The smell of sulphur drew Hattori in and as he stood at the border it reminded him of home. From what he'd gathered Ashen regarded The Hallow's with lukewarm indifference but that didn't seem to be an issue since he imagined that they probably felt the same way. Not every pack had to be buddy buddy with one another, sometimes quiet acknowledge was enough to live in harmony, it seemed to be working for everyone so far so the shinobi saw no reason to change things. He'd heard that the leader of this pack was a reasonable woman and he'd approached their border with a fair request, but just in case-and to be extra polite- he'd brought along an offering of sorts. He'd never been the sort to enjoy idle chewing but he knew that many a wolf enjoyed eating hooves, something about the taste of texture. It seemed like a reasonable enough gift, casual and not presumptuous, as to to imply they were incapable of filling their own larders.

Dropping the little sack by his paws, Hattori tipped his head back and let out a long and rumbling call, a polite and wolfish approximation of knocking on the front door.

Work never ended, but today the giant woman was going to take a break. Especially after her run in with the hyenas that had left one of her number dead and torn to shreds. It had left her wounded as well. The battle had irritated her previously injured shoulder and soaking in the hot springs was just what she needed. It was a rather chill day, a herald of the oncoming winter that was just around the corner. Resin had pushed the children off on Tamsyn for the time being and had gone to soak in solitude. There were others scattered around the springs, but the willow branch fences that they'd erected in between the various pools gave a great deal of privacy. Settled in one of the larger, deeper pools, the giantess settled back against the stone edge. There was a perfect little dip that cradled her skull so that she wouldn't float away from her place. A sigh of relaxation ghosted past blackened lips. The warm, sulfurous water was doing its job wondrously. Already she could feel the clenched muscles in her injured shoulder loosening. She would have been content to stay there for some time if it hadn't been for the howl that summoned her. Resin rested there for a moment longer, willing one of her wolves to answer the call, but in the end she pulled herself from the water, trails of steaming vapor rising off of her ashen pelt. She didn't bother shaking the clinging water away. The woman simply moved in the direction of the call. She didn't plan on being absent from the water for long. Wide, black-toed paws carried the maned woman through the woods surrounding the springs. In time she came to a wolf that looked oddly familiar, yet very different. He was large; of dire size. There were horns atop his skull but she didn't spare them a second glance. In this place, they weren't entirely uncommon. His coloring was what had caught her interest. Orange, peach and red spatterings of color across a dark backdrop. Orange, peach and red like Hanako. The one-eyed dame came to a stop before the young man and she gave her skull the barest of nods. "I am Resin, Aegis of The Hallows. What do you require?" Her tones were gravelly and low, the product of damaged vocal cords. Tamsyn said it lent to her charm, but you couldn't entirely trust the word of someone that loved you unconditionally. Obsidian ears flicked forward as the ash and onyx woman waited for the visitor to state his purpose. "Speech"

The Shinobi waited, calm and still as the moments ticked by.  Whilst he was in no rush he couldn't help but wonder what sort of wolf decided to lead such a pack, that question was soon answered. The wolf that now stood before Hattori was tall and dark, with a no nonsense, straight to the point air as she introduced herself. The Aegis was not a title he'd heard before but he easily inferred the meaning as he dipped his head in greeting. Like any wolf his gaze was drawn to her right eye, or lack there of, but despite his staring habit he didn't tend to focus on individual features. Only the whole.

"Greetings. I am Hattori, Shinobi and Right hand of Ashen." He introduced himself without fanfare or preamble. Technically his new role had been a promotion but he'd never cared to brag or show off. Instead he cut to the case. " I do not wish to impose, however, I heard you have hot springs within your territory. I was wondering whether it would be possible for me to gain access to them. I have some horse hoof clippings if a price must be paid. " He pushed the sack forward."They are considered a treat by some, I believe."

There. He'd made his point with genuine, if not stiff honesty and the ball was in Resin's court. If she denied him then it would be a shame but he would leave it at that, her word was rule around here and he had no interest in kicking up drama just because he was forbidden from having a soak.

