Solange

The buck trotted in, feeling confident that no humans would be about. He's never seen or scented them here before. Now he began to look about for a rattle snake.

Solange & *Snake*

It didn't take the buck long to stumble across the evacuating hibernation den of the rattlesnakes. Mincing cautiously forward, he found a youngster. But the little snake fled before him, fearing it'd get trampled. Buzzing rattles sounded up from all around him now, causing the deer to panic. Controlling himself, he found a very large she-serpent.

"Excuse," he began, lowering his head slightly but staying a good four feet back from her, knowing how far and fast they can strike, "I've got a bit of trouble... I was wondering if you could help me?"

The snake hissed, arching her neck up into an 's' and rattling her lengthy rattle. "What business does a deer have with viper?" She was a bit cranky, and for good reason.

Solange swallowed hard, trying to keep his cool and be respectful, "There is a human trapped up at the Canyon. My herd and I are trying to kill him, but we're too big to reach him. We were hoping... maybe you could kill him for us. We'd do anything to repay you." The buck added quickly, desperate for her help.

The snake was about to turn away in disgust, but her interest had been perked by his last sentance. Thinking for a long moment, her rattles quieted and she replied in a more certain tone, "Maybe... yes, maybe it would be good. But you must help me, too. Alright, lean down here and cary me to the Canyon. I'll help you. But remember your promise."

Solange was grateful and quickly dipped his velvetine antlers down. With so many tines pointing this way and that, it was very simple for the rattler to crawl up among the tangled branches of bone and secure herself. Quickly but carefully, the buck headed for the Canyon.