Yet another cold day was afoot as Hattori stepped out of the palace threshold, the biting wind ruffling his shinobi cloak as he stood there and squinted at the sun clawing its way over the horizon. Struggling to get a foothold amongst the lingering grey of the sky. When would it end? Spring was long overdue and the balance of the world had been tipped on it's side, left askew as plant life struggled to adjust to this seemingly new normal. Life would  bounce back, it always did, but it left him wondering on how it would impact his children in the long term. Would it help them grow into strong and hardy wolves? Able to whether even the most bitter storms and chills, or would it leave them reluctant and unwilling to leave the safety of Ashen and the palace. Clinging to their Mother's furs as though she had the power to fix the worlds wrongs. Only time would tell but as always Hattori would watch and wait. He'd know one day.

Ikigai was a peculiar child. She liked to rise before the dawn, preparing her mind for its daily absorption of information. The girl had a small bite to eat before leaving the confines of the palace to watch the sun greet the day. She hadn't brought a fur and the cold morning chill bit into her small frame, but she pushed it aside, bolstering her courage as she crossed into the snowy landscape. Silver eyes widened for a moment as she noted the presence of her father standing with his face to the rising sun. Coming up beside him, the small, horned child dipped her pallid head gracefully. "Ohayō, otōusama," she greeted him in soft, practiced tones. Already the girl was taking shape. She was a pup apart from her siblings and had taken a great interest in decorum and manners. It was her aspiration to be a great lady some day. Eventually, with enough time and practice, she would bring honor to her family name. "Okiku Ikigai" "Okiku Ikigai"

Hattori rumbled in acknowledgment as his ears tipped to listen to his daughters gentle greeting. He was not overly surprised to see her at this hour, she had always been a punctual child and he suspected she would only continue this habit as she grew into a fine young woman. The Shogun saw a lot of promise in the girl, she would clearly never be a fighter but she carried a sense of elegance and grace his other children severely lacked. Though it was not for a lack of trying, for all at least. Particularly little Kiyohime. Though he wished his children to help Ashen grow strong Ikigai carried more than enough merits of her own and despite himself Hattori was fond of her. In a way glad she was how she was, a proper lady of breeding and honour. Though he supposed as  Father he probably shouldn't think this way, no doubt teetering close to favouritism. He subdued those thoughts with a slow blink. "Good morning." He offered her respect in return, a brief dip of his head. "What do you plan to do today? No doubt there was much she wished to practice, busy little Princess she was.