Welcome to Gaia! ::

Thalion:

[ Pelinore ]
The tah shook himself. Right. He wasn't here to gawk- he was here to sharpen his mettle against an opponent, to learn his comrades and to learn himself in the process. He looked back to Feihong and dipped his horns in silent apology. He'd dulled not only his but Feihong's experience as well.

Face to face he had lost his small window of oppertunity. Once more he was faced with the shield of his opponent's horns and bulk and the sword of his fangs and claws. Pelinore, rather feeling like he was dressed in leather armor to fight a knight in full plate, braced himself and ducked his horns once more. This time, he made the initial charge. Rather than meeting horn for horn, he would move to one side, shifting to the left this time, and throw his horns into his opponent's side.

Thalion:

[ Shen Lung ]
He lifted his head and raised a lip as he looked between his two generals. A few of the soldiers had paused, or hesitated, to listen while Smaug's troops had faithfully followed their commander to Kyle's neck of the sparring grounds. He flicked his tail and reached up to flick one of Smaug's pauldrons, sending a metalic pitch into the air. "Listen up, all of you."

He turned to face the others, putting his commanders at his left and right shoulder respectively. "The Fire Tribe forges many things in the heart of our mountain- warriors, swords, and weapons. One thing unites the three- and that's the fragility of each. You see- the metal that we craft our armor and swords from can sometimes be combined with other elements to make it stronger- but combine the wrong metal with the wrong element and the weapon will be weakened from the inside. "

He looked between Smaug's group and Kyle's. The tension between commanders could be cut with a knife and it left their troops looking uncertain, some rather distracted...and of course one of the soldiers had brought her young nan to the field as well.

"In order for this tribe to stand- we need to make sure we don't mingle the wrong elements too soon. We must learn what elements can be combined- before we try to bear a hammer down onto the iron." He glanced between Smaug and Kyle. "For now- learn your own elements. Strengthen your own mettle. When the time comes, you will know what your elements can handle- and how the elements of the other can complement you."

He lowered his voice. "Fracture this tribe from the inside...and we will all suffer. There will come a day when we are challenged- this is a promise. We rise without the crutch of a Magus- we may be seen as blasphemous in the eyes of the Weaver. There may be those that reject what we have done- we must be prepared to defend the honor of this tribe and to prove that we are not hindered by our lack of some...blessed savior. Understand?"

Krusnik05

[Feihong]Nodding his acceptance of apology from Pelinore, he saw that his opponent took a more offensive tactic against him. Digging his claws into the packed earth, he tried to swing his body around again but Pelinore was lighter on his foot and charged to hit his side with horns. Shifting his body, the Crimson Laughter moved his body to let the blow hit his shoulder rather than his unprotected side and grunted at the blow that connected, followed by pain through his leg from his shoulder. Yet a sharp voice cut through the battle haze that made him pause. Their commander spoke to gain their attention and to return to their formation as their Emperor called for their attention. "Pelinore, let us fall in." He muttered, shaking his left shoulder and leg before obeying the commands to listen.

Zakiax:

[Smaug] Kyle’s comment might have been true, however the maroon Tah was willing to do anything to gain strength, that fact was known. Even if it meant that it was going out of his own norm and comfort zone. Orange Fire orbs glanced across Kyle’s troops, like his own they showed great promise. Although a few seemed to waver at his own appearance there were others that seemed unphased by it. A thought began to linger in his mind, how would his own troops hold up against Kyle’s in a skirmish? How well would he fair against Kyle? The thought left him as a Nan and her cub presented herself for duty. Smaug had never seen this one before. An eyebrow rose under his mask his curiosity peaked.

[Ming Shu] Her own fur bristled. Yes it might have been a long while since she had been able to show up to training session, but to have never left a lasting impression in the general's mind, especially with all the hard work she was putting in. She felt insulted, feeling like she deserved to be apart of it all. Weather it was hurt pride or her motherly instincts kicking in a low growl escaped her. She refrained from answering as Lord Shen had arrived on the training grounds demanding an explanation.

[Smaug] Another thought came to him though he kept his tongue behind his maw waiting to see how this will play out. It was only a few seconds after she had spoken that Lord Shen had graced them with this presence. The Maroon Tah gave a bow of head in respect, the only one he would bow his prideful head to. Smaug noticed others from his unit slowly began to arrive to the scene. Good they weren’t too tired from his intense training to still learn.

“Not in the army,” Smaug replied when Shen requested for their reports. “But I feel they would be quite useful in this war.” It was more of just a random thought. He himself never considered finding his other half or having kids. Not at this point. Strengthening himself for Shen was his sole priority.
[Ming Shu] “I only wish to serve in Lord Shen’s Army” She responded to Kyle’s comment to Lord Shen. “Do I not have that chance now that I have been granted children?” the inquiry came to her general. She resisted the urge to tell them that she had been in the General’s unit before she had found her other half and they were granted offspring of their own, and though she was not able to attend the sessions she did not shirk her own duties as a mother and a soldier.

