It had taken her a while but Hanako had finally found the right spot for her den; a rocky outcrop that overlooked the beach. It was close to the sea but on higher ground so that it wouldn't flood every time there was a storm or when the tide rolled in. Nature had already done half of the work, providing a strong and stable den foundation but upon further inspection it became clear to Hanako that it still needed some work to make it liveable. The first and most pressing issue was the lack of space. As soon as she'd slipped inside she realised that beyond the entryway there wasn't even enough room for her to turn around, let alone lay down and get comfortable. With a curious tilt of her head she pawed at the wall and the dirt crumbled at her touch, confirming in her mind that with some digging this place would be perfect in no time at all.

Rather awkwardly, Hanako shuffled backwards till she exited the den and shook off her coat, freeing the specks of dirt that clung to her fur. More than anything she wanted to seek out Azure and show off her discovery, but she knew that he was awfully busy these days and if someone saw her being so...friendly with him it'd surely raise a few eyebrows. With a huffy little sigh Hanako plunked her rear on the ground, she knew that he'd stick to his word and help her out with the den whenever he saw fit too. She just had to be patient, that's all.

The raid was intoxicating, terrifying, and the most intense experience of Azure's young life. He'd grown up hearing stories and training for battle, but it wasn't until his opponent landed upon his back and clamped his teeth around the boy's already tattered ear did the reality of it sink in. As far as he was concerned, those enemy wolves were out for blood and didn't care who they hurt or killed in the process. He'd need to work harder, not only on his own skills but to ensure that those who he cared about were able to keep themselves safe too. He sought out Hanako with intention to begin their fight training, though couldn't help but grin as he saw the tip of the dappled girl's tail sticking out of the beginnings of the den. Azure took his time approaching, moving to sit himself away from her on the rocky outcropping and watch quietly as she crawled out from the hole. She shook herself off and sat with her back towards him, and it was then that the prince announced himself and stepped forward. "Impatient, are we?" Azure wore an amused half-smile, his brow raised in question as he peered into the 'den.' "Speech" "Thinking" "You."

Hanako was alone and then she wasn't. She nearly leapt out of her skin as a startled "eeep!" passed her lips. She turned, her ears flicking backwards in a sulky show of annoyance- only for all of the negativity to drain away at the sight of her most favourite Fatalis. She hadn't seen him since before the raid and whilst she'd done her best to keep herself busy she'd be a liar if she claimed that she hadn't missed him.Her gaze roamed over his form, from his sabres to his bearish paws, from what she could see- and much to her heartfelt relief- it appeared as though he'd emerged unscathed. Then following their tradition, she averted her sight as she bowed down, offering him all the respect he deserved and more.

At his question she grew a little sheepish, her smile growing tighter as she glanced away, suddenly very interested in the ocean waves. He'd hit the nail right on the head and they both knew it. He seemed to be in a good mood though, his tone was light and his words sharp with a witty edge. He didn't even need to say it, she could tell that the raid had gone well, at least on his end anyway. His mood was catching and Hanako found herself once again smiling in earnest as she returned the banter, respectfully of course.

"Only a little, Your Highness." She moved to stand behind him, not so close that she was intruding on his personal space or getting in his way, but close enough to enjoy his presence. "Is it okay?" She asked, recalling their prior discussion about her den location. "I didn't want to bother you but...I'd hoped you'd find me."  

Perhaps she was getting a little too comfortable around him, being more forward then she ought to be. If he deemed it inappropriate she'd happily be reminded of her place and take it like a champ, but somewhere, deep in the back of her mind a part of her hoped he wouldn't mind that her facade was slipping just a little.

Azure was finding it easier and easier to relax in the absence of the power struggle, and his wry grin spread as she bowed before him once more. If only he could feel this way about all the wolves in the Armada, life would certainly be much easier. It was just as easy for him to accept her closeness, to ignore any slight that he may be offended by if another pack member attempted it. While Hanako might have been worried that she was being inappropriate, Azure found himself greatly enjoying the fact that someone finally enjoyed him for who he was. "It's not okay, yet." He replied, though towards the den itself and not the location she'd chosen. The boy moved towards the entrance of the hole, squeezing his oversized frame in to take a closer look. With his claws he tested the soil and realized that with his mutation it would not be too difficult to expand. With a grunt Azure pulled himself out, his shoulders catching on the walls and collecting dirt. "I'll work on it tonight." He promised. The furs that he'd collected for her were in the process of being tanned, and he decided he'd not show her them either until the den was ready for them to decorate it's floor. "I'm sorry I've not been around, the raid took longer then expected. Did you meet anyone new while I was gone?" He'd hoped it would all be ready much faster but the Armada needed him in the fight with Aerie. While he'd never admit it, he'd missed her while he was away, too. "Speech" "Thinking" "You."

