Artur had made the long journey to the battlefield alone this time. Though technically he was supposed to bring a pack member to witness the spars at the battlefield, he had no interest in his early attempts to be spectated. He was here to learn, so he begrudgingly knew he'd look ridiculous at times and certainly lose the majority of his early fights until he could learn enough to stand a real chance against the older and more experienced wolves who frequented these places.

Striding out into the grassy plain, he made it a point to project confidence despite the gawkiness of his limbs and the sharp planes of his face and eyes that made him look like he was half-starved. Half-starved he was not, simply a fast-growing youth with sharp bones. He kept his head and tail high, pacing along with a regal dignity and hauteur that he knew didn't do anything to cover the inexperienced way he held himself and moved. That would come with time and training. For now he clung to his dignity and confidence, hoping that it would mean that potential opponents wouldn't simply pass him by because of his age.

Corvus wasn't totally sure what he was doing, but his paws had brought him to the Battlefield. He'd always had a strong urge to protect his family, against all odds, but the whole situation with Peggy and the guy that had wanted to take her kids away had really unnerved him. Abaven was full of strong wolves - mentally strong wolves - but when it came to physical strength he worried that they might be lacking. His new role as Blackthorn would involve training younger wolves to fight, in setting up patrols and generally just being more proactive. He wasn't particularly good at making decisions but he'd promised Shaye he'd do his best, and so here he was, wondering if maybe a practice spar of his own might help him feel better about things. He'd had minimal training at best, despite everyone's best efforts, and he couldn't shake the feeling of being ill-prepared.. hopefully he could prove himself wrong. The Battlefield was quiet today, much unlike the last time he'd been here. Corvus moved quietly across the field, sniffing lightly at the patches of grasses as he passed them. This place had a strange aura that was hard to ignore, and he felt foreboding settle over him like a blanket, despite his best attempts to shake it off. After some aimless wandering he was pleased to see the lanky form of a stranger in the distance, nearly his height though with a much slighter build. Curious, and wondering if he was even approaching this the right way, he redirected his path straight toward Artur, offering an awkward nod in greeting. "Any chance you're, uh, looking for a quick fight too?" Corvus cocked his head as he came to a halt a couple yards away from Artur.

Though he was surprised to find that the wolf who approached him was hardly older than he was, Artur kept an impassive mask presented to the young male. Though the same general size, the other male had clearly already reached maturity, and his musculature was developed as Artur's was not - but he was still rather young, and possibly wouldn't have a lot of experience, which meant he should be close enough to Artur's level of experience to give him a real chance to win. He gave a curt nod to the question he'd been asked, and squared himself up to his opponent. As his body fell into the warrior's stance he'd been drilled in nearly from the time he'd first emerged from the den, he had the poignant feeling that she was there with him, teaching and critiquing. A feeling he quickly stifled, not wanting to be distracted by a grief that was still fresh to him. Dead-eyed, he paused for a moment, just a beat to check his position and balance, then he sprang at Corvus. He didn't try to bowl the older male over as he would have his own siblings - he didn't think he'd quite bounce off since they were the same height, but the difference in weight meant that it wouldn't be effective. Instead he raced past the point that they would have struck had he been aiming to do so, and when he judged the time right he planted his forefeet and let his hindquarters' momentum swing him around to face his opponent's left side, at a sharp enough angle to be nearly facing back the way he'd come. He skidded backwards a little from the momentum but kept his balance, letting the inertia pull him into a crouch, his legs coiled beneath him and his claws digging into the earth to send him springing back forward, aiming to slam his chest into Corvus' left side, his right shoulder aimed for Corvus' flank and his left for Corvus' ribcage. He aimed a slashing bite for Corvus' left shoulder as he did.

ARTUR vs CORVUS for SPAR
Round 1/?
Size: extra-large
Build: medium
Offensive Accessory: N/A
Defensive Accessory: N/A
Companion 1: N/A
Companion 2: N/A
Fight Skill Level: Advanced
Specialty: N/A

