The paw came swiftly - too swiftly for the Overseer to react, and fiery pain snapped across her shoulder where the scratch connected. Already halfway through an action, her torso twisted around, claws again curled in so she didn't go skewering her new valkhound, and delivered a quick, fierce blow to their face.

It might keep them from gaining as much distance, or perhaps wind them enough to keep them from casting their next spell. But she continued to chase in the meantime, momentarily slowed by her retaliation

She thought the blow would connect, but the slippery thing wove right around her hefty punch, darting away again, out of her reach. She took a second, once all four legs were on the ground, to marvel proudly at the oilstone. It was going to make a fine hound.

Their little spar would be over momentarily. One more thing - she crouched into a defensive position, stalking like a wolf, waiting for the oilstone to move. When it did, she'd crack the ground beneath its feet. Nothing major, nothing damaging, but hopefully enough to break its stride and cause it to stumble.

As soon as she saw the Oilstone preparing another spell from the distance, she sprang forward, intending on swiftly striking it again to stop the spell from happening, force it to get in closer. But the distance between them was farther then she anticipated and before she could properly close the gap, the blast of hot air was slamming into her face.

She grunted and turned her head to the side as it singed her scales from the sheer heat, stepping back to avoid the worst of it. When it was over, perhaps she could have tried again, but instead she stood up tall and calm. "Enough," she rumbled, her tail slamming on the ground behind her with finality.

"Very impressive, Oilstone T-One. With more practice, you will make a fine hound. Your instincts are sharp and your feet are swift." Her eyes glittered with approval. Finally, things felt like they were looking up.