The azure and obsidian form of the dire wolf strode leisurely across the lush spring grasses of southern Auster approaching the little inlet bay at the southernmost point of the continent. Artorias had not been to this place in a few years, but he had many a fond memory of the bay, its soft golden sands and its tranquil waters. The warm spring breeze wafted in from the coast, rippling through Artorias' thick fur as he approached the border of Tojo-kai, coming to a stop just before the obvious scent markers that denoted Hattori's lands. It had been quite some time since he and the Kaicho had interacted beyond simple conversation and pleasantries, but today that all ended.

Artorias recalled the raid Hattori had led on the Hallows back when he'd been the emperor consort of Ashen, back when he'd been little more than a starry-eyed yearling. Time had passed, and now that starry-eyed yearling had grown and was ready to test his mettle against the enigmatic koi wolf once more. Issuing a summoning howl requesting Hattori's presence, Art sat on his haunches at the border, waiting for his fellow alpha to appear so he could give him a friendly heads up as a courtesy; the same courtesy Ashen had shown the Hallows years prior.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"

It had been a long time since Hattori had last seen Artorias. Now that he thought about it, a meeting was well overdue and thus moved quickly to heed the Lord's call. No doubt it would be a friendly enough social call, something Hattori didn't particularly enjoy, but he was willing enough to go through the motions. Even took the time to speak to each and every wayward loner that wandered too far south, his reception was never overly warm or welcoming, but he did not think himself unfair. Transitioning from the Bamboo to the open space of the bay, the dark pelted wolf was easy enough to spot, standing just beyond the border at a polite distance.

Hattori had never been the best at gauging tone or mood, but from what little he could gather nothing was of great concern or urgency. The castle still stood resolute as ever and their lands hadn't burned to cinders. Time had changed the Carpathian as it did with all wolves, though he lacked the thorough frosting of white hairs along his muzzle that Hattori had, he was clearly no longer the young man he used to be. Older, wiser. Time was the best teacher after all.

"What brings you here?"Hattori asked in greeting, though not before offering a polite nod as he came to stand before his equal.

It isn't long after his call that Artorias is able to spot the dark koi-marked form of Hattori emerging from the bamboo forest, headed his way. Artorias regards the Kaicho with a polite smile and a reverent bow of his head. Hattori was lord of these lands and showing respect to those in authority and elders were a big part of Tojo's culture, the little of it he did know. Artorias hadn't seen Hattori since the alphas' summit a year ago, but now he could see age was creeping up on the elder wolf. Salt white marred the dark fur on the other male's muzzle, a few more wrinkles noticed around his eyes and brow. Hattori looked more like a wise sage than a warrior king, but Art knew better than to think the older wolf was anything but dangerous still.

Never one to mince words, Hattori asks what brought the Carpathian wolf to Tojo-kai. Art didn't consider it brusque or rude; this simply was who Hattori was and always had been. An acquired taste, but not a bitter one. "Professional courtesy," replied the azure wolf with a wry smile. "The Hallows has begun running practice raids to make sure we're strong enough to defend another claimed land. I thought it was high time I repaid you for the last time we met on the battlefield." Although Artorias had not fought Hattori directly in the raid years past, they had both been aware of one another, and Artorias had not forgotten the loss the Hallows had endured against Hattori's generalship. "You were kind enough to inform us when you led Ashen on a practice campaign against us. Consider this me repaying that favor. The Hallows will be visiting Tojo-kai before the season is out. All strictly friendly, no permanent harm or damage intended. I'd like your wolves to put us through our paces, make us work for a win."

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"