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[wherever Casey is staying, he shall wake up to a letter the morning of the 13th, addressed to him in beautiful blue ink, all looping, graceful letters.]

My dear friend Casey,

I hope this day is finding you well.

How fortitudinous that our paths crossed inside Vasilisa's but a few days ago! I can hardly begin to imagine how my arrival would have gone without the kind reassurances and gentle promises of friendship you provided me with. I look forward to getting to learn more about one another. The world you've come from sounds most interesting. I should very much like to hear more about it someday.

My short time in this place so far has been spent mostly in Willow. I've been making myself familiar with the layout, the shops, the darling little daily market. There is still so much to learn of our new home - there are moments I fear it shall take me years to learn the full of it properly! - but I am much emboldened to be surrounded by such generous, warm individuals, such as yourself, so willing to welcome me without pause.

We simply must take tea in my new home at your earliest convenience. Let me know when you are available and we shall set a date. I eagerly await your reply.

All the best,
Rue ♥

[It takes a while for him to read it; his education definitely did not include how to read cursive or fancy handwriting. He's going to cherish the heck out of this, though. His first letter! On real paper! It's beyond precious, and the fact that Rue took the time to write him like this over such a casual comment is just… ah! It's so much! This place is so much.]

Rue I got your letter! Thank you!! It's so nice! I'm gonna write you back! Give me some time, okay? Oh and I'd love tea! Anytime you're free!

[Oh! It does warm Rue's heart to know he's received their letter.]

Certainly, my friend! Please, take as much as you need. Some of the fun is simply in the anticipation.

And of course. How does this afternoon work for you? Or tomorrow morning, if not today?

I can visit this afternoon, yeah. It's the address on the letter?

[That sure does make it easier to know where to go and where to send a response. Envelopes are so sensible!]

[the power of an epistolary phase!!]

That is correct. My cottage is still quite simply furnished for now, but I would be delighted to have you over.

Should I bring anything?

[He's never visited anyone's house before, and isn't sure what he could bring, but he's got time! What is house visit protocol!?]

Only yourself. I shall provide the snacks.

Okay. Thank you! I'll be there in a bit.

[Tea with Rue, tea with Rue-!]

[True to his word a responding letter does arrive a couple of days later. It's… rudimentary, which is obvious by the envelope alone. Both letter and address are written in blocky, elementary-quality printing, though the content itself is just fine. His hands lack the experience or coordination for handwriting versus texting, clearly. He's enthusiastic at least?]

Dear Rue,

I'm doing well, I think. It's hard to get used to seeing so many people. This world is so lively but it's also too quiet. I've never been on my own before, so the quiet is new.

I'm glad I could help you when you first got here. You really helped me too. I can't lie, I was a mess. But you were so nice and calming to be around. That's amazing, you know? You're amazing. Thank you for giving me some peace when I really needed it.

I haven't stayed in Willow yet. I'm trying to stay in all the different places before I figure out where I want to settle. If I can settle. I'm used to moving around a lot, I can't remember the last time we had a long-time home. How do you choose? There's so many options. I'm staying in a hole in a hill in Lapine right now. I like living underground, because it feels like my old place. But maybe it'll change. The sun is too bright for me still. I loved seeing your home though, and maybe seeing more houses will give me ideas of what it's supposed to look like. I don't know how to decorate yet.

Writing is hard. It takes so long! I think I like it, though. You really have to think about what you're writing. Thank you again for the letter. I'll keep practicing.

All the best! Are you supposed to end things a certain way?
-Casey

[This letter comes with a small package - dropped off at his residence and tucked into the mailbox, not even mailed - containing a booklet of nice quality paper and some fancy ink pens. Just a little something to help make the experience even better.]

Dearest Casey,

It pleases me deeply to hear that you are doing well, though I completely understand the sentiment of finding so much of this world too quiet. While I do mostly enjoy the silence, it can, at times, be almost overwhelmingly so. Those are always the moments where the absence of my husband feels the most pronounced.

I know we are new friends, but I hope you do not think me too forward to extend a paw and offer you temporary stay at my lodgings, if the loneliness of living on your own ever becomes too much. You shall always have a place with me.

Thank you for such kind words, dear. Truly, I am grateful I was able to bring even a little peace to you that day. It was quite the ordeal for all of us.

