The white coated ermine had been rummaging through a nest in the Estuary when Modesty managed to get it. Feral and full of small sharp teeth, it was a good starting point for those that might want to practice their fighting on something other than their siblings. She scooped the small predator up and dumped it in a basket, slamming the lid down before wandering back towards where the children were playing. It was only when she got half way home that she realised if she didn't have something for each of them to fight, she might find herself in a spot of trouble. Gathering up whatever companions were around and willing to help play pincushion for the wild hunt, she made herself comfortable and waited to see what children would approach to see what she had bought for them in her basket.

"speech"

-fight lesson 1/3-

Korona burst onto the scene, eyes gleaming with the thrill of the hunt. She slid to a stop in front of Modesty, her grin wide and mischief sparkling in her gaze. “Whatcha got ma’?!” “Wha’s that? Does it bite?” Better if it bites worse than her siblings!

She gave a snort of laughter, poking the basket with a small paw. “Ya think ya gonna scare us with that? Pfft. Watch this!” She grabbed a stick from the ground, brandishing it like a sword. “Come on, who’s first ta take on tha beast? I dare ya!” Korona’s energy was palpable, her voice sharp with excitement. She spun on her heel clumsily, scanning for her siblings with a challenge in her eyes. “Don’ be chickn’! Let’s see who’s got tha guts ta go toe-ta-toe with this critter! I’m ready ta see some real action!” The girl was boisterous, loud -- and so overly cocky.

THE KRAKEN

It was Kor's characteristic racket that dragged his attention back towards the centre of the Ravine and away from staring at the livestock that grazed out on the moor. There was such a conflict in the boy, if he was supposed to protect them then why was he filled with such a visceral urge to stain the moors red and roll in the results? Nature was at war within the boy, two competing genetic purposes tearing him apart from the inside out. A heavy weight for such young shoulders, currents too deep for a child to understand.

Something thumped about in the basket aggressively as Kor moved to brandish a branch at the critter. His front end dropped reflexively, vibrant eyes locked onto the flash of white fur where it had tried to pry apart the woven reeds of the basket, nose working a million miles an hour. Musty, predatory, threat. The fur behind his dense mane stood on end, teeth clenched and lips pulling back to reveal the tips of his teeth.

"speech"

Sharp teeth. So many sets of sharp teeth. They're teeth that have been wreaking havoc on really anything Davey can reach, and he's already missing one baby tooth... fucking Tide had kicked him in the face when they were wrestling, what a bastard. Davey had bitched about it only the requisite amount, really. He swears, no more than that.

Well, he swears, at least. Anyway, no dwelling on that. The boy takes off toward Modesty, in time to hear Korona shouting about whatever it was in the bucket. "Ma, whatcha got?" Peering curiously towards the basket, coming close enough to nose at the lid. Sniffing at it, trying to sort out exactly what kind of beast is inside. Smelled... predator smell. Hmmph. Let 'im attem!

"speech"

Never one to pass up a golden opportunity, Gilda used Davey's distraction to her advantage and paid him back for earlier in the day with a menacing ankle bite, her puppy teeth still intact but wobbling as she joined her assembled siblings. Since she couldn't get close enough to the basket to sniff it without catching the branch Kor was waving around or Corsair's antler nubbins, she took the opportunity to check out who else was hanging around. There were an alarming number of companions gathered about, Kenway's cattle dogs, other mums maremma, mums antlered rabbit and dads ornery wolverine. The mottled girl's tail began to wave, peering about, hoping to catch sight of her old man. If not, she'd spend the lesson harassing Urtur in the hopes eventually he would wander off to find Gilgamesh, and she could follow him to find her dad.

"speech"

By now, Lyra had become accustomed to the outside world. Nowadays, she would hardly ever be found inside the den. She felt comfortable exploring as long as she was around her family. While she was not as brash and forward about her inspections as her siblings, the young girl had great tenacity. Meticulously studying those around her, she never had much to say, but she was always thinking.

