Yeah Decian has a panther. More information about that and soldier rankings/training below!! (Did you know that panthers aren't actually panthers, but either jaguars or leopards with melanism?)

Nocten soldiers train in two, sometimes three stages.
First stage is a Trainee.
There is no uniform for a trainee, and they use wooden swords. They usually start in their mid teens. It lasts a year.

The Second Stage is an Initiate Soldier.
Since every Initiate soldier is given a jaguar cub, the number of initiates chosen is the same as the number of cubs born that year.
They wear grey turtlenecks, and train in real weapons, magic, and creature knowledge. The Deep Wood is a dangerous place, so this stage lasts three or four years. It is also brutal. The trainers only hold back fatal blows. Most of Decian’s scars are from training.

After the soldiers to be finish their initiate training, they partake in a ceremony where they "Share Blood" with the elders and are granted the ability to see magic. Then ta-da! They're finally soldiers! They wear black turtlenecks, and can go out into the unlit areas in pairs or groups!

The optional third stage is elite training, and that involves more (Hellish) training, and then, if they succeed, a bonding ceremony with their jaguar. After which, they're authorised to go into the unlit areas solo. That and they get leather scales stitched onto one sleeve of their uniform, so they look cooler.

Soldiers in the Deep Wood are highly respected, especially the elites. In fact, they’re often considered on a level second only to the king/queen.

I have thought about this way too much lol.
See you soon!!