For once, it wasn't snowing, though that didn't keep the chill at bay. Branching out in a new direction, Black Hat came across a quaint little creek. Reaching the waters' edge, he peered into the mirror to, unsurprisingly, find himself staring right back. It wasn't often he got to look at himself, else he'd do it all the time. Fur hopelessly ragged and marred eye stained red, he was quite the imposing figure... but handsome nonetheless. He donned his crown from a kingdom past as if it were part of his body, only removable if done so by force and not without a good fight.

But who was a king without his kingdom? Most became nothing, but he was still the fearsome, cunning, resplendent Black Hat. He sought to regain his title not because he'd be nothing without it but because it was the position he deserved. Black Hat was a natural-born leader, and his sudden dethronement left him relapsing from the absence of power. To willingly become a subject again after all the work he put into climbing to the top was simply out of the question.

So absorbed in himself and his self-reflection, the outside world faded into oblivion.

At some point, he noticed the sound of footsteps. Tensing, he turned and was surprised to see Padma standing there.  Better a comrade than anyone else, he supposed. Padma. What are you doing here? Had she followed him all the way here without so much as a "hello"? That'd be a questionable act at best.

He grunted at her innocent facade. Yes, though they normally say 'hello' before trailing behind me for miles, He retorted, though he was more befuddled than anything. Black Hat turned to face her fully. No need to be shy, I won't bite. I was scouting around a bit, getting a better feel for the lay of the land. That and seeing if I'd stumble upon anything useful, He explained, hoping that'd put her at ease. It wouldn't do for his followers to be so distant.

He chuckled at her remark, putting his abnormally large snaggleteeth on display. I said 'I won't', not 'I can't', He pointed out with a mischievous gleam in his good eye. Of course, any animal with a mouth could bite, but that was never the most pertinent question to ask.

Padma inquired if he'd found anything. Other than this creek, no. But now that you're here, perhaps that will change. Black Hat stood. Fancy a hunt? He offered, finding that ample opportunity for the pair to become more acquainted with one another.

"I thought you'd never ask." Black Hat snorted.

Believe it or not, I'm quite the gentleman when I want to be, He retorted.

"Might have a hard time finding something with winter lingering."

Perhaps, but it's worth a shot. Mirroring her, his nose went to the ground and sifted through the scents there. This stream appears to be popular with otters. Ever hunted them before? Because he sure hadn't. He knew they lived by water and were swift swimmers, but that was it.