hey kids, want some skill points?

Hazel listened carefully as each of the yearlings took their turn. Talking about what had gone well, talking about what hadn't. Dread went first, and it seemed that his analysis was cursory at best. Hazel thought for a long moment about his words, considering each of them. The things that he was taking into consideration for himself were a good start, and she supposed that in-depth analysis would take more practice. That was okay, at least he was thinking. "Dread and Charlie, you both bring up good points about learning how to fight someone or something smaller than you. It's important that you're sparring against all sorts of opponents of different sizes and different strengths. Learning how they move, and how you need to move around them, will get easier with time and experience." Hazel nodded softly, allowing them to continue on.

Charlie had an additional concern. Facing multiple opponents was something she wouldn't recommend until he was stronger, more experienced, but it was also important that he get an answer to his question. "Potentially taking on more than one opponent at once can make things complicated. You need to make an assessment in the moment-- where is the biggest threat coming from. After you make your choice, everything you do after that needs to be as decisive as possible. It's tough, but if you commit as hard as you can to neutralizing the biggest threat first, you stand a better chance of making it out on top." Or making it out alive. Hazel wouldn't bring that into it, but her tone of voice offers some clarity on the situation, for anyone who could read between the lines. She remains serious through it, at least.

Andy talks about a fight against a bear. Hazel considers for a moment, though it seems the girl has sagged some, over admitting her shortcomings. "Striking a balance can be hard, but that's why we practice. If you're able to reflect on the things you didn't do as well, then you can focus on that the next time you spar, the next time you fight." Her tone is kind, without its usual edge. She doesn't want the girl's confidence shaken-- Hazel doesn't want any of their confidence shaken. "Reflection helps us learn, reflection helps us grow. It helps us learn where we need to practice more, and where we can help others."

Hazel takes a breath before continuing. "Helping your packmates reflect is important, too. I want to give you guys the floor, if you have any feedback for your peers, or any advice to offer them when it comes to the things they think they didn't do as well. I know that you were going to anyway, but keep it constructive." The girl had spoken her piece, and now she'd give the yearlings the reins. Ready to step in if anyone said something truly off base, but it seemed like this was a smart cohort that could handle a discussion like this.

"Speech"