[ The Strength of Many ][Tytanus Wolves only]

[-zynêx-]

The pack had grown. It was a realization that made the Alpha content and encouraged her ego to swell with pride. It hadn't been long since new recruiters stumbled into the Tytanus domain. Some sought to befriend, others were looking for a placement best suited to them. All harbored formidable strength and skill and was worth their merit as a member of this expanding family. Yet...though she had given acceptance to these wolves, she knew next to nothing about them save for their physical attributes.

It seemed enough at the time, but now...now it was hindrance. How was she to address each member individually? To take stock of them as a horde was simply insulting, and she would have none of that. Each wolf had their own personality, and she would treat them justly.

Their meeting ground was within the belly of the Emeti Canyon, a stronghold as well as a social corridor of the domain. It seemed a fitting setting for a gathering. The high earthen walls served well as a barrier from intruders and provided a safe enclosure for the family to mingle and acquaint themselves. The neutral browns of the earth enveloped them in a soothing environment, a tone that would surely put even the weariest of minds at rest. At it was here that Zynex was able to calm her mind, becoming of sound mind and body.

Onyx pads treaded soundlessly over the rocky floor. Equally hued talons extended at sight of a protrusive of rock. Gaining footing, the claws scraped at the earth as the female pushed from the ground in a leap toward the boulder. Here too her steps were soundless, and again she lept to another, using the steps to attain a suitable height to overlook the vacant floor of the canyon. The rusted female circled the flat surface to secure a comfortable position, then descended to her side, her form resembling a crescent with forelegs extended and head upright. Obsidian tipped ears stood erect and alert, swiveling here and there at the direction of any stray sound. Moonlit hues were ever watchful for a familiar sight of her pack mates.

ooc: Feel free to join at anytime. Divide amongst yourselves if you wish. This is a chance for all the Tytanus wolves to interact. =)

[Ɽazǿniel.]

R A Z O N I E L !!

Footfalls echoed softly through the earthen corridor, a soft sigh rising up through the tunneled slope as a dark form slipped down into the canyon, almost like a shadow. It did seem that the shadows cast by the moonlight were shifting as if they had minds of their own, rock silhouettes twisting into the maws of monsters, the way a pup might see their warped surroundings in a nightmare. Onward the dark beast walked, without urgency, muscles contracting like steel as he loped through the canyon, relaxed by the soft darkness and the fresh smell of his pack. He commanded the darkness with a sweep of his grey-streaked tail, smiling quietly to himself, always one to make a more intimidating appearance than necessary. It was not often that he let his position as second-in-command get to him, but that was not to say that he didn't like to toy with his rank a bit, use his scarred and grizzled appearance to make the disrespectful wolves think twice before speaking or taunting.

Razoniel's nose twitched as a smile broke out over his white muzzle again. It was the Lady Zynex's scent, fresh here, deposited by her dainty but powerful paws. Surely she wouldn't mind his display, even if the shadow puppets on the walls began to recede as he grew bored with his element. He was comfortable around her more than the rest of the pack, not that they were close as friends. They had just known each other, ever since she had come into power, and needed a comrade to help her get started. She had a lot to live up to, after all, in the lands of Tytantus. He believed that she could embody all the good of the stereotype and disprove the bad, with a bit of his help. She was four years old, not as young as some inexperienced leaders, but not his six springs. A little guidance was not insulting to anyone.

The black wolf's excellent night vision picked out her figure on the boulder, a curled up Sphinx, alert and waiting for something. He rolled his shoulders easily and approached the protruding stone, his tail swaying lightly in a greeting as he dipped his head, marking his position below her. He bunched up his muscles and hopped onto the ledge just underneath hers, grunting with the effort and hearing the crack of one of his joints. Damn. He wasn't as young as he once was, and he envied his agile leader for a moment.

