[ The Strength of Many ][Tytanus Wolves only]

[Ɽazǿniel.]

R A Z O N I E L !!

"You cheated," the alphess pointed out as she looked up at him, slightly surprised that he managed to beat her. He smirked mockingly down at her as she stated this, but did not defend himself in the least, to her. Cheating was rather fun, though she hadn't set any particular limits - or so he childishly told himself. He chuckled slightly at the epiphany that he'd caused the leader to whine like that. He was seeing a side of her that no one else would see, and that made him feel - okay, more odd than special, but not bad. He stood next to her and stared at the moonlight, feeling the female's gaze on him though he could not fathom why.

Zynex pushed herself to her feet and padded next to him. He heard her heartbeat thumping as powerfully as his own, and breathed in the night air slowly, wind ruffling the fur of his face and mane. He smiled over at her as he saw that she looked content too, calm, relaxed after the midnight romp. Her eyes met his, and he caught the twinkle in them. Of course, the beta thought nothing of it, other than a good-natured gleam after their play. He shook his fur slightly and stretched for a moment, easing the muscles exercised by the run. He also praised the gods no one had intruded during their play. He reassured himself that it could have been seen as battle training, overlooking how childish they had acted, their laughter, teasing -

Razoniel locked up for a second as he felt the light touch under his muzzle. Feverish warmth filled his body for a second, and he glanced in bewilderment at the alphess as she stared innocently ahead at the moon, her eyes glimmering. He barely kept his jaw from dropping at the unexpected display of affection. His nuzzle he had viewed as a friendly touch and perhaps relief that she wasn't harmed or angry. Her retaliation was unexpected, however - but not unpleasant.

"Humph." The black wolf pretended to look grumpy to counteract the awkward pooling through his body. "Flirt." He glanced at her with a slight grin, leaning into her shoulder for a moment, to playfully throw her off balance. He then sat down and curled his tail around himself the best he could, closing his eye. He didn't really know what to think about his leader's unusual mood, but he went with it. If she wanted to lick him, she had the right to, he guessed.

It'd felt nice, anyway.

[-zynêx-]

There was no possible way she could have missed that word, even if it was spoken at a whisper. The Alpha female feigned an appalled expression, her eyes wide and maw slightly agape. "Now...that's just unheard of," she clamped her mouth shut and shot her nose into the air. "I....Alpha of the Tytanus would not, lower myself to do something so scandalous." As she spoke she spied a glance to her second in command, desperately trying to keep the act up. Even when she felt the corner of her lip quiver, itching to form a smile.

His nudge only swayed her form and as she righted herself she added more force and rammed her shoulder into his attempting the same affect of knocking him off balance. The female kept her muzzle poised in the air as if to howl but made no indication to do so. Casting another side-long glance, her rusted plume whacked the male's thigh, playfully 'punishing' his name calling. She knew she was toying with him, but that didn't mean he had to mention it outright. Briefly turning her cranium, she flashed her tongue as a toying jeer then returned her nose to the air.

[Ɽazǿniel.]

R A Z O N I E L !!

His leader turned a blank, open-mouth stare on him as he muttered the word, and he shook with silent laughter at her expression, especially after she turned her nose up at him, mumbling that it was unheard of. She was doing a pretty good job of keeping a straight face, especially considering that he himself was laughing and unable to stop. Even the tiny quirk in her lip wasn’t too noticeable. He felt rather like an idiot as his baritone chuckle shook the air, but it was too late. He was having way too much fun with this. Scrambling for a comeback, Razoniel narrowed his eye and growled huskily, “What’s life without a little scandal?”

He really surprised himself, and tried not to let the shock register on his face. To think that he’d say that sort of thing to his alphess, and in that tone of voice! A lot had happened that night, during that romp under the moonlight. That, or both of them had caught rabies. He was leaning toward the latter. Before he could add anything to make the situation more awkward, a lean shoulder drove into his in retaliation to his shove. Not expecting it, he stumbled heavily and had a hard time regaining his balance, his body rigid with surprise.

