[About fifteen minutes later there's Niko at the gate, his duffel bag of museum supplies over his shoulder, but also some meat. By his side? A dog that is high on him but Elle could probably ride if she puts her mind to it. It blinks at her with four eyes, flops its tail against the ground. Then it stands and stalks out, ready to follow Niko as he goes off.]

Wolves like the trees. Maybe because the animals they eat see them coming less. I brought some food- some steak from the oxen.

[And the animals roaming around are truly unusual looking, named for only remote resemblance. They're patient, too, not especially alarmed by their presence. The sheep aren't even bothered by the presence of a tamed hound.]

[He gives her the wrapped meat out of his bag, and scolds his dog for thinking of stealing it.] You are ready to tempt in one? It might take a few times. It turns out they like the skeleton bones, too.