WHO: Dorian ( curled ), Cullen ( stubble ) + Shiro ( bayarm ) WHERE: Oros WHEN: Throughout the mission dates... WHAT:A good many dramatic situations began with screaming mission WARNINGS: Nothing crazy ; will update if that changes
( tba with more cohesive things once stuff gets rolling )
[ Dorian would have never forgiven himself if he'd let this opportunity slip by. Granted it's a bit troublesome to be away from Tevinter and Thedas as a whole considering everything that's happened, but there is an opportunity here that Dorian doesn't particularly want to squander. So, he signs up for a mission because research is his one true love.
Wearing a spacesuit feels ridiculous and he isn't really sure how this is going to help them in any way. The helmet is the absolute worst part and is certainly going to take some getting use to. If anything drives him back to the ship in a hurry, it will be that. Feeling a little fortunate he'd been taking a class on how to use the technology, he's using it with a... mild proficiency that he's comfortable taking notes on it. Especially since he can simply speak to it and it translates his words to writing. As he plans on taking a large amount of notes on their samples, this is pretty much the greatest invention.
Because he's used to traveling long distances and setting up camps, this sort of thing doesn't really phase him anymore. This planet, upon arrival, looks like a desolate wasteland much like the Approach. Except the temperature is more what he expects. Still, he hates it already, but is more than ready to begin collecting. Once their camp has been marked, Dorian begins by pulling up the map and marking where they are currently and the areas he wants to explore today. Though they are here for official business—apparently—Dorian has decided he wants to bring back his own samples for further research. Considering all the wild plantlife, there's no telling what flora might be used for a potion or draught. So, he may have taken some extra containers, but that's his own business! ]
[ Cullen's trying to be open-minded about the spacesuits. It isn't the worst garment he's ever worn, but it is the strangest. At least he's got decent freedom of movement. He may not know how to expertly use the equipment they've been provided, but should it be necessary, he can fight. That's what he signed up for. The academics can handle the research end of this enterprise.
Once they land and he's stepped off onto the new world, Cullen takes a moment to look around and get his bearings. This is his first time on a foreign world. It's a lot to take in. He wants to take his helmet off and breathe in the air, but it's poisonous somehow and he knows he can't.
After a moment, he turns to Dorian with a nod. ]
Yes. There's much to explore and I would not waste the daylight. Have you decided on a direction? [ In matters of war, Cullen wouldn't defer to someone else, but because he knows little of research, he's content to let Dorian call some of the shots. ] I can scout the terrain.
[ Perhaps one of the oddest things to him is not having a paper map. He's learned that this technology is called digital—which still sounds strange in his head and on his tongue—but he's no idea what else to call it. So, a digital map it is. He doesn't like that he can't mark on it easier. At least this will keep track of their voyage no matter the direction they take.
Dorian looks at his for a few moments, then out over the landscape. He sighs; ]
A bit desolate, isn't it.
[ Not really a question. Anyone with eyes can see it's fact. How they're going to find grass and moss is a bit of a mystery. He's not really expecting an answer, either.
What Dorian assumes to be the mark for water is just on the edge of the map that he can see and he gestures toward the northwest. ]
That way, I believe. We may be able to find something there. Keep your eyes peeled, however. I'd like to collect my own samples. For my own work.
[ Because that doesn't sound ominous coming from a magister. ]
[ It doesn't surprise him that Dorian intends to do a bit of collecting for his own personal use. Cullen would probably do the same if his interests tended toward research. Nodding, he sets off in the direction Dorian indicates.
The map, or whatever it is that's generated on his helmet—he doesn't understand how it works and while he might like to, he doesn't dwell on it now because it won't do any good—provides information about the terrain and air as he moves. Part of him wants to study it further, but there isn't time at the moment. He decides to investigate it when they make camp.
There isn't any outward sign of threats for the first mile or two and after a while, careful to keep the rest of the team in visual range, he doubles back to rejoin it. ]
The course is clear so far. [ Behind the visor, he arches a brow. ] Have you found anything useful?
[ He has no idea what bits of sand are useful and which ones aren't. ]
[ Granted their mission parameters are rather vague—what samples they're meant to collect aren't listed, just that they need to be of various areas—Dorian is set to collect as many as they can carry. Their mission is split, but Dorian doesn't really know the others and would prefer a resounding success, so he fully intends to collect everything on the list. More is better than none, after all.
