Stone's Throw

[Diligence]

"Where?"

[Charon Tethras]

Charon glances back at the gate. "Anywhere?" he squeaks. "We'll have to leave Joy."

[Dog]

The giant dog gives an exasperated huff, then pointedly lays down, even shifting to his side so he in a relaxed position. Once down, he looks at Charon, then thumps his tail against the ground a few times. Which was either a mistake or a stroke of brilliance, as the movement acts like Compelling magic to the puppies. Abandoning Joy, they charge over to swarm the Tail Most Evil or Possibly Just Interesting, Maybe It's Food? in an uncoordinated tangle of small furry bodies. Dog huffs again, this one coming out very clearly as resigned fondness as he gives Joy a sympatric look.

[GamesMaster]

Joy follows after the puppies, enraptured, rubbing his furry sides with both hands. "You're so soft!!" 

[Diligence]

"...she's petting the sacred beardog, isn't she."

The words form a question. His tone acknowledges the answer.

[Charon Tethras]

"Joy," calls Charon, helplessly. "Come away from there."

[Theta "T" Roidmet]

T snickers. "He's quite harmless, you know. He doesn't hurt kids. Not even kids who try to steal from us. Adults, sure, especially if they want to hurt the kids, but you three are safe enough."

[Charon Tethras]

Charon puffs up a bit. "I'm seventeen," he lies, affronted. "I'm no kid!"

[Diligence]

"I'm six," Dil says at the same time, obviously lying and completely unashamed about it. "Please don't eat me," he adds, directing that towards Dog's general direction. 

[GamesMaster]

Joy rolls her eyes. "Come on, he's perfectly nice."

[Dog]

To reward Joy's faith and confidence, Dog stretches his neck out-- causing Charon a second of pure panic-- and then slurps half of Joy's face in one go of his broad tongue. 

[Charon Tethras]

Charon eyes the door, edging towards it. "Uh, not to cut this lovely moment short or anything, but we're here to see someone?"

[Diligence]

"Talk to someone anyway," Dil mutters sourly. 

[Dog]

Giving Joy a second, much longer look, then a sniff, the massive canine firmly pulls her down in front of him and promptly begins to bathe her. 

[GamesMaster]

"Hey! You guys go on a head," she laughs. "I'll stay here with the dogs."