Ashen wasn't all decadent lounging and laziness. Not a lot of things escaped his notice, especially not the clamour and bustle of construction. Making his way through the sun bleached trees, Hattori approached the shrine from the west expecting to see several wolves at work. Perhaps a slave or two doing the more tedious parts of manual labour. Instead he was greeted with the sight of a lone wolf, toiling away and clearly putting her back into it too. At a glance she could have been mistaken for Venom but upon a closer, more shrewd inspection the differences were as clear as day. Besides, Venom, as proactive as she was, didn't seem to be the sort who would get her paws dirty like this. Hattori observed the stranger for a moment longer as he lingered in the shadows, concluding that in all likelihood- from looks and scent- she was one of Venom's siblings. One who clearly was pulling her weight and more.

Figuring that at the very least he ought to do something with himself, Hattori stepped forth and stopped at a respectful, if not conversational distance. There was a lot of work to be done it seemed, perhaps too much for one wolf alone. His lips pressed into a thin, tight line.

"I shall assist you." He rumbled, in lieu of greeting.  "Tell me what needs to be done."

Obi had gone off for a while to forage some supplies and some building materials. It was fine, and the two often switched shifts. Since no one was often around, Toxicity didn't mind dirtying herself. She moved some of the thatching for one of the inner walls to lean against where Obi would need to secure it. Her fur was unwaxed and ruffled with effort, her scarification illustrations marred and blurred by the downward-growing fur. No paints of perfumes lingered on her coat. She had washed when she awoke and intended to stay in her natural state until she washed before bed.

Needless to say, when the large, horned, and brightly contrasted male stepped up and spoke in her direction, she wasn't altogether sure he meant to speak to her. She tossed a quick, uncertain glance behind her, then to either side before finally looking at him with confused, furrowed brows. He wanted to... help? Tox cast one more glance to her side as if it would somehow summon Obi to her side to help, but alas, all she found was an empty space. With a small huff, her mismatched eyes came back to the man before her, "Um- there's chopped bamboo over there," Toxicity directed her attention a little past the tree line. "It needs to be brought.... over here... and...... sorted." Her voice trailed off, her eyes glued to the bamboo. They were tall pieces, some several lengths longer than herself. They weren't too heavy but they were cumbersome. Then they needed to be sorted by length for using later whenever Obi returned.

"I'll just be stuffing the walls with insulation, so..." Toxicity cleared her throat and moved just slow enough to be socially acceptable out of the man's way and into the gap for insulation. Who was he and what did he want?

The woman seemed taken back by his request, as though she couldn't have possibly seen it coming. He watched her, unblinking, as she took in the sight of him from over her shoulder and proceeded to stumble through her words. Fair enough. Another wolf might have felt a tad offended that she hadn't even bothered to turn and address him as any normal wolf would, but Hattori was above- or below- caring about such things. His people were sticklers for tradition and propriety and Hattori followed those rules when the situation called for it, but for the most part he was laid back about most things. He often didn't go out of his way to introduce himself right away, why would he take offence if another wolf did the same? He followed her line of sight to the stacks of bamboo and felt a sharp pang of nostalgia. Just like home.

"Mmmh."  He grunted in acknowledgement, content to leave it at that and went off to do her bidding.

He paid little attention to Toxicity as he got to work and left her to her own devices. The bamboo was stacked together in a pile and he took a moment to observe the wood and relish in it's familiar scent. It was a good batch, strong and void of any cracks or blemishes. The stack of bamboo was already tied together, saving Hattori the hassle of trying to keep them together as he dragged them over, his teeth holding onto the rope that secured the upper half of the batch. With each drag he arched his back, scooting till he dropped off the bamboo right where she'd asked of him. More or less.

Toxicity took the man's grunt as fine enough reason and she went to work. She was painfully aware of his presence, listening to every step and action he took. Her mind kept asking herself why was he here. It didn't make sense. He didn't say his name, she hadn't offered hers. He smelled of the pack. He got to work. Toxicity had no qualms with him nor his behavior it was just... out of place in her quiet little shrine.

Tox worked between two bamboo walls for what seemed like forever as she waited to see if the man had anything else to do or say. Eventually, she brought herself to the bamboo and peered through a tiny crack to watch him while he worked. He was large, horned, and had interesting markings. He didn't seem to be a Klein, and he certainly wasn't an Abraxas. She watched for a little more than was needed to give herself the courage to approach him again. He should be finishing up, anyway. Toxicity took a brief moment to tidy herself- no sense in looking like a total slob. Finally, she came out towards where Hattori worked and cleared her throat.

"Did- uhm- did you come here for any reason specifically?" she asked, her eyes only flicking to his momentarily before she chose to look at his work instead. Her body held its pride and rank in its posture, but her nervousness was apparent in her eyes. She shifted her weight slightly, "Or did you need something?"

Hattori rolled his shoulders, a bit of a habit he'd gotten into since his injury, and turned as Toxicity addressed him with a clearing of her throat. Whilst she lacked the outright stage presence of her sister, there was a sharp intelligence in her eyes, poorly hidden by the shifting nature of her gaze. For one reason or another she seemed unwilling to look at him for long, perhaps she simply just didn't enjoy eye contact. Regardless, it was her prerogative and Hattori wasn't going to pester her about her mannerisms and social habits anytime soon. Especially since that according to some his own were quite distasteful. He considered her question with a slight narrowing of his eyes and answered in a smooth rumble, his brows furrowing just a smidge. When prompted he would respond, but he'd preferred the silence to be honest.

