The siege had sucked balls. He was so very sick of the cowardice of the wolves here, the hypocrisy of wolves who would start shit and push and push and push and then cry foul when someone bit back. He was tired of the promise and lure of war turning into disappointment and boredom. It was incredibly frustrating, like sharing a den with a bitch in heat but never getting laid. Well, he was going to fucking get laid. Figuratively. And wasn't he supposed to be a ranking warrior, after all? He hadn't done a damn thing to earn it, other than fighting that alpha douche for Valentine's ungrateful girl toy and somehow he didn't think Valentine would count that. And here Valentine was off working off his frustration in his own way, wandering Alacratia to find pretty wolves to fawn over, so someone had to whip these lazy asses into shape. Might as well be him. With a savage grin behind his mask, the hellhound settled himself into a flat part of the already flattest land that Imperium claimed and threw up his head to let out a deep, fierce call for the members of Imperium to join him in training. He would not let them sit idle just because their enemy had cut and run. speech

Long thin white legs carried the young Destruction towards the call of battle, though his reasoning for showing up was certainly not with the intent of getting bloodied. He was tired of showing up to these things only to be paired with another wolf to fight. What did they think they were gonna do? Beat the healer unconscious and then try and heal themselves? Wolves were crazy. A long sigh would fall from his pale lips as his form trotted up to the one who had called forth the training to begin with. An obviously battle-worn brute that stood a bit shorter than himself but was obviously much more burley. Bright sunshine gaze would meet the other's gold as Revenge strode up more confidently than even he would have thought possible of himself. "Revenge Destruction, Imperium's only Medicus. I am here to clean up after you make your mess, so don't pair me up with anyone." And with out another word he would stalk away and find a nice place to observe until he was really needed.

The call was enough to cause her running, and she was shocked to come in behind Revenge. Oh, so he had actually beat her somewhere for once? Giggling, she bumped into his rump as his words fell off his lips. Looks like he had grown a backbone since their coupling. Her brow raised, another chuckle falling off her lips. "Careful brother dearest, or I might have to bite you myself," she teased, mockingly biting at his left shoulder. He sulked away, and she watched him with a twitch of her tail. Purple gaze moved over to Hati, a smirk still on her lips. "After that rather upsetting excuse of a siege, I am quite ready for an actual fight."

"Speech"
'thoughts'

He didn't honestly spend much time in the range, though that wasn't saying anything against the beautiful landscape. He was just rather fond of the knolls, and spent the majority of his time there when he wasn't patrolling the borders. But alas, a howl would bring him to the flat and altogether boring landscape of the range, a howl emitted by - in his book - a stranger. He arrived just after Revenge, and a nod was offered to the lighter man before his appraising eye fell on the caller. He noted the man's size first, and then took note of the various scars that littered his frame. He was older than Kyarst, and obviously a seasoned warrior. The dark Armada offered a declination of his head an inch or two before he introduced himself. "Kyarst Armada," he greeted the 'stranger'. It would be then that he noticed Mercy was there too, she must have arrived just prior to his own appearance. A smirk tugged at the very corner of his lips as he cast his gaze toward her - hoping to catch her eye and light a fire somewhere deep inside her. His gaze would seek hers for a moment before shifting back to the skull wearing stranger, his hips rocking onto the earth several feet from Revenge and Mercy. "SPEAK"

After her rather sad attempt at fight training with Valentine Rhythm was ready for a second chance. She was ready to get messy make mistakes, and bleed! Well, kind of. She was not exactly ready for the bleeding part, she was a healer she was the one who was supposed to make the wounds all better. Not the one that was going to be suffering the injury, other than her bland attacks confidence was what she needed to really focus on. No one could fault her for giving it her all, and maybe she'd gain a few appearance enhancing scars. As she arrived to the mangled face of Hati she thought better of that. She could definitely do with out the scars. She would eye him slightly, realizing now why the howl had been oh so familiar. For a moment she just wanted to ignore the dark wolf's presence but with a slight nod she'd quickly move her attention to where her cousins and Kyarst sat. She couldn't help but catch the stare that was meant for her tall relative, and even though she understood completely that there was nothing other than words between her and the dark Armada she felt jealousy? pain? She wasn't sure but she was about sick of her emotions and how confusing they were. She'd shake her fur out and settle down somewhere near Revenge, her form quiet as she tried to regain the determination and focus that held her so tightly earlier. ""

