A God's pack

Day 238

Exhausted, he was beyond exhausted and his body hurt with every breath. Every beat of his heart felt like it was causing the rest of his body to pulse in a way that was difficult to ignore and uncomfortable and he felt like he was freezing to death despite it still being early autumn and the fact that he hadn't left the fire-side since he had been drained. Tero was feeling better, he had woken up with no ill effects of the manipulation, and while Drifter was still weak he seemed no worse for long-term wear. 

Time, on the other hand, had been torn into by the creature and his insides could still feel the claws. The teeth. His soul felt raw. When he had come back to camp, covered in blood and holding in his own insides, with a small child in tow Robin had basically had a panic attack over his condition. The Healer, at least, seemed pleased and wasted no time in leading him to the fire and starting to sew up his many open wounds. They had repeated their gratitude under their breath, over and over, like a mantra. To say it had been a shock to the rest of the pack to see him in such bad condition would be an understatement, he didn't like how it made him look weak. He hadn't fought back, he hadn't even attempted to defend himself, he wouldn't have ended up this bad if he had. But he couldn't tell them that, just like he couldn't tell them that the eight-year-old he had brought back with him had, once, been the monster. 

"How are you holding up?" Bear had been hovering over him all day, poor Vaitelin had had to go hunting on his own today with the rest of his party either indisposed or busy elsewhere. 

"Stop-" he winced as he tried to talk, but he was no weak man. Time sunk his nails into the stripped log he was resting his head on. "-stop worrying so much. I'm.. fine." Bear didn't even have a look of disbelief on his face, just pitty which made the young-God's skin crawl. He needed no sympathy, especially not from a mortal. Time narrowed his eyes at the other, but he probably just came off like a grumpy teen instead of frustrated. 

"You came back to camp yesterday with your guts threatening to spill on the rocks, I do not think that classifies you in the 'fine' category." he audibly groaned at the new voice, Relis. He attempted to shift to give the blond a glare but his torn-up stomach shrieked in protest so he just crossed his arms to prop his head up. 

"I-" Stars above it was always breath-taking when he tried to talk, his body somehow forgetting exactly how painful it was until he tried again. "I am not... not a mortal, Relis." he caught a glance of the scout out of the corner of his eye. It almost looked like he was concerned but that just aggravated him more. He didn't need their looks of guilt and sympathy. 

"Nor am I a toddler to be babied, give me some space-" a gasp of pain as he grimaced but he kept trucking like a champ. "-for crying out loud. Don't you... have better things to do?" his voice was tense, stressed, by the pain he was in but his distaste was obvious. From this angle, he couldn't really tell how the scout received his words, but Bear's expression was one of surprise. Time was feeling a little smug until a sharp jab into his side caused him to hiss in pain. He was expecting an aggravated Relis, not the disapproving frown of Robin to be there when he turned to see who had stabbed him in the ribs with a hand. When had she even got over here? Last time he had paid her any mind she was clear across the fire-pit braiding the hair of that creature child. 

"Be nice, you don't get to verbally bite everyone just because you are in pain. They are allowed to be worried about you." she scolded, hand now held to his side like a threat. Time just stared at the werewolf through narrowed eyes before huffing dismissively at her and getting to his feet. He felt like a massive weight had been tied to his guts, but he was hell-bent on standing at least mostly straight. He could feel the disapproving look that Robin was giving him, but he wasn't really interested in entertaining any of the pack right then. Entirely tired of dealing with mortals for the time being. A short glance at the blue-eyed creature sitting across the fire before the Time god stormed out of the camp to curl up in the cool of the temple for some peace. 

He had already been cold when sitting right next to the fire but the temple was already cold... he was straight-up freezing in there but the emptiness and quiet, the calm, allowed Time to pass out for a blissful few hours. Not like he needed t sleep, but the longer he was out for the more time he didn't have to feel his insides desperately trying to mend themselves. 

"Time." the voice was very quiet, gentle, the dark man opened an eye to look at the individual in front of him, Hercules. He was expecting to see sympathy, pity, but neither were present. To his surprise, the expression hadn't changed from before when he had made that offering, just the look of kindness, honesty, and devotion. 

"What.. what is it?" he felt exhausted, drained, and blinked tiredly at the painted man who responded with the smallest smile. Hercules dipped his head deeply, toward the ground, before offering a bundle of what looked like herbs wrapped in an.... elk cloak? Time couldn't help but feel confused, until the muttered words that Hercules had during the previous offering and he felt like the ice-cold air no longer chilled but burned with power. Time blinked dumbly at the nameless he had adopted some moons ago, even more dumbfound as Hercules gently placed the parcel into his lap and sitting up straight with the most caring look on his face. 

"I... I don't understand." his voice felt different again, and speaking didn't hurt as much with the air feeling like it was soothing his lungs with every breath. 

"I interrogated the Healer, they told me what you did. I think you are very brave, selfless, brother. The pack doesn't know how lucky they are to have ended up here." 

"You... interrogated... the Healer?"

"Yes, I think they felt guilty about what happened. It wasn't difficult." the look on Hercules' face looked amused at his astonishment. 

"I.... thank you, Hercules. I am glad to have you as family." the striped werewolf's face broke into a grin at this, eyes sparkling, before he gracefully dipped his head and left the young God to his silence. Atleast he had a nice fur to keep him warm in this dreadful cold now. 

Day 244

It had been a week since he had allowed the creature to attack him and while he no longer felt like he would rip at the seams if he bent the wrong way he was still in quite a bit of pain. Strange how this was taking longer to heal than his broken ribs had. Time had stayed down in the temple to get some peace and quiet for the past several days since the interaction with Robin a while he didn't particularly care to leave the coolness of the underground stone he knew he couldn't, exactly, continue to hibernate like a dragon in wait. Carefully, getting to his feet the young God slowly stepped up the carved-out stairs and into the sun again for the first time in days. 

"So, he returns to us." Relis's voice, Time stretched without bothering to throw the blond even a glance. He didn't have to, he knew that the scout was sitting on the sharp ledge a few feet away. Time didn't respond, simply nodding in greeting as they usually did, frowning when the sound of shuffling alerted him to Relis getting down from the ledge and approaching him. Time stepped back, still feeling threatened when the blond got too close, which caused the werewolf to pause. The look on his face looked, almost, hurt for a moment but his expression returned to something neutral so fast that Time was certain he had been imagining it. 

"What?" Time's voice was sharp, challenging, but he kept his expression even. 

"I just-" the intensity of his gaze must of, somehow, cut the Outlaw off. Blue eyes stared at him, Relis looked like he was searching for something... weither that was for specific words or if he was looking for a reaction Time couldn't tell. 

"What?" he repeated, crossing his arms defensively. Relis eyes him for a long moment, before visibly sighing and shaking his head at him. 

"Nothing, forget it. I am just glad that you are better." Time didn't really believe that, Relis had obviously wanted something, but he allowed the blond to leave with a short nod. That man didn't get any less strange the longer he was around for, did he? Time snorted, rolling his arms, before striding into the camp. Everyone was around the fire... including someone he didn't recognize. The dark man approached the, mostly, familiar group with confidence despite the strong ache that radiated from his insides.

