Tempting Fate [Hep]

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It amazed the wolf that he lingered as long as he had in one given area, knowing that there was little to comfort him it. Yet, he wandered restlessly, always worried something was on his heels. Something wicked this way walked, and he knew he would be the undying target. It would be his problem that he was forced into the dark hole of his life, and he wagged his tail absently. It was a wonder that he had not dropped dead, but once again there was a tug in his tall, lithe figure. It was a reminder that he was lost in his feelings and somehow he had lost weight again.

Paws tramped down on the ground, and he struggled to make his thoughts go forced himself to cross over that unwritten boundary. Oh, he knew he had crossed into pack grounds, and he continued on. He knew that the dark birds that fluttered out of the treats, screeching a morbid protest would be enough to announce his presence. It was always a dangerous game, it was always a concern. He was deaf from his left side, after all, that left a lot of space to have someone come out of nowhere and down him without a second thought.

On the other hand, because he walked into a territory, tall and looking morbidly underfed there was forever going to be mixed signs. Was he beckoning some nightmare? Was he an intruder looking to slaughter them all? He was tall enough to be the kind of idiot that tried it, but it was clear from his body language. Even with no eyes on him, he walked with his head below his shoulders, sniffing at the ground and never quite raising his startling yellow eyes.

Body tensed and he mused about the thoughts that were going through his mind, passing thoughts. They never lingered enough to make him feel confident that they were important. Most of the things that lingered were often something quite worse. Night terrors, they were endless. It was his reason for shame, often the reason he left. What did it mean to be a male when he woke up screeching, panting uncontrollably. It was not one of his brightest moments, and it bothered him to know that he was somehow inferior for his actions.

Broken bodies laid in his past, and he had never quite managed to work things out in the way that he forever counted on. His mouth curled up at the corner, and he forced himself to sigh. Yes, he was a bit of pansy, evidently. There was nothing about him strong or admirable - but he was handsome, beyond handsome for a male. He had that soft voice. It surprised him how far in life it got him, but he was trustworthy. He could charm the world, but he could never be a full male. There was no threat to him, thus it endeared him to everyone. That was what Robin counted on.

Pausing, the sound of approaching feet caused him to stall. Approaching beasts, it caused his head to turn, but his eyes never raised above chest level.

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The devil was patrolling his lands, making certain all was at peace for Permafrost. With the approaching Winter Hep did not become alarmed due to the fact he had lived in these mountains for the majority of his life. Even though food would become a bit scarce there was still the mountain goats who were quick but could be ambushed and therefore brought down or the musk ox a larger beast that would take tactics and strength. Hephaestus attention was focused on the trees and the intense colors that began to take over the leaves, this was a time when his mind flickered to his Mistress. As the large paws moved along a unfamiliar scent tickled his nasal cavity and a grim smile appeared.

A trespasser it seemed had wandered in and whether the new male realized it or not he had crossed into pack lands. Oh, what fun this would be to meet the other. Yet an odd feeling took over the male as the thought of his pups, as well as his pack came into play. There was more at stake now and no fool would ruin that for him, not now and not at any point in time. The swaggering movements did nothing to be silent for he was on his land and therefore the trespasser should be aware that the Alpha was paying him a visit. As Hephaestus maneuvered through a few trees there was a divine male awaiting whom had already turned in his direction. Perfect.

Powerful jaws parted as words came forth, "Such a pretty face will not suffice deary...do tell me your business here?" The noxious baritones rumbled from his barrel chest, as each word was dipped in a lethal venom. The dangerous tangerine eyes greedily took in the male, as the massive frame moved closer and closer. Now only a few inches from the other male, he waited for an answer as the cool wind carried the aromas of Everbane. A wicked grin spreading over leathery lips as he was curious to see what this male would say or do and if dared to pick a fight it would end with the opponents last breath.

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Forever inappropriate about crossing boundaries, the half smirk crossed his features. It was like being a fish flopping in the sand in the middle of the salmon run, it made him an easy meal for the big beasts. The only problem was Robin always wanted to be consumed, it was an addiction and often it made his life fairly effective. The roll of the venomous words proved he had selected the borders to intrude upon wisely, and yellow eyes glanced up merely to observe the face of the entitled wolf who had approached.