By now, she had figured out that Korona was easily the first to everything and the most vocal. She did not mind this, and in fact, she found that her sister often voiced what Lyra was thinking. However, today, she wished she would be a little quieter. What if Mother wanted to speak? Lyra was focused on the basket in her mother's possession. She closed her eyes and took a deep inhale. The scent was new, different smells layered over each other.

Lyra padded over and looked around. Her siblings were already towering over her, which made her feel a little self-conscious. The stick Kor picked up and began swinging around was really impressive. She had never thought of doing that before! Her tail would softly wag as her ears perked up. So cool! She doubted she could pick that up with such ease. A rustling noise caught her attention, and she turned her head just in time to see Gilda pounce on Davey.

There was a rustle and a sharp growl in the basket. The movement made Lyra snap her head back. She would watch, hardly blinking. Every once in a while, the basket would shake, and she would lower her body in true border collie fashion. If her ears didn't flop over, they would be standing tall over her head. Deep in her pounding heart, there was a hope that whatever was in the basket would break free so she could chase. Her little paws itched for a good game of chase.



"Speech!"

Code © Skelle/Witchdogtor DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

She followed her sibilings carefully but cautiously although they all were being raised together, didn't matter. Sagittarius hated large crowds, even with her family. Large crowds were not her thing, the others tackling one another. Tarius gave a displeasing look, understanding that it was lesson time, Tilting her skull to the side, as her own paws dancing under her although she sat almost silently. Listening and watching the others, and then eyes turning back to mama, awaiting. Watching. Observing all others and what was being said out loud from the others and mom.

Modesty watched as each of the children rolled in, first Korona with all the brashnes she would expect of the little Kraken, then Corsair with his quiet intensity, just like his mother (Jael) that one. Close on his heels came Davey and Gilda, with Lyra and Sagittarius bringing up the rear.

Gilda already seemed to be peeling off to corner Urtur, but the rest were intent on the basket. "Congratulations Korona, as the first to arrive you get to see what is in the basket, the rest of you, find a companion to pair up with. Today we're going to be fighting opponents that aren't each other. If you only fight one person, you learn their habits. Your brain will get soft and you will end up dead." Pretty straight forward, right?

"You might want to step back honey, he's quite cranky." A light sparkled in her eyes, amusement. Yes, the rodent was small, but not to be underestimated. Whether or not her daughter was ready. Modesty kicked the basket over, signaling the start of the lesson, companions poised and ready to rumble with their young opponents.

"speech"

-fighting lesson 2/3-

Korona’s eyes lit up even brighter as she watched her siblings roll in one by one. She gave a loud, triumphant laugh when Modesty announced her victory for being the first to arrive.

“Ha! Did ya hear that, guys? First to arrive, first to fight!” She puffed out her chest, grinning widely at her siblings through the stick in her mouth.

She listened intently as Modesty explained the rules, her excitement bubbling over. “This is gonna be awesome!” Korona could barely contain her energy, bouncing on her feet as she glanced around at her siblings, eager to see who would pair up with what companions.

When her mother warned her to step back, Korona snorted, waving her stick in the air. “Cranky or not, I’m ready momma! Bring it on!” Couldn’t be worse than waking up dad too early.

As the basket tipped over, Korona’s eyes zeroed in on the rodent, her grin widening even further as the girl’s paws stamped against the ground. “Alright, you little critter, let's see what ya got!” She brandished her stick like a sword once again, ready to take on the challenge with all the confidence she was known for. And the ermine was immediately posturing, tail up to frighten the girl, but Kor was no scaredy cat. The girl with the cosmos on her shoulder shot forward, aiming to thwack the ermine on the noggin as it rushed her in return.


THE KRAKEN

First to arrive? First to fail she would think. At least if Korona messed up, she would learn from the other girl's mistakes. Lyra would watch as the cosmic pup brandished the stick she held earlier. While it was cool, it was not as sharp as her teeth. Nor was it as sharp as the weapons Lyra had seen fellow Raiders using. Either way, she would watch. Whatever the creature was, it was quite long and much meaner-looking than she had expected.