"Time! Was wonderin' when you'd show up!" Vaitelin, who looked very pleased to see him. The sandy-haired man stood up, gesturing in a big, friendly, manner for him to sit where the hunter had. "Join us!"

Time glanced at the unknown man before stepping around the fire and sitting down next to him in Vaitelin's old spot. The grey-eyed werewolf grinned widely at him, clapping a hand onto his shoulder in a show of familiarity. 

"I know what you're thinkin', who in the name of the holy Stars is this random guy sittin' in my nice lil' camp?" Time nodded, giving the stranger an odd look, which he returned. "This, my friend, is Rory. Surie dragged him out of a rain-filled ditch and he's been helpin' the ladies hunt ever since." This 'Rory' was a strange sight. An obvious werewolf in more than just the color of his golden eyes but in the way his hair and skin was flecked in gold. A descendent of the original cursed line, the magic of the God's still marking them. Though, it was a very pretty looking curse. He looked gilded, dusted in gold, that sparkled and shined in the light of the fire like real metals. Rory's skin was a deep, dark, brown tone that was further suited to the accents nd his hair was braided, long, with real gold woven into it... or maybe his hair just grew with straight-up golden strands? 

"Thank you for helping our hunters, Rory." a diplomatic approach never hurt when you couldn't get a read on someone.

"Aye, someone had to take pity on these poor hunters with their leader up'n disappearin' on them all'a'sudden." his voice was strongly accent, and deep, more so than Vaitelin's but the implications were obvious.

"You are aware I was gutted a week ago, right?"

"Aye, I do, but you're a God, are ya' not? Couldn't ya' have just sucked it up and dealt with it?" Time blinked at the man,, opening his mouth to respond but was interrupted by an embarrassed Vaitelin.

"Aye', Rory, I vouched for you try not to make the boss too mad right out the gate, yeah?" The gilded man blinked luminescent eyes at the hunter before scoffing, crossing his arms, and nodding in agreement. 

"Speaking of vouchin', I know he probably didn't start off on your right foot but I was hopin' you wouldn't mind him joinin' us?" the raised eyebrow that Time gave the sandy-haired man made him quickly continue to make his case. "I mean, I know he doesn't have the most rosy of personalities but he's a good man and a good hunter, plus he's a werewolf... as I'm sure you can already tell.. so I think he could fit in real' swell around here, given the chance." Vaitelin said this all in one breath, moving to stand behind the dark-skinned werewolf and putting his hands on the newbie's shoulders as if to visibly show his familiarity with him. Time blinked shortly at Vaitelin's words, returning his attention to Rory and examining him for a long moment.

 "Do you even want to live here?" he asked, giving the golden gilded man a look. 

"Yes I do-"

"Of course he does, there's nowhere he'd rather be than here with us, right Rory boy?" Felis interrupted the other werewolf, a glint in her eyes as she hocked an arm around his shoulders and dragged him close like one would a friend.  Time sighed, looked like Rory had already found a place here regardless of how he felt about it. 

"Of course you are welcome among us, how could I say no?" Vaitelin whooped, loudly, in triumph a sentiment that Felis and Asteria seemed to share. Rory gave him a long look, before smiling and nodding at him. Well, atleast he didn't seem too had to like. 

"Can I ask where-?" he was cut off before he could finish his sentence as an excitable Robin dragged him into a surprise hug, squishing him so hard that he, for a moment, wondered if his insides would spill out like an overstressed bag. 

"You're back!" if she hadn't been in her current condition she would probably be jumping for joy if her voice was anything to go by.

"How cruel of you, Time, to stress the poor girl out when she's like this." the demi-god teasingly chided from across the fire.

"Stress out? Why, there was nothing to worry about." he gently pried Robin's hands away from his torso, his insides both sighing with relief as the pressure lifted and aching from the squeeze.

"You were so bloody last week and we hadn't seen you in days."  Astaira responded, he could see Vaitelin nodding in agreement out of the corner of his eye. 

"You could have checked in on me if you were so worried, Astaira." like Hercules had. 

"Actually, we couldn't, there was a barrier over the entrance. We couldn't get in no matter how hard we tried to. Even Astaria's power did nothing to scratch it." he turned to give a confused look to Robin, who was still standing behind him. Her eyes were soft, but tired, and she looked a little unwell. The reason he had agreed to the Healer's favor struck across his mind louder than thunder. Time got up from the place Vaitelin had given him, offering his hands to the priestess in a gesture that she was familiar with. Robin smiled, weakly, taking his hands and allowing him to help her sit down. Rory, the new guy, also reached out with a gentle hand to her back to help steady her as well... hm. He suddenly liked this one. Only when he was sure that Robin was okay did he sit down next to her on the ground, as he often tended to do. 

"That's strange, I didn't erect a barrier and Hercules did visit me at one point." he, thoughtfully, ran a hand through his hair, returning to the conversation as if nothing had changed. All eyes of the group turned to Hercules, who shifted under the weight and looked sheepish.

"I didn't even know there was supposed to be a barrier until Robin mentioned she couldn't enter. I can't even see it." he responded, rubbing a hand through his short-spiked hair that slightly smudged his bright-yellow body-paint.

"So... no one else could enter except Hercules?" that was very strange, he couldn't even think of a being who would want to waste the energy creating such a thing. Everyone around the fire nodded, before the shift of Robin behind him caught his attention and caused him to tilt his head to look up at the red-head. 

"Well... uh, actually, there was one other who could." more confusion from the group. "The little one you saved from the monster could go through the barrier just fine, I don't know if he saw it either. I'm glad he didn't wake you, I tried my best to keep him away from the temple after that." he had completely forgotten about that thing, he glanced around the group but couldn't spot him. Robin seemed to know what he was looking for. "He's sleeping, kids need more sleep than the rest of us do.. except for maybe Drifter anyway, he sleeps enough for everyone else combin-" "Hey! I don't sleep that much!" Time shook his head, slightly tuning out the ensuing back-and-forth of the people around the fire as they continued to rib the young hunter and he continued to protest. He hadn't wanted to come out of the Temple yet.... but he was glad he had. He had missed this. 

Day 249

Time could now, mostly, exist without being constantly reminded of how scrambled his insides had become, certain movements still left him breathless and grimacing but the pack was almost treating him like normal again. Good, he was going to go crazy if they had kept treating him with kid gloves for the foreseeable future. The barrier that the others had spoken of had dispersed after he left the Temple initially but he could still feel remanent threads of power attached to the square stair entrance. He still had no idea where such a barrier would have come from, the power certainly hadn't been his and Astaira had demonstrated enough attempts to break through it that it was incredibly unlikely to be her doing... what other options were there left? The Healer? What would they gain from cutting him off from the pack after being the same person to specifically warn him against it? 

"What are you thinking about?" the soft, smooth, voice asked him in such a manner that it merely enticed him to pay attention instead of demanding it like many others would. Time blinked his eyes, he had been staring into the dawning horizon with the intensity of a paranoid scout. 

"Nothing you should worry yourself over, Robin, how are you feeling?" he was getting more antsy and anxious with her condition with each passing day. He had made an agreement with the Healer, he had done as asked, would they keep their side of the arrangement? 

"You worry too much, I feel fine." she responded with a warm smile, but Time wasn't sure he believed her.

