[center][h1]ℜ𝔢𝔫𝔞𝔲𝔩𝔱 𝔅𝔢𝔞𝔲𝔪𝔬𝔫𝔱[/h1][/center]
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There was a stop in his gaze as he scanned the perimeter of wild-land beyond the once-claimed homestead. A shape - no, three - large and squarely built. Renault's eyes met with one of them; beady black orbs piercing back at him. [i]'Boars...'[/i] For awhile, at least what [i]felt[/i] like awhile, both parties did nothing but stare at each other in tense showdown. 

Silently cursing the fact that his shield was still secured to his back, Renault came-to-terms with the possibility of fighting with only a blade. He'd have to be quicker on his feet; dodging the beasts' perilous tusks and responding with a slash of steel. There was little doubt that he'd be forced on the defensive in a contest of strength, if not overwhelmed outright. But more than anything else, he had to stay standing. Falling prone would be a fast way to a gruesome death. It was uncommon for a boar to kill a man outright, though not out of any mercy or malice on the beast's part. Most men gored perished within a day or two from infected wounds too deep to be properly treated without the aid of a dedicated healer.

But Renault's thoughts and worries dissipated as the three boars ran - not towards them but away, back into the woods where they made their home. Most men would have breathed a sigh of relief, let their guard down, if only for a moment or two. But boars, like all beasts of the wild, operated under survival instinct. Did their party present a threat the boars weren't willing to engage? Or was there something stronger, tougher lurking just beyond their sight? 

With the threat gone for the moment, Renault took a moment to retrieve his shield, securing it to his forearm. "Best keep going." He said mildly, treading cautiously toward the field.