and soaking in the warmth of the midday, summer sun. Admittedly, his mind was preoccupied- or rather, engulfed by the ploys he created with his innermost counsel. Soon, he would be moving his band of wolves out of the territory, for two reasons: one, they had already depleted the sound of a lot of its resources. Prey was slowly disputing away from overindulgence, forcing the hunters into neighboring territories. Bears were also appearing more often, competing for the little resources the sound had left. And, if Sephiran were being honest, he was starting to become bored. A change of scenery and pace was exactly what they needed, especially if they planned on expanding their numbers.

These musings were interrupted by a howl that resonated throughout the valley- a summons from Aresenn, so he could initiate the mock raid he mentioned a few days prior. Sephiran had no interest in participating- a king did not meddle in the affairs of his servants. So instead, he would be observing- analyzing for any faults in the band's armor. Pulling himself up and leaping down from his perch, Sephiran made his way to the makeshift battlefield. Announcing his arrival with a single, low rumble, as he searched for a proper place to watch the event unfold.  

"Speech"

Code by Sea

Elysia was busy organizing her belongings within her makeshift home. She wanted to keep track of her goodies so that she knew what she needed to collect for future crafting projects. Growing bored of it a call rang out and ears perked with interest. Aresenn she stood, stretching lazily as she made her way out of her den. His calls were always promising for fun things to do.

She began to make her way towards his call and him. Eager to know what he had in store for the syndicate this time. Careful to keep her heat to herself she kept her tail tucked low. Nothing, not even her blossoming womanhood would keep her from battle training if that’s what this was.

As his scent grew stronger, fresher she knew she was coming up close. And as she stepped into a sunny meadow and smiled. Closing the most of the distance between them, yet still relatively safely away from him and dipped her head in greeting. ”Aresenn” and then she noticed her cousin, Sephiran had beaten her to Aresenn’s summons. She turned and offered him a smile. “Sephrian” she greeted.

Another day, another call to action. Sol and Khonsu turned from their fire, begrudgingly accepting that the items within would burn the same without supervision. They brushed the debris from their paws, gave one last look at the flame, and headed out to meet Aresenn's call. Others had reached the makeshift battlefield first and so the twins found themselves a place at the gathering's edge.

Uncomfortable with potentially drawing more attention to themselves, they kept their greetings subdued. They gave a respectful nod to each attending wolf - and a bow to the King - before allowing themselves to fade into the background and wait. Perhaps one day they would feel comfortable among the Saxe horde, but today was not that day.

Sol & Khonsu

Lying in his den, sprawled out across an array of pelts from the prey he’d slaughtered. Rhazien was enjoying the company of his newest pet, Medulla, who was clinging to his side and warming his bed. Her head was against his broad chest, while he had one of his arms possessively crossed over her shoulders. He didn’t intend to leave his abode any time soon- but alas, he was being summoned by the young man whom Sephiran allowed to join their ranks.

A rumble of annoyance resonated from within him, body shifting, as he pulled himself away from Medulla and rose to his paws. Shaking the sleep away, rolling his shoulders, and stretching his limbs. He prepared himself for the lesson to come, casting a sly smile to Medulla, before exiting the den.

As he entered the clearing, his gaze shifted between the participants. Settling on the boy who had two fucking heads, still shocked by the monstrosities existence. Settling near Sephiran, Rhazien reclined onto his haunches, and waited for whatever this was, to begin.  

"Speech"

Aurelia happened to be nearby at the time of Aresenn's Summons. She approached casually, but chose to linger at the fringes of the gathering, her saphire eyes silently observing the wolves assembled for the call to action. The crimson brute's commanding presence was hard to ignore, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. However, instead of joining the lively chatter or positioning herself closer to the center of the gathering, she maintained a quiet and reserved stance. Aurelia was not one to revel in the camaraderie of the group, preferring the solitude of her thoughts.

Her gaze flickered over the wolves present, acknowledging each with a nod or a fleeting glance. The shock of witnessing the two-headed wolf, Sol and Khonsu, lingered in her eyes. She couldn't help but be entranced by the unusual sight, though she made no effort to engage with them. Sephiran's presence, as expected, went unnoticed by Aurelia. She kept her distance, neither acknowledging nor avoiding the Sultan's proximity.

