Redhawk Caldera Once upon a time

Wildfire's pronunciation of the word "pawprints" could not have been more adorable, and the corners of Elwood's eyes wrinkled jovially as he smiled down at her. "Yes, pawprints," he confirmed, enunciating the word a bit more than before so that she could hear the syllables and consonants. As soon as he did, she opened her mouth -- but instead of more verbalizations, a yawn escaped.

"Okay, now it's really time to head back," he said softly, reaching out to nudge the pup, who had fallen into a sitting position. Before she could protest, he added, "I'll take you on another adventure soon, I promise." He then took a step towards home, watching Wildfire to make sure that she would follow him.