Though he'd been here before, somehow Bronze had ended up here again. Winter had fully settled in on the northern reaches of Boreas, though since snow had fallen just yesterday - and well into the night - he figured he was safe to venture beyond Incendium's borders without fear of being caught out in a storm. He'd ventured a bit further south, where the trees shifted from tall pines to... these strange, ancient-looking trees. They were wider than the ones back home, with gnarled, long-reaching branches that stretched out wide like they were grasping for something he couldn't see. It was an interesting sight, with fluffy snow clinging the branches and coating the forest in a few inches of snow that was easy to plow through. He liked this kind of snow, the kinda that was light and air and made for excellent - well, most outdoor activities. He'd spent most of his life growing used to the cold and the snow and by now he was simply used to it, though sometimes he found himself wondering what life would be like somewhere else.

Not that he had any intentions of leaving, not permanently. He did like taking trips beyond the pack borders as he got older though, hoping he'd run into Oki again sometime, or maybe Silent - though it'd been awhile since he'd seen either of them. Those thoughts were wishful thinking at best and he didn't think they'd come to fruition, but it was easy for his mind to wander as he wove around these wide tree trunks, sniffing at the air and frequently sniffing at the air for any scents that might prove even slightly interesting. Surely something here would be worth checking out, he assumed so at least.

His journey back from the Battlefield was longer than he anticipated. Yearning to reach the freezing temperatures of the north, the long-legged male smiled at the sight of ancient redwoods towering high over him. Their limbs stretched out in a welcoming gesture as fresh snow spiraled down from their fingertips. With his fur thick and puffy, ready to embrace the shivering cold he longed for, Gil set out to find something to eat. Even in the inches of snow that he trekked through, he knew there had to be some sort of small mammal stupid enough to venture out hiding. Yellow eyes searched along the paths while his nose rustled shrubs bare of leaves. Picking up a scent of hare not far into his trot, he wove with face lowered deeper into the forest. Light shone overhead in the early morning as dense snow clouds moved farther ahead. Turning a corner, a new scent caused him to pause. One paw lifted as his hackles rose slightly, Gil searched the area for this other wolf nearby. It didn't take much effort before he laid eyes upon a young blue-coated male. Already tall, he could see by his features that this stranger was still a pup, not even a yearling. Tilting his head curiously, Gil wondered why the youngster was out here alone. Letting out a huff of pluming breath, he approached slowly. Quiet were his steps as he neared. "Should you be out here alone?" The older male questioned, deep baritones filling the gap between them. Pausing not far away with the path between them, he preferred to keep his distance. Not all wolves were friendly in these parts...

He was alone, but he didn't feel like a child miles from home and from his parents. They'd instilled a strong sense of independence in him, and he was proud that he could take care of himself and find his way back home. He hadn't anticipated running into anyone though; one thing he wasn't confident in was interacting with others, especially strangers. His life had been relatively reclusive so far besides the few friends he'd made outside of Incendium, though that list was alarmingly small. He wasn't overly social and his first reaction upon hearing a stranger approaching was to flee. But no - he wasn't a coward. His mom and dad had raised him to be strong and confident. Slowly he turned, twisting as he watched someone moving his way.

The stranger approached and asked him a question, and Bronze lifted his head and sniffed at the air. "Yes," he answered simply and matter-of-factly, though he decided a moment later that the older wolf likely wanted a different answer than that. "I don't live far. And my parents taught me how to take care of myself," he explained simply. There was surprisingly little wariness in his gait, though on the inside he was quietly analyzing each one of Gilgamesh's movements in case any screamed danger. Though Bronze was young, he was far from stupid and though he was naive his parents had ingrained in him a sense of caution about the world, a lesson he wouldn't easily forget. "Should you be out here alone?" He wasn't being facetious, not really, and his head tilted slightly as he waited for an answer. His tail gave a friendly half-flick before it relaxed behind him.

Even from the short distance that spread between them, Gil could see the caution in the youngster's movements. Sniffing the air, eyeing him carefully, even speaking matter-of-factly, all impressed the older wolf. Whoever his parents were definitely weren't stupid. Yet, he was feeling a bit mean today and perhaps wanted to scare the pup, if only for a moment. Murder wasn't an option in his bag of tricks, but he could still play the part of a big bad wolf. The scars that littered Gil's coat from previous spars and interactions with large prey should have been indicators enough for the boy. But the question was still posed. Should you be out here alone? Just barely curling the corners of his lips, Gil raised his tail over his hips as he stood tall with hackles slightly raised.  "Wrong question," he spat as a low growl built up in his chest. Lowering his body a fraction, he shifted his weight for a moment before pouncing toward the boy. Landing softly near Bronze's left side so that the gap between them was closed, he bared his teeth in a grin. If the boy ran, he would give chase, but only long enough to run him from the maze of ancient trees surrounding them. There was no intent on harming the pup, but a little fun never hurt anyone.

