Yes!!! It is meant to be a smiling face. Isn't it darling? I quite like using it during these short communications to convey how I am feeling in the moment without having to type it out fully.
I see! Yes, I can easily picture the myriad convenient applications of such a shorthand. What broad range of emotions one could communicate with naught byt two simple symbols, saving not only space on the page, but time in the day as well. The ingenuity of technology!
Look at you, my love, you are learning so swiftly!
My boys tend to use even more egregious forms of shorthand while typing out their electronic missives, so do not be afraid of asking for clarification from them anytime you see something unfamiliar. I have become a master of reading most of their messages, but there are times that even I struggle with them.
I thank you for the advance notice, beloved. I suspect that familiarizing myself with this particular medium of missive may be a gradual and timeconsuming affair. Your patience and theirs is appreciated. As per your advice, should their communications leave me puzzled, I will endeavor to ask for clarification, whether from you or from them directly.
[If their boys ever were to text him, for whatever reason. Hob would be lying if he didn't admit to some… trepidation on the matter.]
If it would not be inconvenient, my love, could you remind me once more of the boys' preferences? I would be remiss not to procure appropriate holiday gifts.
Casey is the youngest, but also the one who has had the most difficult life. Because of that, many experiences are still quite new to him, so there is still a great deal of wonder within him at the most simple of things.
He greatly enjoys grooming - taking care of and painting his nails, styling his hair, nice soaps for bathing - and all forms of crafting. He and I have been exchanging letters since we met some months ago as well, so supplies in the form of fine ink or paper would be perfect for him too.
[Hob reads diligently, stopping in his tracks to stand perfectly still and devote his full and entire attention to Rue's words. This is important! He's committing this all to memory!]
Grooming and crafting. I see! I am certain I will be able to find something that Casey will appreciate—especially with your very helpful suggestions.
Peter is the shyest of all of the boys, sweet but also frequently prone to little bouts of anxiety. He does not always believe himself to be deserving of gifts, but I think he's coming more around to the idea after this long with a generous family like ours.
Peter loves to bake and cook, he has such a great talent for it! He's also skilled in sewing, something he has frequently helped me with over the last few months. There's also an undeniable fondness for turtles there.
While it saddens me to know that young Peter believes himself unworthy of gifts, I am relieved he has the support of his family here to lean on. You are, as I have both frequently and earnestly declared, the most generous of fey.
I shall do my utmost to locate utensils befitting such a talented young man. Apropos a fondness for turtles, what of them?
Leonardo is so endlessly bright and witty and full of such teenage enthusiasm, while also possessing one of the warmest, most loving hearts I have ever had the pleasure to know. He's a very social, active boy, who appreciates fashion and enjoys the genre called science fiction, especially the fictional character called Jupiter Jim. Though he does indulge me in watching period romances too.
Donatello is the most brilliant innovator I have ever known and his relationship with technology is truly something to behold! The way his mind works, I know without a shadow of a doubt, that he must be the smartest man man, turtle or otherwise, alive. But because of his closeness to his tech, he does not process emotions quite like how you or I or his brothers might. He takes some time to read, but I assure you, my Donnie is quite worth getting to know. He is especially fond of the clothing I create for him, as well as very particular types of food. Very particular. And techno music.
And Raphael is the newest to me, but I can already see the gentleness of his heart. He is the oldest and so his priority is often keeping his younger siblings out of trouble, and yet he still manages to find so much joy in the world around him! Raph is not yet my son, though I hope one day he may think of me in such a way. Either way, he is family through and through. Raph enjoys a great deal of rambunctious activities. He enjoys swimming, lifting, big hugs, and wrestling, though here, wrestling is more of a performance than a sport. There are even costumes involved!
[Hob patiently waits for Rue to finish writing, perusing the myriad market stalls while he does. It is abundantly clear that Rue adores the boys. They know so much about each of the children, paying attention to not only what they like and what they do, but who they are, seeing beyond the brave veneer one wears like armor all the way into the core of one's being.
As they had with him.]
These boys are blessed beyond words to have you in their lives, my beloved. [it's him, he's these boys] Verily, one could not ask for a more loving parent.
My list of errands is filling out quite satisfactorily. Casey, Peter, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael... I believe Hunter is the only absentee.