He'd start working on it tonight? Hanako didn't even try to suppress her smile as her tail began to wag in short, giddy sweeps. It must've seemed like a silly thing to get excited over since it wasn't as though she'd been forced to forced to sleep on the cold, hard floor. In fact, the den she'd been given was perfectly serviceable and did the job well enough, but it just didn't feel right. It wasn't hers. Rather selfishly, she didn't want to just have to make do with someones leftovers. She'd never had to before and whilst she knew she wouldn't receive any special treatment here she couldn't help but cling onto the lingering feeling that she deserved better. Or at least a little bit of favouritism every now and then, of which Azure seemed happy enough to provide.

Hanako wasn't sure why he apologised, it was hardly his fault that he was busy but she appreciated it nonetheless. With every encounter Azure seemed to become a little less distant, as though he was letting down his guard and allowing her closer and closer so she could get to know him like no one else did. It was a tremendous honour, one Hanako wouldn't take for granted.

"It's alright, I managed to keep myself busy." She said, her lips quirking up into a sly little smile. "Mm, a few. I met Mortis on the beach the other day. And I spoke to Sirius about about spying for the Armada, he seemed to approve." Which was to say the role was as good as hers, there were just a few details to iron out is all. She could have explained in more detail but she didn't think he wanted a full day by day report of who she met and where. Though if he asked she'd gladly give them.

Hanako seemed thrilled and Azure allowed himself to share in her enthusiasm. His own tail wagged slowly behind him, his torn ears perking forward to catch the sound of her reply. While he didn't often act it, the prince was still a child himself. Not yet a yearling though that day would be coming soon, he'd never made an attempt at making friends before her. Those outside his family he hardly cared to spend time with, so he found himself wondering whether this infectious feeling was a normal part of meeting someone new or whether or not Hanako was just special.

His joy abruptly caught on her words and Azure's smile faultered for a moment. She'd met his brother? The brother that everyone loved instantly? The brother that as a young pup, Azure had pushed off a cliff? For most of his life Mortis had brought out the jealous part of him and now the boys were competing for the throne one day. Az was used to feeling envious of Mortis' wings and the way that the first born could so easily draw wolves to adore him. Most of his many feelings were rooted in anger and he was not used to feeling sad as he did now. Did she like Mortis more? After all, his winged brother seemed to be the most magnetic of all the Fatalis children. Was he to lose his only friend as fast as he gained her? "My brother." Az named for her softly, in case she had not been told or caught their resemblance. "He's very welcoming, a good one to meet." For a brief moment Azure considered commanding her friendship away from Mortis, though it was merely a desperate grasping at straws. While he'd settle for forced loyalty with others he did not want that for his friend, nor for his brother who deserved the affection of friends.

Azure swallowed then cleared his throat, shifting his gaze off her and away as he thought. "Do you have a companion yet?" He asked, trying to lead the subject away. "Someone to protect you, or to send messages if my father does approve our plan?" Something that could fly, something that was fast, something that could fight or something that was small enough to be unnoticed. It didn't matter what, any partner was better then nothing when you were headed into enemy territory to steal secrets.

Azure wasn't wrong, Mortis had been real friendly and welcoming. Even though things had taken a bit of a dip in the tree house Hanako still really liked the idea of spending more time with him and hoped that the confusion between them had worn off by now. Her opinion hadn't changed, even after she'd had some time to think about it, as far as she was concerned Mortis had gotten all worked up over nothing. Like he was scared of the dark and jumping at shadows. But it didn't really matter for now, did it? Azure hadn't asked for details so in following his lead she was quick to let it go as well.

Hanako's ears perked at his question. She hadn't seen it coming and honestly she wondered what had caused him to go down that line of thought, she hesitated for a long moment before nodding. Toshie kept her company and was even helpful sometimes but not in the ways that Azure described. Just from looks alone it was easy to see that he wasn't much of a fighter and he couldn't even speak so it wasn't as if he'd be helpful as a messenger either. He was fairly small and pretty quick on his paws, not to mention that... Well, he wasn't exactly a sneaky sort of animal, so who in their right mind would suspect a creature as fluffy and as oblivious as him to be up to no good? No one, that's who. But beyond all that, Hanako had a sinking feeling that he'd want very little to do with her missions. After all, why would he want to spy when he could sleep?

