Surprisingly Crimson didn't mind the thought of the big dragon calling her a pet. As long as he included that "good looking" part too she was actually thrilled for the compliment. Besides it was one of the few ways that she knew to handle it and keep her brothers from being tossed around and used as chewtoys or floor mats. She smiled and looked to her brothers before going off to follow him and see if he might be in a better mood. She knew he wasn't too happy being injured, nobody ever was, so blowing off a little steam at her brothers might have been good for him.

"Well it's definitely good to see you walking without much of a limp now. Much more appropriate for one of your noble standing. And if you were serious then I wouldn't mind being your pet for a while. At the very least I'd like to see you at your best again and hang around you for a while to properly appreciate your majesty. Don't mind my brothers, they mean well but they're a little stubborn in their ways. They think they have to be in control of everything and do it all themselves. When sometimes even the greatest among us could use a little assistance. Even if it isn't mandatory it speeds things up and saves time and effort that is better spent on other goals." Her own subtle hint to him that he could accept help without looking weak and in fact feel more in control if he asked for it rather than being told he was getting help. Not that he had to see that little hidden meaning but he was a clever one and she was relatively certain he'd pick up on it.

Verdy had followed along a little behind Crimson. Enough to give her time to talk with the big guy alone and not seem like he was intruding but also enough to keep him informed on what was going on. "Master? The other two are heading back home, you do not need to tolerate their foolishness any longer. They did express that they hoped you would be joining them Crimson but they are also trusting you and, to quote them, "Keep an eye on the big scaly bastard". As much as they may be foolish their hearts try to be in the right place."

Frosk very pointedly ignored Crimson's not so quiet approach for as long as he possibly could, choosing instead to glare viciously ahead of him at the lights of the distant town. He had known, of course, that either Crimson or Bug would follow him over here, to talk or some such rot, but had hoped they would give him at least a few minutes to himself before they joined the sulking party.
'At least no one is fussing over my treatment of the idiot, they must have known he had it coming in one way or another'. Frosk turned his head just a little, so that his missing eye facing Crimson's soft voice as she spoke; truth be told he was quite interested in what she had to say, even if he looked to be ignoring her completely.

"You would indeed? How very interesting" he said quietly, expertly masking his surprise at her acceptance. "I was serious in my offer, no matter how teasing it might have sounded to others. I do not just pick up 'strays', I pick those who have worth, who are good at something.."

At her next words, however, he laughed coldly and nodded "Yes, they are that, though the one, the dark one, as forever earned the title of idiot in my eyes. He is too foolish, too reckless.." Frosk shook his head in mild disgust as he turned his whole body around to face Crimson fully to address her. The one good eye focused on her face as he spoke. "Ha, a nice hint, almost hidden, but I still won't ask for help. I was raised to be self reliant and I've had to be for almost my entire life...it will take a lot to change my ways, my precious one".

Bug had arrived on the spot at this point, and as usual, added his few words to the pot; it amused Frosk so at how loyal his Bug was even after the little anthro's master had made it clear that Crimson was welcome to join the family. The large dragon had been expecting jealously at the very least, or some kind of outburst, but his Bug had turned out to be even smarter than the red dragon thought and understood that there was room for both of them in Frosk's life.

"Good, they should stay away from me for a while, perhaps the dark one should stay away indefinitely, if only for his own safety" Frosk snarled, glaring over at where the two anthro dragon's shapes were wandering off. He then turned back to Crimson and lowered his head, keeping his voice soft and quiet so that even if Bug did hear, no one else would; no need to embarrass the female by letting other fools around overhear.

"My pet, you can be so much more in my little family, you do know that, don't you? Perhaps in time, though, no need to rush such delicate things, they normally end in disaster." he purred with a charming smile. 'There, the hook is in the water and baited' he thought, raising up to his full height again to show his position in the 'family unit' now that his possible new pet was properly lured. "Come Bug, make us all some of that fine tea you have, or had at one point. It always sooths the aches in my soul"

Verdy certainly knew that there was room in his master's life for two pets, for him and Crimson. After all if Crimson took on the role he thought she might, no matter how much she might do that his master wouldn't always want his female pet... or whatever she may end up becoming... doing all the dirty work. Especially if, yeah, that thought had crossed his mind. No she wasn't going to be doing all the scale buffing, all the paw rubs and treating all the injuries, she would have her own duties and he might even end up working to serve her too.