He was as curious as he was wary - perhaps in time he'd grow more reserved, but he was naive enough now that he still wanted to see what the world had in store for him. As he got closer he did notice the stranger's scars, but perhaps naively he assumed that made him someone who lost fights more than he won them. His mother and father were both fighters, yet they bore no scars. He could only rationalize that this stranger was little threat to him, though he had no intention of letting his guard down. But he spoke, and Bronze heard the familiar sound of a low growl, and he stiffened instinctively, freezing on the spot. He wouldn't run, not unless he had to. His parents hadn't raised him to be a coward. But the feeling the sudden lunge drummed up inside him wasn't pleasant. He felt his own lips curling back in a snarl, he wheeled around, trying to maintain his distance.. but he wasn't a pup, not in his mind, and he didn't like the thought of a stranger messing with him either. He wouldn't allow it. Anyway, his sister had gotten in some good fights before, why couldn't he? Maybe this guy would change his mind about him being a kid and too young to be out on his own, since his initial greeting had all but implied that. Deciding not to waste another second, Bronze sprung into action. His own hackles raised and he swung his hindquarters around to his right, then kicked off hard and aimed right for Gilgamesh's side. He leaned low and parted his jaws in an attempt to grab hold of the middle of his front right leg, hoping he might catch him off guard and disrupt his balance at least initially. Bronze vs Gilgamesh for Spar Round 1 / ? Age: Under 1 Year Size: Extra large Build: Heavy Skills: Intermediate Fighter & Beginner Hunter

The pup's reaction was not what Gil was expecting. Part of him thought he would turn tail back to his family, but then again, his previous response had been a telling sign that this pup feared no one. Watching with interested eyes as the boy's hackles rose and a responding snarl matched that of his own, Gil smiled. If a fight is what he wanted, a fight he would get. His reaction time had been getting better with practice. Bracing his paws in the dirt, his own hindquarters swung away as Bronze's body lunged toward him. While the initial aim had been for his side, their body's collided at the shoulder. Pain tingled his body for a moment, but he wouldn't let it bother him as he pushed forward his own weight and leaned into the attack. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched as teeth snapped toward his leg. More pain shot up from his forearm where Bronze had latched on. His first reaction was to spring back, but he held firm as he pushed harder against the pup. Twisting his own head so that he could open his jaws and aim to land a bite on Bronze's unprotected cheek or ear, he couldn't wait for the familiar taste of blood to fill his mouth. Gilgamesh vs Bronze for Spar Round 1/2 Age: Over 1 Year Size: Large Build: Medium Skills: Intermediate Intellectual & Advanced Fighter

Everything happened all at once. As soon as Gilgamesh lunged toward him he reacted on mostly instinct. But after a moment of thought his brain followed suit - his parents had raised him to be a strong, independent wolf. Though he wasn't yet a yearling, he was nearly full-sized now and certainly felt mature enough to be brawling with a stranger. At least he wanted to prove he wasn't some kid who could be pushed around. Instead of the stranger instantly giving in from the bite, he held strong. Bronze's jaws pushed down harder into the bite. Though he was more heavily built than the adult, he was unused to fighting in this manner and he didn't anticipate the other man's next attack. He winced hard as he felt jaws baring down on the side of his face. He furrowed his brow and pinned his ears back to avoid the worst of it, his eye closing hard against the impending bite. He wasn't quite sure how to get out of this position now, so following Gilgamesh's lead he didn't try to wriggle free from his bite, instead using all his weight to kick off with his back legs and shove hard into him, hoping he might knock him off balance. Bronze vs Gilgamesh for Spar Round 2 / 2 Age: Under 1 Year Size: Extra large Build: Heavy Skills: Intermediate Fighter & Beginner Hunter

Rose had been trudging along through the snow, sniffing around to see if any unfortunate creature had died in the snow, when her ears picked up the sound of two other wolves not far away. Coming to a stop, the small black wolf pointed her snout in the direction of the noises and tried to decide whether or not to approach. Being a pretty shy she-wolf, but also quite curious, she began padding towards the other wolves, staying in the shadows of the tree trunks as she did so, being as quiet as she could. Right as she got close enough to lay eyes on them, she heard a low growl from one. Peeking around the tree trunk, she saw an older wolf lunge towards a younger, yet still very large and bluish pup. She pinned her ears in distaste, as she abhorred fighting, but she stepped closer out of concern for the pup. To her surprise, she watched as the pup stood his ground to the older male and actually got his teeth in him. Ducking behind a much closer tree, she settled down to watch around the edge of the thick trunk, curious to see who might win this fight.

