Lumine was beginning to feel more adventurous. Something in her chest told her that she couldn't stay in one place for long. Perhaps it was the Viking in her or the mountain dweller that told her that learning meant experiencing what the world had to offer. No matter what it was, she knew she couldn't stay on the mountain forever. Especially with the cold northern winds bringing about change, she sought warmer climates where her reindeer could munch on fresher fields. Today wasn't exactly that sort of territory though. Before she knew it, the young pup was surrounded by blooming mist and twisting, gnarled trees. Shadows lingered and loomed over her, beady eyes staring out from around every corner. Fear began to trickle it, pricking at the edges of her eyes, but she persevered. Knowing if she could get through the forest, the Avalon pack was on the other side and perhaps she could see that Stjarna girl again. Hope of friendship shoved the bout of fear so that she could press forward. Careful not to trip over roots and rocks, leaving scent markers along the way so she wouldn't get lost. Lumine Trygg

table coding by bunni ♥

Redrum's mind was swirling. A tempest of distorted thoughts as he stalked through the mist-shrouded forest. His senses were on edge, every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs echoing like thunder in his ears. There was that distant hissing again, and it set his heart fluttering with anticipation. He was trying to find something to hunt, something to stop the deafening roar in his ears. Anything. Anything would do.

And then, a girl. An enigma to him, a flickering light amidst the oppressive darkness of the woods. Would… anything do? Truly?

As he stalked closer, unable to halt his movements – Redrum's instincts warred within him, a primal urge to hunt and conquer conflicting with a strange sense of curiosity. What drew him to this girl, this wanderer lost in the shadows? Was it her scent, a tantalizing mixture of fear and determination, that called out to him like a siren's song? Why was he creeping up on her like… like a feline, his eyes locked and narrowed on her every move…?

The forest seemed to close in around him, its twisted, gnarled trees casting long shadows that danced like phantoms in the mist. Something inside of him screeched for him to hunt. The forefront of his mind begged him to turn and run away. Redrum pressed on, his every step a calculated dance with danger and… something he didn’t understand.

With a feral glint in his golden orbs, Redrum pushed forward through the foliage; stepping into view of this lone girl. He sensed the stirrings of something primal – a hunger, a longing, a desire that pulsed with every beat of his wild heart. He probably stared at her with every one of those emotions playing openly on his face.

""

The fear and determination that emanated from her body was obvious. Slowly the fear would begin to take over that determination that deeper into the forest she went. Every few moments, she felt as if a pair of eyes were staring at her, but when she turned to look, nothing was there. A few shuffles of fallen leaves or a snapping of a twig would send her skin crawling, but again, nothing was there. Her body would begin to tremble until the brush beside her parted. There, a boy not much older than herself appears. The look on his face is frightening. Lumine freezes, every inch of her body stuck in place as she stares back. While he has... that expression that could kill, hers is nothing but terror. Eyes wide like a deer, mouth dry and clamped shut, ears folding backward and her tail tucking between her legs. Was he planning on hurting her? Where had her bravery gone? It was just her and him. Him and her. Taking a step backward to put space between them, she stumbles and hits her rump against a tree. A quiet startled yip leaves her as she jumps to the side, her eyes never leaving the creepy, weird red boy in front of her. "Wh-what do you w-want?" She finally stutters out, her hair along her spine finally lifting and her shoulders hunching in a defensive stance in case he did decide to pounce on her. Lumine Trygg

table coding by bunni ♥

Redrum observed the girl's reaction with a mixture of fascination and something akin to remorse. His own inner turmoil mirrored the fear evident in her wide eyes, though his predatory instincts continued to thrum beneath the surface, urging him to act. Something, something was wrong. The feline hissing was getting louder in his head — his head was hurting. As the girl stumbled backward, her back colliding with the rough bark of a nearby tree, Redrum noted the subtle shift in her demeanor. The once defiant determination was now replaced by unadulterated terror, her body language betraying her instinct to flee. She was acting like prey. Stop being scared. Stop backing away! It only made him want to keep pressing forward. And he did, he pushed and pushed, eyes locked onto her and ears standing pin straight atop his skull as he did so.

