Happenstance

“No, son, like this.” His voice was a little sharper than he intended it to be, but only because he held Ludovic to higher expectation. Aresenn held himself with a squared stance, making an exaggerated display of placing his paws where they were spread slightly wider than his shoulders to show their importance. “Shoulders-width apart,” Aresenn repeated, emphasizing the crucial detail. “If your base is too narrow, you'll be unsteady and easily knocked off balance. Your opponent will take advantage of that weakness.” He spoke with authority, hoping his words were sinking in to the young boy's mind. “But if your base is too wide, you become a larger target and your reflexes slow down. It becomes difficult to control your own movements." Aresenn shifted his paws further apart to demonstrate the awkwardness of an overly-wide stance. The lesson on balance was important for any fighter, and Aresenn wanted his son to understand its significance.

"Understand?" he queried, eyes a fiery orange as they met Ludo's gaze. There was a harshness in his stare—an icy reality he wished for his son to grasp. Balance wasn't just a fighting technique; it was a way of life across the board. But it was a fundamental skill when fighting, and he would ensure that his kid was fully prepared to deal with the first Khalif trial coming up.

"Aresenn Praetor"