"No, I was doing some spring cleaning around the cliff and decided to drop the refuse right in front of you."
"Oh."
"...I was being sarcastic."
Being sarcastic was the same thing as joking, I'd learned over the years.
"You're funny, Animus," I said.
His pale cheeks turned a deeper shade. He sat on the overhang, his black cape dragging on the rocks. "J-just eat the food."
"Okay."
My jaw worked as I chewed up the bundle of vegetation. It was easier to eat in hare form, since my teeth were better adapted to it. Halfway through breakfast, I paused.
"Do you want some?" I asked.
Animus waved a hand. "I don't need to eat."
"Are you joking again or being serious?"
"Serious. Unlike you, I'm not a mortal. I can't die of starvation and my body doesn't need nutrients to function."
I swallowed a juicy dandelion head. "Wow. That's interesting.Canyou eat? Or will you get sick if you do?"
"I can eat and I don't experience physical illness."
"Oh!" I examined the leftover pile. Picking up a clover by the stem, I showed it to Animus. "Here."
"You want me to eat this tiny plant," he said slowly.
I nodded.
Sighing, Animus took the clover and popped it in his mouth.
"Does it taste like anything?" I asked.
"It tastes like I ate a leaf."
My whiskers twitched excitedly. "So? It's really good, right?"
He raised a brow at me, then smiled. "Yes, I suppose so."
Animus never asked for another clover so I figured it was okay not to share the rest of my breakfast.
When I was finished, I shifted to human form and watched Animus. He seemed distracted. He stared out into the expanse beyond the cliff's edge, the soaring birds and the steep drop into mist below.
I didn't want to break his concentration, but I had a question.
"Animus," I said.
"Hm?"
"What are we doing now?"
He looked down at me. "We’re waiting."
"For what?"