Phoenix Maplewood genesis

The Rise-prince was rather lucky in his life.

Berserkr, leader of the fight, with few battle scars to show for it.

Until a stranger got the jump on him this morning. 

They tussled for awhile, far enough from the Rise's borders that backup wasn't available. He toughs it out, putting up a worthy defense that eventually sends his attacker fleeing.

Adrenaline fueled, the boy gives chase. 

He finds himself alone, past the moraine, when the pain sets in. Blood soaks his right leg, dripping from a deep gash scored on his shoulder. The Berserkr can't tell the severity of it, unable to turn his head in a way where he can see the damage—his fur is too dark to discern anything anyway. 

There is no choice but to abandon the manhunt.

With teeth gritted, he refuses to show any signs of discomfort and trots along with deliberate strides. Soon enough, exhaustion hits him hard.

Under the shade of a tree, he stiffly settles down and finds refuge in the Maplewood.