Bearclaw Valley Clash of kings

for @Cole

Tvar stood in the middle of one of the Valley's many clearings, broad frame relaxed as he worked through the stiffness in his limbs after a long patrol. Each stretch loosening the tension that had built in his muscles throughout the day. A soft exhale escaped his lips, misting in the cold air as the forest around him began to darken under the waning light.

The stillness was broken by the faint crunch of snow underfoot. Tvar’s ears flicked toward the sound, his sharp blue eyes narrowing slightly as he straightened. He turned, his gaze settling on the familiar figure of Cole approaching through the trees.

Tvar let out a low, friendly grumble, his tail giving a single, slow sway behind him. “Cole,” he greeted with a nod of his head.

Cole’s amber eyes found Tvar easily in the clearing, his sharp gaze cutting through the dim light. The familiar figure of the other wolf, tall and solid, was a welcome sight after the day’s labor. He carried himself with the kind of weight that came with experience, and Cole always found something steadying in his presence.

Tvar, Cole replied simply, his voice low but warm. His own tail gave a small flick of acknowledgment as he came to a stop a few paces away.

He let his eyes sweep briefly over the clearing before settling back on Tvar, noting the relaxed stance, the stretch of limbs. How was it out there? he asked, tipping his head slightly toward the forest. Quiet?

There was no urgency in his tone, just the steady rhythm of two wolves accustomed to the day's demands, sharing its weight in the sparse language of experience.

“Quiet,” Tvar replied, his voice low, carrying the faint rasp of wear from the day’s patrol. “Too quiet, maybe. No fresh trails, no disturbances.” He shifted his weight, rolling his shoulders to loosen the tension from hours spent moving through the forest.

“If there’s trouble out there, it’s waiting for another day.”

His gaze flicked briefly to the treeline before returning to Cole, his posture relaxed but not careless. “And you?” he asked simply, his words easy, each syllable grounded.

“Big guy like yourselfs been keeping busy, I assume.”

Cole nodded in agreement, his golden gaze steady as it met Tvar’s. Quiet’s good... but maybe too good, he said, voice low, his words thoughtful. He shifted his weight slightly, rolling his shoulders as if mirroring Tvar's own movements.

Shouldn’t hurt to be ready. In case somethin’ decides to stir.

He let the words hang for a moment, his eyes glancing briefly toward the treeline. Then, with a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, he added, Up for a spar? Could keep us sharp, just in case.

There was no mockery in his tone—just a quiet suggestion, practical and straightforward, as was his nature. Cole’s stance remained relaxed, though there was a subtle shift in his posture, hinting at readiness.

“Can’t argue with that.”

He straightened, his tall frame rolling easily into a poised stance, muscles coiling beneath his thick pelt. Though his posture remained calm, there was a readiness in the way he shifted his weight. The invitation had been clear, and Tvar wasn’t one to decline a challenge, especially when it came from someone like Cole.

“Let’s see if you’re as sharp as you think,” Tvar added with a playful gnash of teeth. He stepped forward slowly, closing the distance, testing the waters.

He didn’t lunge immediately, instead sizing his opponent up, circling just slightly to gauge Cole’s reaction. He let his actions speak as he squared off, waiting for the moment to strike or counter, depending on what his packmate brought to the table.

attack rolled: 20 LOL crit hit

Cole watched Tvar with a steady gaze, his lips twitching into a faint smirk at the taunt. Without a word, he adjusted his stance, paws shifting subtly to spread his weight evenly over the snow-dusted ground. The air between them was charged, the kind of energy that only came with the promise of a fight.

Cole moved first, his powerful frame surging forward with a speed that betrayed his size. He aimed low, his shoulder dipping as he attempted to ram into Tvar’s side, testing his balance and reaction time. It wasn’t a reckless charge; there was precision in the way he moved, calculating the angles, watching for the slightest shift in Tvar’s stance.

The snow crunched beneath his paws as he braced himself, ready to pivot or counter depending on how Tvar met his initial assault. Cole’s muscles tensed, his breath misting in the cold air, but his eyes remained locked on his opponent, waiting to see how Tvar would respond.

d: 4 hit / a: 12

Tvar braced himself as Cole surged forward, his sharp eyes narrowing as he read the incoming attack. He adjusted his stance, angling his weight to meet the charge—but the speed and precision of Cole’s movement caught him off guard. Tvar had underestimated just how quickly his packmate could close the gap.

The impact was solid, Cole’s shoulder driving into Tvar’s side with enough force to unseat his balance completely. A grunt escaped his throat as his paws skidded across the snow, the momentum sending him sprawling sideways. He hit the ground hard, the cold biting through his thick pelt as he scrambled to regain his footing. There was no frustration in Tvar’s expression, only a faint flicker of acknowledgment as he pushed himself upright. He shook off the snow clinging to his fur, his sharp blue eyes locking back onto Cole with renewed focus.