For a moment, Redrum remained still, the silence of the forest enveloping him like a suffocating blanket. His muscles spasmed and rippled beneath his fur, a wince contorting his face as he bared his teeth in pain. His head. It was pounding! He forced his eyes open, gaze softening slightly as he took in the sight of the girl before him again, her vulnerability laid bare. Was this what he had been searching for? A scared kid not much younger than himself? Why, she was the same age as he was when he–

The realization struck him like a bolt of lightning, sparking a sense of protectiveness he hadn't known existed within him. Despite the primal urges clawing at the corners of his mind, Redrum found himself hesitating, as a flicker of empathy seeped into his heart. “W-hat does Red– want?” He echoed, the words foreign on his tongue as he struggled to articulate his thoughts. His gaze softened further, the feral glint in his eyes giving way to a more contemplative expression. “He... He— doesn’t -know.” The admission hung heavy in the air, a tension that seemed to stretch on for eternity. Redrum took a cautious step forward, his movements slow and deliberate as he closed the distance between them.

“He doesn't– mean you any– harm,” The boy said softly, his voice barely above a resigned whisper. “He... Red– just... He doesn't k–now why h–e’s here.” Golden orbs were pleasing, as though this younger pup had an answer he couldn’t grasp himself.

""

There is something odd about the boy that she can't put a paw on. It wasn't that she had never seen different appearing wolves before - that much she was used to by now. Maybe it was the way his eyes and expression flickered back and forth, unsure of how to feel. She notices how he tries to show empathy, a softening glance of his face before it hardens again, uncertainty and confusion clouding judgment. His encroaching form forces a shiver down her spine, his stilted words making her belly twist and ache. The palpable tension between them is forcing a more than animalistic feeling in her that she's never felt before. Because even though he softens, he is still in her space. Far too close for her liking as she pushes hardest against the tree behind her. "You d-don't?" Lumine whispers, both to his statement of not harming her and unsure why he's here. It worries her more. Was something wrong with him? Was he lost? Had he hit his head on something? Did it make him more dangerous? More unpredictable? She can barely breathe. There's no space left between and she feels like an animal backed into a corner. The need to escape, that innate urge in her to force it when there felt to be no other options. If she didn't get out of here now... she might not ever make it out. Unable to force the fight or flight out of her system, the fear far too heightened in her now, Lumine strikes out. Her face snakes forward toward his, teeth gnashing and snapping wildly, not quite sure she actually wants to hit him, but she needs to get him to back off. Lumine Trygg

table coding by bunni ♥

Lumine vs Redrum for Minor Maim (muzzle scarring)
Round 1/?
Age: Under 1 Year
Size: Extra large
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Candy Cane Claws
Defensive Battle Accessory: Santa Coat
Companion 1: Mini Reindeer, Male - battle
Companion 2: Mini Reindeer, Male - battle
Mutation 1: Enhanced Eyesight - Perception
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Beginner Navigator

Redrum recoiled as her teeth snapped toward him, striking him in the face. He is left with blood welling up and dripping down his cheek, reopening scars there and making the damage seem worse than it is. He is stricken. His golden eyes seeking her’s, confused. He staggered backward, his own uncertainty mirrored in the widening of his eyes as he struggled to make sense of the chaos unfolding now. A surge of adrenaline courses through his veins, igniting the instinct to retaliate within him. He no longer questioned the righteousness of his actions, nor the hiss that had returned full force, egging him on to defend himself.

With a swift motion, Redrum lunged forward, his own jaws snapping at the girl. He attempts to topple her over. His movements were fueled by instinct now, his mind clouded with a primal need to survive – to not be prey.

Redrum vs Lumine for Minor Maim (Scarring)
Round 1/2
Age: Under 1
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Feline claw fittings
Defensive Battle Accessory: Feline mask
Companion 1: Merlin Falcon, Female - Perception
Companion 2: Merlin Falcon, Male - Perception
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Hawk-Eyed

""