Ming Shu’s own frustration showing, but it soon faded as her next statement showed her motherly pride. As she found another way to say it, one that involved her child. “Hua Fang is a strong child, yes quite new to this world but she has been with me on several of my personal training sessions. She might not be as big as an adult but she can defend herself just as well as anyone.” She moved her paw so that her small one could be seen properly.

[Hua Fang] Purple orbs glanced out from behind her mother’s paws. Mother’s prideful words about her caused her shyness to disappear. Yes she was strong her mother made sure that both her and her sister would be able to defend themselves if anything would happen. Stepping out from behind her mother’s paws she presented herself to her lord, lady and the commanders. “H-Hua Fang sirs!” She squeaked, her attention forward.
[Smaug] The metallic sound resonated with him more so, nearly feeling it through the core of his being. “Those here of the Pyre Unit Fall in!” His booming voice called out along side of Kyle's after their Lord required all of their attention. He fell silent as Shen spoke his lecture.

“Yes My Lord.” He replied when prompted to however he had a question for the Lord himself. He was not questioning his judgement but it was high time to put a reason to why his unit had gathered here on Kyle’s part of the training grounds. “As we strengthen our own mettle can we not learn from others to further strengthen that mettle? I have taught my unit that if they cannot trust one another off the battlefield they will not be able to trust one another on it. If we are to remain separate for too long how are we supposed to trust one another when we need that trust to pull through at its finest?”

Thalion

[ Shen Lung ]
He sighed as the mother stood up to defend her cub and her right to be there. He stepped closer to her and oddly enough, his expression lacked the heat of a proper reprimend. There was nothing aggressive in his posture and his tone lacked the edge he had carried previously. "Nan, as you can see I have found my other half- to begrudge you that blessing would be to begrudge myself. As we speak, my lady and I are praying over idols of our own. However-" He lifted a claw, cutting off any protest or further debate, "This is not a place for the little ones. They are our future. Here, grown B'alam come home limping from mere accidents. All it takes is the toss of a horn, a false step, or a slight miscalculation. strong though she may be- she is still a child."

He lowered his ears slightly. "I do not want cubs on the sparring sands with those of us who have grown into our horns. I will protect them on the field of battle and beyond it. Mind- there will be a place for the young to train- but they will do so with their peers, not their seniors."

He looked back to his own mate.Tanith had followed her, likely evading their denmother to do so. "I understand that cubs will be cubbs, but a mother and a soldier has twice the burden on her paws. Look at your daughter- she is what you fight to defend. Make sure you shield her from accident and ill intent alike."

As the cub spoke up, Shen smirked. "A pleasure to meet you, Hua Feng. I'm sure that one day you'll grow into a strong Nan. Until then- why don't you teach the cubs your age a thing or two about those horns of yours, hm? I know there's a few under-paw that will make more worthy sparring partners."
Shen's attention was pulled away once more by Smaug. The fire lord's expression hardened once more. He was addressing a soldier, and a tah grown, not a cub, so he met him as such. "You wouldn't test sword on sword while it's still in the forge would you, general?" He countered, "This unit has not yet learned itself, so it would be unfair to ask that they impliment learning another unit as well. It would muddle them." He lifted his head, "Continue to put the hammer to your own anvil for now, strike another general's iron and he may grow to resent it. Once your blades are strong and the fire of their forging has cooled then you may sharpen iron with iron."

As expectant eyes fell on him, he turned to the soldiers proper, "You all are ore of the most high calibur. You were birthed in this mountain and dug up by the paws of your kinsmen. Your generals are your blacksmiths, their training your fire, their words your hammer. Only through fire can ore become pure, only through pressure can it become sharp. Delight in your trials, for one day your decendants will look back and speak your name with honor. Your deeds will be honey on their tongues and your struggles will put a flame in their belly that will burn brighter than even the heart of this mountain."

A heavy huff left the soot covered maw of Forge, the carved pipe in his maw glowed momentary to life. Ember gaze minded his own business as he made his way to the equipment of the training arena. His dusty dark pelt made his way around the crowd and gathering. However, his careful ears were not neglectful to hear what the fire lord was saying....

Heavy scared paws moved over to where 'ramming targets', 'scratching posts' and various training weapons where. Every once in a while, it was apart of his duties to make sure the equipment was in proper repair. It was one of the few reasons the recluse Tah left his work chamber.

Ebony and gray tail dusted the ground as he looked over the gear, there was a long drag of his pipe as his gaze narrowed on some of the unused gear. His maw frowned and brow forward.

There wasn't a lot of work to do....

That was a little dissapointing...

---

"Quiet and stay by me." [Adonis] spoke as he looked to make sure that his growing cub remained by him. Not that it was something he had to make sure of often, Ajax was well behaved and good with orders.

The elder remained away from the training grounds far from interaction from any of the crowd below. ((Please do not interact with this group, they are far enough away-and this rp is needed for a start to another rp)) Adonis had brought his kin to the training ground edge.

