Unbowed, unbent, unbroken

A few others approached, but did not enter the arena. She would have no more than one opponent to fight, then. That certainly made this simpler. Avantika's eyes caught on Rudy, who'd sat down to watch. It was nice to know that there was at least one watching that she could trust to root for her. He was a father now, but sometimes he still seemed like the feisty little boy who'd become her first friend. When Art began a speech, talking about the responsibilities and honor of the new rank, Avantika listened with the appearance of attentiveness, but to be honest, her mind was fixed on the fight ahead. Her heart was beating fast already. She wanted to just get into it already so she could prove her skills.

Finally, he concluded. Avantika did not speak, only nodding with an air of solemnity she had not had before, and neither did Mercury. She echoed her opponent's head dip and then got into her defensive position. Her birds circled closer above the two of them, and Avantika felt their warm confidence send waves of energy and strength into her every muscle. They weren't fighters, but their sharp eyes above had proven invaluable in many a battle.

Mercury charged quickly, and Avantika was not able to dodge completely in time. She let the big wolf slam into her shoulder, grunting against the pain that would surely bruise later, but would attempt to use the close quarters to retaliate by getting her teeth to grab the fur at the back of his neck, just to show that she could. If that was accomplished, she would then immediately let go and try to scurry back and to the side away from him, twisting so she was still facing him head-on. Distance, she had decided after the strength of his shoulder hit, would be her key strategy in this fight.

Avantika vs Mercury for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Large
Build: Medium
Defensive Battle Accessory: https://www.ardently.org/showthread.php?tid=35204
Companion 1: Sharp-shinned hawk, Female - Flying
Companion 2: Black-thighed falconet, Male - Flying
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Tactician

"Speech"