Truth be told, Willow reminded me most of my home, so the choice was easy to make. I also find the cottages there to be more spacious than any of the housing elsewhere. Most of it is made with humans in mind, naturally, so most spaces do not have ceilings and doorframes to accommodate my unusual height and frame. The cottage I've found may not be completely perfect - I still must bow my head to clear the entryway - but it is as near as I can hope for.

I can not overstate that any space you create for your own will be perfect however you wish to style it. A living space is as much a reflection of yourself as the clothing you choose to wear. So I look forward to seeing what you create. But, having said that, if you need a creative eye on bringing your space together, I am more than happy to offer my talents.

Letter writing does take some practice and upkeep! To be told, I have not written a proper letter since I left Faerie, so I do feel most out of practice. So this is a wonderful way to hone that skill all over again. Thank you for indulging me with these letters, even if there are quicker ways to communicate in this world. And as a small thank you for writing with me, I've enclosed some fine paper and ink that should come in handy with your practice. Please let me know how you like them.

As far as a closer goes, most letters end in a Complimentary Close. It is the part that immediately precedes the signature and it can be any manner of closer. The most common would be Sincerely or Cordially or Always, but you can be as creative as you like. Much like this:

Always your friend,
Rue ♥

[His next letter comes a little faster, and it's written on some of the new paper they gave him. Each paragraph switches to a different colour pen.]

Dear Rue,

Thank you for the package! These look so nice. I like the colours. I feel really fancy writing a letter with this.

Thank you for the offer to let me stay, too. You're not the first to do that either. People here are so nice and welcoming, I don't know what to say. When I did that public post, I had a bunch of strangers offer to take me out for food, or to bring me stuff they baked, it was amazing. I had no idea folks could be so generous. I don't know how to thank everyone, now. It feels kind of empty just saying it. Is there anything I can do for you, that might help you? I'm not good at a lot but I can clean and take notes. I've been told I learn stuff quickly.

I wonder if there's anyone who could modify the house to make it easier. I'm no builder, so I could be wrong, but changing a door wouldn't be too hard, would it? Just make the whole thing a little bigger. I'll think about my own decorations, but I'll hold off until I really settle. I don't want to end up moving again and having to cart whatever I got with me. I don't have portals for that!

If we both need the practice, I don't mind writing more letters. I'm happy for it, actually! It's sort of fun? A different kind of fun than I'm used to. I can tell just by looking that you know a lot more about writing than I do. Never had much of a chance to do handwriting before. Hopefully it isn't too hard to read. If it is, sorry! But that's what the practice is for I guess.

If you don't mind my asking, and sorry if this is a weird question: do you look the way you do because of this place, or how you were born? Because back on Earth there were a lot of mutants and yokai with animal traits, but not all of them started out like that, and Thirteen gave a lot of people different features, too. I didn't want to end up saying something that might bother you if she did something you didn't like. (Oh, but you don't have to answer if you don't want to. And sorry again.)

If that's too weird, how about: have you ever seen a cat? I saw one for the first time the other day! It let me pet it! It was so soft... I think I'd like to turn into a cat instead of whatever Thirteen did to me.

Let's see. Sincerely, until next time,
Casey

To my dearest, Casey,

Nothing could please me more than to hear that you are enjoying the small gifts I sent along. Please let me know if you begin to run out of anything. Next time, we can shop for new supplies together.

As for your concerns, I must ask only that you trust in the goodness of the world around you. I also come from a world where such one-sided kindnesses often seems impossible, but I assure you, a word of thanks is sometimes more than enough. It certainly is for me. I expect nothing from you besides, I hope, a mutual continued promise of friendship.

You make a very convincing point. It seems silly to put my paw down and refuse to allow others to help me in the very same breath that I have asked you to let yourself be helped as well, but I suppose my mind is still struggling to believe this cottage is truly my own. I do not know if this world is quite that cruel yet, but my previous quarters were a rented unit with roommates. Sometimes I can hardly believe that all of this space is truly my own. Clearly, I must change my mindset.

As for your lodgings, you need not rush, little one. As I have stated, if you need a temporary place to stay while you are finding your perfect home, you will always have space here with me. Among the fey, time is so much less of a demand. I find that it is only with humans where time begins to become a more pressing concern, but I promise, you have all the time in the world to search. And while you do, you shall never be without a roof over your head.