Which is why he's a bit further behind than he ought to be, collecting sample number one. The soil is overturned here for sone reason and Dorian suspects it to be an interesting one. He's closing the lid as Cullen's voice sounds in his ear. Tucking it into a pouch, he looks up with a smile before continuing on. ]
Well, it would certainly be nice should we continue with no issue! [ He gestures behind himself to where he'd just been. ] I saw a bit of something there that might be worthy of note. Or perhaps it's nothing more than boring soil! Which seems to be the case here, wouldn't you say?
[ Dorian looks out in front of them and sighs, trudging along in the sand and dirt. ]
[ Cullen glances behind him toward the upturned earth, but nothing about it looks interesting. It isn't arable land and that's really all he knows about dirt and rock. Shrugging, willing to let it up to Dorian, he starts walking again, this time keeping pace at his side. ]
Uneventful means less danger.
[ Which is a good thing. Though he doesn't say that. He figures it goes without saying. ]
I've yet to feel confident with the weapons they've provided us.
[ And that's why he's got his sword slung on his hip. He'll be more successful using a weapon he's proficient with if anything does go wrong. ]
[ Oh it is definitely a hood thing. Dorian has had enough excitement as of late and isn't in a rush to find himself in the middle of a firefight again. Those qunari were enough, thank you very much. As much as he hates things to be boring, the lack of action is fine.
It's just so dreadful! Not a single pretty thing to look at. Present company excluded, of course. The landscape, however, leaves plenty to be desired. So, he turns his attention to Cullen—who is much better to look at—his gaze slipping to the sword at his hip. Truth of the matter is Dorian isn't favoring any of the weapons, either. He brought his staff, which is strapped to his back, a familiar and comforting weight. The look he gives is understanding. He's of mind that they should have had more training in how to use these weapons, but he believes they'll be fine. Cullen is a capable warrior. Dorian is a capable mage. If anyone gets in their way, they'll handle it fine!!
Digging around in one of his pouches, Dorian pulls out a folded piece of paper. Yes, his device has the list and further information, but he's a man who's only known paper and ink. This is easier. He unfolds it and there is a neatly written list on one side and various notes on the other, including little drawings of where they may find better samples. ]
The list isn't terribly long. Sand, soil, moss and grass. [ He ticks them off as he says them. Then as he's folding the paper up he makes a soft sound. ] This at the very lease. Any plantlife that may look interesting for use in draughts, perhaps. So, any number, really.
And they wish for a better picture of the land. Scouting and gathering. Not the most interesting of duties; it almost appears as a task Leliana would give.
( it's the second day of their mission, and shiro hasn't yet achieved what he really came down here to achieve — to find information, to establish contact with the locals, to learn more about the location of this planet and the things that the crew of the eluvio isn't telling them, not necessarily in that order. it's a lot, but if he just achieves some of it, he'll be glad. so far, it's just been wandering the wasteland and not finding very much at all, least of all information.
he's picked up samples to have something to show for his presence down here, but that's not really what he's after, and so by the time that he returns to camp and starts a fire, just small enough to warm up some food. even when the sun goes down after a day that seems decidedly too long to shiro, it doesn't really cool down, so he's wiping sweat from his forehead when he sees one of the other team members approaching.
he doesn't really know them well at all — yet he adds, silent but determined. with his right (the galra hand, technology rather than flesh), he waves to another spot cleared of as much dust and dirt as possible. ) Successful day?
[ Foolish though it is to feel any sense of relief at seeing that paper, Cullen experiences the sensation just the same. It's familiar and normal in a place that's anything but. And there's a sense of camaraderie about being with someone who hasn't completely given up the ways he knows in favor of these strange new ones.
He peers at the paper for a moment, skimming over the contents and committing them to memory so that he can focus his gaze back on their surroundings. All of this might be foreign to him but guarding against enemy attack is something he's done for most of his life. That is something he can do well. ]
Would it not be simpler to use the communication devices they've given us to relay this information? [ There's likely vocabulary here that he ought to be using but he doesn't know what it is. Recording, video, taking pictures: these are foreign concepts to him. ] They allow us to see one another when we're using them to speak together.
[ This isn't the first time Cullen's been tasked to work with a stranger. Maker knows, Mahanon Lavellan was once an unknown and he eventually became a surprisingly close friend. It doesn't bother him to work with Shiro, and though he doesn't have Dorian's easy outgoing, friendly demeanor, he is interested in getting to know him.
Which is one of the reasons why he comes over and takes a seat near him. ]
If you can call picking up dirt successful. [ There's dry sarcasm in Cullen's tone that speaks to how ridiculous he thinks this mission is. But he's been rather agreeable throughout the experience, whatever he thinks of it. ] I've not before been tasked with this type of duty.
