Othello
A Beautiful Letdown

As I stepped back onto the land of the Woodland Farm, flashbacks all rushed to my mind. Images of when I used to roam here, with my two friends. I sighed, remembering it all. I had that same scar that ran down along the side of my head and to my muzzle. It was from a human that had used a knife against me. Stupid dirtbag... I hate two-leggeds like that.

I slowed easily as I came to the house, looking around daintily. I released a few loud barks, calling for Cookie mostly, or another friend, or even the lady or a stranger. Whoever it was, I could care less.

I settled down on my haunches, right upon the top step of the porch.
"Cookie?" I called out uneasily, auds swiveling and pricked. I was dying to speak to an old friend again.

OTHELLO
Border Collie
Female I am a slightly darker hue of tan on a base color of pure white. My head, back, shoulders, sides, and my tail are tan. I have a large white area on my forehead and between my ears that runs down to my nose, completely covering the top and half of the sides of my muzzle. My eyes are very dark brown and often appear clear, like when looking through a glass of root beer(you can see through it). I have a very thick pelt which doesn't make me appear huge, but I am of a reasonable size. My legs are long and slender, allowing me to run for long distances without tiring very easily. I am very quick, agile, and skilled when it comes to fighting.

The dark haired girl had been standing in the yard, staring out around her, leaning on that plain staff. The crimson beads that trimmed her many waist-length braids clicked as she turned to see an approaching canine: one with a horrible scar, made by a knife, she could tell. Versed in all weaponry, she knew a knife slash when she saw it. She wasn't much for people, but animals were okay, and so she spoke softly to the girl, not moving. Ah, come to visit, are you? Not many around, right now, I dare say. Tell me what got you there, lady? Some kaq try to tear out your eye, no doubt. Worthless lumps have no value for life. And she shook her head softly, causing those blood-red beads to clack again softly, her chocolately eyes peering out of the cafe-au-lait face to watch the dog intently. What are you looking for?

I looked in one particular direction and my eyes fell on a human right then. At that moment, the hairs along my back were standing on end, but finding as she meant no harm, they eased back down. But she was still a stranger to me and a stranger was, of course, a straner. Someone you didn't know. Someone you probably couldn't trust. I stood my ground, though, and stared hard at her. I knew it meant nothing to a human to be stared at by a canine.

A sigh eased from my doggish lips as I continued to watch her, immedietly sensing an easy-going atmosphere. Good. That was all I needed. I took a step nearer to her, taking her form in, as well as her unique scent. Since when was any two humans alike? I smiled to myself and wagged my tail lightly, not sure if I should approach or not. Nah, I would leave that part to her.

I let out a loud bark to her, auds pricked. I couldn't understand her, but I could still tell that, by her voice, she meant nothing that had to do with guns or knives or poles or sticks. I was glad of that. Most of the humans around here were kind; there were always those select few that chose to be different, even if they stood alone.

I tilted my dial, studdying her in a curious manner. Who was she? I wish I could speak with her; it'de help a great deal. Though I knew I couldn't, and that itself was the downfall. I was completely at ease now, slowly sitting on my sleek haunches again to watch her with gleaming brown orbs, waiting for her next movement.

The girl let a slow, soft smile fall over her face and knelt slowly down to Othello's level, holding out a hand to be sniffed and inspected still speaking softly. There now, kit. I am Freyati fa Yorenfali, daughter of Kwaibe'en and Bouksha, Clan Bloodshed, Freya to almo... and she faded. She had been about to say "everyone I know", but she knew no one. She perked up quicky though, smiling softly again. Who might you be, daughter of Earth and Sun?

I couldn't understand this human. Why was she speaking to me? Didn't she know animals couldn't understand two-leggeds? I was baffled, wondering why she would continue to talk in that weird foreign tongue that no other creatures could speak. I sighed, realizing right then and there that I was as alone as I could be when it came to humans. My auds planed out to the sides as I stared at her, hard, observing her. She gave me a strange feeling that I couldn't seem to take in. It made me a bit uneasy, but I knew I would get used to it.

"Hello?" I barked out, wondering if I could simply give it a try. I knew for a fact that she couldn't understand me, and I was close to being embarressed for doing that; trying to interact with a human through language. Hah. Others would think I'm crazy. Maybe I am. But whatever; I've dealt with my problems all my life.

I gave a speechless bark to her once more, my tail having subsided it's wagging. I was motionless now, waiting to see what she would do. Did she really think I could hear her words, if she was even saying anything at all?

The dark-haired girl smiled again as Othello barked at her, still speaking softly. She knew very well that the dog couldn't understand her, but also knew a soft voice could soothe anxieties. Quite the talker, eh? Too bad I can't speak like you, kit. I would like to know what you have to say. Well, here. Moving slowly, she opened her cloak, revealing a sturdy belt weighed down by several leather purses. Opening the leftmost pouch, she dug out a cube of dried venison that was part of her standard-issue survival kit. These kits were part of the standard equipment carried by all traders. Laying her bronze palm flat, she offered the little cube to the canine, still speaking softly. I'll bet my last kiraq that you are fond of venison, eh? How about it, kit? Seasoned and dried it myself. Tastes like heaven on earth. What say you? And she remained perfectly still, waiting for Othello to make up her mind.

I continued to stare at the girl; so strange! We obviously couldn't understand each other, yet she still seemed to have her mind set on chatting. Oh well. Maybe it was something humans just did, but I don't see why they would.

I eyed the food she had in her hand. It was foreign, I knew that, but smelled awfully good! I sniffed and walked toward her slowly, searching for any aggressive signs from her form. Once I reached the meat, I took in it's scent with the hardest breaths I could manage before taking hold of it and chewing. It tasted wonderful; it was something I had never had before in my life. I wondered what it was. Must be some kind of a wild animal. I was used to the regular dog kibbles. This was interesting.

Once I swallowed the food, I looked up at her, sitting on my haunches once more. I was expantant for something, not meat, yet something else... I myself didn't know what I was doing, so instead of just sitting there, I inched closer and licked at her hand.

She never twitched as Othello approached, though she watched intently as the girl approached. She smiled softly again as her hand was licked, speaking soft. Ah, you like that, don't you? Sweet thing, you are. And she moved her hand slowly down toward the female's chest. She knew from experience not to head toward the ears: when they didn't know you, this would scare dogs because they couldn't see where your hand was going. Moving ever slowly, giving her a chance to move back if she wanted to, she reached her hand to gently scratch in that patch of chest fur.

I simply stood there, my auds pricked in curiousity. I wished I could take in her words. I sighed in a content way; her voice was soft and soothing to my auds. As the human began to slowly move her strange paw down to my chest, I winced just a bit, not completely sure, yet I had instilled my trust within her.

Just as she began scratching my chest fur, and I went straight to enjoying it, I remembered my sister. We would always groom each other. Why, I didn't know. Maybe because it was for something to do, and we were bored. Perhaps because we just did it, or we just loved each other's company. I had to admit, I wouldn't never pass up a chance to spend time with my sister. She was one great canine, and she was out there somewhere... But then, my thoughts drifted back to sweet yet dull reality. I looked up at the girl, panting to show my happiness. I sat back on my haunches after a few more seconds, and arched my back a bit as I was scratched. Ahh...