It was one thing to talk about seizing greatness, it was quite another to actually do it. Now a boy grown, Öde had certain responsibilities he was due to face, chief among which was climbing the social ladder of ranks and proving his worth. He already knew he was worthy, but no god could rule without faith and followers. He could only descend heaven on the steps of their prayers, and at the moment his name was dead on the breeze.

It would be hard work, but he was ready to get his hands dirty, and bloody.

The crimson paint was sure to decorate the world today, given the sizeable claws and fangs that his opponent bore. Öde stood before her in their arena of summer touched tundra, wondering if his pairing with her as his first battle was meant as a challenge they didn't expect him to rise up to, or if she was at the bottom of the ranks with him, his first fight not even worthy of his own kind. Öde preferred to assume the former, because although she didn't boast the same weapons, he was certain she was more than capable. Untested, he thought highly of himself, but he wasn't certain of this outcome. Still, a mantle of scars was something to show, so long as he could take them like a man.

Smirking, he moved slowly through the sparse pines that decorated their ring, wondering if they might aid him in a moment of need, their wooden shafts a shield he could bear when her daggers sought him out. This was a friendly fight, but he wasn't eager to limit himself on his first round - he didn't want her to hold back either. That's what healers are for.

Building himself up, intent to crush her beneath the divine righteousness of his existence, Öde snarled into action abruptly. Childishly he ran straight for her, trying to angle in at her left side in the hopes of avoiding her fangs, his horn lowered towards her as a further deterrent and a natural weapon of choice. She would be fast though, he knew that, but he thought he was pretty swift too, especially on this cushy summer soil. In an attempt to intimidate her, and to solidify his wavering confidence, Öde unleashed a valiant war cry as he charged, hooves pelting the dry grass with gusto.

He did not relent as the space between them closed, his horn a tool he meant to sink into her side, his hooves carrying his might which he would bring into, onto, and past her body if she didn't move. It would be easy with how short she was; a nice rug on which he could wipe his muddy hooves.

If he killed her, would he be celebrated? Would they let him decorate his own cavern with her magnificent pelt? He hoped so.

---

A: 1/3
@[Saffron]

Aurora Basin during TALLSUN. You will need to mention the sparse pines, the hot springs, caverns, etc and if your battle moves around, you can see the unfrozen lake, sentinels in the distance, etc. The ground is dirt with no snow, and crunchy grasses. Afternoon. 3 posts each.