White River Canyon

Xairo rolled through the grass, the blades tickling his nose as he sprang back to his paws, shaking the dirt from his pelt. He narrowed his emerald eyes at Abyss, a growl rumbling low in his throat. Her mocking laughter echoed in his ears, stoking the competitive fire within him. He would not be outdone, especially not with Aresenn's watchful gaze burning into them.

Xairo began to circle Abyss, his steps slow and deliberate, his nails flexing against the earth with each step. He moved with careful calculation, his paws barely disturbing the grass as he circled his sister. In a flash, Xairo lunged, feigning left before pivoting right at the last second. But of course, all momentum was dropped when he heard his father’s command.

Xairo's heart raced as Aresenn's stern voice cut through the field, halting the sparring in an instant. He couldn't tell if his rapid pulse was from the thrill of the fight or the trepidation of facing his father's judgment. As he stood poised, chest heaving, he risked a glance at Aresenn. The Emir’s eyes were narrowed, his expression inscrutable.

Xairo swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. Had he impressed Aresenn with his tactics, or had his father seen through his feints and found him lacking? The uncertainty gnawed at him, even as he tried to maintain a façade of confidence.

As Aresenn barked out the command to switch roles, Xairo's stomach clenched. Now it was his turn to be the defender, to anticipate and counter Abyss' attacks with his eyes closed. He took a deep breath, trying to center himself as he moved into position. After a moment’s hesitation he closed his eyes as he shifted into the role of defender, his heart pounding against his ribs. The darkness behind his eyelids seemed to amplify every sound - the rustle of the grass, the distant cries of birds, and the soft breathing of his siblings around him. He strained his ears, trying to pinpoint Abyss' location, but she moved with a silent grace that made her nearly impossible to detect.

"Xairo Saxe"