Impressed was a mild emotion he felt as Bronze leaned back into his shove. Being larger than Gil, he could begin to feel the pressure of the young pup's raw strength. Yet, he was successful and the satisfying taste of copper flowed over his tongue. While the mixture of pain and satisfaction gearing him up to continue the unexpecting brawl, his paws began to slip. The pressure of Bronze leaning back and then suddenly shoving forward made the impact the pup was looking for. His claws were unable to keep a hold on the packed dirt frozen over from winter. A low grunt rumbled up his chest as he attempted to keep steady. Clenching his jaw as he pulled his face away, fur stuck between his teeth, a scent caught his attention. Someone else? Concerned and now slightly distracted, the older male pulled away from Bronze quickly. Jumping back with all four paws to gain space between them, he breathed heavily. Blood trickled down the leg Bronze had managed to bite earlier, but it was nothing he wouldn't be able to deal with. "You've got a nice bite," Gil grumbled, teeth still shown in a full snarl as his hackles raised once more. With ears pinned, he turned his chin to let his yellow gaze try to find the one hiding in the shadows. Holding back any more words, he stood his ground between the blue-coated pup and the stranger lurking nearby. Gilgamesh vs Bronze for Spar Round 2/2 Age: Over 1 Year Size: Large Build: Medium Skills: Intermediate Intellectual & Advanced Fighter

Rose watched as the older male was pushed back by the large pup, and was impressed as well. This pup could be a very dangerous wolf some day, she mused. At least he could hold his own and she wouldn't feel beholden to keep an eye on him out here, as she often did when she found young wolves wandering out and about on their own. She was about to get to her paws to turn and leave when the older male turned a bit in her direction, and she inwardly cursed the slight breeze that carried her scent to the fighting pair just as well if she had brushed her dark tail under their noses. She felt uncomfortable with the yellow eyes turned her way, and figured it would be best if she stepped out and let them know she was not a threat. Lurching to her paws, and wincing slightly as her rear paws were quite stiff, she stepped out from the shadow she had been laying in. Unsure what to say, she stood warily next to the trunk, her head held level with her shoulders and tail relaxed, ears turned to the side, her weak grey eyes in their pale rings meeting the stronger yellow ones, and gave a tentative wag, licking her lips as she did so in a slight fit of nerves, and as a sign to show she meant no harm.

And the winner is...

Gilgamesh

Bronze must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: Bronze : Attack Roll: 50 Defense Roll: 22 Agility Roll: 81 Perception Roll: 9 Total: 162 Attack[50] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 50.00 Defense[22] + 10% Bonus[2.20]: 24.20 Agility[81] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 81.00 Perception[9] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 9.00 Total[164.20] + -5% Bonus[-8.21]: 155.99 Gilgamesh: Attack Roll: 37 Defense Roll: 31 Agility Roll: 8 Perception Roll: 92 Total: 168 Attack[37] + 5% Bonus[1.85]: 38.85 Defense[31] + 5% Bonus[1.55]: 32.55 Agility[8] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 8.00 Perception[92] + 10% Bonus[9.20]: 101.20 Total[180.60] + 15% Bonus[27.09]: 207.69

Everything happened quickly. Bronze was making an attempt to hold his ground against Gilgamesh's bite on the side of his face, feeling the pain beginning to grow and spread through him. This was nothing at all like wrestling with his siblings - he was sure this stranger could do more damage than he was but it seemed like he was trying to prove a point, not just push him around like his siblings might. The rush of adrenaline coursing through him was strong, almost intoxicating in its intensity. But the arrival of a stranger seemed to catch him off guard, and as he swung around to see who it was he felt the leg that Gilgamesh had initially gone after, buckle and give out from his weight. There was some blood trickling down his chin too, and his tongue swiped at his lips, only somewhat surprised at the taste of iron on his tongue. "Fine, you win," he spat at Gilgamesh, sounding annoyed as he backed up and let himself focus on the woman that had approached their fight. "What d'you want?" He called out, his voice sounding a touch sharper than usual. He felt the spike of adrenaline beginning to fade and the side of his face was throbbing uncomfortably. All he could think about was going home and sleeping this off now. He didn't regret standing his ground though and putting up a fight, and showing this stranger he wouldn't be threatened quite so easily.

