now comes the tide;

He chuckles deeply; a defiant, barking sound that's echoed by Askari. He wonders for a second if this other colt has wandered into their family meeting by mistake, because how on earth can Mbwana be related to such a simpleton? The older boy is clearly retarded, as he speaks like a newborn infant with a god complex. Bless his heart, he clearly comes from the polluted end of the gene pool - it must be his mother, because it is certainly not his father. Mbwana and Askari look at Zubari through twin eyes, amusement glowing in each iris. The dog lord is so much younger than this fool, yet you'd think Mbwana was the oldest of the two given the other's infantile behaviour. "Here was me thinking Father had good taste in women - alas, I suppose every family has its runt." He sighs sadly, but inwardly he's glowing. He has won. He has dominated this older boy with consummate ease, because the coward will not retaliate. Mbwana does not believe in fighting family - he is fiercely loyal to his pack, his kin, and would do anything for them - but he refuses to acknowledge this other male as being his family. If he was, then he wouldn't have made a mountain out of a molehill by trying to order around Mbwana's companion. That's what started all this; unfortunately for Zubari, he attempted to bully the wrong dog. Victory tastes sweet upon his tongue, and he grins wider. Askari bounds around his feet, joyous at his bonded's success. This act of dominance was far easier than he thought - he didn't even need to fight. The other simply backed down, evidently acknowledging Mbwana's physical and mental superiority. It is a satisfying sensation, and the colt feels all the blood rushing to his head as his arrogance swells another few notches. He can feel his magic thrumming in the back of his mind; it's so tempting to shift into a dog and really hammer home his advantage, but he supposes that the rest of his family would not appreciate him sinking his razor-sharp teeth into his useless brother's throat. His delight intensifies as the older colt takes his leave. Mbwana unleashes another loud, barking laugh, but it's soon lost in a contemptuous snort. "Coward," he sneers dismissively, and he shifts away with a short growl. Askari follows dutifully at his heels, his small eyes peering upwards at his bonded with admiration bordering on reverence. During this time Kiada and Rexanna have spoken, trying to talk the boys out of their argument, and Mbwana realises that his dam has asked him a question amidst the chaos. "I did not see her." The concern is evident in his animalistic features, creased into an anxious frown. His twin's disappearance is a worry, but he's sure she will have survived the move into the Rift - it will take than that to kill her. Kiada's scolding forces him to adopt a slightly abashed expression and he subtly lowers his posture to acknowledge her superior position within the family - she is a true sibling, and deserves respect. Mbwana will not apologise for retaliating against Zubari, but he concedes that it may be best to leave the feud here, else their family be torn asunder by civil war. So he follows dutifully behind his sister, Askari prancing along on his heels after shooting the other wild dog a lingering, curious look. -exit the teenage shitbag- M B W A N A

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