His head never raised, but his voice remained so as ever. “It's not the first time I've been called a pretty face, lordly one.” Voice murmured cautiously, “I'm not here to bring any harm to you or yours--” The laughter rumbled in his chest, bringing his eyes up to connect in a fleeting glance with the beastly creature that stood in front of him. Oh, if it would have not seemed so immature, Robin would have preened. How long had it been since a debonaire wolf with the thick feeling of monster hanging about him paid attention to Robin?

The intense eyes of another appeared almost in his mind's eyes, and the male cringed lightly. No, no; he would not be taking his thoughts down that road. He would not be invested in something that was so far gone from his mind.  As he swallowed down the bile and the reminder that tagged along with it, he forced himself to pay back attention to the male patiently waiting on him. “You'll have to pardon my irresponsible reason, but it's the only one I have.”

Wolfish grin crossed his features, and his head lifted a notch. “Loneliness pulls me out of the path I've been on.” Greedily taking in the sight of the odd tangerine eyes, the male offered a half show of amusement. It was degrading, without a doubt, but he was well known for his abilities. He was known to be just who he was, a tedious game indeed. Honesty worked, since treacherous was often labelled the aftermath of his appearance.

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The devil payed close attention to the male as his words drifted into his eardrums, listening intently to every word as well as the laughter that expelled from his chest. It wasn't any concern to the Overlord, in fact it amused him and then replied. "Trust me that was not any of my worries deary and good to see you are not egotistical." Chuckling deeply as his baritones ripped through the silence, Hephaestus meant business. Tilting his skull to the opposing direction as the male kept his head low in a respectful manner, which the devil was pleased to see. With the slight cringe of the opposing male Hephaestus grinned even wider, yes he had a way with others whatever it may be.

The mocha beast stepped even closer as the male spoke and he nodded his head in response, then final words were spoken and Hephaestus thought on his words for a moment before replying. "At least it is an honest one. Though you poor deary, so you've come to Everbane for what? Only company?" The noxious venom dripping from his lips, as the intense tangerine eyes met those canary yellows. Large paws shifted as the masculine frame twisted in a serpent like manner around the handsome male, analyzing every physical attribute that he could. Hephaestus circled so close that their coats barely brushed one another until he returned before the male again.

"Tell me now deary what is you name, delicious trespasser?" The cyanide lathered words falling from his lips in a deranged way as he watched carefully. The male must answer every question without falter if he wished for the meeting to stay at ease. If he chose not to answer than the Overlord would punish him intently. Hephaestus couldn't help but to enjoy all the enticing horrid thoughts that filled his skull. He may be a father, mate and Alpha but he was still a wicked devil and would always be true to his ways and himself, no matter what circumstances.

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Somehow it went without saying that the chocolate colored wolf was in control of the situation. It did not mean that Robin would bow so gracefully, although it appeared as if he was interested. His eyes lifted faintly, lingering on the wolfish grin with a clenched heart for a moment. Well, hadn't he found the evil that lurked in the lands again! It caused something to stir within him, a hint of excitement. Oh, how he loved games with beasts who would possibly end up beating him down, leaving his body wrecked. Although he was not a treasure when it came to dealing with pain, he still found comfort in the fierce role of ruler. Being just beneath, comforted at the side.

In many ways, Robin was a pretty pet, waiting to be leashed. None had managed to leash him appropriately though, and his muzzle dipped as he concentrated on his thoughts.  It was a struggle for his thoughts to form though, his body relaxed significantly as he watched the larger male slink around him. Oh, the thrill of power. That confidence, it burned well enough into his mind. “I would welcome anything that would be permitted by you, since I speak to an Alpha of such an area.” Blunt words preened, although he realized the brown wolf had not introduced himself as such. Anyone would have been blind not to notice. “Of course, I would welcome an earned spot for the winter, it wakes my senses that it's coming to take lives. I am not quite prepared to die yet.”

Dry words dropped out of his mouth, pointedly peering at his paws. As the sigh managed to slip out of his mouth, he acknowledged the next question with a bow at the neck. “Robin Danvers is the name I was birthed with, but not to be concerned, I am eager to simply be known as Robin - my family abandoned me easily enough that I should abandon the tail end of my calling as quick.” The bitterness in his words was fleeting, it was something he had came to terms with long before. Now he simply wandered, and winter did approach. It whispered in the ears of everyone. Death, it lingered near.

