I'll see what I can find for rent. [She... might or might not know enough about how that works here. But she still trusts herself with money more than Rue.]
Anyway, you've helped me with plenty of stuff. [Helping besties move is absolutely part of tradition. Probably. Judging by movies. It's not like she's actually had many of those!]
It can be two things. [Eda says just a little sheepishly. Her tail twitches in a way that might be anxious; she really needs to work on not letting it make her moods more obvious.]
But... yeah, I could use some advice. If you're not tired of that yet. [They've already listened to a lot of her problems, over the months they've been friends, or at least a lot by her standards.] Everything's weird. [Which isn't news in this place, but the various timelines don't help.]
[The way that Rue's big eyes squint happily must be such a familiar expression to Eda at this point. It's all quiet amusement.]
It can be two things. [They agree, already sorting through the new clothing to tailor. Thankfully, adjustments for a tail shouldn't be too difficult at all. Just a little alteration...]
Oh Eda, of course I'm not tired of it. Please, tell me your worries.
Well... you know Raine's back. And--thanks again. For helping them. [If nothing else, she's glad they ran into someone who wanted to help. As opposed to someone who didn't care or, worse, was nervous about another witch.]
I'm glad they're okay but it's just--weird. Everything's weird. We were finally figuring everything out and now-- [Eda makes a frustrated noise and runs her claws through her short hair.]
Now they don't remember anything that's happened here. Or... even as much stuff from home.
[Rue had eventually come to guess that this new Raine remembered nothing from their previous stay in Gloucester, but to hear that they knew even less about their past at home too? That is truly terrifying.]
Oh Eda, I can hardly believe it. How is that even possible?
Time is weird here. I know I've mentioned Hunter's from my world. [And, probably, the fact she worries over him in general.]
We both got here around the same time, originally. But he didn't remember the last time I saw him back home. He thought it was... a few weeks earlier than I did. And then a few months later he vanished. [Something she spent a lot of time being stressed over.]
And then he came back only—only this time he knew more than me. He was from later, and he'd seen me back home even though I've been here.
[She fidgets anxiously with a few of the feathers on her tail. It's confusing and she hates it here.]
And... he doesn't remember getting to know me here. [Something she was sad about in his case, too.]
[Ah. That would explain it, wouldn't it? And it makes sense. When Rue spoke to Jeff, he mentioned he came from an earlier time period from the same world, just from the past. It's so incredibly strange. How does ADI have such technology to pull not only from different worlds but from different timelines as well?
Rue holds out a giant, feathery paw, offering it to Eda, if she needs something to squeeze and cling to, that isn't her tail.]
Eda, I'm terribly sorry about all of this. Just as you both had reconciled as well. [Their head tips to the side, big eyes watching the woman sadly, brow pinched with worry.] How is it going with this new Raine then?
[Eda squeezes their hand briefly, and switches to fidgeting lightly with their feathers and claws instead of her own.
It feels strange, the way they phrase the question, but... maybe thinking of Raine as a new version would help.]
It's... going well, I guess. Maybe better than things started off last time. [She lets out a tired little chuckle. At least she hasn't chased them around the ADI campus.]
Buffalo was a nice chance to just—spend some time as friends. Well, if we leave out the weasel part.
[But there's clearly more that's bothering her. She worries at her lower lip with her gold fang.]
[Even without the full context, considering all that Rue has heard, they believe Eda completely.
Over the last few months, Eda has become one of the owlbear's dearest friends, and after so much time spent together, they have learned at least a few of her obvious tells. They listen to her words, they wait patiently, and when it becomes clear that Eda needs a little more gentle prodding to continue, they sweetly squeeze her hand back and smile.]
[After a moment this does get her talking again, once she's sorted out her thoughts to a degree. She continues to idly fidget with their claws.]
I haven't... told them I know how they feel. Or that we were giving things another go. It seemed like--like a lot to just drop on them on top of everything else.
[She still thinks it would have been. She's pretty sure it was the right decision in the beginning. Probably.]
But it also--it feels wrong knowing things they haven't told me and not saying anything. Not telling them stuff.
[Especially given that not telling Raine things has lead to most of their problems in the past, even if it's a very different situation.]
Pretty sure they can tell there's something up anyway.
