001.

[swordproof]

FORM: Crystal
SENDER: Six
RECIPIENT: Everyone with a crystal & Adalia
WHAT: PUPPY.
WHEN: Early Justinian
WHERE: Gallows
NOTES: It's a puppy, guys!

[ This is the first time Six has ever used the crystals for her own message to people and she's a little hesitant - it doesn't help that there's a wriggling ball of mabari puppy in her arms desperate to either bite at it or kiss her jaw. She can't quite decide which one it is. ]

Good day. If there is anyone who has experience in raising a - stop - Mabari who would be willing to give advice, I would be glad to hear it. I did not think I would get one so young, but...

[ But he was so cute, and Six has a soft heart, even for an animal that's going to be a war companion. ]

You have my thanks in advance.

[ PRIVATE TO ADALIA ]

We need to speak.

Comments

[mousquetaire]

Are you talking about those enormous dogs some people have? I've seen them around, and I think that's the right name.

[ Okay he's not even from this world, but he is Interested in puppies. You cannot possibly blame him. ]

[swordproof]

That’s correct. He’s not quite their size yet, but he will grow fast.

[ Already speaking like an adoring dog mother. ]

[mousquetaire]

Well, I've had dogs before. Difficult to manage a farm without them. If it's anything like they used to be, you're going to need a lot of food. Puppies are always hungry.

[ It's definitely worth it, though. ]

[swordproof]

I’ll make sure to get as much food as I can, then. [ She’s taken care of horses, but... This puppy is going to get big. ] I was considering taking him to the Gallows to train as well. He has a great deal of energy.

[mousquetaire]

I've heard they're fast learners. They're supposed to be clever, more than normal dogs would be. Though I can't vouch for it. Mine always took well to training, but it wouldn't stop them chasing a crow once in a while.

Perhaps there are trainers here who could help you. People who've done it before.

[swordproof]

He is already proving to be quite smart - I think he will be smarter than I credited him for, but that is no bad thing. [ Having a strong, smart companion isn't going to be a problem for her, she thinks. ]

That is my hope. I can train a dog, but he is something special.

[mousquetaire]

Really? How has he proven it?

[ D'Artagnan immediately wants one of these dogs. They sound wonderful. ]

I didn't ask what you'd called him, either. You've called him something, haven't you?

[swordproof]

He is energetic, but sweet. As much as he runs and plays and barks he is also happy to sit and be beside me.

[ The sign of a dog that will be loyal, she thinks. A Mabari indeed. ]

... I have not yet named him. It will come, in time.

[mousquetaire]

[ He has to smile. ]

He'll make a good companion, I'm sure. Though he'll need a name if you want to train him. Did you have animals back in your own world?

[swordproof]

Yes, but not like this. The dogs and horses we had were smaller and not as smart.

[mousquetaire]

Same for me. Although, horses can be all sorts of sizes. We definitely didn't have anything like a Mabari, though.

[swordproof]

They must be something that this world has that ours are bereft of. I have not heard of them in other worlds thus far.

[mousquetaire]

Well, that wouldn't be the first thing. My world has no elves or qunari, either.

[swordproof]

We have elves, but the Qunari are new. [ She hums. ] We have Dragonborn, however.

[mousquetaire]

[ He hesitates. Clearly that's a new term to him. ]

Dragonborn.

[ Carefully. ]

Lizard people?

[swordproof]

... Some might say something like it, but I do not think it is something they would like to hear.

[mousquetaire]

[ ...well. ]

My apologies.

What are they? I thought those born from dragons were more dragons. Obviously I shouldn't have assumed.

[swordproof]

They are as they sound - imagine a dragon scaled much like a human.

[mousquetaire]

[ Well that sounds like something from a nightmare. ]

And these people are common where you're from?

[swordproof]

Not so common that they are in every town, but common enough. I have known a handful in my travels.