Redhawk Caldera Once upon a time

It was Wildfire that emerged from the den, slipping past Peregrine and eagerly trotting towards her uncle. Elwood flashed a grin at his friend and Alpha, then shifted his attention to the little dhole. She kissed him on the chin, an unexpected but welcome greeting, and then before he could return the sentiment, she had whirled and was darting back into the burrow.

She wasn't gone for long, but the few seconds were enough for Elwood to tilt his head curiously. Soon enough, she reappeared, this time holding an object in her tiny jaws. As soon as she skidded to a halt in front of Elwood, she deposited the thing at his feet and he leaned down to examine it. It appeared to be a hoof, and it was indented all over with teeth marks.

"Wow, look at that!" he exclaimed, as though she had brought him the eighth wonder of the world. He pawed at it gently, watching as its rounded surface rocked on the ground before laying still. "Is it tasty?" he asked, looking up at Wildfire to see what sort of reaction his question would get.