bury the light

In most situations the more a person spoke the easier it was for Hattori to get a feel for them, but despite all that was being said she still remained a pretty little mystery. Her offer seemed simple enough at face value, but Hattori knew better than to just brush it off as a simple act of kindness. Everyone wanted something. He respected her candour though, another wolf might have beaten around the bush and made themselves out to be someone they were not, dressed the offer up all neat and proper with a bow on top. But not her, she'd simply tested the waters with an offer just to see what he'd make of it. This was an interesting encounter to say the least and in response Hattori's eyes narrowed just a hint, barely noticeable beneath the shade of the tree.

On principle alone he was far too proud to accept handouts, wounded as he may be he'd never stoop so low. But the tone of her voice and the weight of her words pushed past all of that,  somehow managing to be crystal clear yet frustratingly vague at the same time. He remained silent, focused, as he stood his ground and took it all in. This meeting was starting to feel awfully familiar and despite himself Hattori found himself wondering whether she somehow knew of his true nature or if she was make a very clever but educated guess. He had served lords and ladies like her before and whilst he had no quarrels in doing again so the terms had always been laid out bare for him to see. No mystery or intrigue, just cold hard facts and a price to be paid. It was the shinobi way and he clung tight to it, just as he did with his last name.

Whilst she meandered and weaved her words Hattori cut right to the chase, firm and direct but fair.

"What are your terms?"