[ For all he knows, he's screwing it up. Cullen lifts his eyebrows, nodding toward Shiro. ]
[ Can't take the researcher out of the ye olden mage. He's aware they can keep notes in their little machines, but Dorian is a creature of habit, no matter how much he may want to claim otherwise. Writing still comes faster to him and he's discovering he can't quite keep notes on the machine as well as he can on paper.
So! Paper it is.
Dorian stops walking for a moment, standing there with his hands lightly fisted and resting on his hips as he surveys the land. In a sense he can understand sending people down to get a better idea of what the planet is like. But, the fact remains that it is allegedly hostile and the information given about what life is like on Oros was incredibly short that it doesn't give Dorian much hope that this is going to turn out well at all. Or even if they're going to complete this mission correctly. ]
I don't see why we can't use them to our advantage. Neither one of us are any sort of cartographer.
[ He takes out his device and powers it on. It takes him a bit to navigate through the various little buttons to see what they all do and what he recalls from the classes he and Cullen have been attending to acclimate themselves with this technology. Eventually he finds a notepad type application that as various colored shapes. He taps around until the screen flickers and he's staring at his face on the small screen. ]
Ah! Here we are! [ Lifting it, he rigs it to his suit so it's facing out and will technically see what he sees. If not from shoulder-level. His hand lifts to rest against Cullen's shoulder and he squeezes it. ] What a splendid idea!
( shiro has worked with strangers before as well. if you work with them long enough or often enough, they cease being strangers and become team members or even friends, in his experience. he isn't looking for a new team, but he does want to get to know both cullen and dorian. it would be good to have more allies aboard, people he can trust.
the dry sarcasm in cullen's tone gets a smile from shiro, and at the question, he indicates a number of sample bags behind him. ) Productive, as you can see.
( he isn't actually satisfied at all with how his day went, and a moment later, he adds, more honestly: ) I'd been hoping to learn more about this planet, where we are, that kind of thing. Something that can help us figure out how to get back to our homes. But so far? Nothing.
[ Cullen isn't accustomed to being a stupid man. And he knows that he isn't stupid just because he isn't easily picking up this technology. But the struggle is making him feel stupid. It isn't a feeling he's particularly enjoying.
To hear that he's had a good idea about using the equipment they've been given makes it a little better. A little less like he's a bumbling, credulous idiot.
Smiling crookedly at Dorian, Cullen activates his own device. He's not certain what good it will do, but he doesn't want to leave all of the work to Dorian. A bit of fiddling and he thinks he has it on the right setting. He hopes. ]
Imagine that. I'm useful for more than carrying the heavy equipment. [ The smile quirks more as he reaches out and places a hand against Dorian's back. ] Come along. Let's find the rest of those samples.
[ Absently, Cullen glances at the samples as he nods in agreement. He hasn't found anything of note along the lines of what Shiro's looking for either. Then again, this isn't something he's accustomed to doing. ]
I have seen nothing of note either, though I confess that I am unaccustomed to tasks of this nature. In my world, travel to another is done only by those with the ability to utilize specific devices. Both they and those capable of using them are rare.
[ He rolls his shoulders in a shrug. ]
I am uncertain what clues I ought to be looking for.
[ They've been on this world for a number of days now and so far they've been rather uneventful. It's been a lot of walking in brutally hot weather collecting various bits of dirt and flora. There hasn't been much in the way of fauna and of the people that call this place home, they've seen neither hide nor hair.
Still, Cullen has maintained patrols of the campsite and scouting of the terrain up ahead of the rest of the group. Simply because there's been no cause for alarm thus far doesn't mean he can let his guard down.
And it's good that he doesn't. Cullen's cresting a rise between some large rock formations when he spies movement in the sandy valley below. Slowing, he creeps forward and peers down. A large beast reminiscent of a high dragon—all golds and coppers, with great leathery wings and a long whip-like tail—is currently battling a trio of creatures that look somewhat like the phoenixes of Thedas. The creatures are losing. And the dragon is very big.
As quickly and quietly as possible, Cullen retreats and makes haste back to Dorian and Shiro. He doesn't waste words when he reaches them. ]
Dragon. Or something that looks like one. Past there. [ He points toward the rock formation not too terribly far away. ] Fighting large reptilian creatures. [ A beat and his tone darkens. ] They're losing. We ought to find another way before it hears us.
[ It has been mostly boring on this trip. They've gathered the samples that were put on the list and then some. Dorian finds no reason that he can't collect samples to grow in his quarters aboard the ship. There was nothing saying he couldn't, so why not? He's got to learn how to work with foreign sources for draughts and tonics sometime. Might as well take his opportunity while it's here.
