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.

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. :)

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.

[phoenixdominant]

Quite the list, is it?

I’ll have you know, I’ve not been idle in your absence. Whatever tasks you have prepared, I am more than ready to meet them.

In fact, I may have a few of my own to add to the ledger. Have you heard of wolf chickens?

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.

[feralhumanity]

I have! Well, as much as I can, at least.

[Nanaki isn't going to let Clive know that he had briefly been imprisoned with some of the others, since... well, it's not something he feels he should bog the other down with.]

How about you?? How are you doing? I bet Torgal's super happy to see you. And Jill! Have you spoken to her yet??

[gruffier]

[ He would've liked to have known!! Clearly so much has happened since his departure, and not all of it good. Poor thing... ]

Recovering a bit from my arrival, but I am well. [ He'll gesture a bit to his bruised face, of which he'd received several punches. All well deserved, and nothing he regrets, though. ]

Torgal hasn't left my side, yet. He's sleeping at the moment. And Jill- [ There's a quiet pause, his lips curling upward. ] -we've reunited, yes. As I never intended to leave again.

[feralhumanity]

[Nanaki can see that bruised face, and his eyebrows raise in concern.]

Woah..! Did you get into a fight before getting here??

[Clive you need to be careful! But hearing that he’s reunited with everyone, and a soft smile adorns his feline face.]

I’m glad to hear it. I know we can’t control what happens with the rifts, but I’m glad to see you back. And I’m glad others you care for get to have you back too.

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?

[afflatusexarch]

Of that I have no doubt, Clive. I can only imagine that there will be a welcome back, of sorts, awaiting you.

[ It was just... A clash of ideals. Nothing more than that. ]

Though I suppose that depends on your definition of "well." We are alive and well, yes, though there have been quite a few. Ah. Disturbances, I suppose you could say.

[gruffier]

I've received my welcoming in full, and have the bruises to prove it.

[ Of which he holds no malice for! He left, people were angry, he got punched. It's just how the world works. ]

"Disturbances"? How so?

[afflatusexarch]

[ Well cue G'raha filling Clive in on the issues that had been happening with the whales. The black market selling of poached parts. The auction, etc. ] ]