During his conversations with the various kin throughout the makeshift camp, Chosen One had been keenly aware of a certain doe in the background. He could also feel her eyes on him, ever watchful. It was no good for someone like himself to go out without any protection, though he had originally firmly refused the suggestion, if only to keep No Mercy back with the tribe. Reaper, however, he had expected. She knew her role better than any of them. Of course she’d followed him.

When one of the organizers announced the new activity, a trading of blows, Chosen One decided this was the perfect and convenient opportunity to touch base with his daughter. Everyone was pairing up and it was only natural for him to step away, nodding at her to indicate he wanted her to join him in a free space away from everyone else.

He made a show of stretching a little on the spot, as if truly preparing to fight.

And he smiled, like the doting father he was, welcoming her to his side.

She was ready and willing to serve, and though she was fast, she held back. It wasn't about obedience- it was about respect. Her father deserved the first blow; hers was a role of defense, not offense. This was a chance to show him exactly what she was capable of, in a nice, controlled setting. She fully intended to restrain herself, to let him see that while she was strong, she knew her place– because it was a placed she'd carved out for herself, a place where she belonged. She'd fought for this place, for the right to follow him.

See, that was the thing. She didn't follow her father out of fear, or out of coercion. She followed him because he'd earned it. Of course he was chosen, but he didn't sit on his laurels. He did things. She'd heard about what he'd done to her unworthy grandmother, and it was truly a thing of righteousness.

He was no weakling but Reaper would always be stronger and faster than he was; a miracle considering how sickly her mother was and continued to be, her blood and body ever tainted by the witch’s curse. Despite that, Reaper had been born strong, along with her two siblings. Proof that he had been given the MotherFather’s blessing and the strength of his own blood.

He was proud of her; proud enough to prepare to strike true. He would not demean her by withholding his blow when he knew she could handle anything he gave.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” He asked lightly, as he shifted from one hoof to the other. He’d taken lives before, returned to the earth those who no longer deserved the gift that had been given them. But he never struck his own, not normally.

How barbaric it was.

Did they truly believe this would bring back the sun?

Keeping: 3, 3, 1
Rerolling: 4, 1

“I noticed a stray,” he then said, idly, a half smile on his face.

He had spotted Taste The Darkness wandering around the bonfires with not a care in the world. He was here without permission and Chosen One was keen to hear his reasoning. This was a delicate matter and having a tribe member off the leash did not bode well.

Keeping: 3, 3, 1
Rerolling: 6,1

He sighed deliberately and then chose his moment to strike.

It wasn’t a powerful hit but it was enough that anyone watching wouldn’t question his motives. There was love behind it, a reminder for her, of who she was and why they were here. Though she hardly needed it.

Final Hand: 3, 3, 1, 1, 5 [so like... 7? lol]

She knew she was physically stronger- she was physically stronger than most kin she'd met, the result of meticulous, nigh-obsessive training. Still, she held back; an all-out ass-kicking would have been unthinkable.

"It's been... interesting. This part I've truly enjoyed- I'm going to find out how those wooden practice dummies are constructed. They're far more effective than just kicking at trees, and I think the Guardians could certainly benefit from incorporating them into training. Honestly, some of the Companions could as well; some of them are so... innocent." Naive, she wanted to say. "We're here, the Guardians, to protect them, but what if something were to happen, and one of them wandered off or came to harm where we weren't there? Training them a little bit of self-defense wouldn't be the worst idea."

(3, 3, and 3 and 3 makes 12!)

"So you saw him too. I didn't know he was planning on being here, either; we should let him know we know. Hopefully he has a perfectly innocent explanation and only needs minor correction; when we return to home, I can guard him for a while myself, ensure his loyalty doesn't falter. For all we know now, he may have just come because he wanted to spread the word. Or because he was following you; it's hard not to, especially for the young ones. You might not be their actual sires, but they worship the ground you walk on. We all do." She parried his blows effortlessly, moving like an eel or snake, something sinuous and easily adapted to the night.

roll 2, keeping the 5 and the 2 1s

His openings were telegraphed; it was almost like he wanted her to defeat him. This was, after all, a show of strength, a sparring exercise. It was her chance to show him how strong she'd become in her fervor, how her zeal would drive her to even greater strengths. A flurry of restrained body blows, and she'd made her mark.

"And that, I think, is defeat. That's the strength of your Guardians, Father. Every one of us would fight like this for you. You inspire us all- whether there's a sun in the sky or not."

last roll, rerolling the 4 and the 2
Total score: 15

She was indeed strong.

Her strikes rocked him back a few steps, his head bowing in gracious defeat. How pleased he was to feel her blows. A reminder of all he had worked for, all he had set out to create. A strong and powerful family, that could deliver justice and remain firm together. She was a Guardian and he could know no fear while she was there.

“Thank you, my daughter. For showing me your talent and for giving me your trust. I promise that strength will never be used out of turn.”

He stepped in, placed his cheek against hers, in a brief embrace.

When he had stepped back, his mind was backtracking to her words before she’d proven her strength so firmly.

“I think these training dummies would be quite useful, especially for the younger Guardians. I approve of your initiative.” His smile was indulgent. “As for the Companions... It is their innocence and softness that inspires hope. They are what we strive for. A life where none need worry about training or strength. Where weakness does not mean they will be preyed upon.

I understand your concern but that is not their purpose. And I trust that they will be guarded to the best of your and the others ability.”

That was the end of that. He would not have his sweet and darling Companions taking up violent arts. Their specialty was in other areas. Perhaps Reaper did not appreciate the powers held by a pretty face and convincing words.

Chosen One was turning, looking back towards the main group.

Taste The Darkness was there somewhere.

“You are ever gracious, my daughter. No judgment shall pass until we know but I hope he has not stepped out of line. If he has, I shall leave the correction in your capable hooves.” A thread of steel in his tone, and then smiles again. “Come, let’s return to the festivities. I believe I heard we would partake in some crafting soon.”