Dying Embers

His smile widened into a grin. "Maybe next time I will give you a better workout. I underestimated how much work I needed." He rolled his shoulders experimentally, and winced at the tenderness. It wouldn't quite bruise, thanks to the relatively soft footing the sand provided, but it was certainly not going to be comfortable for a bit. At least he could breath without wheezing now. A few more minutes and maybe the ache in the top of his skull would go away!

At her question, Red turned his attention to the alpha, sweeping his eyes thoughtfully over her. "Well, you're not going to be taller than a lot of your opponents, so assuming you don't allow yourself to be flipped," he grinned with good-natured humor as he gestured to the Red-sized crater in the sand, "I do not think you'll need armor to protect your throatlatch or belly. The sides of your throat may be at risk, but most often I believe you're likely to face opponents who will aim for your sides - at the throat, or your flanks - or from above, like I did. The back of your neck or your spine. Or your eyes maybe. Between that and the risk your hair poses, I'd suggest a helmet, or a crinet. Maybe something that drapes over your back and flanks, but that would restrict movement and your strength is in your speed. As for material..." He tilted his head thoughtfully, his eyes going unfocused as he considered. "Easiest would be leather. Boiled leather is tough and can be shaped to your body to be more comfortable and efficient. Ancient humans used to use metal, but working metal from scratch just isn't possible for us I'm afraid. Unless you find something humans left behind, I think your best choice will be leather."