Though it couldn't be seen in the dimness, Laika's eyes got all dreamy and misty for a moment. "Far across the sea, though east or west I could tell you not. My herd was vast and proud; perhaps too proud. Eventually, a number of the young ones of my herd were taken by man and forced onto a great wooden vessel. We didn't see the sun for weeks until we arrived here. I am assuming that the intention is that we were to be sold, but we were having none of that. Even though they kept us in the dark, they fed us well. We were strong, and we ran. Traumatized by the events, we scattered to the four winds. At first, I was desperately lonely. I missed my family and I missed my homeland. I missed the tall pines, the cold wind whipping across the taiga, the snow. But here also are pines and cold winds and snow, so eventually I was no longer so distraught. I'd still go back if I could, though." She was silent for a few moments, listening to the darkness. Had her guest fallen asleep? She didn't blame him if he had. It was late and it had been a long day.
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