You’re really losing it, Raz, the black wolf muttered inwardly, as he shook his head. When her tongue peeked teasingly out at him, he forced back the urge to lick her and let out another dignified humph. He looked her over critically and said, turning his own nose up as she had, “That really is some way for a lady to act, Zynex. Set an example for yourself.” When she hit his thigh with her tail, he whirled to bite it, but misjudged the distance between them and pushed his face into her chest accidentally. Her auburn fur smothering him, he tried to keep cool, to say something sarcastic or not say anything at all.

“…Yo.”

He pulled his head back and shook himself briskly. He was acting like a young goofball. This really wasn’t his night. He really probably had rabies.

[nerrezai]

How long had it been since Nerrezai had last seen her sister? Two moons, half a year, an entire year?

…No. A year was much too long. Perhaps a few moons would be the best guess. Nevertheless, Zai felt like those months had spanned into an eternity.

Loneliness - it was unrelenting, and no matter where she went or who she met it never ceased. In reality, Zai had never been completely deserted like that, and it was in these times that it dawned on her that, no matter how shy she was or how much she feared being judged, she desperately needed someone there beside her. Feather was just that wolf, but she fled out of selfish, ignorant fear. Nerrezai just couldn’t face things alone, it just wasn’t in her nature.

And here she was, intruding upon some alien pack’s lands, turned silver by the moonlight in the dead of the night. Anxious and frightened out of her wits, yes, but there. She should have guessed that an obstacle like this would be thrown in her way eventually, but she hadn’t wanted to think about it.

Nerrezai had found herself in a canyon-Emeti Canyon of the Tytanus pack to be precise. She was nosing her way along the path, rocky, jagged walls surrounding her on both sides. Once more she was grateful that she was blessed with shadow abilities; the she-wolf could see everything clearly, which was helpful when trying to maneuver through such rugged terrain.

There was only one reason she had come this way: simply to join the pack she first stumbled upon. It was a gamble, but she was willing to risk it. Losing the little things -like Feather- might just give her room for the bigger ones. The shadows were her only comfort here, and she made sure to summon some of them to her paws.

A shaky breath escaped her thick, inky lips. The scent of wolves was fresh now, and judging by the odor they held some very high positions. Perfect, and then not so perfect at the same time. Hopefully they’d let her in without much of a challenge, but Zai wouldn’t know how to act towards them. She knew to be submissive, she just didn’t know how submissive. They weren’t family.

The gray she-wolf trotted along the path at a much quicker pace, her ears flat against her skull, tail tucked slightly between her legs, and head held low. She was a newcomer, and hopefully soon to be member, so she knew that she should approach the alpha in a respectable manner.

No, scratch that. She stopped short, whining a bit as timidity gripped her, effectively paralyzing her. Nerrezai couldn’t approach them. She’d be too… afraid.

Suddenly, a scarce burst of confidence wedged its way into her chest, and was that annoyance? She was momentarily fed up with being shy, and even though it was just a spark, nowhere near a flame, it was enough for her to part her jaws and let lose with a howl. It was eerie, the way it echoed off the walls, and had a mourning tone to it. She was looking for an answer, and this was something she needed to do.

Nerrezai continued and padded on a ways, but froze as her eyes met a pair of wolves just around the corridor, each very close to the other. Her coyness proved triumphant once more, and she could find no words-not a greeting, not an apology, not an excuse. Only the feeling that she was an intruder.

[-zynêx-]

Zynex was immobile...stunned...and having trouble regaining her breath. The sudden intrusion of personal space was...amusing, but highly unexpected from the graceful male, who in the span of a few minutes managed to turn himself into a klutz. And his comment. 'Yo'? Was there even a need for that? The female looked to her companion with a look of disbelief, slowly shaking her cranium. "You clumsy oaf.." she mumbled, attempting to play off the act as though it were nothing. But the affect was still there. A tingling in her stomach that worked its way to heat her interior from the core outward. Really...what was Razoniel playing at, she wondered with him acting like a love-struck pup. Or...at least she ho-

Thought disregarded, auditory receptors stood erect and swiveled to a foreign sound now echoing through the canyon. A cry for attention. Onyx nares shot into the air as well as she female rose herself on toned limbs, body rigid and alert. The scent was unfamiliar, an intruder perhaps, but laced within was no ill intent. A wanderer, perhaps. Having found the Tytanus Alpha's scent and followed to its origin. Glittering lamps danced toward the entrance of the chasm and fell upon a solitary female. A delicate rusted brow rose with intrigue. 'What have we here...?'