"I did not mean to intrude." Though he didn't feel as though he'd overstepped his bounds he supposed there was a chance he had gotten a little too comfortable roaming Ashen. "But I prefer to keep myself busy and this seemed like too much work for one wolf."

His thoughts on the laziness of others was left unsaid, she hadn't asked and thus he wouldn't tell.

She asked, and the man answered. There was nothing wrong with his answer that Tox could find and she couldn't tell if he was being honest or not. "Hm," she hummed short and quick, no other thoughts really crossed her mind. An ear flicked back absentmindedly as her eyes drew back to his form and his pale eyes, "Very well." She could only confirm what he had said. It wasn't important to bring up that she usually had help or that she wasn't sure what else she needed at this point, but her mind worked its way through those rungs one at a time. "If you like, the inner floor still needs to be dug lower and stamped." She eyed him for a moment to see how he would react to being given a task so readily after the last one before she turned away, dismissing herself simply "I'll continue my work."

Though she managed to regain some of her level, she still wasn't sure what this man wanted and it wasn't like he was forthcoming and Toxicity wasn't inquisitive enough to bother him for the details. She did, however, spare him another glance or few while she worked, waiting- maybe hoping- he'd have some sort of information to give.

Hattori waited and blinked slowly. Though he already knew it to be true, he could see the similarities between the sisters especially in how they both held their cards close to their chests. In the same way she mostly left him be and didn't press for more information, the shinobi was quick to do the same and got back to work. He took a moment to eye up the soil, it didn't look as though it would prove too much of a challenge but regardless of the ground type digging was always hard work. Good thing he didn't mind that then. Grunting in acknowledgement again, Hattori began to dig and paw as his talons scythed through the earth.

He was content with the silence, basking in it came as naturally to him as breathing, but he sensed the expectation in the air. As though Toxicity was waiting for the ice to break itself. His digging slowed, the muscles throbbing comfortably in his shoulders as he stood up straighter and flicked his ear. If nothing he would offer her his name and rank, it was the least he could do really.

"I am Hattori, Ashen's shinobi." He got to work again, kicking the dirt aside into a neat pile. "I am not one for conversation. Do not take it personally."

Toxicity continued her work silently. She was not unused to silence, nor being alone, however when others came to visit her it was usually because they had something pointed to speak about. Toxicity wasn't used to pleasantries, small talk, or other just being in her space. Her space was, for most purposes, a silent testament to God. Her words were his words and words of his worship. The others in the pack wasted their time with their day to day tasks while Toxicity was planning for the afterlife.

The man spoke up, nearly causing Tox to jump at his sudden voice. Not that it wasn't allowed, he had just, until this point been unspoken unless spoken to. Toxicity blinked, then offered him a short curtsey, "I'm Toxicity Abraxas, Daimyo of Ashen. I do not mind your silence, it is just... rare that others come here offering a paw instead of seeking my word." Toxicity cast her glance away for a moment, "It's... a welcome disturbance." Toxicity wouldn't get into politics right away with this stranger, but he was already showing a great deal more useful than the others around. "It's ok to just work," she said attending back to her duties, "but don't hesitate to speak up if you're of need."

Toxicity. Venom hadn't mentioned her by name but Hattori about knew the gist of their relationship, they were closer than with most of their siblings, and Hattori could kind of sense why. The other-former- princes and princess left much to be desired and from what the shinobi gleamed spent their time doing not much at all. Or at least not contributing to the empire's future. But her rank and general demeanour spoke volumes and if nothing else Hattori could respect her hard work and dedication. That and they both didn't seem overly fond of small talk. He let her speak, his ears tipped forward in a show of interest as he dipped his head a little in recognition of her words. Though she was dancing around the point a little, he could sense where she was coming from, that if things were to be said he would have to take in initiative. Which was fair enough, Hattori had never had a problem with that and he wasn't going to start now.

His paws shifted the dirt as he spoke, it was an easy mindless task and left plenty of room for him to consider his next words.

"Likewise. I primarily serve your sister, both as her guard and informant. But if you ever need anything, do call on me." And that was not an offer he made lightly.

The time passed between the two was getting more comfortable now that Toxicity had decided that he didn't need anything from her. He eventually volunteered that he served Venom and Sparrow laughed lightly to herself. It was just like Sirius and her mother before Deathbelle fucked that up by trying to kiss a married man- and that wasn't even before she let him free to have his own pack. Hopefully Venom wasn't so foolish as to fall in love with her guard.

He said that if she needed anything to call on him, but Toxicity couldn't imagine ever NEEDING anyone else. Not at this time anyway- she was too focused on being the perfect god-child still to warrant help from anyone else. If she was to call for someone, it would be Venom and only to talk to her, not to seek help. Toxicity nodded slowly at him, however and let the conversation close comfortably.

The two returned to work and went on for many an hour until it was nearly time for her to wash and retire for the night. She ventured into her stores and wrapped up a few pieces of dried meat Obi had made and brought them to the koi man.

"That's all for today, I think," she said, setting down the parcel and backing up a good ways, "This is to thank you- it's not as good as fresh, but it lasts a lot longer and saves you from having to stop whatever you're doing to go hunt so it's... convenient." She made a look that ensured that there was no room for denial or argument. It was precious material and he well deserved it and she would not have the embarrassment of being turned down. "Feel free to return any time," she offered, and not at all because she enjoyed his company- purely his functionality.