You walk up to the snake, staying just out of striking range, and give him a cheeky smile. "Good morning, Mr. Snake!" You call out in a squeaky voice. "I hate disappoint you, but I'm not actually dumb enough to fall for the old, oh the snake's asleep, I'll just walk right in on by him, y'll have to find your breakfast some place else!"
For a long moment the snake continues to lie still and you almost wonder if you made a mistake. Then a single golden eye opens to gaze on you appraisingly, then another, and his face splits into a grin.
"Mmmmm, pity!" he replies, his voice a sibilant hiss. "You would have made a lovely breakfast!" There was something fascinating and disturbing about his gaze. His tongue flickers out. "Young healthy rodent, nice and clean, you've obviously bathed, I can taste you on the air." You feel your heart sinking as you gaze at that huge maw that so many mice have slid down before. Perhaps this wasn't such a good idea? "So if you're not interested in being my breakfast, why are you talking to me?" he asks, staring disconcertingly, holding your gaze.