"You look unwell." pale, even, with tired eyes. She just laughed, a quiet sound as it seemed too difficult for her to be loud currently. 

"That's not unusual, Time, it's hard to sleep with all my insides being squished about. Your own mother probably went through the same thing to have you, it's normal."

"Unlikely, you forget that my mother was a Goddess... and also exceptionally tall." he responded lightly, tone somewhat teasing, but he still couldn't put to rest all of his worryings. 

"Was she? What, was your mother like a giant or something?" Robin atleast sounded amused, something that made him relax just a little.

"She would be to you, Robin. But, even I'm tall compared to you so I don't think that's saying much." he was pretty sure the red-head was the shortest person in the whole pack, the only individual in the area shorter being the Healer who didn't count due to them not actually being one of them. 

"Hey! There is no need to rub it in!" 

"It is not rubbing it in if I am merely stating a fact." 

"Oh yeah? If you aren't rubbing it in than why the smug look?"

"What smug look? I don't look smug." Robin sighed at him, but the obvious fondness she felt didn't give it the effect she probably hoped for.

"Alright, I did actually come over here for a reason." she flattened out the front of her garb, once a pale blue but now a carefully stitched fur that fit her when her old priestess attire no longer would. He had been the one to reinforce it himself, with a thick rabbit inside due to the fast-approaching winter. Time tilted his head at the werewolf, giving her a look that prompted her to continue. 

"You know that poor little boy you brought back with you still doesn't have a name, right?" she asked the question so casually, but it didn't stop the shock. Not that it was an unclaimed, that only made sense, it had been a monster so it not having a name was obvious. The surprise came both from being reminded of it, he had been going out of his way to forget its presence in his camp, and with the implication on Robin's voice. When Time just looked blankly at her Robin continued. "The others have just been calling him 'Little one' but he deserves a name, and since you were the one who saved him and brought him back with you I thought it was only right that you claim him like you did Hercules." he hadn't really needed the further explanation, he had understood her intentions with the first sentence. The rest was unneeded fluff. The idea of vouching for the same thing that had gleefully torn into him was not only hilarious but also gut-wrenching... sickening. Not that Robin even knew what that 'child' was hiding, it did an amazing job of looking human for something so... not.

"It's been a few weeks now, what didn't you name it?" trying to wriggle his way out of that responsibility, Robin gave him a confused look.

"I just thought that since you adopted him into the group that it only made sense for you to be the one to name him? I asked him first, if he had a name, but he said he didn't and he's so absolutely enamored with you Time you just don't see it-" it what?  It took all of his mental restraint to not get defensive with Robin, she didn't know what she was talking about.. nor the implications. "-you should see the way he looks at you, the way his face lights up, I really think it would mean the world to him if the name came from you." Time wanted to say no, just refuse her outright, it was absolutely ridiculous to expect that of him! But there was an obvious expectation there in her face, the belief that he would agree because it was the right thing, and even more so she was giving him a pleading look. The dark man waffled on it a bit, stepping back and glancing back at the horizon for a long enough moment that Robin stepped closer like she expected him to bolt.... he was almost considering it. Almost. She's lucky she's his favorite.

"I will... think of what to name... him." he hated saying those words, they tasted like submission on his tongue, but Robin smiled when he said them. 

"Oh, I'm sure you'll think of something perfect for him. He's such a little doll, Time, really he is. I'm so glad you saved him from that monster." Robin stepped forward again, lightly hugging him, before walking away with an enthusiastic bounce to her step. Well.... at least someone was happy... Time on the other hand much liked the idea of laying down in the Temple for a night or two. Ugh.

Day 251

Any attempts to distract Robin were only ever going to be temporary fixes to the problem, the problem of the child-shaped imposter sitting in front of the fire with his pack like it was one of them. He'd have to bite the bull's eye eventually and do what he had agreed to, claim the thing with a name... which felt not only like an insult to himself but an insult to Hercules who he actually saw as family, or he'd risk aggravating Robin when she was already starting to be in an extremely sensitive state. Vaitelin was standing up, the rest of the pack sitting down in various places around the fire, telling a grand old legend about dragons.. mostly to amuse the still-unnamed creature he had brought back with him from the jungle. It seemed enthralled, but Vaitelin was such an expressive, enthusiastic, storyteller he could probably con a rat into sitting still to listen. The sun was setting, leaving the majority of the camp in a gentle blue shadow and painting the sky purple and orange. The cool wind didn't feel so sharp tonight, more inviting. 

"I do not believe I have seen anyone glare at a child so thusly." he really should have listened to what that wind had been telling him. The forcibly calming aura that came with the Healer felt thicker and more stifling than usual, what he would have preferred to be a glare with irritation just became a neutral look. 

"It's not a child, it's a monster in boy's clothing, the others just don't know any better." atleast his tone was as dismissive of the Healer's words as he had wanted them to be. Small victories. 

"Is that what you see?" Time gave the other being a strange look as they turned their head to look at the creature with a strange lack of intensity. The Healer's eyes, endless and powerful, often felt dehumanizing but right now they looked soft. He didn't understand it. 

"Is that not what you see, Healer?" they continued to remain quiet for a long time, staring at the way the creature interacted with the pack for several silent minutes, before they turned to give him a blank look with unfocused eyes. 

"I see a child that was saved from the ultimate evil... and a man afraid of the prey instead of the predator."

"Afraid?" he managed to make his tone as frustrated as he sounded, hand going to his chest as a gesture of being offended. "I am a God, Healer, I have nothing to fear from that thing even when it was hunting me in the Rain forest." his defensiveness seemed to nullify the usual effects of the calmy aura they had, allowing his mind to clear of their persuasion. Time stepped away from the autumn colored being,  his eyes narrowing into a challenge as the Healer noticed his sudden resist to their aura. The air became thicker, the other being attempting to lean further into their ability, but for the moment the young God was not swayed. 

"Calm, there is no need to take offense at my words."

"No? Cause you seemed perfectly happy implying me blind and dumb." he didn't know what he expected in response, now that he thought about it it was probably a bad idea to burn this bridge when he still needed them to save Robin, but the action the Healer took had not been what he was expecting. Dropping to their knees and bowing like a peasant to a king. It was a strange thing to see, uncomfortable even, and Time glanced warily over at the fire to see if anyone had noticed... not that he could tell. 

"It was not my intention to insult you, young God, merely to express an idea."

"Fine, I'm listening, you can get your face out of the dirt now." he continued to shift from foot to foot as the Healer got back to their feet and brushed their hands off. 

"You believe this child still corrupt because you have been sheltered of the ways that the world corrupts those like us."

"Like us? Who is 'us'?"

"The child, myself... and yourself."

"What corruption? What do you mean?"

"Once there were many healers, many oracles, many fate-keepers... and many more Gods. Once we were not mortal as we are now, immortal and everlasting as the earth itself, but a disconnect has occurred and whatever has separated us from our true glory has, too, began to corrupt us. This is why Gods do not walk among mortals any longer, content to stay in their shielded bubbles that keep the sickness out, this is why these people have been abandoned for so long." the Healer explained things with confidence, certainty, they knew this to be true but he still couldn't help but feel disbelief. 

"If what you say is true then why have I not become corrupted yet?" he responded, slightly challengingly, crossing his arms as he leaned away from the autumn colored being. 