Razoniel's amber eye twinkled as it caught the silver light. "How are you, my Lady?" he asked with a bit of a familiar, teasing smirk. "Isn't it getting a bit crowded in our lands now?" He wanted to be closer to her, so he might as well start by dropping the stoic guardian game. If she did not want to banter, he would take up his duties once more and face the world with a stone mask. But the night air was warm and his heart more buoyant than usual. He wanted to howl at the moon.

[-zynêx-]

A familiar voice tickled her auditories, bringing a smile to her ashen muzzle. She should have known it was him. By the way the shadows danced, alternating shape and form as though given life, it could have been none other than him. The master of shadow, her Razoniel. Second in command to the Tytanus Domain, a testament of both strength and intelligence. A wolf she perhaps looked up to not only for his experience, but his kind heart and friendly disposition. Often the female thought her attempts of kind regards were too harsh, a little more forceful than allowing a bond to be made. Assertive and pushy, was that not the stereotype given to the Alpha female? And at times, she felt she was suited for it....yet he had managed to keep her from exerting herself as such.

There was something about his...aura, if you will. His entire disposition had a calming effect on her, even when she was within her worst days and needed space. Just his presence or the mention of his name was enough to subdue the turbulent thoughts and bring her peace. One would assume there was more than a simple professional relationship between them...or at least on the part of the Alpha. Of course she would deny, if only to save face.

Yet in the male's presence, there was no need to pretense. Her feelings were accepted by him, her outlooks were understood and at times questioned, and she welcomed it. She needed someone to question her, to keep her from growing out of line...to be a friend. And in Razoniel, she found this...and relished it. Her eyes fell upon the familiar physique of the brute and a smile came to her lips. She watched his dexterous climb to a boulder set underneath her own. An ear twitched at the subtle adjustment of bone and she quickly turned away to muffle her laughter. The first sign of aging...but he was still fit for his age, perhaps even more so attractive than other males within her own seasonal group. Even with the flaw to his visage, he caught her eye. The marking gave him character, and not once had she seen it hinder his abilities. It was as though both eyes remained intact.

As that oh so desirable voice graced her ears her rusted plume became active, fanning the air in greeting. "I am quite well Razoniel...and please, you can call me by name...you know this," her voice was soft and light. "It seems that our little pack is expanding, yes. Soon this canyon will have to serve as our refuge," she woofed with mirth. "I think that will be a good thing..." As she spoke her eyes seemed to focus more on their distant positions, to which the female tilted her head, her brow rose slightly. "You know...you can join me if you like." It was a kind offer and to uphold its sincerity she scooted a little to the side to grant the male more space should he choice to join. It was a tight fit, but still workable.

[Ɽazǿniel.]

R A Z O N I E L !!

The black wolf closed his eye and stretched in the glow of the moonlight, though he let out a soft playful growl when he heard soft laughter bubbling up from her. He smirked over his shoulder and settled on his haunches, giving his dark fur a brisk lick. His relationship with Zynex was...complicated, at least for him. Any observer would be met with his stone expression and formal words. He didn't know why he wanted to hide a friendship with the Lady. Perhaps any less than professional relationship would distract both of them, or show weakness. But cold seperation was almost unbearable, if only for the fact that they had spent so much time together. And he had pledged his life for her as her beta.

"And please, you can call me by my name," the auburn female said. He glanced up at her with a slight smirk on his lips. Turning full around to face her, he shook his head regretfully, "Perhaps I have forgotten it, my Lady - Zynex." He grinned teasingly and wondered why this night was making him feel so drunk. It was not unlike any other night, except perhaps that there was cause for celebration, what with the flood of new members, something to back up the powerful reputation of the Tytantus pack. He wasn't particularly fond of most of them yet, mostly out of suspicion, but that was his nature to be cold to those he did not know.

Zynex tilted her head, inviting him to join her as she shifted to give him room. Razoniel faced her with a bit of confusion in his face before he smiled slightly and leapt up to her side, balancing precariously before settling beside her. He lifted his head to let a breeze caress it and sighed, then glanced at her, nodding his thanks. But awkwardness compelled him to say something else, as he focused his eye on the rocky turf below them. "Ah, this will probably look interesting to the others." He grinned slightly and threw her a teasing look, hoping he wasn't being too familiar. "How scandalous." He settled down on his stomach and rested his chin on his forelegs, watching the entrance to the canyon.