The call that summoned the fighters of Imperium was demanding and fierce. Though she didn't know the male that was calling, it seemed quite stupid to ignore it, especially if she wanted to work her way up in the ranks as a fighter. Quickly the lanky girl would head toward the caller, her limbs carrying her along quietly. It didn't take long for her to come upon the gathering. Already her brother had arrived, as had Mercy and her brother; as well as another brown-furred female that was unfamiliar to her. Swearing she caught the gaze that Kyarst had been flashing Mercy, she'd stride up alongside him swiftly and settle down on her hindquarters. Her body would quickly relax and lean into his own as she leaned to nuzzle the side of his neck, even letting her tongue swipe the fur near his ear quickly before she redirected her gaze toward Hati. "I'm Lysis Armada," she'd introduce herself in turn, wondering who she'd been paired against. Hopefully someone other than Kyarst, for the sake of experience..

Twitching an ear at the sound of Hati's voice, Trei lifted his head to listen. Weird, for once the burly male wasn't calling for Daegmar or her kids, he was actually calling for everyone. Maybe Valen had gotten after him for neglecting his duties or something... wasn't he supposed to be one of the lead warriors? Well, Trei wasn't going to be counted out of this one. He might not be an adult but he was nearly six months old now and he wasn't going to be left out again. He knew his dad was watching him, and Trei didn't want to disappoint him by lazing around doing nothing when he should be training to be the best warrior ever, like dad was.

So the big-eared, gangly-legged pup left off what he was doing to trot toward Hati's call. He wasn't the first there, but he wasn't the last either. He did catch sight of the pair who'd claimed to be his aunt and uncle, but he let his gaze just skip over them as he made his way to sit down. On the opposite side of the group.

Splintered bones fell from Dægmar's jaws as she vented some of her frustration, though to be honest she hadn't expected much. Dione was a coward, she knew that from the day they'd met and she ran rather than standing her ground and fighting. This knowledge had softened the disappointment of the siege. Imperium had won, they'd absolutely decimated their opponents who could not even find the guts to fight in the awe of Imperium's tiny, but powerful force. Hati however… well her, what was he? Friend? Bro? Whatever the case he'd taken it hard. His battle lust had been in full bloom and went unsated, thus it was no surprise to Dægmar when the call for battle training rang out through the sky. She turned to her sparring children who were practicing their precision. Rather than wide, general attacks she'd been schooling them in precise targets as well as combinations. Assaulting an opponents body at more than one location. Watching fully trained wolves would be a good experience for them. "That's enough, fall in! Hati is holding training for the warriors of Imperium. I want all of you to come along and watch and learn. Be quiet and respectful." With her instructions issues she turned strode to the gathering place. The wolves were filing in one by one, excellent. And the younger wolves were growing well. This would be exciting. Pulling up alongside Hati she grinned. "I'm looking forward to this"

With a mouth full of horsetail and marigolds, Integra strode toward Hati's call. She didn't know the big brute terribly well but he was always hanging around Dægmar and judging from the tone of the call she just knew it was going to be fight training. Not that Integra minded that much. She was growing more used to battle and found that inflicting and taking wounds gave her a much better idea of how to fix them. Not to mention fight training always meant practical healing practice afterwards! Bounding into the group she slowed to a stop next to her brother and deposited her cache, awaiting the brute's instructions.

Prying herself free from her siblings Karabela scampered after their mother. Fight training? She felt excitement bubble up in her gut, even if she couldn't participate. They were going to get to see momma and uncle Hati and all the other wolves fight! Like a tournament or something! Of course, momma and uncle Hati would beat everyone, she already knew that for sure! Humming to herself she sat next to Atreides and Integra as her mother moved to stand next to Hati. She eyed the girl for a moment and wrinkled her nose. "Why is everybody eating plants? I have some bones in front of my den I can share for a price. They taste much better than flowers!" First Cascade, now this girl? Karabela shook her head. Why would wolves, ferocious and mighty, stoop to eating green things as if they were deer?

