The snake hung from the boy’s mouth, limply swaying with each step he took. It was a dark green, the scales on its side white. The yearling didn’t exactly know what kind of snake it was, but it didn’t matter- he knew it was common. He had seen snakes like it before, but had never been able to catch one. They were odd. They were too quick and thin. He carried it proudly, a smug grin placed on his lips. It was his first (successful) attempt at killing a serpent. It was rubbery and odd feeling in his mouth, but he was determined to eat it. He had killed the darn thing. He deserved at least a bit of meat from it, right?
He had been walking for two days- nearly nonstop. Travelling came so naturally to him, particularly when it came to climbing the mountain. It was physically draining, but rewarding. He knew he was getting stronger. Moving so much made him hungry, jolting his attention back to his meal. He didn’t consider the taste. He hadn’t considered the texture much either, but it was bothersome. He tried his best to ignore it, keeping his tongue off the slimy underbelly. How could a creature be so rough and soft at the same time? It was wrong. He carried it a few more steps, stopped, then spat it out.
He considered his options for a few seconds. Should he eat it? It didn’t seem so appealing anymore, now that the accomplishment was wearing off. He didn’t like the way it felt, but what was he going to do- just leave it here? He pawed at it like a child, wincing when he felt the scales against his paw.