we come together

The rain was torrential, filling Hattori's ears with a constant rush that near drowned out his other senses. The mud was slick and saturated beneath his paws, puddles forming along the stretches of cobbled stone as Auster settled comfortably into the midst of winter. There was little shelter here in the wide open space of The God's Garden, but a cursory glance-or rather a squint through the grey rain-revealed a cedar forest to the east that would provide cover should they need it.  Staying here was not exactly ideal, given the proximity to the Hallows and their territory, but given how far his band had travelled, Hattori sensed it was time to rest. To gather resources in preparation for not only travelling even further south, but for the tribulations that would take place once they claimed the Bamboo Maze as their own.

Focusing on the goal that was still a way out of reach, Hattori stood atop a crumbling stone wall and tipped his head back to call out for his band, the deep timber of his voice dulled by the constant downpour. They had not travelled as a single unit and instead had branched off, scouting and cultivating a sense of independence. He trusted them all-besides from Laith who was being escorted by Yaeume- and knew it was only a matter of time they till arrived on scene. And thus he waited.

The northern tip of Auster had two packs on either side, creating a narrow funnel for travellers to squeeze through. Perhaps it could be argued Hattori was being inconsiderate for settling-temporarily, mind you - so close to the Hallows, but it wasn't as if he had much choice. Though he made a valiant effort to act as though it did not bother him, the stump of where his toe had once been throbbed incessantly, till the point he realised he probably needed to have it looked at. Just in case.

But that was a matter to deal with later.