[Ah, it had already been on Rue's mind, of course, but they've long learned that sometimes it's better to wait for Eda to bring it up herself. And in the end, they are so grateful that she felt comfortable enough to.]
I would have done the very same. Dropping such information on someone so new to all of this, still struggling with their own identity when all they've heard is relationships they don't remember, I think you did the right thing. Putting those expectations on them would have been devastating.
[a beat, Rue watching Eda play with their feathers and claws.]
Would you like my advice? You will not offend me if you say no.
[Eda seems to relax a bit, when Rue agrees it was the right call. As much as she had the same reasons as they give, it still helps to hear it from someone else. The next part gets a soft snort, since it's a large part of why she's here.]
I can't promise I'll follow it but... yeah. Little out of my depth here if you couldn't tell.
[In a lot of ways. While she has a pretty large collection of exes, she really only has one relationship that mattered, and that one ended poorly the first time. Getting back together felt complicated enough without, well, this. She's also not used to asking for advice, especially about this kind of thing.]
I think that's fair, dearest. Anyone would be most out of their depth in a situation like this. You are doing your absolute best, I have no doubt about that.
[Even without all of that information, Rue knows how sensitive discussing all of this must be for Eda. As touched as they are that she feels open enough to not only discuss but to ask for advice about such an important piece of their life, of course Rue wishes she just never had to experience any of this in the first place instead.]
Now, I am saying this from the perspective that I have not been around the two of you, so forgive me for misspeaking if I do. I'm not trying to make assumptions, I am only going off of what I know. But I think, if I were in Raine's situation and my darling Hob had to stand by and watch a me with no memory of being together with him, I would want to know.
But I think, to not be scared away or to feel as if unfair expectations were placed on me, I would need it to be more careful. Slowly, with great care. I believe spending more time with Raine simply talking and getting to know one another again, not as lovers but as friends, to be attentive and kind and patient and, above all, understanding, that though they are the same in body, it is not their burden to become that same person.
[As much as she doesn't want to admit she needs the support, having someone else say she's doing her best helps, too.
Eda nods as Rue adds caveats to their opinions, waiting for them to give them anyway--she really wasn't the type to ask if she hadn't wanted them. When they, do, though, it gives her a lot to think about. She's quiet for a long moment.]
I think... they'd want to know too.
[If not right when they got here, she thinks they really would want to know sooner or later. She hesitates again as she thinks about the rest.]
Oh, but you're right, I... I'm trying to keep that in mind. We haven't been through the same stuff or-- even talked about things as much. I don't want to make them feel like they have to do anything they're not ready for.
[But to be fair, that was also one of the reasons it took her so long last time.]
[Completely fair considering their circumstances.]
Then perhaps, that is the best place to start. Not the, ah, shift in your relationship, but the events that you both have been through since your reconciliation, both good and bad. To highlight and celebrate the parts they do not remember with them. It could be a very fruitful bonding session.
[It may start off a little strange, but Rue can see how natural it may become with time, seeing pictures of the two of them together, all paired with a matching story.]
That... actually might be a good idea. [Eda looks thoughtful, but it would definitely be somewhere to start.]
I've told them some of what's happened here and-- some of the stuff they didn't know yet. Like why I look like this.
[Which technically falls under both those things. They didn't know why harpy mode was possible, and transforming here was a story they didn't remember—albeit one she didn't like telling. It occurs to her she's not completely certain if Rue knows all the details of either, because she'd had a lot of apple blood by the time she was telling them about her curse. It's a bit foggy.]
But there's a lot of other stuff... I wasn't sure if it'd just be weird. [But it's probably going to be weird either way.]
[That whole night is a big foggy, after the pain of their injury and the apple blood that flowed afterwards. But the memory of it, of being close to Eda and sharing laughs and secrets and the gentle warmth of new friendship, that Rue shall remember forever.]
Well, what kinds of things do you mean? I can tell you, from an outsider's perspective, whether I think it may be too weird or not yet.
I mean, I mostly meant it feels weird talking about anything they don't remember.
[She gives a little shrug, and pauses to drink some of her tea.]
None of the stuff I haven't told them is that wild... at least by this place's standards. But we had some interesting times—and I've got some pictures from showing them around Gloucester, things like that.