"Have you not noticed the shortness in your tone? Where once you understood the folly, the fear, of humanity now it annoys you." the implication was there, that he was.. becoming corrupt. He wanted to argue that point, that he hadn't changed, but looking back at his memories he... couldn't really tell if he had or not. Was he this aggravated because of pain, stress, or was it corruption? 

"And if I become fully corrupt, what happens then?"

"You will hunt anything that reminds you of yourself." he didn't know how to respond to that, so he didn't, turning his gaze towards where the pack was laughing and talking. Had his desire to leave his cousin's shadow made him a danger?

"If you worry about the sickness much, that is something I can help. I do not desire to see you succumb to such a blight anymore than I do the little one."

"You included healers in that list, doesn't that mean you will also become corrupt?"

"Eventually, yes, but for now I can stave off the sickness in you."

"And does that mean the 'little one', as you called it, will become corrupt again?" so it was still a danger was what they were saying.

"Maybe, I feel no sickness present in them now but they have a long life to lead." the healer looked at him, silently, for a long moment before reaching out to tap his shoulder. He suddenly felt colder than ice. 

"Do not condemn them for something they had no hand it, please? They are young and of good-heart, give them a chance as you would any child. Even if it does grow corrupted again it will be many years before you have to worry about it again." Time sighed, glancing at the group once more, before shrugging. 

"I'll think about it." That, obviously, hadn't been the answer that the Healer had wanted out of him but it was the answer they were getting. He didn't even bother with a farewell nor glance as the being took their leave, allowing him to be alone near the ledge of camp once more.... or so he thought.

"It is not so bad, you know? The corruption? The Healer overstates the power of it over someone like you." Relis, how much of the conversation had he been watching? Time didn't bother to hide his frustration, sighing deeply, as he turned to give the blond a sharp look. Looks like Relis had been approaching camp when he heard the conversation, but it was impossible to know how much he had been privy to. 

"What do you know of the corruption?" he said dismissively, but Relis seemed unphased by his attitude and stepped closer to be at a more friendly distance. 

"A fair amount, actually, the Healer is not the only one who knows about illnesses or the demands of the stars... they merely like to advertise it more than I do." no smugness, bragging, nor pride in his voice, merely the statement of a fact that had Time giving the other a strange look.

"Wait, you are a healer?" he asked incredulously, to which Relis gave a, small, hesitant nod. "If that is the case then why didn't you help me when I get sick?" 

"I did fix your broken ribs, and I was the one who helped you walk the rest of the way into camp when your insides were threatening to spill out-" wait, it had been Relis that did that? Time gave the man an examining look, the blue eyes he had seen had made him assume Robin in his pained and misted brain but... Relis did have eyes that were strikingly similar to Robin's. 

"-not that I expect you to remember, with the condition you were in at the time."  

"That's not when I was sick though, I meant when I was having trouble breathing or thinking, but I'm sure you knew that." he gave the blond an expectant look, which Relis returned with a searching one that made his skin prickle. Threat... knowing that Relis was a healer made his instincts calling him a danger make sense. He'd never be this on edge for a human.

"I was not keen on letting everyone in the pack know I was not a werewolf, especially not Felis, and Robin told me you were already intending on summoning a healer so I did not think it was necessary to out myself quite yet." Relis at least had the decency to look guilty about it, but that didn't stop Time from seething. He had been suffering while breathing for three days before the Healer showed up and Relis could have stepped in any time to help... but he didn't. He chose not to. He chose to let him suffer just so he could continue to play at being what he wasn't.

"I'd like to say I'm disappointed but, the bar for you was already so low that you are just exactly what I'd thought you'd be. You've failed to surprise me." he didn't care to see how the Outlaw would react to his words, turning to leave and ripping his arm away with a growl when Relis tried to stop him. He was tired of dealing with these healer types, with a final warning glare he left the blond to stand on the edge of camp by himself. Time quietly approached and sat down around the fire, not far from Robin, but the words being said weren't really sinking in. He just felt... exhausted. He didn't even notice the sandy-haired man sit next to him until his shoulder was squeezed by a calloused hand. Vaitelin, mostly looking pleased but a small amount of concern on his face.

"Hey, boss,-" that was a new nickname to add to the list. "Robin told me you were comin' up with a name for the lil' one. Thought of anythin' yet?" it was supposed to be a light-hearted topic to make him forget what was ailing him, but it had been the opposite.

"Rem." he said it instinctually, smoothly, without thought. Vaitelin blinked, seeming to be surprised by how quickly he answered, before smiling brightly. 

"Well?" Vaitelin said it like he was expecting something, Time just gave him a confused look. "Rem's not gonna know that's his name until you tell him, right?" the hunter prodded in an amused tone.

"Oh,... I will. Just not tonight, though, okay? Tomorrow." the sandy-haired man still looked amused, giving him a look, before he released Time's shoulder and nodded in understanding. He really didn't want to deal with anything more today, he'd have to scrape together the energy to finally put this promise to rest tomorrow. 

Day 252

Relis, at least, had the good sense to give him space. He hadn't seen the shifting man since that discussion and he was more than happy to keep it that way for as long as possible, and The Healer was back to whatever they did in the forest when they weren't bothering him. Things were almost normal, but that imposter wasn't likely to go anywhere anytime soon. He had been putting this off for a few days now, he hadn't even so much as spoke to it in the entire time it had been 'uncorrupted' as the Healer would put it, but eventually he was going to have to get it over with. Might as well be now. Time ran a hand over his face, sighing as he gathered the sheer will he would need to look the corruption in the face and call it, essentially, family. This was going to feel like pulling teeth. 

Reluctantly, the young God left the steps of his carved-out Temple and carefully began the short walk further up the mountain to the pack camp. It was well into mid-day at this point, the sun directly overhead in the cloudless sky making the autumn air feel unbearably hot even as high up as they were. Almost felt like an omen with how stifling the lack of wind felt. The camp was mostly empty, understandably, both hunting parties were out doing their best to take down enough food for the pack. The only people around were Robin, Tero, and the creature, all sitting around the fire. Tero was, carefully, stripping a hide with a skilled hand, not even noticing as he approached the three he was so focused on his task, Robin, on the other hand, was just braiding the corruptions strange-colored hair. She noticed him almost immediately, smiling brightly at him. 

"Time! I thought you had disappeared with Relis this morning." her voice was warm, friendly, no implications there but he still frowned slightly. 

"Stars above, no. Even you couldn't strong-arm me into going anywhere with just him." he replied dismissively, causing Robin to give him an amused look. Looks like she took that as a joke, probably for the best that she did too. 

"Relis isn't really that bad, you should give him a chance." Tero piped up now, Time gave the orange-eyed man a look but he simply continued to scrape the fur clean.

"Isn't really that bad, huh?" he repeated back to the young adult, who frowned but didn't proceed to say anything. Tero was wrong, of course, he didn't know what Time now knew and he couldn't feel the threatening aura that the lanky man managed to give off. He was just naive of what Relis really was. Dangerous.

"Alright, alright, believe it or not I didn't come over here just to mouth off about our local outlaw." 

