Heron Lake Plateau and rut them 'gainst the forest floor

As the pup turned briefly to face Elwood, the injured bird took the opportunity to try to get out of reach. Over Svalinn's shoulder, Elwood watched as it moved beneath a bit of shrubbery, using the prickly leaves as a barrier between itself and the two wolves. The boy's initial hesitation about the older male eased and was replaced by an eager hopefulness as he suggested that Elwood "get burd" -- a request that was all too welcome.

He bobbed his head. "I can help," he confirmed, even as he straightened and began to stride towards the bushes. He peered down through the tangle of branches and the songbird hopped in the opposite direction with a series of annoyed sounds. Lowering himself onto his stomach, he reached in with a long foreleg, his paw swiping towards the bird. He ignored the pinches and pokes of thorns, and the bird's protests grew louder, until it finally popped out the other side of the bush.

"Go get it," Elwood instructed to Svalinn as he withdrew, wincing when a particularly sharp edge brushed against the top of his paw. He kept an eye on the pup as he antagonized the bird for a short while longer, until it finally managed to make an escape.