On Spring 2 Raguna met the other half of the residents (since Spring 1 is a quiet New Year's "Holiday" where half the town stayed inside).
When he enters the De Sainte-Coquille Manor, he witnesses my favourite, thought-provoking introduction scene in Rune Factory: A Fantasy Harvest Moon.
Bianca is complaining to Tabatha that the clothes she's picked out "don't suit her". In response, Tabatha apologizes by saying:
"I'm sorry... A country girl like me always gets things wrong."
I grew up in the country. So when I read this line as a kid, I didn't quite understand what she meant by that and simply dismissed the line.
Reading this line today opens up a whole line of questioning for me:
After reaching 3LP with Tabatha, she reveals to Raguna that she's an elf. Saying she's "from the country" is her way of telling people that she's not from Kardia and that's why she may act or speak differently. But seeing that Tabatha is telling Bianca this, does this mean that the de Sainte-Coquilles not know she's an elf?
I'm inclined to believe that she doesn't because she responds with:
"He he! I know you're from the countryside, but you've been a maid here for many years. And, you gotta get a bit street smart! Never mind, life's hard in this town!"
I'd like to believe that Bianca and Tabatha speak in code and have a wholesome friendship, but I think that idea goes against their characters.
Bianca cares about Tabatha she's just awful at expressing herself (see quote above). Tabatha, on the other hand, shows her appreciation/professional affection through her attention to detail.
Ironically, the outfit Tabatha picked out for Bianca makes Jasper happy, which in turn makes Bianca happy.
It also makes me wonder if Tabatha is more in tune with Jasper's tastes, or if it's easier to please Bianca if she works with what Jasper likes...
If you ask me, I think Bianca doesn't know Tabatha is an elf because Tabatha wants to be treated like any other human. The fewer people knew about her identity, the better she could study them.
I put in a poll last time I had a dividing thought like this and I thought that was fun, so let me ask again! What do you think?
Does Bianca know Tabatha is an elf?
Voting ended onSep 13, 2024
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