The Warlord wished to check in with the pack Apprentices. To see how far their studies were going, where they might need some assistance, and who was ready to move up in ranks. It was something that had been put off with the flooding, but pack supplies were adjusting well thanks to contributions from their allies, and the hard work of the pack.

He was starting to have some time once more to go through the necessities of the pack that didn’t just keep them alive. Making his way to the bottom of the Col, he raised his head and called out for any of the apprentices that might be in the area.


"Speech"

Hanmel heard that familiar calling. The vibrations of it carried over the winds and t'wards her very location. Lately, she'd been using her new weapon as a mere cutting tool. Occasionally using rocks to ensure the sharpening of the blade remained up to par for future endeavors. So when Sirius sent out his beckoning, her paws set off into motion. Running over the stoned ground. Snow crunching beneath her.

It took no time to reach him. A smile shadowed over her face as she bowed. "You rang?"

"Speech"

Spider hears Sirius’ call from the treehouse, and they shoot up straight form where they’ve been practicing in their room, tail thumping an excitable rhythm. they sheath their dagger, all thoughts of combat moves and spar techniques disappearing from their mind. since Sirius’ acceptance of them into the Amarda, they’ve long looked up to the imposing man, often watching him pass by with a wide-eyed, awe-struck expression. stifling a yawn, (another sleepless night, but what else is new), they all but stumble out of the treehouse in their haste, throwing a brief “bye Mum, bye Dad!” carelessly over their shoulder. it takes them a while, however, to re-enter the Col; they stand dithering in its entrance, trying to calm their pounding heart. water’s gone…water’s gone…water’s gone… when they finally join Sirius, it’s with a firmly neutral expression, mouth set in a thin line as they try to keep their fear hidden away. what will Sirius think, after all, if he finds out they’re scared of water? he won’t make them a warrior, that’s for sure! “hiya, Seer!” they chirp, hoping to affect their usual bounciness. their gaze flickers to the strange wolf at his side, and their face does a complicated series of movement. who is she? is she going to be a warrior, too? does Sirius like her better than them?? after a moment’s hesitation, they settle on a neutral, “hi. i’m Spider.” very mature, indeed. "Speech"

The Warlord was surprised when Hanmel appeared, she was still very new to the pack, and he wasn’t prepared yet to assess her for a higher rank. But he would not fault her initiative in appearing, so he nodded his head politely to her in greeting. The next wolf to appear was the one that his grandson and General had taken in and claimed as their own. He nodded his head to them as well.

He waited a moment to see if any other wolves would arrive, but when it was clear that it would just be the two of them, he began. “I wish to assess your studies - Hanmel, you are still very new, and have a little way to go before you’ll progress in the pack. But if there are any resources you need to help you learn, let me know” He said to her, before turning his attention to Spider. “Bas and Hazel tell me you are learning both to hunt and fight, and you are doing well in both. You’ll reach a point soon where you will need to pick a path between the two of these specialties. Do you know which you will choose?”


"Speech"

"I only came to watch. But, since there are two of us. I could watch and take notes. Maybe even learn a few new moves? Nothing wrong with a few spar scars." Hanmel wasn't scared of the consequences of arriving here. She had no clue that this was for wolves who wanted to gain rank and currently, she didn't have any sort of skills. Hunting being one of them. Enjoying the rush and navigation of finding prey. Stalking them. It wasn't about the slaughter. More so the adrenaline that would pump through her veins.

Gaze drifted from Sirius to the other who'd come onto the training ground. A brow raised at their sets of eyes. One moving and the other... staring. It took a lot for Mel not to rudely open her mouth and question the young one on what was happening to his face. Something told her that Seer, as the black wolf had called him, would not appreciate such actions. "I'm Hanmel."

