RE: 01 ️‍🔥 The Welcoming

[gruffier]

Type: Video
Sender ID: gruffier (Clive Rosfield)
To: Everyone
Subject: Returned.
Warnings: No warnings!

[ It took a couple of days of exploring a treasure island, sea sailing, and finally reclaiming his proper belongings for Clive to officially have a shellphone in his possession! So while he's already adjusted to his sea legs once again (or almost), he feels as though a proper reintroduction may be in the works. ]

Hello. [ A simple voice begins as the camera shifts to a recognizable, or not-so-recognizable scarred face. He'll smile, albeit a bit sheepishly, before clearing his voice to address the feed proper. ]

I've... spent some time away, but it seems the Rifts had other plans. [ There's a sadness in his tone that is quickly shrugged off before Clive speaks again.] It is good to be back.

Should you be in need of some assistance, you need only but ask. Regardless of any brand. [ He'll turn his palm up the camera, a mixed expression pinching at the ends of his nose. Oh, what a nice welcome back present! ]

I'm feeling a bit rusty. Perhaps the MANTA would do a bit of good.

Comments

Text

[telepathicignorance]

(They think the username might be familiar but can't place it.

In other words, They don't think they knew him very well. Still, it's a good opportunity to confirm what they've learned...)

Did you forget about this place when you left?

Text; un: gruffier

[gruffier]

[ There’s a pause to his reply. A feeling of regret washing over him before fingers meet keyboard. ]

I did.

It was only when I returned that the memories came back to me.

[telepathicignorance]

(There's also a pause on their end.)

Fuck.

[gruffier]

[ It’s almost as if you can hear the sign from the other end. Yeah, he wasn’t happy about it either. ]

That’s not to say every situation is alike. The Rifts are a fickle thing, from the look of it.

This is only my account, but perhaps there are others with different circumstances.

[telepathicignorance]

Not according to what I've picked up.

[gruffier]

You’ve heard of others, then?

[telepathicignorance]

Something like that.

[gruffier]

Care to explain?

[telepathicignorance]

Let's just say I wasn't supposed to overhear the bit about memory loss.

Text > Private

[gruffier]

[ This feels a little delicate…

He’ll switch to private just in case. ]

That leaves far more questions than answers.

If you know more about this, I wish to hear what you have to say.

Private

[telepathicignorance]

I don't. I was so surprised I gave myself away and got into trouble.

[gruffier]

[ ... ]

I'll not pry should you keep your secrets, but trouble? With whom?

[telepathicignorance]

I really don't wanna talk about it.

(Because if he goes and talks to the person they learned it from, he's going to find out how they listened in.

...They're getting really tired of people assuming their abilities work a way that's completely different ftom how they do... and also someone threatened to kill them earlier this month.)

[gruffier]

Then secrets they’ll remain. I’ll hunt down answers for my own.

[telepathicignorance]

Alright.

(And they're just gonna stop talking unless he has some other topic to ask them about.)

text

[midifications]

Well well well, look what Torgal dragged in! Jill seen you, given you whatfor for leaving so suddenly?

[dw, she's happy to see Clive, she just has to give him a little >:( for making Jill sad.]

[gruffier]

Yes, she has… as have a few others.

[ The message does make him smile fondly despite recalling the several punches to his face. ]

It’s good to hear from you again, Mid. Care to take your shot?

[midifications]

If Jill already got you, I don't need to. I shouldn't kick someone when they're down, you know? Bet Josh did too, now that I think of it. I'm not as important as they are, but I AM glad you're back, Clive.

[Clive is, of course, her favourite errand runner... but it didn't feel right without him here when everyone else was.]

[gruffier]

Not as important? Of course you are. Are you like family to me, Mid— you, and all the Hideaway.

I say that earns you at least one punch.

[midifications]

Buttering me up doesn't work, Clive!!!!

