“No, son, like this.” His voice was a little sharper than he intended it to be, but only because he held Ludovic to higher expectation. Aresenn held himself with a squared stance, making an exaggerated display of placing his paws where they were spread slightly wider than his shoulders to show their importance. “Shoulders-width apart,” Aresenn repeated, emphasizing the crucial detail. “If your base is too narrow, you'll be unsteady and easily knocked off balance. Your opponent will take advantage of that weakness.” He spoke with authority, hoping his words were sinking in to the young boy's mind. “But if your base is too wide, you become a larger target and your reflexes slow down. It becomes difficult to control your own movements." Aresenn shifted his paws further apart to demonstrate the awkwardness of an overly-wide stance. The lesson on balance was important for any fighter, and Aresenn wanted his son to understand its significance.

"Understand?" he queried, eyes a fiery orange as they met Ludo's gaze. There was a harshness in his stare—an icy reality he wished for his son to grasp. Balance wasn't just a fighting technique; it was a way of life across the board. But it was a fundamental skill when fighting, and he would ensure that his kid was fully prepared to deal with the first Khalif trial coming up.

"Aresenn Praetor"

Ludovic's mismatched eyes held a determined glint as he absorbed his father's words. He nodded slowly, his gaze unwavering from Aresenn's intense stare. The sharpness in his father's voice hadn't gone unnoticed, but Ludovic understood the reason behind it. Ludovic was desperate to reach his parents' expectations.

“Okay, dad.” Ludovic replied, his voice steady and thoughtful. He adjusted his stance, carefully aligning his paws as Aresenn had demonstrated. Shoulders-width apart, just as instructed. The young boy could feel the difference immediately – the solid foundation, a sense of control over his movements. His ears twitched as he felt out the movement once, then twice.

“Like this?” He asked, seeking his father's approval. Ludovic's muscles tensed, his body alert and ready. He wanted to prove that he was capable. He would prove it.


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Watching as Ludovic adjusted his stance, Aresenn felt a surge of pride. It was quickly tempered by his relentless need for perfection, but it was there nonetheless. "Better," he grumbled, eyes raking over Ludovic's newly established position. There were still adjustments to be made, slight shifts in weight and angle that would make all the difference in a real fight, but Ludovic was getting closer. Aresenn's tail flicked behind him, his gaze intense as he studied his son's every movement.

"Keep your back paw slightly more angled," he ordered, padding over to Ludovic and using his nose to nudge the boy’s hind leg into the proper position. "You're still leaning too much on your front paws, Ludo. Remember, distribute your weight evenly." Aresenn's voice was stern, but there was a hint of patience underlying his words. He might have been unyielding and demanding, but he knew that these adjustments would not come naturally, especially not overnight. His expectations were high, yes, but Aresenn also understood the need for time and practice.

Once he was satisfied with the boy’s form, he took a step back to admire. “Good. Now. This is why this stance is important.” He gave no warning before moving to shove Ludo in his shoulder. Not hard, hard enough to where his son would have to adjust his stance to remain upright against the pressure … which he hoped would come naturally now that he had the proper footing. If not. Well … at least he was low to the ground.

"Aresenn Praetor"

Ludovic felt a swell of satisfaction as Aresenn acknowledged his improved stance, even if the approval was buried under a grumble. The intensity of his father’s gaze spurred him on, pushing Ludovic to focus even harder on the corrections given.

He adjusted his back paw as instructed, feeling Aresenn's nose nudge it into place. “Got it.” Ludovic murmured, concentrating on distributing his weight evenly. He could feel the subtle differences in his balance as he made the adjustments, each one bringing a more stable stance.

As Aresenn stepped back, Ludovic barely had time to register the praise before the sudden shove came. Instinct kicked in, and his muscles reacted, shifting his weight and bracing himself against the push. He staggered only slightly before finding his balance, the new stance holding firm under the pressure.

The crimson boy's heart pounded with pride as his mismatched gaze shot up at his father. All persistence to be found there. “I feel it now!” He said, charcoal tail lashing behind him. “It really does make a difference.” He straightened up, a determined glint in his eyes, a half grin curling his lips. “I'll keep practicing, Dad. I'll get it perfect.” The boy swore.

ludoviciana

Aresenn's sharp gaze softened ever so slightly at his son's determined declaration. A flicker of approval sparked deep in his amber eyes. The boy had guts, Aresenn had to give him that. And more importantly, he had the will to persist in spite of the resistance. Ludovic was learning, growing stronger with every fall and rise, every stumble and recovery. Aresenn could see it in the way his son's body moved, adapting to the changes, adjusting his balance and reflexes to match the ever-shifting demands of their training. The heat of his grudging pride flickered under his stern expression.

"Yes," he rumbled, the word less a praise and more an acknowledgement of Ludovic's progress. His massive paw came up, tapping Ludovic's shoulder with a hint of gentleness. A silent promise of his continued support, however gruffly given. "Keep practicing. And remember, it's not about perfection, but adaptation." He explained, moving to circle around in front of the boy. He maintained his attention to the boy’s feet as they rooted to the ground, crossing around to his opposite side. “That is, balance is about adapting to change in your circumstance. So just because you are able to catch yourself from sudden force at your side- doesn’t mean you will use the same adaptation to catch yourself falling forward. Keep you muscles tense, and be prepared to respond.” As he spoke he circled around to his son’s back. And once again, without warning, he reached a large paw out to push the boy forward from his rump.

"Aresenn Praetor"

Ludovic’s mismatched gaze stayed focused, ears twitching as he worked to absorb every bit of advice. He didn’t want to get too excited, though his father’s approval and gentleness peeking through his rough exterior made it all the more worth it. He wanted to be strong, to be the best. To be thought of with pride.

“I understand.” Ludovic responded, his voice steady and as confident as the young boy could make it. As Aresenn circled around him, Ludovic's muscles tensed, prepared for whatever would come next. He knew something would. His father wasn’t all talk, his lessons nearly always involved hands-on practice. This the boy knew. Ludo listened intently to his father's instructions, nodding in understanding that balance was more than just physical stability – that it was about adapting to every possible change in circumstances. Even when he fought with his siblings, they were always coming up with new ways to one-up each other.

When the unexpected shove came from behind, Ludovic's instincts kicked in once again. His pre-preparedness worked in his favor. He felt his body lurch forward, but he was ready this time. His muscles reacted swiftly, his paws and claws digging into the ground as he adjusted his stance to catch himself from the sudden force. He stumbled slightly, understandably again, but quickly regained his footing, his teeth gritting as he steadied himself.

The boy turned his head to look at Aresenn, determination and confidence in his eyes. His chest puffed up in tenacity as he spoke, “I get it. Adapt to every change, be ready for anything.” He took a diligent deep breath, feeling the lessons sink in.

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