Drifting along the shoreline of the lake, Rhazien was enjoying the midmorning weather. A soft breeze rolled through the plains, ruffling his fur, and swaying the tall grasses in a rhythmic pattern that was almost psychedelic in appearance. Off in the distance, he could see other band members- their silhouettes walking alongside each other, as they started their assigned tasks for the day. And what was he doing at the lakeside? Stopping to get a drink of course, before setting out to patrol the border.

Nearing a shallower inlet at the lakeshore, he stopped and brought his head down to the water. Lapping up a few drinks, keeping his ears trained on its depths, given a crocodile emerged from it a few days prior. Filling his belly, he turned to leave- but something farther down the shore caught his eye. Scales shimmering in the sun, flashing like a beacon straight in his eyes… and belonging to a massive, slithering serpent who emerged from the grasses to find refuge in the lake. Now, that simply wouldn’t do. A threat like that needed to be eradicated- and Rhazien was happy to do so.  

"Rhazien Saxe"

Since the band have settled in the plains for now, it has been important to deal with all the large predators that might seek to do them harm. Ezekiel is on patrol for said beasts today and the warm mid-morning makes his assignment, an enjoyable one. Scenting the air, he knows that the cold blood reptilian creatures that dwell in the lake are much more difficult to find on the wind but he is searching for all manner of predators.

Satisfied that there is nothing big immediately nearby, he heads toward the lake to see if he can spot anything near it since Sephiran has been attacked by the water. They have all been more cautious about walking near there and taking drinks at its edge. As he moves, the young man spies Rhazien’s dark shape and Zeke pulls to stop when he realizes that the older male has honed in on a threat.

Duel-toned eyes snap to the area that Rhazien is keenly watching and, there is long waving grass, he spies the shimmy scales of a reticulated python as it slips toward the waters of the lake. Zeke is off and running before his brain even realizes what he is doing and he angles for the snake’s neck right behind the head, lunging in to grab the thick muscled creature so he pull it away from the water.

The snake’s body reacts, attempting to coil around the attacking wolf’s body as Ezekiel works to keep it from slipping away.

"Ezekiel Saxe"

Like a moth drawn to a flame, or perhaps, a vulture drawn to a rotting kill. Another Saxe member appeared beside him, ready to immerse themselves in a battle against the serpent beast. As the figure raced past him, it took a few seconds of recognition to form inside of his mind. Ezekiel, the cousin to Elysia. He didn’t know the man very well, but he was an active participant in most of their training sessions, and he seemed serious about the tasks he was assigned. Thus, Rhazien hadn’t formed much of an opinion of him, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Lunging forward, Rhazien grabbed the python in its midsection. Sinking his fangs deep, serrated steel sawing through the scales until he met the muscle. And then, he viciously pulled back- trying to keep it from coiling around Zeke, who was attacking its head.

"Speech"

While Ezekiel may not have much experience in fighting larger snakes, he does know that the smaller versions have a weak spot at the back of their skulls. Jaw releases for a moment, as he seeks a better angle, paw pinning the neck in place as he relocates his body slightly and strikes out again, teeth sinking through flesh and scrapping against the beast’s skull.

Eyes dart to where Rhazien is attacking the creature’s body, keeping it from coiling its thick muscled frame around his own and Zeke growls at the stupid creature. It hisses and writhes as he applies pressure, a subtle creaking of bone fills the space around his head and he hangs on, ready to end this thing as quickly as he can.

"Ezekiel Saxe"

While Ezekiel went to work on the serpent's head and neck, Rhazien kept his focus on preventing it from coiling around the younger male. Of course, it wasn’t an easy feat- most of its body comprised of strong musculature, which kept Rhazien’s head pulling to and fro, as it fought against him. He had to plant his paws into the mud, toes flexing, nails digging, to keep himself anchored in place. The hissing from the beast was quite loud as well- seeping into his ears, causing them to ring, but only momentarily. The big fucker was definitely pissed off. But alas, it wouldn’t be able to fight off the wolves who were determined to end its life.

Flexing his jaw, and widening his grip. Rhazien’s fangs sawed deeper until he penetrated the inner cavity. Entrails started to weep out of the wound- hot against his lips, as they seeped out from the side of his mouth. It tasted foul, but it was exhilarating. Which brought out a bubble of frenzied laughter from the bigger Saxe male- a testament to the bloodlust rolling through his body.

"Speech"

They both attack the doomed snake, working together to take down this dangerous predator. If it had been in the water and one of them went to take a drink… well, it could have dragged them in and drowned them. Skull creaks but does not break so Ezekiel adjusts his stance, placing all four paws on the ground so that he can splay his toes and grip the earth. It hisses loudly while working its jaw as continues to seek to escape the wolves.

With his stance now more powerful, the young man bites down hard, jaw clenching until a sickening snap of bones fills the air. Teeth sink deep into the skull cavity, digging into the creature’s brain alongside shards of the snake’s skull. It writhes in agony, its dying brain sending out the message to coil defensively around its head. Zeke releases his hold, jumping away from the contracting muscles while checking to see if Rhazien needs his assistance.

Blood and brain matter cling to maw as readies to help the older male if it is needed.

"Ezekiel Saxe"

Another crack resonates from near the serpent's head, and suddenly it starts to coil more aggressively- a last-ditch effort at trying to protect itself from the wolves. Rhazien releases his hold, taking a step back to avoid getting whipped by its muscular body. Entrails spill onto the ground from the hole he created. A few more moments of spasming and writhing, and finally, the beast falls still and becomes a heap of sinew and scales on the lakeside shore.

Waiting a few more moments, ensuring the creature is dead before approaching it. Rhazien saunters back over, touching the limp body with a paw before feeling satiated. Turning his head to the boy, and cocking a brow at him. A smile cracks his bloodied features. “One last predator to worry about, hm?”  He croons, emphasis on the word predator, as they all know who is the real danger in these plains. Sephiran. “Where’d you learn to kill like that?” He inquires, figuring it was time he learned a little more about the boy.  

"Rhazien Saxe"