His privileges had been expanded to being allowed anywhere as long as it was within the pack territory, and to make sure he didn't try to escape he was still being followed by the goddamn cat everywhere he went. It didn't matter what time of day or night, rain or sun, it was just fucking there. He was beginning to feel a little claustrophobic about it, and so he had ventured forth away from the islands towards the mainland, hoping the scent of the trees would take his mind off of everything. The white trees were a strange sight to behold, but anything was better than the sea and the sand. Oh how he hated the itchy feeling when it dried in his coat. Laith rubbed his shoulder against once of the trees to relieve that crusty itchy feeling, but kept one ear flicked back to listen out for the cat. So far it hadn't tried anything as it simply just stared at him unblinkingly, but he wasn't about to take any chances. He moved through the trees, occasionally rubbing up against one that seemed like it was a particularly good scratching post, only stopped when he came across the strong-smelling border of the pack land. What if... no, the stupid cat was still behind him. It would be so easy to just make a mad dash and leave it all behind, but he didn't know how fast the cat was, or if he'd be chased down by that big brute of a wolf. And so he simply glared at the border from where he stood a few paces away.

Hattori knew Ashen's prisoner was getting cagey, eying the borders as though he near constantly thought about making a break for freedom. The fact Laith hadn't quite worked up the courage just yet came as a surprise, perhaps Hattori's threat had sunken deeper than he'd first thought. Or he knew he was being watched, all the time no matter where he went freedom would always be out of reach. But not always, if he put in enough hard work and paid the price then he would be free to go. But from the way he was aimlessly wandering Ashen territory it was apparent he still had a ways to go. Padding along, Hattori followed in the man's footsteps till he was in view. His greyish form looking even darker and out of place amongst the pale trees. "I am leaving Ashen soon. You are coming as well, till your debt to me is paid. Whatever you do after that is none of my concern."

His head whipped around at the voice behind him, ears pulling flat against his skull as he looked up at the giant wolf. He sneered at the words. Till his debt was paid? He'd be stuck under the watch of this wolf and the stupid cat for ages then. Laith's muzzle wrinkled, still a little tender at times as the wounds became jagged scars, ones that he would be stuck with as a constant reminder of his poor judgement. Hadn't he paid the price for stealing already? Was him being the wolf's bitch not enough? He stepped around with his front legs so he was now facing the other wolf, looking up with narrowed eyes and a grumpy expression. "Where are you going?" Laith's words were carefully spoken, trying not to let his anger leech into his tone even though that was all he felt. Anger, frustration, even envy of the other wolves that were free to come and go. Oh how he missed being able to just go wherever he wanted. But it seemed that once his 'debt' was paid off, he'd be set free with no strings attached, and that was definitely the outcome he wanted. So perhaps he'd play nicely for once in his life and go along with it, just enough till he got his freedom back.

Though Hattori sensed the barely hidden prickliness beneath Laith's voice, his question was a valid one. The Bamboo Maze was stuck in his mind, the twisting paths and clacking of bamboo stalks knocking against one another in the wind. Ever since he'd gotten lost in his Long Night haze it was hard to get that place out of his mind, in part why he was so insistent on leaving Ashen. On taking it as his own. "We are heading south to Auster and will roam for some time before we have the resources to fully establish a pack. Assist me in this and you will earn your freedom. "

His ears lifted slowly from his skull as the wolf continued to speak, emboldened just so slightly at the mention of 'earning his freedom'. Even though he still thought he shouldn't have to earn his freedom, the thought of simply... assisting in gathering resources wasn't the worst way to pay back the so-called debt. Laith felt confidant in his hunting skills, so at the very least he could bring back food to the wolf and any others that were following him down south without too much trouble. That had to be enough, right? He nodded slowly at the behemoth of a wolf, still trying to keep his emotions in check so he didn't push too far and get another set of scars to the face. "No strings attached to my freedom?" He spoke through gritted teeth, tail lashing around at his hind legs. True freedom, where he wouldn't have to look over his shoulder for anyone coming after him, was all that he wanted. And if that's what this wolf was giving him, then he supposed he could play his part, even if it would be as half-assed as he could make it.

Laith didn't immediately take the order to heart, as though tugging at the strings in his mind to see if it would fall apart and reveal some ulterior motive. In Hattori's mind it was both logical and fair, but the lashing of his tail revealed the smaller wolf wasn't too keen. That he would throw the offer on the ground and stomp it into mush, if he had the power and nerve to. He was many things, but undeniably Hattori was an honest man he would not lie, steal or cheat and thus he meant this offer with all the honesty a man could muster. He blinked as he turned slightly, side eying Laith like he wasn't worth all of his focus and attention. "Of course, as long as you play your part sufficiently."