"Mm, I have Toshie, a raccoon dog,  but he's not the most...helpful. I might need another one." Her smile was sheepish, even if she didn't really mind his quirks. It was all part of his charm and she'd very quickly become fond of her little tanuki friend.

Her gaze wandered to the horizon again, watching as the gulls hovered on the ocean breeze and her smile grew wistful. She often wondered how one was supposed to go about gaining a bird companion but she liked the thought of having a friend in the sky.

It was unexpected for her to so easily answer that another companion may be necessary, and Azure found himself offering her a small smile once more. It was odd how in such small ways she differed from other slaves - though neither of them had outwardly said the word - almost as if her keepers were selling her as a prize rather then a servant. She had no difficulty accepting gifts nor being spoiled, it was almost as if it was something she'd expected and enjoyed. More and more he found himself curious about her past life, though now did not seem the right time to prod. "There's a festival going on a few territories away, they'll likely have a few creatures for sale. Did you want to come along with me? We may find something you think Toshie could get along with." He'd latched on the idea instantly, desperate to find something to offer Hanako to prove he was a better friend then his brother. An invitation to a party, a familiar she could choose and raise, a den of her own, hides to warm her bed, more and more Azure was breaking his routine and going against his own expectations for himself simply to see her happy. It was an odd feeling, but not one he was willing to let go quite yet. "Speech" "Thinking" "You."

Hanako's mouth popped open in a surprised little o. Try as she might she just couldn't imagine Azure at a festival, moving amongst the heaving crowds and enjoying the atmosphere or the hustle and bustle. Surely as prince it would all be rather beneath him, or at the very least not worthy of his time. But it seemed as though she was wrong and she didn't know him as well as she'd thought, or rather-and this made her heart skip a beat- he was willing to push all of that aside just to spend time with her. Azure posed it as a question and not an order this time, but the result was still the same because come on, why on earth would she deny him? Her tail began to wag in fast, excitable sweeps as she stepped closer with a bounce in her steps.

"Yes!" She exclaimed, perhaps a little too eagerly. And then as if she suddenly remembered her manners she cleared her throat and spoke again with a more appropriate tone and volume.  "I would like that very much, Your Highness."

She was pretty sure he wouldn't mind, after all could he really blame her for being excited to spend even more time with him? Perhaps she was nudging things in a wrong direction, speaking out of turn and place when really all she needed to do was serve him dutifully. To her credit though she was only so bold because he seemed to tolerate it, like it even, if at any moment he demanded a change in her behaviour she would bow to his will without hesitation. Maybe that wasn't the right foundation for...whatever their relationship could be called, but Hanako was very happy as things were. Besides, as long Azure was content and his wishes fulfilled then who was she to complain? She wanted his attention for as long as he'd give it to her, hopefully he'd keep being so generous from here on out.

"I've never been to a festival before, I'm sure there'll be a lot I can learn." She said, with a casual flick of her tail. Which was her way of saying regardless of how much fun there was to be had she'd take it as a chance to have a nose around for some info too.

Her energy was infectious and Azure found his tail wagging along with her. "We'll probably be leaving in a couple days, I'll come get you when it's time." The anxiety over her encounter with Mortis was lessening, though he found his thoughts moving back to his brother too often for his liking. He needed to know what had happened, as much as he didn't want to ask. Azure laid himself down on the ground in front of her 'den', motioning with his head and patting his oversized paw on the dirt for her to join him. Closeness was not something he offered nor asked for, though it seemed more appropriate when asking a question that was not exactly any of his business. "I'd like to hear more about your time when I was gone." He began, hesitant. "What did you and my brother discuss?" "Speech" "Thinking" "You."

Hanako thrummed with excitement as she nodded. The petty, impulsive part of her wanted to stomp down a paw and demand they go now, but that thought was so fleeting that it didn't even have time to settle before Hanako shoved it aside with a subtle wrinkle of her nose. Who was she to demand anything from a prince? Sure, it was obvious she'd gained his favour and perhaps even his affection but that didn't mean their dynamic had changed. He was still her superior in every shape and form, surely if she started acting out of turn like some prissy princess it would ruin everything. Like stomping all over an ant hill then wondering where it had gone. Besides, two days wasn't even that long she was sure she could rein in her excitement till then, she'd just have to keep herself busy in the meanwhile.

Hanako didn't need to be told twice. She laid down beside him in her natural, go to position: with her back legs tucked in whilst she extended her front ones. Her tail curled around the side, covering her pink and black paw pads. She'd only just settled in and gotten comfortable when Azure posed her a question she didn't expect. She turned a little, head tipping to the side as she considered his words and wondered where this was coming from. What was it with the Fatalis princes and asking questions that seemingly came from no where?

