all welcome, looking for a mercenary/spar thread! quick mobile starter <3 timeline is flexible with this if needed :)
His bone grew bored in a comforted state.
Good for all of them that his position was not one of just ruling, but of working and building an army. All of them would need to stay sharp. Soon he would need to find more to pluck and build their numbers with, if they were fit in the eyes of Avi or even Tulimaq.
He let out a summons for any who wished to train their might.
The summon drew her close.
She did not know this man. He looked strong, and proud, like any wolf of Tartok. His scent was rich and had been in many places that Tulimaq's had been, as well as the woman Avicus. This was someone of importance then.
Kanuk moved with care to where he waited. Her eyes roamed the surroundings but the rest of her was focused on the man.
Somebody new, somebody he did not immediately recognize.
She was one of the few women here. Although her age was greater than Avicus. As was her build. He did not know her, but he approved of her all the same.
She smelled of Tulimaq and he wondered if this was a hunter under him.
Prophet was not here to hunt.
He rumbled warmly to her. Then squared his shoulders some, an invitation to spar if she so wished.
As he moved to face her, she saw the challenge conveyed through the tension in his body. The sound in his throat drew her full attention.
Kanuk lowered her head so that it was below her own shoulders. She moved with silent steps, circling him, studying him. Then when she chose her moment, she lunged.
For all her strengths, she knew how to move the best. She knew herself and the limits of the body that was her vessel; not a step wasted, not an ounce of energy spent that was not done so with purpose.
She did not strike. Instead she veered close and then away, testing his resolve.
She lunged.
He prepared for a blow. Instinctually snapped into a crescent shape and prepared to retaliate with teeth.
Only to be met with a vacancy at his side. She had pulled away as quick as she had moved. A nimble thing despite their shared size.
He faced her head on after he righted his position and then veered to circle her in return. Two sharks in the water.
He read her movement well. Snapped eagerly, met air; it was a test of his responsiveness. He was not lacking.
As they circled one-another Kanuk watched for another opening but saw none. He was hard to read. His path was clear and yet she did not take advantage of it.
Her own pace slowed and she drew aside, wider than her previous arc. A stumble, maybe. If he came for her then, she would slip away; another test.
And he would.
Attempt to head after her, that was. Her movement spoke to him like a siren song.
He'd dive with a click of teeth and kicked up snow. More of an usher to keep her moving than any attempt. He found himself pleased by her with each step of their tactile dance.
Where he had strength she had speed. His quick thinking and adaptability matched with her endurance. As she moved he followed - reading her muscles, judging the insinuation of her body's angles.
He could not catch her unless she let him.
The test was simple for the man: land a hit.
So far he was keeping up with the weave of her body in the snow but now was the real test. Could he outlast her? She was excited to find out.
He was thrilled. He was entranced. He was awed.
Her speed was everything the Berserkr could hope for. Her quickness could be finessed in any manner so she wished. Whether it be quick snipes of teeth against wolf or teeth against prey.
He wished to dive closer to her, exert some more energy in hopes that he might push a shoulder into her.
She was a fine opponent and he wished to test her as long as she would welcome him. Perhaps afterwards he would convince her to linger for a meal.