Hoshor Plains reflections

Actually getting a surprise attack and forcing Ira to back away makes Eve preen with pride—he knows how good a fighter she is, after all, she’s been the one who’s helped train him the most. Alas, the bear cannot let his guard down for long, because the stun and the push-back only lasts so long before she’s back and slippery as a snake.
She strikes at his blind side, something he has gotten better about guarding, but not enough to keep her from ramming her shoulder into him. He braces himself, sliding a bit at the impact and the collision sure to do a touch more damage than initial planned—but no complaints.
Instead of backing out, he takes advantage of the contact. He knows she’s there by the feel. So he swings his head and snaps at whatever he can reach.