Only a small twinge of a smirk kissed his lips in response to the spat about him winning. Of course, he wasn't going to let some pup beat him. It would have hurt his pride immensely if the large pup had won, but maybe another time he'd allow a rematch. Keeping his attention was on the new female as Bronze gave him space, he watched as she emerged from her hiding spot. Her submissive attitude was more than obvious that she didn't want trouble, but trouble was exactly what she'd walked into. Bristling more so than he had a moment before, his own pains shot up his leg. A meal would make everything better right about now. Taking a few steps toward the girl, he lifted his head to look her over. Before Gil could say anything, the question from Bronze split the air. Tension crackled in the group as his ear flicked toward the younger wolf. Couldn't have said it better myself. The thought crossed his mind with some amusement. Should they let her run or approach? Might be a bit of fun to antagonize someone who appeared so skittish and weary. "You'd make a good slave," Gil teased as his ears folded back, lips curling up in a snarl as he flashed her his teeth.

Rose lifted her her head as the pup shot a question at her, and pinned her ears back in annoyance at the older male's comment. She curled her tail up as she lifted her head, keeping her ears back as she replied in an even voice, body tense and ready to run if she needed to. "Just looking for some food when i heard ya'lls fight." she said softly. "I mean no harm nor intrusion." She flicked her eyes from the yellow eyed wolf and over to the pup. He would need his injuries looked at, and she hoped he had a pack to return to. She decided to ignore the slave comment, figuring that responding to the jab would only encourage the other wolf. She turned her attention back to the more threatening male and gave him a short nod. "Even if i meant harm, i am no match for either of you strong boys." A little complimenting wouldn't do no harm, would it. She dug her claws into the hard earth and flexed her sore rear paws just in case.

Bronze wasn't sure if his ego or his face was more bruised at this point. Maybe he'd been slacking a bit on his training, or maybe this stranger had just caught him completely off-guard; he wasn't sure what had gone wrong, and though he was frustrated with his inability to hold his own against this stranger, it only made him want to train even more to grow stronger and more capable. He watched the stranger carefully, his tail flicking in faint annoyance. The other male's words did little too soothe his rapidly souring mood. She'd make a good slave? He wasn't so sure about all of that, and he was content to push those thoughts out of his mind. "Ain't much food here, not this time of year. I'd try elsewhere," he commented dryly. Admittedly her comment did please him - he agreed that she wasn't a match, even if he wouldn't say as much out loud. "Might not be best to stick around here longer," he warned her. Though he didn't particularly feel like staying around to chat, he didn't like the thought of her falling prey to someone who had no qualms with startling children. With that he gave his head a slow shake, unable to ignore the pain that was growing there, and then turned to leave. -Bronze attempting to exit-

Rose turned her gaze to the pup as he spoke, however, she was keeping her eats back. She felt as if a moment of relaxed posture could trigger an impromptu attack form the older wolf, and she intended to make it out of this encounter in on piece, not several. "I intend to vacate the area." She replied as the large blue pup turned to leave. She was concerned for his injuries, but reminded herself that he most likely belonged to a pack, they would ensure he got proper care. She resumed eyeing the other wolf as she picked up her paws to sidestep away, too wary to turn her back on these wolves in order to leave. She would need to travel as fast and far as she were able, to avoid running into either wolf again. She felt certain no pack would be happy to find a scavenger in their territory or even skirting the edge.

"Speech"

The other two's interaction bored him. How could they be so not fun? Letting out a dramatic huff of air, Gil rolled his eyes. Careful to not put too much pressure on his injured leg, he eyed Bronze as he turned to leave. "If you ever want a rematch, I'll be around," he called out, the smirk still playing at the corners of his lips. As the younger wolf moved to exit their interaction, Gil turned his attention back on the timid girl. His ears fell back as his expression turned blank and unamused. "I'd follow his warning if I were you," he rumbled, eyes narrowing for a moment as he took another step toward her. Intending to keep the pressure and fear in the space between them, he wanted to make sure she knew that one wrong move and he wouldn't hesitate.

"I'm leaving I'm leaving." Rose said testily, her ire being raised just a little. Timid as she was, she didn't have the personality to tolerate being pushed around. She turned and stared directly into his eyes firmly before turning her head and stepping away steadily, eyeing him as she went. She wouldn't feel safe until she was far far from this place, that much was for certain. And hopefully the ocean was far out of range of the older male. She would be highly irate to discover him wherever she ended up.

"Speech"