I open my eyes and right out of the gate an animal ambushes me. Its fanged visage comes too close to my neck as but I push it away. My heart beats fast as I dodge my death.

I hear a squeak as the body hits the ground. I jump back and reach for my dagger, shit, I left it on the ground. Then I take look at the animal that attacked me and freeze in place. It is the dog that I encountered yesterday. Its scared eyes look at me as it lays on the ground.

Shit shit shit shit shit. My heart beats even faster as I see my mistake, but I manage to calm myself. Taking a deep breath I take a step forward, the dog still looks at me, his broken leg dangles as he tries to stand up.

The dog whines as I kneel beside it, keeping its head low, scared of my sudden outburst. I move my hand, as the dog closes its eyes, frozen in place. I feel another hit of guilt hit me as I pet its head.

"I am sorry," I say and continue to pet him, calming not only him but myself.

A minute passes, then another one as I continue to pet the dog. It still keeps his eyes closed, but it's more relaxed now, panting and huffing as the sun comes to its zenith.

I smile a bit upon seeing it forget what I did to him, but that smile quickly dies as I see its leg. It seems to be worse than before, did I break it even further when I pushed him? Frowning I access the situation, the dog can't stand on its own and I will not abandon him here. But looking at it, its bulky visage, and his dirty fur I couldn't carry him without making him uncomfortable. Unless...

I take off my cloak and put it on the ground.

"Come here, we have a place to visit."

---

The journey to the guild was rocky, bystanders on the road gave me stinky eyes and spit in my direction as I walked forward. I heard some slurs thrown at my back and general distaste but I brushed them off and focused on my goal.

The dog is laying on my cloak and panting as I carry it, like a bag of potatoes. I reckon it paints a funny picture, a sweating little elf carrying a big dog on her shoulders in the midday sun.

The guild seems to be busier than before, I see people that I don't even remember being in the guild running in and out. I hear some of them curse as they leave the game. I frown as the dog moves, its paws touch my shoulder, lowering its head to my ear. Its warm breath tingles.

The inside of the guild greets me with the same chaos as the outside. I see NPCs and players alike argue with each other, an influx of people I didn't see in since I started playing.

I notice Ria is arguing with a guard at the counter.

"I said Glen is not meeting anyone today," she says and blows unseen dust from her polished nails.

The guard frowns, smacking the wooden table, "Lord mayor requests his presence in the town hall."

"It doesn't work like that boy," Ria smirks. She takes a paper out of her dress, "You need to fill an application in advance at least a week."

She smiles, "And then if Glen feels amiable he'll meet with you."

The guard shakes his head, "I don't have time to play your stupid games." He sneers, "Outlanders and their ego, this town feeds you and this is how you treat us?"

"That's cute," Ria smiles with too many teeth, "Tell lord mayor to come here if he wants to talk with Glen."

"This is not over," the guard says and moves toward the exit. He almost bumps into me. His eyes become round as he sees the dog head peeking from my shoulder, "Elf."

"Guard."

"Remind your master that he is nothing more than a foreigner," then he leaves the guild. What was all that about?

I approach the counter as Ria looks up and giggles, "So I see you let your hair go."

She stands up from the counter, moves closer and touches my hair, "You look good."

"Thanks," I say with a blank face, waiting for a punchline.

"Especially with that flea-ridden abomination on your back," she chuckles, "Really makes you feel like in Paw-ri."

"Riaaaa," I hiss as I feel my brain cells die from that pun. Why is she looking so proud? Find a better material woman.

She recoils from me, "Oh come on, it was funny, admit it."

"It was not funny, now what was that argument about?"

"Just usual dick measuring contest," she sighs, "The mayor demands that Glen should visit him. Where Glen is happy to respond with messengers."

"I see, but who are these people?" I ask looking around, there are so many players, they are all wearing different sets. From common leather to shining steel, carrying weapons from daggers to warhammers.

"Most of them are old players that play once a month," Ria says, as she starts to polish her nails again. "Glen called old favors so we are having more commotion than usual."

"Can I see him?"

"Oh, of course," Ria replies, not looking at me. "He is at the arsenal right now."

"Thanks."