[ooc: short and bad, i was a bit braindead writing it.]

[/size]

[-zynêx-]

[ooc: no no! tis good!]

Scandalous, he said. The thought hadn't so much as crossed her mind til it was mentioned outright. But even still, it didn't bother her. If anything it was taken as a compliment. If others were to mistaken this display as something more than a simple share of space, she would indulge in that miscomception...emotionally more than physically. Until their little chasm filled with their pack, she planned on enjoying his close company and shared his teasing expression. There was no harm in it, she reasoned, tilting her rusted cranium toward the entrance of the canyon.

They remained in a comfortable silence for some time, enjoying the other's company while they waited. A full, auburn plume swayed slowly against the earthen pedestal, occasionally giving teasing whacks to an onyx thigh when in range. Soon the light taps grew rougher, as she female became more restless within the wait. She occupied her senses by taking stock of their surroundings, perhaps even more acutely now that there was time to spare. With each breath she felt the pressure of the earth against her side, each ray of moonlit served to illuminate the ground and each hair within her subordinates dark pelt all the more brilliantly, giving her a better insight into the spectrum that made up his coat. Each soft sigh of breath was increased in volume until it deafened her ears. She felt so much in to little.

To remain idle was a crime, she concluded, her muscles suddenly aching for movement. The night was suddenly too beautiful to waste. It was as though she was suddenly enraptured by the celestial heavens and luminous body and urged to dance in testament to its beauty. "Razoniel..." her eyes detoured from the light of moon to gaze upon the solitary amber gem. "Would you like to play a game?"

[Ɽazǿniel.]

R A Z O N I E L !!

Razoniel closed his eye and stretched his paws slightly as he lay next to his alphess, waiting to see if any other pack member would filter into the crater. If that was the case, he had to prepare some sort of alibi, maybe. If they questioned. It wouldn't be too bad, to say that he was talking to his leader, and had gotten tired. He was an older wolf. Glancing at Zynex, he supposed there wasn't really shame in caring for her. He sometimes wished that he could show that kindness to other wolves in his pack, rather than be cordial but brisk. It was no real matter. He yawned, tongue lolling from his white jaws, and swished his tail.

The female began to get restless, he supposed. Her tail wagged slowly, occasionally tapping him. He smirked and practiced self control as he ignored the taps, until she whacked him roughly in the side. He twisted around to give a warning snap, though he was holding back a chuckle. He supposed that she wanted to be more familiar with him, too. Her gaze swept out on the earthen walls and floor, every sense alert, and he peered at the world with her. He felt the moon cleanse his body, bringing out every lone hair of white and grey, dazzling him with silver streaks. It was beautiful how the pale glow brought beauty out of anything, made you look at it in a new light.

"Razoniel..." Zynex spoke suddenly. He looked at her and met her pretty eyes, ears pricked. "Would you like to play a game?" This request stunned him for a moment, as he was unable to decipher its meaning, or what kind of game she should possibly have in mind. One of his ears swiveled back in indecision until he supposed that whatever she came up with had to be alright. He rose to his paws and gave his coat a shake, looking over her reddish form slowly. At last, he smiled and asked, "What game?"

[-zynêx-]

That simple question was all she needed to hear. By the fact he responded in anything but a negative tone, confirmed that he would considered her request to play. Zynex lept to her feet, wobbling slightly from the sudden rush of blood throughout her body but dispelled the discomfort with a rapid shake of her head. Eyes eager and lit, she looked upon her playmate, raising a heavy paw...and lightly tapped Razoniel on the nose. "You're it."

