Úlfr vs Artorias [Tournament]

Artorias had been watching the other contestants in the yearling bracket with enthusiasm and intrigue. He had cheered on his siblings in their matches and observed the fighting styles and techniques the others demonstrated. There was always something to learn from your peers. His match had been saved for last, called against a stranger a good half foot shorter than him. He knew better than to judge a wolf by their stature, however. The dark-furred lad slid his leather cuirass from his body with a smooth roll of his shoulders and as he made his way into the arena, he studied his opponent with guarded eyes, fire burning in the amber of his irises. Corbin took roost in a nearby tree, black feathers stark against the white branch as he watched his young master take his position opposite his opponent.

Artorias took a brief second to glance down at the terrain they were fighting on, reaching a paw down to rub the dirt between his pads. Many wolves had disturbed the earth, kicked and trampled in the heat of battle, turning up softer dirt and tearing out patches of grass. The arena wasn't terribly even, but it would be familiar turf to navigate. Locking gazes with his opponent, Artorias slid his paws into place and assumed his fighting stance, posture aligned and ready to react to whatever the other boy threw his way. A slow breath was drawn in through his nose, held, and exhaled. No words were exchanged, but a short and simple nod from Artorias gave the other wolf all the answer he needed.

Time to fight. He would make Resin proud.

"Artorias" | Thoughts