[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

[conning]

Thank you. [There’s a slightly different flavor to that one, less pure gratitude and more excitement.

When Rue asks him about Malcolm, he smiles down at the table, shy in the way he only ever is when something matters. He can’t even be self-conscious about the fact that Tim is there lending an obnoxious younger sibling ear to the proceedings.] He’s brilliant. One of the smartest people I’ve ever met. Kind. Doesn’t give himself any credit for the way his first instinct is always, always to help people. He never holds anything back. He feels with everything he’s got, all the time, and he hates that about himself sometimes but I love it. I‘ve never been that open or honest about anything. He always worries about being too much or too forward or too something, but he’s so himself, he can’t help it, and it’s beautiful.

[He meets Rue’s eyes finally.] He liked me right away. I liked him, too, but I wasn’t… [A flicker of distance and he sets the thought aside.] It took me about four months to let myself think that being with him could turn out okay. He never pressured me, never demanded anything from me, but he was always there when I needed someone to talk to. I wanted to be the one he went to when he needed someone, too.

[ruevealing]

[Rue is, naturally, enthralled just watching Neal talk about the man he loves. There's something so beautiful and perfect and real in this moment, just this small peak into the couple's life and all of the loving adoration that's built up there. Even without knowing Malcolm personally, the owlbear feels like they have a perfect idea of the man now, and he sounds wonderful.

When their eyes meet, Rue's unblinking owl stare is soft and so warm.]

How utterly enchanting. Truly, Neal, my heart is warm knowing that you've found such a lovely, caring man to call your own. [Across from him, Rue reaches out to gently place their clawed paw over his hand again, just a careful, supportive touch.] And to become engaged! Oh! I'm so excited for you! Have you thought of some hopelessly romantic way to propose?

[conning]

[He grins at the table again.] We’ll have been together a year this month. I…

[Again that moment of self-consciousness, this time at sharing this bit of vulnerability in front of Tim when he’s not totally sure of the kid’s feelings about all of this, except that they aren’t positive.

But there’s the reminder in his own words: the kid. Tim is so young, even though he’s clearly been through shit. Neal doesn’t have a reason to be afraid of what a teenage boy thinks of romance.] Our first date was to a local production of Shakespeare. I wanted to propose to him in the theater in costume.

[ruevealing]

[Sometimes you must just believe in your heart and put the words from the rest of the world out of mind. If not, Rue would still be trapped wearing a face that wasn't their own, desperate to fit in with a court that didn't care for them.

As long as Neal and his darling's feelings are true, no one can take that away from them.]

That's so wondrously romantic, Neal! Oh, what a perfect idea for a proposal. And on your year anniversary! Please, I'd be so happy to make such a costume for you, exactly to your specifications.

[conning]

[He grins, reaching into a pocket to pull out a well-folded drawing of a neutral male human figure wearing a white ionic chiton with bands of color in natural designs worked around the edges, and a second sketch showing the same chiton covered in a epiblema--the long cloak-like garment worked over with more intricate natural climbing vine designs in colors that contrast the jewel-tone cloth.]

It was A Midsummer Night's Dream, the play we saw. I debated a little whether or not to go traditional or draw from a modern costume interpretation--anyway it's set in Ancient Greece, so I thought clothing traditional to the period would be the best bet. I've never painted clothing, specifically, but I've painted cloth often enough, so I can do the detailing on the outer garment if it's too much trouble. Historians believe, generally, that the epiblema's designs were painted on the cloth rather than woven in, which is all around simpler, I would think.

[Does he breathe in there? He probably does. Somewhere.]

[ruevealing]

[Oh sweetie, Rue understands completely. Breathing is terribly overrated sometimes.

Rue takes the sketches delicately between their talons, drawing them close enough that they can appreciate the intricate detail gone into them, especially in the thoughtful selection of colors. It's a beautiful look, striking and absolutely unique. There's no doubt about it that Rue would be ecstatic to help Neal bring his vision to life.]

