Is it spring yet?

Hanako's tail wagged again, pleased that he'd accepted her explanation. If he'd pressed for more she would have happily given it to him, but as things stood it just didn't feel necessary. After all, she knew that if he wanted to know more he'd ask. Instead he went onto say that the woods weren't safe, that it wouldn't be right to leave a lady like her wandering all alone and her ears tilted back, worried by the thought. She'd been on her own for a little while and hadn't yet run into trouble thus far, but how long would her luck last? Of course, it didn't occur to her that wolves could pose a threat to her safety but the same couldn't be said for other forms of wildlife. Bears and cats would happily sink their teeth and claws into her if given the chance, she'd learned that the hard way.

More than that, he went onto order- not request- that she return to the Armada with him. Blinded by naivety she couldn't help but think that it was a very generous offer, that he was going out of his way to offer her a helping paw. If she hadn't already been fond of Azure than that certainly did the trick.

"Oh! That's so generous, Your Highness, I would truly be in your debt. " As if she already wasn't.

He was right. When Azure turned Hanako followed, lingering behind at a respectful distance. With a name like the Ashen Armada she wasn't surprised to learn that it was a pack with stringent rules. Perhaps if she had been a more rebellious sort it would have bothered her, but as things stood Hanako took it in stride and thought little of it. The Keepers had all laid down all sorts of rules for her to follow, so she didn't imagine that it would be much different here. Oh how little she knew.

"Of course." She nodded, all solemn and serious, yet oblivious to the weight of her words.  "I'll do whatever you ask of me."

Not that she'd thought he'd ask much. As far as she was concerned this would be yet another palace visit, somewhere with luxuries and comforts to indulge in. And just as Azure had said, when her Keepers were ready they'd come collect her and then perhaps try to come to some sort of arrangement... Oh but she was getting ahead of herself.