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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Aethmud" data-source="post: 9042052" data-attributes="member: 6746292">As the dog whimpers and licks at Aric’s face, a pang of concern creases Jack's normally jovial countenance. He kneels beside the dog. His hands glide over the soft fur, feeling for any injuries beneath the dog's thick winter coat."Poor little lad," Jack murmurs, meeting the dog's anxious gaze with a soothing one of his own. His fingers trace the inscription on the dog's collar. "Boy, is it? Well, Boy, you're quite far from your kennel.""Ah, Lumrolur," Jack starts, his tone full of respect, "always the pragmatist. You're right, of course. We should hurry."  Jack grins at Lumrolur before turning his attention back to Boy. Jack's fingers dance over the dog's fur once more, this time with an urgency matching Lumrolur's concern. The broken leather harness is indeed a worrisome sight.Straightening up, Jack casts a glance at his companions. "I think we've stumbled upon a mystery of our own here, friends. Boy's got a tale to tell, and I'm inclined to listen." Turning back to Eve, he says, "We'll take Boy back to his kennel, see what we can find out. It's on our way to the Trip and Shuffle anyway. No need to worry about us; we can manage."With a gentle tug at Boy's leash, Jack's mind whirls with possibilities and, though he can't shake off a feeling of unease, he puts on a show with a voice that rings out, filled with that familiar, comforting warmth, "Come on, Boy, let's find your masters, shall we?" in an attempt to lighten the mood, despite the underlying tension.[SPOILER=Insight Check]Jack <a href="https://www.coyotecode.net/roll/lookup.php?rollid=280006" target="_blank">rolls a 6 for an Insight check</a> to survey the streets of Targos and see if there is anything else out of the ordinary while they go to the kennel. He's obviously distracted by his concern for the sled dog.[/SPOILER]As the party walks to the kennels, Jack makes a halfhearted attempt to scan the streets for trouble, but gets caught up in his concern for Boy.  He brushes his hand over the dog's fur with a comforting rhythm, "Oh, Boy, it's a tough job you have, isn't it? Pulling sleds through snowstorms, braving the frostbite, and bearing with us humans, or gnomes, or whoever. And all you ask for is a pat on the head and maybe a bone or two."His eyes twinkle with affection as he continues, "No demands for better benefits or warmer kennels. You lot are the real hard workers, the unsung heroes of the Icewind Dale. And I'm sure if you dogs decided to form a guild, there'd be no one brave enough to cross the sled dogs. How about the 'Cold Paws, Warm Hearts' guild?" Jack asks the pup, grinning widely, his hazel eyes alight with mirth. "Ah, I can see it now, the Cold Paws, Warm Hearts Guild, serving as the local Snow Patrol. Not only pulling sleds but also keeping Targos' streets clear of snow and ice. Imagine, a team of huskies, coordinated and in harmony, digging and pushing away snow. The sight alone would be worth a bag of gold pieces!" He laughs lightly, adding, "And imagine if they negotiated the right to mark their territory freely in Targos as part of their guild code. No lamppost or tree would be safe!"He chuckles, scratching Boy behind the ears. "No one would cross the sled dogs guild, especially if you appoint Comet here as representative. That dog's got a bark that could scare off a yeti!" Jack adds, glancing at the husky that had recognized them earlier. He keeps his tone light and jesting as they walk the streets.  He is paying more attention to the pup than to where they are headed.</blockquote>

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