"Aurelia Veratti"

The summer has begun to warm the cold reaches of the North and Ezekiel finds himself rising earlier and earlier each day. While he is trying to make his presence known in the growing Saxe group, to show his support of Sephrian and his ideas, all he really wants to do is hover around his sister. Especially now that she was in heat. Zeke is no fool and knows what the second year of life brings and, because of this, he has become extremely protective of his sweet El. He would not allow any of the other males in their band or otherwise to force themselves on her.

Lingering close to their den where he knows El was puttering around, the summons from Aresenn has his eyes snapping to the entrance of their shared den. Would she go to the training and risk alerting the others to the fact that she is in her first heat? As if to answer his question, his siblings gray form is briefly framed in the doorway before she is off and trotting with her tail tucked toward the red male’s call. Giving a low growl to himself, he quickly sets asides the hide he had been cleaning so that can race off after her.

By the time he arrives, there are already several gathered and he watches as El her greets their cousin. Zeke is immediately at her side because he knows that all Saxe seem to have very dark and dangerous appetites and he will not allow them to touch her without her permission first. While his posture protective of his sibling, the gaze that he levels at Sephiran is not aggressive and Ezekiel even dips his head in amicable greeting as his tongue throbs in angry remembrance of their first spar together. Settling in beside El, he offers a nod to everyone else that is gathered before looking to Aresenn and giving the male his undivided attention… or, well, most of it. Zeke keeps El in his peripheral vision so he can make sure that she is safe among these heathens.


"Ezekiel Saxe"

Absinth hears the call, and a smile breaks across her features. A sure sign for some excitement to come, Aresenn’s lessons always do hold a certain amount of tension within them. And of course, if she even had an inkling that Rhazien was going to be there, she would most definitely be there to ruin his day. Setting off as a brisk trot, the monochromatic woman enters the gathering and as she knows all who are already gathered, she gives them each a nod of acknowledgement, save for Sephiran to whom she lingers a little longer, dips her head a little deeper; giving him the pleasure of seeing her loyalty in spite of the punishment she had been given some weeks ago. However, to Rhazien she stares, her expression a mixture of stoic and mischief – the edges of her lips twitching to grin at him. She refrains, but the urge is still there, claws up her chest. She wanted to rend that bastard’s face apart. Instead of acting on her impulses, and opting to hold her tongue, the woman approached Aresenn, taking a seat with the general populace while offering him a playful smirk. She greeted him with her emerald gaze alone, a far fonder look than any she had given out since arriving. What new lesson would this be?
wormwood

Yarra lifts her head at the red male’s call, head tilting as she gives a considering hum. she hadn’t attended the man’s first session, but perhaps she ought to poke around, pick up a few tips herself. get some blood under her claws. of course, she doesn’t rush there - that would be undignified. no, her entrance is a slow, languid thing, an unfurling of limbs and a swaying of hips as she saunters into the gathering. there’s a mixture of amusement and intrigue swimming through her gaze as it flits across each familiar face, noting those in attendance. she inclines her head to both Seph and Uncle Rhaz in greeting, then shoots a wink at Absi as she weaves through the crowd. but it is her Sidis, Sol and Khonsu, who draw her full attention. slipping over to them, a near-manic grin splits her face. “hello, boys,” she drawls, each word low and mocking. “staying out of trouble, i hope?” still with that mean smile on her face, she settles beside them and shuffled over until she’s plastered herself uncomfortably against Sol’s side, practically draped across him. it is a sign of prosperity and an act of blatant disrespect - one she clearly finds wholeheartedly amusing. "Speech"

Kaino had just returned to the band, a big, dead buck between her jaws. The fae's neck was sore from dragging the bastard such a long way, but she would be fine. Just her luck though, a call rang out, requesting the presence of those that took an interest in fighting. Kai thought about just going to her makeshift den and curling up with Nila, but... she did have an interest in fighting.

Leaving the buck somewhere safe, the bob-tailed fae made her way towards the congregation of wolves. She was a bit tired and her usual confident, self-absorbed aura was dimmed. Rather than greet everyone, Kaino moved to lay beside her Uncle Rhazien, leaning into his side with a sigh. She was tired, but that didn't mean that she wouldn't pay attention.

