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

[curled]

[ Thankfully it's a hobby worlds over. Books he knows. Space and the travel therein, not so much. ]

Oh, yes! According to several books I've read, space travel has been around for quite some time. There appear to be an infinite number of galaxies with planetary systems contained within. It's quite fascinating, really.

You look up and see the sky, the sun, the moon, the stars, but I never considered more than that. It makes me wonder what lies beyond our known borders.

[stubble]

[ Listening to Dorian speak of such matters, and how quickly he's taken to their situation, gives Cullen pause. Perhaps he ought to read these books too. Doing so might set him more at ease. ]

Might you be able to recommend a book or two? I doubt I'll have time to read any of them prior to our deployment, but upon our return I would like to look them over.

[curled]

[ Or it might make him have more questions. It's certainly given Dorian plenty to think about. There's just a vast openness about this space and he can't quite figure out if it's amazing to learn of such a thing or utterly terrifying because of what that might mean back home. They already have enough trouble on land, they don't need it from the skies as well. ( Later, he'll wonder just what the Avvar really mean when they have their Lady of the Sky and if it's not spiritual mumbo-jumbo at all. ) ]

Yes, of course. [ He gestures to a small stack that contains about five books. ] I've finished with these if you'd like to begin here. I can drop them off with you at a time of your choosing.

[stubble]

[ At least if he has questions, he'll have someone to ask them of. Maybe Dorian won't have the answers, but he'll understand where Cullen's coming from and if he doesn't know, maybe they'll be able to find out together. ]

I should like that very much. But you needn't trouble yourself. I can come get them. [ A beat. ] When it's convenient for you.

[curled]

[ They will absolutely be able to figure this out together if they can't alone. Part of the fun of discovery is having someone to share it with, after all!!

Dorian makes a show of thinking very hard over when is convenient, then he sighs and gives just a slight roll of his eyes. ]

Well, I imagine now would be suitable. Just come down when you've the time. My door is always open for you.

[stubble]

[ Cullen sees the show and recognizes it, but he doesn't remark on it. ]

Then I shall be there shortly.