Nothing is too much trouble! I've much experience in both bringing intricate pieces like these to life, it shouldn't be a problem at all. [Rue turns their attention back to up Neal, blinking owlishly across the way towards the man.] Though perhaps we can add those last details in paint together. I think it would make the whole costume that much more special, for you to add the very last finishing touches, don't you think?

[conning]

[Neal brightens visibly at the suggestion.] I do.

[He laughs sheepishly, looking away again in that self-conscious way.] It’s weird to have a conversation with someone about this where I’m not getting teased about it all.

[ruevealing]

[Rue's head tips owlishly to the side, expression still soft and warm and absolutely excited.]

Why ever would you be teased for being so deeply in love? [Their clawed, furry hand gives his a gentle squeeze.] There's no greater thing in the world.

[conning]

[He ducks his head a little more, still grinning in spite of the slight beginnings of a blush. Which is an achievement. Neal doesn't blush easily.]

It's not the being in love part, so much as the... [He breathes a laugh at his own phrasing.] Grand sentimental gestures.

[ruevealing]

[Rue clucks their tongue at the very thought.]

How ridiculous! And how very wrong they are. There's nothing wrong in the slightest with a slightly grand, extravagant proposal. [Rue leans in, just to playfully drop their voice down.] My darling Knickolas' proposal was just as tender and magnificent, and I shall never truly recover from how deeply loved and wanted it made me feel. Follow your heart, I am certain it will mean so much to your beloved.

[conning]

[Neal grins as Rue shares, wondering what Rue’s partner must be like. Not a human, he’s guessing, if Rue’s general exposure to humanity is still so novel. …He’s not sure what it says about him at this point that he doesn’t bat an eye at the idea of an owl…bear? and an average human tying the knot.]

Your partner’s here? In Gloucester, I mean? [It doesn’t occur to him that he might be going somewhere upsetting if Hob WASN’T.]

[ruevealing]

[Their feathery countenance softens just so at the question, looking just as adoring and warm speaking about Hob as Neal was of his own partner. They are both in so deep, aren't they?]

Yes, he is. We both arrived here together. I'm most grateful.

[Rue hasn't even considered the possibility of arriving without Hob yet. The very idea would be more devastating than anything they've ever experienced before in their long life.]

I don't know how I would have navigated this place without him. And you and yours, you both met here? Or did you know one another before Gloucester?

[conning]

Met here, actually. [He shakes his head a little at that.] It's... bizarre to think about sometimes.

[A half-glance in Tim's direction, a tiny tell that Neal hasn't forgotten the guy is there and knows that Tim has feelings about this whole thing that haven't been addressed yet.] We've talked about what that means. About where we would go if and when we find a way home.

[ruevealing]

[Rue is blessedly unaware of whatever strange dynamic there is between Tim, Neal, and Malcolm, though they certainly can pick up on some vibes. They may gently prod Tim about it more later.]

I hadn't even considered such a thing. [To fall in love in a place that wasn't your true home, only to be offered a chance to return.] What would you do? If you don't mind my prying.

[conning]

[WORDS ARE HARD.

But Neal finds, to his own slight surprise, he does not in fact mind Rue prying. In fact it gives him something else to share about Malcolm.] We’re keeping a notebook of pros and cons for each scenario, adding to it whenever we think of something. When it’s full we’re going to go through it and figure out some contingencies. Malcolm is meticulous about data.

[Okay, Neal can be too, but his data is largely frivolous in comparison.]

[ruevealing]

How analytical of you both! [Truly, if anyone knows anything about having multiple contingencies while planning, it's definitely Rue. Not that they followed that same careful approach within their personal life but - ]

I think, considering the circumstances, that does make sense as a way to properly weigh the pros and cons. And I suppose, as long as you both simply find a way to remain together, the rest of it will fall into place, won't it?