A glance to her Beta silently instructed him to adjust himself to his rank, their play temporarily postponed until this stranger was dealt with. Her stature was all authority, tail raised to its suitable height, posture, the embodiment of power, her eyes impaled the female in place. Her footfalls were silent as she approached, eyes trained on the lonely femme. "Is there something we can help you with, my dear?" her voice was soft, betraying the intimidating disposition she sought to emit.

[Ɽazǿniel.]

R A Z O N I E L !!

Heat flamed under his dark coat as he gave his white chest fur a few quick, self-conscious licks. He had to behave more like an adult, really. He flattened his ears in embarrassment when his leader gave him an incredulous look, calling him clumsy. He didn’t understand why he’d done so, why he had entirely lost his cool. He regarded her auburn form in the moonlight for a moment, the delicate, feminine curves, her strong stance as an alpha female. Maybe… Maybe he was—trying to relive his younger days. Zynex, at least, was a couple of years under him, anyway. And, as his cracking joint had proclaimed from his earlier leap in the canyon, he was only going to age more and more. He had just been relishing the puplike play and had taken it too far. He avoided her gaze and stared at the dark ground, feeling a bit depressed.

The she-wolf tensed, all of her senses alert as she strained her nose and ears toward the entrance to the canyon. He looked at her in a brief moment of confusion before focusing his single eye on the darkness. Something seemed to tug at his heart, something restless, as shadows danced briefly around his paws. The dark was calling to him, and he wanted to rush into it, to run with it, not as playmate but as a hunter, something more intimate. He had never had this feeling so strongly before, a sudden boost of connection with his element.

Razoniel recognized the look his leader gave him, but there was no need to remind him to be serious at this moment, especially as his excellent night vision captured the form of a she-wolf, approaching them, her steps hesitant. He was a bit surprised at her submissive stature. Most strangers carried themselves like they were gods, alphas of their own lives, but she had either recognized their high rank or was just scared out of her mind.

Well, if she was scared, he wouldn’t be doing her any favors. The pull of the shadows was just too strong.

The black beta regarded the newcomer stoically, then with a blink of his golden eye, his entire form disippated into the darkness. He stalked through the shadows cast by the moonlight, eerie shapes crawling along the canyon floor. He circled her once and said, so that his voice would come only from a patch of darkness, “She at least isn’t a threat.” He was no bully, but the gruff tone in his voice was instead brisk, toneless, having cast aside all unprofessional feelings from before.

[nerrezai]

As Zynex glanced at her second-in-command, something strange churned in the pit of Nerrezai’s stomach. It was almost as if she felt that they were… plotting against her. But she realized after a moment that it was just the fault of her own anxiousness. The alphess approached, her paws making no sound on the rough earth of the terrain-her terrain. She could feel the other female’s stare burning into her, but Zai’s steel blue-grey eyes were downcast, like the majority of her posture. What had she interrupted?

“Is there something that we can help you with, my dear?”

Her tone puzzled the timid she-wolf. It was soft and encouraging and very much unlike her daunting, authoritative stance. She was asking her a question, and it was Nerrezai’s instinct to give an answer to her, hopefully, soon-to-be-alphess. Yet at the same time she felt the urge to run away, to give up on it all.

“I’ve,” she paused a bit, still uncertain, but carried on anyway, “come to join your pack.” Her voice was clear and she was honestly surprised that she had not stumbled over her words. Though, Nerrezai wasn’t sure what to do next, so stood still before Zynex in waiting for a reply.

Out of the blue a wave of… Well, Nerrezai wasn’t quite sure what it was a wave of, but it was pretty powerful. It was a foreign feeling, strange, and yet… it beckoned her, beckoned her into the darkness, her element. She welcomed it internally, but shown nothing on the exterior. What was causing it?

