Something about the female was off, something that Hati could not identify. Her yearning eyes flickered between relief, disappointment, and curiosity, never content, always searching for something. Perhaps the only problem was that he was not the one she had hoped would answer her call. But if that was so it was unlikely she would be so ready to accompany him, a stranger, into the woods without so much as a word spoken. The whole thing was confusing as soon as it began, but Hati wasn't one to cause discomfort so he didn't let on that he himself felt awkward.
The stranger only took a few soft steps forward and then stopped, looking at him inquisitively with pretty silver eyes and speaking, hopelessly awaiting a verbal response. No matter how many times the scenario repeated itself over it always sent a pang of annoyance through Hati both towards himself and whichever ignorant acquaintance demanded him to speak. Worse than his absent eye was his inability to say anything. How many unspoken words hammered around inside his head screaming to be made known?
Nothing could be done to make Eek understand he couldn't answer her no matter how much he wanted to. She seemed happy enough though to have his company even without speech, so he wouldn't bother and show her the scar. Most times he revealed the tiny line on his throat he only received pity. He hated pity. He was strong even though he couldn't say so, and didn't need anyone to tell him how unfortunate he was, or to wonder how it was he had acquired such a hindrance.
His displeasure showed itself in his single golden eye before he twisted back towards the forest, tail sweeping around to repeat his previous invitation. He wound between the tall, thin trees as he continued his trek north, now with a companion, had the black female followed. Eek. A strange name to roll around in one's mind but no unpleasant. It fitted oddly with her disposition.
The heavy scent of rabbit mingled heavily with blood exploded in his nostrils, the suddenness of it bringing him to a complete stop. A meal would not be unwelcome though he was not extremely hungry, and it would be proper to share a bit of meat with his new friend (who he heard walking behind him in the silence of his halt), so Hati turned sharply from the path they had taken to hunt down the source of the delicious aroma. Few steps were taken before he saw the tawny beast stretched out beneath a thorny berry bush, sides heaving with every agonized breath, blood seeping from a tear in its chest. Hati tossed a grin back to Eek and then walked forward to retrieve the wounded creature.