looking for a helping hand [OPEN]

[lionheartedman]

FORM: sending crystal
SENDER: Cullen Rutherford
RECIPIENT: errybody
WHAT: looking for an assistant, perhaps more than one
WHEN: now
WHERE: Kirkwall

NOTES: You don't have to take this seriously. Feel free to mock him and his obvious lack of experience in this matter. You can also feel free to have your character apply for the job even if you don't want them to have it.

[The voice being broadcast is tired. Not just in a didn't-sleep-well-last-night way, but in a constantly-flirting-with-exhaustion way. He doesn't particularly want to be doing this, but Gwen makes some excellent points.]

Good morning, everyone. This is Commander Rutherford, with... I suppose you'd call it a job opening. Keeping on top of everything that needs doing now that we've settled ourselves here is proving to be more work than expected. I'm looking for an assistant, someone to assist with the day to day tasks here, help coordinate with our members and the locals, and just generally... help.

[Help. No, seriously, help. He has no idea what he's doing.]

Comments

[aceso]

[ Her voice holds no small amount of surprise. ]

You mean to say you have not had an assistant at all?

[ Yeah, that sounds stressful as can be. She's seen his desk. ]

It is a miracle you have not suffocated under a mountain of paperwork yet.

[lionheartedman]

[Cullen's not expecting Christine. Obviously she's not applying for the job. She's busy, so busy, and even if he weren't, she's an academic.

So he sounds surprised, a bit flustered.]

That's not-- That is to say, I did. The messengers are quite capable, it's just-- Well, there's more to do now.

[Why are you making him talk about this? It's difficult enough admitting he can't handle things just the once.]

[aceso]

[ Because she is a healer first and foremost and she doesn't want you working yourself ragged, Cullen. ]

I do not doubt it. This will be good for you. Organization makes everything so much simpler.

[ Says the woman who over-organizes everything. ]

[lionheartedman]

I just-- when Lady LeBlanc was present to take some of the burden, things ran... more smoothly. It seems I benefit from that kind of help more than I'd realized.

[aceso]

Of course you do. I cannot imagine all the reports that come across your desk.

[ She now is wondering how he's ever had time for puppy play dates if he's been doing this work alone since Adelaide left. ]

Have you given any thought to what exactly you would like this assistant to do? I have no doubt that Adelaide charged in and whipped things into shape, but you must have a clear set of rules for this new assistant. Such as what reports they are and are not allowed to look at, if they will write responses back on their own, or only dictate what you say, and on and on.

[lionheartedman]

[The working keeps him from sleeping keeps him from thinking keeps him-- Look, just don't upset the balance, it's a very fragile thing. He's not exactly the picture of mental health, especially here.]

Right now I think I just need someone to help me organize, get my thoughts in order, respond to some lesser requests. I need-- [He needs someone to take a little bit of this weight off of his shoulders, and to make sure he doesn't do something stupid, but asking for as much feels like failure. Especially when he's supposed to be the top of the pyramid here, more or less. What he wouldn't give for just one of the women to be here with him.]

[aceso]

[ She listens carefully and suppresses a sigh before speaking. ]

Cullen. [ It's gentle and understanding. Not exactly of his personal situation, but of the situation of being in charge of something and having more work than you have hands to do it. ] You made the request, and you will have volunteers. I am sure of it. Once everything is set up, the burden on your shoulders will not feel so heavy.

[lionheartedman]

[Christine's tone of voice is oddly soothing. It reminds him of Mia's. He needs this right now.]

I know. Everything will be fine.

[He might not believe it in the moment, but he believes that she believes it, and that's something.]

[aceso]

Good. Do not be afraid to delegate. It is important for a man in your position.

[lionheartedman]

I'm working on that. Feel free to remind me when I slip.

[aceso]

I will be happy to do so. Now, go on and take applications. You may call on me if you need to talk.

[lionheartedman]

Yes, Ma'am.

[This conversation with Christine may not have actually solved any problems, but he feels a little better. It feels like things might actually get resolved when he sets down the crystal. That's a win, right?]