James nodded slowly and lifted his head, definitely unsure and a bit scared, "I'm ready. What are we doing first?"

Maybe if he ran into someone like Alpha again, he could find a way to escape more safely or even... defeat him. A childish thought, yes, but... It gave him hope.

"Do I just... run at you?" he asked, pawing at the ground gently, ears down.

James listened carefully and eyed Eythan's elbow, then his own hooves. His hind legs could crack bark off trees if he hit hard enough, though it left the limb jarred afterward. But against a softer target... maybe they could be useful.

Taking a deep breath, he nodded and tried to do as explained. He drove his knee into the other's elbow a bit harder than he really intended, and immediately leaped away, ears pinned as his jaw dropped.

"... Did I hurt you?" he asked immediately, looking rather terrified at the prospect, "I'm so sorry-"

I mean, he knew that they were supposed to be practice-fighting, but still. He'd feel awful if he hurt Eythan even a little.

James blinked and perked up at the praise, ears going forward and his feet picking up as he walked, his body language showing his glee. And the huge smile on his face, too.

"Okay..." he said rather breathlessly, before shaking his head and readying his stance, brows furrowed in determination.

He nodded at Eythan's instructions and jumped forward, preparing to deliver a horsey headbutt that would (hopefully) not hurt the other too much, just stun. He made contact, the hard gem in the center of his forehead ensuring a hard hit, and backed off, ready for the next instruction.

A moment of doubt came up once again, wondering if he'd hurt Eythan...

James practically beamed, his face splitting into a blinding grin. He hummed for a moment and looked around on the ground, quickly finding a suitable rock. He narrowed his eyes and glanced to Eythan before glancing at his target... a rock perched just on the edge of a small outcropping.

He kicked up the rock and swung his hind legs around, snapping a leg out to hit it midair. His hoof clipped the rock but didn't hit square. Close, though, proving that he could... just not at that moment. He stamped a foot and pinned his ears, brows furrowing at his failure before he shook his head and looked at Eythan.

"I can do it..." he mumbled, eyes flicking down before he trotted over to Eythan and stood in front of him.

"I'll practice," James said, "Could you teach me more? Later? And... teach me to fight? I don't want to ever use it, but... just in case."

James snorted at having his forelock ruffled, feeling like a kid being babysat by the 'cool uncle'. He nodded up at Eythan at his words of wisdom, making sure to keep in mind that talent was encouraged by growth, learning, and practice. He could be good at something, but he'd never be great if he didn't try.

"Thank you," he said graciously, bowing his head slightly, before looking up at Eythan once more.

He nodded at his question and turned, pointing his nose off in the distance, "It's over there... I can show you, if you want."

James' little tail flicked back and forth excitedly, the prospect of learning to defend and protect (and attack, should the need ever arise) getting him all hyped up. Maybe... maybe he could protect Ari. Even though he had claws and teeth, it didn't hurt to have someone at your side willing to aid you.

And perhaps... Pride could be proud of him. It certainly fit his name to do so, at least.