Rough Gem

The Molly Mule walked over the snow and into a sunny clearing on the edge of the prairie. She let out a lonely call, upset that she had to give up her life as a miner's companion. She now had no friends or family, and she was all alone.

Domino

Now here's something you don't see everyday in the world of Sparkling Creek. A tiny rustle of grass left a trail and it seemed nothing was thre. But there was. A little black and white chihuahua. The spunky boy held his head high and tried to see over the grass.
"Damn grass...can't see nothing 'round here." He snarled. Suddenly he heard a call nearby and yelped, calling back. He went in the call's direction and nearly ran into a leg. He sat down and looked up at the towering Mule. "Hullo!" He called.

Rough Gem

Gem looked down at the Chihuahua. "Hi." She replied. "I'm Rough Gem, but you can call me Gem. Who are you?" She waited patiently for his answer.

Domino

Domino shifted so he ouldn't hurt his neck in his position. "I'm Domino." He answered, nodding at her name. He wagged his little tail. "How are you?" He asked, cocking his head.

Rough Gem

Rough Gem continued to watch the dog. "Good day, Domino." She said, lowering her head to his level. Ever since she had left her job at the mine, nobody had asked her how she was doing. "I'm good, I guess..." She replied, wondering why this one was different.

Domino

Domino nodded at her acknowledgement. "You guess? What's wrong?" He inquired, his tail pausing its wagging for a few moments before returning to its rapid actions.

Rough Gem

Gem lifted her head and sighed. "I was once a miner's companion, until his friends said 'no mules allowed!'..." She began, flicking her ears. "He sent me to a ranch, but there I was abused and ran away. I ran away here, and I don't have anything left anymore." She stomped her hoof. "I was a good mule, and they sent me away!" She lowered her head again. "So what's your story?"

Domino

He listned to her story and nodded. He stifled a yelp and jumped back from her hoof, careful not to be hit. "Sorry to hear that. Sounds like you liked it, at least the miner part." Domino shook his head. "My famly moved to the city where no pets were allowed, kinda like you. I was taken to hte nearest pound, here, and ran away. I don't like cages." His ears drooped. Cages made you spiritless. "I am too little to survive alone, I was often mistaken as prey for birds, everywhere I go, and big dogs attack me. Until a wolf and his dog-mate took me into his pack. He offered protection. Shadow-that's his name- is a pretty good leader for me, I'd say at least. I don't get attacked as much becuase I can hide behind him. Forget cowardly." He stuck out his tongue at that. The chihuahua moved back when he thought it was safe and leaned his head back again.

Rough Gem

"Well, it's all behind me now. No more miners or caves or hauling coal from where machines can't go...I sure miss it though." Gem sighed "I remember when my owner found a diamond in the cave...I remember when he first found me. I was the daughter of a horse mare that strayed from her herd and befriended a donkey, my dad. I was born but my mom died shortly after and my miner heard me in the canyon. He brought me into the cave and fed me his sandwich. I didn't care for the meat, but the lettuce was good." She paused and looked around, then looked back at Domino. "Oh. I'm sorry. Am I boring you with all my tales?" She asked, flicking her long ears.

Domino

Domino listened intently. Sandwich? It ddin't sound very farmiliar, and for the thought, neither did diamond. But hey, he's a dog. What can I say?
The Chihuahua shook his head.
"Not at all, but what is a diamond?" He inquired, head cocked to the side. Wow, he realized he must sound a bit stupid, but oh well, brush it off Domino.
"Caves...Even their names sound interesting. I never dared go in one; I don't want to get lost. Easy for little me to do." He sighed lightly, but then wagged his tail again, waiting.

Rough Gem

Gem lifted her head. She was a little confused. Everybody she ever met knew what a diamond was. But she hadn't met many creatures besides a horse, a bunch of people, and Domino. She lowered her head again. "A diamond is like a rock as clear as water and harder than anything else. I had one on my bridle, but it was taken away from me." She said, thinking back to when she had the easy life.
Swishing her tail, she replied, "I've lived in caves most of my life. I can take you to a cave up in the mountains if you want. During the Summer, of course." She raised her head to look at a squirrel who had been telling her to stay away from his nuts.

Domino

His ears lowered slightly at her description. Apparently, i must be worth a lot, but eh, he's a dog. Domino felt a little stupid now, but brushed it off and his radars threw themselves forth once more at her remark.
"That'd be great! I don't want to get lost though; are they light enough?" He inquired, his front paws prodding the ground excitedly. A cave? the name sounds exciting; but her description scared him. What if he got lost and couldn't get out? What is she stepped on him? Oooh, it all was frightening, but he was ready to face it.