Which was all fine by him, he certainly knew Crimson was working her way into a very positive light with the master and personally while he knew she was attractive he didn't have any direct interest. Mainly since Drake or Blake would try to pound him for it. For a while it may mean fewer duties for him but whatever his master decided upon was automatically alright with him. "Of course master Frosk. I always carry at least a small supply with me." He wondered if his master ever wanted to know what all was in the special tea mixture he had come up with. It was all natural and hopefully very soothing to all who drank it without being overly so. Bringing out the mixture and a little tea ball he packed it tight and found a good pot to add it into. A little water and now all he needed was some heat. "Could someone start boiling the tea for us please while I find where I put the cups in these packs?"

Ah, a chance for Crimson to show off just a little. She was already blushing a little at some of Frosk's comments, like being called his precious one? She gave him a smile and whispered, almost barely even mouthing the words, "I'd like that." to him. Oh yes she was lured but she would have to make things take time, that was the proper way to play this game after all wasn't it? And at the end a very nice reward for "winning". "Allow me Verdy. Hehe, or should I start calling you Bug too?"

Crimson gave a puff of flame, bright white hot flame to light a small area under the pot. With that kind of heat Verdy was probably lucky if he didn't get slightly burnt hands but it would make everything ready much quicker. And she got to demonstrate to her Frosk that she wouldn't be a pushover, that she had a good place with him. Even in his position as the leader he shouldn't need to fret over her safety and she wouldn't allow him if he tried. No it was her place to worry over him wasn't it? To show how much she cares and that she likes being with him. However there was a glaring detail she was conveniently leaving out of the picture, five little details actually.

Frosk internally smirked at Crimson's words, first at her near silent agreement to join his 'family' and then at her question to Bug. THAT most certainly would be something to behold, to see the reactions of those around her when she referred to the little green drake by the name the 'Brutish beast of the mountains' gave him. Her brothers and Bug himself would probably not bat an eyelash, but anyone else around her who knew of Bug serving the large monster and knew what said monster called him, might be a bit flustered over this new development. 'Why, isn't this an interesting beginning? She has only been my pet now for all of a few seconds and already she is trying to assert herself over Bug in a very subtle way. How very...me'.

Frosk would never admit it, at least not aloud, but he was indeed impressed with Crimson's display; her fire would keep her protected, and any young she might, or no, would bear, later. There was no way he would take a mate and not have young, his line was perfect, it HAD to be continued, and the world would just have to put up with his offspring or face him should they complain. Ah, but here he was already thinking down that line again, which was still a long way off, especially in the face of this new threat called The Trappers. Frosk would not bring young into a world where they could be snatched away so easily while he or Crimson were out. No it would have to wait, which he could, he has waited a long time to get this far, no harm in waiting a little longer.

The smell of the tea made the large red dragon's muscles relax even more, and plopped down with a sigh, raising his head up just a little to keep the scent in his nose. "It seems to be coming along nicely" he said with a smile, indicating the brewing tea with one large forepaw. "Already it is working it's magic and I've not had any yet". Here he barked out a laugh at a stray thought that zipped through his mind; the two brothers could do with some of the 'magic tea', it might actually save Blake from death one day. Perhaps he would have Bug make the tea every-time Frosk had to interact with the fools, it would certainly help Frosk himself from snapping, well, from snapping someone's neck.

"Perhaps you should feed your magic tea to the fools whenever they are around me, maybe they will be less....foolish then" he laughed again, clinching and unclinching his forepaws to flex the fingers like a cat. Oh were they stiff today, too much water retention he was sure, happened all the time in the mountains, so much so that he lost many a deer to sudden cramps in his feet and legs, or fingers and toes popping loudly when stalking. Getting old sucked, and Frosk was glad he now had two pets who would help him deal with it, both in their own, different ways.