Currently, he's sitting at the camp and labelling some of the samples and idly wondering if they should get a few more. ( To be quite honest, he's not positive what they got is even moss to begin with. It isn't as if there is an over abundance of moisture on this planet... ) Keeping busy at a camp isn't something new to him and it makes him feel oddly nostalgic for another time. Even more so with Cullen out patrolling. Blackwall and Cassandra used to do the same thing.
He's also familiar with the gait Cullen has on his return. Instantly, he's on alert. Something must be just beyond the ridges there. As quickly as he can, Dorian begins placing the samples into the bag resting at his feet. Whatever he was expecting, it certainly isn't what Cullen says upon his return. ]
Maker's arse.
[ He says it under his breath, almost, and it's followed rapidly by a string of Tevene that might sound nice but trust that it isn't. Dorian runs a hand over the curve of the helmet as he rises to his feet and begins pacing. Of all things. ]
You're positive it's a dragon?
[ He sounds a little hopeful that maybe Cullen was just mistaken. That maybe it's really not and everything is totally fine........ ]
[ One of the many things Cullen appreciates about Dorian being present on this unexpected and bizarre adventure is that he doesn't ask a bunch of pointless questions or waste time. He's already gathering their supplies by the time Cullen reaches the campsite, saving them some much needed time.
He can't speak Tevene. Even now, after striking up a friendship with a magister, his knowledge of the language is dismal. The tone Dorian uses, however, is clear, and Cullen spares a second to allow his lips to twitch in a tiny there and gone smile. Everybody in Skyhold likely knew Dorian's opinion on dragons. ]
Perhaps it's called by another name here, but it resembles a high dragon enough for me to be wary of engaging it unnecessarily. If we go—
[ His suggestion is cut off by a bellowing roar that echoes easily over the sand. A moment later, the shape of the great beast rises into the sky. Cullen scowls, already reaching for his sword. The creature's big, but he's had some experience with dragons in the past and he knows that Dorian has had plenty at the Inquisitor's side. He isn't afraid. Coolly, he says; ]
I suppose this means retreat is out of the question.
( shiro nods, too, less in agreement and more to indicate that he's listening, thinking along. ) Back on Earth, it didn't happen often that people travelled to other planets. But I was trained for it, and I've been doing it a lot more since.
( no longer with the galaxy garrison, but now as part of voltron. altean technology is far more advanced than human technology; the same can be said for galra technology. for a moment, shiro looks down at his prosthetic arm. there's a quiet whirring sound when he clenches his fist, unclenches it again. )
Star patterns that look familiar, maybe. There's a few people from space-faring worlds here. Maybe some patterns match one of their maps. Maybe the people here have an idea how the anomalies work.
( he lifts his shoulders in a shrug. ) I'm reaching. I don't know exactly, either.
[ He hears the sound Shiro's arm makes, though he doesn't understand quite why it would do so. Part of him wishes to ask, but that's impolite. Nosy. He doesn't wish to pry. ]
Do you mean like constellations? That is the term we use in Thedas. They are like... [ He gestures toward the sky. ] Like images, though in truth, one must use one's imagination to see them properly.
[ When there is a dragon around, there is no way Dorian is going to waste time. He knows what they're capable of. He's been battered by dozens across Thedas and back. He'd prefer to keep that behind him, but the path his life is on doesn't seem content to let that stand.
Bugger it.
Bugger it double when Dorian hears that familiar yet not screeching roar that trembles the very earth they stand on. Damn it to the Void and back seven times over. He has the fleeting and fruitless thought that perhaps they can escape it before it takes to the skies. Except, it gets the jump on them there and Dorian is snatching up the bag of samples and slinging it over his neck and shoulder with one hand and grabbing his staff with the other, all while throwing up a barrier around their little group—the snap of it audible and the tingling of protection covering from head to toe. At least he can still multi-task. ]
Somehow I doubt we'll be lucky and this beast calls on ice.
[ Because why would it in the middle of a desert?? Dorian grits his teeth as he watches it circle in the sky above, not making a move yet. Which he doesn't like one bit. ]
[ Having his shield right about now would make Cullen feel a lot better. His shield, some real armor, a helm with a proper visor. What he's wearing makes him feel naked and exposed in a way that might be fatal if it's not all just in his head. Squinting against the glare of the sun, he eyes the beast as it moves toward them. ]
Not a templar anymore. [ It's a terse, under his breath reminder that while once he might have been able to figure out what magic it could call upon, the lyrium has long since burned out of his blood. An elaboration comes a few seconds later as he tracks its flight. ] When it was attacking the other creatures, I saw no magic. Only teeth and claws.
