these hands made of splinters

And his feet landed. It was a lucky move, but effective as she backed up blindly and began to kick out at him in return. His teeth loosened around her throat only to snap again and snag an ankle. Holding it within his jaws, Kerosene rolled, bringing her downwards as he dragged her foot upwards when he returned to his paws. He released it then, quickly turning on his heels to go for her throat once more.

Fangs hovered above that tender place, but didn't sink in. He'd won this round, he knew. She knew. Another time, the outcome might be different, but for now, he was content with the results. He ceased his snarls and turned to lick across her nose. A playful gesture, but their rawr grr time was over. "The borders then, shall we?" He prompted, stepping aside so she might rise once again. "Let's see if those wardening skills got rusty while you were away." A tease, but based on the fire in her earlier? She could take it.