[ jude clears his throat before he starts talking. this isn't the first time he's had to explain this, but it's still a lot to take in. ]

To put it simply, we're in another realm entirely. Judging by your appearance, the timelines we came from are a bit different. The reason I've changed my hairstyle and clothes since you last saw me is because I started working with Balan and his spyrite research in Elympios. I was on my way to meet up with you by train when I ended up here.

[ he hopes leia got that far, at least. explaining the schism and elympios would be an entirely different matter. ]

Back home, during the timeline I'm from, we're both working in Elympios. You're a reporter. What with how much of a busybody you are, I don't think it's an odd career choice.

[ jude elbows her playfully. he's teasing. he couldn't be prouder of leia for finding something she's so passionate about and pursuing her own dreams. ]

Anyway, back to the present... Alvin is here, too, but besides us you're the only other one who's made it. None of us know why, exactly, we were chosen... Just that we were, and we apparently have a mission to fulfill.

[ he pauses to take a deep breath and gauge leia's reaction. better let her process some of this. or make an attempt at processing it, at least. ]