Taking Modesty's words in deeply. She was here to learn, not judge her sister...Mother had told them to pair up, so she would. Immediately, she would approach one of the cattle dogs. She wasn't sure how to start this, but she would think back to all her training. Her lessons with Gil, her spar with Kor... It wouldn't be for nothing.

The dog would give her no time to react, a paw would smack her. The force would nearly knock her off her feet. How was she going to go about this? Her opponent was nearly double her weight, there would be no way for her to defeat it by force. Was she faster than it? Probably not. But she had to try to be more agile, although she doubted that was an option.

Frustration would boil inside her little heart. Why was so she damn small. A snarl would come out of her mouth, hoping to distract the canine momentarily. She was the lower one; from what she was taught, oftentimes times, that was one of the more advantageous positions. Another paw would swipe, and this time, she would dodge it. Backing up to create space between herself and the opponent so she could have time to think of what to do. The dog would pad up, not even taking her seriously. That would irritate her so much so that she would break into a charge. Her jaw was open and ready to clamp onto whatever flesh it was offered.

Surprisingly, she was successful in latching onto its shoulder. Though it wasn't the best spot, it was something. There was no way the dog was going to shake her off now; even its blows weren't going to break her. She just had to hold on. She wasn't quite sure how much damage she would be allowed to do. But pride swelled inside her chest. She wasn't so useless after all.

That is, until the dog did something she wasn't expecting. The cattle dog would throw all his weight onto Lyra in response to her stubbornness. Pinning her onto the floor, forcing her to let go of the shoulder that was now smashing her. A muffled whine would escape as she felt deep disappointment. Her paws kicked and kicked, but she was too weak to upheave the pet. Nor was it letting off. It wasn't funny anymore. Eventually, the dog would get up and walk away. Having clearly won the brief spar.

Lyra would gather herself, not sure what to do. There wasn't much she could do. It was clear she was not the most skilled of the bunch. She would gather herself while clearing her throat and snorting the dirt out of her nostrils. Trying to keep a straight face so her shame wasn't so evident.

Her only solution was to train harder.



"Speech!"

Code © Skelle/Witchdogtor DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

She watched the ermine and her two sisters with the ermine of snow. Her shoulders bristling as eyes watched it go after Korona and then Lyra. Sagittarius growled, the damned ferret looking thing came after her next, it's back arched up as well as it's tail. Tarius snorted and bared her fangs, moving out of the way of it's fangs as it launched towards Tarius. Oh no. That wasn't going to be the game it played. It wasn't about to scare her away. The beast although lanky and small was fiesty, as Sagittarius went for it's tail thankful it wasn't paying much mind but kept its eyes upon the other siblings. The red and ebony pup would grab the tail, it gave out a loud hiss of displeasure. Tarius let it free, as it pounced towards the young girl. And landing a shot of it's own onto Sagittarius front leg. Shaking it free, a yip was given forth. Knowing that they all would train harder now. Well her and her two sisters. Tarius didn't want to give up, but known it was time too, as she moved towards Lyra's side, allowing herself to help her smaller sister to clean her face. Sagittarius Fallen

• Moon Divider •

The boy kept any disappointment off his face that Korona would be facing the basket beast and peeled off to pick a fight with his brother's other cattle dog. The blue barrel of a beast met his focused stare, a bare grin pulling at the corner of her lip, understanding passing between them. They both had the instinct to get low, charge fast. To bark and bite and drive, but that wouldn't work for either of them today. It was too expected.

Forcing his chest off the ground (oh god it felt awful to be so high), the two began to circle each other. The dog moved first, coming to nip at his mane covered chest and he struck out at the side of her thick neck, just behind the ear. He was still a pup, there wasn't much to him, but her tail waved and she flopped to the side, flashing her belly for just a moment before rolling away. He could do this... right?

Too caught up in the thought of a win, he didn't see her dive back until it was too late, her full weight slamming into his rips and sending him tumbling with a yelp. Lesson number 1, never take your eyes off an opponent. Noted.

