Aresenn listened intently as each member of the pack shared their insights and perspectives on the topic at hand. He nodded in acknowledgment of each contribution, noting the variety of perspectives and experiences represented within their group. As the last wolf spoke, he took a moment to let the collective wisdom sink in before offering his response. "Thank you all for your valuable contributions,” Aresenn began, his voice carrying a note of stoic appreciation for their active participation. "You've raised important points about the diverse challenges we may face in battle, from the presence of companions and specialized weaponry to the advantage of knowing our adversaries' territories and strategies.” He paused, allowing a moment for his words to settle before continuing. "Now, let's delve deeper into the concept of target allocation. It's not just about identifying threats but also about prioritizing them effectively. In any given situation, we must assess which targets pose the greatest immediate danger to the group and focus our efforts accordingly.”

Aresenn's gaze swept over the assembled wolves, his amber eyes holding a determined intensity. "When we engage in battle, it's crucial that we work together as a unified force. Each of you brings unique strengths to the table, whether it's strength, speed, agility, or tactical insight. By understanding and leveraging these strengths, we can maximize our effectiveness on the battlefield.” He took a moment to let his words sink in before concluding, "Remember, our ultimate goal is not just to survive but to emerge victorious. And that requires careful planning, coordination, and adaptability in the face of adversity. So let's continue to hone our skills and strategies, so that we may face whatever challenges lie ahead with confidence and determination.” With that, Aresenn fell silent for several moments, allowing his words to linger in the air as the band absorbed the lesson he had imparted. He knew that their journey would be fraught with peril, but he also had faith in their ability to overcome any obstacle as long as they stood together as a united front.

Once satisfied he found something that resembled understanding or acceptance in each and everyone's gazes, Aresenn cleared his throat before continuing on to the next matter. Time for the practical application. "With that being said, talking the talk is all fine and dandy. It means nothing if we can't back it up.” He rumbled, adopting a more challenging tone to his voice. "We will divide into two teams. The first will be Absinth, Rhazien, Yarrabelle, and Cifarelli lead by Kaino.” There was a reason he placed Rhazien on the same team as Absinth, to prevent him from having the opportunity to target her. If he wanted to fight one of them, let it be himself. Aresenn wouldn't mind fighting the Sultan's uncle. He allowed his amber gaze to linger on the older Saxe brute for a fraction of a second longer before moving on to the remaining group. "The second will be myself, Aurelia, Elysia, Sol, and Khonsu lead by Ezekiel. You all will have five minutes to devise a strategy- I suggest you use your time wisely- and then we will brawl. Whichever team has the most victories earns bragging rights.” With one final sweeping glance among those who gathered, he offered a stiff nod before casually moving to the side where his teammates were gathering on.

"Aresenn Praetor"

A grin flashed as Kai was chosen for team captain. Aww, Aresenn... he shouldn't have. The lavender woman wasted no time in pulling her team aside, getting everyone into a nice little huddle. "Though you're welcome to share your views on things..." Kai's gaze move to Absinth. "I've seen you fight. I believe you would be best against Aresenn." Her gaze next moved to Rhazien and Kai beamed at her favorite uncle. "Would you be so kind as to take on the heads?" She then looked to Cifarelli. "Cifa take Zeke aaaand Yara take Ely." The woman's thick, bobbed tail lashed back and forth as much as a bobbed tail could. "I'll take Aurelia." Her head tilted this way and that. "Thoughts, concerns, tips, tricks, last words?"


"Speech"

Elysia sat attentively at her brother's side as Aresenn continued their lesson. She didn’t mind listening to him talk. Especially when it was about battle and battle strategy. She loved to learn new tricks as it was. So to have him willingly teach them to the group was a benefit. Especially if she got to practice these moves later on.

Everything she learned off him was beneficial in one way or another. And she wasn’t about to let it go to waste. So she drank in everything. Taking mental notes each time he held a lesson. She was determined to make her fighting prowess stronger so she could challenge him to a rematch.

Her brain paused as she realized what he’d said. He wanted them to fight in groups of two. To put the lessons they’d attended to practice. To see how well they were listening. And she perked up immediately. This was perfect. She glanced around at her companions. Wondering who would be with who.

It was thrilling to imagine who she could be fighting against. And as Aresenn began listing off the names of team one she found herself eyeing them each as he spoke. Taking mental note of who wasn’t called, as they’d be her team.


When Aresenn was done he moved toward their team and she followed suit. Her brother was her team leader. And she gave him an encouraging smile. He could do this. He just had to analyze the other team and come up with a sound plan. No biggie, Right?


"Ely & Ezekiel"

As the discussion unfolded, Absinth remained silent but observant. She noted the nuances in strategies and insights, considering what sort of target she would choose for herself if need be… It would do her better to face someone of her same size range, seeing as she was not a towering figure like so many others. She had the battle experience to possibly take on a bigger opponent, but if she could face those her own size she could continue onto more evenly matched opponents.  Aresenn's words resonated with her, his stoic demeanor commanding respect as he guided the conversation logically with a blend of wisdom and authority. She did tell him how appealing that tone was, hadn’t she? Her lips curled, coyly eying the man for a moment before she refocused on the round of questioning Aresenn set out.

Absinth understood the gravity of their training session; it wasn't just about proving their strength individually but also about showcasing their ability to work as a cohesive team. Though, she didn’t exactly want them all to know all her tricks. With much delight she found Yarrabelle in agreement with her comment on showing, not telling, the lovely magenta fae offering her a fond look as Absinth returned it with an amused smirk.

