[open network - video]

[ruevealing]

Who: Delloso de la Rue
Username: Rue
Warnings: n/a

[For their very first network appearance of this kind, Rue's feathery countenance exudes warmth, their big eyes unblinking while they graciously greet their audience. A small peony is tucked into their ear tuft of feathers.]

Hello dear friends. For those who I have yet to meet, my name is Delloso de la Rue and, as you can see for yourself, I am not very much not a human.

Though us non-humans have been made to wear a glamour outside of these halls, that does not fix the problem that most human retailers do not make clothing fit for our unique frames. Coming from a place most similar, I've spent the last few millennia creating my own outfits as the ones available to me rarely could fit either my wings or my stature.

So, Ms. Eda and I shall be working together to help supply custom clothing to any of those struggling to find attire that fits. For a small fee, I'm happy to design any number of outfits to help accommodate wings or a tail or whatever you may need. Truth be told, design is a passion of mine, so I'd be delighted to work with all of you to make something to your liking.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you're interested. I'm looking forward to future collaborations!

Comments

[punched_hitler]

Truly, [he reassures her, offering a hopeful little smile.] Honestly, it's a skill I barely get to use anymore. Might be nice to exercise it. Plus, I mean - I know how much of a pain it can be, when nothing fits right.

Oh - it's Steve, sorry. You can call me Steve. I usually work security.

[ruevealing]

Well, Steve - [And that small smile is returned, if only through the warmth of Rue's expression, their big eyes going soft.] Please call me Rue. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

If you find yourself struggling to find clothes that fit, I'd be happy to make anything you like. I admit, my skill set tends towards extravagance and elegance, but I can make anything to your liking. I'm quickly learning that this is not solely a non-human issue.

[punched_hitler]

Likewise, Rue. It's nice to meet you.

[He laughs a little, embarrassed.] It used to be a bigger problem, but I'm managing all right for now. I'll keep your kind offer in mind, though.

Actually - I know it's not the same, but maybe we could design some protective gear for people, too. There are fabrics that are studier than others, meant to take a beating. I think everyone could use something like that, around here.

[ruevealing]

Absolutely. You let me know anytime you find yourself in need, dear friend.

[On the other end of the communication, Rue's big owl eyes only grow wider at the suggestion. They've never even considered designing protective gear before, but now that he mentions it-]

I must admit, I have no experience in creating such a thing, but I immediately can see the need! Just last month I was shot! [A truly horrifying and painful experience for the owlbear, but their voice sounds quite animated at the retelling.] I would love to help out in any possible way I can.

[punched_hitler]

Well, thanks, I appreciate it.

[He grimaces, though, because,] Getting shot is awful. [He... has been through it several times. It's not fun.] Are you healing up okay?

I'll see what I can find, then. Honestly, you'd think it'd be something ADI will be willing to expense for us.

[ruevealing]

[Rue would be truly horrified to learn that, but for now, their expression softens into a smile.] I am managing, thank you. I am lucky enough to have had both practical and magical help in my time of need. Verily, my shoulder feels better every day.

Now that you mention it, why don't they?! They ask us to step out into the dangers of Dogtown but without caring to take any safety precautions to keep us safe! Perhaps we should petition this! How unjust of them.

[punched_hitler]

[Huh. Magical help sure sounds handy.] Good. I know taking it easy can be hard, sometimes.

[Well, at least for him.]

I don't know, honestly - I'd try to give them the benefit of the doubt and say things escalated quickly, but I also feel like they should know better than we would what kind of danger to expect. Either way, I think you're right: We should take it to them. And if they won't handle it, we can do it ourselves.

[ruevealing]

[oh! It's hard to tell with all of their feathers, but Rue absolutely looks a touch sheepish at that comment, blushing softly.]

Verily, I've been struggling a great deal with keeping still. Who knew it would be so difficult!

[thank goodness for reality tv.]

