As he expected, many of the new, younger wolves did not join in with the claiming howl. He did not blame them. When the Dragon's monstrous sound filled the air, Tenzin would have cowered also had he not been the strong monk he was today. If they were just wanderers exploring and discovering areas, then Tenzin would not force them to stay within the Vale. As the song concluded, the monk beamed regardless of the lack of participation from the others. He turned to the Dragon with a pointed look and a tug of his ear, Shy, I guess? The monk gave the beast a curt nod as if to say "watch them," then turned his gaze to Xi'nuata as she approached.
Still unsure what connection she had with the Dragon, Tenzin nodded warmly to her words and gave her a promising wink. You are bounds before the rest, Xi'nuata, he whispered sheepishly as she touched her nose to his chin. Aside from Dawa and himself, she was the only one who joined their song. Though Tenzin did not judge the younger wolves who chose to remain silent, he did mark them for (what he believed to be) their cowardice. Xi'nuata seemed immune to the Dragon's savage aura and for whatever it was worth, Tenzin appreciated that in some way. They did need warriors who could be one with not only the Dragon, but Tenzin and Dawa as well. They were a unit and should not be divided.
Tenzin chuffed to Dawa before nudging her softly. Come, my child, he said kindly to her, leading her off in the direction of one of the warm springs. Let us find peace in solitude, hmm? She had met a lot of wolves today and he wanted her to relax for some time before talking to them herself. Also, Tenzin wouldn't mind soaking his paws again and figured the warm water felt good on her body too. Without paying any further attention to the Dragon or the others, Tenzin lead his ward off into the trees.
