On Safari: Famine
It takes all kinds of creatures to maintain homeostasis in a stable ecosystem. On the savannah, the laboceros and the goldenbeast have achieved an uneasy tolerance.
Despite limited resources, the denizens of the plains have managed to carve out their own niche, and peace is maintained.
Usually.
The laboceros is a pacifist. A grazing vegetarian, she trusts in her bulk, as opposed to her ferocity, to save her.
It has been a long and dry summer on the savannah. As the lingering days of summer shorten into the arid, barren autumn, the Goldenbeast finds his normal prey of small beasties in short supply.
From the shadows of the golden sunset, he waits. And considers.
Hungry and lean, he makes his decision.
The prey animal has a keen survival instinct. What is this she senses skulking in the bush?
Caught red handed! The Goldenbeast has to think quickly. Walk away, or attack?
Just a nibble? he asks hopefully.
Or how about an ear? You’ll barely miss it. She is uncowed.
Perhaps a mighty roar will strike terror into her heart, paralyzing the laboceros so he can messily devour her.
She responds in kind. The Goldenbeast will have to go hungry today, it seems.
Both memories and grudges are short-lived on the savannah, fortunately. Having forgiven the Goldenbeast for his transgression, the Laboceros and the Beast are soon friends again. At least until the next mealtime.
