Grouse Thicket [m] fear the lioness, paint her face black and golden

his blood’s hot with anticipation that does not bear fruit. the dog flees — soto turns around in a wide arc, proud tail bobbing over his muscular haunch. 

but his lover in the woods seems put off. her expressions changed from lustful to singed with something else; he sends his gaze over her curiously, measuring for any sign of receptivity. 

he understands none of what she spoke, but her body language and unusual salutation  — that was a universal tongue easily deciphered. his tail flags but he closes his grinning muzzle, head low as he sees her out. 

a shame; his appetite has only just been roused — but he did not pursue.