Believe me, I have spent the last few millennia becoming a master of making words out of chicken scrawl and your handwriting is nothing of the sort. And practice is only improving it.

Oh, I must apologize! I should have assumed my shape would be new to someone from such a particular world. No, this is my true form, unaltered by Thirteen. I was born an owlbear. What you see is my most authentic self.

(And for your extra question, yes, I have had many associations with cats over the years. They are quite dear, don't you think? If I was to take an animal companion, I think I should like a feline.)

Until next time, my friend!

Always,
Rue ♥

[Is he gonna tear up a little every time they call him dearest? Maybe. It's such a gentle way to start a letter. No one's ever called him that before.

The letter this time has a new address on it, a little closer to Rue's home- a house in Leshy.]

Dear Rue,

I'd love to go shopping with you. I bet you'd have all kinds of great advice on what materials to buy. I'm not sure I'd know where to start. But at least I have plenty of spoons for it now?

Oh, and you can definitely count on me to keep on being your friend! I'm happy to, as long as you'll have me. I'd be an idiot to say no, especially when you've been so nice, and have never done anything to make me think otherwise. I'm lucky to have you.

If you want any help with your house, just say the word and I'll be there. I don't know that much about construction, but I do know a few tricks on making a small space work better for someone really tall. Oh, speaking of! I'm trying out the treehouses in Leshy now. It's not bad, the area smells really nice. I'm not sure I like how open it is though it has great background noise- nature sound amazing! I've never seen animals like this! I can always hear people around, which makes it feel less lonely. It's close by the lake, if you ever want to try those swimming lessons.

You don't have to apologize at all. I just didn't want to pry into it if it wasn't my business. I've never met an owlbear before, but I could probably write a whole book full of stuff I've never heard of. I'm glad I can say I met one now. Is it weird to say I think you look really cool? You remind me of home.

Have you been to the cat cafe? They're so cute. I wanted to stay and pet them all day, but the coffee made me sick so I had to go home. Next time I'll have tea.

Always your friend,
Casey

[Ooh, that one does feel good to write. He'll remember that.]

PALLADIUM_DRONES_COMPLETE_DISCOGRAPHY.RAR

Edited 2023-08-23 07:07 (UTC)

[!!!

INTERNAL SCREAMING]

Thank you, Donnie! I'm gonna educate my neighbours on them right away!

[AKA gonna blast the hell out of this and probably have someone banging on his door in no time.]

[This letter comes along with another small gift. Delicately folded up and wrapped in magically color changing wrapping paper is a varsity jacket, completed with Casey's name displayed on the back, in a soft teal color. It is the same exact jacket that Peter and the turtles are receiving, just in his color and with his own name.]

My friend,

And how grateful I am to have your friendship! Please think nothing of it, but I have attached a small token of my affection with this letter. I did not take your measurements, but I have a fairly keen eye on such things. If it needs taking in, however, please do not hesitate to ask. I would be happy to adjust it however you need.

That sounds quite exciting. What is it like to live among the trees? Despite my wings, I find that I am much more comfortable on the ground, but I have always been curious. Do you ever fear you shall fall? Or is it quite safe? And what luck, there is a lake near my home as well, so we shall have plenty of swimming spots to take advantage of once we begin.

It is only weird if you say it is. But thank you, dearest, there was a time where I was ashamed of my wild appearance, but I have since grown to love my shape. It is unique and strange in a land of mostly humans, yes, but it is also striking and soft and beautiful. Which may sound vain to say of oneself, but I could not care less. If my appearance has been torn down by others my whole life, then I shall be the one to rebuild it myself. To be a reminder of home, however, is a compliment I shall always hold dear.

Thank you.

I have not even heard of a cat café! That sounds darling. Would you like to join me there soon? I would love the company.

Please be wary of the fog as of late. It can be easy to get lost within if you are not careful.

Your friend forever,
Rue ♥

Edited 2023-08-24 19:57 (UTC)

Dear Rue,

Thank you again for the jacket! It's so nice. I've never gotten clothes this nice before. I promise I'll always treasure it! I think it fits just fine, though I wouldn't know how it's supposed to look. Still, I don't think you should change anything about it, it's perfect.

