Duskfire Glacier lust

even in this little grotto there was life. the rabbit had a beautiful buttery pelt. lestan thought it would make a fine gift for sakhmet, and set about skinning the animal as carefully as he was able.
his ears lifted, then his fine head. "who's there?" the natigvik wolf asked aloud. he licked blood from his jaws and hoped he would not have to fight. of course he would, even if badly.
his hackles lifted. he snorted and stood taller in the brush.