Agreed. I believe this to be the best course of action. And whatever answer ADI has for us, we will be ready to fix their mistake and help those brave enough to enter Dogtown with new protective equipment. Honestly, this eases some of my fears regarding that place. Thank you for the suggestion, friend.

[punched_hitler]

Reading and drawing always helped me - although depending on where you got shot, the latter might be a little difficult.

[Says the guy who grew up before TV... and is very sad about the lack of good radio dramas these days.]

You're welcome. Honestly - thank you, too. I've been feeling a little like I'm not really helping enough. I don't like sitting on my hands when people are in danger.

[ruevealing]

I must shamefully admit that most of my time in recovery has been spent watching television. There's so much to see and it's all so fascinating! We didn't have such a device where I was from, so it's been quite fun. But if you have any book recommendations, I'd be happy to take them. I have an endless list of novels to catch up with as well.

[if you want real drama, steve, get on watching the bachelor, rue is just saying.]

I didn't know that anyone else felt the same way. I too have been feeling so restless in being unable to help. It's the reason I ended up in Dogtown and got hurt in the first place. I foolishly thought that I could do something, but here I am, helping even less than before.

[punched_hitler]

Television's a pretty good way to catch up on some things. I've still got a long list of movies I'm supposed to watch, I just never found the time.

But sure, I could put together a few book recommendations. Do you just like novels, or do you like art, too? I know art and fashion aren't quite the same thing.

[Steve shakes his head.] No, you're definitely not the only one who feels that way. But it's never wrong to want to help. That's why we're here, right? And you are, by offering clothes people need.

[ruevealing]

I am most interested in art! Truly, I'd be happy with anything you'd recommend, I'm certain.

[It's clear how deeply his words touch Rue, the softness and warmth on their feathery face, just beaming in delight.]

Thank you, my dear. I honestly did not even consider that, but I suppose what I do is at least a little helpful. Maybe not in the way that those who can fight or explore can do, but I am able to aid in my own way. I know it's not the most necessary hobby in this place, but to be made to wear ill-fitting clothes is just - [Rue sighs, a small hooting sound.] Disheartening.

[punched_hitler]

Oh, well, that's good to hear. I've got a few good ones in mind I think you'll like, then. I'll see if they're available here.

[Steve smiles a bit.] Not everyone is good at everything. And I bet there are some people here who've never had nice-fitting clothes. Even for those who have - something like that can make a big difference in morale. And I feel like that can make a big difference against an enemy that exploits fear and despair, you know? I still feel like I'm not entirely sure what these entities want, but people feeling safe and good about themselves is probably the opposite.

[ruevealing]

You make a very good point, dear Steve. I hadn't even considered it from the position of standing united against the Entities, but I suppose in some way it is our own private rebellion, isn't it?

[Perhaps that means the beings are not quite as scary as Rue thought, if they are able to stand against them and keep their agency. They simply need to keep from feeding them for as long as they are able to, right?]

I feel so foolish. I didn't mean for our conversation to take such a turn, but I've so appreciated speaking with you. Please, at your earliest convenience, you simply must come by for tea.

[punched_hitler]

[That smile turns into something a little more like a conspiratorial grin.] Anything can be a rebellion, if you work at it a little. At least, in my experience.

I'd - love to have tea. That sounds really nice. I'm usually free in the afternoons?

[ruevealing]

Such wise words. I have never thought that I was very rebellious but perhaps I am not yet finished discovering new things about myself.

[Away from the Bloom, who even is Delloso de la Rue? As scary a prospect as it is, the chance to learn so much about themself has thus far been most wonderful.]

Please! Any afternoon will do. I'd love the chance to learn more about you and to talk business, of course.

[punched_hitler]

It's never too late to try something new, right? Sometimes the circumstances aren't ideal, but that doesn't mean we can't make the most of it.

Maybe in a couple days, then, if you don't mind - where should I find you?

[ruevealing]

My dear friend, I shall take your words to heart. Thank you.

And please, you simply must! I reside in apartment B-three. Stop by anytime. I would so love to chat over tea.