Dusting himself off, there was a challenging glint in his eye and he smirked. "Best of three?"

"speech"

Gilda was glad she had preemptively cornered the wolverine as her mother gave them their instructions. The stout little critter was solid and wouldn't be deterred by her badgering she was sure. Still the girl charged in all glimmering crystals and wobbly deer teeth. The noise that came from Urtur had her stumbling a step, but she decided instead of attacking the critter head on she would try and bowl him over from the side. It might have worked if the squat little predator wasn't built like a brick shithouse. She practically bounced off his flank and he turned on her, swatting at the ground as she pedalled away, trying to get her paws beneath her. She wasn't the only kid sent flying, but like hell this was going to be the last he heard of her.

Finally getting her feet back beneath herself, she tried again, this time trying to grab him on the neck or back behind his shoulder. Maybe she was almost heavy enough to push him into the dirt... Maybe she had a future in rodeo...

"speech"

Modesty probably should have warned Korona that the stick was unwieldy and she would be better off using her paws and jaws, but, Modesty was not a fighter, and some lessons were best learned the hard way. As tough as that might be. "Kor, he's got speed over your bulk, might be time to ditch the stick," she offered encouragement anyway, unsure if her daughter would take her advice or not.

Lyra moved off to fight one of Kenway's cattle dogs and she was quite impressed. She did well to make space between herself and the dog and then aim for its shoulder. Ken's dogs were wiley though, and quick to dump the child in the dirt. "Good job Lyra, sometimes it's better to bite and release rather than hold, you're a smaller target, they'll figure out just how to get you if you stay in one spot..." The ermine was putting on a lovely demonstration of just that, tackling not one but two of her children. It had enough spirit, she started considering keeping it around.

Sagittarius pulled on the ermine's tail, and Modesty cringed, waiting for Kor's stick to whack her sister in the face. "If you're pairing up make sure to keep an eye on each other too. Friendly fire isn't." She warned before turning her attention to Corsair. He didn't quite understand the brief when she told the kids to pair off with something different did he? Herding instincts, versus herding instincts... But then again, he wasn't a dog either.

She saw him celebrate an early victory, only to be immediately sent scuttling. A grin pulled at the corner of her lips, "Remember, keep your eyes on your opponent, even if you think you've got them beat."

She looked to Gilda just in time to see Urtur braced to buck, she wasn't quite big enough yet to really pin the wolverine. "Don't forget guys, you're small now, but you will get bigger. What might not work now, might work down the track. Good job everyone."

"speech"

-fighting lesson 3/3-

Lyra watched as Modesty made her rounds, deeply noting every piece of advice the woman offered the children. The young wolf made a mental effort to remember what she said and how it applied to them all. What stuck the most was the promise of growth, the promise of different tactics. What fails now may succeed in the future; she would just have to be patient.

Although that seemed like a drag, Lyra was ever hopeful. There was times where she felt she would never catch up to her siblings. Her paws would never be as advanced as her brother's perhaps. Her might may not ever match Korona's. Her senses may always be duller than Pythia's. So what would make her special? What could she focus on?

Her prowess.

What Mother said today clicked. A moment of clarity and revelation dawned on her... Why should she struggle alone when the adults were there to teach her what they knew? Why should she touch the thorn to know it was sharp when her elder had already warned her so? So why should she be frustrated at her size when there were other wolves inferior in size who were feared? Even Jael was known to be dangerous.

"Okay Mama.", she would softly say as she remembered the most important lesson of today.

"Speech!"

Code © Skelle/Witchdogtor DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

Korona snorted at her mother's advice, the stick wobbling precariously in her grip. “Heh, ditch the stick? No way, Ma! This thing's my Ex- exca- excalibur!” That's what Lass' book said, right? She boasted, though a part of her acknowledged the truth in her mother's words. She wasn't ready to give up her makeshift sword just yet, though. The critter was proving to be a formidable opponent, quick and agile, tackling not one but two of her siblings with ease. Korona felt a surge of determination. This was the kind of challenge she craved.

