( the question hangs in the air, but eda doesn't bother to answer it yet. partially because she doesn't want to give out too much information too quickly and risk cutting their time together short and partially because this would be a better conversation to have while sitting down.

knowledge about the human realm isn't exactly widespread—precisely why it was such a pain in the ass to try to uncover how to actually get back there once she lost her personal portal. oh, the things you take for granted until they're gone.

once they're in the little alleyway, she all but guides raine down onto one of the benches. )

Here. Sit. You want to be close to that big metal thing.

( that's when she lets go, moving to click on the big red button against the back of the heater. it makes a soft whirring noise as it comes to life, gradually starting to glow with orange hues and radiate heat outward. )

Yeah, it's. . . It's the human realm, but the wrong one. It's. . . different here.

( she finally starts, now moving to sit across from them at the little table. )

There's all manner of creatures here, but we're not exactly welcome.

( a quick gesture to her headscarf, drawing attention to the fact she'd chosen to hide her ears. )