two owls walk into a bar | closed log

[edalyn]

Who: Edalyn Clawthorne, Delloso de la Rue
When: November 3
Where: various spots in Gloucester
Summary: Eda shows a new friend around the human realm
Warnings: alcohol, will update if anything else comes up



[Eda is waiting just outside of one of the ADI gates, leaning idly against a tree and messing about on her phone.

This is the first time Rue will have seen her in, well, technically not her witch form, but there’s not much difference save for the human looking ears. Which means they won’t notice that she happens to be a little less of an obvious mess than she’s tended to be lately.

She’s easy enough to recognize, at least from the face shape, the singular gold filling that still looks like a fang, and the absolutely untamable grey hair (although she’s made some kind of attempt, it’s up in a ponytail today.) Aside from that, though, instead of a harpy she simply looks like a tall, wiry human of an age that’s probably hard to determine, but definitely above forty-five.

She also has a tiny brown owl on her shoulder. She's been leaving Owlbert in animal form for the most part lately, since she doesn't want the ADI to catch her changing him back and forth.

All of this feels just a tiny bit… silly to her, especially in light of everything else going on in this place. But even if she won’t admit she needs more friends she’s aware that she could desperately use a distraction. Anything else aside, the owlbear is someone new and interesting at the moment. Might as well just see how things go!]

Comments

[ruevealing]

[Look, Rue needs to catch up on like a couple hundred years of human history to understand most jokes related to human culture. They might eventually get there, but there's just so much.

Eda sets off and Rue is right there at their side, hands clasped in front of them, matching the woman's pace without missing a beat. While they walk, Rue's attention drifts away to the scenery, trying to memorize this path for next time. They're still learning their new surroundings.]

I'd be very interested to hear more on that. [Their gaze flits back over to Eda, their soft smile warmly reaching their eyes.] And about you in general. I am most grateful for your friendship. There are not many I'd call a true friend through my life, but I find myself most happy with the connection we've made.

[edalyn]

[Eda gives them a little sidelong glance as she tries to gauge exactly how sincere this is. While she's genuinely taken a liking to Rue, they haven't exactly known each other long.

She won't really mind if a lot of this is empty flattery and such. If it isn't, there might be something a little sad about that.

Then again, it's not like Eda can say she's ever had many close friends herself. And while she's much warier about forming actual attachments than when she was young, she certainly remembers being the kind of person to immediately share that fact with someone who was her new best friend because they'd given her five minutes of positive attention.

I've got a sister at Hexside. She's kinda my only friend.]

I'm not sure if I should take that as a compliment or if you really don't get out much. [A little snort.] Let's go with the former.

Right, where was I? Eda the Owl Lady. Master of wild magic. Respected. Feared. Featured on many a wanted poster. [And yes, she drops that last bit like it's a brag, too.]

[ruevealing]

[For all of the calm, kindness that Rue usually radiates, their composure is always just a little too tightly gripped to always gauge just how sincere they really are. It's just in their nature to keep all feelings close to their chest, even if Rue really is trying to learn to let go of that fear.

It's just another thing that will take some time. But their words are absolutely sincere, even if Eda might not fully take them at face value.

Their mouth quirks at the mention of Rue not getting out much - it's funny, alright - but their attention is so much more drawn to what the woman says next.]

Feared? [Eda has been nothing but generous and sweet to Rue since their arrival. Even as a non-human, it feels wild to think anyone could fear such a genuine, good soul.] And wanted? Whatever for? And your magic, does it draw from the Feywilds as well?

[edalyn]

[Eda just snickers. Sure, it's completely out of context, but it's fun getting a reaction before she actually gives any. And so she starts with the last question.]

Feywilds...? Oh, no. Wild magic, where I'm from is--it's magic without rules. Not restricted and split up into arbitrary categories. [She could explain it more, and she will if they're interested, but it would take giving them some context about her world. For the moment, she goes on instead.]

And it was for being horribly wicked. Obviously. Eating babies, stealing souls, tax fraud, that kind of thing. [She says this in a deadpan, but there's no attempt to make it sound like she's actually being serious.]

[ruevealing]

Unrestricted, spirits.

[Though Rue has never not had access to all of the magic they could ever wish to use, they realize so much more now just how their former court's over-consumption starved out the lesser fey and hoarded all of the magic for their own. Though the Bloom certainly brought along a beautiful increase in magic to all in Faerie, the strength of that magic was known to wax and wane through the seasons, and during particular droughts could absolutely wipe out an entire lesser court.