Corvus wasn't quite sure what he expected, but he was somewhat surprised that the guy he approached didn't seem all that friendly. Oh, well - he supposed it didn't matter much. They were both here to fight, not to make friends, right? The stranger nodded in silent confirmation, quickly setting his defenses. Corvus mirrored his movements, trying to remember the few lessons he'd participated in as a kid. He needed to prove to himself now that his role of Blackthorn actually suited him, that he could be a strong warrior in Abaven, at least strong enough to earn some respect from the lower-ranked fighters. He felt his body tighten as Artur rushed him, lowering his center of gravity to maintain his balance as he forced his joints to loosen slightly. Uncertain what his plan of attack was, he held his ground, surprised when the lankier male swung his body around so they were nearly parallel with one another. Before he had a chance to react Artur was colliding with him roughly, his chest hitting his side as he felt teeth beginning to bite his shoulder, from the back. A low growl bubbled from within his chest as he reacted, trying to steady himself as he swung his body to the left slightly, though in the process he felt Artur's bite find more traction and felt the sharp sting of pain that signified his attack had landed. Feeling a rush of adrenaline, he used his weight to push him forward slightly, aiming to snap at Artur's muzzle.. he doubted he'd really gain a complete hold, but if anything he wanted to disrupt his own attack and make him fumble. CORVUS vs ARTUR for SPAR Round 1/2 Size: Extra large Build: Heavy Fight Skill Level: Beginner

The other male swung around towards him, presumably to get into a position to do damage to Artur though the move allowed Artur's attack to slice deeper than it might otherwise have. Still, it gave Corvus the chance to lacerate Artur's muzzle, two gashes running over the top towards the left side, and a deep nick on the lower jaw on the left that caught him before he could pull entirely away. Blood dripping from his muzzle, both his and his opponent's, Artur sidestepped to his right in an attempt to bring him back in line with Corvus' left side, then he threw his whole weight forward in an attempt to drive the point of his right shoulder into the bite wound he had left on Corvus. As he did he aimed a retaliatory bite of his own towards Corvus' muzzle. All the while he had remained silent, wrapped in a business-like chill manner. No more than a soft grunt of pain had escaped from him when Corvus had caught his muzzle, not a growl nor a snarl. Just all business. He had been all rage and fury during the tournament and it had gotten him only loss after loss. Time now to bottle that inside and simply get it done.


ARTUR vs CORVUS for SPAR
Round 2/2
Size: extra-large
Build: medium
Offensive Accessory: N/A
Defensive Accessory: N/A
Companion 1: N/A
Companion 2: N/A
Fight Skill Level: Advanced
Specialty: N/A

He was surprised that this lanky male was putting up such a fight, but then again, maybe his serious, almost businesslike demeanor should've told him as much when he'd first arrived. Oh well - it was too late to back down now, and Corvus was going to put up as much of a fight as he could muster. The pain he felt emanating from the bite was surprising; he'd never really participated in a real fight, so it caught him off-guard.. but so did the way his body reacted to the pain. Once strong and sharp, the feeling seemed to dull into a slow ache as adrenaline coursed through his body like wildfire. It was enough to help push him forward, despite the pain, feeling the reward of Artur's muzzle briefly between his own jaws. He tasted blood on his tongue, but Artur tore away from the hold with only a bit of effort, earning a low growl from Corvus. Not an aggressive one, but the sound was instinctual, especially as he felt Artur's weight baring down on his wound. It made him wince, but also pull away... for a moment, before he felt the pain of Artur retaliating by biting down on his muzzle. Corvus, too, made to pry away, but the biting pain he suddenly felt from his firm grip made him second-guess his instinct. Instead of pulling away, instead he decided to go for a different approach, suddenly pushing off with his back legs and pushing his weight into the bite.. hoping the sudden shift in direction might cause Artur to lose balance and hopefully loosen his grip on his muzzle. CORVUS vs ARTUR for SPAR Round 2/2 Size: Extra large Build: Heavy Fight Skill Level: Beginner

And the winner is...

CORVUS

Artur must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: Artur: 212.06 Corvus: 217.20

- Judged by Lunarcat7

His teeth caught and held as his opponent tried to pull away... but then a heavy weight was suddenly slammed into his sensitive nose and teeth, shoved his head back to arch his neck achingly past the point that was comfortable, shoved him back onto his heels. Corvus tried to let go but the weight of his opponent shoved Corvus' muzzle further between his jaws and pried them open til the muscles ached. Artur brought his forepaws up to press against Corvus and then shoved hard with both his forepaws and his hindquarters, sending himself sprawling backwards. He sprang back up but backed away, signaling an end to the fight. He worked his jaw and neck to get some of the ache out of the strained muscles, then nodded painfully to the older male. "Well fought," he said with distant politeness. "I thank you for the spar." His face hurt abominably where Corvus' bite had lacerated it, but he kept his expression smooth as he inclined his head in farewell and trotted away. Back to Valhalla, then, to get his wounds seen to.