(j) eagle of the ninth legion

When the voice of a potential recruit rose from the territory outskirts, Paarthurnax at once veered in the direction from which the call had come. Without thought she quickened her pace, having abandoned her lone search for small prey, with every intention of asserting her dominance and questioning the wolf who sought to disturb her peace. Her tail arched proudly over her sleek hindquarters, flagging at her rear as she jogged briskly through the dense forest, until promptly she halted in her tracks.

Gazing ahead, the crimson beauty frowned deeply. Tiberius' comment and the very obvious fact that he did not trust her judgement as an Alphess left a sour taste in her mouth and, having the memory linger at the forefront of her mind for days, Paar suddenly found herself wondering, why bother?

She huffed a sigh of frustration, mentally kicking herself for letting the thought of a yearling express concern over her capability to maintain her rank get to her as much as it did. Forcing it from her mind she strode forth once more, hackles on edge and head held high, and she slipped from between the evergreens to find that Flash had beaten her to the scene.

Paarthurnax regarded her golden pack-mate with a soft wuff of acknowledgement, but did not stop to greet him personally. Instead she focused on the newcomer, copper gaze alight with curiosity. She eyed him in silence for some time, scrutinising his body condition and testing the air for any scent of disease until she deemed him safe enough to proceed. "Tell me your name," the crimson leader urged, fixing the male's features with a firm stare, "and why you have come to Noctisardor Bypass."