Without hesitation, he surged forward, his broad frame cutting through the crisp air with practiced precision. He aimed higher, attempting to drive his shoulder toward Cole’s chest, a calculated move to test the other wolf’s ability to counter at close range. As he neared, his jaws snapped in Cole’s direction, not to strike but to feint and distract, hoping to throw the other wolf’s focus just enough to create an opening.

d: 15; a: 2

Cole saw the movement, the slight shift in Tvar’s frame that signaled the incoming attack. His eyes sharpened, and as Tvar lunged forward, aiming high, Cole twisted his body with a quick pivot, his paws crunching in the snow as he sidestepped the charge. The feinting snap of Tvar’s jaws brushed close, but it didn’t catch him off guard. Instead, it left an opening.

Nice try, Cole rumbled, a glimmer of amusement flashing in his amber eyes.

With practiced ease, Cole used his momentum to swing back around, his muscles coiling as he drove forward, this time aiming low. He barreled toward Tvar’s hind leg, attempting to knock him off balance and put the larger wolf on uneven footing. His move wasn’t brute force—it was calculated, targeting Tvar’s center of gravity in an effort to throw him off kilter.

Snow kicked up in his wake as Cole kept his frame low and tight, his focus unyielding. The spar wasn’t just a display of strength; it was a test of cunning, and Cole was intent on proving he could be just as clever as he was powerful.

d: 7 / a: 17

Tvar’s sharp blue eyes caught Cole’s shift, the subtle adjustment in his stance as he moved low and fast. This time, Tvar was ready. As Cole barreled forward toward his hind leg, Tvar pivoted sharply, his size and strength working in tandem with a surprising speed that carried him just out of reach. The snow underfoot scattered as he twisted, Cole’s momentum passing harmlessly by.

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Tvar’s lips, the satisfaction of outmaneuvering his packmate briefly visible. “Not this time,” he rumbled out with a bold laugh.

Without missing a beat, Tvar used the opening to his advantage. He surged forward, his large frame moving with deliberate force, aiming to use his shoulder to drive into Cole’s side. It wasn’t reckless, nor was it overly aggressive—it was precise, a calculated strike.

Teeth gnashing, his jaws snap open, looking to take Cole by the scruff and force the brute to the snow-covered ground beneath them. All the while nostrils flaring and chest heaving with heavy breaths.

d:6 ; a:18

Cole felt the impact before he saw it coming. Tvar’s shoulder barreled into his side, sending him stumbling back a few steps, his paws digging into the snow to steady himself. The sting of the blow radiated through his ribs, but he didn’t falter for long. His amber eyes narrowed, a flicker of determination sparking as he let out a sharp grunt.

Good hit, he muttered under his breath, his voice low and clipped, more for himself than for Tvar.

As Tvar advanced, Cole launched his retaliation without hesitation. His movements were swift and deliberate, his bulk shifting with surprising agility as he twisted to the side, aiming to avoid the jaws snapping for his scruff. He lowered himself, coiling his muscles like a spring before surging forward, aiming to drive his shoulder into Tvar’s chest.

It wasn’t a strike meant to overwhelm but to disrupt—to throw Tvar off balance and create an opening. Cole’s jaws parted, snapping toward the larger wolf’s flank as he moved, teeth seeking purchase with enough force to make his intentions clear.

d: 4 / a: 16

The force of Cole’s counter sent Tvar stumbling back, his paws dragging across the snow as he fought to stay upright. He landed heavily but managed to remain on his feet, though the strain showed in the stiff way he held himself. A sharp exhale escaped him, misting in the cold air, as his blue eyes narrowed in quiet frustration. The snap of Cole’s teeth came close—too close—but Tvar twisted just in time, avoiding the bite with a fraction of space to spare. He didn’t waste time analyzing the mistake or catching his breath; hesitation wasn’t an option.

His muscles tensed, and with a sharp burst of speed, Tvar launched himself forward, snow spraying behind him in wide arcs. There was no hesitation in his movements as he closed the distance, his broad frame charging with full force toward Cole. His jaws parted, aiming directly for the vulnerable bridge of Cole’s nose, a strike meant to overwhelm and knock him off his footing. Teeth bared but not looking to harm.

The charge was direct, almost reckless, but not without precision. Tvar’s weight and speed carried him with deliberate intent, his gaze locked on Cole’s every move. His focus was absolute, his movements swift and unrelenting as he bore down, leaving little room for the other wolf to evade or counter without effort. The snow crunched sharply beneath him, the clearing alive with the sound of the spar as Tvar pressed his attack.

d: 8; a:20 crit hit

Cole didn’t have time to fully regain his footing before Tvar barreled into him with relentless force. The hit landed squarely, the impact reverberating through Cole’s chest as he stumbled back, paws sliding over the snow. A sharp growl tore from his throat, pain biting through his ribcage where Tvar’s weight had driven him.

But retreat wasn’t in Cole’s nature.

