“Well,-”the colt wanted to continue, but he froze.

Fear. That terrible feeling, that he could not deal with properly. That feeling, that a bad thing would happen, or even worse things than just bad. The colt shivered, and he shook his head. No, nothing bad would happen. He would tell the stag who he wanted to battle against, and he would do that now.

“It is you Sir. I-it is you that I wish to Fight”

The colt sighed at hearing all the whispers and voices coming from the crowds, but right now the only thing he was interested in hearing was a yes or a no coming from the stag.

So, he perked his ears forward and waited anxiously for his reply.

Urs

Surprise shone clear as day across Urs’s face. Why did this colt wish to fight him? Had Urs wronged him by accident somehow?

Guards slowly began to stop their training, curious as to what the whispers were about. To say that attention was turned to the stag and colt would be an understatement. Many watched in smug curiosity, while most of the younglings look scared.

It would not due for the captain to turn down a challenge, only showing him weak. But Brite was only a colt, not yet grown nor ready for the strain of battle.. Turning him away would undermine Urs’s position, beating him down would brand him as cruel. Not that the large stag would ever dream of harming a fawn anyways.

What felt like minutes finally ended and the dark bay spoke. ”If I have wronged you, I do apologize little one. But if you feel we really must fight, I will accept your challenge.”

His voice was calm and kind, but held an air of strength behind it. The stag could see the uncertainty behind Brite’s eyes. Perhaps the colt would turn down the challenge and move along.

Brite

Brite bit his lip as he looked around at all the eyes staring at them. Normally, he was a lover of attention. But right now, it only made him feel more nervous and anxious than he already was.

Soon the stag his reply would come, and Brite prepared for the worst. It seemed to work, since he was a little bit less afraid.

And after waiting a seemingly long while, he heard the reply.  It was an approval. A yes. The stag did not mind a fight, if he really wanted to.

He took a step forward, and looked at the row of painted teeth on the dark stag its face.

“Then Sir, let us begin.”

Urs

Just as he feared would happen. Oakferns were a proud herd. Maybe even too proud, and stupid if you were an outsider looking in..

They were merely a product of their environment and circumstances. Nothing more, nothing less.

Urs gave a nod, jaw set firmly as he stepped into the circle with the little colt.

~This is madness.~ he thought, stopping as he turned to face Brite.

~This young buck is hardly any taller than my knees..~

Had the dark youngly been older, Urs would be more weary of the colt’s possible skill. After all, Oakferns were much smaller than the giants of BlackWood, yet mightier than their dark boney carcusses.. Curse those.. Carrion dogs. Oathbreakers.

He waited for the young buck to right himself before Urs lowered his head. Luckily, the time of shedding had just passed. All stags and does were without their twines.

The Captain would need not fret over the possibility of gouging one of Brite’s eyes out.  

The time had come, and the duel began.

Urs charged forward, a tower of muscle rushing through the darkness. His claw painted hooves slashed out into air on either side. The landed with a loud thud on either side of Brite’s thin body.

The Captain’s chest collided with the black colt, sending him to the ground. The large stag did nothing more, standing over him. Using his size to intimidate. Hopefully just end the fight sooner than later.

Brite

”Ouff!”

Silver sparks danced around his vision as the colt blinked rapidly. He wasn’t hurt, but he certainly felt the breath leave his black chest.

Above stood the Captain, watching him with slightly concerned eyes. The stag was huge, much bigger than Brite had remembered only moments ago..

With a wince, he rolled over and stood. His eyes flickered around as the other colts and stags watched.

~No no no!~ he thought in alarm. He was clearly loosing.. He would never regain his honor like this!

With a last desperate effort, Brite leaped forward and slammed his small hooves against Urs’s shoulder.

Urs

The attack came much faster than Urs anticipated. It made him give a small side step, and caused a sting. Otherwise, no harm done.

This colt was determined, and the Captain respected his courage.

Lowering his head, Urs offered his now rack less head for Brite to spar with.

It wasn’t long till the colt caught up and charged.

BOINk

Their skulls collided and the black fawn took a step back before shoving once more.

Urs smiled and allowed himself to be pressed on, speaking to Brite as they fought. ”Be careful not to lock your forelegs, they are easier to break that way.” He instructed, taking a step forward as the colt struggled in an effort to shove back. He did as instructed though, unlocking his forelegs and giving a little bend in them.

”Good, good.” Urs murmured. ”Now, use your back legs to find a foothold in the stone, this will be your anchor.”

He could tell the youth was confused, as were the spectators.

The Captain was helping his young challenger? How odd…

Every Oakfern had to stick together, no one was worthless or unneccisary. At least, that is how Urs felt. What may have started out as a dark colt’s struggle for respect, was now turning into an important lesson on battle.

”You are doing very well, better than some of the trainings that have been working for several moons now.” The Captain praised, ending the lesson.

”I would like to see you around the training grounds more often Brite. You have much potential..” Giving a wink, the large stag turned and strolled away.

The room stayed quite as the colt beamed with pride and the bullies bowed their head in shame.