Runaways

The band roamed freely, keeping track of each other as they navigated the wilds. A dog began to follow them as well (a runaway that had freed itself from the pain and insult of its life before). They were agreeable partners, the horses and the dog, making their way in the world together but differently. Several times, someone tried to "rescue" one of them, but the years brought wisdom and cunning both; they could slip even a well-intentioned noose regardless of how it was disguised. The dog seemed to long (in a way) for a bed and regular meals; it would forget its scars from time to time (something the band could not, and so they would nudge the dog toward the softest grasses to sleep and bring it food they would never eat themselves). Time rested differently on all of their shoulders and, one day, the dog could not rouse itself to travel further. The horses circled 'round and laid next to it, providing warmth and comfort while taking grief for their own portion. She saw them from a distance (had seen them before and they recognized her scent) and stayed away respectfully; she did not call anyone, but waited until the band had left and buried their friend with reverence and care. "We should all be so lucky as this," she whispered, covering the mound with leaves and a few twigs with berries for the birds.