Her teeth connect with the tender skin of his muzzle and she is shocked to taste copper along her tongue. Pulling back in a jerking motion, she blinks at him with wide eyes. Had she done that? Had she really just hurt him? It... She hadn't meant it. Couldn't help it. It was her or him and she wasn't ready to meet Odin yet. Lumine's heart thumps heavily in her chest, fighting to breathe, waiting for his reaction. She sees how his face trembles, emotions racing across his expression as she feels the fear build up in her. Fighting the adrenaline, she braces for the retaliation. Scrambling backward toward the tree she had been pressed against moments before, she feels his weight bear down on her. His own teeth rake against her skin, breaking it open until blood seeps down her cheek. Thankful that she had moved back against the tree, she holds her ground against his weight bearing down on her. Reminding herself that its either her or him, she strikes out again. Her front legs move upward, back legs braced against the roots, she pushes back, hoping to keep some distance, but her teeth still seek to scar him. Lumine Trygg

table coding by bunni ♥

Lumine vs Redrum for Minor Maim (muzzle scarring)
Round 2/2
Age: Under 1 Year
Size: Extra large
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Candy Cane Claws
Defensive Battle Accessory: Santa Coat
Companion 1: Mini Reindeer, Male - battle
Companion 2: Mini Reindeer, Male - battle
Mutation 1: Enhanced Eyesight - Perception
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Beginner Navigator

Survival instincts override any empathy at this moment. Growling like a feral beast, Redrum lunges forward, teeth bared, aiming to assert dominance and protect himself. The taste of blood fills his mouth, fueling his aggression as he fights to maintain control of the situation. He feels her resistance as she pushes back, leveraged against the tree – her teeth finding purchase on his face once more. He snarls, ears deaf to anything but the feline hiss that is steadily becoming a roaring in his ears once again, and with his feline claw reinforcements he seeks to slash at her belly as she is overextended.

Redrum vs Lumine for Minor Maim (Scarring)
Round 2/2
Age: Under 1
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Feline claw fittings
Defensive Battle Accessory: Feline mask
Companion 1: Merlin Falcon, Female - Perception
Companion 2: Merlin Falcon, Male - Perception
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Hawk-Eyed

""

And the winner is...

REDRUM

LUMINE must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. REDRUM'S maim is successful. Totals: LUMINE: Attack Roll: 26 Defense Roll: 32 Agility Roll: 22 Perception Roll: 59 Total: 139 Attack[26] + 35% Bonus[9.10]: 35.10 Defense[32] + 15% Bonus[4.80]: 36.80 Agility[22] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 22.00 Perception[59] + 10% Bonus[5.90]: 64.90 Total[158.80] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 158.80 REDRUM: Attack Roll: 70 Defense Roll: 68 Agility Roll: 53 Perception Roll: 10 Total: 201 Attack[70] + 35% Bonus[24.50]: 94.50 Defense[68] + 20% Bonus[13.60]: 81.60 Agility[53] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 53.00 Perception[10] + 50% Bonus[5.00]: 15.00 Total[244.10] + 10% Bonus[24.41]: 268.51

Pain blooms across her belly as he strikes the tender area. Tears burst from her eyes as she cries out. A surprised shout at first that winds into a whimpering howl. Releasing her legs from his body, she folds in on herself. If he wished to take her life here and now, she would let him. Maybe she should have just ran for it. Why fight? He was older, larger, and obviously much stronger. Sliding down the trunk of the tree, putting her paws over her face to prevent any more attacks to such a vital region, she cowers. Sobs force her chest and sides to heave as she feels her belly bleed onto the ground beneath her. "Why?" Lumine whimpers into her foreleg. Giving up shouldn't have been so easy, but what else was she to do? Lumine Trygg

table coding by bunni ♥

Redrum's aggression ebbs slightly as he watches the girl crumple before him, her cries echoing in the silent forest. The taste of blood lingers in his mouth, mixing with the bitter realization of what he's done. Despite his instinct to dominate, a pang of guilt seeps into his consciousness, clouding his thoughts. It is conflicting with the beast he hears, still whispering at his nape to finish the job. He could scarcely understand what just happened. He remembered pain, and the color red only.

He hesitates, claws retracting as he takes in the sight of her vulnerability. His growls soften into a low rumble of uncertainty. The feral urges that drove him moments ago now feel distant, replaced by a sense of remorse. His bristled fur relaxes as his blood runs cold within his veins.

She hadn’t been an opponent, not at first, not like the others he’d lost himself fighting.

Crouching cautiously, Redrum lowers himself beside her, his own wounds throbbing in tandem with hers. His gaze softens, betraying the ferocity that had consumed him mere moments ago.

"Why?" Her whispered question pierces through the air, stirring a conflict within Redrum's chest. Why? He had acted on instinct, fueled by the need to predate, prodded by her defensive attack, but now faced with the consequences, he struggles to find an answer. His mother hadn’t taught him to do things like this, so… why…? If she hadn’t started crying, how far might he have gone?