"Speech"

Slinking into the gathering, Sirius made a beeline for her brother. Coming up beside him, she used her right hip to playfully bump into his shoulder before settling down at his side. She was eager for a fight--a real fight. Last time she'd gone to a gathering for fighting she'd been disappointed. The possibility of a fight had been dangled in front of her and then snatched away. This time she was determined to get one. Even if she had to pick it herself. Her eyes roved the gathering, taking those who'd reached Hati before her. She was familiar with most of their faces although there were a few new ones she couldn't quite place. That was alright with her--she didn't have to know everybody. Leaning towards her brother, Siri asked, "Think we're gonna haveta wait long?" "Talk" "You" Think

The voice that touched her ears to call them together to battle wasn't entirely expected, given his antisocial behavior in general, but not entirely unexpected either given the disappointing lack of blood in the siege that he'd so been looking forward to. Cascade grinned. It'd do old horn-head some good for him to get out there and meet - and beat on - his packmates.

She was actually looking forward to a good tussle herself, but as she trotted up to the group and she caught site of the byplay between Kyarst, Lysis, and young Mercy, her gaze hardened. Oh her smile didn't go away, if anything she was even more annoyingly chipper as she sauntered up to them. But her eyes lingered on the dark, green-eyed male for a long, evaluating moment before she moved to sit by Drashiel's little munchkins. Not so little anymore, the trio looked like they were more than ready to take on any of the adults. Cascade threw them an encouraging wink.

OOC: Pretend Angel is here.

Circling around the outside of the group Valentine ran a calculating gaze over those gathered. He was looking forward to seeing his wolves in action. The young ones in particular he'd be watching, although his eyes would rest heavily on the two Praesidios. Neither had been tested when they first joined--something he regretted not doing. Of course they struck him as capable, if they hadn't they wouldn't have been accepted, but he wanted to see it with his own eyes. Angelus strutted proudly along beside him until a playful shove sent him reeling towards the group. He wasn't escaping this so easily. Like his sister and the rest of the younglings, he'd be participating too. Valentine was eager to see his kids in action. Sadly Seraphim wasn't able to participate, but the Imperator was hoping for a swift recovery. Soon enough he'd be fighting fit and ready to show off his skills as well. ""

She was late and a fierce scowl twisted her muzzle as she flailed through the tall grass of the range toward the sound of the call. At this rate Angelus would not only get there before her but they'd have started without her too and what would Daddy think of her then? This was disgraceful, and it was all Seraphim's fault (sort of, kind of, a little bit... well, he'd just been sleeping but she'd been keeping him company and it was so warm and comfortable curled up next to him that she'd fallen asleep too, but she wouldn't admit that she'd been keeping him company of her own volition so it would clearly have to be all his fault) and it just wasn't fair... oh, but they hadn't started yet! Good, even if Angel had managed to get there first she wasn't in complete disgrace. She settled down beside Angelus in the group with a lady-like manner that said she hadn't been late at all and that she'd meant to show up precisely at this moment. ""

Hati's call went unheeded as the Thyre pups tangled in their own fight training, but Daegmar's barked orders drew an instant response from them as they all scrambled to obey. Her words drew a contemptuous (and purely mental) snort from the boy. Why should they watch fight training? They were already learning from the best warriors in the pack so what was the point in watching a bunch of inferiors sparring? Though maybe Mother wanted them to watch so they could see what was being done wrong. Whatever her reasons, Sabre wouldn't disobey or even think of expressing any distaste for her orders. Trotting along behind his mother in precise formation with his sisters they finally came to the group and split of, Mother going to sit by Hati and Raba frisking over to the Armada pups. Sabre joined her, sitting stiffly by Raba's side and seeking to ignore the Armadas. They weren't bad really, and they'd been trained by Mother so despite their inferior blood they were quite good in a fight... but they still weren't Thyres.

