“What's your name?" Gregory asked, breaking the silence.

“Ragthur," the alpha said after getting to his feet again.

"Good match, Ragthur."

Ragthur looked at Gregory for a Long moment, and then nodded his agreement.

“You won't get us that way again," he said.

“I know, but don't worry though. I'm full of ideas."

Ragthur waited a beat after that, and then burst out Laughing.

The laughter deflated the tension across the proving grounds, and upon seeing the display of honour from the human, the orcs stood and roared a great cheer of approval.

Within the deafening noise of the cheer, Ragthur's grip tightened on Gregory's hand. The human tensed up again as he felt the orc pull him in close, but it wasn't an overly aggressive gesture. In the end it appeared that Ragthur only wanted to impart a message in a more private tone.

“I thank you for not striking me in the balls with that Last attack,” he said.

“Oh, no problem. I know you lot don't have any rules against it, but where I come from it's dishonourable to Land a nut shot."

“Oh? Perhaps humans aren't always full of bad ideas then."

With that, the former enemies shared a grin and walked back to their separate packs. All around them the proving grounds still applauded their fight, and gave their approval to the human running with one of their packs.

“That was a good fight," ULf said, stepping over to Gregory and putting his hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Yeah. I managed to get through the whole thing without shitting myself." Gregory nodded.

“Humans have strange expectations of battle," Frelki said, wrinkling her nose.

“Hey, is Frun ok?" Gregory turned to Look at the orc in his pack who had taken the most hits. He was Leaning up against his halberd with the giant weapon planting firmly in the ground. Though he looked beaten, he too was smiling.

“I am well enough, Gregory." Frun continued to lean on his cane whilst limping in closer.

“Sorry, man. I shouldn't have put you on the edge like that. Next time we try something like that you're in between me and Wrut. It was-"

“It was a good fight," Frun interrupted. "Your idea worked well. It is a poor battle that has no hurt to it.”

“He's right, Gregory," Ulf said. "Don't start questioning yourself over such things. It is good to be wary, but the plan worked. The Bear Claws are one of the best packs on the proving grounds and we beat them with every one of us still standing."

“Yeah," Nullik flashed a smile, “What miracles will you be performing for us next?" Wrut elbowed him for that.

“Hey now, be careful, big guy. I'm a dangerous man with this thing." Nullik twirled his staff expertly.

“That you are," Gregory agreed. "Let's celebrate Nullik's awesomeness and our first win, shall we?”

“Now that sounds like a great idea!" Nullik stopped twirling at the mention of celebrations.