Lingering on the fringes of the Maze, a brisk wind rattled the trees. It was rare that it snowed here, but when it did it was beyond beautiful, even if only a faint dusting upon the floor. Would soon melt even with the temperatures as chilly as they were. Hattori found himself enjoying the change of scenery, his thoughts quiet and considerate, in a better mood than he had been in what felt like forever. There was much to do and consider as always, even in his own private corner of Auster the wheels never stopped turning.

Though prey had fled north, their Bay was well enough stocked, as were the rice paddies and stores. It would be lean eating for a time, relying on salted meats, but no one would go hungry, of that he had made certain.


"Hattori Hanzō"

Kina settled beneath the bamboo to watch the falling snow and to think. She had long planned to become a craftswoman and to some degree that was still her ambition but the pack challenge she'd witnessed had set her thinking. Her father seemed indestructible, but that was simply not true. He was a skilled warrior but he could still lose fights. What were to happen if someone challenge for Tojo and won?

Kina had a talent for fighting, it showed at a young age and though she would never see herself on the level of her father she wondered if she was capable of defending the pack, as well as leading it if truly needed. She wanted to be a back up, someone her father and her family could lean on if needed.

Getting to her paws she sought out her father and found him lingering on the edges of the maze. "Otousan, may I speak with you?"