In his element

[Strika]

Strika's heavy pants shook the whole place. He smiled. He enjoyed hanging around here--it was quite entertaining. Just for the fun of it, he gave a deep growl, and smiled as the loud echo it made tingled through his body and senses.

[Ice]

A larger, much more powerful howl rebounded on him - Ice's idea of a joke, just to see his reaction. The Thunder Leader's paws padded silently on the ground as she stepped out in full view, following her call. She often came here, and as they were very few members of her Clan, was usually alone. Today, however, Strika could be heard, a promising member rising swiftly through her ranks. He may be of use to her at some point. As she came closer, Ice merely blinked in greeting, flicking her head slightly to shift the long black fur from her startling blue eyes.

[Strika]

Strika nearly jumped completely off the ground as a much more powerful sound--a howl-- echoed solidly through the air. His eyes carefully darted around, searching for the source of the sound.

A swift, black figure then came into view. He recognized the figure--it was his clan leader, Ice. Strika sighed in relief and stepped back slightly, bowing his head in respect.

"Good day, my leader." He greeted, "You truly suprised me there." He added with a chuckle.

[Ice]

"That was my intention." A smirk was could be seen as Ice came to a halt before him, satisfied with his reaction. She found amusement in startling others. Her fur swayed slightly as she turned her head; looking around the area. Sitting down on her haunches, the Clan Leader brought her icy blue eyes back to Strika. "Good day." She returned the greeting.

[Strika]

"What brings you here today, my leader?" Strika asked, randomly pawing at the back of his ear. "Well, aside from trying to scare the fur off of my body." He smirked. Their voices echoed softly as they spoke.

[Ice]

Ice cocked her shaggy head slightly. "The usual. Wandering, gathering information. I wanted to see how the Clan was improving." The smirk returned. "But if my charges get startled that easily...well, I've been dissapointed." A small amount of amusement was in her voice, to tell him she didn't mean it harshly.

[Strika]

Strika sat silently for a few moments, then laughed heartily, knowing his clan leader meant well.

He then lay down on the ground and gave a sleepy sigh.

"...Our clan lacks members", he stated thoughtfully after a few long moments.

[Ice]

Ice sighed and nodded. "It does." Ice's eyes swept around the area. "But so does the Lightning, and those are who we should be wary of." The Lightning....they were nothing but cowards. Like her father.

[Strika]

Strika observed, and noticed a slight change in Ice's expression. What was running through her mind at this moment?

[Ice]

looked back at Strika, and quickly returned her face to normal. "So... How're you." She smoothly changed the subject, licking her paw in an excuse to avert her eyes.