When the teams were announced, Absinth's ears perked up at the mention of her name alongside Rhazien's. She ripped her gaze away from the brute, setting them upon Aresenn with a hard questioning look. She couldn't help but feel a flicker of anger rise up from her chest as her ears flattened against her skull, those blazing emeralds staring intensely at him. She felt slighted, but she knew why he’d done it. He knew that the two would be at each other’s throats. Fine then. As the exciting prospect of facing off against Rhazien drifted away from her, Absinth quelled her anger at Aresenn, reminding herself that while it was irritating- he was trying to look out for her. And, right – best behavior. Sigh. Her charcoal tail flicked, shoulders rolling as she turned to her team.

Kaino spoke, and Absinth gave her a cheerful nod, acknowledging the trust placed in her abilities. Kaino wanted her to take on Aresenn in the brawl. Really, it was a funny turn of events. Absinth felt a surge of excitement coursing through her veins. As well as a touch of heat. “Oh, Trust me. I am his best match.” The woman grinned impishly, eyes flashing over to where the brute stood with his own team. Unfortunately, Aresenn would be feeling her ire in place of Rhazien. Kaino laid out her plan, Absinth listened intently, her emerald eyes gleaming with focused intensity, briefly glancing at the smug face of Rhazien which pissed her off all over again.

With Kaino's final question hanging in the air, Absinth's mind raced with thoughts and strategies. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking up, her voice steady and determined, “Let’s earn those bragging rights." With a confident nod, Absinth signaled her readiness.

wormwood

Each member of their band had an opinion and a statement- some choosing to hide the strength they believed they possessed, which brought a sly smirk to Rhazien’s lips. Haughty bastards. Still, everything would come to the light once they engaged in their first battle as a united force- there was only so much hiding they each could do. Yarra’s conclusion brought on a flick of an ear- his gaze shifting towards her, with a widening smile. He liked her proposition. Demonstrating their strengths now and practicing working as a unit would serve them well. He looked back towards Aresenn, wondering if the male had planned that all along.

Aresenn thanked them for their contributions before adding more intel on the matter. Rhazien listened in silence, mulling over each word, and comparing it with his existing experience. And then, the boy proposed a brawl between the band- splitting them up into two groups, so they could practice the proposed methods. It didn’t surprise him that Aresenn placed Absinth and himself on the same team- surely the woman fantasized about seeking revenge. And although the thought of clashing their bodies, mingling tooth and claw, drawing blood, and tasting her very essence on his tongue was tantalizing- he didn’t disagree with Aresenn’s decision. Nodding in agreement, and stealing a glance at Absinth with an expression that read, awe, too bad. He took his place beside Kaino, waiting for her instruction.

Kaino proposed he fight against ’the heads’, which brought out a boisterous, baritone laugh from the brute. “Of course, Kaino- your wish is my command.” Flirtatious as ever, he smiled down at his darling niece before shifting his gaze to his opponent- already calculating how he would approach fighting a wolf with two fucking heads.


"Speech"

there's energy crackling through the air, rolling in like thunder. Yarra can taste it on her tongue, and it lifts the fur along her spine. the calm before the storm. in moments the space will errupt in a barrage of combat, an army honing their skills to ensure the ruination of their enemies. how thrilling. "no complaints on my end," Yarra giggles, sliding Ely a wink. "this won't be our first tango, after all - will it, cousin?" she shifts into a defensive stance, feet shifting apart and toes curling into the earth. she's grinning from ear to ear, showing off every single tooth. "i've been wanting a rematch," she murmurs lowly, only for Ely's ears. her eyes reflect a different spar not so long ago, between the Saxe women. is Ely recalling it, too? "Speech"

The lesson that the fiery-hued man gave was informative and Ezekiel does his best to be quiet and take it all in. Yes, they would raid and fight together so that, when the Syndicate became a pack, they would all know what it meant to work together toward a common goal. Eyes sweep over the gathered wolves, noting the ones who decline to share their strengths as their red teacher had instructed them to.

As Aresenn continues to speak, Zeke allows his duel-toned gaze to roam over the other wolves, silently taking notes as he assesses and files away the strengths of each member that he can find. Then, something unexpected happens, the announcement of a little mock raid which, in and of itself isn’t a surprise but the fact that he is being made a ‘team captain’ is.

Duel-toned eyes track over to the wolves that have been assigned to his group and, as they separate to form strategies, Ezekiel allows them gather around him before moving them off to the side. Eyes turn to him and he looks to his sister, a warm, devious smile tugging his lips as he finally drawls out, “Ely, why don’t you take Absinth? I think you two could have some fun.” A wink is tossed at her before he turns his attention back to the group.

Tones hushed and low, Ezekiel reveals the plan that he has quickly formulated, “Everyone will probably try to break up into one and one matches but we will attack in pairs. Ely, you and me will go after Absinth and who else wishes to join her. Aurelia, Aresenn, I want you two to focus on Rhazien and whoever else comes to back him up. Sol and Khonsu, Aurelia, I want you to focus on Kaino. Read your partner and help them where needed. We win or lose this together.”

That was the whole point of this training exercise, right? Raiding is meant to be a team sport and what better way to learn each other’s strengths and weakness then by partnering them up. Brows lift in silent question as Zeke waits to hear what the group thinks.


"Ezekiel Saxe"