OOC: approval from SIX to go ahead an post via discord :D

Given the spirit that flowed so strongly through the veins of all the foals he had sired over the years, perhaps it was Rougaru’s foolishness that did not see the calm innocence that blinked back up at him from the bright eyes of the young russet colored colt. Warmth enveloped him in its tight embrace, peace and tranquility from the serene scene before him sealing his fate as he dares to step even closer to the small colt wanting nothing more than to draw him close so that he might feel the warm familiarity of his fuzzy, soft skin against his own. Unlike with Alpha, he knew that Hades would remain here under the protective guardianship of Rivaini and Faolain. Though he did not doubt the mares’ abilities to protect and care for him, it did ache deep in his soul that his responsibilities in Paradise would prevent him from being as readily available to witness the many firsts that the gentle colt would experience in his first few years of life.

Some things he would miss; but he would be here. He promised Faolain and he fully intended to keep that promise.

For now, he was delighted in letting the worries of the future fall into the dark crevices of his mind. As the small boy’s muzzle stretches towards his own, Rougaru is more than eager to meet the inquisitive nose with his own whiskered lips, fully intending to tickle the red boy’s maw with his own. That is, until the boy strikes. Like his precious viper back home, the russet colt moves with speed that belies his youth. Though his teeth are not sharp, it is enough to draw the breath from his lungs and widen his emerald eyes in surprise. Amusement howls in his mind as the beast joins the laughing mares for surely the sight must have been one for the books. No doubt had it befallen another, he too would be beside himself in stitches at the sight. For a moment he is left pondering what he will do. It takes effort to keep from immediately jerking his head back, but he fears that it might cause Hades to tumble forward into the grass and tangle of roots. The last thing he ever wanted was to be the cause of a skinned knee or bruised ego, even one so high built as the pup before him.

Luckily, Rivaini manages to recover from her laughter enough to admonish the boy with a gentle nip to the ear that causes him to release Rougaru with a clacking of teeth. A soft snort rushes through his nostrils as Rougaru gives his proud head a shake, withdrawing his muzzle from the boy’s reach should the amusement of the adults prove too much of a temptation to bring the same act twice. A broad smile tugs the corners of his whiskered lips upward as Rougaru glanced at Rivaini with amused suspicion. ”I have the slightest feeling that you rather enjoyed watching that Rivaini… payback of sorts?” he teases with a flick of his tail before turning once more to Hades with a rumbling chuckle. ”A strong grip for such a young boy. A fearsome warrior in the makings indeed.” he murmurs, stretching forward his muzzle to ruffle the boy’s flaming tuft of mane, careful to keep his lips out of range of the boy’s teeth.

Rougaru took a careful step backwards as Hades uncurled his legs from beneath him. Multifaceted eyes glitter with pride as the russet boy rises without the usual gangly unsteadiness that all too often accompanied foals so young in age. A single ear tilts inquisitively towards his young son as he watches enthralled, as the boy shakes the dust and bites of dried grass from his skin before once more returning his bright gaze back to his sire. The wolf howled with pride. ”He is fearless.” the words fall past Rougaru’s lips more to himself than to Faolain or Rivaini directly. He would be great one day, of that Rougaru and the wolf had no doubt. He was eager to watch how he grew. ”You will have to come visit me soon, if you Ma agrees to it of course. I expect you would find plenty of mischief to get into with Alpha.” he muses turning his gaze back to Faolain and Rivaini. The wolf grimaced. Perhaps Atlantis was not quite prepared for the trouble two strong willed colts might get into.

Alpha. No, they did not know the name yet. ”My queen brought a boisterous boy into this world a few weeks ago. We have named him Alpha… I believe because she fully intends him to be the last.” he adds with a chuckle, knowing full well the mares understood the struggle of childbirth. No stallion ever would but Monster had her ways of sharing the experience in her own ways. A single lobe tilts towards Rivaini as he lets his emerald gaze roam her sleek skin before rising to meet those bright blue eyes that had enthralled him so deeply with the depth of emotion that lay behind them. ”Are you well?...” he asks, trying his best but struggling despite himself. He did not do well asking how mares were without offending them but at least he tried. ”How has the Ridge fared through the last few months?” the question is clear. He would keep his end of the bargain. Now the Ridge and Paradise were tied through blood.