The first movement from the Nightshade was his ears that fell back against his neck at the sound of the wolf growling. Lupus had proven to be a kind fellow and friend, but d'Artagnan found the fear that he had once tried to lock away, had crept up on him once more. Tail was rigid between his powerful hind end as a thought captured his mind and he realized he was fighting two things. The physical form of a wolf in front of him that now charged into action, and his inner horse telling him to run away from the predator bearing down on him. A physical and emotional battle. It earned a snort from the Nightshade who silently wondered how on earth he got himself into these situations. He always managed to say something that warranted a fight. There was no time, however, for idle thoughts and sarcastic comments.

Speed. So much his opponent possessed, much faster than Aaron had been and perhaps even more than his lithe lover, Kou. d'Artagnan went with power and lent back onto his rear hind, eyes focused on the wolf that now attempted to leap and grab at him. Forelegs surged upwards to form a striking rear that lashed out at the wolf in a defensive manoeuvre, hoping one of them might just hit, shifting his shoulders higher up into the air in an effort to get away from the carnivores teeth. Blood coloured lids fell into a wince as he evaded the murderous teeth, but grazed himself on the claws that longed to rip into his flesh. Cloven hooves finally reach the ground once again and d'Artagnan was immediately on the move, darting as fast as his well toned, tall body would allow him to. The distribution of weight immediately shifted to his fore and cracked, rear hooves lashed out in a buck aimed for the general area the shade thought the wolf would be in. So quick was Lupus, d'Artagnan just hoped his retaliation came with enough force and speed to find his target.

The sun's reign in the sky was almost up, orange hues danced across a predominantly grey coloured land that was soon to be lit again with the colours of the Borealis. In hope to get away from the wolf and create himself a little advantage, d'Artagnan galloped off towards the shadows that grew longer in the sun's retreat. Praying Lupus wouldn't cut him off as he raced towards the shade. There wasn't much kick back from his hooves, the ground always seemed to be solid unless covered in snow this far north, though to dismiss the surface as safe would be foolish. Ice could be lurking anywhere. Nostrils flared and there was a small amount of blood that now trickled down his shoulder, a dull pain that became more a nuisance on his mind then anything else.

The Time Mender hoped his tactical move would be a success. In the end he was a creature of the night; there was nothing the Nightshade did best than dancing in the shadows. Circled by mountains, the Basin had some intriguing advantages when the moon beckoned.

--

[ooc; 526 words | 1/2
d'Artagnan blocks Lupus' attack by rearing but he gets a scratch on his right shoulder from his claws. d'Artagnan then attempts to kick Lupus with a buck before trying to gallop away towards the shadows.]
(sorry for your wait pheonix, I haven't been feeling too great recently, but I'll be sure to make this thread a priority now)

d'Artagnan grimaced at the pain in his shoulder that constantly nagged at him, he'd have an itchy scar there afterwards. Hooves found a rhythm on the cold surface and nostrils alerted him to the chasing Lupus before his eyes saw the flash of white against the lengthening shadows. The wolf was fast, there was no way he could have outran him and complacency wasn't an option. Even as Lupus bared down on him his heart still made the same flip, the natural fear kicked in, but d'Artagnan could control it now. The instinct to run had been completely banished from this fight and the Time Mender was already glad they had gone hoof to paw, the experience was crucial and he was not likely to forget in a hurry.

Lupus came with a brave run and d'Artagnan had to admire the soldier's enthusiasm as he mismatched eyes were immediately drawn to the claw ridden paws. A swipe of them in the wrong place would end his life indefinitely, but as frightening as he was the Nightshade flicked up his rump and dug his fore hooves into the ground. His ears were back against his neck, he bucked as Lupus had neared his side and dodged the dangerous attack to his thigh and lifting his limbs out of the way. There was no real aim to his buck, it had a wild edge to it and d'Artagnan wasn't sure if he hit Lupus or not. Seconds passed and gravity brought his rear back to the earth and as soon as hooves touched the floor d'Artagnan was already springing forward.

Muck and snow sprayed up as the Time Mender was making a quick turn, tail swishing and ears mobile, keeping his senses alert for the wolf. He hoped Lupus hadn't moved far when teeth unfurled from sooty lips and he lashed a bite aiming for the right side of the dogs neck, front hooves following in a stamping motion as if he was trying to squash his opponent. Loud and clear he could feel his instincts influencing his moves, not wanting the predator to mount him and slit his jugular. A mess of blood and death on the floor. Though d'Artagnan hoped Lupus wouldn't try do that, he couldn't rule out that nature's influence might take over and the wolf would become ravenous. Especially with the scent of his blood on the air from his shoulder wound.

The fight was drawing on, but d'Artagnan could feel his Arab blood pumping, giving him the gritty stamina combined with the speed and power his Warmblood breeding gave him. He was lanky to look at, but more adequate for fighting.

[ooc; 445 | 2/2
d'Artagnan dodges Lupus' lunge to his thigh by bucking just before the wolf gets alongside him. He then turns and aims a bite for the right of wolf's neck following it up with a series of stamps from his front hooves.]