The man introduced himself as Hattori of Ashen. She could smell the Ashen scent upon him so she knew his words to be true. He continued, asking entry so that he might utilize the healing springs. In addition, he'd brought an offering to pay his way. Though she wouldn't stick the hooves in her own mouth, she thought that the pups might enjoy chewing on them. The woman dipped her head lightly and turned her attention to the side, seeking a familiar shape or two in the foliage. A moment later one of her two jackals came forward, took the bag between its teeth, and disappeared back into the trees. With a pull of her skull, the woman motioned for him to follow. Her body was cold by now, all the heat of the water having run away with the chill of autumn. Water still dripped from her periodically, however. She was ready to get back into the spring and was glad that this order of business had gone quickly, smoothly, and without much ado. Silence was an easy thing for the one-eyed fae. If the man wished to make conversation, she would follow suit as necessary, but until then, she would enjoy the quiet. Trees soon gave way to the open expanse of land that housed the bubbling springs. The little wooden fences between each pool gave it a strange, slightly ethereal feel. The steaming water helped to obscure any that already bathed within the various springs. With one wide paw, she motioned the man forward. "Soak for as long as you wish. This large pool is the warmest while the one on the far left seems to be the coolest." Ever a kind hostess, she gave him the layout of the temperatures. It wasn't considered poor etiquette to soak together, so if he wished to submerge himself within the hottest spring alongside her, he could do so. The ample space of the spring would keep it from being awkward. Peeling herself from the man, Resin slid into the steaming water again. It was almost painfully hot against her cold, damn flesh, but she made no complaints. In time, her body would adjust to its heat again. "Speech"

Hattori watched with lukewarm interest as a jackal emerged from the from the tree line and scooped up his offering. And that was that, Resin offered him no empty pleasantries or small tall, she simply gestured for him to follow and he did. He trailed after her in silence, maintaining a respectful distance as she led the lay through her territory. It was quite unlike anything he'd seen, somehow both orderly yet chaotic at the same time. The ground they strode upon was littered with criss-crossing trails of small paw prints and though there were no puppies in sight he could hear their distant hustle and bustle. No doubt indulging in a bit of puppy mischief. But that was fine, he didn't judge them for having children scurrying about the place, Ashen was about the same right now and he wasn't the sort to throw stones in glass houses.

Instead he focused on the architecture, as they ventured through the territory the pair passed various dens and storerooms formed from clay, as well as the fences that lined the edge of the pools. From what he'd heard this pack was fairly new, so the fact that they'd managed to shape the Hallow's as well as they had in such a short period of time was not lost on the Shinobi. They had done well, he would give them that.

He waited for Resin to step in first, she was the host after all and it felt impolite to rush ahead as though he owned the place. He nodded at her words of advice, taking heed as the eyed the two pools and made his choice. Hattori pulled in a deep breath as the smell of sulphur roiled in the back of his throat. His nose wrinkled but he stepped forward nonetheless less, scaling down the little edge as he waded down into the water It was hot, uncomfortably so at first but Hattori knew he would adjust to it soon enough. He settled on a little step a s he folded himself down so that his belly brushed against the bottom, with only his muzzle and top half of his head poking out of the water. Another wolf may have attempt to make small talk but Hattori knew better, hot springs were a place of relaxation, not of idle chatter

But still he felt inclined to make one last show of appreciation and thus he turned and nodded at her, casting ripples that spread out across the waters surface. What a quiet pair they were.

Sinking into the water made her realize how cold she'd been, but her body adjusted quickly and began soaking up that warmth once more. She instantly felt the pain in her shoulder and leg lessen. Whether it was the warmth itself or some magical quality in the water, she didn't know. Nor did she care. All that she knew was that it worked. For someone as battle born and as old as she was, the springs were a blessing. No doubt she would feel the pain all winter long. The gentle splash of water brought the ashen fae's eye open. She watched as the orange and red spattered man submerged himself within the same steaming pool as she did. This was fine with her. Not that she felt she had to, but she could keep an eye on the visitor this way. Though they were not allies, there was a familiarity between herself and Ashen. Resin knew that the man wouldn't cause any trouble. And if he did, well... he would learn that The Hallows wasn't filled with just healers. Hattori gave her a nod of thanks and the black and grey woman gave a nod in return. She was more than content to sit in silence. The far off roar of the falls was naught but mumbling background noise and was soothing to the Aegis. She closed that lone eye once more, settling her skull in the little dip of the edge. If he needed anything, Hattori could speak. Otherwise, she was content to remain as they were. "Speech"

Time passed in comfortable silence. Resin's presence was soon forgotten, or at least pushed to the back of his mind, as he settled and leaned back against the rim of the pool. The water was hot, but not uncomfortably so, and clean as though the wolves of the Hallows were taking measures to keep it that way.  Good, there was nothing worse than bathing in dirty water. It was one of the few things Hattori would cast politeness aside for, just to say that the bath was disgusting and foul and so on so forth. But all was well and despite himself it was easy for Hattori to relax and take it all in, to cast his mind back to happier times, when things were quite as complex.