"Oh really, I would have never guessed. What did you come over here for, then, oh great leader?" Robin responded teasingly, blinking blue eyes at him. He hated this, he felt like he was being rubbed the wrong way and he hadn't even done it yet. Deep breaths, steel will. 

"I do believe I made a promise." though he said it with certainty, Robin glowing at his words, he shifted his gaze to the creature with hesitance. Patchy, strange, had this being always looked thus or had the corruption made them look so unusual? Dark skin, actually not too dissimilar in tone to his or Rory's, but with spots of pale like some places had been forcibly stripped of color. Almost albino pale. Their hair was odder, he didn't think he had ever seen hair of that texture as red before, a pale desaturated orange-red, that turned blonde at the edges. Robin had, obviously, been doing her best to keep up with their hair but it wasn't like hers. He didn't really know what caused him to react like this, he couldn't place the reason, maybe it was the deceptively innocent-looking blue eyes that reminded him of Robin's. Time carefully grabbed Robin's hands and gestured for her to move over, which she did after giving him a confused look. 

"A promise?" he had never heard the voice, some part of him found it incredibly strange that the same individual who had hunted him and attacked him was even capable of speech... though it was not like anyone had led him to believe them mute.

"I was the one who took you into the pack, wasn't I?" it was a struggle to keep his tone as light as it was, the being moved as if to stand but Time carefully placed his hands on their shoulders. They settled back in more obediently than he had been expecting. 

"Me being the one who brought you here, it only makes sense that I take responsibility for you, doesn't it? That I vouch for you." the air felt like electricity, making him slightly anxious.

"Really?" the creature was practically buzzing with energy, Time shook his head to remove the cob-web like emotions that were being thrown off the deceptively young being. This was the same thing that had manipulated him before. He carefully began to undo the braid that Robin had been trying to do, nothing was wrong with braids but this one wasn't intended for hair like theirs. 

"Unless you don't want me to, you could always say no." Robin gave him an amused look out of the corner of his eye. 

"No! Hercules told me how you vouched for him.. and you're so powerful and you protect everyone here... you're just so cool..." Time raised an eyebrow at this, not entirely sure how to respond to that.

"I told you, Time, he idolizes you. Wants to be just like you, watches you like your his own personal hero." Robin's voice was light and playful but it still didn't really make sense to him. She didn't know what he... it did. She must be misinterpreting. 

"I'm... a little surprised that Hercules told you about that, do you want me to do the same with you?" 

"Yes!" untangling the last loose attempt at a braid, Time remained silent for a long moment. This... was strange. He didn't know how he felt about this entire situation. Strangely familiar, comfortable, but also dangerous enough for him to feel like he was walking on needles. Did the Healer have a point or was this being just that good at manipulation? 

"Then, from now on, you will be called Rem, does that work for you?" they nodded enthusiastically, flapping their arms a few times in excitement, chin-length curly hair now free to get in their face at the gesture.

"Aw, Rem, that's cute." Robin seemed to approve of it at least, seeming to be pleased with him. At least everyone else was happy with this, Time still felt an innate discomfort in his insides being around it. 

"Were you wanting braids, Rem, or something else?" the name fit, though he still didn't know how he had come up with it the other day.  

"You have braids..." very long braids, infact, but not the kind that Robin had or knew how to do. 

"You don't need to style your hair like mine, it looks fine down." given a few weeks and some extra moisture it could look really good, actually. The being got up, looking at him with blue eyes and a big, toothy, grin. Missing a few teeth. 

"You think so? I'll keep it like this, then!" it hadn't even been a compliment but the multi-colored child was beaming like it was. Robin sighed, theatrically, at this causing Time to give her a look.

"Fine, I'll top messing with his hair, Time, I can take a hint." 

"Well, I wasn't going to say anything, but while we're talking about it-"

"Hey! I'm not that bad at braiding am I? Tero, help me out here!"

"No comment."

well, he had kept his word and nothing had really changed. He wasn't sure how to feel about how strange, how off, everything felt right then but he'd have to live with it and hopefully be proven wrong on Rem's nature.

Day 270

POV change; Tero

Was anyone surprised that Time had been following Robin around like a lost puppy for the last week? No, not really, though it was quite the change of pace and Robin seemed equally amused by how overly cautious and protective he was being as everyone else was. Today was different though, Robin had went through bouts of strong discomfort before but this morning was most certainly stronger than those. Three guesses as to why that is... and the first two don't count. 

Of course, Time was stressed out of his mind now. He had been pacing the clearing like a caged animal for at least an hour before the Healer arrived without even having to be called to help. These creatures that called themselves Gods and Healers were strange. Telepathic, maybe? The tension on the air was enough to make even him feel stressed, he had spent a lot of time with Robin in the time since he joined the group and he considered her to be his closest friend outside of Drifter, obviously, so the anxiety pealing off of Time in waves was exhausting and nerve-inducing. Was there something wrong with Robin to make someone who got his guts ripped out nervous? Surely, the Healer would be able to stabilize her just fine, like they had managed to put Time back together. He hadn't even noticed that his unfocused mind, eyes, and hands, had led him to making a rather large tear in the hide he had been working on. Nor did he notice that an exceptionally tall man had approached him until he crouched in front of Tero and cautiously waved a hand in front of his face. 

"Relis? Where have you been?" he hadn't seen the blond man in camp in several days, maybe even a week or two if he really thought about it. Normally, Relis was almost clean-shaved with how short he kept his facial hair but, for the moment, it was more scruffy and gave him a more lone-rogue, tired, look. 

"Busy, do not worry over it." like normal the man was not forthcoming, or open, eyes guarded and cold as ice, but Tero couldn't help but feel respect for the scout. He knew the advantages, the dangers, of their lands better than anyone and he was often the one who provided him with the tanning knives he used. "It seems I have returned at a strange time..." the blond glanced over his shoulder towards the distant, thatched, house that Robin was suffering in. Tero frowned, trying to push away his worries and dread but continuing to feel helpless. It was almost as bad as when he had seen Time carrying Drifter into camp as limp as a corpse. Almost. 

"Time's been on edge for a week, if something happens to Robin I think he might lose it." he was trying not to bring attention to just how concerned he, himself, was for the short red-head. Relis nodded thoughtfully, turning his head to look at Tero again. The tall werewolf didn't look very concerned about Robin, maybe he knew something Tero didn't. 

"You are worried about her?"

"It's that obvious? Yes, I am, if everything was going to be just peachy than why would Time be so... high-strung? Why would the Healer have just shown up out of nowhere? She's my friend, I... I want her to be okay."

"The Healer is here, are they not? Robin will be fine, she is in the hands of someone who usually only bothers with Gods. There is no better care." he said this like it was a fact, voice flat and uninterested, and Tero couldn't help but feel like Relis was right. If anyone could help Robin, it would be the Healer. There had been no attempt at comfort on the scout's tone but it still had that effect on Tero. Logic could be helpful too. 

"You're right, of course, I'm worrying over nothing." he looked down at the fur in his hands, frowning as he noticed the hole he had ended up worrying through it. 

"I was thinking that this is not a good environment for the child, all this stress and tension must be scary for him." 

"I'm inclined to agree, it's even putting me on edge."

"So, I was thinking I could show the little one around the territory to distract him. You could come too." a kind offer, Tero smiled wanly as he glanced over at the young form of Rem sitting outside of the small house that Robin was being treated in. He looked stressed, confused, and scared. Stock-still like a mini statue. 

