"But the dream, the echo, slips from him as quickly as he had found it and as consciousness comes to him (a slap and not the gentle waves of oceanic tides), it dissolves entirely. His muscles relax as the cold claims him again, as the numbness sets in, and when his grey eyes open, there’s nothing but the faint after burn of a dream often trod and never remembered." --Brigade, written by Laura
RULES
- 2 posts each
- 2 attacks per post/1 defense
- 1 complete dodge PER THREAD
- 3 days between posts (this is pretty lax, I know we are all busy!)
- TRAITS ALLOWED
- It probably goes without saying, but no god-moding/powerplaying.
As young as he is, he hasn’t yet had the opportunity to test himself in battle. And while he’s inexperienced, he’s certainly eager. He knows his father had fought for the Chamber, had taken part in the Gates raid and had taken on and defeated many opponents. If only his father were here to mentor him. But he is not. The only way he will learn is through experience.
So when he had heard had heard of the arranged mocks between the Chamber and the Valley, he had risen to the occasion eagerly.
He knows very little about his opponent - other that the mare’s name is Hestia, and that she is not a soldier. So at least she too, must be inexperienced.
And, now that he’s here, his excitement is beginning to grow. He’s never had anything to do with battling in her entire life - he hasn’t even been trained (who would train him? his mother?! hah!). The closest he’s ever come are little spats in the field. And those don’t count.
But this, this is a real battle. Albeit a battle between two horses that don’t know much about battling.
He watches the black mare from across their little patch of packed earth, sizing her up. Hestia is clearly older than him, and taller than him as well. She will have the size and weight advantage ... but that’s it. They are otherwise on an even playing field.
He gives the mare a curt nod, then tries to gather his thoughts for a moment in order to decide on an attack. Then, he moves.
He breaks into a trot, then speeds up into a canter, charging the black mare down. His hooves hit the hard packed earth of the mocking grounds, accelerating him faster and faster. As he runs, he aims his left shoulder for Hestia’s left one. He knows that if he hits, it’s going to hurt both him and his opponent, but hopefully with his lower center of gravity, he will be the one left standing. And if he does manage to knock the mare over, it could be the deciding blow of the battle. Of course, Hestia could dodge him, but perhaps the mare’s inexperience will slow her reaction time.
After he’s attempted his attack, he continues past the mare to his own right, wheeling away as fast as he can. Quickly, he plants his feet and pivots, kicking out behind him towards the mare’s left side. There isn’t a lot of power in the kick considering his speed, but even a less powerful kick in the right spot will sting. Hopefully he will get the ribs - bruised ribs are not fun to battle with.
The moment his hooves hit the ground again he dashes away, trying his best to keep out of the mare’s reach. Hopefully he can get away unscathed.
It has been a while to say the least. As for whom will meet here in the battle lands... well that is still to be determined. Its been quiet in the kingdoms, or maybe its simply lurking in the shadows for so long has made a mess of this mind.
Finally after what seems as ages a male comes from across the land. One that smells of the Chamber... then again... could never be quite sure with these males. He stank of mare, and more then one could be determined, though the breeze changes to swiftly to make out anything more from it. Ah well that was his choice in lifestyle. He comes charging, no barreling forward.
Options are limited to say the least. Gathering muscles and dancing on toes; its not certain what will happen. Its a just a small rear, nothing to fancy. After all to say that motherhood made one soft is an understatement. Forelegs strike out none the less. A grin almost splits the black face wide open. Wouldn't it be amusing if it just managed to strike the soft tissue of his muzzle? Maybe damaging his shoulder area would be better. Maybe he would swerve just in time to miss it completely. Well in any case her left knee would take the brunt of the his oncoming weight. It would be tender after, but worth it.
Landing didn't help with the injury either, its a favoring of the left knee that makes weight shift. The sight of hooves is caught in the corner of leafy orbs. Forcing a turn on the black mares part. Of course this is never a good thing, it exposes ribs to easily damage. Luckily though his aim, and balance is not perfect. So its a glancing blow off her last rib that begins to smart.
As he is coming out of the kick, there seems to be an opportunity for a strike. So in retaliation the turn continues until hindquarters line up in aiming towards his left buttock/leg. Its a large area and one that is easy to target. Especially since there is enough time for the mare to take care and make sure that strength is in the attack. There is only seconds avalible before the left side with the knee and injured rib would begin to make attacking difficult. So in using the draft size, and the weight that goes along with it. Hind legs thrust out hoping to make purchase. Leaning to the right, its the right side that makes the stronger kick.
As to be expected, the black mare does not stand still as he enacts his attack. As he barrels towards her he can see her getting ready, muscles moving in anticipation of an attack or defence that she is planning. As inexperienced as he is, he cannot read the movements of her muscles and barrels onward, heedless of the danger.
When she finally does rear up at the last moment, he is far too close to get out of the way. He shies his head to the right side, but not fast enough. Her hoof scores along the left side of his soft muzzle and Zayn bellows in pain. As close as they are, and with the combined power of his momentum towards her and the power of her own kick, the sharper edge of her hoof breaks the flesh. For a moment, he can taste blood.
But there’s still no way for him to stop. His attack at least hits home - his shoulder making contact with her left knee. An injury that will hopefully impede her movement throughout the rest of the battle.
His momentum carries him past her and he continues on with his second attack, grunting through the pain. It’s truly not a grievous injury (though it will likely scar), but having never been in battle and having an injury in such a sensitive spot, proves distracting. But his second attack also hits home and he smirks slightly as he feels his hooves make contact with Hestia’s side.
There’s no time to gloat however, for the mare is already mounting her counterattack. She wheels around so that her own rear hooves are facing him and lashes out, aiming for his rear end. Zayn takes a few steps forward and wheels to his own left, swinging his hind end to his right and out of her reach. He’s lucky - her hooves just barely miss his rump. With her superior height and weight he could have suffered some painful bruising to the muscles in his hip or thigh.
He continues his spin around and races after her, his golden neck snaking out and yellowed teeth snapping at her dock. He grimaces as he tries to bite her - the wound on his face still hurts, but thankfully he’s able to bear it. If his teeth hit true he won’t seriously injure her, but he’ll give her a painful wound to think about - just like the one on his face.
He continues in his dash, now running along her right side. Instead of relying on hooves and teeth he once again resorts to brute force, leaning slightly to his left and aiming to throw his wait against her barrel. Being shorter, if his aim is true, he could hit her in her mid barrel (depending on how she reacts). And if he’s successful, he could cause her to stumble.
Fourth and final attack completed, he continues forward in his run, hoping to get past her before she has any chance to retaliate.
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