Zai was too focused on the alphess to realize that Raz had faded into the shadows and stalked towards her. It was only until she realized that he had disappeared that the grey she-wolf became aware of the shadows that crept on the canyon’s floor as if they were alive.

She was utterly astonished. So dumbfounded in fact, that she stared at him as he circled her, then appeared once more and declared her not a threat. She didn't even take hold of how he was reacting to her, with his impassiveness. Nerrezai just couldn’t wipe the idea that this high ranking male, who most likely was an alpha or beta, held the very same abilities as she did. He probably just had a better grasp on them. Could he see perfectly clear at night, and make out her petite, submissive frame without any trouble?

Why, she thought she was the only one, and it made her want to join this pack even more.

[Aya]

Dark nights had never really been her favorite. Eyes straining in the moonlight, she forcibly kept reminding herself that she had other senses. Indeed, the scents that reached her nose were a'plenty. Were there three? Two seemed to mingle with the rest of the land as if they belonged. Not as recent, either. The last, however, was fresh and alien. So, a newbie's come to visit? She could already feel the wry grin spreading upon her muzzle. I just might very well like to see this.

Direction slightly altered from its original course of wandering, she found herself easily picking through the rubble of the canyon path. The challenge it gave was tantalizing and only seemed to heat the furnace within her heart. The scents were growing stronger and she swore she could almost see them crisscrossing the pass. Suppressing a mirthless laugh, her ears perked in gratitude. If one couldn't tell from the signs left behind, it was undeniable now. Voices reached her attention. Other wolves were in the canyon, most definitely.

Paws pushing on at a faster rate, though still in her daring lope, she quietly observed the scene set before her. Yes, two Tytanus wolves. Hm, they did look a bit familiar. Higher ranking wolves than she, most certainly. She wasn't one to remember faces unless they were very important. Clearly she hadn't deemed these as much. Not yet out in the open, she took the time to inspect the newcomer. Did she have any right to call this female new? She was hardly fully into this pack herself. Refocusing upon the task set upon her mind, it was easy to assume the other wasn't much worth it. Even the beta seemed to realize that, her catching the end of his words.

Without much consideration of the scenario, Aya made it more apparent that she was in the area. In fact, she made it quite obvious. Weaving into the moonlight, she sank to her haunches a bit away from what she recognized as the alpha female. A dominating expression of disgust and contempt sank into her eyes as she stared at the blue-eyed female. She hoped that the other would take notice of her clearly-portrayed thoughts. She didn't like the way she seemed so uncertain toward the alphess. Sucking up was what she saw it as, groveling. No need for that. Snorting, she continued her quiet viewing.

[-zynêx-]

Her steely gave never diverted from this timid fae, even as Razoniel took it upon himself to pass a brief inspection over the female. He stated the obvious, that this creature wasn't a threat. The Alphess was able to tell by the way the femme's stature hung submissively. At least the female was wary of rank...but she had at least expected some defiance or assertion. Obviously this wolf did not think so highly of herself. Pity.

Restarting her steps, Zynex formed her own inspection of this nameless fae. With deliberately slow strides she circled her, leaving no appendage or feature unsought by sharp oculars. Twice she stopped in front of the fae, stepping well into personal boundaries to gather her scent. She reeked with uncertainty. But within this scent was also promise. The autumn fae gave the stranger's bodice another measuring sweep. She was thin, more set for agility than strength, but perhaps she could be molded a little more to balance her out. Endurance would have to be trained. Stamina...well it was something to be measured at a later time. Zyn recalled the female's request, and couldn't help but smile. It was a slight upturn of ashen lips, but it was there. A scheming look.

"Well.." the smile remained, yet the female sighed as if the inspection had drained her physically. Tiny embers and soot expelled from the Alpha female's maw. "I cannot deny you that desire..." she began, "but...you look dreadfully uncertain. You reek with it. If you really want to join my ranks...what could you possibly offer to this pack? Or rather...what services would you be willing to offer?" The female knew she was being unfair, but a test was in order. Freeloading was something she could not tolerate...

