Redtail Rise cutting

In Relic's mind, this was a simple matter of dominance. Nothing personal, other than their shared obsession of Lilia. Neither boy knew much of the other, and therefore, should have no justified reason to be at odds on a personal level. As far as he was concerned, when the matter was settled, all could be forgotten. If, Ancelin would let it.

He nearly had reached his neck, to gain the upper hand and execute his move. Not surprisingly, Ancelin flinched out of reach. The challenges, the taunts kept coming. Relic's eyes gleamed with something feral and dangerous. Creeping towards un-hinged. 

Ancelin wanted to be put in his place? Fine then! Relic would teach him.

Before he could make a move, Augur arrived. Drawn to the scene by the commotion. Making his rank and his demands clear to both younger males. Relic looked up to the silver commander. A figure worthy of respect. His submission was almost immediate. While Ancelin was reprimanded with a harsh muzzle grab, Relic went in to lick at Augur's jaw in a show of appeasement.

That very second, things got interesting when his heavily pregnant Welda came to the ring. Surprisingly, she commanded Augur to back off. And the boys, to battle. He really should have expected nothing less from his warrior mother. As she addressed them both, any shred of savagery evaporated from his facade. Instead he looked at her as a son. Adoration with infinite loyalty. 

If she commanded him to submit to Ancelin, he would. To throw himself off a cliff; without question. To shed every last drop of his blood; gladly. Relic was the son who obeyed without question, putting the best interest of his Welda before his own.

He rumbled low, affectionately in complete understanding. He felt no additional pressure with Avicus, Augur and Lilia watching.

Before the adults stepped back to widen the arena, he skimmed over his options. He would love nothing more than to launch himself head first, fueled purely by adrenaline and testosterone at his opponent. His experience and training had taught him better than that. The tactical, decisive approach yielded greater results in the long run.

And just like that, a flip had been switched. Morphed back into the savage, hardened foot soldier. Immediately, he tucked his chin towards his throat, pinning his ears back. Limbs stiff, when he hurled himself at Ancelin, it was sharp and sudden. Aiming his bulk at their slightly smaller form, hoping to bowl him over. Exposed teeth prompted to bite and lock onto any fur and flesh within reach.

The silence shattered by the boom of Sun Jaw. Today he would earn his name.