fancy some matcha?

Hattori said nothing and just listened, the taut lines of his face smoothing out as he considered the merit of each approach. It was tempting to lash out and seek revenge, to prove a point long before the cinders of vengeance had burned out, but Hattori had never been a man to make rash decisions based on emotion alone. There was far too much at stake and though Ashen was as strong as it had ever been Fireside had set a precedent on that day; they would not go down easily without a fight. One they were not guaranteed to win.

Ashen had little infrastructure in place to tend to livestock, favouring hunting and fishing as a means of keeping the stores full, but with winter approaching perhaps it would be prudent to looking into other methods of smoothing out the supply chain. Arguably, the less they had to venture out into the winter wilds, the better, as who knew how bad the following season would get. Just because Ashen had plenty for now did not mean this would last forever, it was always wise to put several contingency plans in place, just in case.

And yet, his mind wandered to the children and how they would be yearlings in a couple of seasons. Perhaps a practice raid would help solidify their skills and set in stone all that Hattori and their family had taught them. Training could only take them so far, so how else would they improve if not applying their skills in real combat situations? Hattori was familiar enough with the Hallows and their warriors, perhaps it was time to hold their end of the bargain and be on the receiving end of a mock-raid.

"We have an arrangement with the Hallows," Hattori told him, unsure if he was aware of the situation since leadership had changed paws ever since Resin's passing. "In exchange for our mock raid, they are invited to return the favour whenever they see fit. It would be a good lesson in defence and perhaps a chance to see if the children are ready to fight outside of Ashen." He paused to take a sip of tea, always thinking, squeezing ideas for all they were worth.

"I have also considered Habari a potential target. In theory, they are part of the Empire but we have had little overall contact with Recluse and her people. Supposedly, the pack was formed to be a source of intel, but nothing of interest has been passed on thus far." Her silence spoke volumes, after all more than a year had passed and she had done nothing of note. Except give birth and raise her children, something any woman with even a shred of capability was able to accomplish. Doing the bare minimum was not something to celebrate. "Perhaps it would be worthwhile to remind them of their place, give them a reason to strive to be better."

Not outright with words but he imagined a mock-raid would drive the message home clear enough. After all, no one liked to lose.