“I'm not the best hunter, and I can barely defend myself, my lord of the mountain.” Proper tones warned, his yellow eyes once again lifted faintly. His grin was wolfish though, and he pleased himself on the next careless sounding words. “I reason that someone will find use of me, somewhere... any way that I can satisfactorily perform.”

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The devil snorted waiting for the handsome creature to respond. While a little bit of time passed as it seemed the opposing male was becoming even more enticed than Hephaestus had become. The words flowed from the other's mouth in a blunt manner, but at least he was no fool and understood that Hephaestus just carried a regal nature within Everbane. "Well than the pleasure is all mine deary, so you wish to be apart of Permafrost?" He questioned a bit more in depth and straight forward, yet it was a bit rhetorical. Hephaestus knew that this male wished for a place here in their mountains. Tilting his hefty skull he stepped even closer, dying to get a closer look at the handsome creature.

Words of his introductions reached Hep's eardrums and the devil grinned quite wide. "A pleasure Robin and I wasn't given a last name so I don't see the reasoning behind it." Baritones deep and thunderous like the stormy skies. "I am Hephaestus, Overlord as you know." The noxious words leaving his lips in a haunting yet charming manner. Robin was not quiet for long after his bitter words, in fact there was truth given to the beast and he nodded. Hephaestus began to think, well hunting wasn't a issue since the whole pack did so, much like warriors the entire pack worked together. More did not mean stronger, you see picking the correct group was what made a pack stronger.

Hephaestus then realized a perfect fit for Robin and turning to slide alongside the delicious male he spoke. "I've got the perfect position for you, though I need your word that you will be with Permafrost till the end deary." Hephaestus drug his muzzle ever so close to Robin's, to the point where either one could feel the exchange of breathes. As a cheshire grin spread, showing his stained yet dangerous teeth. Tangerine eyes locked onto the electric ones, yes he would be perfect as a spy and to get under other Alpha's skins. Also being able to peer in on other lands without getting caught and even if he did Robin was sure to charm his way out of it.

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The wolfish grin appeared on the face of the orange coated male with the blunt question. How many times was he going to play around with the answer that was desired? It pleased him to have the attention, the preening was a feeling of hopelessness. He was a bit of an attention craver, there was no doubt about that. In a world where he had to confess his sins, his vanity would have reared its head bravely. His head tipped to the left though, and he observed the male before he answered carefully.

“My dearest Overlord,” Formally the words trickled out of his lips and it could not be denied. His gaze softened, and he leaned into the warmth. While he realized that he was unlikely welcome to be so close, something skirted his nose that warned him there was another that carried better skin privileges than him. “Nothing would please me more than to serve you, endlessly.” The honest words were careful, his gaze studied the male who introduced himself as Hephaestus.

Ears swished on his head, and he found himself pushed to the point where he felt obligated to answer. Forever was a long time, and he wagered it would be a dangerous thing to attempt to escape. With that in mind, he inclined his head against his neck faintly. It was understandable, the request to keep what trickled into his paws. The male kept his words soft, his voice wobbled, “I would be honored to be given the opportunity to trust and settle my wandering soul, my dear Overlord.” Mouth curved faintly, “To earn your comfort and prove my worth brings me no greater joy.”

It seemed a little too formal on his tongue. But it was difficult in his mind, and tail twisted lazily. There was nothing that could be said that could not be taken back. But for now, his yellow eyes were serious. His words truthful on his tongue, and his features turned to meet the male that stood alongside of him. Delighted, his voice purred lazily, “Tell me what you would have of me.”

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As the overlord stood too close for comfort next to the dear Robin, who was indeed a new member of Permafrost. With the first words Hephaestus knew that he had acquired a fine pack member and even though he was uncertain of what he was designed for the devil knew right away. Robin had a way of charming others and with such a handsome face who would disagree? Hep believed unlike his odd and eerie charm, Robin had a fine tuned one that he knew how to work to his advantage. "How lucky am I.." the deep noxious venom dripping from his lips as the male glanced sideways to meet Robin's eyes. As a grim smile appeared slowly from corner to corner of his powerful muzzle.

