bury the light

What sort of help could a woman like her need? It was true that she was a little younger than him, just on the cusp of adulthood, but it seemed as though she already had her affairs in order. Or at the very least she certainty acted as though she did. It was a convincing show nonetheless and Hattori found himself somewhat impressed by her decisiveness and her ability to think fast on her paws. By then he'd already assumed that she was of noble birth but it was quickly becoming apparent that she wasn't just a pretty face content to hide in another's shadow. She belonged on centre stage and she wanted his help to stay there. It was a story he'd heard before, a tale as old as time, since empires and kingdoms very rarely underwent change without a bit of turmoil. She needed all the strength and muscle she could muster, to smooth things over and remind her underlings and rivals of their place. It wasn't a job typically suited for a shinobi but that wasn't enough of a reason for him to turn her down.

He was quiet for a long moment, considering his next words as his ears tipped forward to listen to the breeze rustling the willow branches. This seemed as secluded as a spot as any, if they were to come to an arrangement he would need to be forthcoming with her as well. Upon realising that she was seeking out his gaze he looked to her once more, the cold intensity cutting through the shade like daggers. To serve or not to serve? It wasn't a hard question to answer,

"I am Hattori, shinboi of the Iga clan." Regardless of his injuries he bowed then, low and polite since he now knew he was in the presence of an Empress. Even then he never broke eye contact, holding her gaze without blinking. "If you require my services to strengthen the foundations of your Empire then consider it yours. But know this, I serve you and only you till the terms of our contract are fulfilled. If you require anything of me you need only ask."