But all good things must come to an end. Hattori did not wish to overstay his welcome and he was a firm believer in too much of a good thing. He rose to his paws and he climbed out of the pool, water dripping from his belly as he pulled in a lungful of fresh air. He turned to Resin once more, they were not allies but he felt as though it would be prudent to extend an offer nonetheless. Even if only to see what she made of it. But first he wished to understand the situation wholly, to know where all stood in the equation.

"You are allies with the Armada yes?"

Warmth soaked into the woman and she slowly drifted off mentally. Her mind wandered, disconnecting from the duties and responsibilities of alpha for the time being. This was a moment for herself, mostly. Hattori sat across from her, but he was forgotten for now. Thankfully, he was as silent as she and his presence faded away with everything else. For a time they sat in silence, but eventually one of them had to move. Hattori broke the silence first. Resin's golden orb opened as the spotted man questioned her about her alliance with the Armada. "Yes. I see them as family. Why do you ask?" The scarred brow above her missing eye raised as she asked. What could a member of Ashen do with such information? "Speech"

Hattori rumbled, he already knew it to be true but he wished to hear it with his ears all the same. He did not respond right away and rather took a moment to think about his approach, he would make no demands nor did he feel the need to. It was a simple offer an exchange of sorts, clean and clear with both sides with something to gain. If Resin approved that is. But she'd been fairly agreeable thus far and as long as he was honest with his intentions he didn't think she would deny him.

"The Armada is a strong pack with capable warriors and I believe it is time Ashen becomes the same." He explained, only to pause as his gaze wandered to the edges of the Springs, where they trees were at their thickest. The borders were out of sight but he could still smell them." My warriors are due a test and I noticed that your borders are thoroughly marked and patrolled, perhaps you are looking to do the same? I wish to arrange a mock-raid between our packs. "

The reasoning behind the mans questioning soon came to light. He complimented the Armada for their tenacity and went on to express his wishes that Ashen become just as strong. Hattori suggested a mock raid between his pack and The Hallows. Was he in a position to make such an offer? He was not alpha of Ashen, but if the leader of said pack had given him the power to extend such an invitation... A low rumble sounded in the woman's chest as she contemplated the man's suggestion. She had warriors of course. Able bodied ones at that. It would serve them well to have things shaken up a bit. Keep them on their toes. Not only that, but perhaps it would strengthen ties between The Hallows and Ashen. In the end it was beneficial for both parties. "I could agree to a practice raid. You initiate, we'll defend." The woman's scarred brow arched again. "Since the raid is indeed for practice and the advancement of skills and experience, would you agree that alpha's should sit out?" She questioned. They would need to come to terms before an agreement was made fully. "Additionally," she spoke again. "The Hallows will be moving come spring. I'm relocating the pack to a castle in Auster." If he wished to make the journey with his wolves, she would be willing to take part in this mock raid. "Speech"

Hattori listened and her terms were fair. In initiating the raid it would give his warriors a chance to take the incentive, to grow accustomed to travelling long distances before the action began. Her reasons to want to defend were her own and Hattori did not think to question them, if she was agreeing to his suggestion it was only fair that he play along. There was one thing that she brought up that gave Hattori to pause, his brows furrowing. Attacking a castle would no doubt serve more of a challenge than a normal pack territory, there was a lot Hattori could teach them if given the chance.

"The raid should take place when you have moved then, I would like to see how they fare attacking a fortified location. The Empress shall remain behind but I will lead the attack. I want to see how they perform and give them directions if need be." Though if she protested he supposed he would be willing to let someone else lead the charge. As for the goal of the raid they needed something worth fighting for, something on the line to make it count. "Do you have a resource we could claim, give our fighters something to focus on? "

She could agree to him leading his own warriors into battle. If this was indeed an exercise to whip them into shape, then he would need to be there to offer guidance. "Don't be surprised if you face my children." Children, yes. Warriors still. She knew that Artorias and Rudyard would jump at the chance to participate in a raid. Both wished to heighten their skills and protect their home. She would have Ulric lead the charge. Terms had been laid out, but not finalized. "There is to be no maiming or lasting injuries from either party." In a formal raid things might be different, but in one such as this where both sides were aware of the attack and defense, it wasn't necessary. Any who broke this rule would meet her teeth whether it was her side or Hattori's. The horned man asked after resources and the ashen woman thought about it for a moment. "Having newly relocated, we'll most likely have few resources other than food and herbs." She knew that Luta had quite a bit of a store saved up. Plus with what they had left over from Meadow... "Food, herbs, a hunt on our lands." Those were the options. "Speech"