04 | Video

[highhealplz]

[ There's a scruffy, friendly-lookin dude front and center here, sort of recognizable as the slightly older, longer-haired version that used to go around being stuffy and formal. This sheepish smile is pretty uncharacteristic of him from back then, though. ]

Hello! I'm Ashraf. I was here a while ago, co-director of the transport-run clinic? [ He offers a wave. ] So hello again to anyone that knew me. I'm sorry in advance if I don't remember you very well, it's been about fifty years on my end! [ says the guy who doesn't look a day over 20 ]

So, anyway— I figured this could be a long shot, but... does anyone have a way with clothing?

[ Here's where the sheepish smile makes a triumphant return. He pulls up a pair of beautifully embroidered robes, obviously expensive, but currently full of violent-looking rips, tears, and a bullet hole or two. There's also some bloodstains left over from attempts to wash them out. ]

I tried, I really did. At this point, I think it's going to take magic to set these straight. Or a whole new set, maybe. So, um... any takers? I could pay!

Comments

video.

[acemedium]

I remember you!

Wait a minute, fifty years?

[highhealplz]

[ there's a second of a blank stare here, but he covers it with a smile ]

Then hello again to you in particular! And—give or take a few years, yes.

Text, anonymous

[bumbles]

I spent so long replicating that look, and now you're saying it's not in anymore?
What am I meant to do, now?

- A.

audio; private

[controlledvariable]

[She's vaguely familiar with Ashraf in that she's seen him in passing at the clinic, so it's mostly the latter part of the video that draws her attention. Those were nice robes, once.]

I can see what I could do. Can't say I've made many robes before, but I'm sure what I know about dressmaking could be applied to robes.

[probably]

Just pretend this is a long time later okok

[bumbles]

You were the co-director?

( quiet anxiety attack WAS HE NOT RESPECTFUL ENOUGH oh god)

[highhealplz]

did you really? well how close did you get? oh and better question do you need any healing?

perma that!

[highhealplz]

I have to say, that makes me a little nervous. I mean, robes already look close enough to dresses. What will I do if someone tries to buy me jewelry?

just for you

[highhealplz]

was! thats the important part, back when i was young and responsible

[controlledvariable]

I meant technique-wise, rather than style, but I'm not sure I see why scoring free jewellery is a problem.

[Steph pls.]

[bumbles]

No, I only got beaten up ironically, so I'm actually fine.

[highhealplz]

What if it's pearls?

You are so good to me sensei

[bumbles]

Okay.

I hope it isn't rude to ask, but why don't you want to have that position back?

[highhealplz]

oh good! not about the clothing tho thats actually a terrible shame

[highhealplz]

adra is very good at it.

[controlledvariable]

Give them to me? I'll take pearls as payment.

[What's wrong with pearls, dude?]

[bumbles]

It's okay, when you find a tailor I can beg them to help a hero in distress. Or a hero in undress, I suppose.

[whomheloved]

Ashraf! It's good to see you again - do you remember me at all? You greeted me the day I arrived here.

[bumbles]

( Donny respects that a lot; the lack of wanting authority for authority's sake.)

That's really cool of you.

Thank you for answering my question.

text, you never replied on plurk so I'm gonna do it

[controlledvariable]

heroes in undress happen to be my specialty!

[Steph....]

permatext also for everyone at home you just made a terrible innuendo at the dinner table

[bumbles]

My heart is all a flutter. Can you save me?

in-YOUR-endo

[controlledvariable]

will i be rewarded for my heroic efforts?

[She's like 90% sure the A stands for Atlas.]

Thousand year pungeon

[bumbles]

It could get steamy.

I mean, fire and rain, it's definitely on the cards.

r u d e also sry liz

[controlledvariable]

[Oh, good, it is Atlas.]

that's not motivating me to fix your clothes, just so you know.

[because then he wouldn't be a hero in undress????

Steph stop.]

[bumbles]

( Atlas is a helper. He hopes she enjoyed those flower-shaped cookies. There were a bunch of them, even.)

But what about my maidenly virtue? Surely you won't jeopardise my honour?

I could get you pie.

[controlledvariable]

[They were delicious and Jim got none of them.]

oh, i can sort out that maidenly virtue problem in half an hour.

but i won't turn down pie.

[Steph no.]