"Speech"

He didn't quite care that he had been absent as of late. His hatred towards the Polar Sound's atmosphere pissed him off more than any of them knew, which drew him away from the majority of the Saxe hoard. It seemed every time he awoke from his slumber, more faces appeared. Leaving him to venture off to explore more of these new lands. So, when that familiar howl rang through the sky and filled the hot summer air with its presence. There wasn't much he could do by rising from where he lay peering over those below. Bodies gathering one by one just under the cliff to which he chose to claim as per usual. What was the point of making a den here if they weren't even sure if they would be staying permanently? Cifarelli sighed. Pressing the motion out with a forced yawn shortly after. What could be the meaning of such a beckoning that all arrived with no hesitation? Easily slipping down the cliff's path and rounding the corners that lead to the group. He gave a short nod. Brushing his shoulder against Sephiran's side. A head butt to their Uncle Rhaz. A glare shot to Kai and Yarra. He took his seat just short of Ezekial. Casting a look at the two-headed wolf which seemed to throw his entire focus off. "The fuck is that?" Nodding in their direction. "Speech"

[/quote]

Aresenn stood tall at the center of the clearing, a commanding presence as he observed the wolves gathering for the training exercise. The diverse group, each with their own strengths and personalities, intrigued him. He acknowledged each appearance of his bandmates with a nod. Once everyone had settled, he wasted no further time in getting the lesson started. "Today, we delve into the art of target allocation. Knowing who to target and when can be the difference between a successful raid and a disastrous one." Aresenn's voice carried authority, resonating through the Sound.

"A sort of an assessment is always the first step on the battle field. When you get out there, don't forget to look around. Identify potential targets, assess threats, and prioritize threats to put it simply. But in any conflict, being able to quickly and accurately assess the potential danger posed by an adversary is key to our success as a unified force." He paced a few steps, his gaze sweeping across the attentive faces before continuing,

"Threat levels encompass more than just brute strength. Size, weaponry, special abilities — all contribute to the complexity of our assessments. It's not merely about identifying enemies but about prioritizing them based on the imminent danger they pose to the group." His attention lingering on the expression of each individual who answered his eye contact as he made it.

"Analyze your adversaries, discern their strengths and weaknesses. A lone wolf might not pose the same threat as one with a cunning strategy or advanced weaponry. It's about understanding the nuances and adjusting our tactics accordingly. For example, in a raid format, it doesn't make sense for our smallest asset to be pitted against one of the most formidable opponents. Ensure that you match yourselves accordingly when the heat of battle comes." He hesitated a moment, hoping that what he was saying registered with those gathered. And even if it didn't ... it would surely become more easily comprehended in the exercises to come.

Pausing for a moment, he locked eyes with each wolf, ensuring his message resonated. "In our topic today, I want your insights. Share your thoughts on the creatures or packs we might encounter- but most importantly the strengths that you feel like you have to offer in a combative setting. Each perspective adds to our collective knowledge. We're not just warriors; we are strategists, adapting to the ever-shifting dynamics of our environment." Aresenn paused, allowing his words to sink in before encouraging interaction. "Though, that being said, be careful of your responses, because everyone will be put to a bit of a test today." He finished with a glint of amusement in his amber gaze. There wasn't going to be room for any bragging today. Each and every alleged strength was going to be showcased in a sense. Taking a glance around the gathering, he waited for the view points of his band mates to claim the open space.

"Aresenn Praetor"

Cifa's glare was met with a narrowing of eyes and a slight sneer. It would do the man well to get his head out of his ass. They were all on the same side. If he was intent on fighting those that he was banded together with, then he was a liability. A waste of time and space.

Aresenn began to speak and Kaino was a little surprised to hear a lesson in the works from the russet colored brute. You had to be thick to not know that they would be raiding, pillaging, taking what they wanted. This would be a good lesson for the dumb ones, Cifarelli being at the top of that list.

Soon a question was posed and the floor was open for the group to speak. What sort of opponents would they face? He also wanted to know what they could offer. Kaino wasn't stupid enough to give away all of her secrets, so perhaps she would avoid that part of the question and give a basic answer. "There are a great many dire wolves in this land. Moreso than where we come from, it seems." She'd seen some big fuckers out there. "We should practice how to combat those larger than ourselves. Size isn't everything, but skill and knowledge of yourself and your opponent can be the difference between life and death."

"Speech"

His gaze bounced between each face, taking note of who attended the lesson, and who did not. And as each wolf entered, he gave each of them a specialized greeting- raising a brow at Aurelia, perversely glaring at Absinth, grinning at Yarra, leaning back into Kaino while nudging her shoulder with his snout, and mirroring Cifa’s headbutt. He was disappointed in Auriga’s absence- in fact, the girl hadn’t attended any of the trappings lately. He made a mental note to seek her out soon after this.