"R-red-rum do-doesn’t know," The vermillion boy admits, his voice barely a whisper; his body wracked with twitches and spasms. His golden orbs are all confusion, all regret. His breath hitches in his throat, and all at once the boy scrabbles to his feet. He steels himself, closing his eyes and gritting his teeth as he speaks again. “Hurt Redrum. Make it- right.” And he stills, face dripping blood where she had struck him initially — offering himself up for whatever form of justice she is willing to deliver.

""

Every nerve in her can tell that he's crouching closer. The scent of aggression and adrenaline is seeping away instead of surging forward. Why wasn't he finishing her off? Was he truly giving her a chance to escape? Everything had happened so quickly that she wasn't even sure what had happened. All she did know was that her body hurt. Her belly the worst of all where his claws had gotten her the worst. If she didn't head home now, she might be in some real trouble. But it's his words that stop her. Her shaking body stills, breath evening out and the urge to run away dissipates. Hurt him? Make it right? Lumine lifts her chin from her foreleg to stare incredulously at him. Brow shifting downward slightly as she registered what he meant. Make it right... A few seconds pass before it clicks. Disgust envelops her expression, muzzle wrinkling, teeth baring in his direction. "I do not take revenge handed to me on a silver platter," Lumine nearly seethes, but the conviction is missing. "If you want to make it right, fight me for real. Right here, right now, let's duel," her tone is stern now, gathering the courage inside of her to face the boy that had just slashed her open. Blood stains her belly and the inside of her legs, but she ignores the pain. Instead, she shakily stands to her paws, looking at the red coated boy with disappointment. Both in herself and in him. "Let's go," Lumine hisses, showing him her teeth with a snarl that tries to rumble in her chest. Lumine Trygg Lumine vs Redrum for Dominance Round 0/? Age: Under 1 Size: Extra large Build: Balanced Offensive Battle Accessory: Candy Cane Claws Defensive Battle Accessory: Santa Coat Companion 1: Mini Reindeer, Male - battle Companion 2: Mini Reindeer, Male - battle Mutation 1: Enhanced Eyesight - Perception Skills: Expert Fighter & Beginner Navigator

table coding by bunni ♥

Redrum's heart pounds in his chest as he watches Lumine's reaction. Her scent shifts, the tang of fear and pain slowly giving way to something else — anger? Maybe. It's a subtle change, but one that doesn't go unnoticed by the vermillion boy.

Her words strike him like a blow, piercing through the haze of his own turmoil with startling clarity. Revenge handed to her on a silver platter. The accusation resonates deep within him, stirring a tumult of instinct and emotion that threaten to overwhelm him once more. He wants to refute. To tell her he hadn’t meant it like that- But amidst the waves of volatility, there's a flicker of understanding he feels. Would he have wanted someone to kill the cougar for him? No. And it was still out there, waiting for him to hurt it as it had hurt him. Make it right, who was he kidding?

When Lumine stands before him, blood-stained and defiant, Redrum meets her gaze with careful thought and determination. It’s an intense stare from the golden eyed boy — The offer of a real duel hangs between them, a chance to atone for his actions, to face the consequences head-on. No matter if he could not understand why he had felt such a drive to hunt her in the first place. Nor the following compulsions that led him to attack so viciously. It would be a different case if she had threatened him first. God he wish it had been that way.

For a moment, Redrum hesitates, the weight of his guilt pressing down on him like a heavy burden. Thinking, thinking of all the whys and what ifs. But then, with a slow, deliberate movement, he nods. It's a silent agreement, a commitment to confront his mistakes and make amends, whatever the cost. Win or lose.

With a deep breath, Redrum braces himself, steeling his resolve. His fitted claws flex against the forest floor, his eyes locking onto Lumine's.

“Ok-ay.” He gives a simple word, his voice steady despite the tremors that still linger within him. And with that, he lurches forward, seeking to slam his shoulder into her chest. His teeth are grit, trying to focus on what he’s trying to do. Block out the noise. Block out the intensity.

