003 [ action | OTA ]

[a_talking_dug]

[Dug is lying on the steps of the Academy's main entrance this afternoon, head between his paws, staring out toward the horizon with a rather forlorn look on his face.

He's here to help. That's why he was recruited-to help the students learn how to track in spite of their unfortunate human-ness, and help the faculty if and when anyone else

Comments

[letdownmyhair]

[Rapunzel can't resist. Now that she's back out on her own and fully voiced, she's been excitedly wandering around the compound absorbing the lovely weather. And when she sees the puppy sitting by himself and looking sad, she can't help but come over, the excitement giving way to concern.]

Hey... Are you okay?

[a_talking_dug]

[Dug's ears perk at her approach, and after a moment of sniffing in her direction, he lifts his head.]

Yes. [Moooooostly.] Hell-o.

[letdownmyhair]

Hello~

[With a slight tilt to her head, Rapunzel seats herself on the ground next to him, swiftly tucking her skirt under her and reaching out to pat him on the head]

So... what're you sitting out here by yourself for?

FFFFFF HTML. :|

[a_talking_dug]

[He responds with a slight wag of his tail, and a tilt of his head. Behind the ears, maybe?]

I was watching, to see if- [WAIT. Rapunzel is not staff, nor is she in his class. She might not know about the missing people, yet, and he certainly doesn't want to cause any trouble. SHH, DUG.]

Watching.

[action]

[very_practical]

[Jane was eagerly on her way to get to the library for a few hours of study, but she had to stop when she heard the whining of a dog.

Upon finding him, she sits down beside him and gives his head a pat.]

What's the matter, boy? Are you all right?

[a_talking_dug]

[Tailwag! Dug is always pleased to see you, Jane. Even when he is a sad puppy.]

I am worried, Jane. People are missing.

[very_practical]

Oh. Y-yes... I've heard as well.

[Gives him another pet.]

Don't fret, boy. Most people who vanish come back. Miss Lottie did. As did Miss Elisa, and several other people.

[It's still terrible though.]

[a_talking_dug]

[Dug is not the brightest of creatures, but he does pick up on Jane's use of the word "most." He give her worried doggy eyes.]

Most?

action;

[cowboy_newsie]

[He looks slightly uneasy when he sees the talking dog, but approaches him anyway.]

Uh . . . you all right, boy?

[a_talking_dug]

[Dug looks up when he catches the familiar human's scent.]

I am alright.

[cowboy_newsie]

[He looks slightly thrown off-- because man, it's weird to hear a dog talk-- but sits down next to Dug.]

Don't sound it.

[And then, because he can't resist, he reaches out, scratching behind Dug's ears.]

[a_talking_dug]

[Dug tilts his head in the direction of Jack's hand, then sighs.]

I am worried about the Mist, that is all.

[tuff2bagod]

[Since the Mouse's announcement, Miguel has been running all over the school, looking high and low for any sign of Tulio. So far, he's found none, but he does spot a fluffy friend who looks about as forlorn as he feels. Miguel forces a sad smile on and sits down next to Dug, giving the dog a pat on the head, grateful for the chance to rest in the midst of his search.]

How you holding up, boy?

[a_talking_dug]

[Dug sort of shrugs, glancing over at Miguel.]

I am worried. But also I am okay.

Are you okay?

[tuff2bagod]

[Short and to the point. Miguel's smile gets a little more genuine.]

I'm okay. Worried, much the same as yourself, but okay.

[Dug gets more headrubs, partly because he's aww-inducing, and partly because petting a dog is a great stress reliever. Miguel could use less stress right now.]

Seen Tulio around?

[a_talking_dug]

[Yes, yes, someone once informed Dug of this stress relieving property he has. He's happy to oblige, really.

Miguel's question, however, makes Dug's ears fold back. He half-whines, then kind of sniffles to shut himself up.]

No... I have not seen Tulio.

[hungarianmouse]

Mister Dug? Are you all right?

[a_talking_dug]

Hello, tiny not-squirrel. I am worried about the Mist.

[hungarianmouse]

Oh, we all are. [She sighed heavily.] Those poor people! It's terrible, just terrible.

[a_talking_dug]

Yes.

But I will track them! Or help track them, when a search party goes out.

[Firm nod.]