Turning to Crimson with an amused expression on his face, Frosk continued to flex his fingers as he spoke. "So, tell me more about yourself, my Precious one." He added that last bit mostly because he liked how she blushed when he said it the first time, and maybe it made him feel good too to have someone to say it to after so long a lonely life.

"Mmm, my big strong handsome master wants to know more about me? I'm honored to be so interesting and I hope not to disappoint. Where shall I start?" She liked that, being called his precious one. And she noticed the ever so subtle flash of jealousy from Ver, er, Bug too. He was used to being the special one for the big dragon and now she had the spotlight for a while.

"Almost ready. Here master, a nice big bowl of tea for you. The mug I had been using for you is sadly cracked and being repaired, should be ready for next time though. I would happily brew some of this tea for them to keep them more respectful of their betters. And here Precious one, a mug for you as well. Still very hot though." Which Verdy sadly knew only really meant something to him. Crimson was a fire breather and could chug something this boiling with no problem and his master likely could as well. He was skilled in many things but that was not one of them. But if it were to amuse his master he'd just as soon pour it all over himself and flail about in a comical fashion from being scalded. Thankfully he was fairly certain that wouldn't amuse him tonight.

"Thank you Bug." Crimson sipped at the tea and smiled, letting the relaxing feeling wash over her. "Well to jump past the obvious of being related to two arrogant yet sometimes thoughtful brothers, I was once mated though he perished a few years ago. He did leave me with five little ones though, and they are growing up fast and insist on their own independence. You can choose to meet them if you wish, one or two would adore you almost as much as I do. That is I suppose the biggest secret I might have. I love cooking, I am a former champion in fencing, still undefeated officially. In my past I've always been a little attracted to the tough ones, the "bad boys" everyone kept calling them. I call them handsome or powerful. None come close to comparing to you though." to emphasize her point she brushed her hand along his hide and gave it a pat, smiling. "What else might you wish to know?"

Bug could think of one or two things, but he did not wish to seem out of place or hostile toward the newest member of great master Frosk's family. Nor did he want to appear as though he knew too much and had failed to bring her to his master's attention properly before now. But she should mention her other potential romantic interest, which only came to his mind as the creature had once nearly devoured him or ripped him apart.

Frosk blinked at how fast the tables turned with this female, one minute he is in control and doing the luring, making her blush and seem in need of a little ribbing, next minute Crimson is causing him to rethink his plans. 'Making it quite difficult to keep those 'mate' ideas on the back burner this one.' Sensing a flicker of something different from normal with his Bug, Frosk flicked the tip of his tail at said green drake to pull him towards his master, making sure that only the tip touched the small anthro; no need to harm the little guy when he wasn't doing anything wrong. "The bowl is fine, I need a large drink tonight. Too much has happened lately and I want to unwind yet still retain my senses".

'In other words, I don't want to be dulled by any liquor in case of an attack on me or my pets by persons unknown out here' he thought savagely, letting a slight snarl leave his lips as his good eye darted from point to point in the darkness around him. 'Could be anywhere now, it's been too quiet this evening, things always happen when things are at their quietest'. Frosk tapped his claws in a restless fashion as he listened to Crimson talk, freezing in place when he heard about her current brood. His good eye flashed quickly and a curl of his upper lip could be seen, the only things giving away the true thoughts going through his head at the idea of this female already having another male's offspring in her care.

'It wouldn't be difficult to be rid of them, no competition in genes allowed in this family. The only offspring breeding out of here had better have my blood running through them'

But the mask slid in place shortly there after and another idea came into mind...though was again thrown away due to worry of how that might be seen from Crimson herself. Easy enough among his own kind, if an unattached female has a brood by another male and you want that female, you kill the males of the brood and breed the females, the mother and offspring yourself. That may prove to be disastrous in this situation, as she wasn't some large dragoness who would gladly breed herself and her female offspring to the same male as long as he was a fit and proper male and it stopped there. You don't breed your own actual line, it muddies the brain.

