Round two

It isn't long after his call that Artorias is able to spot the dark koi-marked form of Hattori emerging from the bamboo forest, headed his way. Artorias regards the Kaicho with a polite smile and a reverent bow of his head. Hattori was lord of these lands and showing respect to those in authority and elders were a big part of Tojo's culture, the little of it he did know. Artorias hadn't seen Hattori since the alphas' summit a year ago, but now he could see age was creeping up on the elder wolf. Salt white marred the dark fur on the other male's muzzle, a few more wrinkles noticed around his eyes and brow. Hattori looked more like a wise sage than a warrior king, but Art knew better than to think the older wolf was anything but dangerous still.

Never one to mince words, Hattori asks what brought the Carpathian wolf to Tojo-kai. Art didn't consider it brusque or rude; this simply was who Hattori was and always had been. An acquired taste, but not a bitter one. "Professional courtesy," replied the azure wolf with a wry smile. "The Hallows has begun running practice raids to make sure we're strong enough to defend another claimed land. I thought it was high time I repaid you for the last time we met on the battlefield." Although Artorias had not fought Hattori directly in the raid years past, they had both been aware of one another, and Artorias had not forgotten the loss the Hallows had endured against Hattori's generalship. "You were kind enough to inform us when you led Ashen on a practice campaign against us. Consider this me repaying that favor. The Hallows will be visiting Tojo-kai before the season is out. All strictly friendly, no permanent harm or damage intended. I'd like your wolves to put us through our paces, make us work for a win."

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"