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[Rue apologizes for dropping the bit]

I can not think of better company.

Same here. [He looks down briefly, as if his breakfast will somehow bring him guidance, and then looks up, the silliness fully replaced with sincerity this time.] It was you, though. You know that, right? The one in the center was always you. You brought us together. You're the home.

[It feels like way more credit than they deserve. So many of them were a family before Rue ever entered their lives, to try and claim any credit seems silly.

But Casey's words still strike a chord within the owlbear, their expression going soft in that way that he would be able to see them purposely keeping themself composed so they don't sob right into their potatoes. It's so touching, isn't it? For the always orphaned to become a home to others.

Rue does not think anything anyone has ever said to them has meant quite this much.]

Where did you learn to have such a way with words! [Rue will not apologize for leaning in to peck a quick kiss to his cheek before working to keep themself composed.]

I swear, you are so grown from the young man I met so many months ago.

[He needs no apology. As always, a kiss from Mom is most welcome. Though perhaps he'll keep his touching commentary to a minimum while they compose themselves.]

Well, I am a whole year older now... [Lies, it's been six months and his birthday came in four. Timing was convenient.] Oh, and I've been learning to write fancy with a penpal of mine.

Sixteen! [They exclaim with a soft laugh, beaming down at their son with just slightly wet eyes, Rue is managing those tears well.] That is, as I understand it, the sweetest year for humans. And I hope that remains true the entire year.

[Should he be learning to drive? Television sitcoms would say this is the year to start!]

Ah, have you now? I imagine you've much improved if you've been writing letters with this penpal since August. I can only hope they're a good influence.

I heard that too, but I don't really get it. I don't feel different or anything.

[Someone show this kid a spoiled rich sweet sixteen party, it'll blow his mind.]

And yeah, I think they've been a good influence on me. Just a little mischief, sometimes.

[to be perfectly honest, rue too.]

I don't know, I think you look more sweet than ever. The most handsome sixteen year-old human that I've ever known.

[rue juggling all of their children's ages and species to not overlap on most handsome awards.]

I imagine that you've been an even better influence on them. I'll agree on the mischief though.

[His cheeks turn pink. That feels a bit like a loophole - just how many 16-year-old humans do they know? - but he'll take it. He can be handsome in Mom's eyes.]

W-well... it's just call it mutual... good benefit. I won't be giving up sending letters any time soon.

[A mother's loopholes.]

You still enjoy it? It hasn't become tiresome?

[He's quick to shake his head.]

Not at all! That might be the downside of living together when we go back... it'd be silly to send letters to the same place, when we'd see each other every day.

Not in the slightest. We'll just need to get more creative about it.

[Surprise post-it notes stuck to his bathroom mirror. Little thoughtful notes tucked into a book he's reading. A full on letter hidden in his cereal box... Rue is ready to make it fun.]

...And perhaps, while you are away, you can send me letters with updates. As often as you're able.

[Hmm... challenge accepted, then.]

Oh, I wonder. If the doorway is close to where we're working, we could just pop back to mail a letter or two. Or maybe Donnie could invent a communicator that works across dimensions.

If anyone could, it would be him.

[Rue has total faith he could whip it up in no time.]

But truly, it is only if you are able. I wish to add no stress to either of you.

I'm sure we can figure something out. Even in my world we had downtime once in a while. Time enough to write a letter.

It would mean so much to me if you could, but it is so far away still. We'll have plenty of time to make plans later on.

[At least Rue hopes it's some time away. They aren't quite ready to pack up and leave Folkmore just yet.]

That's true. I can't imagine leaving this place any time soon.

[He nibbles away at his breakfast for a moment, mulling over all these new thoughts and plans. There's not that much to consider now, really. ...Well, maybe one thing.]

I probably won't be able to use magic or turn into an owlbear when we get to Earth, either.

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to use your magic. I've used my fae magic back on earth and Hunter's isn't tied to this realm either. I see no reason for either of those to disappear.

[However-]

We'll have to wait and see about your familiar forms. Though a part of me thinks there's a chance. From the way that Thirteen has spoken, these roles assigned to us are a part of us finding our true potential, correct? So it only makes sense to let us leave with them intact, don't you think?

Perhaps I'm being naive, but I refuse to let your owlbear form be taken from you. It would be just cruel after all of the work you've put into it.

You think so...?

[Maybe at least the teleporting would carry over, if it's tied to Rue. Whether or not he can use Hunter's magic will depend on if it works for Hunter, too. The familiar form is definitely the most nebulous.]

You said you could turn Flapjack into a frog. [RIP Flapjack.] Could you turn a person into an owlbear?

[Popping a few more of those breakfast potatoes into their beak - even going cold, they are still amazing - Rue lets out a thoughtful hum at the question.]

You know, not currently, as polymorph works with creatures classified as beasts. But I know there are higher-level spells that would work to transform someone into an owlbear. I would only be able to do it once a day for an hour, but that could be an alternative if Thirteen's magic does not follow us back home.

[A gentle bump of their wing against his side] Enough time to preen and cuddle, at least.

[likely the only person in existence to use a 9th level spell for cuddling purposes]

[That sounds like a whole lot of magic rules he doesn't understand, so he can only take their word for it. So not yet, but maybe later... and much more limited. But one hour a day is still more than he'd ever had before coming here, so he'll take it without complaint.]

Until then, turn me into an owl or a bear and we can pretend.

[He grins cheekily, bumping back.]

Right now?

[Just gonna wiggle their talons at him threateningly. Not at the breakfast table, Rue.]

[Genuinely for a moment looks like he might consider it.]

Not right now. I'd knock over my juice.

[The only logical reason to not do it.]

We certainly can not have that! Another time. As for that spell, I will have to work on advancing my magic, so we'll still have access to all of the owlbear cuddling we'll need by the time we return to New York

[It's not a terrible idea. Rue's been so focused on their shop and their family and throwing more parties than necessary, that their magic has certainly taken a backseat as of late.]

Until then, we'll have the real thing. Speaking of, are you up for more lessons later this week? I was thinking we could take a break from our regular plans and maybe just explore Willow together.

[Their very gentle way of saying they don't mind dipping their talons into being a little more wild with a run through the forest on all fours.]

Edited 2024-01-17 20:40 (UTC)

[Casey's eyes brighten at the suggestion, happy to leave the magic option in their capable paws- he'd be of little use there. Owlbear lessons, on the other hand, is something to which he can eagerly contribute.]

I'd love that! A walk in the woods sounds great. Especially as an owlbear- it's so cold, but all those feathers and fur must make it feel like nothing at all.

[He's a little jealous. Even his nice coat or feather sweater can't hold a candle to the natural layers of a bear.]

It's true, I find I hardly have to bundle up to face the winter chill. One of the benefits of the bear part of my name, I suppose.

[The idea of being wild still frightens Rue a little, but with their plans solidified, they feel a sense of tingling anticipation for their lesson. With Casey by their side, they have nothing to fear. He will not judge them.]

Did you know that there are some bears who simply choose to live in the ice and snow? I could hardly believe it!

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