The rest of her words were almost lost in the haze of his busy mind until she patted his side. 'Well, we'll pad that nest when the times comes. First I need to know how many are males in the brood, how old they all are and if I can kick them out before I move in. Killing would be a the last option, but would have to be after she was away or something...or no that would point right to me..what to do.'

"Ah, you come with offspring...how...delightful. Males? Females? How old are they? Not the noisy, crawl all over you and pester you till you want to devourer them age I hope? I have very little patience for hatchlings unless they are mine and I can mould them as I see fit" he asked with a little irritation in his voice, taking that moment to speak when his mind was locked on the multiple errors he was seeing in his current plan, five to be exact, and how to deal with them without danger to his person or possibility to breed. 'This is more work than I thought' he added mentally with a sigh.

"No strays tagging around I hope?" The sudden thought that she might be one of those that kept a mate and then a master as well made him want to get digging even more. "The place I offer in this family is for you alone, not some extra, some hopeful who is trying to stake their claim of you. I've seen females who have a mate or 'side dish' they bring to their master to complete a circuit. I have no interest in extras. If I want extras, I would get a harem.."

And if that wasn't clear....

"Bug, you smell different from the last time, do you have any females? Males? Whatever you prefer..They are attached to you alone?" Frosk quickly added Bug into the mix in the hopes of getting a fix on what was going on here since he left, too much was a mystery right now and it could all go down hill fast if someone who wouldn't obey Frosk came into the fold. 'Might as well get all the facts about them both, no need to have some female or male that Bug brings in trying to take Crimson as well.' They need to be firmly attached to BUG and no one else in their little world.

Oh yes, Verdy could hear it in the tone of his master's voice. His posture, his selection of words. Master Frosk was not thrilled to know he wasn't the only one to lay claim to his new future mate and he didn't want any rivals for his attention. Either from her or from his own eventual brood. "I have seen a few others while you were away master but none of them are as important to me as you are. Lately they have been males. If you wished I could dump them easily, none will be around or take my time away from you." He did have a few that he cared about but he also knew his place and if having someone around would hinder that with Frosk then they likely wouldn't be able to be with him anyway. Anyone that would want to drag him away from the big dragon wasn't right for him.

"Oh they won't bother you I promise. They grow up so fast, already acting like teenaged children when they are only a few years old. Two girls and three boys, one girl would be the one that would want to see you more than the others. They would likely not mind and stay at home or with my brothers." She was trying to say that they were important to her but that he was too, and that they wouldn't get in the way or anything. "No, no strays that I can speak of. If there were any at the moment they would not take your place or join me as another treasure for you to keep. I do not intend on changing everything without your direct permission." She smiled, running her hand along his side again and whispering ever so softly. "And my next brood could be all yours, and could get all my attention along with you."

It was a bit of a gamble but she knew it was the sort of thing he'd want to hear. If he got a brood from her at all they would be important to her and likely need a lot of attention. Her current kids did love her and spend time with her but they were all growing up and getting ready to go to school, or finding their own hobbies they wanted to do. All except Scarlet, who still worked in the restaurant whenever she was needed and often volunteered to work there. Scarlet would love to see him as her new unofficial dad.

"My dear, dear Bug, As long as they do not interfere with your duties to me, they obey me without question whenever they are in my presence and know that Crimson is MINE, you may keep your play things. I would not deny you such pleasures...Unless of course it is as a punishment. Have you done something to earn such a punishment, my Bug?" Frosk's eye flashed as he ran through all the things that had been discovered about the two anthros before him this evening, trying to find a mistake on either party's part in which would require a punishment, but found none. "Oh, and should any of them visit, make sure they bring a gift for me, as I am allowing them to continue having their...'interactions' with you. First one to show up without a gift becomes the gift" And that thought did sound very delicious indeed; make the mistake of showing up without any food, drink or some kind of rare and valuable thing, and you will become a snack for your great offense.