[Rue pats her hand affectionately, their big eyes smiling across the way at Eda.]
Do you think they may enjoy a photo album? Spaces for old memories and for the new, so that they may flip through on their own time, not only with you?
[And this idea actually gets a nostalgic smile for a moment there.]
Well... I used to keep a scrapbook. It had a lot of our Hexside stuff back in the day. It might be nice to start a new one.
[Honestly, even if it turns out Raine isn't comfortable seeing what they--what the other version of them--did, starting one just for new memories sounds nice.]
[Eda still tends to look a little flustered every time she talks about her relationship—or even lack thereof—with anyone, but it's also nice having someone she can talk about it with.
Honestly, should things get as far as trying again this time, it's probably important she have other friends she can talk to about it.]
Yeah, I... actually am. Maybe I've been overthinking this a little.
[But overthinking things is, unfortunately, something she's good at. And not likely to stop doing any time soon. At least she's starting to form more of a plan in her mind instead of letting her thoughts chase each other in circles.]
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I'll see what I can find for rent. [She... might or might not know enough about how that works here. But she still trusts herself with money more than Rue.]
Anyway, you've helped me with plenty of stuff. [Helping besties move is absolutely part of tradition. Probably. Judging by movies. It's not like she's actually had many of those!]
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Now, is this simply a social call? Or was there something on your mind, my friend?
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But... yeah, I could use some advice. If you're not tired of that yet. [They've already listened to a lot of her problems, over the months they've been friends, or at least a lot by her standards.] Everything's weird. [Which isn't news in this place, but the various timelines don't help.]
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It can be two things. [They agree, already sorting through the new clothing to tailor. Thankfully, adjustments for a tail shouldn't be too difficult at all. Just a little alteration...]
Oh Eda, of course I'm not tired of it. Please, tell me your worries.
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I'm glad they're okay but it's just--weird. Everything's weird. We were finally figuring everything out and now-- [Eda makes a frustrated noise and runs her claws through her short hair.]
Now they don't remember anything that's happened here. Or... even as much stuff from home.
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Oh Eda, I can hardly believe it. How is that even possible?
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Time is weird here. I know I've mentioned Hunter's from my world. [And, probably, the fact she worries over him in general.]
We both got here around the same time, originally. But he didn't remember the last time I saw him back home. He thought it was... a few weeks earlier than I did. And then a few months later he vanished. [Something she spent a lot of time being stressed over.]
And then he came back only—only this time he knew more than me. He was from later, and he'd seen me back home even though I've been here.
[She fidgets anxiously with a few of the feathers on her tail. It's confusing and she hates it here.]
And... he doesn't remember getting to know me here. [Something she was sad about in his case, too.]
I guess it can go either way.
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Rue holds out a giant, feathery paw, offering it to Eda, if she needs something to squeeze and cling to, that isn't her tail.]
Eda, I'm terribly sorry about all of this. Just as you both had reconciled as well. [Their head tips to the side, big eyes watching the woman sadly, brow pinched with worry.] How is it going with this new Raine then?
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It feels strange, the way they phrase the question, but... maybe thinking of Raine as a new version would help.]
It's... going well, I guess. Maybe better than things started off last time. [She lets out a tired little chuckle. At least she hasn't chased them around the ADI campus.]
Buffalo was a nice chance to just—spend some time as friends. Well, if we leave out the weasel part.
[But there's clearly more that's bothering her. She worries at her lower lip with her gold fang.]
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[Even without the full context, considering all that Rue has heard, they believe Eda completely.
Over the last few months, Eda has become one of the owlbear's dearest friends, and after so much time spent together, they have learned at least a few of her obvious tells. They listen to her words, they wait patiently, and when it becomes clear that Eda needs a little more gentle prodding to continue, they sweetly squeeze her hand back and smile.]
And? What else, my dear?
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I haven't... told them I know how they feel. Or that we were giving things another go. It seemed like--like a lot to just drop on them on top of everything else.
[She still thinks it would have been. She's pretty sure it was the right decision in the beginning. Probably.]
But it also--it feels wrong knowing things they haven't told me and not saying anything. Not telling them stuff.