"Are you saying I need to be distracted?"

"Am I wrong?" Relis got back up, offering no more invitation or comments, before leaving Tero at the fire and approaching Rem. He thought on the situation for a long moment, gazing intensely at the suspiciously quiet house, before putting his mostly ruined pelt to the side and getting to his feet.  As he was brushing himself off of the dust that came from being in such a well-walked part of camp, the tall werewolf returned with Rem in tow. 

"You're coming with us, too, right?" Rem's voice was small, most likely because he was just as afraid for Robin as Tero himself was. She had been the one, mostly, looking after the young boy after all so he had no doubt the two were close.... not to say that Tero hadn't gotten involved to help her out from time to time. 

"Of course I am, Rem, I'd never miss the chance to spend more time with you." he said is sweetly, as normally as he could to try to play off their shared anxieties. Relis raised an eyebrow, looking down at the eight-year-old with strangely kind eyes for someone who was usually so cold.

"Rem? Is that what they call you now?" his voice was also uncharacteristically warm, Tero was reminded of the fact that when Time had initially brought him back that Relis had been the first one to step up and watch after him... while the Healer helped shove the dark-toned man's organs back inside. Tero had, honestly, forgotten that among the rest of the chaos of that day. It had seemed such an unimportant detail in comparison to everything else; Drifter's condition, his own brain manipulation, the strange words of the Healer, and Time coming back covered in enough blood to paint a house.  

"Yup! Do you like it? Time gave it to me." 

"Really? Time did? So, that makes you his brother now, does it not?" 

"Yes!... I mean, I think so, that's what Hercules said." Tero hadn't expected Relis to worry about kids, but he had expected even less for him to be good with them. Seems he had underestimated the scout. Rem id a small hand gesture to Relis, who blinked before picking the youth up like he weighed nothing... to be fair, though, Relis was almost as tall as Bear so he was... like a tree and Rem was like a little sapling. 

"To answer your earlier question, yes. I like it. I think Rem suits you perfectly." Relis glanced at Tero, the smallest indicator, before turning to casually walk out of the camp. Tero hesitated, glancing once more at Robin's house, before quickly following the tall werewolf and falling into step next to him. 

"Do you know what Rem means?" a question to the young boy who shook his head with blue eyes widening.

"It means something? What does it mean?" 

"Oh, you do not know? Well... I can not just tell you... that would ruin the surprise." For Rem, the stress and tension in the camp, the fear, was forgotten. Relis had done an, honestly, amazing job of making the youth feel better... he wished he had been as good at that when Drifter had been that small. 

"You can't just say something like that then not provide the answer, Relis, because now I want to know, too. What does Rem mean?" Tero cut in with an attempt at a smile, Relis gave him a look but it wasn't a harsh or unfriendly one. 

"I will not make it so easy as to simply spell it out for you two, you will have to guess." this expression was a more familiar one to Tero when it came to this man, smugness. It was an expression he used often when speaking with Robin, the two didn't seem to like eachother very much but he couldn't for the life of him figure out what the source of the tension was. 

"Hey, that's unfair, what could that even possibly mean? Is it another tongue or something?" he complained, good-naturedly, but Rem didn't seem to mind the idea of playing a guessing game. The young, kinky-haired, boy listing off guesses that the tall man would simply shake his head at. Rem seemed to be pleased enough to keep guessing, a good way to keep him busy during the way down the mountain... had that been intentional?

 The second that they stepped into the meadows, Relis put the youth down and smiled at him. Somehow the motion made the man look more his age, wrinkles around his eyes, but it was a shockingly genuine expression from someone who preferred to stay private. 

"Are you out of guesses yet, little one?" he asked, to which Rem put a finger to his lips and thought about it before nodding. 

"It means 'Golden-hearted'." the child thought about this for a long moment before grinning with an expression that glowed. 

"I think it is quite fitting, do you not agree Tero?" 

"You're right, sounds like a glowing review of our favorite red-head." he agreed. 

"Favorite? Oh, better not let Robin hear you saying such things or she might get jealous." Relis turned his eyes to look at Rem, who smiled and did a poor attempt at a wink.

"Don't worry, I wont tell her if you don't!" with that the youth ran off to get out some of the energy he had, no doubt, built up during the walk down here. Tero watched him for a long moment before turning to look at Relis.

"His name doesn't actually mean that, does it?" 

"No, it does not."

"Does it mean anything?"

"Does Relis?" once again cryptic, but at least he was still a little warmer than usual. 

"I don't know, actually, does it?" Relis shrugged in response, Tero got the distinct impression that Relis didn't believe that to be the point... not like he could disagree. Tero probably meant something, as a name, but it's not like he knew it. Relis, of course, knew the plains well and quickly found a nice, flat-topped, rock that allowed them to sit down and see the flat-lands better Helpful when keeping your eyes on an energetic child. Even better, Relis had helped him climb onto the rock when he failed to do so, so that was nice. The two sat in silence for a long time, a strangely comfortable one, before Relis shifted to get off the rock and began to lean against it instead. 

"Tero, do you enjoy spending so much time in camp?" the question was offhanded, sudden, with seemingly nothing to provoke it but he didn't feel threatened by it. It felt strangely genuine for the tall werewolf. 

"Honestly, I would like to be of more use to the pack than I currently am but we both know that I'm a poor excuse for a hunter." he smiled when he said it but he still felt guilty for contributing so little. 

"You do plenty for the pack, the tasks you do need to be done and Robin was in no condition to do them by herself, that was not the question I was asking." Tero gave Relis a look, confused as to what he was getting at.

"You mean like, do I want to spend more time out and about instead of sitting around a campfire all day?"

"Yes."

"... getting out more would also be nice, but as you said the tasks needed to be done."

"And when Robin recovers and she can do the tasks herself again, then what will you do?" genuinely asking, otherwise Tero might get a little offended at the implication that he was expendable. But, honestly, Tero hadn't really thought about it. What would he do when Robin was healthy again and didn't need his help anymore? He frowned, that would be a great way to be even more useless than he already was. 

"I... I'll figure something out, I guess."

"A proposal, if you will." Tero tilted his head down to look at Relis, who was still focused on Rem. 

"Become a scout, like I am."

"Like you?" 

"Well-" Relis's voice now taking on an amused tone. "-maybe not quite like me, but a scout nonetheless. It is rather simple, you observe the lands outside of our borders for dangers, bring back information to Time, occasionally acquire useful items, and I think you are perceptive enough to do well as one."

"I don't know the first thing about that." 

"I can teach you... You do not need to decide now, or ever really, it was merely an offer." 

"I will... think about it when Robin gets better. Thank you." that would be a good way to help the pack, but would it be something he was good at or would it be like hunting all over? Regardless, it was nice to have the option. 

The three of them stayed out in the meadow at the mountain's foot until the sky started to darken, he had been right to think better of Relis than the others in the pack seemed to. He wasn't evil. He was just private, detached, and he deserved the chance to prove himself instead of always being the outlaw... at least he seemed close with Rem. Maybe that would give him peace. 