"Speech"

assess their studies? Spider fidgets with excitement, pleased to have the Warlord’s attention. they’re surprised  to find the other wolf in attendance is an apprentice themselves, but the knowledge allows them to relax in her presence. not a threat, then. just a fellow apprentice looking to observe. “nice to meet you.” their thoughts have been circling their future for quite some time; in fact, they’d intended to come find Sirius themselves to express their desired pathway. this just speeds things up a little. “yes!” they blurt out - then flush and try to answer more calmly. “yes, i have.” meeting Sirius’ eyes, they take a breath and try to keep their voice even. “i’d like to be a warrior.” "Speech"

Sirius inclined his head to Hanmel, smiling at the other wolf. “It’s good to see the initiative” He said, her eagerness to participate would be remembered. If she continued to do it, she would go far. As for Spider… “Warriors are highly valued within the pack. With Hazel and Basilisk vouching for you, you may challenge for the rank of warrior now, if you wish.”

Spider was still very young, but the Warlord was curious to see what they would choose to do. They were also very close to their first birthday, and if they chose to challenge for the rank and lost but proved themselves, he would grant them the rank of Warrior when they reached their first year of age.


"Speech"

Her tail wagged in appreciation of his acknowledgment. Hanmel was indeed putting forth so the initiative she could. Just to show Seer that she wasn’t lying when she’d asked to be his apprentice. Though there were faults in her stars that crafted her personality, she didn’t let that get in the way of wanting to be the best in life. To make her parents proud. Even if they could not see the hard work she was putting herself through.

Falling silent to allow herself to pay close attention. Mel gave a nod t’wards the young pup’s excitement. Would there be a spar today?? Between the two and their different sizes, it wouldn’t shock her if Sirius gave the little one a small amount of slack. But, could that even be considered fair on their end?
"Speech"

Spider practically trembles with anticipation as Sirius' words slowly sink in, so wonderful they almost seem too good to be true. they could become a warrior today? a momentary flush comes over them, a self-consciousness they rarely entertain. are they really ready? yes, comes the answering voice immediately. yes, i'm ready. "i'd like that," they profess, ever polite to the Armada's alpha. it's a mark of their respect, of their admiration. "i will challenge for the rank today, if you'll allow it." then, unable to resist, they flick a glance Hanmel's way and flash a cheeky smile that is all teeth. "will you cheer me on, Hanmel?" apprentices had to stick together, after all. unsheathing their blade, they steady themselves and begin to shift into a defensive position, meeting Sirius' gaze again. they lift their chin and give a shallow nod, hoping to convey a mere two words. i'm ready. "Speech"

The Warlord watched the young wolf, assessing how they responded to the option of a challenge. Even this was a test, and he was pleased to see how eager and ready the young Fatalis was. Basilisk and Hazel had chosen well with Spider. "Then we will begin"

He moved a short distance away from the Obelisk, giving them a more open field to work with before he turned to Spider. The younger wolf unsheathed their dagger, and Seer gave the appropriate twist of his wrist to release the blade held in the hidden mechanism in his bracer. He winked at Spider as he showed them their own weapon. Usually held in reserve to surprise his opponent. But Seer already had all the advantages here, there was no need to hold another.

When Spider nodded, the Warlord approached. Slowly and steady as he closed the gap between them. He was curious to see what Spider would do, and he moved to smack his larger paw across their shoulder.


Sirius vs Spider (Araneae) for Spar
Round 1/?
Age: Over one
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Front leg bracers with knife
Defensive Battle Accessory: Back leg bracers
Companion 1: Black Vulture, Male - Battle - Boosted
Companion 2: Snow Leopard, Female - Battle - Boosted
*Companion 3: Spectacled bear, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Cat claws - Offensive
Mutation 2: Fangs - Offensive
Mutation 3: Thicker fur - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Bloodletter

"Speech"

Spider's mouth falls open in a little moue of surprise as the Warlord reveals his blade, something like envy and admiration flashing across their face. Sirius is just so goddamn cool. a thrill runs down their spine, paw pads prickling with anticipation. they tense as Sirius approaches, the fur lifting along their spine and claws sinking into the earth to ground themselves. and then, it begins. Sirius aims for their shoulder, and Spider ducks, utilising their smaller size to sweep beneath the blow and roll out of the way. the Warlord still manages to nick their fur, but it's a tiny hurt, and it only spurs Spider back to their feet with their blade brandished defensively in front of them. brow furrowing with determination, they charge forward and attempt to slip beneath Sirius' defences, hoping to duck beneath his vulnerable underbelly and slide their blade along the soft fur there - not aiming to cut, of course, just a faint suggestion of pressure. Spider (Araneae) vs Sirius for Spar Round 1/2 Age: under 1 year Size: Extra small Build: Light Offensive Battle Accessory: Small dagger engraved w/ "Spider Fatalis" Skills: Advanced Hunter & Advanced Fighter "Speech"

He expected Spider to use agility to their advantage, and he hadn’t put much momentum behind his swing. Certainly not enough to affect his own balance. He was testing their response time and their reactions. Spider rolled out of the way of the blow, avoiding the majority of it with the quick manoeuvre.

