Predator Conscience

 Saint Roley flies into the ravine.

He's looking for a grass clump, a nest, a sleeping dunnart.

He spots a grass clump, and lands softly nearby.

He creeps up and parts the grass with his beak.

Ah! A cup-shaped nest made of dried grass and leaves.

Empty.

This could be the nest of the dunnart that was eaten by the night heron, says Saint Roley, aloud.

An indeterminate sound arises, from another grass clump.

Sorrow, anguish, discomfort?  

Saint Roley tiptoes over.

Oops! A copperhead!

Ahem, says Saint Roley. I don't mean to bother you. I'm in search of a dunnart.

Dunnarts are rare, says the copperhead.

I know, says Saint Roley. Have you seen one?

Not since yesterday, says the copperhead. There was one asleep in that tussock.

What a shame, says Saint Roley. I was hoping to find one.

That was my hope also, says the copperhead. 

Were you planning to eat it? asks Saint Roley.

Perhaps not, says the copperhead. They are endangered.

At last! A predator with a conscience! says Saint Roley. I'm sure there are other more common prey for you to choose from. 

Skinks everywhere, says the copperhead. But I'm picky. I like frogs. I sometimes take mammals or birds 

That's a joke, right? says Saint Roley.

No, says the copperhead. But your legs are thin, and you look peaky.

I'm tired, says Saint Roley.

Then why waste your time looking for dunnarts? asks the copperhead.

I'm helping a friend out, says Saint Roley. I was in Emu Bay with dear Porntip. We made a nest together, she laid an egg in it. The nest was destroyed. End of baby.

O sniff! says the copperhead. Was it an egg or a baby?

It was an egg, says Saint Roley. But if it had hatched, and grown to maturity, it would have helped me get over the loss of my brother.

A double whammy, says the copperhead.

Saint Roley had not thought of this. A double whammy! So it is.

Who is your friend? asks the copperhead. 

Gaius Plinius Secundus, says Saint Roley. A natural historian. 

I've heard of him, says the copperhead. I'd like to meet him.

He's down by the shore eating an orange, says Saint Roley. 

I'll head down there, says the copperhead.

Okay, says Saint Roley. But best if you don't surprise him. Circle round and approach from the front.

Allow me to know how to approach him, says the copperhead.

Sorry, says Saint Roley. That's me. Overly helpful.

I'm sure you meant well, says the copperhead. Goodbye.

She slithers away, towards Gaius.

Saint Roley continues to look for a dunnart.