"And you..." Erected ears swiveled to another direction though the cranium remained fixed on the fae in sight. The scent was the first indication another female had stumbled onto their little gathering, but it was familiar and tickled her senses into remembering the name to couple the scent. Unfortunately, her compendium of names came up short. Yet she acknowledged the second femme none the less with the came soft, almost cool tone of voice. "Are you simply going to stand there waiting for a personal invitation...or you are going to let you intentions be known as well? I don't have time to cater to your games. Both of you, state your names."

[Ɽazǿniel.]

R A Z O N I E L !!

The newcomer was certainly quite…timid. She kept her submissive posture throughout the interaction as Zynex coolly called out to her. Taking that into regard, the beta male was certainly surprised when she said, clearly but unsurely, that she wanted to be a part of the pack. Had she heard of the Tytantus wolves before, the titans, the strong and fierce ones? If she wanted to add to the reputation of the pack, she was going about it the wrong way. But, then again, it was nice to see a gentle wolf for a change. He was all too used to walking among the fierce and aloof, those who valued strength and made trials and challenges a part of their lifestyle. He knew that, to an extent, he was one of them—but with a gentler side, as shown before. And as he was showing now.

The she-wolf actually followed his progress when he walked among the shadows, and her blue-tinged grey eyes, a beautifully rare color, were round with amazement. He reappeared and then looked at her with a new expression on his face—curiosity. The shadows danced around him, forming creative but tamer shapes, as he wondered as to her element. Could she control the darkness like he could? The emotionless mask faltered further, betraying a hint of a friendlier look, kinship, that wolves of the same element shared. He shook his head and scowled, sitting down near her. He couldn’t get so attached so quickly to this loner. It was his leader’s word, after all.

And so Lady Zynex spoke, after coming over and closely circling her, as Razoniel felt himself fearing—why?—that the poor lone wolf was going to be driven off by intimidation before she had a chance to speak for herself. The auburn alpha asked what services she would provide for the pack, as was her mindset. Always what would benefit them as a whole. He perked up his ears, all playful and confusing feelings for her pushed back for the moment, as he considered this. It would be a change to welcome those based on personality rather than strength, on other traits that might not make one a wonderful soldier.

“If anything, my Lady, another wolf means another set of paws to gather food.” The black wolf was briefly surprised he was speaking for her, but he continued in a voice that gave nothing away as his eye remained fixed on his commander. “As a lone wolf, she must have had to provide for herself. Taking her in even if she does not prove to be a fierce fighter would not be a disadvantage.” He stared at the ground beneath his feet now, shadow below him cast by the moonlight. He twisted it into the silhouette of a deer rather than a wolf, out of boredom, maybe showing off to see if the newcomer’s interest in his element was true.

And then yet another scent hit his nose, not before his keen amber eye picked out the form of a third she-wolf heading into the canyon. It was their newer addition to the pack, a very feisty she-wolf who embodied the fiercer stereotype of the pack. When she sat down and glowered at the timid wolf in contempt, he stood up and stared her down. The fur along his spine bristled, as he said simply, “Show some respect.” He gave Zynex a disdainful look, not directed toward his leader, but to ask her how she had come across such a female to bring her in. “She is Aya,” he added when names were asked. “Sadly, I cannot forget a name.” He glanced at the newcomer, his irritated expression receding, but not becoming warm in the least. “I am Razoniel, the beta. If I may ask, what is your element?” He could not hide his curiosity as the darkness took a firmer hold on him.

[nerrezai]

Nerrezai made sure to mind her manners as the alphess circled her. She did not dare glance up or follow her form with her grey gaze. Instead, she sat there tolerantly, not moving as Zynex got up and personal. It did make her uncomfortable, yes, but who wouldn’t have been? It was an inspection, and Zai could only hope that she would be deemed adequate enough. Her ears were burning in embarrassment though, that much she was sure of.

And what was that, that tiny raise of her maw? Was that a smile? Would she actually be accepted into this pack? Oh, she desperately hoped so, and really didn‘t care that it was a somewhat devious look that the alphess gave her. She wouldn’t be able to bare the life of a forlorn loner for much longer.