[ But he knows that that doesn't necessarily mean the creature can't call upon other powers. ]
Stay alert and hold nothing back. The sooner it's dead or driven off, the greater our likelihood of survival.
[ Dorian's lips purse in a slightly annoyed scowl. Templar or not, Cullen has eyes and can observe things. Often dragons show their true extent by the area they keep or when facing a threat. That this one hasn't...
Well, it has Dorian a little worried, honestly.
This is really not how Dorian wanted to end this trip. Everything had been going well so far. They have so many samples collected and videos of the terrain... If anything gets lost because of this wretched beast, Dorian is going to be incredibly and outstandingly furious.
Maker, he does not want to do this. But, even he knows retreat at this point is futile. It shrieks high and loud and it vibrates Dorian's teeth. The next moment it's swooping down toward them, mouth open as something that looks like pitch spews forth and splashes the ground. The sand sizzles and pops, Dorian aims a ball of fire at it, only for it to catch on a stray bit of that pitch and it explodes near instantly and throws Dorian back several feet. If anyone were interested in learning colorful Tevene phrases, today would be the day for it.
He groans as he sits up, blinking to reorient himself as to where the dragon's gone off to, and eventually pushes back up to his feet. ]
Bit explosive, by the way, that pitch it's spitting out everywhere. Just in case you were wondering.
[ Cullen's seen a lot of dragons in his day. He's aware of the different elements they favor and what they can do with them. But in all his years as a templar and general of the Inquisition, he's never seen one spit pitch.
Exploding pitch. ]
Dorian!
[ He's already on the move, rushing to put himself between Dorian and the dragon. Now more than ever, he misses his shield. Still, he faces the dragon, sword at the ready, muscles tensed to strike should it come too close. The only thing that prevents him from physically checking on Dorian is that he can still hear him cursing.
And from the corner of his eye, he can see him getting to his feet.
[ shiro is glad cullen doesn't ask. most of the time, he's fine using the arm and not thinking about the fact that it's galra technology, that he doesn't know how he lost his real arm, that they gave him this prosthetic. that they turned him into a galra weapon, if haggar's words are anything to go by. when he thinks of it, it's always with a sense of dread, with bile rising up his throat. ]
I do mean constellations. The ones around here aren't familiar to me, either, but I'm not an expert on them. And maybe someone can do something with them.
[ he hesitates for a moment, then asks. ] Thedas. That's the name of your world?
[ cullen and dorian may have seen dragons before; shiro has never seen one in his life except in movies or on tv. they're fantastical beasts, to him, and while he's wrapped his mind around the fact that aliens are real easily enough out of sheer necessity, an actual dragon throws him off-balance when he spots the creature and his two team members fighting it by the time he comes back from where he'd still been collecting samples behind one of the sand dunes.
fortunately, instinct takes over, his galra arm lighting up to bright and glowing purple as he moves to cullen's side. dorian is getting to his feet again, so shiro doesn't stop to check on him, figuring that keeping the dragon from throwing more exploding whatever-that-was at dorian is all the help he needs
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no subject
Wearing a spacesuit feels ridiculous and he isn't really sure how this is going to help them in any way. The helmet is the absolute worst part and is certainly going to take some getting use to. If anything drives him back to the ship in a hurry, it will be that. Feeling a little fortunate he'd been taking a class on how to use the technology, he's using it with a... mild proficiency that he's comfortable taking notes on it. Especially since he can simply speak to it and it translates his words to writing. As he plans on taking a large amount of notes on their samples, this is pretty much the greatest invention.
Because he's used to traveling long distances and setting up camps, this sort of thing doesn't really phase him anymore. This planet, upon arrival, looks like a desolate wasteland much like the Approach. Except the temperature is more what he expects. Still, he hates it already, but is more than ready to begin collecting. Once their camp has been marked, Dorian begins by pulling up the map and marking where they are currently and the areas he wants to explore today. Though they are here for official business—apparently—Dorian has decided he wants to bring back his own samples for further research. Considering all the wild plantlife, there's no telling what flora might be used for a potion or draught. So, he may have taken some extra containers, but that's his own business! ]
Well, then, we ready?
— MISC MISSION DAYS
no subject
Once they land and he's stepped off onto the new world, Cullen takes a moment to look around and get his bearings. This is his first time on a foreign world. It's a lot to take in. He wants to take his helmet off and breathe in the air, but it's poisonous somehow and he knows he can't.