Not bad, he grunted, voice strained but laced with a gritty determination.

His eyes sharpened, amber blazing as he assessed the opening Tvar had left in his charge. With a burst of adrenaline, Cole pushed off the snow, his powerful frame lunging forward in a sudden surge. He twisted sharply, aiming low, his shoulder slamming into Tvar’s side with all the weight he could muster.

The impact was precise, a well-timed strike meant to unbalance the larger wolf. As Tvar faltered, Cole’s jaws snapped upward, targeting the thick scruff at the base of Tvar’s neck. He didn’t clamp down harshly, but his grip was firm, his strength clear as he sought to assert his dominance in the spar.

a: 19

The impact rattled through Tvar’s body, and he staggered, his legs struggling to find purchase in the snow. Cole’s shoulder drove into Tvar’s side with a force that sent him skidding, the snow beneath his paws giving way, an icy gauntlet he could scarcely recover upon. The snap of Cole’s jaws at his scruff caught him briefly, the grip strong enough to send a ripple of frustration down Tvar’s spine.

Tvar grunted, his breaths coming quicker now, visible in the cold air as exhaustion began to creep into his limbs. His muscles burned, his frame heavier than it had been at the start of the spar. Yet the fire in his chest refused to let him back down, even as his body screamed for reprieve. With a guttural growl which resounded from the depths of his barrel chest, Tvar surged forward again, his larger frame twisting sharply to dislodge Cole’s grip. He used his remaining strength to lunge directly at the other wolf, aiming to throttle him down onto his back.

His paws hit the snow hard, kicking up frost as he drove his weight into the motion. If he could pin Cole beneath him, he might find a fleeting upper hand.

His jaws parted again, snapping near Cole’s face, ample distraction. Diversion.

d:4 ; a:3

Cole grunted as Tvar’s attack connected, the weight and force enough to send him stumbling to the side, his paws slipping awkwardly in the snow. The blow rattled through his frame, leaving his stance unsteady, and his mind clouded with frustration. A growl rumbled low in his throat as he recovered, the sting of Tvar’s strength igniting a stubborn fire within him.

Shaking his head to clear it, Cole attempted to retaliate, his movements less calculated this time, driven more by instinct than strategy. He lunged forward, aiming for Tvar’s shoulder, but the effort lacked the precision of his earlier attacks. His footing faltered slightly as he pushed off the uneven ground, and his trajectory veered off-center.

The attempt, though sloppy, carried enough force to make contact if it landed, though the execution left him open to a counter. His teeth snapped toward Tvar, his eyes blazing with determination despite the flaws in his form.

nat 1...

Tvar felt the sting of Cole’s retaliation almost before he saw it coming. Cole carried enough raw force to slam into Tvar’s shoulder, leaving him scrambling. The larger wolf grunted, his paws sliding in the snow as he struggled to regain footing. His muscles burned with the effort of holding himself upright, and his vision blurred slightly as the brightness of the snow reflected into his eyes, disorienting him.

He stumbled, his breaths coming in short, visible bursts against the cold air, and though he tried to recover, his body simply wouldn’t allow it. Exhaustion was taking its toll, the long spar sapping his stamina with every passing moment. Tvar growled low in frustration, his sharp blue eyes narrowing as he forced himself to rise again—but his movements lacked their usual precision.

His muscles refused to respond in time. The other wolf’s weight pressed into him and Tvar lacked the willpower to keep going. Life or death situation, it'd be a different story—but Tvar wanted nothing more than a meal and a fat nap now. His chest heaved as he stood still, then finally stepped back, lifting his head slightly in concession.

“That's enough for me,” he managed to laugh out. He shook the snow from his fur, taking a moment to steady his breath. “Good match, Cole.”

He regarded Tvar with a faint, unsaid pride, the weight of the spar leaving his muscles pleasantly sore.

Good match-up, I reckon, he drawled, his voice calm but laced with the subtle satisfaction of a hard-earned victory. His amber eyes met Tvar’s with a flicker of respect, a silent acknowledgment of the effort the larger wolf had put into their bout.

He rolled his shoulders, the tension easing from his frame as he stepped back, allowing Tvar the space to recover fully. You got some power behind those moves, he added after a beat, his tone lighter, almost teasing. Might’ve had me if you weren’t lookin’ for a nap halfway through.

A small grin tugged at the corner of his mouth as he turned slightly, signaling that the spar was over but the camaraderie remained intact. It was a good match, one that left Cole feeling sharper, more focused, and appreciative of the wolves he stood beside.

tvar stayed quiet at first, pulling in a slow breath as he steadied himself. there was the faint twitch of his lips, a hint of a smirk. "there's no shame in losing to a good fighter." he rumbles, lifting a paw to brush the snow from his chest.

he stretched, rolling his shoulders as cole teased him. a huff left him—dry, almost amused. "next time, i’ll make sure to nap before," he replied, glancing back at the other wolf with a faint quirk of his brow.