As the alphess began to speak once more, Nerrezai’s interest peaked. Ashes had drifted from her muzzle. It seemed that all wolves had special abilities, and Zai was quite pleased to discover this. And then Zyn continued, and all of Nerrezai’s hopes had shattered even before she completed her sentence.

She knew she was uncertain. She was uncertain the day she was born, and it was something that she rarely broke out of. Before she was able to reply, however, she noticed Aya. The new she-wolf did not look friendly in the least, and certainly did not smell of a high rank. So, Nerrezai chose to ignore her for the time being. This was no place for hostility on her part.

Razoniel then conversed with the dominant female, going on about how she might be an advantage to them, and Nerrezai significantly appreciated it. She even peeked at him from the corner of her eye, not in a challenging way, but a timid one that read as a small thank you.

It seemed that these wolves were looking for some confidence in their potential members, and Nerrezai knew she was anything but. Only one thing was running through her mind at that point: Grow a backbone. It was a perfect example of her berating herself mentally, and if it was poise they needed, then it was poise they’d get… Well, at least to the highest degree Zai could take it, which really wasn’t much.

So she straightened her back a bit, sighed in defeat, and glanced into Zyn’s eyes for a brief moment before starting her own dialogue. “I am a very good hunter,” she paused to ponder it a little while more, and fortunately a few more ideas came to mind. “I also do whatever I am told, and have been complimented on my ability to quickly learn…I just have this shyness issue…” She trailed off dejectedly, knowing all too well what a problem it was for her.

Raz’s deer shadow confirmed her suspicions; he indeed had the very same powers as she did. Her eyes dilated once more, though mostly in a sudden burst of happiness and a feeling that she belonged instead of an astounded one. That wave was still tugging at her as well, she just hadn’t been paying attention to it.

So this new she-wolf was named Aya? Nerrezai would have to make sure to steer clear of the feisty femme. She had to admit though, it felt as if Razoniel was protecting her, but she felt foolish of the sensation as he turned his eyes on her again. It was good to know he was beta, too. At least her nose hadn’t lied to her.

As he asked her what her element was, however, she was mystified and tilted her head to the side a bit to display it. “Element,” she echoed, realization then etching upon her face. He must be talking about her strange powers. “It’s either darkness or shadow…I just never knew. And my name is Nerrezai.” She made sure to look at Zynex as she stated the last part.

[Aya]

Aya sat patiently enough as the show seemed to unfold before her. An aura of confidence bloomed from her pelt as the alphess opened to the she-wolf as if preparing to berate her - and almost rocked back on her heels when Zynex directed her cool voice to her. "And you... Are you simply going to stand there waiting for a personal invitation...or you are going to let you intentions be known as well? I don't have time to cater to your games. Both of you, state your names."

For a bewildered moment Aya caught herself thinking, 'What the heck did I do?' Then it dawned, quite naively, that her pride had just been insulted. Cater to my games? Hackles raising, she felt the skin upon her muzzle lift and curve to create a silent snarl and the rest of her body stiffen as if she were going to lash out. It took all of her self-control not to, leaving nothing left to guard her tongue. "Sure, Lady," she growled mockingly, "I'll let my intentions be known. In fact, I think you deserve to know as much as anyone else, because I'm about ready to smash that pretty little face of yours in." Livid, she was quite proud of this display, though she was sure she would have desperately liked to take it back later on when the fires behind her eyes had burned low enough to see straight. Indeed, the world seemed to swirl with every twitch of her eyes. It was amazing how little was needed to spike Aya up, and there seemed to be plenty left over to provoke her further.

Pointedly turning her attention from Zynex, Aya tried to focus her mind on what the beta male, Razoniel, seemed to be saying. Sticking up for the new she, Nerrezai, was he? With a sneer, she snorted aloud - only to be found staring eye to eye with the male. Not willing to show any submission toward any of them, as the new femme seemed glad to lay before anyone's paws, she stared defiantly back with thick brows pulled tightly over golden irises. Really, what was the problem today? “Show some respect,” he said.

