One Part Brave, Three Parts Fool

As the first of the coyotes broke through the undergrowth, it all became real. He didn't bother trying to size them all up- he thought that would be a mistake, and he didn't have much room for fault here. Instead, his hardened amber gaze fell on the one that led the assault. Aresenn grit his teeth, flexing his toes into the ground. He would make his own advance, but not quite yet. Why should he wear himself out in a sprint to meet tooth and fang. The fur along his neck and spine stood to attention, as his lip curled. His tail curled over his back in display- a banner of war as he waited until the last waning seconds before launching himself forward. But just as he kicked off with his back legs, he was taken by surprise by the presence of his sister and her companions coming to help fight off the small predators.

Honestly, he was struck with an array of emotions. Uncertainty for one. Not in his sister or himself, really. Just of the whole situation. He was thankful for the help, proud of the fact that it was his own kin there to fight at his side. Yet, at the same time, the stakes had suddenly increased. It was no longer his own life that he used to gamble, but his sister's as well. And that brought forth a hatred so bitter from somewhere deep within his core- one that he had never felt before.  「You'll be the death of her, worthless coward.」 Something hissed in the back of his mind. Almost like a voice separate from his own, but it came from within all the same.

The momentary lapse in attention was swiftly met with a consequence. The first coyote was on him before he could gather himself. Teeth sinking in the flesh just before his shoulder. Aresenn narrowed his eyes as the stinging sensation of pain radiated from the first attack- however, he simply wouldn't be stopped. Channeling the rage from within, he took his own hold at the side of his opponent's neck. Sinking into his hold with a bite force much more powerful than the smaller canine. It seems they had made a mistake in their judgment. They thought that he would be alone. But in all fairness, so had he.

As a result of pain, the coyote released his hold and redirected another blow towards Aresenn's face. But as soon as he felt the jaws of the coyote fall off the hold in his shoulder, the young Praetor used the entirety of his body weight to force the coyote to the ground. He released his own grip as he pinned the wretched creatures to the dirt. And in the violent struggle, Aresenn managed to take purchase into the other canine's throat, and with as much force as he could manage, he ripped and tore at flesh to the symphony of another creature's vicious end. The coyote's life essence washed over him- staining his lips and chest. But in the moment, it didn't matter.

It wasn't until he recognized that the continued screams were no longer coming from his victim, but his sister's. With the sudden frantic need to ensure Rivin's safety, his amber gaze immediately sought her out from the carnage.  
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