[She says that, but it does actually work, keep doing that. That and it's nice to know she's family; she feels that way about him, Josh, Jill, and Dion, as well.]

You're like family for me too, but I'll spare you the punch. I'll just have to find extra things for you to find for me instead. :)

[gruffier]

Whatever you need, I'll happily procure.

[ but that does have him mildly worried for a split second- ]

Any new projects I should know about?

[midifications]

Making sure we don't freeze our tits off, yeah!

[Mid that tells him nothing]

Well, that's more of a long term project, but I'm working on something for Benna for her birdies that'll heat or cool their birdhouses. If I can figure it out, I can probably make it Roost-wide so we'll all be nice and cozy when it gets too hot or too cold.

[gruffier]

[ MID WHAT...........


oh wait okay that actually makes a lot more sense. Thank you of clearing that up. ]

Something to regulate the temperature? That's impressive. It would make going back and forth to the hearth less of a hardship, for certain.

A bold project. But if anyone were to accomplish it, it would be you.

[midifications]

I'm certainly trying. Dad has some neat crystals he uses for stuff like that, but I may need some extra parts once I figure everything out. Probably like the engines for my ships, except we don't have Fallen relics everywhere here.

But I guess if you see anything that could work like those did, you can let me know, yeah?

[gruffier]

I'll... keep an eye out. Not quite sure what to be looking out for, though.

[midifications]

You know! Like those big round whatsits you got me before, just smaller! But really, if it looks ruined when you go out and do whatever Cids do, just tell me so I can get a good look at it.

[gruffier]

Sounds easier.

Doubtful you'd find anything you couldn't use, but I'll be sure to be selective. The Roost can only hold so many supplies.

[midifications]

Guess I'll have to be a packrat or find my own place for everything!

But that'd work, actually. It can be pretty passive, give you some time to adjust being back and all before I put you to work for me again! ...which, how are you adjusting again, Clive? No problems, I hope?

text;

[phoenixdominant]

[After their reunion on the island...]

Once you are settled back in, I would be glad to help you with a manta posting, brother.

It would be a refreshing change. To be the one lending you a hand this time.

[gruffier]

[ Even though he's already reunited with Joshua, seeing a text from him again does cause a tight twinge in his heart. ]

Yes, as many as you would like.

[ … ]

Forgive me for sounding selfish… but I wish to take up your time. As much as you would allow me. I wouldn't waste a single second.

[phoenixdominant]

Clive, I would never think you selfish, not for a moment. In fact, I had hoped you would want for exactly that.

You've a lot of time to reclaim, after all.

[gruffier]

[ Had this been in person, Joshua would have clearly seen the instant look of relief across Clive's face!

He knows his brother is his own person, but he's at least earned this very little bit of indulgence! ]

Thank you, Joshua.

Then I hope you have steeled yourself. I've conjured up quite the list.

Video; un:feralhumanity

[feralhumanity]

[Now there's a voice Nanaki's familiar with! It takes a bit of work, but soon Nanaki's got the video function working on his phone. His happy feline face takes up much of the screen, but his tail wags happily behind him.]

Clive! You're back!

[His happy feline face takes up much of the screen, but his tail wags happily behind him.]

video; un: gruffier

[gruffier]

[ Ah, that that was certainly a face Clive found himself missing!

He smiles warmly into the camera, blue eyes bright. ]

Nanaki, it's good to see you. [ He'll even nod his head a little, as a tiny greeting. ]

I trust you've kept yourself well.

text; un: noah

[afflatusexarch]

I can think of several individuals that will be rather thrilled to see you again.

text; un: gruffier

[gruffier]

[ Well, there was a username he remembered! They certainly had their differences at first, but Clive had quickly warmed up to G'raha, especially with him being a close friend to Joshua... ]

I assure you the feeling is mutual. :)

[ Look! He even still remembers how to do the little emojis! ]

It is good to hear from you again, G'raha. I take it all is well?