'Come'ere buddy,' I call, sticking out my hand for the shaggy dog to sniff. I can't believe he found me.

Scratch cautiously trots over to me, 'I ain't gonna hurt'ya.' I reassure him.

He sniffs once, twice, then wags his tail in furious joy. 'That'a boy,' I smile, 'Come on now, let's show'ya'ta everyone.' I say as I pat the side of my leg, indicating for him to follow me back. I know he might not go over well with some of my companions, but I'm too happy to care much.

Scratch barks in agreement and trails behind.

'Lookie here!' I announce, beaming from ear to ear, Scratch trailing behind me, 'He followed my scent! Y'all remember? The dog that was guardin' his master who up'n got killed on account'a some two bit gnolls.'

It's quite clear no one, at least among Shadowheart and Astarion, shares in my excitement. They both cross their arms almost in sync. But that don't dampen my mood none as I kneel down to Scratch's level, letting him plant a slobbery kiss on my face.

'I assume you were with Wyll and Karlach…and probably Gale, when you found him?' she says, 'Gods I wouldn't have entertained the idea.'

'Seconded.' adds Astarion from behind her.

A sly smile crosses my face, 'Yes ma'am, you'd've guessed correctly.'

Shadowheart frowns, 'And what, pray tell, are you planning on feeding him Silas?'

'Oh, well, scraps I figured, 'sides he's all but grown,' I say, giving him a good scratch behind the ears, 'He more'n likely can last on his own, ain't he just the cutest thing you ever did see?'

'No,' says Astarion flatly, 'What if that thing has fleas or rabies or something?'

I roll my eyes, 'Come on now Astarion,' I say gently pointing Scratch's face toward him, the dogs tongue lolling out of his mouth happily, 'Don't be ugly to 'im, he's sensitive , he done just lost his owner.'

'Is that Scratch?' I hear Karlach yell from a ways off, finally someone on my side.

'Yes ma'am.' I say proudly, 'Wyll, Gale look who made it!' I continue as I walk further ino camp, Scratch not far behind.

Scratch seems to be the highlight of the camp and has been basking in all the attention. Karlach hasn't stopped telling everyone about how when she gets Dammons next upgrade the first thing she'll do is pet him. Even Shadowheart quickly comes around to him. No one has been this excited about anyone else who's been brought into camp, he's officially the least controversial member of the party. As our easy day settles down, I take a place in front of the campfire, Scratch curled up beside me.

'You have not left that mutt alone for one second,' remarks Astarion as he takes a seat next to me, 'I think Wyll is jealous.'

'Now, I ain't sayin' this lightly,' I admit, glancing over at him, 'This may be the best day'a my life.' I continue, I haven't been this excited about something in years.

'This is the best day of your life?' scoffs Astarion, 'This ?' He emphasizes gesturing to the dog, 'Being with an immortal vampire didn't make the list then?' he continues, his voice raising in feign anger.

'Shoot I mean a'course it did,' I say with a smirk 'But you have'ta understand I've been wantin' my own dog since I's knee-high to a grasshopper,' I say, giving Scratch a good solid pat.

'Darling, you're so easy to please,' he says, 'It would be sad, if it wasn't at least a little endearing.'

'I know,' I say with a light laugh, 'There's just somethin' so pure 'bout'a dog, so genuine.' I shrug, 'When everythin' else around us has been so uncertain, there's somethin' solid 'bout'a him.'

Astarion frowns, 'I think I'm more of a cat person darling.'

I smile at his remark, 'Somehow I can see that.'

I'm the last one to call it a night, before I duck into my tent I look out by the fire and see Astarion sitting there. Scratch's head in his lap and he gently strokes the pups head. It makes me smile. And he said he didn't want the dog.