Aya was about ready to go ballistic. Already tightly stuck into a creepy snarl, her lips attempted drawing back even farther. What was she doing, trying to fight both the alpha and the beta? "Like you'd know anything about respect, you big --" Cutting off, she angrily blinked a few times, trying to organize her thoughts. This was no good. The only thing she was ensuring was not the safety of her pride, but the ultimate downfall. Acting like she didn't know her rank was only going to get her kicked out of the pack, or worse. Gods knew she didn't want that. Flashbacks of the past and the emotions they aroused could prove it. Indeed, now was not the time.

Settling back into her previous position quite abruptly, for Aya had not even realized she was standing, she clamped her muzzle shut with a click. It hurt, giving up just like that. She would have easily enjoyed tussling with that forsaken alphess, she had a feeling she disliked her already, but no - not the time. She had yet to prove herself worthy to the pack. Nay, as soon as she got up there - then she could duel it out. Now, however, and right in front of this shadow-based "I'm very good at hunting" femme, too was not a good time. No, not good at all. How many times did she have to tell herself that? Even with these settling thoughts, she glared fiercely at Nerrezai as if her foolish actions were all her fault. She daren't look at the other two, for she doubted that their reactions would be very safe for her well-being. Ah geez, Aya. Look what you've gotten yourself into this time, and you've hardly been in this pack for long!

[-zynêx-]

Those eyes. Those soft grew eyes told the female more than possibly any words the timid fae had to offer. And her Beta's suggestion effectively changed her outlook on the female before her. Despite her size and bodice...there was promise. This female could easily be shaped. Her body was fit for a hunter, there was no lie in that, yet Zynex was a little disappointed to the fae's admittance of listening solely to orders. Tytanus meant not only strength of body, but also will. A questioning nature was something she sought, perhaps not defiance, but at least ambition. This female had none. But she would give her something to strive for. Nerrezai would be a good addition, she decided and an extra manipulator of shadows would be a great benefit. Perhaps this is what made her a better hunter.

Her eyes briefly detoured from the fae to her Beta. "Razoniel," her voice lost its rigid edge, and tone became familiar to him. "She is of your element...perhaps you can teach her a little something and develop her abilities." Yet as the words were voiced, they didn't sound right to her. Time with Nerrezai would mean time away from her for the male. But for the sake of the pack she would endure this. It was not permenant...only until the young female learned to better her skills. Yes...it-

And just like that her thoughts were silenced. Attention was immediately drawn to the dark colored female, Aya. Ears arched forward in her direction as a slender cranium followed, perhaps too slow for one's liking. Moonlit hues became hard as stones, blank rocks the veil any emotion the Alphess had felt. Yet, it was the wisps of smoke wafting from the fleshed tip of her muzzle that gave away the raging inferno. Had that sarcastic, despicable tone really been directed toward her....the very reason the bitch was allowed to walk through the Domain unharmed? To say the female was pushing her luck was an understatement. And not only was the tone disgusting...but the threat, whether harboring ill intent or empty was what rose the fur along her back to needle-like points and set her off.

Heated paws galloped the short distance between the auburn fae and her less-than-likely subordinate. And she charged, still, even when she was within range and could reach out and touch the fae. And touch she did. Ivory fangs were unveiled by ashen lips, jaws spread wide to grasp the fae's throat. The Alpha's aim was to of course set the female in her place, but not to kill. Her intended strike was to at least clip the fae's neck, a sharp reprimand for her misconduct to both herself and her Beta. [Yet her follow-through was to take the fae by the throat and, while exerting all her weight into this move, swing a heavy paw against her neck and effectively throw the female to the ground keeping her pinned as a snarl rumbled from her own cream accented throat.]