Redrum vs Lumine for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Feline claw fittings
Defensive Battle Accessory: Feline mask
Companion 1: Merlin Falcon, Female - Perception
Companion 2: Merlin Falcon, Male - Perception
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Knight & Hawk-Eyed

""

Her youthful and disoriented mind still doesn't quite connect all of the dots, but there's no turning back now. No escaping, no taking back what she's presented. She stands firm, paws planted in the ground, head held high as the boy lurches forward. With icy blue gaze staring daggers at him, she lets him barrel into her. His shoulder slams into her chest, an audible 'oof' escaping her lips as she digs in to hold steady against the pressure of him shoving at her. Lumine seeks to move her head around toward the left and aims to bite down on his scruff. Her chest shoves forward back at him, lifting up just enough that her right paw can move from the ground and toward his left shoulder. If she can grab on, maybe she can toss him to the ground. Lumine Trygg Lumine vs Redrum for Dominance Round 1/2 Age: Under 1 Size: Extra large Build: Balanced Offensive Battle Accessory: Candy Cane Claws Defensive Battle Accessory: Santa Coat Companion 1: Mini Reindeer, Male - battle Companion 2: Mini Reindeer, Male - battle Mutation 1: Enhanced Eyesight - Perception Skills: Expert Fighter & Beginner Navigator

table coding by bunni ♥

Redrum felt the impact as his shoulder connected with her chest, the force sending a jolt through his body. Her determined resistance, however, held him in place, her icy blue gaze boring into him like daggers. The sound that escaped her lips spurred him on, but the sensation of her pushing back was enough to remind him that she wouldn't go down easily.

As her head moved toward his left, Redrum sensed her intent to bite his scruff. Instinctively, he tried to twist away, but her chest pressed back against his with surprising force. Her right paw lifted, aiming for his left shoulder, and Redrum knew he had to act quickly. With a low growl, he tensed his muscles, pushing harder against her in an attempt to keep her off balance. His golden eyes flashed with a mix of determination and residual guilt, focusing on the immediate challenge of the fight. He shifted his weight to his hind legs, aiming to use the force of his own momentum to deflect her grasp and avoid being thrown to the ground.

Redrum's claws dug into the earth as he sought to regain control, trying to use his leverage to pivot and twist out of her grasp, aiming to bring them both down in a controlled tumble rather than be thrown.

Redrum vs Lumine for Dominance
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Feline claw fittings
Defensive Battle Accessory: Feline mask
Companion 1: Merlin Falcon, Female - Perception
Companion 2: Merlin Falcon, Male - Perception
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Knight & Hawk-Eyed

""

Their tussle was truly a battle of who was stronger at this point. The way their bodies pushed against each other, claws digging into the ground for purchase. There was little skill in the way that she moved. Rather, it was more desperation than anything. She needed to prove she wasn't weak. That she wouldn't allow him to toss her around and then beg for forgiveness. Even if she did notice the residual guilt in his gaze that reflected her own, she would remain determined. Attempting to twist her body one way or the other as her front paws sought purchase around his shoulders, she's surprised at his strength. Surprised that he's even fighting back this hard. Had he not requested she hurt him back just moments before? It's the controlled twist of his own body that throws her off. Lumine thinks they'll stay upright, but they don't. The boy is able to maneuver them toward the ground, dirt and grass and gnarled branches coming up close to her face far quicker than she realizes. Lumine Trygg Lumine vs Redrum for Dominance Round 2/2 Age: Under 1 Size: Extra large Build: Balanced Offensive Battle Accessory: Candy Cane Claws Defensive Battle Accessory: Santa Coat Companion 1: Mini Reindeer, Male - battle Companion 2: Mini Reindeer, Male - battle Mutation 1: Enhanced Eyesight - Perception Skills: Expert Fighter & Beginner Navigator

table coding by bunni ♥

And the winner is...REDRUM

REDRUM

LUMINE must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: REDRUM: Attack Roll: 4 Defense Roll: 70 Agility Roll: 99 Perception Roll: 35 Total: 208 Attack[4] + 35% Bonus[1.40]: 5.40 Defense[70] + 20% Bonus[14.00]: 84.00 Agility[99] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 99.00 Perception[35] + 50% Bonus[17.50]: 52.50 Total[240.90] + 25% Bonus[60.23]: 301.12 LUMINE: Attack Roll: 23 Defense Roll: 60 Agility Roll: 61 Perception Roll: 48 Total: 192 Attack[23] + 35% Bonus[8.05]: 31.05 Defense[60] + 15% Bonus[9.00]: 69.00 Agility[61] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 61.00 Perception[48] + 10% Bonus[4.80]: 52.80 Total[213.85] + 5% Bonus[10.69]: 224.54