guillotine & a razorblade

The visitor was quick on his paws to adapt, to size up Hattori and see him for the man he was, with all but his darkest secrets laid bare for everyone to see. If the Shogun was displeased by the loner's presence he would have long since made it known, in essence the man was safe as long as he continued to act accordingly. And that he did, the man went onto list off the wares available as Hattori listened with varying levels of interest. He himself had very little use for slaves nor did he view the trade in a positive light, after all if a pack needed to stuff its roster with slaves to keep it full then what did that say of their capability? Those who remained on Chimera's island were there by the Empresses' grace, the moment she changed her mind Hattori would cast them into the sea himself. Her will would be done.

Still, the other goods on sale were of interest to the Shogun, even if his expression did not say as much. After all, he knew of his wife's fondness for material goods and the likelihood of finding something she liked there was high. He paused for a moment, wondering how much he could expend on this venture. Without being boastful, Ashen's coffers were as full as they'd ever been, stuffed to the brim with spoils of war, crafts inspired by his homeland and various other goods offered by Ashen's subjects. It wasn't a matter of whether they could afford this, they could, but did Hattori deem it worthwhile?

The dark stranger went on to dangle the prospect of entertainment in front of his nose to sweeten the deal and Hattori's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. A quiet echo of a frown. He had far better things to do than engage in such lowbrow and barbaric affairs and he cared not to share the company of those who did. Regardless, his mind was made up. He saw no harm


"I shall be there." He decided with such a finality it sounded as though he'd go regardless of whether he was welcome or not. "Is there a limited guest list?" After all, he would not deny any other Ashen resident if they wished to attend too.