Sharpening Swords Into... Swords [WARRIOR MEETING]

Harbringr listened with rapt attention as the wolves of Ashen spoke their minds. Gimli answered first, stating that he wished to learn about fighting bigger opponents. Hari nodded. That would certainly be helpful for the smaller wolf and they could focus on targets that were advantageous for a wolf of his size. Hari knew a little about that, being one of the shorter Kleins but it was a whole different ratio for Gimli. "Excellent, thank you, Gimli. I will think this over and discuss it with our other shorter members. I think a focus on key targets for a shorter wolf would be advantageous."

Plague was the next to speak, stating that he had an interest in learning to fight on adverse terrain and to gain more knowledge of defense. Harbringr nodded. Both were good items to learn. Harbringr was working on exploring more of the region and he planned now to scout with battle in mind. What would the warriors of Ashen need to know in order to take full advantage of the region in which they lived. Plague also was interested in a mentor. He took note. It would be good to get the pups apprenticed, though of course he would check that his assignments were good with the Empress. "Thank you, Plague. I will use this summer to explore the various terrains around our new home and plan on calling us together in autumn for training on terrain."

Harbringr chuckled as Pesto voiced her wishes and he nodded eagerly. "Yes, I agree. Honor has its place, but you can't guarantee it in an opponent and I think it's far more important for you to end a battle as quickly and efficiently as possible." The fewer injuries sustained the better and he knew there were vulgar beasts out there that would rape, maim and kill a young princess. He'd much rather the Ashen pups know how to castrate someone than standard rules of engagement. She also wished for a mentor and that didn't surprise him. Back when he was just a Samurai he'd agreed to help instruct her. Might as well make it official as he certainly wasn't going to back track now.

Venom spoke next, her request simple and he grinned at his niece. "Warriors of every skill level must lose some time but I agree, we'd like to minimize that risk as much as possible." And it wouldn't hurt to learn how to lose gracefully in the case of a spar and how to get the hell out in a more serious fight. Survival was paramount and sometimes it was necessary to run. Again, honor had its place but Harbringr valued survival above all else. He was a survivor of the great drought, how could it be an other way?

The pups were the most vocal but Hela also weighed in. She was interested in tactics and strategy and offered to mentor one of the pups. He nodded. "Thank you Hela. I will take you up on that."

"Pestilence, as we have already discussed training, I wish to take you on as my apprentice officially. Plague, you will be assigned to Hela. Train well and know that just because you have been assigned a mentor does not mean you are limited to training only with them. Your mentor will notify me or Deathbelle when they feel it is time for you to be ranked a Soldier. Also, I want the warriors of Ashen to know that I plan to make myself available for lessons. You have but to ask."

He gazed out at the crowd. "If there are those of you that wish to take up the warriors path but have not yet requested a mentor feel free to let me know, otherwise I will assume that you have another main focus of study. In that case please speak to the Empress about finding a mentor in your chose field if you don't have one already." His focus was on fighting and he did not know if he had the ability to assign mentors to the other fields so he left it at that.

"Now, I will assign you each a sparring partner. I want to get a better idea of everyone's skill level. Hela, you will battle Plague. This will be a good time to assess your new apprentice.

Gimli you will fight Pestilence. Let's see what you already know about fighting a taller opponent. Pestilence I look forward to seeing you battle and I will take notes on what we can work on."

He looked around again, trying to decide how best to pair everyone up. He would not be participating in the spars as he wished to observe the others in battle. "Toxicity, you will fight Gadreel." The might be different sizes and builds but he felt it would be an interesting match for the duo. He was eager to see how they did. "Venom, I'd like you to try against Recluse." She could learn from fighting a more advanced warrior and it would be a good experience for Recluse to fight someone with such a mix of mutations.

He grinned as he turned to Deathbelle and Hannibal. Ah yes, he wanted to see this match up. "That leaves Deathbelle versus Hannibal. I'm excited to see this match up."

He turned again to address the crowd. "I'd like each match to go one after the other. I know this makes for a longer meeting but I need to know where were are at. I encourage you all to watch and observe the matches. Watch, learn and we shall excel and grow together. Hela, Plague, please start us off." Harbringr moved out of the way and near a clearing where the matches would take place.