It didn't take long for the pack members to begin trickling in, but immediately Hati was starting to regret bothering to call them since the first snot nosed brat to wander in took an attitude with him that drew a feral snarl from his throat. Not a good idea to antagonize a Hati in a bad mood. Had the brat not immediately been joined by another - more pleasingly eager to fight - brat Hati may have actually lunged for the boy just for the pleasure of putting him in the dirt for his arrogance. As it was he seethed behind his mask as the so-called Medicus flounced away to find a seat before he found his voice to reply to the girl. "My thoughts exactly," he ground out. Eyeing the 'medicus' Hati muttered under his breath a very uncomplimentary assessment of the boy's sexual identity before casting his eyes over the new wolves. Two of them had introduced themselves and Hati grunted in return. Like he needed to know their names for this. 'You, you, and you' had worked just fine in the past. But they'd done the 'polite' thing so he bad-temperedly returned their introduction with an irritated, "You can call me Hati," fixing them all with a baleful stare before continuing, "or sir. Sir is better." Not that he actually wanted to be 'sir'd all the time but he did want to establish early that he was actually a Very Important Wolf and that they'd best start hopping when he said frog. He eyed Rhythm with some unease - she better not get all girly and ruin his fun with her womanishness. He had a feeling the alpha would get a bit pissy if Hati made her cry. That and sobbing women made him very, very uncomfortable. Daegmar's appearance was a relief. She was female, she could deal with any womanishness that reared its head. He sent her a savage grin that bared his fangs beneath the edge of his mask. "Oh, me too. Me very, very too." Though his grin faded into a grimace as the black coat of a certain female warrior made itself known. Oh great. Cascade and Rhythm both in the same group. Like he needed another annoyance. They were going to ruin this whole fight for him, weren't they? Well he knew who he wasn't pairing up, that was for sure. "All right, mongrels, listen up," he snarled out. "I'm not going to waste any time with any training shit right now. You should all know what you're doing so prove it. And if you don't know how to fight tough titties, figure it out." They could deal with extra training for any dumbasses who'd exaggerated their abilities later. "You - Armada Girl..." ok so he wasn't good with names, "with Valentine's Girlfriend. Daeg, take Armada Guy. Cascade with Purple Eyes, Sirius with Valentine's Daughter." As he spoke each 'name' he gestured to the wolf he meant: Lysis with Rhythm, Daegmar with Kyarst, Cascade with Mercy, Srius with Evangeline. "You three," he fixed a scowl on Atreides, Integra, and Angelus, "are going to do something new. All three of you, no teams. Everyone versus everyone." He passed a glance over to Valentine, and beneath the mask his dark grin returned. "That leaves me and you... sir." He drew out the 'sir' in a way that was less a direct insult and more of a MWAHAHAHAHA as he practically wiggled with glee that Valen had shown up and given him the opportunity not only to work out his frustrations on an opponent who could actually take it but to test himself against their alpha as well. He snapped his attention back to the group though, to snarl out, "Well what the fuck you waiting for, winter? Separate out and get your asses to work!" He himself quickly shed his mask before sending a suspicious glare over them. "And if anyone touches my mask they'll lose their ears." OOC: ok here's the dealio. The pairs are as follows in case you didn't catch it: Lysis vs Rhythm Daegmar vs Kyarst Cascade vs Mercy Sirius vs Evangeline Valentine vs Hati Atreides vs Integra vs Angelus. Because so many of us have multiple characters in this *sobs* and are going to be in a LOT of fights at once I'm not going to strictly enforce defaults, that's up to you guys if you want to or not, but the deadline to get all the fights STARTED is going to be Friday. Grab your own thread for each spar with the title "yourcharacter vs othercharacter" so it's easy to pick out. The training doesn't count towards skills, if you're interested in that, but the spars do so if you need some incentive to actually do them there you go! For the Trei/Inty/Angel fight: we are going to do it this way - two rounds with all three pups, we'll get it judged, the lowest scoring wolf will be dropped, and then one more round for the other two as if the fight had never stopped (so all injuries and attacks from the second round will carry over to the third round including any attacks made by the dropped character) but the lowest scored doesn't have to post an exit/reason for dropping out unless they really really want to. I don't really care if this is a complete free for all where one person bites the second person while kicking the third person, or if two people gang up on another one until the last round, or something in between. Whatever works out IC!