After a moment, he turns to Dorian with a nod. ]
Yes. There's much to explore and I would not waste the daylight. Have you decided on a direction? [ In matters of war, Cullen wouldn't defer to someone else, but because he knows little of research, he's content to let Dorian call some of the shots. ] I can scout the terrain.
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Dorian looks at his for a few moments, then out over the landscape. He sighs; ]
A bit desolate, isn't it.
[ Not really a question. Anyone with eyes can see it's fact. How they're going to find grass and moss is a bit of a mystery. He's not really expecting an answer, either.
What Dorian assumes to be the mark for water is just on the edge of the map that he can see and he gestures toward the northwest. ]
That way, I believe. We may be able to find something there. Keep your eyes peeled, however. I'd like to collect my own samples. For my own work.
[ Because that doesn't sound ominous coming from a magister. ]
no subject
The map, or whatever it is that's generated on his helmet—he doesn't understand how it works and while he might like to, he doesn't dwell on it now because it won't do any good—provides information about the terrain and air as he moves. Part of him wants to study it further, but there isn't time at the moment. He decides to investigate it when they make camp.
There isn't any outward sign of threats for the first mile or two and after a while, careful to keep the rest of the team in visual range, he doubles back to rejoin it. ]
The course is clear so far. [ Behind the visor, he arches a brow. ] Have you found anything useful?
[ He has no idea what bits of sand are useful and which ones aren't. ]
no subject
Which is why he's a bit further behind than he ought to be, collecting sample number one. The soil is overturned here for sone reason and Dorian suspects it to be an interesting one. He's closing the lid as Cullen's voice sounds in his ear. Tucking it into a pouch, he looks up with a smile before continuing on. ]
Well, it would certainly be nice should we continue with no issue! [ He gestures behind himself to where he'd just been. ] I saw a bit of something there that might be worthy of note. Or perhaps it's nothing more than boring soil! Which seems to be the case here, wouldn't you say?
[ Dorian looks out in front of them and sighs, trudging along in the sand and dirt. ]
Terribly dull as far as the eye can see.
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Uneventful means less danger.
[ Which is a good thing. Though he doesn't say that. He figures it goes without saying. ]
I've yet to feel confident with the weapons they've provided us.
[ And that's why he's got his sword slung on his hip. He'll be more successful using a weapon he's proficient with if anything does go wrong. ]
How many samples are you looking to acquire?
no subject
It's just so dreadful! Not a single pretty thing to look at. Present company excluded, of course. The landscape, however, leaves plenty to be desired. So, he turns his attention to Cullen—who is much better to look at—his gaze slipping to the sword at his hip. Truth of the matter is Dorian isn't favoring any of the weapons, either. He brought his staff, which is strapped to his back, a familiar and comforting weight. The look he gives is understanding. He's of mind that they should have had more training in how to use these weapons, but he believes they'll be fine. Cullen is a capable warrior. Dorian is a capable mage. If anyone gets in their way, they'll handle it fine!!
Digging around in one of his pouches, Dorian pulls out a folded piece of paper. Yes, his device has the list and further information, but he's a man who's only known paper and ink. This is easier. He unfolds it and there is a neatly written list on one side and various notes on the other, including little drawings of where they may find better samples. ]
The list isn't terribly long. Sand, soil, moss and grass. [ He ticks them off as he says them. Then as he's folding the paper up he makes a soft sound. ] This at the very lease. Any plantlife that may look interesting for use in draughts, perhaps. So, any number, really.
And they wish for a better picture of the land. Scouting and gathering. Not the most interesting of duties; it almost appears as a task Leliana would give.
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He peers at the paper for a moment, skimming over the contents and committing them to memory so that he can focus his gaze back on their surroundings. All of this might be foreign to him but guarding against enemy attack is something he's done for most of his life. That is something he can do well. ]
Would it not be simpler to use the communication devices they've given us to relay this information? [ There's likely vocabulary here that he ought to be using but he doesn't know what it is. Recording, video, taking pictures: these are foreign concepts to him. ] They allow us to see one another when we're using them to speak together.
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Which is one of the reasons why he comes over and takes a seat near him. ]
If you can call picking up dirt successful. [ There's dry sarcasm in Cullen's tone that speaks to how ridiculous he thinks this mission is. But he's been rather agreeable throughout the experience, whatever he thinks of it. ] I've not before been tasked with this type of duty.