It's a little strange being around trees at all, nevermind living in one. They didn't exist anymore in my world, but here they're so huge it's like they're from another planet. I'm not worried about falling so much, since I usually have my gear with me. My glove has a grappling hook, so I should just be able to catch myself. If not, I can probably roll and land safely enough that I wouldn't die or anything, so don't worry.

I don't think it's vain to say you're soft and beautiful. It's just the truth. My sensei used to talk himself up all the time (how he was big and strong and handsome) and some people said he was full of himself, but to me it just sounded like confidence. Life is hard enough already, there's no reason to be hard on yourself too. I think he'd tell you something like that if he were here. I'm sorry that other people couldn't see that before. But I'm glad you have lots of people around you now who can tell you you're beautiful!

Actually, I have met an owl person before, now that I think back. When I was little, Big Mama visited our base (she's a huge spider yokai, i don't know if that's her real name) and she had guards with her. One of them was a huge owl yokai. I think his beak was as big as my head! I don't think he ever so much as looked at me, but I hid in sensei's scarf until they left. He didn't have a kind face like yours.

I'd be happy to go to the cat cafe with you. It's not too far at all. And even if it was, it would be worth it! Call me biased, but I love cats now. I vote we go there next. I bet they'd love to sit on all your soft feathers.

You be careful of the fog too! I'm gonna wear my mask every time I go out…

Also your friend forever!
-Casey

[The whole bottom of the page is covered in hearts of varying colours and a variety of little emote faces. Mikey would be proud. …But mostly he's just practicing with the new pens.]

Heya Casey. You busy today? I've got the stuff we need for Baseball 101 if you're free!

[!!!]

I'm ready! Just tell me where!

Casey,

Whether you think it's perfect or not, I'll measure it next time I see you. I want to make sure there is enough room in the shoulders for you to continue to grow, while still not being a hassle by slipping off of you too easily. I promise, if I do any alteration on it, you may watch, to make certain I change nothing else.

And please, if there's any other clothing or tailoring you need, you simply must tell me. As your friend, I want to help where I can, to make your life in this land as easy as possible.

Thank you, I am much relieved to know you shall be safe up there among the trees. Though I may beg that any meetings we have are here, safely on the ground. I do not think my reflexes will save me as easily as yours will save you. What grace I have been blessed with only applies to the solid ground beneath my taloned feet. I am certain I shall become quite the clumsy oaf if ever I followed you up into the trees.

Your sensei is just as intelligent as I am certain he's told himself. I'm grateful you had someone like that to learn from. He sounds like a lovely man and a wonderful mentor.

Have you truly? How marvelous! I have yet to meet another owlbear myself, but I have indeed met another owl person. They were a dear friend to me and I shall never forget how seeing her wings struck me with such a sense of awe the first time. To think it took so much of my life to meet another physically similar to myself, even if not exactly the same.

It may be foolish, but I hope to meet another owlbear some day. I know they are beasts, that most are aggressive and wild and will not recognize me as their own, but it is a dream I have had since I was a cub. Just one and I will be satisfied.

(I am deeply touched that you think my face is kind. If I may speak plainly, I think yours is quite kind as well. Your eyes especially.)

It is settled. The cat café shall be our next new adventure together. I look forward to meeting all of the cats with you.

On another note, I have been taking daily trips to the market and my pantry is simply overflowing. You must come over and take some of this food. I will pack it up nicely for easy transport, but I will hear no argument.

See you shortly,
Rue ♥

Would you be up for hanging out sometime today? We could probably get food or something together.

Of course! I'd love to. Do you have a place in mind, or do you just want to walk the neighbourhood and see what sticks out? There's still so many options that I have trouble deciding.

I was thinking of walking around and seeing what caught our eye. I'm still on Luan Street right now, but, I can meet you depending on where you are.

I can go to Luan Street, no problem. Just give me a bit of time and I'll be right there!

[Already on his way over, woo- he may not be able to web-sling but his grapple helps him get around faster if there's trees or buildings, so he shouldn't take a terribly long time.]

Okay, I'll be wearing a really yellow jacket if that helps you spot me. I'll wait out by some of the food stalls for you.

[As promised, Peter is waiting for Casey, in a very yellow varsity jacket Rue gave him. He has his hands tucked in his pockets, just idly rocking on his heels.]

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