Shrike vs Absinthe

The matches were being set up around him, and some were already turning to face their opponents. Shrike would take a small breath. He was excited to be here, though after his recent blow to his ego he was feeling a bit nervous about participating. He would think about what Starling said, however, and decided that the only way to recover who he once was was to participate in this. If he could prove his worth through battle then perhaps he would be able to recover himself. He would set his face in determination as the sparing pairs were given out. So he was to be fighting someone named Absinthe, huh?

The young man would move from where he stood and went off to where the two would have some room, focusing on setting his defenses. First his eyes were narrowed, ears laid back flat on his head. Hackles would be raised and tail tucked under him. Shoulders would naturally roll forward, limbs spread and weight evenly distributed across them. He would tuck his chin and scrunch his neck, his claws biting into the earth of the redbud nook. He'd speak out for his opponent, hoping that she would come to him soon.

"You have the first move, Absinthe."

"Speech!"
'Thoughts!'