Periwinkle gaze looked about the crowd where to his surprise their leaders had made an appearance. It was unexpected, Adonis had only came to scout and decided which of the generals he wanted to approach about his cub. To his surprise both generals and leaders had been present. Careful white ears turned and listened carefully to what was being discussed.

"A training ground is no place for a 'cub'." Adonis spoke noticing that there where a few cubs in the grounds and didn't want his woven to get the wrong idea.

"What do you think, Sir Warden?" The elder spoke and turned his head to look to his nephew. Adonis had seem to already make up his mind on which general he wanted to approach, but it would have to be done at a later time. One, where he could approach the leader on their own and away from their troops. It would be a rare moment, but a crucial one.

----(edited)
[Ajax] remained close to his father's side. He let out a huff as he took a glance from his dad to look in the distance and the large group. What were they doing, weren't they suppose to be training? The cub released another huff and let his dark tail flicked behind him.

Hearing his dad's words, his ears quickly docked back. No place for a cub? The cub turned his head to look up at his farther, his brow forward a little before looking back to the dots in the distance. Picking up his paws he let his claws show themselves, and with a kneading motion he grabbed at the earth, and mindlessly started to rip it up.

Ears perked forward as dark little orbs caught the sight of a pink pelt Nan.

'Warden. Look! That Nan is over there." The cub spoke in a hush as he straightened as he turned his horns to look up at his Cousin.

----

[Sir Warden] stood on the other side of Ajax as he looked at the arena and the large cluster of b'alam that gathered. It was only till his Uncle spoke that the Tah realized he had a scowl on his maw as he looked at their leader. Passing a heavy breath, Sir warden let his maw relax as he looked over to Adonis.

"Well, they both seem competent." Sir Warden spoke and released a sigh. White tipped tail shifted behind him. "But Uncle..." The Tah started to speak, he paused hopping to not be 'out of line' with his next statement.

" Do you really want one of your woven in this war?" The adult spoke turning his head horns to look sincerely at Adonis, though he was careful to not look him in the eyes. He still had yet to feel he had a right to do so, not after that terrible night and how he acted. Ajax had more honor then he.

Sir Warden turned his maw downward to gaze at the rubble under his paws.

"We have already lost so much...."

Krusnik05

[Amaterasu] Green eyes watched the events unfold from the newcomers of another unit to a Nahtil Soldier bringing her cubling with her to the training fields. While the Nan could understand that there may have been a reason as to why she brought her little one with her, it was still no excuse to do so in the training grounds where adult fire kin sparred with one another and while the mother Nan had to focus on her training. They were there to hone their skills not just physically but in cunning and sharpening their claws, horns and fangs to become unmerciful in the heat of battle. There would be no possible way to focus on such skills and watch for your offspring.

Listening to Emperor Shen speak....she agreed. They were passionate words that made sense. Poetic but making a point. Amaterasu bowed her head in acknowledgement and respect but there was still the uncertainty that she fought with on a daily basis. From her first encounter with three Tahs, one of whom was wise because of his existence far beyond these events and her own awakening, that always played in her mind. That conversation had been enlightening and she only saw Emperor Shen very rarely. Then again she tried not to involve herself in the politics or any other type of intrigue that may exist. Amaterasu was on a journey and she knew without a doubt that she was not made nor destined for a life of such things. This journey of hers would be a challenging one that will test her strength, will, determination and her heart more so than these exercises could possibly ever do....it was an innate feeling she had that it will come to pass soon.
[Feihong]Crimson Laughter was not laughing at all. He agreed with his Lordship that this was no place for cubs and the Nan, in his opinion should be punished for this error. If anything she should be worn to the bone in exercises to remind her of her first commitment which was to the Dragon Army and if she was blessed with a family, well then it was either one or the other, not both. If she was able to do both then she needed to ensure she had a caretaker or her mate watch them. Otherwise she compromised all of them....and she compromised a learning spare he had with Pelinore. His opponent had gotten a good blow in and the Crimson Laughter wanted to repay him in kind.

As Emperor Shen spoke and finished, Feihong was filled with a greater sense of pride and passion for the role he was in. If he was ever blessed with a family, though he didn't hope for one right at this moment, he would let them know of these words and they would be in just as much awe as he was. But until such an event happens, which he hoped never as he was a warrior there was no time for such things, he lifted his chin and nodded in respect and acknowledgement as well as fired up and ready for battle for his Emperor.

GunSniper:

[Kyle] Kyle was close to remarking how smog's unit had lost their way. Thankfully Shen spoke up first. It was not right for him to comment, that could've caused more trouble than it's already been set forth. Instead Kyle turn to his own unit into the loud bellowing voice commanded " Ballast unit! As you were!!"

he then turn back to his Lord. "We are in debt to the fire you grant us."

he bowed, then turned to watch his unit and make sure each one return to their sparring partner.