[Especially given that not telling Raine things has lead to most of their problems in the past, even if it's a very different situation.]
Pretty sure they can tell there's something up anyway.
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I would have done the very same. Dropping such information on someone so new to all of this, still struggling with their own identity when all they've heard is relationships they don't remember, I think you did the right thing. Putting those expectations on them would have been devastating.
[a beat, Rue watching Eda play with their feathers and claws.]
Would you like my advice? You will not offend me if you say no.
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I can't promise I'll follow it but... yeah. Little out of my depth here if you couldn't tell.
[In a lot of ways. While she has a pretty large collection of exes, she really only has one relationship that mattered, and that one ended poorly the first time. Getting back together felt complicated enough without, well, this. She's also not used to asking for advice, especially about this kind of thing.]
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[Even without all of that information, Rue knows how sensitive discussing all of this must be for Eda. As touched as they are that she feels open enough to not only discuss but to ask for advice about such an important piece of their life, of course Rue wishes she just never had to experience any of this in the first place instead.]
Now, I am saying this from the perspective that I have not been around the two of you, so forgive me for misspeaking if I do. I'm not trying to make assumptions, I am only going off of what I know. But I think, if I were in Raine's situation and my darling Hob had to stand by and watch a me with no memory of being together with him, I would want to know.
But I think, to not be scared away or to feel as if unfair expectations were placed on me, I would need it to be more careful. Slowly, with great care. I believe spending more time with Raine simply talking and getting to know one another again, not as lovers but as friends, to be attentive and kind and patient and, above all, understanding, that though they are the same in body, it is not their burden to become that same person.
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Eda nods as Rue adds caveats to their opinions, waiting for them to give them anyway--she really wasn't the type to ask if she hadn't wanted them. When they, do, though, it gives her a lot to think about. She's quiet for a long moment.]
I think... they'd want to know too.
[If not right when they got here, she thinks they really would want to know sooner or later. She hesitates again as she thinks about the rest.]
Oh, but you're right, I... I'm trying to keep that in mind. We haven't been through the same stuff or-- even talked about things as much. I don't want to make them feel like they have to do anything they're not ready for.
[But to be fair, that was also one of the reasons it took her so long last time.]
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Then perhaps, that is the best place to start. Not the, ah, shift in your relationship, but the events that you both have been through since your reconciliation, both good and bad. To highlight and celebrate the parts they do not remember with them. It could be a very fruitful bonding session.
[It may start off a little strange, but Rue can see how natural it may become with time, seeing pictures of the two of them together, all paired with a matching story.]
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I've told them some of what's happened here and-- some of the stuff they didn't know yet. Like why I look like this.
[Which technically falls under both those things. They didn't know why harpy mode was possible, and transforming here was a story they didn't remember—albeit one she didn't like telling. It occurs to her she's not completely certain if Rue knows all the details of either, because she'd had a lot of apple blood by the time she was telling them about her curse. It's a bit foggy.]
But there's a lot of other stuff... I wasn't sure if it'd just be weird. [But it's probably going to be weird either way.]
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Well, what kinds of things do you mean? I can tell you, from an outsider's perspective, whether I think it may be too weird or not yet.
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[She gives a little shrug, and pauses to drink some of her tea.]
None of the stuff I haven't told them is that wild... at least by this place's standards. But we had some interesting times—and I've got some pictures from showing them around Gloucester, things like that.
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Do you think they may enjoy a photo album? Spaces for old memories and for the new, so that they may flip through on their own time, not only with you?
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Well... I used to keep a scrapbook. It had a lot of our Hexside stuff back in the day. It might be nice to start a new one.
[Honestly, even if it turns out Raine isn't comfortable seeing what they--what the other version of them--did, starting one just for new memories sounds nice.]
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It could turn into quite the cute date night, don't you think?
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[Eda still tends to look a little flustered every time she talks about her relationship—or even lack thereof—with anyone, but it's also nice having someone she can talk about it with.
Honestly, should things get as far as trying again this time, it's probably important she have other friends she can talk to about it.]
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Are you feeling even a little relieved?
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[But overthinking things is, unfortunately, something she's good at. And not likely to stop doing any time soon. At least she's starting to form more of a plan in her mind instead of letting her thoughts chase each other in circles.]
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