Gwen

Taking up an easy pace, Gwen loped down a stretch of pavement between two tall buildings, stepping over the occasional bottle or crumpled bit of paper. Dark brindled fur helped to conceal her among the shadows, though the bright white of her legs and tail, and the bit splashed around her face, ultimately broke up the darkness of her frame. At first glance, the hybrid looked like some mix between a labrador and a boxer or great dane, with the former's build, and the latter's blockier face and muzzle. The tall ears that stood alertly atop her thick skull were from the slim wolven blood mixed into her gene pool, though a human couldn't be blamed for mistaking them for a shepherd's. Indeed, Gwen had shepherd in her too, giving her tail a bit more fluff, while the rest of her coat was sleek and short.

Gwen paused at the end of the alleyway, where it spilled into a larger road. She cocked her head and looked down the sidewalk, watching two humans meander along with food in their hands and eyes on their cellphones. Warily, she remained planted in the shadows, even though a simple glance from the two-leggers would easily spot her. She had learned that most humans wouldn't bother her as long as she stayed out of their way, and if she were wise about it, it wasn't too hard to get a free meal from them from time to time.

Honz & Zeus

Honz was an 5 year old border collie Husky cross. He and zeus liked to mess with the humans and convince them to share their food. Honz moved toward the two that Gwen was watching his right paw held off the ground as he hobbled toward the humans whining and ears back acting as if he was in pain. He watched as teh humans let their hands with their food dangle down.

Zeus was an all black German shepherd. He watched his friend and then he made his strike and nabbed teh food out of the unexpecting humans hand. They both ran off aways after tails up and wagging as they both began to dig into it.

Gwen

Spotting the unknown pair, the fur along Gwen's back began to raise and her tail shot up. Not out of aggression, but merely a declaration of her rank and authority in this area, offered even when she was sure the dogs hadn't even seen her in their quest for free food. Curious, the alpha dog watched the duo play a simple but genius con against the humans, with one distracting the pair, and the other rushing in to steal the food before either two-legger could stop them. She grinned as she watched the humans stare in open-mouthed surprise at the theft, with one waving their hands in futile anger at the air. Their words sounded angry, but neither appeared willing to chase down the thieves.

As the grumbling humans moved on, Gwen stepped out of the shadows, tail arching high over her back. She began to plot purposefully towards Honz and Zeus with her head held high and her demeanor calm. "That was quite a show. Bravo, you two."

Honz & Zeus

Honze took his protion from Zeus eatting it till another approached and then he got defensive. His tail up and rigid and his ears back even at her words and especially at her stance. They were stray dogs who humans had abandoned, Honz still had his collar on him. who are you? What do you want?He said.

Zeus finished his and rolled his eyes at Honz. His own demeonar calm and relaxed, well you could tell now which one was dominant and which one was submissive with the two that was for sure.Easy Honz, Im sure she means us no harmHe said.im Zeus that honzHe said calmly.

Gwen

Upon approaching the duo, Gwen had caught the subtleties of their interactions, revealing Honze to be the dominant one of the group. To him, her attention went, "My pack calls me Gwen, daughter of Argolis and Dixie." She did not lower her tail, and kept her tall, wolvish ears held high and directed forward in calm authority. The fur along her neck began to bristle more in a final, wordless display of her rank and warning for Honze. Her words were without threat though, and her gaze solid and unblinking.

Gwen nodded to Zeus, offering him a brief smile for his greeting before her gaze darted back to Honze. "I'm the alpha of the Shadow Lurkers, who own this land." She gave them both a moment to digest that before going on, "I've not seen you two around here before, so today I'll forgive how high you hold your tail in my presence, Honze." It was a kindly worded warning for him to adjust his posture, and followed with an offer, "If you two are without humans or a pack, ours is currently looking to expand."

Honz & Zeus

Honz grunted at Zeus but kept his tail where it was no matter her words. I follow no pack law. We are nothing but two strays making a livinghe said slightly calmer but still not adjusting his position. He was after all a dominant male and he would not be pushed around by other packs running around here. He had learned to live as a stray. Yes they all tended to have heirachy but most of them gave each other the space they wanted.