It was perhaps the most puppish game she could have come up with, but it would undoubtedly be enjoyable should he chose to join her. Toned muscles rippled under an auburn coat as energy was exerted from the entirety of the body. It was a mighty leap away to an adjacent protrusion of rock and a swift descent to the canyon floor. Forelegs splayed at shoulder's width, front now paralleled to the earth and tail erected waving tauntingly in the air, she waited expectantly for the male to accept the challenge and give chase. The Alpha raised her muzzle, a mirthful expression donned her features. "Come now! You'll turn into a statue if you stand there any longer!"

[Ɽazǿniel.]

R A Z O N I E L !!

He shuffled back a couple of steps when she hurriedly jumped up, one of his hind paws slipping on the edge of the stone. He glanced down at the earth below and then back to her as she shook her head quickly. What was she doing now? She looked at him playfully as he stared back, confused, and lifted one of her paws. His ears cocked forward, he tipped his head to the side, and then had a paw pad pushed onto his nose briefly. The older wolf stared in shock as she breathed:

"You're it."

With that, the auburn she-wolf whirled around and executed a graceful jump to another ledge then below to the floor of the crater. He watched her playful stance as she tilted her head to look up at him, her expression happier than he was used to seeing it, her tail wagging as she taunted him. He stared down, perched on the edge of the rock, and seemed to consider her invitation to play for a few moments. Was the alphess going mad? Her turn in personality had been sudden - but somehow he had expected it, sensed it, deep down.

"I'm too old for this rubbish," Razoniel growled, avoiding her gaze bad-temperedly. After a few moments, he broke out into a grin and leaped, following her path, and began to chase after her with vigor, muscles contracting, teeth bared in a friendly rumble. He barreled toward her and meant to throw his shoulder into her. However, she was lighter on her feet, and he prepared himself for a roll so that he could get to his paws if she dodged and run again.

[-zynêx-]

It was perhaps uncharacteristic for the Alphess to whine, but she could not stifle the voice of disappointment as her Beta looked from her, mumbling disdainfully that his age was a hindrance to their game. Her tail drooped, embodying her dampened spirits and began to raise her stance. It within a moment the male was active and bounding toward her. Ears poised forward and alert she uttered a startled yelped, another break of her character, as she lept into action.

His shoulder being the appendage to avoid, she quickly curled her body away, hopping on delicate paws to evade contact. "Missed!" she boasted and sprung backward from him. She literally danced in place, taunting him a moment before she was steady on all fours then pushed off by her hind legs. Limbs of pure muscle propelled her around the male and she bounded down the canyon path. He could easily rival her speed, but perhaps since she had taken a running start she could be able to gain an advantage. She glanced behind to see if Razoniel follow. Her tail fanned the air, acting as a flag to the captured.

[Ɽazǿniel.]

R A Z O N I E L !!

Zynex appeared heartbroken for a moment after his disinterested ploy, her whole body seeming to droop before she stepped into her normal stance to give up her attempts to play. But he chuckled as he landed heavily next to her, hearing the yelp escape her lips, as she quickly twirled and jumped away from him when he attempted to ram into her. He laughed as he fell as expected, and used the momentum to carry him to his paws again, upright, his snout wrinkled in a menacing snarl that was all play as his tail swayed with happiness. She announced his miss and sprang, her coiled muscles unleashing all of her agility. Her teasing steps distracted his eye for a moment, as he let another growl. The female halted her dance to make an arc around him and speed down the path. He coughed at the dust she'd kicked up and growled in pleasure, feeling - as cliche as it was - young again.

"Damn, Zyn, you're fast!" Razoniel gasped as he bolted after her. His paws hit the ground in a rhythmic movement, eye trained on her swaying tail, her lithe form bounding away from him. He hunched his head and put on a burst of speed, still falling behind her. With a jump, his muzzle was beside her back hip, and he twisted with effort to nudge her with his nose. "Got - you!" His last word was a bark of surprise. His head turned too far to touch her, he ended up tumbling into a pile of black fur.

