Rosewater Oasis Sol

they slip into shadows as otters slip into stream; their steps measured and silent. 

grunts of their future prey filter through the peaceful noise of the woods. soto sees his brother’s gleaming eyes, tall ears — all communicating his mark. 

he swings from the brush at a gorilla’s hulking run, the distraction — his fangs hook on the fat of the pig’s mouth while his sinewy body dances just out of reach of the tusk’s revenge. 

a squeal of anger bursts from the boar. he rounds his thick shoulders and belligerent skull, lowers his head, and charges straight for soto.