Redtail Rise XXVI

True motivation to challenge him for his rank likely would have fine-tuned her performance, but there was an art in sparring for fun, as well. Snapping for his tail had been more showmanship than anything- and had had the desired result. 

He moved toward her with the force of an avalanche, and overtook her as if she was no more than a sapling on the hillside. She was spun sideways when his broad chest hit her shoulder, and she coughed lightly, a sudden expulsion of breath from the abrupt strike. The snow was loose under her feet, which skidded sideways. She would whirl around to face him again- but would first direct a very intentional slap of her tail toward his broad muzzle.