The next words that Robin spoke were honest even though wrapped in honey, Hephaestus wasn't one to be easily fooled by others. The devil then threw his jaws at Robin's shoulder, to nip viciously as his way of showing he accepted and respected the male. Hep was always a vicious lover and affection giver, it was who he was therefore deal with it. "Very good deary, how pleased I am to have you.." The dark tones speaking carefully and he paused to give a dramatic affect. Ears slightly tilted back as his muzzle leaned very close to Robin's ear and dark whispers flowed. "You will be my spy, my eyes and ears off this land." Then Hephaestus slipped away from the opposing males body to face him once again.

The devil tilted his skull and finished his speech, "Though before every task as soon as you leave the area you must wash and rid your coat of our scents. You will move when the time is right and report back to me no matter what time of day or night you return." The words were a bit more deadly as if making certain the male had to be sure to do this every time. One slip up and it would bring the entire pack to the ground or it would result in Robin's death which would a pity to lose such a pretty face. A evil cackle escaped his throat as the devil continued to gaze deep into his new members eyes.

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Status.

Plenty of time the wolf had been on the receiving end of such assumptions. When he learned to play hopeless, it often offered him up something more exciting. Now his eyes shined, and he could almost taste his own excitement. Well hell, it had been a long time since he had welcomed the feeling. The rush, the drive, it had his tail swishing lazily behind him as he turned his gaze hungrily to Hephaestus. Something about the male triggered memories, and Robin pushed away the thought that nightmares would be on the heels fast enough.

Was that a warning that needed to be offered? Decidedly no, not while the cling of the female's scent lingered on his Overlord. Robin was not the type to infringe on a settled land; but his head tipped to the side as he felt the stab of jealously. Someone was permitted to play with him, tease and compete for his affections. It had been almost, Robin feared, a half a year since he had once played in his own little dance. The last time had never stirred the mere tendrils of excitement that beckoned at present.

The nip caused the male to jerk faintly, surprised at the suddenness of the action. The resulted response was one of a wolfish grin, the look of near preening covered the orange male's features. Tail lashed for a moment, before he drew a breath in and pushed himself to focus. Then his duty offered caused him to almost grin, “Pleasure be told, my Overlord, that getting into the depth of another pack's heart when the Alpha has even the first spot of weakness is one of my specialties.” There was a hint of youth to the male, a slight cheeky grin that accompanied the words.

It had been so long since he had reasoned his thoughts; the last time he had been told to turn his back on a spot that had embraced him, he had watched the murder of the calm, proper Alpha. Robin would have admired the fallen leader, if it had not been... Well, Jekyll who had downed the beast. Head dropped for a moment, but his ears swiveled forward as the directions were implanted in his head. The acknowledgement was accompanied with a firm nod.

The reasonable speech that was offered had the yellow eyes lifted once more. “I will not fail you, Lord Hephaestus.” Vow was riveted, his eyes hungered for some sort of confirmation. “No secret will be left unturned if you wish to hear news of it.” Summoning his courage, he stepped close, peering intently at the male. “I will embrace any punishment willingly if I fail you.”

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Hephaestus was by far pleased with Robin, he seemed a bit eager but certainly he would do very well. Nostrils inhaled deeply once again, pulling in the intense musky aroma of Robin. Indeed the beast had Red but Robin was ever so pleasing to look at and associate with. Tail flicked back and forth in a casual manner, as pumpkin eyes drifted over the handsome creature as his ear drums listened closely. "I figured it was deary, you will be a lovely pet." The baritones rippling in a venomous way, Hephaestus meant the name in the highest of forms. He was not degrading Robin, in fact he was holding him very close in his pack.

The devil cocked his skull to listen as Robin spoke, "I believe you Robin." The noxious tones dripping from his lips, as the mocha beast shifted his weight. A deep chuckle escaped with his next comment as a true smile spread over his lips, "Perfection deary and I will back you, if you manage to make it to the pack lands." Hephaestus knew that if an Alpha ever found out where Robin was from they would come to Permafrost and the devil would tear them limb from limb if they dare take the fight to his lands. Ears twisted on top of his skull as he stepped very close to Robin and watched him intently. "Do ask anything you wish deary, you are mine now.." Chuckling deeply once more.

