dream lanterns

Tojo held no dominion over the Ring, it was neutral territory and thus wolves were free to come and go. They sometimes did, but very few wolves ended up pressing this far into the depths of Auster. It was wild and unknown in this region, but there were always signs of life if one took a moment to just look, to pay attention to the world around them. He couldn't say he was overly surprised to see a koi wolf lingering here, having her fill of the ocean's bounties. Directionally wise, it made the most sense for koi wolves to arrive on the east coast of either Boreas or Auster. But he knew that was not always the case, that journeys were not always smooth sailing, as was his.

The koi wolf moved then, seemingly having not noticed him as he lingered at the edge of the ring, moving to take shelter in the shrubs at the centre of the Swallet. For the most part he left strangers be, but koi were...well his kin, in one form or another. Why were they all coming here? What drove them away from the homeland so many held dearly in their hearts? Hattori knew his story, but what of this one? And how would it end?

He stepped closer then, making no move to mask or quieten his steps.

"Hello." He greeted in the deep rumble of their native tongue.