it’s offical; the Viking boy is an early riser. he’s tried to sleep in, to ignore the golden rays of the sun beckoning from the den entrance, but it’s proved a futile endeavour. it’s like this: the sun’s up, so he’s up, and this morning is no different. clambering over his sleeping siblings, the boy pauses in his exit to cast a careful eye over each body, making sure everyone is there and accounted for. once he’s satisfied (after counting thrice, mind you), he makes his way out into the open air, relishing the wind as it ruffles through his fur. he loves his home best in the early hours, covets the golden stone and snow-capped splendour of the mountain, feels the thrill of it deep in his bones. alone and content in the knowledge that his family is safe, he begins to work through a series of sparring moves, aiming blows at imaginary opponents, ducking and weaving as though defending against a slew of attackers. it’s become somewhat of a routine for him, to spend this time with himself every morning, honing his skills. it’s a comfort to him - the knowledge that if anyone comes for his family, if anyone tries to invade his home, he’ll be ready.

WC: 210/1500  

Soundly asleep one more and the next, the rising sun is in her face. An open den door left ajar on accident from their early rising father has Lumine squinting and letting out disappointed grumbles. Attempting to roll over and get comfortable, her paws digging into Bjorn's back, the sudden removal of warmth from nearby has her eyes actually opening. Who had left? Their mother's large frame still cradled around them, but from that open doorway, she can see Stymir standing there, eyes raking over them several times. Where did he think he was going?

Wanting to not necessarily stick her nose in her brother's business, she also doesn't want to miss out on an opportunity of fun. Wriggling her way out from under Hall and Runa with one last kick to Bjorn's butt for good measure, Lumine does a biiiiig long stretch. Giving her coat a good shake, she greets the morning sun with a smile and half-closed eyes. Allowing those golden rays to warm up her still sleepy body, she soaks it in for a moment before following Styrmir's scent.

He's not far off and from a distance away, she can see he's doing something... Her brow furrows, lips pursing, she doesn't stop until she's at the edge of his imaginary dojo circle. "Ahem, what is it that you are doing?" Lumine directs her question as her brother who to her appears to be dancing, but she knows that's definitely not it.

word count: 244
total count: 454/1500

his sister’s voice pulls him from his revelry, and Styrmir tumbles to a rather clumsy pause as he turns to find Lumine watching. there’s a quizzical furrow to her brow that speaks to her confusion, and the boy is momentarily caught up in a barrage of conflicting emotions. sheepish wars with amusement wars with pride. after a heartbeat, pride wins out, and Styrmir lifts his chin as he crosses the space between them. he’s been training to protect his pack, after all - nothing to be ashamed of, even if the moves might’ve lacked the finesse of their parents. “training,” he informs his sister, shrugging a single shoulder. “gotta be prepared in case someone attacks us.” all casual like, as if he doesn’t wake up in a cold sweat from nightmares of that very scenario, watching helplessly from the sidelines while his siblings are torn to shreds.

ignoring the thought, he tilts his head and studies his sister in contemplative silence. “would you like to join me?” he inquires politely. his sister will definitely provide a fun challenge, and it’ll only make him feel better to know his siblings can defend themselves. in fact, he’s rather pleased Lumine has interrupted his morning session; he needs more actual fighting experience. “we could spar and see who wins. loser…has to do the other’s chores for a week.” although the practise is enough of a motivator for Styrmir, real stakes…couldn’t hurt either.

and, in all honesty, he really doesn’t like making his bed.

Styrmir vs Lumine for Spar
Round 0/2
Age: under 6 months
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Heavy
Mutation 1: Thick skin - Defensive
Skills: Beginner Hunter & Beginner Fighter

WC: 250
Total: 704/1500

Lumine stands there, facing her brother. Her chest puffed up, proud and confident in her ways. She is elegant, beauty, everything that any other girl would hope to be, and not only that, she's strong too. Plenty of times, she leaves Bjorn or Steig or even Runa squirming beneath her, begging to be let up. Stymir is no different. Her brothers and sister are treated equally and she's ready to pummel them all. To prove she is the strongest even though she's the smallest out of a litter full of dires would make her proud and surely their parents too. Right? Yet, she's... impressed that Stymir spends so much time training, creating a finesse that none of the others have. Maybe she'll ask him for some tips or training some time. Asking for help didn't make them weak, no. It would only make them stronger in the long run.

Only having to tilt her chin up slightly as he approaches, she smiles at her brother, tail wagging softly. "You think papa is not prepared enough?" Lumine questions, a pale brow lifting as her smile turns into a smirk. Ah, Styrmir, so easy to tease him. Always worried, always on guard, trying to be prepared for the next imaginary raid. Didn't he know they were the ones who went raiding, not the other way around? Before she could poke him any further, he offers her to join him. This causes her tail to wag even faster, a happy motion as she nods softly - she had to be composed at all times, always. One day, she would be Queen of all the lands and no rightful queen acted silly or ridiculous! She wouldn't turn down a challenge though! Lumine can't help but smirk, being around her siblings always brought out her playful side.