Turning his attention to Aresenn, Rhazien listened to his words, a gleam of interest shining in his bicolored gaze. The boy kept surprising him- despite his age, he had a decent understanding of battle and war. Assessments of their enemies were crucial- after all, it would be a death sentence to blindly attack a larger group, without some sort of strategy. And, being that many of these wolves were still young, they had a lot to learn… hence the training.

When Aresenn attempted to engage the group, Rhazien obliged. Waiting for Kaino to be done with her statement, which revolved around the increased number of dire wolves in the region. But she didn’t answer the whole question… typical Kaino. Nodding at her response, Rhazien spoke up. “Some of these wolves may have… creatures, who assist them in battle. Don’t ever let your guard down- wouldn’t want your eyes pecked out, or an arm slashed off by some claws, in the middle of a battle.” His gaze shifted to Sephiran, if only for a moment. The boy had taken a falcon companion, who was skilled in the art of battle. Rhazien wondered if perhaps it was time that he found himself a little pet to command in battle.

And what he had to offer, well. That much was obvious. “Being the largest, and most experienced wolf here- I’ll take on enemies that match my physique, and those who pose the highest threat.” Rhazien had no problem with engaging with the toughest, more dangerous opposites.- it was thrilling, after all. Especially if it meant protecting his brood of nieces and nephews.  

"Speech"

With his posture stiff and protective of El, Ezekiel keeps one eye on the other, gathered heathens and one on Aresenn as the lesson begins. The male talks about target allocation and the protective man’s head cants in interest. The fiery colored male talks about identifying targets, threats, and how to assess the potential dangers quickly. It is not something that Zeke is completely unfamiliar with since, when he was pitted against his siblings to fight, it was imperative to quickly spot and exploit any weakness to his advantage.

Then, Aresenn poses questions to them and Zeke’s blue and purple gaze drifts over to Kaino as she answers. A brow cocks as he realizes that she answered one part of the question but not the other and a half smirk pulls up one side of his mouth. Next to speak is Rhazien and the younger male’s gaze immediately snaps over to him. The three of them had taken down a polar bear and Ezekiel has a sort of… a mutual respect for them and their skills. With a nod of approval to the man, the younger male then turns his attention to the rest of the group.

When no one else speaks up, Ezekiel raises his voice to say, “Armor and weapons. I have seen some wolves that use them in fights. It is important to be aware of weapons reach so that we don’t rush in and get stabbed and to understand exactly what the armor covers.” Blue and purple ringed eyes move to meet Aresenn’s gaze as he says, “I am neither the tallest nor the heaviest in our group but I do know when to attack and when to back off.” A small shrug is given before he lapses into silence, giving El a gentle nudge from where he leans into her to encourage her to speak her piece as well.


"Ezekiel Saxe"

Kai’s sneer was briefly met with a taunting smirk. Her beautiful features still remained even with such an ugly expression shot in his general direction. Cifarelli could only chuckle silently at her antics; before, Aresenn began to speak. His words rousing his ears to stand on fully erect. Gaze drifting from his cousin to the male he’d chosen to sit by. Meeting Ezekial’s eyes only for a mere second. His question that’d been asked moments before the russet male began to speak ignored. Or perhaps no one could answer him in that particular instance. Either way, the Saxe male cleared his throat. "I’ve taken note that these wolves here have companions. Creatures of any and all type that help with them." He took a second to look them all in the face. Lingering momentarily on the two headed wolf with pure disgust shown in his eyes. "That should be something further studied. Are they used in fights? If so, how and do they also have weapons and armor?" This is why he continued to scout the landscapes here. Further his knowledge of what lay ahead and surrounded them. He did not like to be blind to what may be a threat to his family. They’d come here with their Uncle Rhazien blindly. Some were still pooling in from different corners of the world to this exact place. Which left them all wondering what else would they find here? "My strengths are for my own knowing; however, I do not care of what size my opponent is. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. The smaller, well…" He gave an evil smirk that claimed black lips and left nothing but their minds to wander. "Speech"

Absinth thought about Aresenn's teachings for a few moments, her ears swiveling with every other topic brought up by the others. Dire wolves. Weapons. Armor. Companions. She hummed, processing all the different questions and solutions, and then offering her own input – a reminder of sorts. "Do not forget, some possess far more than weapons or armor. Two sets of jaws, perhaps.” The woman grinned, a direct reference to Sol and Khonsu. Surely he was not the only freak in the lands, and she had met her fair share of horned wolves as well. Though at the forefront of her mind remained the main topic. Matching herself well against an opponent. She was not the largest woman here, but she was experienced. Perhaps not as much as Rhazien, but he and his arrogance could eat shit and die.