Casey may be the youngest, but to me, Hunter feels far younger than his actual years. He needed a family the most, as alone as he's always been. It takes some time to develop, but once he trusts you, his loyalty to you is forever. Much like Casey, Hunter has not experienced much of the world, so much of it is beautiful and brand new. It's been a joy to see him develop so far, to find exactly what kind of young man he'd like to become.
With Hunter, he enjoys crafting and sewing and simply enjoying new experiences. I think a good gift for him, would also be the offer of time spent together enjoying something new, seeing a film together or going on some adventure. He would deeply benefit from one-on-one time with you the most.
When I told him about your arrival, he asked if you were going to be his father.
Hob is still adjusting to the myriad physical changes he's undergone since arriving in this realm, and the sudden bouts of happy purring are no exception. They seem to come out of nowhere, rolling rumbles in his chest with every breath, leaving him feeling ticklish all the way down to his bones.
He better start getting used to them though, as there's certainly no way to stop himself from purring when he reads Rue's last text.]
I see. Yes, that makes perfect sense. It is a big decision for such a young person to make sight unseen.
[The fact that he doesn't balk at the idea of being a father figure to said young person goes unsaid, but speaks volumes.]
You have given me much to consider. A gift of companionship, wrestling paraphenalia, tech and techno, science fiction, baking equipment, personal grooming supplies, and all manner of other things. I am certain I can fulfill these requirements.
[literally just a bone, any scrap of an idea, thats all he asks,]
I thank you for so graciously indulging me, my love. I shall diligently scrutinize the market stalls for anything worthy of gracing your immaculate form, so you can be reminded of my love for you with each glance.
Although truthfully, I do not yet know if I have a full enough grasp of...myself to know it when I see it.
Rue felt very much the same a year ago. Ripped away from the deep-rooted propriety and rigorous structure of the life they lived within the Court of Wonder, finally free but no longer with a straightforward path to follow, it became so very obvious to the owlbear that there was so much of themself they needed to learn. Away from the Bloom, from their titles and station and expansive wardrobe, who really was Delloso de la Rue, the true fae beneath the masks they'd worn their whole life?
But now, today, over a year later, Rue isn't nearly as lost as they once were. Hob still has quite the journey ahead of him, but he will get there one day. And Rue would be honored to be there supporting him through every single new discovery.
However, saying all of that over text seems silly, so they may as well use their favorite distraction technique to remind Hob of one very important piece of his new life - Rue's utter love for him.]
Then why don't you hurry home and I will gladly remind you. Over and over, until it finally sticks.
[text, un: rue] slips in here two seconds after you get accepted
:)
[un: hob] AS U SHOULD,
I do not understand these symbols :) Please explain.
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:)
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Arw they smilinf=
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Yes!!! It is meant to be a smiling face. Isn't it darling? I quite like using it during these short communications to convey how I am feeling in the moment without having to type it out fully.
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:)
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My boys tend to use even more egregious forms of shorthand while typing out their electronic missives, so do not be afraid of asking for clarification from them anytime you see something unfamiliar. I have become a master of reading most of their messages, but there are times that even I struggle with them.
You will learn quickly though, I do not doubt it!
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[If their boys ever were to text him, for whatever reason. Hob would be lying if he didn't admit to some… trepidation on the matter.]
If it would not be inconvenient, my love, could you remind me once more of the boys' preferences? I would be remiss not to procure appropriate holiday gifts.
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[Their favorite subject!]
Casey is the youngest, but also the one who has had the most difficult life. Because of that, many experiences are still quite new to him, so there is still a great deal of wonder within him at the most simple of things.
He greatly enjoys grooming - taking care of and painting his nails, styling his hair, nice soaps for bathing - and all forms of crafting. He and I have been exchanging letters since we met some months ago as well, so supplies in the form of fine ink or paper would be perfect for him too.
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Grooming and crafting. I see! I am certain I will be able to find something that Casey will appreciate—especially with your very helpful suggestions.
What else should I look for?
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Peter loves to bake and cook, he has such a great talent for it! He's also skilled in sewing, something he has frequently helped me with over the last few months. There's also an undeniable fondness for turtles there.
[hehe]
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I shall do my utmost to locate utensils befitting such a talented young man. Apropos a fondness for turtles, what of them?
