Solo [Ravok Stables] Dog Days

[Brandi]

6th Fall 513AV Late Afternoon It was the distinct sound of angry yapping that filled the back of the stables. Eyes rested upon the great snarling jaws of the dog, the arching of its back whilst its paws stood firm upon the dirt floor. The yapping turned into a flurry of barks, the once flat fur bushing out. Riled up would be the best way to describe it, a bundle of rage and angst set on going against the world. There was a snarl, the chain and collar growing tense under the strain as it gave a lunge. Brandi released a sigh, "So, this is what you meant by a problem." The lad had barely set foot on the outer shore before he was roughly grabbed by the stable master, and dragged up the path. His belongings were quickly taken, a flurry of words barging their way through his ears as he was lead along and around the back from the prying eyes of groomers and the public. His first - and only - thought was on what had he done, had he offended the old man? Was he to be punished and given a hard time? Of course, those thoughts were quickly discarded and pushed to one side. Positioned at the outer corner of the stable, the Ravokian took a crouch as he studied the creature from a safe distance. The chain let out a second rattle, before it sunk back, the strong guard still up and his barking angry. It was for a few chimes that Brandi rocked on his heels, staring upon the angry creature that was so insistent in its noise making. He rubbed at his jaw, feeling the soft stubble that had grown there with his thumb before his head turned to the owner that had tucked himself out of sight behind the wall. His client, the stable master, had asked for the young lad when issues about his faithful pet and companion begun to arise. And so, here Brandi stood now before the great big Akivina Deerstalker – a creature that was apparently a wonder to behold. Fingers drummed against the cool stone, his weight shifting slightly on the spot. His blue eyes however remained fixed upon his target, or ‘Yomi’ as his owner called him. Although the boy did not know the dog as per say, he had seen the slobbering beast hovering outside on occasion and knew that he – supposedly – kept a watchful eye at night whilst the majority of them were away. “When did this start then?” Brandi asked. “What the barking? A few days ago I guess. He just started doing it suddenly. Startled the horses, more so when we kept on trying to tell him to stop-” The boy rocked on his heels for a moment, staring down the bridge of his nose to the Deerstalker. He scratched again at his stubble when the dog finally backed off. There was still that distinctive growl, a low rasping noise echoing it whilst the boy continued to watch. His head tilted to one side, as he watched the creature sniff about and settle. “-So, hence why he’s here now. By Rhysol, thought I told you about this boy. Anyway-” Sombre eyes looked upon the dog for a moment as it walked about with its chain, the definite rasping noise growing louder. There was a moment of pause, before the man continued, “-I keep bringing food out to him, but he’s not eating it. Same with the water. Isn't taking any of it.” Lips pursed together, “How long is the chain again?” “Oh… I don’t know,” the older gentleman looked down at his feet for a moment, “About ten of my feet? Why you ask?” “Don't mind me. Just going in for a closer look.”

[Brandi]

