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" So pretty much as Otis said everyone passed. We wanted you to learn to run away. But since you've never faced someone trying to actually kill you we decided to try out our acting skills.

" Hearing that they wouldn't be kicked out in to the plains for a week helped them relax. More so knowing that they weren't actually going to be mortally wounded some were able to sit down to join them.

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" Now running away from an extremely dangerous opponent is not shameful. How else would the village know ranger was outside out door?

" Otis made a good point, the logic was sound.

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" Furthermore I saw some of you try and get the others moving, rescuing and getting your allies to safety is also a good reason to run. Living and surviving lets you learn. Once you learn you become stronger, sooner than later you'll beat the opponent that tried for your life.

" Walker had wished he could have run from the jade locust once upon a time. Yet seeing where he'd made it having not run and instead stayed to hold it off. Maybe it was the right situation but others wouldn't be so lucky, knowing when to retreat was a valuable skill to have.

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"Someone tell me what you all should have done when we ambushed you?

" Otis was looking for those who hadn't prepared themselves instantly but instead lagged behind. If they didn't know what they needed to change he would be whipping them in to shape the hard way.

nThe girl who had been grazed by walkers ice arrow was the first to raise a hand. She was still standing farther back than anyone else but had found the courage to answer after feeling the piercing gaze of Otis.

" we should always be ready and not expect a warning. Your ambush was successful because we weren't serious yet. Instead of falling in to disarray, we should have moved in to a defensive formation to intercept.

" She had already thought through what their actions should have been. She seemed fairly unsteady after the encounter with the ice arrow and being trapped in the earth for a bit but her mind was still sharp. In a few more years she would definitely be a group leader.

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" Exactly, when would an enemy ever give you a warning they were going to attack? Not to mention what would happen if you were out on a foraging mission and found yourself surrounded by snow imps? That's exactly the dangers you may face outside these walls.

" Walker wanted to drive home the idea of being as prepared as possible.

"Next, who can tell me why it was wrong to just leave your ally hurt on the ground near Otis?

"

nThis was a much easier question to answer and the trainee that was thrown raised his hand.

"If they had managed to get me behind them safely I wouldn't have been open to an attack. A monster would have killed me not just thrown me like a weapon.

" His voice was dejected but his words were two.

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" That's exactly right I wouldn't have thrown you, if I was like that greater ice imp the other day I would have crushed you with my club and moved on to the next insect. Covering for each other's weak moments is a never ending issue. You will never have a team of warriors working together flawlessly, eventually, someone will be hurt and it's better to save a warriors than lose them.

" Even Otis had been the one protected before, it may have been some years since the last time but he remembered every second of the experiences. They were driving factors in his personal training.

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"Analyzing your opponents' strength is a tough skill to learn, but if even one person in a group can do it the chance of survival multiplied.

" Wrapping up their goals walker decided it was time for the warriors to work on their own to share their ideas of this experience.

nOtis and walker gave them space to do just that,

" so do you think my plan was good enough to leave an impression?

" Walker had been worried he over stepped by making such a dramatic performance.

nOtis thought a moment scratching his head,

" you definitely scared them for sure. You seem way too polite and nice, the personality flip was enough. Then you went and threw some lightning which was crazy itself. Lightning in the plains is dangerous alone, always strikes the tallest thing so using it was definitely something to cause them fear. I'll have to go over environmental safety again.

" Chatting idly as they walked the two soon reached the little camp where everyone else seemed to have gathered after cleaning up.

" since you are all leaving tomorrow we'll be having some extra food tonight, make sure to come and eat your fill.

" Saying their temporary farewells walker went inside.

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" So did you have to be as loud as possible? We all know that thunder was you.

" Remey was not the happiest camper being awakened from a nap after cleaning up.

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"I couldn't help it I was helping teach with Otis.

" Not liking the excuse walker was forced to dodge Remey's punches. Although missing just made her punch more.

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" Hey Su check it out, walker and Remey are putting on a play!

" Sitting on his but snacking with Riley Gil was watching the two fooling around, however, his words bit him quick as Remey sent her next punch to his arm.

" ahh!! That's my good arm what if I can't draw my bow?

" Feigning a broken arm Gils' acting hadn't improved.

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" Leader I'm sure your use of noise was necessary but next time you need to warn others. A fair amount of shock went through the village.

" The sweet voice of reason was reprimanding Walker.

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"I'm sorry Su, I'll apologize to the elders when we get to the square. Otis said there's going to be some extra food tonight.

" Overhearing them midnight was already in her feet. Riley had even spared a glance up from his own snacking.

nTaking his time to clean up himself walker was soon ready to head to dinner with the tribe in the square.

nComing in to the light of the bonfire they noticed the multitude of food and drinks. More tables had been pressed together to hold large plates of roasted meats. Towering fire roasted vegetables from their foraging were always within reach. The bonfire was constantly stoked higher and higher keeping everyone warm and bright. This was a massive feast!

nApproaching the elders, Walker was more nervous knowing the one eared elder could put him through the wringer in training.

" ehm excuse me elders, I've come to apologize for my noise earlier. I hadn't thought to warn you of my training proposal with Otis.

"

nLifting a mug the one ear elder replied quickly,

" no need to worry, Otis is currently working that off as we speak. He should take full responsibility for bringing in an assistant.

" The evil grin was directed at the bonfire where Otis was constantly moving logs. He had been set up to stoke the fire all night. Throwing an apologetic smile at Otis, Otis only waved his hand not minding. He had supported the idea after all.

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" In any case, thank you for the hospitality. Unfortunately, we plan to be back on our travels early in the morning.

" The slight tug at his heart over not wanting to leave was not avoidable. The tribe had been very welcoming, the time spent lively. However even if they stayed as soon as the snow melted the tribe would be back on the move, it was inevitable.

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" we've been glad to have you and you're party. Seeing the next generations promise is always pleasant for us elders. If you happen to meet that stubborn lion in the capitol tell him Ribald send his regards. Now off you go, get a real meal in before you head out in the snow tomorrow.

" The elders all began to shoo him away wanting to return to their own meals.

nJumping in to the festivities walker was dragged table to table. Understandably the trainees he happened to see avoided him for the most part. This must be how Otis feels all the time. This thought was fairly constant through the night.

nMidnight was busy making sure onyx tried some of everything she liked. The two binding only lead to heighten Walker's mood. Gil seemed to really hit it off with his hunting group, they had claimed a little table and playing a card game shouting every so often.

nElise and Stella had found the desserts quickly recruiting Su and Remey in an attempt to clear the table. It was no surprise to see Riley right there too trying to claim some of everything before the girls got to it. Laurence was bringing Hyde around to say farewell to those he had met prior and was again offing ways with. Seeing Hyde being more open with his makeshift earmuffs was uplifting. This was a pretty amazing send off from their new friends.

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