audio;

[stubble]

[ It's late at night when Cullen makes the post, the time of night when people would probably text something like this. But typing on the phone is still too much of an unnatural struggle for him to default to it.

He sounds relatively normal. Maybe just a tiny bit tired. ]

What is it you do when you cannot sleep and there is no work to be done to better utilize the hours you spend awake?

[ There's a tiny pause. ]

I am no stranger to sleepless nights, yet in coming here, I've now naught to do with mine.

Comments

[sidequestings]

Well enough. I keep busy with one thing or another. I suppose we all do as best we can.

[ a pause, then thoughtfully: ] With Cassandra here now, there's a number of us from Thedas. I was thinking about.. well, getting everyone together for something. Dinner or.. Hawke and Bull might have suggestions, since they've been here the longest. Is that something you'd be interested in?

[stubble]

[ Aside from the contact achieved through these devices, Cullen has not yet seen anyone from Thedas save Dorian. It's an interesting prospect. It might be fun. Or horribly awkward.

Not as awkward as that misbegotten game of Wicked Grace, however. Small mercies. ]

Perhaps I might. If you decide to put together such a gathering, let me know when and where and I shall see if I am free.

[sidequestings]

[ nothing will ever be as awkward (or funny) as wicked grace with cullen rutherford. ]

I will. I'll bring it up with the others and see what they think. If you see Dorian before I have the chance to speak to him, will you mention it to him, too?

[stubble]

[ That was horrible. Not funny. Horrible. ]

It would not be proper for me to extend an invitation to another's event. Here is his number.

[ A text follows with Dorian's phone number, which is really the only technology-related procedure he knows. ]

You may contact him directly.

[sidequestings]

Well, honestly, it's not much of an invitation just yet, as I'm still looking for suggestions. That's fine, though, I don't mind calling. [ mostly. it still feels awkward, but there's really only one way to fix that.

a thoughtful pause, then: ] Do you have any preferences or suggestions? Or anything you'd really rather not do?

[stubble]

Were this Thedas, I might be able to offer some advice. Here, however...

[ He lets that trail into silence. Cullen is not a social butterfly and spends most of his free time walking his dog and keeping to himself. He doubts a group of people would find anything he likes fun to do together. ]

If I recall correctly, Dorian quite enjoyed the parties the Inquisition attended. Perhaps he might be able to help you.

[ Because otherwise, Cullen's going to suggest playing fetch with Pup on the beach. ]

[sidequestings]

[ after a moment, quietly teasing: ] But I can probably at least strike Wicked Grace off the menu? That is, unless you're ready to try your luck again.

[ that's true about dorian, though. he probably has more experience dealing with the logistics of that sort of thing, too. not that mahanon wants anything formal, but still-- ]

Anyway, thanks for his number. I'll let you know what we come up with.

[stubble]

[ Ah, wonderful. He's an utter disaster at card games the worlds over. He sighs a little to hear it and makes a mental note to actually learn how to play well enough to hold his own against any other Antivan cardsharks he might encounter. ]

For other stakes, perhaps. Currency and little else.

[ Never again clothes. What an utter disgrace. ]

Of course. I'm happy to be of help, such as it is.