The Heartwood imperfection's glow

Magpie tore away her fill of the rabbit, then tossed the remnants back to the other— a bit regrettably, for the bones and their marrow were some of the best parts, but the older female had caught it and deserved all the choicest bits. She bobbed her head appreciatively, feeling awkward— another spoken "Thank you" would be overkill, and it seemed that her accidental companion wasn't much for talking, anyway. Still, she had to either say something or leave... nothing would be more awkward than standing here breathing after tossing a meal back and forth.

"I'm Magpie," she offered cautiously. "How long have you been out here?" Alone, was the unspoken addition to the question. After the overwhelming scent of blood had released its hold on her senses, the yearling finally realized that the quiet female was similarly unaffiliated.