The beta lay dazed for a moment on the earth, and his amber eye sought out the female. Wait - her turn to give chase. Realizing this a little too late, he clumsily stumbled to his feet, attempting to backpedal and tripping again. He was a lot more surefooted in reality, but in an attempt to be playful, he had to give up a little of his abilities. In a tumble once again, he lay contorted on his back, white chest flashing. He waited for her to pounce and prepared himself to leap up and grab a mouthful of her fur.

[-zynêx-]

She was sure she had a lead over him, but her ears caught wind of those thundering paws behind her, she knew he was catching up. All it would have taken was a quick side maneuver or feign to another direction to throw him off-guard, but this was a game...play in good spirits. And she adjusted herself accordingly. A faint gust of warm air tickled her back-leg, and with a brief glance, she spied the male behind her. Just a make it a little more challenging, she put on an extra burst of speed, but it was too late. It was subtle, but there. The fleshed nose tapped lightly against her thigh...followed by a startling sound of body connecting ground.

Skidding to a stop then pranced on her hind-legs in a turn, she saw the heap of onyx fur and single amber eye staring in surprise. He was vulnerable. And she was the assailant now. Just as Raz collected himself up, Zyn bolted after him like a leaf on a steady wind. "I'll get you!!" she barked, and her announcement proved to be true.

As once again her companion tumbled to the floor, she saw the perfect opportunity to lay her victory. "Ha!" The Beta had to have been lessening his skills of purpose as she was certain he would never allow himself the embarrassment of fall twice in a few minutes, but for the sake of the game it was acceptable. Her gallop gathered enough momentum for her leap but without her complete strength behind it...a pounce if you will. "And now...you're it!" Once auburn touched onyx and her weigh fell onto him, she female quickly threw herself into a roll, attempting to get away before he tagged her back.

[Ɽazǿniel.]

R A Z O N I E L !!

"I'll get you!"

Zynex stopped and pivoted once she recognized that he had fallen. He smirked at her playflu bark as she advanced while was in the process of falling. Landing in a huff, he braced himself for the impact of her body. Her legs stretched out as she pushed off the ground, sailing briefly through the air. He felt her body land on him, but lightly, as he reached up to bite. His teeth clipped the edge of her beige cheek fur, and he growled as she rolled away from him, saying that he was it. Not counting his nip as a good tag, he attempted to jump gracefully to his paws and chase after her.

Razoniel laughed as he managed, after some stumbling, to get up. His heart was pounding from the exercise and thrill of their game, and a grin split his muzzle as he looked upon his beautiful friend. To play with his leader was an alien but extremely welcome feeling. He shook his fur and decided to play dirty, just to wipe the alluring smirk off her face. After chasing her for a moment, he unexpectedly swerved and disappeared, melting into the murky shadows, slithering as his element covered him with darkness. He watched her invisibly, waiting for the surprise to cross her face.

"I won't be it for long," the black wolf told her, his voice coming from seemingly nowhere. He sped up and raced through the darkness, to a spot in front of her, and stepped out of the eerie blackness, in full view. He then proceeded to lunge forward, not only aiming to tackle her but to pin her down, using the weight of his body compared to her lithe one.

[-zynêx-]

By her own advance, she was tagged and she knew it, even if it was a light nip at her cheek. Yet against this, Razoniel was once again on the offensive, a sort of glimmer in his eyes spoke in volumes. His form that was once solid was now melded with the shadows. Zynex quickly rolled to all fours, brows furrowed in concentration as she sought out her companion. It was only times such as these that she found ti bothersome he possessed such an ability. But it was certainly useful.

Of course now it was a nuisance. She huffed in frustration, tiny embers sparked from her muzzle and dissipated to nothing. So...he wanted to play this way did he? 'The little cheater', she voice to herself, but with a smirk on her muzzle. Though her eyes were sharp and senses acute, she was no match for the veil of darkness that surrounded him. All she could do was wait...remain alert and hope his attack would not come from behind. That would have just been low.

Zynex quickly backed from her current position, ears trained for any stray sound. Her nose did little to aid her, as Razoniel's scent was all around her, there was even a lingering aroma on her fur from him that only served to distract the olfactory sense. She was sitting fodder at this point..and the brief seconds of silence worked her nerves into overdrive.