So knowing there's any place in existence with pure, unrestricted magical access is simply shocking. Incredible, but so absolutely foreign to them. Wild magic. They'll absolutely have to engage further into this topic, but perhaps at a later date, because Eda responds with that dry, deadpan tone and Rue can't help but laugh with delight.]

You're teasing me! [They don't look particularly annoyed about it either, their smile a little brighter.] You truly are the most wicked to make fun of me like this!

[edalyn]

Yeah, just a little. [Eda agrees, and she can't quite keep from grinning. She's glad she got another laugh, and she knocks her shoulder very lightly against theirs as they walk. The owl on her other shoulder makes a tiny startled hoot, and ruffles his feathers up.]

Better get used to it. [She's been doing her best to give them straight answers when it comes to the serious topics like being stuck in the Human Realm, but that doesn't necessarily mean she'll be able to keep it up.] Well, I was teasing you about the babies and whatnot. I did have the highest bounty on the Isles though.

[ruevealing]

[It's strange for things to be this easy with anyone, but for reasons that Rue can't begin to understand, with Eda it just is. The woman bumps Rue's shoulder, gets a brush of the soft feathers and linen beneath the illusion, and the fey laughs again, tanned cheeks going a soft pink at the touch. They aren't used to being touched at all while glamoured, but it's actually rather nice.

It's like a secret between the two friends. Eda knows and of course Rue knows, but no one else they run into will. Thinking of it that way makes wearing this face just a little bit easier.]

So fraud then? [The bump that Rue returns is much more hesitant and gentle, more of a brushing press of a feathery shoulder against Eda's, but Rue looks rather proud of themselves for it.] Well? Or must I guess?

[edalyn]

[Eda, meanwhile, feels her own feathers brush against them. She doesn't always follow the ADI rules--changing back into witch form while she's glamoured is a good way to burn off some magic and also fit through doorways easier, but right now she isn't sure she wants Rue to notice that.

It's cute how pleased with themselves they look. Eda's not hiding how endearing she continues to find them, but at least the little blush isn't quite as obvious when she's not as pale as her harpy form.]

Actually? I was about to explain but you know what, that sounds more fun. Guess away, dear-- [She pauses. It's possible she was about to say dear girl or dear boy but she hasn't checked if either applies.] Oh hang on. Pronouns...?

[ruevealing]

It seems I've dug myself a hole, haven't I?

[But a silly little guessing game sounds fun while they make their way through Gloucester. Rue is quite excited to see where their first destination ends up taking them.]

They/them, please. I am simply Rue. [Their head gives a little owlish tilt, watching Eda with eyes that should be much larger.] And you?

[edalyn]

Gotcha. [And it's exactly as simple as that, because the Boiling Isles have plenty of nonbinary people, including the witch she lives with here.]

She/her is fine. [Eda isn't especially bothered by anything else, but she's never felt the need to use anything else either.

She turns a corner as they walk, and then pauses to give a crossing light a slightly impatient look as she waits for it to change. She's not actually in any hurry to get anywhere, but she finds them a little irritating.]

Right--guess away, dear thing. [It's definitely a silly way to pass the time, but she's curious what sort of crimes they'll pick.]

[ruevealing]

[As simple as anything.

Rue pauses at the crosswalk with Eda, waiting with just a touch more patience than her friend. Time is just a little strange for the long-lived fey.]

Let me see. Now that I know soul stealing and baby eating are off the table, perhaps some kind of grand robbery? Forgive my presumption, my dear Eda, but I struggle to see you aiming to hurt anyone with malicious intent.

[edalyn]

Forgiven, both counts. [Eda grins. No one who's known her long is likely to think she's actually malicious, at least unless they're extremely sold on anti-wild magic propaganda. Or pro-Emperor propaganda. Or a fan of conformity in general. Come to think of it, a lot of people do think she's malicious after all.]

Not sure about grand robberies, but I certainly steal shit when I need to. [Nor does she sound like she has anything against admitting this, although she doesn't seem to be bragging this time as much as just stating a fact. Capitalism is unfair and sometimes you need things!]

Petty theft doesn't get you the highest bounty on the Isles, though. [She says this is as the light changes and she heads across the street. She can see the coffee shop she's looking for.]

[ruevealing]

[It's a little exciting, isn't it? Rue has spent so much of their life playing the perfect role expected of them, they never really had the chance of having a rebellious streak in their younger years. Hearing about Eda's past, knowing the little acts of defiance she's committed - well! It's so much more interesting than Rue's lifetime of court gossip and cutthroat rumors.

They like hearing about this much more.]

Hm, let's see... [Rue follows along after Eda across the street, tapping a gloved finger to their chin in thought. Back where they're from, most of the worst crimes that can be committed are against the courts themselves.]