Sliding into a defensive position, she steadies her body by spreading her paws slightly, toes digging into the soft dirt beneath her. Raising her tail to level with her back, she lowers her head to about the same. Folding back her ears and bunching up her neck, she knows she's ready for what Stymir would bring to this battle. "Get ready to be doing my chores," Lumine taunts before pouncing into action whether Stymir was ready or not. Aiming to leap up and wrap her legs around his shoulders, she turns her head and aims to grab ahold of his scruff with her sharp teeth. Just a little sisterly tug so he could get distracted enough and she'd be able to wrestle him to the ground! That's the hope!

Lumine vs Styrmir for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: Under 6 mo
Size: Extra large
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Candy Cane Claws
Defensive Battle Accessory: Santa Coat
Companion 1: Mini Reindeer, Male - battle
Companion 2: Mini Reindeer, Male - battle
Mutation 1: Enhanced Eyesight - Perception
Skills: Beginner Fighter & Beginner Navigator

wc: 430
total: 1134/1500

Styrmir knows his sister is teasing, but a part of him twists with guilt at the mention of Papa. it isn’t that he doesn’t trust him; quite the contrary, the Viking boy idolises his father’s strength and skill. but he can’t help worrying about the future. what if something were to happen to Papa? what if something prevented him from protecting him? their family would as much backup as it could get. and though Lumine is no damsel in distress, he still looks at her and feels faintly sick at the thought of something happening to her. happening to any of them.

“i think Papa could use some extra muscle at his side,” the boy says finally, smiling to bely the tightening of anxiety in his stomach. he doesn’t want her to realise how seriously he takes this kind of thing. let his sister think him overzealous; he’d do the fretting so she could enjoy her youth. he’d watch over them all, and his littermates could grow up strong and healthy and carefree, ready to take on the world. speaking of which…

Styrmir tenses as his sister slips into a defensive pose, mimicking her stance as he prepares for their spar. head ducked to protect his throat, ensuring his weight is evenly balanced on each foot, tail splayed behind him but raised out of the way. Lumine rushes him, and he braces for impact, claws sinking into the earth as her paws come up around his shoulders. still, despite his best efforts, his sister’s attack sends him stumbling a few feet backward, feet skidding across the ground as her full weight bares down on him. the distraction is effective, and she is able to sink her teeth into his scruff with minimal resistance - but Styrmir twists his head at the last moment, so her grip isn’t as restrictive as intended and also allows him, thankfully, to remain standing. as such he has enough slack to snap his head around and aim for her ear, teeth gnashing as he grapples for purchase. it is his hope that, should be successful, his hold will weaken Lumi’s grip on him and allow him to unbalance her. this way he miiiight stand a better chance of slipping free. hopefully.

Styrmir vs Lumine for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: under 6 months
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Heavy
Mutation 1: Thick skin - Defensive
Skills: Beginner Hunter & Beginner Fighter

WC: 376
Total: 1510/1500

As Styrmir goes skidding backward, Lumine follows. Pushing at her brother, unrelenting in her attack. With her teeth in his scruff, she doesn't hang on as tightly as she could. He is her brother after all and surely injuring him greatly would land her in some sort of trouble. Since all of her focus is on her own attack and remaining balanced, she is surprised when his teeth grasp at her ear. A little whine leaves her as his sharp teeth pierce the delicate skin of her ear, but she doesn't give up. Shoving her shoulder forward, releasing a growl as she does to help boost her confidence, Lumine refuses to let go of his scruff. If she was going down, so would he!

Lumine vs Styrmir for Spar
Round 2/2
Age: Under 6 mo
Size: Extra large
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Candy Cane Claws
Defensive Battle Accessory: Santa Coat
Companion 1: Mini Reindeer, Male - battle
Companion 2: Mini Reindeer, Male - battle
Mutation 1: Enhanced Eyesight - Perception
Skills: Beginner Fighter & Beginner Navigator

Lumine holds fast, and Styrmir is beginning to lose hope that he'll manage to shake her off. her teeth are like pincers, holding him in a vice-like grip. Styrmir gives a few rough shakes of his head, trying to dislodge her, but he loses his balance when she throws her shoulder forward. slipping, he tumbles forward with his sister's ear still between his teeth, attempting to pull her down with him so that it might level the playing field. regardless, he's tumbling onto his ass one way or another. real smooth going. he's gotta had it to Lumi; the girl is impressively stubborn.

Styrmir vs Lumine for Spar
Round 2/2
Age: under 6 months
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Heavy
Mutation 1: Thick skin - Defensive
Skills: Beginner Hunter & Beginner Fighter

And the winner is...

Styrmir

Lumine must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: Styrmir: Attack Roll: 8 Defense Roll: 91 Agility Roll: 51 Perception Roll: 58 Total: 208 Attack[8] + 10% Bonus[0.80]: 8.80 Defense[91] + 15% Bonus[13.65]: 104.65 Agility[51] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 51.00 Perception[58] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 58.00 Total[222.45] + -30% Bonus[-66.73]: 155.71 Lumine : Attack Roll: 26 Defense Roll: 31 Agility Roll: 13 Perception Roll: 45 Total: 115 Attack[26] + 35% Bonus[9.10]: 35.10 Defense[31] + 15% Bonus[4.65]: 35.65 Agility[13] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 13.00 Perception[45] + 10% Bonus[4.50]: 49.50 Total[133.25] + -30% Bonus[-39.98]: 93.28