"You know, all that sounds almost terrifyingly familiar. How strange." While he was talking to Surana, he couldn't help looking down at the dog with a smile as he spoke. Dogs were so great, and mabari doubly so. How could anyone possibly be offended by a friendly poke in the nethers from such a source?

"Garrett Hawke. There's really no need to apologize; at this point I'm pretty sure it's bred into the line -- NO. Don't you even think about it." If Hawke's attention and tone seemed suddenly diverted to something behind Surana, it's because they were. That something was another mabari, and if Surana were to turn about, he would see this one sitting politely on his haunches and panting innocently, as if the dog had nothing more in mind than rejoining his master from whatever side-journey he'd gone on, and had most definitely not planned on goosing anyone in the arse. Definitely not. That would be rude.