Large paws allowed his body to lower to the Earth, feeling the frigid air ruffle his coat. The mountains were so delightful and welcoming to the frozen beast. The devil allowed a grim smirk to cross his lips, as his tangerine eyes shifted to the scenery around him. Then slowly shifted back to the lovely male, the first snow fall was coming soon and therefore their first event would take place and the male was more than pleased to have such a promising pack growing within the mountains. It was only a matter of time before it continued to grow larger and more enticing.

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Robin knew that he had entered a game that the never could imagined. The fact that it reminded him of… the wolf he had known before was all the more better. The tongue was more blatant, it was not honeyed with those sweet little caresses and the false promises. Oh, he could have expected that from any wolf who thought he could be controlled. While Robin could give obedience endless, gleeful even to those who had won him over into their ranks it did not go without saying that he performed his duties slyly.

You will be a lovely pet, Robin never considered it offensive. It made his grin brighter, and his eyes seemed to shine with the absolute delight at the announcement. “Does that mean you’ll give me a delicious reward when I do well?” Words purred back before he could stop him, ears rolling back as they tumbled out of his mouth. Still, when his eyes met the orange ones that watched him so closely, the orange wolf himself laughed lightly and attempted to shake it off.

Heavens, it had been too long. There had been no challenge and no excitement in his life, and to make such statements strongly and foolishly could bring the world down upon him. That remind had his grin fading, and he managed to turn his expression into a better respectful one. As he swallowed, he bit back the joy at the way Hephaestus phrased his words. Robin was his, oh yes. Happily so - but that’s not what Hephaestus meant at all. So the wolf cleared his throat, and turned his thoughts into a better direction.

“Who else do you have with you for comfort?” He knew his nose had not deceived him, but he was delighted enough to ask. Oh, it was always important to know who was apart of the pack. That was why Robin asked, not the notion that he wanted to investigate the competition of his Overlord’s attention, not at all. The wolf peered casually skywards though, tasting the cold air. Winter. Ah, he would be warm for it, it was delightful. Comforting on the heart.

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Hephaestus watched as Robin's grin grow wider and wider it seemed, the devil couldn't help but grin as well. "I suppose I could do such a thing deary..." The words slipping off his lips in a noxious cyanide, as he continued to gaze deeply into the canary eyes. Listening to the light laugh Hephaestus wondered as to what questions would come next. Tilting his head as he listened to the question that he posed, listening carefully. Oh, was Robin becoming a bit jealous due to the scents that lingered on his coat? This was amusing and he couldn't help but allow it to feed his ego slightly, though allowing his composure to be kept so that he wouldn't notice.

"My Mistress Red and our spawn." The beast was blunt and curious to see how he would react, but he had to keep Robin close no matter if he had a mate or not. "Though Deary you hold another special part in my life.." Indeed he did, due to his skills. Though Hephaestus would see how close he would allow Robin to become, making sure that he didn't allow to male to know all his thoughts just as any other. Hephaestus shifted his weight allowing his large paws to circle Robin and stand behind him. Listening intently once more to see if the male was going to say more, nostrils flaring as he inhaled the multiple scents of the land.

Tail thrashed back and forth as it hit Robin's flank a few times, as he scanned the mountains. Enjoying the place that was all his, as thoughts continued to roll through the horrific mind. Hephaestus couldn't help himself and was all to enticed by the spy he had acquired, as well as no matter what else could be taking place within the near future. The wind rushed through the Mountains and trees, feeling the cool rush of Winter welcoming the male as well as the rest who lived here. Ears tilted backwards listening to the handsome creature, waiting for any other questions to come forth.

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Ah, sweet acceptance. It was an oddity to feel after such a gap between his last place of rest. Still, his eyes shined with consideration. Wandering around the lands was most likely what he would do anyway, although he would wander back. There would be a call to play with the devilish wolf before him, and Robin fought away the widening of his grin. It was difficult for the male not to feel flattered in the company of a dark, powerful male; his mocha coat was rich and healthy, his eyes alluring. It only meant that the orange male would prosper and succeed out of other reasons than simply being fed as a result.

Rough grin conceded what he had expected, although ear twisted on his head. Red. Well, he had heard that name in his mind, but it had been more a description of anything else. The male stilled for a moment, and managed to keep the surprise off his features. This male had coupled with the rich colored female who had looked like pups were eating her alive by his very own eyes? The male shook his head, slightly in disappointment, but managed a firm not.

