Something existed within all creatures, a flame that burned no matter one's path. Be it healer, fighter, crafter. There was always a flickering, burning fire in their chest that consumed them in the heat of battle. Perhaps Tolio embodied this a little obviously with how genetics had gifted him with colors. Either way, on this snowy turf, it glowed within the both of them. Enclosed in it was a mixture of passion, skill, and drive. Whose burned brighter didn't matter any longer. The clashing was enough to let each unicorn walk away with proud stature and knowledge lodged deep into their memory.

That was what kept Tolio from sinking into instinct, refusing to forget that this was not some shadow faced, unnamed foe. This was Faelene. Even as they locked together, her teeth deep in his neck, his own face twisted with the grief of pain, this was still Faelene. Pivot. Kick. As he had so desperately wished for her jaw unlocked, releasing stained skin from her grip. He is counting on this blow, whether it connects or not. Connection thrums through his legs as he hits her, a rebound of numbed pain, shock that travels up his body to his lower back. The slip of her hooves on snow is all he has to rely on the fact she is stumbling quickly ahead of him.

Head remains lowered, momentarily robbing him of his sight of her. When back hooves reach snow once more he staggers a little and squares his stance. Faelene has one last thing to dish out, and Tolio knows she's no sucker and isn't going out with her tail between her legs. The wind is attacking his face but he refuses to blink longer than required. Neck throbs with the phantom of her teeth remaining, though the pain could not be compared to ghostly at all as crimson life seeps down towards his shoulder. Ears are pinned in his direction and Tolio lowers his head an inch, bracing slim shoulders for what comes next.

Almost imitating his initial move, gnarled horn is aimed at his chest as Faelene surges towards him in a way that's both graceful and deadly. As she approaches he gathers himself, ready to jump to the side. Ivory horn is lowered in a threatening move, a silent message that if she is to pierce him then inevitably she will be stabbed in returns. As she turns off towards his right he has already hopped a startled few inches to the side, even further startled by the hooves aimed at his shoulder. More of a crowhop than a buck, but it is a jab he can't fully avoid. Right foreleg is thrust forward to both push himself forward with his left and reduce how much can be hit by her attack. It clips, making the muscles seize up to try and reduce the pain. But he is already off, using strong hindquarters to make up for the graceful ones of his mother as he springs away from her.

There is no good in running too far, and soon he swivels back around to face her. Not face to face, but his side is bared to her so he has a place to run and a better angle to kick should she charge again. Crimson mane is blowing in his face as he watches her, foreleg bent more than usual to reduce the throbbing in his shoulder. Chiding himself incessantly for letting her surprise him when he could have possibly avoided such a blow. Squared stance is wide and planted firmly on the snow, head angled in a way he can see her but horn still facing towards her. Silent reminder of the dangers they both hold atop their crowns. Adrenaline cannot keep away the pain for much longer, as they are not in close combat now.

[[Words; 643]]
[[Defense post]]
[[Summary: Tolio lowers his head in return, knowing that if Faelene aims for his chest she will have to go through his own horn first. Hops to the left to avoid her, but is surprised both by the fact she brushes so close and her kick. Extends the leg she aims for to try and lessen the damage as well as pushing himself forward with his left foreleg. Takes a clip against the shoulder as he gains distance between them. Angles himself so that if she turns his right side is to her. Face is towards her, leg held slightly looser to stop the throbbing. Adrenaline wearing off and the throbbing of his neck becoming apparent.]]