Yes, it had been rather silly. Even if Manes's little friend hadn't stepped in and started squeaking there was no way he would have let the one living lion with the most reason to see his back broken live with him atop cliffs.

The only reason he would have even considered it would be because he was hoping to be the one giving that final shove.

"A strange request indeed, but one still in the past." Make no mistake, he would keep himself wary should he spot the red maned lion skulking about. "As for your more present question," Faust considered @Ruslan once again, he seemed confident in himself and his abilities. Smaller than him but older. From what @Soren had said they had traveled as a sibling unit, so he was unsure what kind of comparison their earthly experience would have.

Would he be the beginnings of a loyal follower, or a rival snake at his own paws just waiting to strike?

There was no trust in his world for anything but himself, only calculated risks.

"To earn your keep is simple within Wolfbron Bluffs. Have a desire to learn, to keep yourself and the others around you afloat. Find something you excel at and become a master of it. Keeping one's senses sharp is important when a misstep could mean a broken bone or death." With enough minds kept occupied and energized, they could create quite the store of knowledge within the rocky confines of their pride.

"We are also protectors of a sort. There are the wicked and wild that roam this land, pitiful excuses for lions that would mean imbalance and harm upon all they meet. I like to keep tabs on them if I can."

Art by Eerien00dle | Coding by Werge

Soren had no answers regarding the strange customs of this place, merely offering a shrug. Ruslan shrugged in return, inwardly shaking his head. What silliness. Faust seemed quick to brush it off, and was quick to respond to his question. Ruslan had been expecting more tangibly determinable tasks, like keeping post or hunting, but Faust left it fairly open to interpretation. Admittedly, the Wolfbron leader's reply felt more like a lecture from his parents when he was a cub, particularly in regards to the rocky terrain. He'd already explained that he had served as a protector and hunter for his home clan, and was surprised that Faust had not assigned him any particular duties. Perhaps that was how things were done here; at least this might allow him more time to continue exploring this new country between pride-related duties. Ruslan's gaze flicked about, analyzing their surroundings once more. It was certainly nothing he wasn't already used to, as the Rurik were mountain-born. His claws flexed in the earth in anticipation, already prepared for Soren to show him around. Faust's last comment caught his attention, and Ruslan regarded him with curiosity. Protectors, the Guardian turned the word over in his mind. So Faust had a good side. This particular statement provided Ruslan with the sort of reassurance he needed to solidify his feelings about joining ranks with the youthful stranger. “I'll be sure to keep busy." The brawny male said with a nod of acknowledgement. “I like the way you think," he added, glancing at Soren with a nod and back to Faust. “It's wise to keep track of ill doers. They'd be wise to keep track of us," he added with a dry grin, flexing long, dangerous talons in the earth. “I have a particular distaste for bullies." Ruslan glanced at Soren again, offering him a smile. It felt good to be reunited with his brother again. “Any blood pacts or anything to seal the deal?" Ruslan asked, a hint of humor in his tone. He was itching to get his paws dirty and get started already, and all that was left to do was wait for the final word from Faust. “Font" "medved'"

Table by Ice. Graphic by Moogle.

It would seem as if things were wrapping up. Loathe to jinx anything, Soren would not allow himself to get too excited just yet; after all, while it was unlikely, there was still a chance that one of them could say something to unsettle the other beyond recovery. Things looked promising, though. Faust's expectations were not exceedingly high, and Ruslan seemed obliging and without notable complaint. Soren liked to think that he found it easy to read his siblings, even after months and months apart. The jest would earn a chuckle as Soren shook his head rigorously. "I don't think so - I didn't have to do anything like that." The Rurik was not afraid to shed blood for a cause, but it would be a little... unnecessary. And unsanitary, too.

Faust chuckled again, quieter this time and shook his head. "I think you've got all the blood pact that you need." He glanced from @Ruslan to @Soren with amused meaning before continuing, "If all is satisfactory then I hereby extend an invitation for you to join Wolfbron Bluffs, Ruslan Rurik."

The deal was all but sealed either way, another member for his pride. One with an inbuilt sense of gumption at that. If Faust could find a balance with weilding that ambition then this could be the start of a stronger and better protected pride. On the opposite end, if this Ruslan overstepped his boundaries and became a nuisance to him. Well. There were plenty of accidents to be had upon the cliffs.

Faust hadn't killed his previous leader for his pride, he had killed Flayer for something so much more important than that. To wipe a stain from the fabric of existence.

He wasn't going to let anything stand in the way of cleansing away corruption where he found it.

Art by Eerien00dle | Coding by Werge

Faust extended an official invitation to join Wolfbron, and Ruslan dipped his head. “I accept your generous invitation, Faust," He rumbled with a nod. Glancing at Soren, he jerked his head a bit. “I think I'll see if Soren can give me a proper tour here so I can get settled properly." He added, somewhat questioningly to his brother, and would follow Soren's lead across the borders to this new place he would call home. -exit w/Soren?- “Font" "medved'"

Table by Ice. Graphic by Moogle.

He was blatantly thrilled once things had wrapped up on a positive note. @Faust extended an official welcome, and @Ruslan accepted. Soren would not voice such, but the grateful look he shot to the monarch would hopefully make his gratitude clear. Then, distracted by the words of his brunette littermate, the Rurik would nod. "Yes, there's a lot to show you. Come on," he urged the man to follow him further into the territory. He'd find him a nice den, show him the food stores and then they could explore properly. "It's beautiful here, Rus, just like home. You'll love it." He knew he would.

EXIT

Faust dipped his chin in acknowledgement, releasing the siblings pair into the winds as it were.

Having family within the pride was a double edged blade. They had more reason to protect and care for their legacy here, but also there came the risk of split loyalty. If the two could find an equilibrium then that would be ideal, but he would be sure to keep an eye on Soren and Ruslan's progress within Wolfbron.

If either of them became a problem then they would have to be dealt with accordingly. It was unfortunate and hopefully would not come to pass, but it was the way of things.

With time, hopefully the two would prove to be a contribution to Wolfbron Bluffs.

/Exit

Stock | Manip by Ark | Coding by Werge