the search for legends

As much as Adriel wanted to be able to keep his sister far away from this fight, he recognized quickly that this was a match that he couldn't finish on his own–not without some serious injury to himself. He was more than willing to make that sacrifice for her, but then he would be useless to defend her against any upcoming threats and their travel would be halted entirely. Elara showed again how she had grown and was coming into her own courageousness as she lunged forward to snap at the bear's now exposed ribs after he had driven it into this intimidating stance. It was enough to drive the bear back a few more steps toward their goal and keep it reeling and Adriel stepped forward as well, reaching up to snap at the bear's forelegs and prevent it from trying to drop back down onto all four legs while Ellara went for its hind legs.

He spared Ella a glance, her look mirroring his own concern and determination. Working as a united force they were able to make far more progress in fending off the bear than they would have otherwise and it forced him to face the fact that not only could he not be his sister's shield forever, but he didn't need to be. He refocused his attention on the bear ahead of them with a snarl and leapt up to snap again at the bear's exposed belly and ribs, always making sure to make his attacks brief and sharp to inflict enough pain to keep driving it back without locking himself in place where he couldn't dodge the bear's swinging paws.

"Speech"