A few years ago I started this fanfic that was originally titled Mastiff. This was before the real Mastiff was published and it was to be my version of what happened after Bloodhound. Well I fell off the face of the Earth and never finished it. So I am starting over and trying again.

This starts right after Bloodhound ended and I must warn some parts might be a little OOC.

TP owns it.

Wednesday, September 26, 247

At the party last night, after Tunstall and I made our pact about me being a good dog, Goodwin came over wondering what our conversation was all about. She patted my back and laughed.

"Like she'll stick to it, I don't know how many times I told her not to leave her partner behind, she kept doing it anyways." she said as she slightly pulled on my ear.

"I've learned my lesson." I replied not daring to pull away from her grip.

"And you learned your lesson when you were jumped by the Pell's. And when Pearl brought us to her after you caught one of her filchers." she went on, each time pulling harder. Luckily, Tomlan came over and saved my poor ear from further harm.

"And you would probably still be over in Port Caynn, away from home, your friends and me, had she not done those things." he stated wrapping his arms around Goodwin.

"He's right." my Lady Sabine commented.

"It was just dumb luck." both Goodwin and I stated in unison.

"See, she's learning." Tomlan said winking at me.

"Still, I'll have none of that when I get back to working." Tunstall said crossing his arms, jaw set.

"Yes sir." I bowed my head.

"But by the sounds of it, little miss bloodhound would have opted to stay in Port Caynn." my lady added, causing my face to turn beat red.

"No, if she wanted to stay, she would have stayed." Goodwin said now wrapping an arm around Tomlan.

"Oh yes, we all heard about your little escapades with Master Dale Rowan." said Tunstall.

"I am glad to be home." I said hoping to end this conversation.

"So when will he be visiting us again?" Lady Sabine spoke.

"He won't be visiting." I said. Everyone, minus Goodwin were taken aback.

"You're a nosy bunch! Hey, who wants another round?" Goodwin asked coming to my rescue, waving to one of the many serving mots for drinks. Lady Sabine mouthed an apology. I nodded in response.

"So how does that purse feel? The King's award, wow not many Dogs ever get one, especially a newbie." said Lady Sabine, attempting to change the subject.

"Yeah, it sure helps, especially with that darn tarse of a dog I have, she eats more than her weight permits." I said now searching for where Achoo escaped to. I was interrupted in my search by what Lady Sabine stated next.

"I see you rewarded yourself already, such a nice necklace and bracelet must have cost a fortune." she said reaching out for my arm in order to be able to better inspect the jewels.

"Um, they were a gift." I said trying to pull away.

"Oh. Sorry." she automatically gave me my arm back and apologized once again.

"That's alright, they are beautiful aren't they? But I think I better find my hound before she is fed too much." I excused myself from our little group turning around to look for Achoo. I couldn't help but over hear them as I walked away. Tunstall was assuring Lady Sabine that I was going to be okay.

I found my way to the outskirts of the party and sat down, still searching for Achoo, I didn't bother calling her for the sake of drawing attention to me I didn't want. I truly missed Dale, with him, I never felt anti-social. I wasn't myself now. Of course, when I was with Dale, I wasn't being myself anyways. Ugh, I need to stop that train of thought, Pounce is staring me down as he is laying on my bed now as I write this.

Eventually I caught a glimpsed of a wagging tall so I went to it. When Achoo was in perfect view, I saw another view. One, I dislike admitting, that upset me. Rosto was feeding Achoo as some doxie, I later found to be named Kerilin, was hanging off his arm. When I looked into his eyes, I could tell she was annoying him. For some reason that fact made me smile inwardly but for some reason I still felt a twinge of jealousy when seeing how comfortable she looked with him so close to her. I was just going to turn around and walk back to my seat, but Rosto caught me staring at him, and for sake of my pride; I went forward.

"Rosto, you feed the hound too much and she will never listen to you." I said, trying to hide my...never mind what I was trying to hide.

He nearly smirked, "Then why let her loose in a room full of people who adore her with food in their hands." he said preceding to kiss his doxie under her ear. She giggled then slapped him lightly for his play. Gods, I hope I don't act like that when I am with a cove. Why coves enjoy being with such brainless twits will always escape me.

"Because, I know they will do it no matter if I'm near or away from her." I signalling for Achoo to come to my side.

"You'd be surprised how different someone can be when you are not near them." he said as he smiled and pulled Kerilin in closer.

It hurt to hear him say such a thing. I didn't think I was too different when I left. I had to be. Gods, I'm driving myself crazy. I swear I'm going to turn hunnylove by the end of next week!

"Rosto, I think it is time for another drink?" Kerilin suggested, possibly noticing how uncomfortable this situation was beginning to become.

"Yes, I believe that is a good idea." Rosto admitted, nodding his head to me before he took the woman by the hand a lead her through the throng of people.

As I was gathering my wit about me once again, I ran into both Kora and Aniki.

"I wonder if it is possible to lose brain cells by just sleeping with someone like that." Kora commented more than asked.

"To each his own." Aniki said emptying her beer in a single gulp then walking away to blend in with the crowd.

"Is she upset with me?" I asked. Wow, I just realized how much of a doxie I sounded like.

"Hmm, oh I'm not sure. She might be, but she might just have her mind elsewhere right now." Kora said as see was presumably searching for something. She smiled and I followed her line of sight when I caught the site of Ersken walking towards us.

"Kerilin of all people, I guess Aniki is right. To each his own. He is just sulking I hope. Gods, I can't stand her further than I can throw her." Kora kept on almost as if not recognizing my presence.

"There you are my love." Ersken said grabbing Kora pulling her into a deep harsh kiss. Finally remembering I was standing next to them, Ersken greeted me with a Dog's salute, then begged off to take Kora to the closest room they could find.

Soon after that, I said my good-byes and promised everyone that I would be fine walking alone a whole 30 yards from the Dancing Dove to Madam Trout's lodgings with just Achoo and Pounce as my Guides. Almost as soon as I hit the mattress I was out.

Oh bother, there is a commotion outside my door, I must finish yesterday's events later.