When it had first been suggested that the peak mares learn to defend themselves, Inka had been willing but reticent. It had been the first time she'd met Reginleif, the grey, and much as she knew a daughter of Het Vuur should be able to fight, all she had thought at the time was how much she would have preferred to have a leisurely chat instead. She was still not altogether familiar with many of the peak mares, and longed to change that.

But she had remained silent, reassuring herself that there would be ample time in the future to get to know Reginleif and the others, and instead had watched as a young girl - more a filly than a mare - strolled up to indicate her interest in the situation. Inka doubted the girl remembered her, but she knew the other undoubtedly as one of Skylar's twins, whom she had met shortly after her birth.

The thought of hurting the filly, even in a friendly spar, was not one she relished.

Therefore she was almost grateful when nothing had come of the situation. Some time passed, in which it seemed that Reginleif sought to find them more appropriate sparring partners.

Finally, that day had come.

The Friesian mare grazed on a relatively flat, open expanse of land where she could enjoy the scenic views and sunshine. She lifted her head when Reginleif appeared at the edge of the clearing and instantly noted the presence of another mare, a stocky bay with a white face. Inka recognized her, having seen her several times from afar, but could not recall her name if she had ever learned it. She watched them approach with dark eyes wide.

As the pair came closer and Reginleif indicated that the bay was to be Inka's sparring partner, she took a moment to look her over, noting her age, her limp, and her scars. In particular her eyes lingered on the mare's stub of an ear, and only managed to tear her vision away to reciprocate the mare's snout-to-snout greeting. Inka's gut twisted. With so many injuries, she could only assume that Ashildr was an experienced fighter.

Shifting her weight nervously, she attempted a smile. "Nice to meet you. Promise you'll take it easy on me?"

Her eyes turned to Reginleif. "What happens now? Should we just... start?"