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Leonardo is so endlessly bright and witty and full of such teenage enthusiasm, while also possessing one of the warmest, most loving hearts I have ever had the pleasure to know. He's a very social, active boy, who appreciates fashion and enjoys the genre called science fiction, especially the fictional character called Jupiter Jim. Though he does indulge me in watching period romances too.
Donatello is the most brilliant innovator I have ever known and his relationship with technology is truly something to behold! The way his mind works, I know without a shadow of a doubt, that he must be the smartest man man, turtle or otherwise, alive. But because of his closeness to his tech, he does not process emotions quite like how you or I or his brothers might. He takes some time to read, but I assure you, my Donnie is quite worth getting to know. He is especially fond of the clothing I create for him, as well as very particular types of food. Very particular. And techno music.
And Raphael is the newest to me, but I can already see the gentleness of his heart. He is the oldest and so his priority is often keeping his younger siblings out of trouble, and yet he still manages to find so much joy in the world around him! Raph is not yet my son, though I hope one day he may think of me in such a way. Either way, he is family through and through. Raph enjoys a great deal of rambunctious activities. He enjoys swimming, lifting, big hugs, and wrestling, though here, wrestling is more of a performance than a sport. There are even costumes involved!
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As they had with him.]
These boys are blessed beyond words to have you in their lives, my beloved. [it's him, he's these boys] Verily, one could not ask for a more loving parent.
My list of errands is filling out quite satisfactorily. Casey, Peter, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael... I believe Hunter is the only absentee.
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Casey may be the youngest, but to me, Hunter feels far younger than his actual years. He needed a family the most, as alone as he's always been. It takes some time to develop, but once he trusts you, his loyalty to you is forever. Much like Casey, Hunter has not experienced much of the world, so much of it is beautiful and brand new. It's been a joy to see him develop so far, to find exactly what kind of young man he'd like to become.
With Hunter, he enjoys crafting and sewing and simply enjoying new experiences. I think a good gift for him, would also be the offer of time spent together enjoying something new, seeing a film together or going on some adventure. He would deeply benefit from one-on-one time with you the most.
When I told him about your arrival, he asked if you were going to be his father.
no subject
Hob is still adjusting to the myriad physical changes he's undergone since arriving in this realm, and the sudden bouts of happy purring are no exception. They seem to come out of nowhere, rolling rumbles in his chest with every breath, leaving him feeling ticklish all the way down to his bones.
He better start getting used to them though, as there's certainly no way to stop himself from purring when he reads Rue's last text.]
He did? You speak true?
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The constant shedding over their clothes and furniture, not so much.]
Truly, he did.
I reminded him that the two of you must come to that decision together, but I believe Hunter is quite open to the idea already.
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[The fact that he doesn't balk at the idea of being a father figure to said young person goes unsaid, but speaks volumes.]
You have given me much to consider. A gift of companionship, wrestling paraphenalia, tech and techno, science fiction, baking equipment, personal grooming supplies, and all manner of other things. I am certain I can fulfill these requirements.
And what of you, my love?
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There is nothing else I could ever ask of you.
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My sun, my moon, my star, my guiding light in the darkness.
That is supremely unhelpful.
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Perhaps something I can wear to make me think of you then.
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I thank you for so graciously indulging me, my love. I shall diligently scrutinize the market stalls for anything worthy of gracing your immaculate form, so you can be reminded of my love for you with each glance.
Although truthfully, I do not yet know if I have a full enough grasp of...myself to know it when I see it.
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Rue felt very much the same a year ago. Ripped away from the deep-rooted propriety and rigorous structure of the life they lived within the Court of Wonder, finally free but no longer with a straightforward path to follow, it became so very obvious to the owlbear that there was so much of themself they needed to learn. Away from the Bloom, from their titles and station and expansive wardrobe, who really was Delloso de la Rue, the true fae beneath the masks they'd worn their whole life?
But now, today, over a year later, Rue isn't nearly as lost as they once were. Hob still has quite the journey ahead of him, but he will get there one day. And Rue would be honored to be there supporting him through every single new discovery.
However, saying all of that over text seems silly, so they may as well use their favorite distraction technique to remind Hob of one very important piece of his new life - Rue's utter love for him.]
Then why don't you hurry home and I will gladly remind you. Over and over, until it finally sticks.