[ For all he knows, he's screwing it up. Cullen lifts his eyebrows, nodding toward Shiro. ]
How was your day?
no subject
So! Paper it is.
Dorian stops walking for a moment, standing there with his hands lightly fisted and resting on his hips as he surveys the land. In a sense he can understand sending people down to get a better idea of what the planet is like. But, the fact remains that it is allegedly hostile and the information given about what life is like on Oros was incredibly short that it doesn't give Dorian much hope that this is going to turn out well at all. Or even if they're going to complete this mission correctly. ]
I don't see why we can't use them to our advantage. Neither one of us are any sort of cartographer.
[ He takes out his device and powers it on. It takes him a bit to navigate through the various little buttons to see what they all do and what he recalls from the classes he and Cullen have been attending to acclimate themselves with this technology. Eventually he finds a notepad type application that as various colored shapes. He taps around until the screen flickers and he's staring at his face on the small screen. ]
Ah! Here we are! [ Lifting it, he rigs it to his suit so it's facing out and will technically see what he sees. If not from shoulder-level. His hand lifts to rest against Cullen's shoulder and he squeezes it. ] What a splendid idea!
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the dry sarcasm in cullen's tone gets a smile from shiro, and at the question, he indicates a number of sample bags behind him. ) Productive, as you can see.
( he isn't actually satisfied at all with how his day went, and a moment later, he adds, more honestly: ) I'd been hoping to learn more about this planet, where we are, that kind of thing. Something that can help us figure out how to get back to our homes. But so far? Nothing.
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To hear that he's had a good idea about using the equipment they've been given makes it a little better. A little less like he's a bumbling, credulous idiot.
Smiling crookedly at Dorian, Cullen activates his own device. He's not certain what good it will do, but he doesn't want to leave all of the work to Dorian. A bit of fiddling and he thinks he has it on the right setting. He hopes. ]
Imagine that. I'm useful for more than carrying the heavy equipment. [ The smile quirks more as he reaches out and places a hand against Dorian's back. ] Come along. Let's find the rest of those samples.
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I have seen nothing of note either, though I confess that I am unaccustomed to tasks of this nature. In my world, travel to another is done only by those with the ability to utilize specific devices. Both they and those capable of using them are rare.
[ He rolls his shoulders in a shrug. ]
I am uncertain what clues I ought to be looking for.
dragon fighting
Still, Cullen has maintained patrols of the campsite and scouting of the terrain up ahead of the rest of the group. Simply because there's been no cause for alarm thus far doesn't mean he can let his guard down.
And it's good that he doesn't. Cullen's cresting a rise between some large rock formations when he spies movement in the sandy valley below. Slowing, he creeps forward and peers down. A large beast reminiscent of a high dragon—all golds and coppers, with great leathery wings and a long whip-like tail—is currently battling a trio of creatures that look somewhat like the phoenixes of Thedas. The creatures are losing. And the dragon is very big.
As quickly and quietly as possible, Cullen retreats and makes haste back to Dorian and Shiro. He doesn't waste words when he reaches them. ]
Dragon. Or something that looks like one. Past there. [ He points toward the rock formation not too terribly far away. ] Fighting large reptilian creatures. [ A beat and his tone darkens. ] They're losing. We ought to find another way before it hears us.
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Currently, he's sitting at the camp and labelling some of the samples and idly wondering if they should get a few more. ( To be quite honest, he's not positive what they got is even moss to begin with. It isn't as if there is an over abundance of moisture on this planet... ) Keeping busy at a camp isn't something new to him and it makes him feel oddly nostalgic for another time. Even more so with Cullen out patrolling. Blackwall and Cassandra used to do the same thing.
He's also familiar with the gait Cullen has on his return. Instantly, he's on alert. Something must be just beyond the ridges there. As quickly as he can, Dorian begins placing the samples into the bag resting at his feet. Whatever he was expecting, it certainly isn't what Cullen says upon his return. ]
Maker's arse.
[ He says it under his breath, almost, and it's followed rapidly by a string of Tevene that might sound nice but trust that it isn't. Dorian runs a hand over the curve of the helmet as he rises to his feet and begins pacing. Of all things. ]
You're positive it's a dragon?
