Ren carefully reached toward the bubbling cauldron, wincing against the intense heat radiating from the iron, and swiftly plucked the fallen wooden serving spoon from the thick, dark broth by its very tip. She grabbed her leather waterskin and splashed a generous amount of cool water over the handle to wash off the sticky gravy.
Once it was clean, Ren plunged the spoon back in, scooping up a massive, generous serving of the rich elk and root vegetable stew. The cubed meat was practically falling apart, nestled perfectly against the tender orange carrots and thick potatoes. She poured it into one of her many wooden bowls, the steam billowing up in a fragrant, savory cloud.
Ren stepped forward and offered the bowl to the elder tiger.
"Here," Ren said, her voice dripping with professional hospitality. "Be careful. It is extremely hot."