"I wont be it for long..." The female nearly jumped out of her coat and whipped her head around for the source of his voice. It was in this time she would thoroughly admit that Raz had his moments for being creepy...and was good at it. It seemed like the perfect distraction, for as she searched aimlessly for the source, the male stepped out of the shadows into plain view. And as her eyes fell on him, he was already in mid-lunge.

[Ɽazǿniel.]

R A Z O N I E L !!

The black wolf grinned wickedly from his place in the darkness, though of course she would not be able to see it. It was this ability above all that commanded respect. His power was not much of an offensive one, like his fiery leader's, but he could evade. With agility his weak point, stalking through the shadows balanced everything out. His steps as silent as he could make them, he walked around her as he had been, watching the embers dance around her muzzle like fading fireflies, as frustration took over her face. She strained all her senses to find her beta as he barely stifled a chuckle.

Zynex looked around frantically at this gruff whisper, but when she did face him, he was already leaping toward her. He growled menacingly - if not for the laugh behind his rumble - and landed on her as she remained as still as a shocked deer, when running was futile. He eased his body back to not crush her but kept on top of her, tail up and wagging, feeling like an alpha wolf for once. He pinned her by the chest and smirked into her face triumphantly. "I think I won," Razoniel said innocently.

A laugh burst from him. He eased off, still with one paw on her, and couldn't help but be amused at the fact that he had managed to catch his alphess. But then again, he had cheated. At any rate, he could not deny her beautiful speed. He dipped his head respectfully, a bit tense in case she wanted to continue playing, as he involuntarily needed to show that he was still below her in rank. Any other leader wouldn't chase and wrestle him under the moonlight. With a touch of hesitation, he bent to give her cheek a friendly nuzzle before standing back and tilting his greying muzzle to the moon, content.

[ooc: sorry for the powerplay. razzy is such a dork. xD ]

[-zynêx-]

And just like that, she was defeated. The descent was slow and timely. It was as though she could feel every hair bend with the combined weight of herself and Razoniel as she was pounced to the ground. The ground was warm. Rendered immobile, all the female could do was stare in mild shock at her defeat. But it wore quickly once she was reminded this was simply a game, not a real battle. It wouldn't have been fair if she won everything or was a poor sport for losing. These things happened. Zynex muffled a whine of defeat, her brows furrowed and the corners of her lips turned south in a sort of pout. "You cheated..." she grumbled, puppishly, but there was no real accusation behind it.

She let him have his moment to bask in his victory, all the while admiring her subordinate under the moonlight. She was indeed lucky to have him in perhaps more than a professional sense. Before her mind had the chance to venture, she felt a gentle rubbing on her cheek and the warm, soft exhale of breath from something familiar though the act itself was not. Had it not been for the content expression on his face, she would have thought the light nuzzle was imagined, a figment. But the feeling against her cheek remained, as light as it was.

Given the chance to stand she rolled herself to all fours and circled to face the moon with Razoniel. In stillness of the air she was able to take notice the affects their little game had on her. The rampant beating of her heart, the short pants taken in order to enrich her blood with oxygen, the subtle strain of muscles not used in some time. Adrenaline surged throughout her body keeping her sense alive and tuned, but with each inhale of breath, the charging affects wore off, and she was finally able to calm. Her muzzle too was adorned by a content smile, her posture relaxed. The tingling sensation of his nuzzle was still operant on her cheek. She was sure it was a friendly sign. Afterall, not many leaders had such a relationship with their Beta. She glanced at him. Her eyes twinkling as one of the many jewels that lit the night sky.

It was perhaps the swiftest she had ever moved. It was an act done on a whim, and a pleasant one at that. A slick coral appendage had snaked its way from between ashened lips and laid claim to a spot just below the male's muzzle then shot back into cover before it could be seen. Zynex's eyes remained on the moon as if the event never happened. Though the teasing glimmer in her eyes said otherwise.