It was with a slow, steady pace that Brandi rose from his crouching. He stretched himself out, drawing in a sharp deep breath as he looked down upon the dog. He stopped short of it; certain he was out of the range of the chain length. From there he gave a second crouch, and gave a closer inspection. Or at least as well as he could. He needed really to get closer, but not before judging the temperament of the creature. Alright Brandi, you can do this. Nothing will go wrong here. It will be fine, he thought as the dog leapt to attention and begun its barking once more. The chain grew taunt, fangs bearing as he gave a snap. He leaned back out of range, ears twitching to ever sound that was made. He gave a long stare, thick brow raising slightly at the closeness that came before he leaned back and away. “You do know what you’re doing, right lad?” came the call of the owner from behind. Brandi shot him a look, his face creasing with a sense of annoyance, “I’m qualified mister... or at least I think I am. You don't need to have a piece of magic paper to say so do you? I mean I don-" he watched the old man grimace, "You know what? Don’t worry. Though you know… I generally work with horses, not dogs, you know this. Still, your litt-“ He eyed the dog and corrected himself, “Big Yomi will be fine. I just need a closer look.” There was a grumble from behind, but Brandi did not turn to it. His current thoughts were on the dog before him and the reason it was acting the way it was. It gave a louder bark, a distinct cracking noise existing in the back. Squaring himself up to Yomi, the boy continued his study eyes looking over him. The dog was covered in dirt, a simple tell tale sign that he had been kept outside for a while, his fur had turned matted with the simple weathering of the autumn sun and dust picked up by the breeze. The collar was tight around him, a wince in the dog’s features as he gave a bark. Closer still he looked, round the jaw, the throat, where the constriction was at its tightest. His face however remained neutral, only subtle flickers of emotion as he tried to put on a calm face. He had to stay calm, or at least try to. He was certain animals could sense what people were feeling, even if they were completely worked up in the manner they were. Brandi inhaled deeply, and set his eyes upon the dog, his expression changing from one of calm. He cleared his throat, and his back straightening as he spoke in a clear tone at the animal, “Steady now, no need to be so riled up. Steady.” Brandi stood, hands out as he continued to tune out the world around him. His work was before him after all, not behind him. The dog continued to bark at him, louder, more definite by the tick. A warning almost to get back and to leave him in peace. Fingers stretched out to Yomi, a gentle flow of words escaping, “Steady… I’m not here to hurt you. Just here to-“ “Be careful lad!” the stable master shouted. He turned his head and gave a glare to the man, a flash of annoyance on his face. And it was at that moment the dog took his opportunity to lunge.

[Brandi]

It was in a mere few ticks that the boy was knocked off his feet and to the floor, a heavy weight of Yomi leaping all over him. Pressed onto his back, a firm paw digging into him. His hands were the first thing to go forward reaching up to the rips of the dog, his knees rising to force leverage between him and it. His jaw tensed, a tremble forced down. His mind screamed to not react; his hands however were focused already on throwing the beast off. Fingers clawed, jaw tensed as even he uttered out a cry of panic. Or at least until a rough, wet, tongue brushed against his stubble. The boy paused, a clenched eye peeling open as he stared up onto the deer stalker. The bark, turned into a loud, bellowing woof, and then a second – followed by a third – lick made him wince and writhe. “Yomi! Yomi sto-“ he gave a shudder, “Never mind.” Holding the dog back, Brandi looked upon the beast as he tried to comprehend what he had just done. He was no longer barking loudly or acting aggressive, that was for sure. But what did he actually do? Was the question. Eyes traced down from the face of the dog and down to where his hands had snagged up on both the chain and collar. Fingers flexed, the tight leather of the collar giving slightly as he did. His brow knitted slightly, eyes following it round. It pressed close against the flesh, digging in and giving little. “You alright lad?” came the question from the old man. “Yes, I’m alright. Just stay back there for a few chimes will you?” Brandi gently pushed himself up, one hand shifting away to stroke the head of the dog, “Good boy, good… good… now stay calm. And please don't... don't eat me.” His other hand pulled away, the collar snapping back in tight. There was a low, distinctive whine followed by a snarl as he did. Eyes narrowed, fingers returning to the collar and feeling around it for the buckle. Fingers fumbled, the snarling growing louder, the rasping more definite before finally he wiggled the end of the collar free. And the rasping promptly stopped. Letting out a sigh as the dog bounded past, happy and content with his freedom. There was a thick, angry line where the collar once was, serving as a something to choke the creature. There was a yap, the dulled beat of a tail in the air as both owner and canine reunited. Brandi scratched at his head as he did, still slightly confused about what exactly it was that he had done. Short of removing the tight collar. He scratched at his stubble, and looked to the stable master. At least both were happy now. “Who's a good Yomi? Who is? - So what was wrong then?” the man eventually asked after seeing Brandi roll his eyes. “Tight collar,” he threw the leather binding to the man, “Put pressure around his throat, stopped him from breathing and being able to swallow – least, that’s what I think it is. Don’t put it on so tight next time.” “What you mean, you think?” came the demand. Arms folding, Brandi gave a sigh as he went past to return to the stables, “Told you boss, I work with horses, not dogs and I don’t have a magic piece of paper to prove myself. Now if you don’t mind, I’ve got a grumpy pony to deal with.” He pinched the bridge of his nose as he walked away, I really do not have time for this.