[ He sounds a little hopeful that maybe Cullen was just mistaken. That maybe it's really not and everything is totally fine........ ]
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He can't speak Tevene. Even now, after striking up a friendship with a magister, his knowledge of the language is dismal. The tone Dorian uses, however, is clear, and Cullen spares a second to allow his lips to twitch in a tiny there and gone smile. Everybody in Skyhold likely knew Dorian's opinion on dragons. ]
Perhaps it's called by another name here, but it resembles a high dragon enough for me to be wary of engaging it unnecessarily. If we go—
[ His suggestion is cut off by a bellowing roar that echoes easily over the sand. A moment later, the shape of the great beast rises into the sky. Cullen scowls, already reaching for his sword. The creature's big, but he's had some experience with dragons in the past and he knows that Dorian has had plenty at the Inquisitor's side. He isn't afraid. Coolly, he says; ]
I suppose this means retreat is out of the question.
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( no longer with the galaxy garrison, but now as part of voltron. altean technology is far more advanced than human technology; the same can be said for galra technology. for a moment, shiro looks down at his prosthetic arm. there's a quiet whirring sound when he clenches his fist, unclenches it again. )
Star patterns that look familiar, maybe. There's a few people from space-faring worlds here. Maybe some patterns match one of their maps. Maybe the people here have an idea how the anomalies work.
( he lifts his shoulders in a shrug. ) I'm reaching. I don't know exactly, either.
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[ He hears the sound Shiro's arm makes, though he doesn't understand quite why it would do so. Part of him wishes to ask, but that's impolite. Nosy. He doesn't wish to pry. ]
Do you mean like constellations? That is the term we use in Thedas. They are like... [ He gestures toward the sky. ] Like images, though in truth, one must use one's imagination to see them properly.
[ A quick glance upward and Cullen frowns. ]
But I've not seen any of those in this sky.
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Bugger it.
Bugger it double when Dorian hears that familiar yet not screeching roar that trembles the very earth they stand on. Damn it to the Void and back seven times over. He has the fleeting and fruitless thought that perhaps they can escape it before it takes to the skies. Except, it gets the jump on them there and Dorian is snatching up the bag of samples and slinging it over his neck and shoulder with one hand and grabbing his staff with the other, all while throwing up a barrier around their little group—the snap of it audible and the tingling of protection covering from head to toe. At least he can still multi-task. ]
Somehow I doubt we'll be lucky and this beast calls on ice.
[ Because why would it in the middle of a desert?? Dorian grits his teeth as he watches it circle in the sky above, not making a move yet. Which he doesn't like one bit. ]
Do you know if it holds an element?
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Not a templar anymore. [ It's a terse, under his breath reminder that while once he might have been able to figure out what magic it could call upon, the lyrium has long since burned out of his blood. An elaboration comes a few seconds later as he tracks its flight. ] When it was attacking the other creatures, I saw no magic. Only teeth and claws.
[ But he knows that that doesn't necessarily mean the creature can't call upon other powers. ]
Stay alert and hold nothing back. The sooner it's dead or driven off, the greater our likelihood of survival.
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Well, it has Dorian a little worried, honestly.
This is really not how Dorian wanted to end this trip. Everything had been going well so far. They have so many samples collected and videos of the terrain... If anything gets lost because of this wretched beast, Dorian is going to be incredibly and outstandingly furious.
Maker, he does not want to do this. But, even he knows retreat at this point is futile. It shrieks high and loud and it vibrates Dorian's teeth. The next moment it's swooping down toward them, mouth open as something that looks like pitch spews forth and splashes the ground. The sand sizzles and pops, Dorian aims a ball of fire at it, only for it to catch on a stray bit of that pitch and it explodes near instantly and throws Dorian back several feet. If anyone were interested in learning colorful Tevene phrases, today would be the day for it.
He groans as he sits up, blinking to reorient himself as to where the dragon's gone off to, and eventually pushes back up to his feet. ]
Bit explosive, by the way, that pitch it's spitting out everywhere. Just in case you were wondering.
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Exploding pitch. ]
Dorian!
[ He's already on the move, rushing to put himself between Dorian and the dragon. Now more than ever, he misses his shield. Still, he faces the dragon, sword at the ready, muscles tensed to strike should it come too close. The only thing that prevents him from physically checking on Dorian is that he can still hear him cursing.
And from the corner of his eye, he can see him getting to his feet.
Over his shoulder, Cullen calls out to him; ]
Are you injured?
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I do mean constellations. The ones around here aren't familiar to me, either, but I'm not an expert on them. And maybe someone can do something with them.
[ he hesitates for a moment, then asks. ] Thedas. That's the name of your world?
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fortunately, instinct takes over, his galra arm lighting up to bright and glowing purple as he moves to cullen's side. dorian is getting to his feet again, so shiro doesn't stop to check on him, figuring that keeping the dragon from throwing more exploding whatever-that-was at dorian is all the help he needs
and still, he has to ask: ] Is that a dragon?