video • un: rutherford

[stubble]

[ Cullen isn't one for small talk and he doesn't take pleasure in hearing himself speak for the fun of it. His written missives are usually short and to the point; though this format is vastly different from what's available in Thedas, he allows habit to guide him.

There's the faintest of frowns on his face when he begins. This is his first time attempting to use the bizarre device and though he's been instructed on its use, he's not entirely convinced. ]

Are there any here who might be willing to check in on my hound for a short time?

[ It's so awkward talking to no one and having no idea who might hear him. ]

I've volunteered to serve on one of the teams being sent to the world below us and it would set my mind at ease to know he is not alone while I'm gone.

[ He's not 100% sure the terminology is correct—how this ship is sailing above a world is baffling—but he's trying. ]

Comments

un: goku

[rockthemonkey]

[He's kind of mad about missing the sign-ups for the missions, since it means he basically has nothing to do. But... dog-sitting? He can do that, and then at least he'd be helping the people being sent somehow. Also, dogs are great.]

I can watch him! He can come stay in my room while you're gone, if you want!

[stubble]

[ That's more enthusiasm than he's expecting. Cullen's grateful for it. ]

And you are quite certain it will not be a hardship for you?

[rockthemonkey]

[He's an enthusiastic kid.]

Nah, it'll be good. I had a dog before and it was fine. [Granted that dog was not a mabari but... it's fine, he'll be fine. He's strong.]

[stubble]

Glad I am to hear that. You've my thanks.

[ There's a sound from behind him and Cullen turns, granting a view of his mabari, Pup, sitting there with one ear pricked. Cullen chuckles. ]

And Pup's as well, I'd wager.

[rockthemonkey]

[Goku leans in close to the screen until only gold eyes are visible, as if that will make it easier to see.]

Hi, Pup! I'm Goku!

[stubble]

[ Pup's ears both straight, his tail starts to wag, and he barks a greeting. Cullen grins. ]

Well met, Goku. It seems as though you and Pup will get along just fine. [ A beat. ] Ah, my name is Cullen. Please forgive my rudeness.

[rockthemonkey]

Nice to meet ya!

[Is he talking to Pup or Cullen... Well, it's nice to meet both of them.]

Don't worry, I'll take good care of him! I don't have anything much to do so we can play together lots. Right, Pup? You wanna play?

[stubble]

[ Pup barks again. He absolutely wants to play. ]

I take him to the atrium every day. [ Day is a term he uses loosely here. ] We play a number of games, complete combat drills, and run together. I'm sure he'll keep you entertained.

[rockthemonkey]

[Goku grins at Pup's response before looking slightly puzzled when Cullen keeps talking.]

What kinda combat drills? ... He's a fighting dog?

[stubble]

In a sense. Mabari typically fight beside my people in times of war. He has not yet seen true combat, but I would not have him at a disadvantage should such an eventuality occur.

[rockthemonkey]

Oh, okay, I get it. He's still learning. Are you just teachin' him to bite people and stuff?

[stubble]

[ That gets a chuckle. ]

Oh no, he knows how to do that already. Mabari are born with that knowledge, I suspect. No, I've been teaching him how to defend against magical attacks.

[rockthemonkey]

You can do that? ... That's so cool!

[Goku's preferred method of dealing with magic attacks is "kill the guy casting them" so actual defence is impressive.]

[stubble]

In a manner of speaking, yes.

[ Templars and mages is a complicated subject for people who were born in Thedas. He suspects it would be even more so for someone not of his world. ]

You are familiar with magic?

[rockthemonkey]

[Yeah, probably not worth getting into that with Goku for now.]

A little. I don't use it or anything [Well, he does, but his staff doesn't count.] but I've seen other guys use it. It can be pretty annoying to fight sometimes.

[stubble]

[ Cullen utters a low hum in agreement. ]

Yes, it is. Thus far I've not seen much of its presence here. A mage from my world arrived here close to the same time I did, but I've met no others.

[rockthemonkey]

There are some guys from my world here [man it's weird to refer to Shangri'la like that] that have magic, I guess.

[Well, he assumes they do. He knows Ukoku does, if weird sutra stuff counts. He assumes Koumyou does too.]

Anyway, I dunno how to teach him to fight magic but I can try fighting with him! And playing and running and stuff too!

[stubble]

[ Note to self: be wary of meeting strangers until he can ascertain whether they have magical abilities or not. ]

I'm quite certain Pup will love doing any of those things. I do my best to keep up with him, but he outpaces me too fast.

[rockthemonkey]

[Avoid creepy priests, that's Goku's advice.]

Sounds like fun. I need a challenge!

[stubble]

I'm happy to hear that. [ Cullen tips his head in a short bow. ] You've my thanks, Goku.

[rockthemonkey]

Oh- [right, manners. Goku nods his head back.] No problem! I actually need something to do, so...

[Even if it is just dog-sitting.]

[stubble]

I understand. I dislike being idle as well.

[ Pup will give Goku plenty to do. ]

I'll forward information about when I depart to you once I've received it.

[ And he will. The day, time, and that Pup will be in the atrium waiting to meet him. Along with any pertinent information about what Pup likes to eat and where he can be dropped off whenever Goku needs a break (the atrium). Pup knows how to get back into Cullen's quarters on his own. ]

[rockthemonkey]

Alright! Thanks!

[And when he gets it and the day comes around Goku will go to the atrium to find Pup. He'll feed him, play with him and run around until they've both run out of energy. And maybe ramble about everything worrying him and things he misses about his friends back home, because Pup is his new friend and can be trusted not to gossip behind Goku's back. Right?]