POV change; Bear

It had been so nerve-wracking to leave camp that morning with how obviously stressed Time was, felt like abandoning his charge, but the God had shooed him and the hunting party away like nosy children. The hunt had been successful, but only just, the young doe nearly managing to shoulder-check Hercules out of the way to escape but the young hunter had been paying enough attention to take advantage. At least someone had been, the girls seemed to have had similar problems with focusing as he had and had brought back nothing from their hunts. The tension on the air was great. Would Robin be okay? Every head in the camp turned when the sound of someone leaving that house caught the attention of the quiet group. Robin was alive, standing, but it looked like a light breeze would be enough to unbalance her. Her face was pale, like from a lose of blood, and her eyes were exhausted but warm. She probably wouldn't be up at all if not for Time helping her to stay steady. 

"Robin, sweetheart, you sure you should be standin' so soon?" Vaitelin's voice, and Bear agreed with his concern.

"The... Healer said I need to walk around a bit... and I wanted to let everyone know,.. personally.. that I'm okay." she was okay for now, anyway, there were many injuries that could occur during birth that could take days to set in. Bear half-expected a red-head newborn to be in her arms but with how weak she was it made sense that this wasn't the case. Maybe the Healer had it? Or something unfortunate had occurred. 

"I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we're glad that you're doin' alright, it's been hectic all day without you." 

"You should have seen how shit the girls hunted today they were so worried." Bear piped up with a smile, ribbing the other hunting party enough to cause Rory to send him a heated glare. Robin, at least, seemed to find some humor in this. 

"Really.. I'm okay... thank you everyone there... was no need to worry." 

"No need to worry? Robin, you look like you would pass out if someone looked at you the wrong way." Astaira's words would, generally, be harsh but they were warmed by the still-lingering concern. 

"I admit... it was exhausting... if I  ever say I want another just remind me.... of this." was that an attempt at a joke? It seemed like it, atleast her eyes were lively, and some of the others had managed to find some amusement in her words. 

"When do we get to meet the new one?" Hercules asked from Bear's left, a hopeful look on his face.

"Tomorrow, not tonight. Everyone needs to sleep." Time answered for Robin, who looked like she was impatient with the idea of waiting that long but too weak to argue with him. Bear nodded shortly, but Hercules and Astaira both looked disappointed in not seeing the 'new one' immediately. One day wouldn't make that much of a difference, they could wait, and Bear? Well, the only thing he was curious about was what it looked like. Or, more aptly, who it looked like. That had been a question on his mind for some time now, and he couldn't help but wonder if it would look anything like their dear leader... 

Day 271

POV change; Bear

Stars, that damn ram had put up a fight and he could still feel the violent attempts at a vain escape radiating through his arms. Thankfully, he knew well enough to be able to keep away from the dangerous thrashing, the legs kicking out uselessly into the open air as he held the creature down. Even if it had gotten away it still would have died due to the massive amount of its throat that were missing...just maybe half-way down a cliff they couldn't get to. It was hot, he felt dirty and dusty and a little bruised, but there was always the triumph of actually being the one to take down the kill that made the, general, higher pain worth it in his book. Vaitelin had told him and Hercules to return to camp early, that he'd hang back and show Drifter how to field dress the catch, and Bear had eagerly agreed to the offer of being let off so easy. The gutting thing was his least favorite part. Bear stretched out his aching arms, relaxing a fair bit as the edge of the camp trees came into view. Hercules seemed to feel similar, his posture changing into a tired slouch. Understandable, Vaitelin had been so busy correcting Drifter during their hunting session today that the two of them had to pull doubles.  The poor kid still wasn't completely right after that brain thing the jungle-monster had done, getting better all the time though. 

Bear was prompted out of his drowsy, slow, thought process by a gasp from the man walking next to him. Before he could even question Hercules he darted across the camp like a bolt. Why had he- oh. It was because Robin was sitting in front of the fire and Hercules had been impatiently waiting to meet the new addition to the pack all morning. It was really lucky he was so good at compartmentalizing or Bear might as well have been hunting solo today. He had to admit some curiosity, but not for the reason some would think. Still keeping a casual pace, Bear approached the group sitting around the fire with a quirked brow. Robin still looked a mess, but it seemed likely that Time had helped her clean-up a bit considering her hair had been rebraided in a different style than usual. Time, himself, still looked stressed, and worried, hovering over Robin who looked comparatively relaxed. He shifted his eyes from the familiar faces, leaning over Time's shoulder who had his back turned towards the general entrance, and focused on the bundle Robin had in her arms.

Obviously, newborns didn't really look like much of anyone but this one certainly didn't look like Robin. Not ginger, but small, short, slightly kinky black hair and skin that was a few shades darker than Robin's would be even with a tan. This wasn't explicitly stating that Time was involved but it certainly wasn't rolling him out, either. Bear gave the young God a searching look, but found no particularly strong emotions on his face besides worry. Worry over Robin specifically, he didn't seem to think any more of the baby than Bear did... so, probably not Time? 

"What's their name?" he asked lightly, causing Time to startle as he somehow hadn't noticed Bear hovering over him this whole time. Robin blinked at him, not surprise, she had been aware of him being there but it didn't look like she was expecting him to speak either.

"His name is Aika." Standing where he was, Time sat in the very edge of his vision but, he could still see some kind of reaction to that. Strange, did that mean something specific to him? 

"Aika... that's a lovely name." Robin smiled brightly at him, still tired but, happy. If nothing else, this child would have a smart mother.

 POV change; Time

He had been following Robin about for a week and a half and that wasn't changing just because she wasn't pregnant anymore, not yet anyway. The Healer had told him that she should be fine now that they had taken care of the hard parts but he still couldn't help but feel the need to keep an eye on the red-haired werewolf considering how, truly, close she came to death's door only the day before. He wasn't entirely sure for how long they had been sitting around the fire, he didn't really pay attention to all of the gushing being done by the pack, merely observing. This didn't feel real, strange how he was the God but Robin had just created an actual life... he couldn't help but wonder what it must be like to be one of the Gods that had a hand in that. 

Dazed, he hadn't even noticed when Bear had approached the group until the man spoke.

"What's their name?" he startled, glancing up at the tall man that was now leaning over him to look at the baby that Robin was holding. He, honestly, hadn't even thought to ask. He didn't know anything about what Robin had decided, it wasn't any of his business, but he still probably should have asked her... atleast looked interested in the fact that she had a child now... he couldn't help but wonder how much that was going to change their dynamic. 

"His name is Aika." the words were said so casually but they felt like a slap to the face. He couldn't, entirely, stifle the reaction to hearing it. The shock was like having a bucket of ice water thrown in his face, eyes dilating as he tried not to stay so tense. To not draw attention. Time. She had named her son Time. He could see Bear looking at him out of the corner of his eye but he was so beyond confused that he couldn't bring himself to care about that over this. 

"Aika-" the name burned cold and he did a better job of hiding his reaction to it this time. "-that's a lovely name." Bear responded to Robin just as easily, because he didn't know what it meant... maybe neither did Robin? Had the Healer gotten involved?  Confusion, confliction, and uncertainty on how he should feel if the name had been intentional. For now, he would have to stick to the belief that Robin didn't know the meaning... if just to keep from having to question what that was even supposed to mean. Time shook his head, rubbing a hand over his face to try to clear his brain from the complicated mix of concepts he was dealing with, before looking at... Aika. He was cute, so far Time hadn't even heard him cry once, and he seemed perfectly content to be held by Robin or fawned over by Hercules. He could see the look of suspicion on Bear's face, as he tried to figure out if there was a connection, but Time couldn't seem to make that matter to him. Let people think as they like, it bothered him none. 