When Sagittarius pulled on the ermine's tail, Korona readied her stick, but her mother's warning about friendly fire made her pause. Her grip on the stick tightened before she sighed and made a decision. “Alright, fine. Time ta get serious.” She muttered, tossing the stick aside with a flourish.

Without the stick, Korona felt more agile, more in tune with her instincts. She crouched low, muscles coiling as she prepared to spring. The ermine, quick and cunning, darted towards her, its eyes gleaming with challenge. “Let’s dance.” Korona growled, her voice filled with excitement. As the ermine closed in, she pounced, her paws aiming to trap it. The critter was fast, but Korona's bulk and newfound agility gave her an edge. She anticipated its movements, swiping her paws and snapping her jaws to herd it backwards.

The ermine tried to dodge, but Korona was relentless with her batting and biting. Then, when the ermine made a break for it, she lunged, tackling it to the ground. They rolled in a flurry of fur and claws, Korona's strength pinning the ermine despite its desperate squirming.

“Ha! Gotcha now!” She exclaimed, her voice triumphant. The ermine writhed beneath her, but Korona held firm, her eyes blazing with victory. She could feel its heartbeat, rapid and wild. She eased her grip slightly, allowing the ermine a bit of breathing room while still keeping it secure. She was one of the biggest pups of the litter, afterall. If she put her mind to it, she was a mini force of nature.

With a final, proud grin, Korona looked up to her siblings and mother, her chest heaving with exertion but her heart soaring with pride.

THE KRAKEN

Maybe Tarius was too eager, she wasn't like Korona or the other siblings. But they all had their differences. And if they all learned to train together they would be stronger as a group then being alone. Sagittarius took that too heart, as she looked to her sister Korona, a smile was offered in her direction. She moved closer to Lyra and giggled out. "Think we can take her down in a play match?" Whispered words fall from Tarius to Lyra's ears. Eyes glancing to her mother than her other siblings, her tail dancing around. Noting that they would have to be careful of her small quills. Sagittarius Fallen

• Moon Divider •

Lyra watched as Korona succeeded, a twinge of envy in her. She was certain if she were that big she would've succeeded too. She was deep in thought when Tarius came over to whisper in her ear. It would've been a great idea to others but to a defeated girl it didn't seem so great. Her ego was more sore than her body after getting sat on.

"Well, it seems fun sissy but I'm very tired. Maybe Kor is willing? She may be tired too", but she never knew her sister to be one to turn down a fight. Lyra gave her a look of apology. Right now she just wanted to observe and mull over what her mother told her. To be better it would take time, but right now wouldn't be it for her.


"Speech!"

Code © Skelle/Witchdogtor DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

It didn't pay off. She wasn't heavy enough... yet.

Gilda held on as best she could to the bucking wolverine, peals of screaming laughter ripped from her chest as the critter grunted and snorted. She might have thought he was having as much fun as she was if he didn't look so cranky about it. She hit the dirt and the air was knocked from her lungs, eyes going wide as she gasped to try and catch her breath, but nothing was coming in.

Panic was short lived as she finally managed to gulp a breath down, coming in short sharp pants, interspersed with giggles and sobs. Her mother was summing up the class as she finally rolled to prop herself up on her shoulders, tail thumping the ground happily at her back, a side eye thrown at the wolverine as he tried to sneak off. He wasn't gonna shake her that easily!

"speech"

An ear tipped to register his mother's comments as the two circled each other once again. The dog was being more cautious this time, but so was he. The two scrabbled and scrapped with no clear winner coming out on top but it was good fun all the same. While he was driven by a desire to be the best, he wouldn't let it sour his mood in this moment. His siblings seemed to hold their own okay. Maybe it was in their blood, maybe it was something else. Before too long he'd have to consider getting some companions of his own. Looking around the gathering, he allowed himself to begin to formulate a plan.

"speech"