It had been brought to the Aegis' attention that several of his young children had encounters with a certain koi wolf from the neighboring ninja pack. For as long as he could remember, Tojo-kai had kept to themselves hidden away in their bamboo home, content to be left to their own devices, and the Hallows had accepted their desires to remain isolated. But now with the Kaicho making his presence around Auster more prominent and his interactions with his children, Artorias felt compelled to at least address the matter at hand—that matter being his fellow alpha aiding and treating his wayward pups well, if not amicably. His discussions with Talyssa around the koi male's history had gotten the obsidian and sapphire wolf to reconsider his stance with Hattori; he had never held any animosity towards the elder wolf, but neither did he feel a need to go out of his way to try and make friends with someone who preferred to be left alone. There was no denying that when Tojo-kai had been founded on the southern continent it had raised some tensions, especially with Chimera's pack so close as well, but time was shifting the dynamic of the world, it seemed.

Perhaps Talyssa was right and now was the time for extending bridges.

Armed only with a leather bag filled with Hallows wines and a satchel of surplus herbs from their greenhouse and gardens, Artorias made his way south from Hearthstone to the edges of the tall bastion of bamboo. Though no wolves could be seen, the scents of the pack hung heavy around the perimeter of the tall rigid grasses. Artorias stopped and sat on his haunches at the edge of the border, sharp amber eyes surveying the dense field of bamboo. How on earth did the Tojo-kai wolves navigate such a place on a daily basis? Keeping his mind on the mission, the Aegis tipped his muzzle skyward and released a soft call for the Kaicho. Then he waited with bated breath to see if Hattori would emerge or remain secluded in his isolation.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

One big happy family

Artorias has two ravens named Corbin and Eira and a fox named Argent. Assume they are within calling distance at all times.
As his mate, Briar may enter Artorias' threads unless marked Private.
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Hattori's ears tipped as he heard a call weave through the strands of bamboo, easily penetrating the depths of his home with a polite call for his attention. He wondered who it could be as he meandered through the pathways and corridors with ease, not even needing to pay heed to the markers and little lanterns that guided those who might find themselves a little turned around. There was a comfort in the familiarity of this place, a sense of home Hattori hadn't found anywhere else, territory aside he could see why wolves got attached to their pack lands, how the scenery could reflect the nature of the pack itself. Hattori soon found himself close to the edge of the bamboo, where thinner sprouts grew at an alarming rate, joining and adding to the fortresses walls. The bamboo in Ashen had never grown as well as it did here, because it was something in the soil?

Stood respectfully just outside of his borders was Artorias, a wolf he had not expected to venture this far south.

The Kaicho stepped up and nodded in greeting, head dipping, ears remaining straight as his gaze dropped for a moment, before rising once more. Though the pair did not know one another on a personal level, Hattori had always respected the man since his showing in the Ashen verses The Hallows friendly raid. He had fought well that day and had the makings of a capable leader, a role he was well suited to, it seems. Not only that, but he had come baring gifts, goods no doubt crafted and made within the Hallows borders themselves.

"Hello Artorias." He greeted, somewhat stiffly. He'd been using the common tongue a little more lately, so it wasn't his inexperience of language. Rather, he was a little unsure of how to go about this. Visitors of his rank were few and far between, understandably. "Is the Hallows well?" It felt like the right question to ask, though he suspected if things were not good he would not be the first wolf Artorias would come to if seeking help. And understandably too.

The Aegis was not kept waiting long before the Kaicho appeared from the thicket of bamboo to greet him respectfully. Artorias stood out of respect for his fellow alpha, dipping his head in turn. "Good day to you, Hattori," he replied to the koi-marked wolf, his tones easy and casual, yet reverent. He did not know much of Hatter's culture, but he did know enough to recall that mutual respect between peers and leaders played a large role in it. The elder male asked about the Hallows and Artorias smiled; an easy way to the Aegis' heart was through care for his wolves. "The Hallows is doing well indeed, thanks for asking. I hope Tojo-kai is having the same good fortune that we are." Artorias took pause long enough to slip the satchel off from around his neck and set the hefty bag down gently on the grass between them with a subtle clinking of the glass bottles within. He remembered that Hattori was not one to mince words nor care for small talk, so he would not torture the man with menial socializing.