"It was just small talk, mostly. He told me about the history of the Ashen Empire and that led him to asking about my past." She sniffed at that, remembering how he'd gotten all worked up other nothing. "I told him about my Keepers and he just...I'm not sure, took it really badly? He was so serious, insisting that I was a slave." She stressed the word, her offence crystal clear. "And then after a bit he just let it go and things were okay again."

Whilst she was rather fond of the winged Fatalis there was no point in saying so aloud, she didn't want to dangle it in front of Azure's nose like bait. There was enough of a rivalry between the brothers as it was, she didn't want to add more fuel to the flames.

Azure frowned, the distaste for his brother's words clear. Hanako too seemed offended, though the prince assumed her reason was entirely different then his own. Had his winged brother been preaching freedom to the wolf Azure had so desperately trying to keep reined in? He couldn't allow her to get the idea that she might be able to leave of her own free will, especially not when the cost to leave the Armada was a battle with the Warlord himself. There was no doubt in his mind that his father would win that challenge a hundred times over, though he did not know what that defeat might do to his obedient and sweet little captive. His mutated paw moved to lay atop her small one as he spoke, trying to sound comforting and apologetic on his brother's behalf. "He's a soft one." He assured her. "Worries for everyone around him, he's overreacting." More and more he wondered exactly what Mortis' words were. Had he explained that his father would not let her Keepers reclaim her? If she asked him, Azure wasn't sure if he'd have it in him to lie to her. He was just as possessive and unwilling to let her go as Sirius was with his wolves and if it was up to Az the Keepers would never see her again. "Speech" "Thinking" "You."

Though Hanako hadn't yet worked up the nerve to seek comfort from the Fatalis, it seemed as though he was more than happy to provide. Without prompting, he placed a paw atop of hers, overshadowing it easily with his bearish mutation. Her brows show up in surprise and her cheeks flushed a little hot at his touch, but despite the vast difference in size she couldn't help but feel as though it was a heavy but comforting weight. Strong and imposing but in a safe sort of way, like he'd never even dream of using his strength against her. She stared down at their paws, his dark brown mixing with her fiery orange, and quickly decided she liked this and that if Azure wanted to do it again then he was more than welcome to.

Hanako had to agree with him on all fronts. She knew that Mortis meant well and that his softness was a strength and not a weakness, but in this case at least his caring nature had gotten the better of him. Now that she was thinking about it Hanako idly wondered if he would ever try to bring it up again or whether he'd seen the error of his ways. Selfishly she hoped he wouldn't, it had really killed the mood and the fact that Hanako couldn't just forget about it...Well, maybe his words had gotten to her more than she'd first anticipated. It was all very silly and over dramatic of course but what if- Hanako wiggled her toes in a playful jest.

"I thought so too. Means well but doesn't really understand." Not like she thought Azure did. "But he seems nice, maybe too nice to be king." She admitted thoughtfully and not at all intending it as an insult.

Az felt her toes wiggle beneath his own and his head cocked slightly to the side in curiosity. It was so rarely that he offered another a non-combative touch that it still felt mostly foreign to him and he couldn't help but wonder what was expected of him in return. Instead he said nothing and let his paw remain, clearing his throat to speak once more. "Maybe." He echoed softly. If she thought Mortis was too nice to be a king, would she think that he was too cruel to be one? Was there some weird balance necessary to rule, and could Az attain it? After a quiet moment he moved to stand, his giant paw patting softly upon her own before it was placed back upon the ground. "I'll stay here and work on the den. You should head back to the guest dens, eat something, get some rest." He needed to be alone to think, to absorb the feelings that were threatening to crush him. More than anything he needed to go find Mort. "Speech" "Thinking" "You."

Hanako was a little sad to see him get up, but she knew he had a lot on his plate and it was hardly her place to make him stay. No matter how much she wanted him to. Rising to her paws, Hanako nodded at his words. If anything she should be grateful, that he wanted to get to sorting out her den as quickly as possible. He just had so much care and compassion to offer her, even when dismissing her he did it for her own good, and knowing that softened the sting a little. She remained a moment longer, dipping her head low in a respectful bow, before brushing her side along his in a polite, but much more touchy-feely farewell. A little bold of her, for sure, but he'd laid his paw atop of hers! Hadn't she earned it? Well Hanako certainly thought so as she left, heading towards the centre of the plains.

exit