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.)

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]

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

[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?

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.

[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]

[ 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.

[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.

[telepathicignorance]

Alright.

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

[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.

[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. :)

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.]

text; un: noah

[afflatusexarch]

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

[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.

[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.

[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?

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: 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?

[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?

[gruffier]

[ He truly had meant to comment more, but as fingers pressed against keyboard to reply, the next string of words came from Joshua's text and caused all thoughts to pause.

... ]

Wolf... what?

[phoenixdominant]

[He thought that might bewilder his brother. Joshua is chuckling.]

Wolf chickens. They are exactly what you might picture them as. Chickens that appear bloodthirsty and hunt in packs. I've heard a rumour that a pack of them have been attacking small villages around Nogard.

If that is actually true or not... It might be an interesting lead to look into.

[gruffier]

Not exactly the image I had in mind, but I understand the connection.

Alright then. It’s worth looking into, if nothing else. What say you? Meet at the dock within a bell?

[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??

[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.

[phoenixdominant]

I find myself curious, then. What did you have in mind?

And yes, I will see you there soon, brother.

[gruffier]

I'm adjusting well enough. Starting to get my sea legs back again.

It feels as if no time has passed at all, but it's been a couple of moons, hasn't it?

[gruffier]

A hellish culmination of the two. A feathered fiend with a snout of a wolf... and teeth.

[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.

[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?

[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.