these hands made of splinters

What the? He backed up, taken back by her sudden misfortune of a good stumble. Good, in that he had easy access, bad in that he was half tempted to help the girl up and let her try again. Then again, if this had happened in a legitimate spar, he hoped the girl would be able to defend herself when down. Among pack mates where it was common courtesy to keep these spars friendly? Made for good practice.

So he moved, stepping above her stumbled form to go for her scruff once more and give the girl a good shake.