[Eda's not sure that war will prepare him for the larger Human Realm, or for the entities potentially continuing to target him. But it wouldn't help to say this, so she doesn't.
Instead she just puts a hand on Rue's arm again. They don't need to finish that sentence for her to understand they miss him.]
You're right. You can't... make him stay if he doesn't want to.
[Of course, when she was isolating herself for similar reasons... no, this isn't about her. And she doesn't know if Hob needs the same things that might have helped her. Even if they knew where he was.]
He'll sort himself out. And I doubt he'd want you to spend all your time worrying.
[No, they suppose. Technically they will not be alone. So many of the connections they've made here in this land still remain, have not gone anywhere, even now.
Of course Eda is right.
It just does nothing to soothe the grief for Rue's missing spouse.
Their head bows, talons clasped together, barely able to blink without disturbing another flurry of wet tears through their feathers.]
I suppose not. [a beat, soft and uncertain.] Thank you.
[It does help, to know that they are not left behind by everyone, that there are still those who remain that they are close to. But Rue just needs time before they can put their fears and tears aside and continue on as normally as before.]
I apologize, I do not think I am very pleasant company at the moment.
[She wasn't exactly great company after Raine vanished, among other times. Rue doesn't need to be a good host when they're dealing with this—they wouldn't anyway, but she's pretty sure she owes them at this point.]
Doesn't mean I'm going anywhere. [Because she doesn't think letting them isolate themself is likely to help anything. They're stuck with her for the moment.]
Give them a moment, Eda. It may be silly, but just the way the woman so openly and honestly declares that she will stay with them maybe causes the owlbear to burst out into a few new fresh tears. They hardly know what to do with such kindness, so freely given without favor.
Rue is so unused to it.]
Then you must at least make yourself comfortable. I would be a terrible host to have you stand around while I sob all night.
[Eda might sigh a little at that, but she reaches to give them a little pat on the arm again.]
You stood around while I did. I mean, you did more than stand around. Have you eaten anything?
[Because they got her ice cream, among other things. And she's worried they haven't. So it's somewhere to start, at least. But, for now, she does settle back on the couch and put her talons up on the coffee table.]
[Not that she really needs to point that out, but a part of her feels like she does. Either way, she'll start scrolling through her phone, seeing what's open and what she thinks might get Rue to eat something. And debating whether she should just include wine regardless.]
[A moment alone to simply breathe, to wash the remaining trace of their grief from their feathers, to embolden themself to get through this one day before they begin to worry about getting through the next.
Rue gives themself only five minutes there, timing themself so they do not go even one second after, and just as promised, they emerge looking far more calm and collected than before. Recently cleaned, their face feathers are a little more poofed up than normal, but otherwise, they look as if not a thing is out of place.]
I apologize for keeping you waiting. What would you like to do? Shall I show you some of our recently updated orders? I'm a touch behind with all of the drama that has been going on, but it should not take me very long to catch up.
[While it's not that long, she's starting to worry all the same. Still, she does her best to hide it when they actually get back. She's glad they seem to have it more together, even if she doubts that's internally true. If distractions are what they want, she'll roll with it.]
Have we got new orders? I was starting to think people were too busy with—well, everything.
[But honestly, something to do that isn't related to, as they put it, all of the drama, might be what both of them need.]
Yes, just a few, but they are rather big projects. I'll show you.
[It isn't exactly the perfect way to spend the evening - in Rue's perfect world, they would be spending it with Hob, of course - but it the next best thing, to be with Eda and talking casually about work. A near perfect distraction, if not for the grief that has shattered their heart.
But with enough time, Rue will recover and continue on, just as they always have.]
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Instead she just puts a hand on Rue's arm again. They don't need to finish that sentence for her to understand they miss him.]
You're right. You can't... make him stay if he doesn't want to.
[Of course, when she was isolating herself for similar reasons... no, this isn't about her. And she doesn't know if Hob needs the same things that might have helped her. Even if they knew where he was.]
He'll sort himself out. And I doubt he'd want you to spend all your time worrying.
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I am used to facing the world alone. I shall manage just fine until his return.
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[She says this firmly. She’s well aware it won’t fix not having him, but she’s pretty sure it’s important to remember.
Once again, remembering it is easier advice to give than take, but that might be why she knows it's important.]
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Of course Eda is right.
It just does nothing to soothe the grief for Rue's missing spouse.
Their head bows, talons clasped together, barely able to blink without disturbing another flurry of wet tears through their feathers.]
I suppose not. [a beat, soft and uncertain.] Thank you.
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I know it doesn't... fix anything. But you'd better remember I'm here. If you don't I'm climbing in your window again.
[If only to make sure they're alright. She knows they can take care of themself, but that doesn't stop her from worrying about whether they will.]
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[It does help, to know that they are not left behind by everyone, that there are still those who remain that they are close to. But Rue just needs time before they can put their fears and tears aside and continue on as normally as before.]
I apologize, I do not think I am very pleasant company at the moment.
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[She wasn't exactly great company after Raine vanished, among other times. Rue doesn't need to be a good host when they're dealing with this—they wouldn't anyway, but she's pretty sure she owes them at this point.]
Doesn't mean I'm going anywhere. [Because she doesn't think letting them isolate themself is likely to help anything. They're stuck with her for the moment.]
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Give them a moment, Eda. It may be silly, but just the way the woman so openly and honestly declares that she will stay with them maybe causes the owlbear to burst out into a few new fresh tears. They hardly know what to do with such kindness, so freely given without favor.
Rue is so unused to it.]
Then you must at least make yourself comfortable. I would be a terrible host to have you stand around while I sob all night.
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You stood around while I did. I mean, you did more than stand around. Have you eaten anything?
[Because they got her ice cream, among other things. And she's worried they haven't. So it's somewhere to start, at least. But, for now, she does settle back on the couch and put her talons up on the coffee table.]
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Without even thinking of it, they swat at Eda's feet until they are off of the coffee table.]
To be honest, I do not have much of an appetite right now. Nor can I sleep. It is just - so difficult to even breathe.
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Well... I think you should try. I can uh, order us something. Or make Raine bring us something.
[She knows it won't help that much, but she doesn't want them not eating either.]
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Whatever you would like to do.
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[It's somewhere to start, if nothing else. It may not make them feel better emotionally, but they do need to eat.]
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Thank you, Eda. I think that I shall wash my face briefly. I will just take a moment.
[Wet feathers!! The problem with crying.]
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[Not that she really needs to point that out, but a part of her feels like she does. Either way, she'll start scrolling through her phone, seeing what's open and what she thinks might get Rue to eat something. And debating whether she should just include wine regardless.]
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Rue gives themself only five minutes there, timing themself so they do not go even one second after, and just as promised, they emerge looking far more calm and collected than before. Recently cleaned, their face feathers are a little more poofed up than normal, but otherwise, they look as if not a thing is out of place.]
I apologize for keeping you waiting. What would you like to do? Shall I show you some of our recently updated orders? I'm a touch behind with all of the drama that has been going on, but it should not take me very long to catch up.
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Have we got new orders? I was starting to think people were too busy with—well, everything.
[But honestly, something to do that isn't related to, as they put it, all of the drama, might be what both of them need.]
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[It isn't exactly the perfect way to spend the evening - in Rue's perfect world, they would be spending it with Hob, of course - but it the next best thing, to be with Eda and talking casually about work. A near perfect distraction, if not for the grief that has shattered their heart.
But with enough time, Rue will recover and continue on, just as they always have.]