A glint of amusement sparkled in Absinth's eyes, mirroring the challenge laid out by Aresenn. She knew him well enough to know something exciting was to come. "Bragging is for the weak, words alone don't mean anything. I reckon our strengths will speak louder in the heat of battle, hm?" With that, Absinth straightened with a grin plastered on her charcoal face, ready to prove herself. But her eyes, those toxic things, were already shifting to stare intensely at Rhazien. There was boldness in her gaze, and of course, impish delight. If this was some sort of battle training, each pitted against one another... Absinth would not hesitate to go for the bastard who had maimed her ribcage.

wormwood

Elysia was acutely aware of the growing number of her family and band mates as each one showed their face for Aresenn’s lesson. She watched all the subtle and not so subtle interactions between them all. But her attention was easily pulled away from them when Aresenn’s lesson began. Listening attentively she never took her eyes off him until the others began to speak all around her. Her eyes flickered bored between them all as they each said their peace.

When her brother nudged her gently, encouraging her to speak she let out a bored sigh. “It’s important to note how they align themself with their own members. Just as we are training to work as a unit, you best believe they too have been. And they may have been training together longer than we. But if we study them. They might just show us enough information on how they intend to fight. Their … game plan if you will”
She spoke out, her voice clear and solid.

After her mothers training. She had learned that much, to study how a team would stand to see just who might be the weakest link in the group. It was typically the person they’d stack farthest from the fight. And where there was a weak link, there was an Access point to victory.

She too decided to keep her own opinion of her skills to herself. There were only three wolves here who knew how she fought one on one. Ezekiel, Aresenn and Sephrian. Each one she’d fought before. There was no reason to give anyone else a leg up against her. She was already smaller than most of them.

more wolves gather, and Yarra observes each newcomer with conspicuous eyes, meeting the gaze of those who dare watch her back. it seems their merry little group has grown quite formidable, sporting a size large enough to challenge the smaller packs. perhaps one day soon, they’d take a permanent territory of their own, begin laying down the foundations of their glorious empire…as the group begin listing their strengths, Yarra tongues her top right canine, licking away imaginary traces of blood. oh, but how she craves the carnage of a real battle - none of this sitting around and marinating in their own brilliance. what good did blagging do in the heat of a real fight? when it comes her time to speak, the Saxe woman affects a lazy drawl, emphasising her impatience. “we must remember that many of our opponents have grown up here. they know the territories intimately, and have trained to utilise their environments to their advantage.” especially if they seek to raid packs; no doubt the northern wolves are more equipped for the cold than she is. “i must agree, however, with the lovely Absinth.” she shoots the fae a fond look - though this time she’s earnestly siding with her rather than simply flirting. hey, it’s not her fault so many of her own ideals align with Absi’s; clearly the fae isn’t just a pretty face, or whatever. “we waste time boasting; time that could be spent demonstrating our skills instead.” and if her idea of demonstration is a bit bloodier than most, but her smile says what her words do not. "Speech"

More wolves gather, some offering the twins more confused stares, others seeming to ignore their presence entirely. Just when they were settling in, a familiar voice rang out. Sol's ears flattened as she draped herself across him possessively, but he dared not shrink away from her touch. "Yes, Mistress." Khonsu replied with a respectful dip of his head.

The lesson started then, and this time the twins were not so quick to speak. The presence of their master at their side was suffocating - silencing. Others spoke up in reply, even Yarra from their side, but neither man could bring himself to offer more. They resigned themselves to a lesser amount of participation, listening - learning - but allowing the other wolves to answer Aresenn.

Companions, armor, mutations, strategies, experience... the wolves of this land definitely had all those things and more. Sol and Khonsu had made their way to the territory of every pack when they'd arrived here, had spoken to every alpha. This band most definitely did not have the upper hand in battle - at least not yet.