Hoshor Plains Fire, Hell Fire, This Fire Burning In My Skin

It was a foolish mistake. To be caught by his own feet, as a cub might be, and to roll as if he had no understanding of his own size; he was not a child, yet he felt like one as he lay sprawled upon his back.

The spar was over. Nyra crept to within his field of view and inquired after him. Some fragment of his manliness had chipped away.

I am fine.

He righted himself by rolling to his chest and heaving up again, burning throughout his core with self-shame, which he contained by glaring at the earth a moment, as if it had caused him to trip. Kigipigak knew what had happened but he did not want to think about it.

You move well! He called out next, brandishing a smile that didn't quite meet his eyes. He could feel bruises starting where he'd hit the dirt. It was a good spar. Perhaps next time I will be victorious.