ruevealing | folkmore inbox.

Well - yes but - I mean all of this. The whole situation.

[ He rubs at the back of his neck. ]

I know this is dangerous for Hunter.

Hear my words, love. Hunter is strong and he knows himself and what he's capable of better than anyone. He's also loving and good and more generous than he has any right to be.

Being able to give you a life of your own away from that monster, I know it means so much to Hunter. And you deserve all of the love that he's found here with us too.

[Let mom just dip in close to peck a quick kiss to the very end of that nose.]

I don't regret a thing. I will fuss and worry over my Hunter, but I'm proud of him for making this choice too. Between all of us, this will work.

[ The guard ducks his head a little, blinking back more tears as they kiss his nose. ]

I - I believe it. Yeah. It's taken a while to believe it but...

[ He does now. ]

Casey showed me the body he built for me.

[He deserves that peace of mind.]

And what did you think?

... I've never seen anything more beautiful in my life.

[Oh, just to hear it makes their heart melt. Rue squeezes him close, a paw rubbing gentle, soothing circles against his back.]

Agreed a dozen times over. I'm so happy you love it. It represents a new start for you, one I am so honored to be a part of.

[ It's SO nice being hugged. Casey has been rightfully cautious about physical affection, so this is a real first for the guard. ]

They told you then? You're okay with me living in your garden?

[The hugs will have to be a little more careful when he's smaller, but you can bet, Rue will be cuddling and nuzzling and preening him every single day once he has his body proper.]

My love, you do not need to simply live in the garden. My whole home is open to you. I'll set up a nice nest for you inside, so you can come and go as you please. And anything else that you want, it is yours.

I have wanted one of the boys to live with me for as long as I've been here in Folkmore, so you are giving me such a gift.

[ He can't help but brighten just a little. He was going to restrict himself to the garden so as not to be in the way but... ]

Really? You - don't mind?

[not a chance!]

I insist. My home is your home, always. You are my son and nothing means more to me than all of you wonderful boys.

[ He ducks his head again. ]

It's just a lot to hear. And believe.

Is there anything else on your mind, dear? You know I would hear any of your thoughts or worries.

[ He hesitates a moment. ]

I'm - mostly afraid that something will change. The ritual wont' work, or you'll decide you don't want to do this after all.

... It's hard believing in anything after Belos.

[Belos better hope he doesn't take a single step into Folkmore proper.]

I hear you and I understand why you'd have such a fear. But I will reassure you as often as you need me to of my love for you and of how much I want you to stay with us. And though my part in the ritual itself is minor, I trust in those involved.

You're in good hands, darling. All I can ask is that for now you put in your faith in us. We will take care of you.

[ He nods a little, letting himself lean against them just a little. He's still so stiff and awkward. ]

Can ... I ask for something then?

Please do.

[It doesn't matter how stiff and awkward he may be, Rue is soft enough for both of them. They peck another kiss to his cheek, smiling down at the young man.]

[ He's really nervous this time; he can't quite meet their gaze. ]

Can you give me a name?

Oh sweetheart - [there's no hiding the owlish coo that slips from their beak as they nuzzle that cheek they just smooched]

I would be so very honored to. Right now?

[ He manages a tiny smile at that nuzzle. ]

I mean - if you can? If you can't do it right now that's okay.

[a happy, quiet laugh]

No! I can, just give me a moment to think. I want it to be perfect for you.

[ Quiet, a little shy: ]

It'll be perfect because you gave it to me.

[Perfect because you gave it to me. Rue will never forget the swell of utter happiness in their chest at that.]

What do you think of Ciel? To me, it feels fitting. It means blue sky, something you will be able to fly through freely as often as you like.

[ Ciel ... it's so pretty. Not at all like the plain names Belos used for his grimwalker. Plus the association with the sky, and blue to match his new body ...

He likes it very much. ]

Ciel de la Rue, huh?

[there is just no preparing for that.

Not to be dramatic, but the owlbear's big eyes well with tears immediately, happy, shimmering tears that threaten to spill down their feathery cheeks almost immediately.]

Truly? You would like such a name?

[ Tears, uh - are those good? he hopes they're good. ]

If - if that's okay.

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