“It pleases me you've decided on fatherhood.” His words were pleasant, even as he looked away from the beast who was greedily assessing him. Yes, that was the problem, as he walked he felt the envious stab. Well, Red had achieved in one fell swoop - although he was not privy to the story - everything Robin had wanted. Oh, a foolish notion to be sure. But then there was the sound in his head... Well if you want an ugly little brat, I'll see what I can do.

Frowning, the male flicked his tail as he paused his thoughts, shoving away from that notion. He managed to walk forwards though, keeping pace with his overlord. “What rules am I to abide by when interacting with that which is yours, my lord?” Questions continued, although as usual, Robin was more concerned with the social aspect. “I dare not let my pretty musing taint the ears of your spawn too much; they are pieces of you, to nurture with your ways.”

“What of others though? Surely you will be quick to find those who can protect; although as dutiful as it may be.” Grin was well humored when it showed again as the male twisted. “I tend to offend the males who think themselves akin to nobility in our society. Simply for being myself. It could cause conflict, without a doubt.”

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Hephaestus had found true ecstasy with accepting Robin, my he would be a fascinating addition to Permafrost as well as good Company for whenever he got 'bored'. It was a win win situation for everyone and eyes focused intently on the handsome creature, listening to the words of Robin and his widening grin. "Oh, yes it is a fascinating thing to have my spawn soon roaming the lands." He chuckled deeply and with such an eerie tone. Hephaestus knew that when the pups grew they very well may leave or they very well wish to stay and serve the pack that they grew in. Either way he knew their ties would always be to their father no matter how much of a demon he was.

The devil could tell there was a bit of jealousy lingering in Robin and it made a wicked grin cross his features. "Robin, I am pleased to have your company since Red is not always around.." The words holding a lot of meanings and was curious to see how the male would take them. Indeed it would be nice to have such amusing company around and it being so handsome and alluring as well. Who knows, even though Robin was new he held promises that Hephaestus couldn't wait for him to fill. As the two began to stroll along, Hep's swagger clashed into Robin's body from time to time. As questions were stated the devil thought on each of them and answered calmly to each question he posed.

"Do not harm them is the only rule." Pausing for a moment and then continuing with his deep voice, "Though uncertain as to what Red may think, I expect you to teach them in any malice ways you see fit." Shifting a naughty sideways glace to Robin, hoping that the male would aid as well as the rest of pack in raising it's youngest members. The next things that the canary eyed male spoke were interesting and yet straightforward, which the devil appreciated. "The pack is growing and more will fill the positions needed. In the meantime deary I expect you to do as I need and wish." He commented and then waited before speaking once more, "Permafrost will grow as a family or members may leave. There will be no hate within the lands." A more serious tone over taking his words.

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Envy was not a pretty mask to play with, and while he had allowed some openness to come out of his words. Something about making Hep pleased with him was a natural instinct on Robin's part, particularly more than just on the cause of pleasing his Overlord. But there was comforting in knowing there was an importance placed on him, that somehow he was required to be more than he had been in quite some time. Ah, yes. He loved a good challenge, a reason to make the effort.

Family. It seemed so noble, and at the same time his mind just flopped over the matters. How could Robin belong to any sort of family unit when it felt as if he merely did not belong anywhere? There was always that tug, however; always that greedy little hope that this time around it might be different. That someone would come to pass and he would be proud not to move away, not feel the temptation of wander off into the world.

“Such easy rules to follow, my Lord.” Words were soft on the air, and the wolfish grin peered on his features before he could stop himself. “I look forward to bringing your youth into my heart, I will teach them nothing but the best tricks I know.” Laughter rolled off his lips easily enough, tail swished behind him. But the male paused, feeling the pull to look up towards the mountain. At least the issue had not been raised over the fact Robin felt the stab of envy.

“I will attempt to keep the peace, then." The male murmured carefully, approval in his voice. While he might end up causing chaos, so long as he made the attempt it would be enough. Head tipped to the side and his eyes shuttered gently, amusement shining in his features gently. "I will give what I can and keep what matters between the two of us.”

His eyes twinkled happily, “I'm simply going to be pleased to be your little gossip receiver, my ears have already heard much in this land. To have someone to share it with...” Words trailed off in a soft voice, his tail swished agreeably behind him. “Will be the greatest gift of all, Lord Hephaestus.”