Footwork! [Audra]

His lips twitched in a faint grin at the audible groan, recognizing the playful theatrics behind the noise. He elected to wear a mock-stern expression as she came out, though his deep sapphire eyes twinkled in veiled amusement as he rose and nodded toward the arched mouth of the cave, leading the way back out into the chill winter air with a lazy flag of his tail.

“Out here. The sand’s soft and good footing, and there’s water right next to us to hydrate after a good workout.”

He padded down the three steps and made his way to stand in the center of the wide area just outside the cave opening, standing ready for her as the spring’s trickling melodies filled the air. Once she’d taken a spot before him, indicated to with a nod of his chin, he grinned.

“Now, we’re going to start with your foundation. A lower center of gravity means you’re harder to flip. A slight crouch, at your hocks and elbows, can anchor you against someone trying to push you over, especially if they’re the same size or smaller than you—and believe me, you are not the smallest wolf I know.”

He demonstrated, relaxing into a slight crouch, legs bending slightly at the hocks and elbows.

“Even an air of confidence can ward off an aggressor. Flag your tail, lift your hackles. Look mean and tough if you can. If you can scare off someone or something aggressive by acting vicious as a badger or wolverine, you need not come to physical blows.”

He abruptly stood tall, features flashing into a snarl, tail flicking high as he let his fur puff out where it wasn’t covered by his armor.

Then he relaxed once more into his usual genuine kindness, tail fanning the air as he continued, “But should they not be fooled, your small size means you’re agile. If anything, think of it as a dance. You watch the other’s eyes and body and read their intent, and move accordingly. Dodging, ducking, leaping away. If you have no one to protect but yourself, you need only dance long enough for an opening to escape. Entice your aggressor into moving with you if you’re cornered, until they leave an avenue of escape open. Then bolt.”

He again demonstrated, moving lightly on his paws, like a horse cutting a cow, ducking with a low swoop of his front end – a move that had saved his hide more than he liked to admit he’d needed against bears – stringing each move into a fluid sequence until he stepped back and rose back into his stance, head cocking as he regarded her thoughtfully.

“Luckily, bears tend to be stupid – the feral ones, at least. They don’t plan out their attacks and usually swipe and slap with their paws.”

Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think