"Do you want to hold him, Time?" Robin must have noticed how intently he was staring now, her offer light. Time hesitated, before nodding slowly. The priestess handed Aika to him with the caution one would expect, a strange sensation coming with it. He had never held anything that felt so small and fragile before. He hadn't noticed how dazed he was. 

"Smitten with him, already, Time?" her voice was fond, but he didn't respond. Maybe the name wasn't so bad, maybe he could live with it. 

"He's just the smallest thing in the world." Robin laughed in amusement at his comment, taking Aika back readily as Time offered him back to her. Time was so wrapped up in the absurdity of the moment that he didn't notice the look Bear was giving him. 

Day 297

The last few weeks had been, mostly, a blur of him helping Robin. The near-death experience left her still weakened even three and a half weeks later, though the danger of her passing from the event had lessened drastically, she wasn't a God like he so healing would take longer than he had initially anticipated. On top of helping his favorite follower to take care of herself, much as he had done before, he also had been assisting quite frequently with Robin's son. It was not like he really needed sleep anyway, Gods can mostly go without, so there was no reason to wake her up every time the new baby started fo fuss. She'd heal faster if she didn't wake up every two hours or so. 

It was one such night, where he was sitting in front of the fire and mostly just... existing around the newborn that had been named... Aika, he didn't like to be left alone for any period of time but it didn't take much to get him to be calm. Small blessings, some would call that, Time didn't think he could handle any long-term fits. He, just, didn't have the patience for that. 

"Time, I'm seeing more and more of you at this hour." Tero, who had initially been helping him with Robin as well but had ended up requesting to be like Relis... a scout. Honestly, it wasn't like Time needed the help with Robin anyway so it had been a better use of their resources... but that also meant that the tanned man was being trained to be more perceptive. Something that put Time slightly on edge... or maybe it was just allowing someone to spend that much time with the Outlaw. A disaster waiting to happen. 

"I could say the same of you, Tero, but normally you bring the pesky blond with you." he responded shortly, he didn't even need to look at Tero to feel the disapproval. He could have been harsh, that comment was incredibly docile, Tero should be pleased that 'pesky' was the word he had chosen. 

"He's busy."

"Ugh, don't tell me he's teaching you to be just as vague and unhelpful?" he be rubbing the headache out of his fore-head if not for the fragile thing he was holding. 

"... we found Rem sitting outside of camp, by himself, he said he had a nightmare. Relis is dealing with it." Time turned his head to look at Tero, examining the man closely as if trying to find an obvious sign of a lie. He hadn't felt like Tero was dishonest in the past, and he couldn't feel any attempt at deception here, but he honestly didn't believe that Relis would bother to do anything but drag Rem back to camp if that was the case. He didn't seem the sort to be good, and comforting, with children.

"What does 'dealing with it' mean, exactly? And why did you trust Relis to handle something like that by himself, at least you had a little brother to care for but Relis? He barely even gets along with the adults in the pack much less Rem." Time shifted, more cautious with his balance than usual, as he got to his feet. No way in all of the several beyonds was he going to trust Relis to help a distressed child. 

"You don't give him any credit, he's probably the most capable person in the-"

"Not probably, he is the most capable person in the pack. He wouldn't be allowed to stay if he wasn't the most skilled member by far." Tone bitter, biting, in a way that took Tero by surprise. Tero hadn't been here when Relis had joined the pack, most of the current members hadn't, most didn't know the pretext under which Relis joined. 

"Relis is an outlaw who only joined us so he could hide behind me if his own actions came to bite him in the ass, he's not a good guy, nor is he trustworthy, and he's not your friend. Make no mistake, Tero, he's manipulating you as surely as the monster was." he words a warning to not get too close to the scout teaching him. At least the young werewolf had the decency to look surprised, to consider his words, before glancing at the fire like he was unwilling to meet Time's eyes.

"I... may not know much about him, he probably is everything you say with how secretive he is, but I do know one thing about Relis and that is that Rem cares about him deeply. It doesn't matter if Relis is pretending to care about Rem, not right now, it just matters that he's good at comforting him." Time rolled his eyes at Tero's response, turning to search the darkness like he was expecting to find Relis based on his blond hair alone in the dark. 

"I don't care, take me to him. I wouldn't trust Relis to walk with me alone much less with Rem." Tero sighed, but made no further arguments, carefully beginning to lead Time back down the path that he had come from. Time slowed his pace as the sound of quiet speaking began to alert him to Rem's presence, and thusly Relis's. 

"Everyone is so busy all of a sudden, they just don't have time for me anymore." 

"Is that what you think? Robin is not ignoring you on purpose, Rem, she still cares about you immensely." Oh, seemed that Rem was upset by something more than just nightmares, Rem hadn't really been that confident in the group as a whole before Aika had been born so he supposed it should be.... normal? For them to feel like they had been pushed to the side. Honestly, for Time, they had been. He had agreed to name Rem mostly to appease Robin, he still didn't feel comfortable being near the youth and he didn't see that changing anytime soon. So, yes, he had been almost ignoring Rem using Aika as an excuse.

"I..I thought you didn't like Robin." Rem's voice was small, frail, they had probably been crying earlier. If a monster meets an outlaw then who plays who?... Had to make the assumption that it was Relis that was the dangerous one.

"I do not, I can not stand her, but I do not have to like her in order to tell you the truth. If she knew you felt so alone she would be heartbroken." Time hadn't been aware of Relis's distaste for his favorite follower, just another negative to add to list, though he couldn't think of any logical reason for the blond to dislike Robin when they had always seemed civil enough. 

"But she's so busy..."

"And unwell, if you ever feel alone you know you can come to me. I am sure everyone in the pack loves you greatly, you do not have to feel guilty for wanting that to be expressed. Adults are just, often, forgetful when it comes to such things. Do not be afraid to remind them, Rem, even adults need breaks." Time hadn't heard this specific tone with Relis before but he still didn't trust it. Tero glanced his way, seeming to be looking for something, before standing and quietly approaching Relis. Seemed he was going to cover for Time here, smart man. 

"Sorry, didn't mean to overhear, but Relis is right. We often get caught up in our own tasks and we forget about those around us. If you ever feel alone you are always welcome to come to me, or Relis, and I personally know that Robin and Vaitelin both adore you." 

"... I'm sorry for leaving camp on my own."

"Do not be sorry, just promise you will not do something so dangerous in the future."

"I promise."

"Thank you, Rem. Come now, it is still very dark and you should get some sleep." Time shifted, carefully leaving behind the conversation he had been helped to overhear and sitting back down in front of the fire. He didn't even acknowledge the small group when they entered camp, pointedly ignoring the look Tero threw his way, and resolving to spend the rest of the night in front of the fire again. He didn't think much about how much time was passing until he noticed a particularly blue pair of eyes hovering over him. Relis. It had been some time, had he been making sure that Rem actually went to sleep or had Tero told him what had happened?