Zeus just listened now and her offer was enticing but he also knew Honz probably wouldn't do well in a pack that was already well formed. it is enticing but as you can see he probably wont' do well in an already formed pack. You understand even if we're dogs we should have the same body language and same traits as wolves. I can fit in just about anywhere in a pack but Honz, most strays either avoid him or submit partially to him. He is very stubbornhe said and then chuckled.,B>its true don't deny ithe said.

Gwen

When Honz refused to show submission to her higher authority, Gwen stiffened her legs and held herself a little taller yet, her eyes beginning to take on a more serious glint. "We don't harass strays in our land, so long as they show us due respect." It was her final friendly warning to the brute before fangs would be bared, "You're in the presence of an alpha, and in her territory."

While she waited for the other to respond, the alpha looked again to Zeus, "You're welcome to join us. There's plenty of room for our pack to grow. And-" She looked to the dominant one of the duo again, still eying him warily, but holding a certain amount of respect for how boldly and confidently the dog carried himself. "There is room for you as well, and space available to hold a high rank in the pack. There are only two elder males with us." Desmon and Patch were beyond the point of claiming any sort of dominance among the Lurkers, and Desmon himself had no desire for such things. "If you decline this offer, know that the price for strays being allowed to live in our shadows is respect and submission to us."

Honz & Zeus

Honz would never submit. Perhaps you should respect strays, maybe then I'd show you some respect. If i had felt like having a pack i'd be alpha male. as it is humans have rounded up my pack and no matter where I go I will always be an alpha, However; I respect the female alpha's but I don't submit to them as they are my equals nothing less and nothing moreHe said. You show me the same respect you want and Ill give it right backHe said.

Zeus listened his ears flickered. If he will join I will join, but as you heard there is only one position he would agree to and as you can tell he is not afraid to show ithe said calmly.

Gwen & Darkwing

"A stray wolf does not flaunt their tail high in a stranger's packlands, and expect the alphas there to respect him and let him continue invading their home." Gwen's vocals remained even, without the threat of a growl. Had Honz been a female though, a fight might have already broken out to assert dominance and remind the strays that she was the Queen of this cobble and brick-stoned territory, and no one held rank above her own. The fact that he was a male made things a bit different however, though only because her pack lacked any of fighting age. There was a void within the Lurkers, and that was the only reason she hadn't resorted to force yet in an effort to demand submission from this dog. "There can only be one alpha male in this territory, and that is within the Lurker's pack. If you want to keep your status and flaunt it so freely, you will have to meet the rest of the pack and join us."

Above the trio, the beat of dark, slate gray wings brought Darkwing to a rest on the top of a streetlight. Brown eyes blinked and studied the canines, noting the two strangers that were interacting with Gwen. The falcon was sure she'd seen the pair around the Alleys before, but it was hard to tell - there were so many strays and pets, she sometimes got them confused. Decided not to announce her presence just yet, the young peregrine falcon merely watched the interact from her tall perch.

Honz & Zeus

Honz and zeus weren't exactly pups, but they weren't ancient either. Honz snorted.I have lived on these cobble stones since I was born whether that was under the eyes of humans or not. So I ain't no stranger to this land.He said calmly. His tail flicked a little. I have no issues joining a pack and making my status clear to said packhe said. He had no qualms if he had to fight he would, though he had learned that fighting didn't always need to happen, posture in their society worked nearly all the time. IT would just depend on if the other males wanted the position.

Zeus sighed and dipped his head to the joining part,I go where he goesHe said.

Gwen & Darkwing

'He has confidence.' Gwen noted with a sly smile, her interest piqued at this aspect of the brute. She also noted how very differently this interaction would have gone had she already been with a mate and stumbled across such a dominant canine. Thankful that that wasn't the case today, the wolfdog held her smile and took a step to turn her body back towards the alleyway she'd stepped out of. "Having experience and understanding of this terrain is a good thing. The pack will benefit having both of you in it." Her gaze dropped to Zeus upon her latter words, signaling that she had no problem with him joining as well. "Follow me." Now turning fully, the hybrid disappeared between two buildings, sauntering at an easy pace towards the Aegis Den.