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Sarnax didn't know what he expected when he exited Shephard's vehicle to his home for the first time. He understood the concept of a ranch, the idea of the countryside.
He himself had very faint memories of wide expanses of land; of tall trees, and many small cabins all lined up in a row. He was certain that was some kind of countryside....but definitely not this kind.
Here he saw... grassy fields, filled with moving animals. One large, comfortable looking home stood in the centre, flanked by several smaller buildings. He heard...strange noises that he assumed were from the animals Shephard had explained to him were the livelihood of him and this 'Doc'.
What he was not expecting the most, however, was the loud barking that heralded their arrival.
"'Ey Justice! Easy boy, sit! Stay!"
Almost immediately, the creature running towards the vehicle stopped in its tracks and sat. Shepherd grinned.
"Good boy. Sorry, 'Nax, he gets excited with new people. This is Justice an'-" He paused, frowning. "...are...you okay?"
Sarnax pressed up against the truck, one hand unconsciously reaching for the handle, his eyes locked on the dog panting in front of him.
"What....is that?"
"...'that'? He's my dog. Justice. Please....don' tell me ya haven't met a -dog- before, Sarnax."
"I have met canines before. I... did not know they came in bigger sizes." Sarnax pulled himself away from the truck a bit.
"They...come in all sizes. Justice is a big softie, he ain't gonna do anything to hurt ya. Is...it gonna be a problem for ya? We can head back to town if it is."
"....no. I believe I shall be fine, as long as.."
"...as long as what?"
"...as long as he does not...bark. Please."
Shepherd rubbed the back of his neck, walking around the truck to kneel by the panting dog, giving him several pets.
"He's a guard dog, so it's....kinda in his job to bark at things. He ain't ever gonna bark at ya, though."
"....do you...promise?" There was a fear in Sarnax's voice that his friend had never heard before. Something... like a small child asking for reassurance.
Shepherd nodded slowly. "I promise. Do...ya wanna try an' meet him?"
"Perhaps... from a distance, for now."
"Alright. From a distance."