Not all soldiers in the Throat were prepared for battle, and I, being the head of our growing family, felt the responsibility of their training sitting as heavily on my shoulders as it did our loyal Generals. My wings carry me swiftly away from the Oasis and into the red, open wounds of the earth. The desert unrolled like a blanket drenched in blood, a scene where the addition of more of the crimson liquid would likely go unnoticed. However, there would be no reason to pour blood so violently in such a spar.

Though my face might hold a gruff seriousness in times of politics or other mundane interactions, the grimace was released into a joyous grin. Yes, the rugged exterior of my features contorted int oa smile that was rarely seen upon my features in idle chit-chat, but the drums of battle easily pulled from my heart. How many years ago had I had my own first training spar? I had been little over two years old then, a scrawny little imp of a mare. I remember my brethren laughing at my feeble attempts to injure my mentors, my kicks unskilled and my strategy far worse. However, one should never underestimate the ferocity of determination.

A stubborn bitch, where my height would not move my muscles expanded from hard work and training. I became stocky like a male, with a hot tongue and flailing blonde mane that twirled with the wind at each attack. It was not long before I had bested many in strength, but strategy was another story. Many times my ass collided with the earth as I was beaten into submission by better tactics though I held the upper hand in strength. Many hard lessons of eating dirt and walking away with a bloodied nose, not because of any attack from my opponent, but because of my own foolishness and lack of superior balance. Time and practice had honed my skills in that arena, but each opponent was a new, exciting challenge.

Each battle was different. Each one wrought some lesson you need learn to win.

"Levi," I call over my shoulder, looking at the younger stallion with a friendly smile on the masculine face many came to know as their Commander. "We will only be practicing. Save your violent blows for the enemy. Stop when I say." The air was calm during the days of Birdsong, but with the sun slowly settling down toward the horizon, night would soon be upon us. With a few sturdy wingbeats, I find myself hovering in a space above the ground. "Do you understand?"

[ IC training spar with optional OOC commentary, if you want it.
800 word max, 2 posts each and one closing defense. Magic is optional, if you want it, I'll allow it.
Setting is in the sky above the outskirts of the Dragon's Throat nearing sunset. ]
""