A broken oath, perhaps? To someone of a higher station?

[edalyn]

[For Eda, the whole thing is a mixed bag. A lot has been fun, but a lot has been necessity and moral grounds against the empire and now and then a matter of survival. She chooses to see the fun side whenever she can, though.]

Nah... I keep my promises. [A slight pause that's probably intended for effect.] Usually. [Sometimes she has a good reason not to! Even if she cares about them more than actual, you know, laws. She turns to head down the block with the cafe at the end. At this point she probably should just explain, but unfortunately she's committed to the bit.]

[ruevealing]

[The corner of Rue's glamoured mouth quirks at that usually, though they aren't too surprised that Eda keeps stringing them along. They have a feeling she's feeling quite proud of herself.]

Kidnapping, perhaps? Oh, I don't know! We must look quite foolish, walking out in public discussing your scandalous criminal past.

[edalyn]

That was an accident. [Eda's tone does not make it clear whether she's kidding. While there's technically more than once incident she could be referring to, she does not provide any more context for this comment.]

Anyway, it's fine--I don't have any outstanding warrants in this dimension. [Honestly, she's not too worried about anyone overhearing either way. They'll probably just think she's joking about all of it. Humans (and witches for that matter) are great at tuning out a lot of weird things, especially when people don't sound like they're being serious.]

[ruevealing]

[Well, Eda wins this round. It's such a rare reaction from Rue, who is usually ready for anything, but even they can't help but let out a little snort of laughter in surprise, their gloved hands leaping up to hide their giggling mouth.]

Spirits, you really are wicked! [Rue can feel a few eyes on the pair of them after that reaction, but Eda's right, of course. They simply look like friends out and about having a little laugh, not owl beasts laughing about one's criminal history.] Please, you must release me from this game, my dear Eda. I'm absolutely out of ideas.

[edalyn]

[It continues to be fun to make them laugh, but they really are easy to scandalize, aren't they? She suspects she wasn't terribly far off about them needing to get out more.]

Alright, alright, [Eda concedes, it was fun but she'll drop the bit if they're out of thoeries.]

I mean, you didn't really have the context to guess practicing extremely illegal forms of magic or rebelling against our tyrannical overlord. [Eda keeps her tone very intentionally casual, but gives them a sidelong glance to see what reaction this gets, as she stops in front of the Cafe.

The owl on her shoulder hops up to hide inside of her ponytail, since people here always seem strangely upset by live birds in restaurants.]

[ruevealing]

[Look, Rue is the type to be scandalized if you use a salad fork for pasta, just saying.

Eda certainly gets that reaction out of Rue, their brows arching up, mouth falling into a perfect 'o' of surprise as they come to a pause outside of the cafe.]

I suppose that really would put you at the top of the bounty list, wouldn't it? [And then a touch softer, peering over their shoulder to be certain no humans were milling about, before murmuring quietly towards Eda:] Eda, my friend, that sounds terrifying. You stood up against those in power over you? I dearly hope that your efforts were fruitful.

[And it's silly, sure, but Rue quite vividly remembers standing up to the leaders of their court, and as much as they'd do it all over again every time, it remains one of the most terrifying moments of their life. They lay a gentle palm to Eda's arm. Touch is something so treasured and significant for Rue, they've had to spent their whole life avoiding it, but Eda is worth reaching out for.] Are you alright? Truly?

[edalyn]

[Initially, Eda responds with a little self-satisfied smirk. Then her expression falters, just a little, because it was terrifying at a lot of points and, well, from what she knows they weren't. Won't be. Whatever--time's weird.

Then they ask if she's alright and, well, it's sweet of them to ask. It's a valid concern, even just given the part she told them.

But she almost bursts out laughing. Because no, no she's not. She's so not alright that even asking is ridiculous to the point of hilarious on some level. If only because honestly the only responses she has are to laugh or she'll just start crying. And she's damn well not doing that in front of Rue.

But... she's trying to get over her old default approach of just lying that she's fine. Especially when she's not sure she could make it believable as a serious answer.]

Oh absolutely not. [Eda's tone is bright, and overly cheerful.] But who is, am I right? [She shoots them finger-guns with a wink and a click, for good measure. Then she gently pulls away from their touch and turns to brush past and head into the cafe, unless they stop her.]

[ruevealing]

[Their expression goes pensive.

Rue can not fully understand the immense scope of Eda's feelings and thoughts on this particular subject, but the push of overt cheer to hide how they really feel resonates so deeply with them. Having to hide any single part of yourself, even one's own emotions, it leaves something unpleasant twisting in Rue's belly, worry prickling at the edges of their soft expression.

