Swiftcurrent Creek from out of the smoke

it was not dainty in any manner, but hosannah was eager to get the mouse in to her gut. she did not drop it or tear in to it as one might a rabbit (there wasn't enough meat on the creature for that), nor did she try to clean the creature before consuming it. with the rodent between her teeth, she simply began to chew. the bones of the body were easily broken, while the head and part of the vertebrae hung from her molars and dripped with blood. when only the head remained, hosannah dropped it to her feet, finally, and then bowed her head to set her front teeth upon it. the skull gave a sickening little pop with enough pressure, and she tasted the sweet warmth of the tissue within. 

when she raised her head from this morbid display, she ran her tongue across her lips; the stranger was speaking, and briefly hosannah let her eyes stray to the stranger, studying them. her own heart still raced from the thrill of the chase, and she wondered if perhaps the two of them could find something bigger together. there were no herds here, and the mouse had been a moment of spontaneous fortune; but she looked to the stranger now and levied a far more kind gaze — an unspoken question hanging in there in her eyes.

you are quick. she commented lightly, as if appraising a fine horse for a race. she watched the stranger expectantly and then turned to survey the area around them both, and caught sight once more of the creek. are you quicker than a fish?