Big chompers

Emerging from the dense grove of trees out into the open sunlight of the beach brought a wide smile to Artorias' face. He loved the beach, loved the ocean, loved everything about it! Briar must have known that when she picked their destination for the day. The warmth of the sun bathing across his coat made the boy feel alive, and as he followed his lover out across the sand, he couldn't help but think this was the perfect day. Not only did he get to spend it with his Briar, but they had gotten to fight together as well! The pair made a good team, and so far other than their first tangle with the larger dire wolf, had won every encounter they'd faced. He turned to look at her—only to have her lips catch his and take him by surprise. Artorias gave a pleasured murr, then grinned as she took off across the sunbaked sand. Laughing to himself, Artorias ran after Briar, paws kicking up sand as he followed right behind her with playful nips to her tail.

The two wolves were about to go splashing into the water when Artorias saw Briar scramble to stop, then heard the reptilian hiss and Briar's yelp. Cold fear stabbed him in the heart and he lunged forward to grab Briar's scruff and hurry to help pull her away from the water. "Whoa, whoa! Get back!" Artorias kept his fiery eyes focused on the giant lizard while it plodded its way onto the beach, hissing with deadly intention while it approached the wolves. Clearly it wasn't satisfied simply chasing them away; now they were its food. The crocodile moved slowly, methodically towards them, its huge jaws opened wide, ready to bite. Artorias wasted no time drawing his sword once more. Embershard would be spilling plenty of blood today, it seemed.

Artorias placed himself between the crocodile and Briar to give her a chance to get to her paws. He swung his sword toward the reptile's nose, kicking up a spray of sand as a warning, but it did little to deter the crocodile who just gave a guttural groan in response. Artorias growled and snarled, trying to keep the predator at a distance at all times, lest it get its teeth in him or Briar. If the crocodile got in close, it would be over for them in a heartbeat.

"Artorias" | "Corbin"