King Elk Forest the pariah

Saena’s pale coat caught the eye of the hulking black beast, and his pace slowed just slightly so that he could crane his neck to leer at her. She had peculiar markings painted beneath her eyes and soaked to the backs of her ears. Vibrant and cautious blue eyes. She was not repugnant.
 
Skellige turned his attention away from her for a moment and set his gaze ahead of him. Holding his gait for a moment longer, the swarthy beast slowly began to increase his speed. His eyes darted back and forth from the woman who held his lope and the terrain that stretched before him. Without warning, the hulking black creature swerved sharply and slowed his pace to a halt. Breathing deeply through his nose, and now facing the direction of the pale woman, Skellige waited.