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"

Hattori was quiet in his consideration, appreciating that Artorias stated his intentions with notable precision. He did not take offence to the request, Tojo-kai had been raided before and no doubt they would sought out again at some point. The report he'd received on the raid of Hemlock was not unexpected, his children still had much to learn and frankly, this would be a good chance to test their mettle once more. Perhaps they would be better suited to fighting in territory they were familiar with. If not, Hattori would have to put his foot down, but that was a thought he would persue if need be.

Either way, whilst the Lord of Cinder, did not phrase it as a debt to be paid, Hattori felt in part he ought to pay his dues. He was a prideful man above all else, and even then it had been quite a while since he had put his own skills to the test. Loathe be the thought he was getting rusty in his old age.

"Very well." Came his curt response as he stowed away the thought. "It had been some time since we have last been raided and could do with the practice. You have my word none of your kin shall be harmed."

Tojo-kai did not engage in trade, but they did have guests from time to time, he saw no reason not to offer some degree of hospitality. Least of all because the Hallowed wolves were tolerable enough.

"After the raid I shall host a dinner here at the Bay," Hattori decided, quite matter of fact.

Hattori was pensive and austere as ever, remaining in quiet contemplation while they discussed the premise of a practice raid. Artorias had no reason to believe that the Kaicho would deny his request and sure enough Hattori amicably accepted the proposal. A practice raid would be fought between the two Austral packs within the season. Hattori’s offer to host dinner afterwards for the two packs was a pleasant surprise, and the Lord of Cinder was quick to reply to the generosity with an easy smile and a polite nod to his peer. "Thats very hospitable of you, Hattori. We’d be delighted to accept." A roguish smile split the azure wolf’s lips with a chuckle. "I'll make sure my wolves earn that meal."

Rising to his paws, Artorias shook out his coat and took one more look across the expansive bay, scoping out the terrain. He knew the bamboo grove was sacred to Hattori and his family, and while it was tempting to infiltrate the tall grass, he didn’t want to step on his fellow alpha’s toes. "We’ll be around before spring is out," he informed the koi wolf, a small cryptic warning to keep his "opponent" on his toes. "Thank you for your time, Kaicho. I look forward to seeing you on the battlefield again." With a final bow to his host, Artorias turned and headed for home. There were preparations to be made.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"