He turned his attention to Crimson and watched how she tried to soften the blow, as it were, by petting him. Temporary amusement passed through his good eye before it was replaced by a cloud of annoyance. It was beyond irritating really, that this would come into play when he had such lovely plans laid out for the two of them that didn't involve three young males and two young females by another male. But, what's done is done and he couldn't change it, not unless he fell back on old ways and forced her into this relationship, killed the other male's offspring and made sure only his blood ever came out of her for the rest of her existence. The old Frosk would have done it without hesitation, now however, he wasn't quite sure that would be the best course of action. An unwilling mate, angry at him for murdering her precious offspring, and let us not forget said mate had brothers who had connections even if the brothers themselves were not scary enough to keep Frosk in line. Of course one had to also consider that she would fight back in that kind of relationship as well, which meant no peace at all for Frosk. 'No, things had to be done carefully from now on, especially if I want to survive past next week. I was always so close to death in the past due to my stupidity, I need to think this through..'

And with that thought came a jolt back into the game...

'Figures, I would find the one female with a previous brood that has more males than females. At least they won't be around much...If they do become a nuisance, they'll quickly become acquainted with my very sharp teeth, and I did warn her about it before hand so it won't be my fault.' Frosk frowned a bit in thought, pulling ideas out of the proverbial 'hat' and either tagging or chucking them depending on how risky or stupid they turned out to be.
So far he was still stuck in the whole 'Happy Family' situation, as he still couldn't come up with a good enough excuse to just toss the little brats out of the nest before he arrived. 'Maybe the males will be easy to convince to leave, or perhaps they just need guidance, yes, that's it, I could 'guide' them into the dragons I want them to be, that way, if they fail to become useful, the stain would be on the other male and not me. The females will be easy enough to control, just make them see me as the boss and they will fall in line. It is a perfect, no, THE perfect plan'.

With that idea set in stone for the time being, a much happier Frosk nodded to himself and smirked at her whispered words. 'Yes, you will be giving us all your attentions, you have no idea how to deal with true dragon offspring my dear, you will be forced to give them attention, as they will surely demand it of you.' "Well, you will be in for the shock of your life by then, my precious one, as you have no idea how true your words will ring in that time" He whispered back with a deep chuckle.

"Yes great master, I will be certain they know their place should they ever come near you or with me. I have not failed you I hope, even kept your part of the woods clear of all other pests. And should it ever happen that one of mine fails to bring the required gift then if it were requested I would even be the one to prepare them for you if desired." A very grim proposal but if he had someone actually stupid enough to follow him out there or to go without something after being warned it would be a deserved punishment. And he would want to keep his master happy above all other things. A lover may leave him and break his heart but even an upset scorned partner wouldn't compare to the ire of his master.

Crimson smiled, and decided to show a little bit of the strength that she would still be keeping in thier "partnership" as it were. She would be a relatively strong potential mate for him but she wouldn't be the type that he would always boss around and have cowed right from the start. "Oh I'm sure they will be demanding, and try very hard to force me to give them all the attention they want. But if they come to think they can push their mom around too soon they will learn that they are not the head of the house so to speak. The only one that would get to give me orders would be you." the dragoness smiled and gently kissed his scales as if to prove her point, smirking. "Of course I will gladly give them some attention but they'll have to learn early what their limits are. It will still keep me very busy but I think I can handle it."

There were still things on her mind. She still very dearly loved Krynn and that would be a problem for this big guy but if she turned away from him now it would be a huge disaster. Besides he was kind of... well he was different from how he used to be and it was a mostly positive change. She also wondered what he would do with the kids, who would have to be introduced to him at some point. And what if he decided that they were to his liking? Would he try to train them, or steal them away from her? No, he didn't seem quite like the type who would want to do that sort of thing, or to even let any potential brood they might have attempt to claim her current little ones. She was worrying over nothing so far.