Accustomed to little wolves attempting to move under him (and still weary after the one time a wolf had tried to castrate him) He sat down on his hunches when Spider made to go under him. Taking away the vulnerability of his underside. He moved his forelegs towards himself in a sweeping gesture, hoping to catch Spider as they likely raced to avoid him.


Sirius vs Spider (Araneae) for Spar
Round 2/2
Age: Over one
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Front leg bracers with knife
Defensive Battle Accessory: Back leg bracers
Companion 1: Black Vulture, Male - Battle - Boosted
Companion 2: Snow Leopard, Female - Battle - Boosted
*Companion 3: Spectacled bear, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Cat claws - Offensive
Mutation 2: Fangs - Offensive
Mutation 3: Thicker fur - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Bloodletter

"Speech"

Spider comes to an abrupt halt as Sirius sits down, paws skidding on the ground as they aim to swerve last minute. they brush against the Warlord’s outstretched arms, just managing to avoid capture by throwing their weight to the side - though it is still likely Sirius is able to grab them should he be quick enough. provided Spider remains free, they’d take advantage of their new angle by rushing Sirius’ flank, hoping to catch him off-guard with the swiftness of their recovery time. they certainly don’t have the advantage of skill or size on their side in this one; their best bet is to try and overwhelm their opponent with the speed and unpredictability of their moves. Spider (Araneae) vs Sirius for Spar Round 2/2 Age: under 1 year Size: Extra small Build: Light Offensive Battle Accessory: Small dagger engraved w/ "Spider Fatalis" Skills: Advanced Hunter & Advanced Fighter "Speech"

And the winner is...

Sirius

Araneae must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: Sirius : Attack Roll: 24 Defense Roll: 56 Agility Roll: 26 Perception Roll: 29 Total: 135 Attack[24] + 115% Bonus[27.60]: 51.60 Defense[56] + 20% Bonus[11.20]: 67.20 Agility[26] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 26.00 Perception[29] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 29.00 Total[173.80] + 40% Bonus[69.52]: 243.32 Araneae : Attack Roll: 45 Defense Roll: 68 Agility Roll: 53 Perception Roll: 39 Total: 205 Attack[45] + 25% Bonus[11.25]: 56.25 Defense[68] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 68.00 Agility[53] + 15% Bonus[7.95]: 60.95 Perception[39] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 39.00 Total[224.20] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 224.20

Spider displayed tenacity, speed and cunning as they fought. But the experienced Warlord came out of the battle victorious. As he took a step back, releasing Spider and ending the fight, he nodded his head to them. “You fought well, Spider.” He said, feeling that despite the age and size difference, Spider stood well against their opponent. It wasn’t unexpected that they had lost, but they had proven themselves to Sirius.

“The rank of Warrior is yours, Spider. You will be expected to patrol the borders, train on the regular, and attend any warrior related meetings.” He said as he bestowed the rank on the still young child. But they had proven themselves, through their determination to learn.


"Speech"

Spider pants as they clamber to their feet, smiling despite the exertion. never had they fought an opponent so skilled and experienced; it had truly been inspiring to witness. “r-really?!” they exclaim, eyes going round at the praise. the Armada’s resident Warlord thought they had fought well? “thank you, sir!” his next words, though, fill them from toe to ear tip with joy. a broad grin breaks out across their face, so wide it makes their cheeks hurt. they’ve done it! they’ve become a warrior! they nod along solemnly as Sirius lists their new duties, determination settling across their shoulders like a cloak. they’ll patrol constantly, train day and night to hone their skills, prove over and over that Sirius had made the right choice. “thank you,” they say again, a quiet reverence in their voice. “i’ll do my best - promise.” "Speech"