Deadened eyes suddenly glowed with life. Metallic pools whirled with a fury of emotions, one more so rage than anything. "Unless you want an early death...I suggest you LEARN YOUR PLACE! IF YOU EVER SPEAK THAT WAY TO ME AGAIN, I'LL MAKE SURE YOU'LL NEVER WALK AND LEAVE YOU TO THE VULTURES! DO YOU UNDERSTAND, BITCH!?" Zynex hardly raise her voice for any reason, but disrespect was always an easy way to get under her skin. Her imagined the fae's sensitive audits her ringing from her increased volume and as a courtesy, or perhaps to soothe her own raised tone, she spoke softly regaining her composure. "Dear...I do like your fiery attitude...but may the gods help you if you ever direct it to me again. Do I make myself clear, Aya?"

ooc: Aya: To prevent powerplay, the act in "[ ]" is an option. I'll leave if up to you if the follow-through happens, but regadless, Aya is going to have a little discomfort on her neck.

[Ɽazǿniel.]

R A Z O N I E L !!

To his surprise, his suggestion actually changed the look in his leader’s face as she looked over the newcomer, especially when the timid female spoke for herself, straightening and telling her skills honestly, maybe a bit too honestly. However, the alphess did not seem to find much fault. Her appraising eyes shifted just slightly, as if searching for new details that she hadn’t considered before, and then alighted on Razoniel. He straightened and blinked back at her, keeping his head lowered slightly to not show disrespect, his eye shifting just centimeters to not stare directly into hers. He was sure the alpha would let him look into her eyes, but in a different mood—nothing like what was going on now. He had to stay professional in the face of the lone wolf and in that of the feisty new pack member.

The loner spoke up when her element was asked for, seeming mystified, and when she told him what it was, a thrill ran through him. Another shadow wolf! It was no wonder he felt kinship with her. He offered her a slightly softer expression and nodded, finding no need to speak, as she was probably fully aware that he had the same. Her eyes turned to the leader as she stated her name, Nerrezai, a beautiful name as any. He glanced at her, too, as she spoke. “She is of your element…” Zynex suggested. “Perhaps you can teach her a little something and develop her abilities.”

The beta gave a tiny nod as his eye fell upon the newcomer again. He knew that he would end up teaching her more than just her element, but also how to deal with the attitude of the rest of his packmates. He sighed softly and looked over at Aya when she spoke up, his shoulders tensing as he drew his lips back to show his teeth. Before he could say anything, Zynex was leaping at her, her voice powerful and louder than he had heard it before. He snarled but did not join in the attack, deeming it not his place, and instead shifted his body to stand before Nerrezai in case the fighting to too close to her for comfort.

[nerrezai]

With Razoniel’s softer gaze and nod, the diffident newcomer returned it with a light smile. Something about him… something about that odd wave, maybe it was him. Apparently they both did have the same element.

Nerrezai’s ears pricked upwards at Zynex’s words, waiting for some statement of admittance or something similar. Her words, although not outright saying welcome, certainly suggested that she was. Zai did also need some improvement on her skills with manipulating the shadows, so she was more than happy to hear it. Actually, she needed a lot of improvement, but she was ready to welcome the winds of change in her fur with a grin.

That Aya. The timid wolfess held bizarre, conflicting emotions for the fea. It was a peculiar tinge of respect, mixed with jealousy and contempt. But why did she feel even a hint of envy, and more so, respect? Perhaps it was the fact of how blatantly confident she was, which was something Nerrezai could only envisage herself feeling in her wildest dreams. She loathed her simultaneously for it, that and the fact of how her eyes showed nothing but disgust whenever she looked her way. Yet the respect… Zai honestly had no idea why it was even there. It was probable that it had only found its way into her view of the headstrong soldier because of the way she had patently mocked and threatened the alphess, and almost did the same to Raz. And Nerrezai, standing there as a very awkward situation loomed in the nearing distance, hated herself as well.

Finally the awkward situation crashed down on them like a tidal wave, and Nerrezai was not prepared for it in the least. As the alphess rushed towards Aya, the timid canine didn’t quite know what to do. It was… uncomfortable to say the least as she witnessed the confrontation. And Zyn’s verbal outburst? Well, that racked Zai’s nerves and brought a new wave of respect upon her. Then, to add to it, the beta had stepped in front of her in a somewhat protective manner. A second surge of gratitude washed over her, and she could foresee her and the dark furred male becoming friends.