Úlfr's tail wagged wildly as his name was called for his first match of the tournament. He barked out to his mothers for luck then raced off so that he wouldn't miss his match. He was eager to show off what he'd learned and while his training had focused more on battles as part of a greater unit he wasn't going to shy away from a one on one fight. Úlfr shed his armor and shooed his raven companions to the side lines before he stepped into the ring. He squared off against his opponent, rolling his shoulders loosely for a moment before setting his defenses. He was given the first move but would wait to be sure his opponent was ready before attacking.

Artorias had been watching the other contestants in the yearling bracket with enthusiasm and intrigue. He had cheered on his siblings in their matches and observed the fighting styles and techniques the others demonstrated. There was always something to learn from your peers. His match had been saved for last, called against a stranger a good half foot shorter than him. He knew better than to judge a wolf by their stature, however. The dark-furred lad slid his leather cuirass from his body with a smooth roll of his shoulders and as he made his way into the arena, he studied his opponent with guarded eyes, fire burning in the amber of his irises. Corbin took roost in a nearby tree, black feathers stark against the white branch as he watched his young master take his position opposite his opponent.

Artorias took a brief second to glance down at the terrain they were fighting on, reaching a paw down to rub the dirt between his pads. Many wolves had disturbed the earth, kicked and trampled in the heat of battle, turning up softer dirt and tearing out patches of grass. The arena wasn't terribly even, but it would be familiar turf to navigate. Locking gazes with his opponent, Artorias slid his paws into place and assumed his fighting stance, posture aligned and ready to react to whatever the other boy threw his way. A slow breath was drawn in through his nose, held, and exhaled. No words were exchanged, but a short and simple nod from Artorias gave the other wolf all the answer he needed.

Time to fight. He would make Resin proud.

"Artorias" | Thoughts

Úlfr grinned at his opponent, sizing the man up for just a brief moment before he rocketed toward the other yearling. He hoped his mothers were watching. He was eager to make them proud and fight another wolf for once instead of another predator. Knowing he'd need to use his speed and momentum to his advantage Úlfr attempted to slide along his opponents left side, aiming to slam the front of his left shoulder into the crevice where Artorias' left hind leg met his side. Úlfr hoped to hit with enough force to jar the limb. At the same time his neck twisted left as he attempted to bite onto the base of his opponents tail.

Úlfr vs Artorias for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Large
Build: Medium
Skills: Master Hunter & Master Fighter

His opponent moved first. Excellent. Artorias had always been better on the defending side, using his opponent's own moves and momentum against them and striking back with well-timed counters, especially now that he didn't have his sword. The male moved predictably, launching directly for him and veering left. Artorias bided his time, kicking his hind legs off the soft dirt and curling his body to the right, away from the other man's attacks. His bite nipped at his tail, but ultimately missed the base as his hips turned away. Artorias used the momentum of his turn to go for the other yearling's hind leg with his strong jaws, looking to sink fangs into his thigh muscle and pull the smaller man off his feet. Simultaneously, Artorias would swing a paw around aimed for his opponent's flanks to try and knock him off balance. If he could get him on the ground, all it would take would be getting the sandy brute in a pin to end the fight before it began.

Artorias Sirius Carpathius vs Úlfr for Tournament Spar
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Extra large
Build: Medium
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Navigator

"Artorias" | Thoughts

Úlfr's fangs nipped the base of his opponents tail as his shoulder missed. He swiftly recalculated, intent to keep moving as he pivoted sharply in toward his opponent, the pair of them almost forming a yin yang symbol. As Úlfr sought to pull his hind legs back behind him he felt the other yearlings fangs graze the outside of his left thigh. There were limited targets and no hesitation. Úlfr fought on instinct, pushing himself forward toward the other yearlings retreating rear as he attempted to catch hold of the outisde of his opponents hind leg just above the ankle. He desired a grip to hopefully cause his opponent to stumble and give him more avenues of attack.

Úlfr vs Artorias for Spar
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Large
Build: Medium
Skills: Master Hunter & Master Fighter

Artorias tasted the fur of his opponent through his teeth, but did little more than glance sharp fangs against skin. The two warriors were evenly matched, both moving in similar fashion to keep the other from reaching them while trying to get an attack in on their own. The frustrating dance continued, neither one breaking to give the other an opening. Artorias' calculating mind ran through his options, looking for the perfect moment to break the stalemate between the boys. It came when his opponent went for his leg. This time, Artorias did not pull away, instead allowing his opponent's jaws to wrap around his leg just above his ankle. But before the other fighter could complete his hold, Artorias was already throwing his full weight into his opponent, bringing his body down onto his head, knowing he would be unlikely fast enough to let go and evade being crushed under the larger wolf, but if he did he was prepared to kick out with a powerful hind leg aimed at the side of the other fighter's head. Was it the most elegant solution? No, but it did end their stalemate and put Artorias on top of his opponent when they both hit the ground.

Artorias Sirius Carpathius vs Úlfr for Tournament Spar
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Extra large
Build: Medium
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Navigator

"Artorias" | Thoughts

And the winner is...

Artorias

Úlfr must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: Úlfr : Rolls:    72, 10, 36, 18 Adjusted rolls:    93.6, 10.5, 36, 18 Total:     197.63 Artorias : Rolls:    51, 74, 89, 29 Adjusted rolls:    53.55, 77.7, 111.25, 29 Total:     339.38