"I won't take too much of your time. I just came to thank you personally." Artorias was not sure if any of his children had offered their names up to Hattori when he had encountered them or not, but he figured he should explain for clarity's sake regardless. "It seems you've met two of my daughters recently, and both times you protected them from harm. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate your selflessness in keeping my children safe, but I figured these might be a good start." A chuckle rumbled in the black and blue wolf's chest as he slid the satchel over towards Hattori, allowing the other dire wolf to peek inside. "It's not your usual sake, but our wines are something my pack is very proud of producing. And some herbs from our gardens for your healers to make use of." None of Tojo-kai's members had ever sought out medical aid from the Hallows, so Artorias could only assume they were doing fine when it came to healthcare, but the offered sentiment was still the same.

Artorias gave a soft chuckle and added in, "You've left quite an impression on one of my girls. She's fascinated by you, and I think she might try to interrogate you sometime in the future, so I suppose I'll go ahead and apologize in advance for her inquisitiveness. I think she intends to try and get us to all be friends." He was certain Talyssa's curiosities with the Kaicho were purely well intentioned. That girl didn't have a mean bone in her body, after all. Still, best to prepare the introverted wolf for what might be an inevitable interaction in his future.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

One big happy family

Artorias has two ravens named Corbin and Eira and a fox named Argent. Assume they are within calling distance at all times.
As his mate, Briar may enter Artorias' threads unless marked Private.
____________________

Artorias had a good head on his shoulders and made haste in pushing things along, though not before confirming all was well. The Aegis brought up his children, specifically two of his daughters, the Kaicho was quick to understand the visitor's intentions here. A show of gratitude, along with material offerings to go along with it. Taking a moment to recall the girls he thought they were pleasant enough, better behaved than his own when they were at that age. Hattori was a lot of things but he was agreeable for the most part, preferred to do things his own way and be left alone with his kin, but would mingle and socialise if and when need be. It wasn't a life that suited everyone, but he liked it well enough and they'd made no enemies by merely existing. As far as he could tell.

"It was no problem." But a part of him, smushed deep down by stubbornness and emotional constipation recognised the gratitude of a loving father. A man who wanted nothing but for his children to live well and be safe. As far as Hattori was concerned nothing was owed between them, he hadn't done it with the intention of holding it above the Hallow's heads, like a blade ready to fall. But his gratitude was fair and acceptable, earnest and from the heart. Hattori silver glowing gaze flickered down to the Hallowed offers and be nodded, accepting them. For the most part he did not like handouts, saw it as unneeded charity, but on the other paw refusing a gift was also seen as rude in his culture. So it felt natural to accept.

"Thank you, this is appreciated." Admittedly he was a bit of a light weight when it came to drinking, it was why he didn't dabble much but he would give this a try. To be polite if nothing else. "If she comes this way she shall not be harmed." Which could be said for most visitors really, even the most annoying of wolves rarely got a rise out of him. Hattori was the sort to push his frustrations deep and just...not really do anything with them. Not healthy in the long run but it was all he knew, toxic masculinity and all that jazz. "I will see if one of the yearlings would like to meet her, they are always eager to talk." He mused aloud, thinking she might find it more agreeable to speak with someone closer to her age.

So far, so good. When Artorias had set out to Tojo-kai, he wasn't certain what sort of reception he'd receive, given the pack's proclivity towards isolation. Hattori had been amicable and surprisingly easy to speak to. Though it was mostly formal, the Aegis never felt uncomfortable or put off by their interaction. It was merely the way the austere Kaicho chose to conduct himself and his relations; there was nothing wrong with that. Hattori was cordial and polite, quick to catch on to the reason for his arrival and accepted his gratitude with a bit of nonchalance towards his heroic actions. Well, whether Hattori felt it was a big deal or not, Artorias was appreciative. The alternatives—well, he didn't like to dwell on those thoughts. His children were bold and daring, but he did fear that their recklessness would one day endanger their lives. He just prayed they all maintained a small measure of good judgement and kept good friends close to them.

