Grey skies and a darker ocean. The sea breeze was cold, brought in from distance shores well beyond the reach of a wolf's eyes. And yet Hattori found himself staring out to sea, wondered what it was like back in his homeland. That if he set out today, how long would it take to reach those familiar shores? He was sure that was where his cousin had wandered off to, koi-wolves felt the call of home more than most- even Hattori himself was not immune.

He turned then, ears twitching at the sound of paws padding against the sand. Hattori recognised her footfalls, even with the sea breeze denying him her scent he knew who was there before he even laid eyes on her pallid form. So like her grandmother and yet so different.

"Hinata" He greeted, voice just loud enough to push through the wind.

Auster's weather had been rather...unpleasant this season. But it did make for some interesting views along the coast. She just had to be careful to keep a certain distance from the water. She had seen when the waves got too rough, breaking against the shore and the rocks here and there and dragging in whatever they could grab. Bringing debris and smashing things against sand and rocks. She shuddered to think what might happen should the ocean take hold of one of them... Making her way toward the shore, the winds were strong and biting as they had been for most of the season so far. Pale blue gaze lifted to find her father's looming figure in the near distance, his voice carrying her name to her. "Good day, Father." She responded in turn as she closed the distance between them. She briefly turned her gaze toward the ocean, ears slightly laid back against the biting wind as it tugged at her fur. "Out for a walk?" She knew her father to be more of a private man, much the same as she was. Hinata

"Mmm,"He confirmed with a low grunt, not minding her company in the least. Not that he would ever say as much, stoicism ought to be his middle name. "In time I intend to claim another territory," he began, thinking it would be wise to pick her mind on this matter. See what she thought. "Which land would you choose and why?"

It would of course take much work before they got to the point of acquiring a forth territory, but it was indeed something he was starting to consider. As his children started to come of age he knew his family would grow and thus Tojo too. They would need more resources and though they were by all means flourishing now, he knew how quickly things could change. That peace never lasted forever.

He confirmed her question with a grunt. Classic of him, really. She would've done the same with a silent nod, of course. Her ears perked at his mention of wanting to claim another territory in due time, an idea she knew would happen sooner or later what with the family growing. In time, she was sure she would have to partake in continuing their line...but so far with her reclusive nature, she didn't know when that would happen. Then he begged the question. Which land would she choose, and why.

She sat down to think about it, pale blue gaze watching the rough waters as it ebbed and flowed against the shores. The question was one to really think about. She almost had a mind for the territory that had the stones...but then what if the pack on the other side decided to expand near there, and they were right up against them just like they already were with the latest pack? The Dragon's blood grove trees was too arid. Too bare. She didn't see the appeal nor the usefulness of that territory...nor did she see the appeal in the land near the Ancient Oaks. Taking a deep breath, she turned her gaze further toward the coast. "I think...Swallet Ring. It's the last territory on the edge of Auster, away from other packs that might decide to settle close...again... It has plenty of hunting opportunity. It's within our element, and could serve as a secure location that could be well guarded against intruders since there is only one way in and one way out. No doubt we are the best swimmers in these lands, so we'd have the advantage."

Granted, they had the bamboo to hide within if necessary...but should someone decide to burn it down one day, the swallet ring was the next best option in her mind.

"Speech"

Hattori listened in attentive silence, ears flicked forward as he took in her words, well-thought-out even though he had sprung the question on her without preamble. As things stood, they had all they could ever need, but Hattori knew that their numbers would grow in time and with that more bellies to feed. The ocean and its bounty could more than provide and even on top of that, it was quiet scenic here. Hattori had always enjoyed view, how the wide open space felt full of both sky and sea.

Dragon's Blood Grove was certainly a spectacle, but what use was desolate scrubland? They could hardly farm on it and very little prey passed through. Brimstone Lake was easily written off too and the sheer open space of the Runestones went against Hattori's preferences. It felt like the natural choice, though he did approve of Hinata's efforts to walk through her reasoning, a short response simply wouldn't have been enough.

"I agree." He finally said with a nod, side eying the girl. She reminded him so much of his Mother, in part he was glad some of her lived on through her grandchildren. Wolves she would never meet. "I see no need to rush for it now, we are enough." He was quiet then, contemplative. The waves rolled back and forward, white tendrils of foam dragged down the beach, fighting a force that could not be withstood.

"In time you will marry. What are your preferences?" Because Hattori was not a monster, but he was getting older.