Quoted By:
<span class="mu-s">“We shouldn't talk about this here.”</span> you said, glancing between Ana and the dog. <span class="mu-s">“Maybe you could run off, and I could chase after you?”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“On a broken foot?”</span> Ana asked, staring down at your uninjured foot.
It was around then that Ben noticed you weren't wearing your boot. He didn't say anything out loud, though.
<span class="mu-i">“If your foot is meant to be broken, then I'm afraid that won't do.”</span> the dog said, his voice sounding a bit old and haggard. He also had an accent that you wanted to call…’Northern English’? You weren't too sure. And, now that you were this close, you noticed that this dog had seen better days. You could feel scar tissue and stiches in certain places as you continued petting him. It was as if he'd gone through multiple wars and somehow lived to tell the tale.
By now, both Ana and Ben were starting to pick up on the fact that you were having a conversation that they weren't a part of.
<span class="mu-s">“Got any better ideas?”</span> you whispered, still faking a smile for your audience.
<span class="mu-i">“I do, in fact. But it all hinges on whether your friends here are any good at improvisation.”</span> the dog said.
You peeked over your shoulder at Ben before turning back to give the dog a flat look.
<span class="mu-s">“I think they can handle it.”</span>
The dog bobbed its head marginally, and after a moment, you interpreted it as a nod.
<span class="mu-i">“Very well. Do I have permission to bite?”</span>
<span class="mu-s">“Bite?”</span> you hissed.
Now Ana definitely looked alarmed.
<span class="mu-i">“Do I have your permission to bite you?”</span> he asked, polite as could be. <span class="mu-i">“If I might be allowed to do so, then these two here can pretend to escort you to safety.”</span>
You frowned at him, but you couldn't think of any better ideas. It looked like you were going home early today.
<span class="mu-s">“Mm. Okay, fine! But make sure you bite <span class="mu-i">this</span> one!”</span> you whispered, offering him your bandaged arm.
The dog sniffed at it, and his eyes widened slightly.
<span class="mu-i">“That's a powerful enchantment, Miss. I'd expect nothing less from the ‘Hunter's Moon’.”</span>
<span class="mu-s">“Just get on with it, already!”</span> you hissed through clenched teeth.
Ana was giving you a searching look by this point, but you didn’t have time for her right now. Instead, you looked to the only person who would understand you in this situation.
You locked eyes with Ben and signed a few words repeatedly.
<span class="mu-s">“Play along, please. Get me out. Friendly dog.”</span>
You did this over and over again until you thought it registered. Then, you gave the dog a private thumbs up and stared up at Ana.
<span class="mu-s">“Let go.”</span> you whispered, as quietly as possible. <span class="mu-s">“Trust me, and don’t hurt him.”</span>
She still looked bewildered, but she did as you said.
(Cont.)