Hattori accepted the small tokens of thanks with grace and relieved Artorias to know he wouldn't feel the need to impress the offerings upon his fellow alpha. When mentioning Talyssa's interest in the koi wolf, he was again relieved to find no signs of annoyance or repulsion in his peer. On the contrary, Hattori promised that she would be treated well should she find her way to the ninja clan. That surprised but also pleased the Aegis. His curious daughter would be delighted to hear the news that her interrogation would not only be expected, it would be welcomed! "I appreciate that, thank you," he replied with a gracious bow of his head. Then another thought crossed his mind, something his daughter had mentioned to him in their conversation. "I also want you to know that despite our connection to Ashen, neither the Hallows nor my family hold any ill will towards you, Hanzō. You and your wolves are welcome in our lands like anybody else. I know you are entirely self-sufficient, but if you ever need help—sanctuary or medical aid—we're here for you and your pack." Artorias thought about what Hattori had said to Talyssa. How his presence would not be welcomed. He could understand where Hattori's feelings for that had come from, but it was untrue, and Art wanted to make sure the Kaicho knew he wasn't entirely alone down here in Auster. The Hallows would entreat with Tojo-kai exactly the same as they did with everyone else—minus the bloody pirates and Medusa's rabble, that was.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

One big happy family

Artorias has two ravens named Corbin and Eira and a fox named Argent. Assume they are within calling distance at all times.
As his mate, Briar may enter Artorias' threads unless marked Private.
____________________

Hattori knew Artorias was a reasonable man, passionate and loyal to his own, all respectable traits really. The Kaicho was not the sort to step out of his comfort zone and seek others out, but the Aegis' efforts were appreciated all the same, his words sunk deep and though he was well aware of the fact Ashen did not view him or his own favourably, it was good to know no one would be attempting-and no doubt fail- to burn down the bamboo anytime soon. He nodded again, yet another sombre show of appreciation as, they both looked out for their own and did what they had to in order to get by. It wasn't difficult for the pair to come to an understanding, not when they were cut from the same cloth, just different ends.

It was now apparent that he had perhaps misjudged the situation when he'd uttered those words to the little Hallowed pup. He was not so proud to refuse to be wrong, most of the time anyway, stubbornness willing. A thought then occurred to him, not quite a trade or exchange, but an opportunity he thought might serve them both well.

"I do appreciate it and your efforts today." He said, which was a rather round about way of acknowledging the Aegis' generosity, it did not need to be said out loud that he was a good man, they both knew it. "Is there anything I can assist you with in the meanwhile?" Aside from making sure his children aren't eaten, but that was a given really.

This meeting had gone much smoother than Artorias had initially anticipated it might. He never suspected Hattori to be an aggressive or hostile sort of wolf towards him for any reason, but the friendly cordiality he had received was a pleasant surprise when he had half expected his call might go unanswered by the reclusive pack. His conversation and interaction with Hattori had been nothing but pleasant so far, and already the Aegis was hoping for more pleasant interactions between himself and the koi wolf, as well as between the Hallows and Tojo-kai. Of course, he would respect the pack’s desires for privacy and solitude, but knowing that one had another friend nearby was always a boon in this uncertain world.

Hattori thanked him for his efforts today, which while a strange way of phrasing it, Artorias was able to read the subtext and understand his fellow alpha’s meaning. The sapphire and onyx brute shook his head and replied, "No, you’ve been more than gracious with me today. I won’t keep you from your wolves any more than I already have." Dipping his head in gratitude to the koi wolf with respect. "Thank you for your time, Hattori. I look forward to our next meeting. And please know that the Hallows is always open to you and your people." With a smile, Artorias rose to his paws and turned to make his way back home, pleased and satisfied with his interactions with Hattori today. It felt like some bridges were starting to be built that hadn't been considered before.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

One big happy family

Artorias has two ravens named Corbin and Eira and a fox named Argent. Assume they are within calling distance at all times.
As his mate, Briar may enter Artorias' threads unless marked Private.
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