Role

Chapter 9

After a great deal of toiling and trudging through the world, Aurew was
finally able to impress upon her guildmasters and mistresses that she was
worthy of the playful, loyal cooshee spirit. It was a day of great joy and
accomplishment, and while Aurew could no longer be with her stalwart furry
friend, she began to understand what it was like to be him.

This struck a chord with her; she may not be able to bring Audune back, but
perhaps she could become someone (or many someones) else's Audune. She could
listen, be present to their pain or disgruntlement, be a ruff to snuggle on a
bad day or lick away tears of sorrow or anger. She may not be able to prevent
the struggles of man (and in some cases perhaps she shouldn't want to), but
she could make the transition from devastation to enlightenment an easier
burden to bear. A friendly, tongue-lolling face to listen with a tilted ear
was sometimes easier to confide in. Aurew could attest to that. Now if only
everyone understood dog speech.