The morning air was crisp on Eli's flesh as he climbed out of bed. He had rested enough to be able to move around now, but even time hadn't healed the dull ache forming in his chest. He didn't understand why Liam was acting so strangely. They had enemies like Oliver before, but now he actually seemed concerned.
Eli slipped on his shorts and a thick cotton poncho with a nice cozy hood. It was finally winter, and thus Liam was of age and his tribe was preparing for the cold days to come. They had enough food, and their homes were warm enough to keep them from freezing.
He hugged himself tightly, enjoying the cozy warmth of the cotton before putting on his gloves and scarf.
Eli hadn't seen Liam since their discussion in his tent almost a week prior, and none of the other deer seemed pleased with his supposed secret escapades with the predator. Though as Liam had said... none of them hurt him... he was only mocked and looked down on. Luckily that was no big deal for Eli; he could care less what the others thought.
Stepping out into the cold yet bright winter morning, Eli glanced around at the other members of his herd, only receiving glares or scoffs of disgust.
He shrugged it off and walked into the forest, grabbing a loaf of bread from a basket as he did. He knew if Liam did show up he wouldn't eat anything Eli brought... he was a carnivore after all.
His hooves fell lightly against the dying foliage of the forest floor as he headed to the secluded little clearing he and Liam always met in. Pushing through the bushes, disappointment filled him; still no Liam.
Eli just wanted to see him again, but of course, Liam still wasn't back. He sighed in disappointment and sat down in a sunny little spot near the rock Liam typically sat on and began to eat his loaf of bread.
Even the first bite was hard to swallow as tears welled up in his eyes and a lump formed in his throat. By the time he got halfway through he was crying and had to put the food down so he could stop to breathe.
He just wanted Liam to hold him again. He just wanted to feel the warmth of the predator's arms around him. Eli sniffled and sobbed into his mittens, his fluffy ears pressing back in deprivation.
"Are you alright Eli?" A soft male voice asked, cutting through the quiet of the forest and bringing his sobs to a stop.
Eli looked up with concern in his eyes, coming face to face with a rabbit. He was small, like Eli, and white-furred with black spots and speckles. His hair was black and his eyes were an unsettling red color.
He blinked then gave a friendly smile, walking over and plopping down next to Eli. "Oh! Where are my manners... My name is Blanc."
Upon closer inspection, Blanc was covered in scars and even fresh wounds that had been recently stitched shut. Though he seemed unbothered by it.
Eli's brows furrowed and he felt sudden worry for the bunny. Prey were often nice to each other so it wasn't off to talk to a bunny, but this one was in such bad shape. "How do you know my name?"
"My lover told me all about you."
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