But they can remember the moment when they first revealed their true form to the full attendance of the Bloom, the shivering anxiety they'd been left in while waiting for a response. And more than that, they remember Andhera - the kind, gentle soul he was - rushing to approach them with a hug, welcoming them with full sincerity. It's a moment in time burned into their heart, just the immediate accepting touch of a friend.

And maybe they are still so newly met, but Rue hopes to convey the same gentle acceptance and support that Andhera gave to them when they slip forward to embrace Eda in a quick, but caring hug. It's just a brush of feathers and wings and a beast so much bigger than the physical body in front of them, but it's real and Rue hopes Eda feels that.

They pull away with a smile, moving to give Eda her space.]

We need not speak of it anymore, unless you wish to, of course. But I won't push, my friend. We can talk about other things. [They step forward, towards the cafe doors, gesturing with a gloved hand.] Is this our first stop?

[edalyn]

[While Eda doesn't object, Rue might notice she just kind of freezes awkwardly.

They are a friend, which is a lot more than most people would get after a few days. They're interesting and sweet and she likes them. But they're a very new friend.

Clearly it's enough for her to stand up for them, although she'd probably do that with almost anyone the ADI found scary looking. But it's one thing to do that, and to, well--preen and flirt and send jokey little texts full of hearts. (Admittedly that all feels sillier now, but mostly because their voice and general manner had read as a bit older than they look in their human glamour.)

But either way; it's quite another to genuinely open up or accept hugs or sympathy. Hell, there are only two people here who actually know how bad things are at home--one is the one who told her, and the other is someone she told because she knew they'd be angry on her behalf.

At least they don't push any of it too far.]

...Thanks. I mean, I can tell you more about the Isles, if you want. [She looks a bit flustered. But some of it, like the laws regarding magic and what she thinks of the Emperor in general--a lot of people have heard that. For the moment, though, she turns to open the door.]

But yeah, this is our first stop. Anyway, what was that? We don't do that where I'm from. [She says as she heads inside. It's a bald-faced lie, but it's hard to tell if they're meant to believe it or just take the hint.]

[ruevealing]

[It's hard to tell just how sincere Eda is at this moment, but Rue can absolutely take the hint. They see her fluster, the way she freezes at the open affection, and they know better than to push any further, either in touch or conversation. They've said their piece, an offer which will remain open for as long as they know one another, and Rue is fine leaving it at that.

If Eda ever needs them, they will be there without hesitation.]

Certainly. Tell me of the Isles. This has been my first time outside of Faerie, so I'm most interested in hearing of the worlds I've never seen.

[Rue follows the woman inside and is quick to intercept the host of the establishment, turning their practiced charm on them to get the pair a booth near a large window, the sunshine streaming in over their table top. When the host steps away to let them both settle, Rue turns a soft, almost shy smile towards Eda, their voice dropping to a whispered murmur between them.]

Forgive me, but the other chairs looked a little feeble.

[It turns out that most human furniture is not built for an owlbear's weight.]

[edalyn]

[If nothing else, backing off as quickly as they do makes Eda a lot more likely to take them up on the whole thing... eventually.

For now, she just follows them over the to the booth.]

Yeah, I can see the problem. [But unfortunately, a booth where the seats have backs is not terribly convenient with her own shape. At least not for sitting normally. She slides in at an angle, ending up in a half-sprawl with her back to the wall so she can fold her wings behind her a bit more comfortably. It's still not great, though.

After a moment, she leans forward and puts a hand up to whisper behind conspiratorially.]

Look, friends don't tell on friends for using a little magic, right? [She could have just changed shape and hoped that they wouldn't notice, given the human disguise stays the same either way. But since they're another creature that has to be conscious of these things, she suspects they're more likely to notice if she's suddenly not working around her wings than most people.]

[ruevealing]

[The combination of owlbear and owl woman really puts the pair of them at a disadvantage while out and about in human society, doesn't it?

While gently sliding into the booth, Rue raises a gloved hand to motion for a nearby chair for Eda to bring to their table, but the woman is quickly joining them on the opposite side booth, a plan already brewing in her sharp mind. She leans in across the table, raises a conspiratorial hand, and Rue can't help the delighted excitement that flashes across their face.

The magic that has always been so intricately a part of their life has felt like something terrifying and untouchable since arriving. So the chance to see Eda cast a little something in front of them? There's no hiding their immediate interest.]

But of course, Eda. Your secret is safe with me. I must admit, I'd very much like to see how your magic manifests.