You were literally in another universe, Balthier. Don't worry about it.
[In the intervening time, Otto did come to realize that everyone who left through the portal would be back sooner or later. He hadn't seen the point in blowing up anyone's phone while they were gone, though!]
Everything's just fine now. My trip home was just a bit less safe than I intended. They really mean it when they say things you bring with you might not make the trip.
[ It takes him a minute to respond. It hits him hard, having Otto suggest having watched out for him. Not that it's new, just -- being home. That old Cid wound is raw again. ]
The thought is appreciated.
Why don't you come by some time? Or I can come to you -- I know Excelsior isn't ideal these days. I have something to help with that, by the way. Gave it to Peter. Illusion charm, like the one I did at the restaurant. Can carry it though.
[ When Otto does arrive, Balthier will wave him in, ever the ready host. Safer these days, than going out, which he doesn't love, but the lack of stress is welcome especially since Otto has a harder time passing as normal, even with the illusion charms.
Balthier has his stool out and puts tea on, but addresses neither before he gives Otto a long, tight embrace. ]
[Otto sort of looks like shit right now - not the fault of the illusion, he just seems very run down! After a moment of surprise, he returns the hug tightly as well.]
These things work wonders. [He takes off the charm, putting it in his pocket. Balthier can see through his own creations, of course, but it's force of habit by now.] Though I would like to know what people think, when they give me that wide a berth.
[ Balthier doesn't miss how fatigued Otto looks, and he's that much happier the other agreed to visit. ]
I'm glad it's been a help. My understanding is they still see a person, vaguely like you, but it forces their attention to slide off, so if they try to recall you, the details are blurred, like someone you saw briefly walking through a crowd. They may be able to describe your general type, but they wouldn't be able to pick you out of a lineup.
[ And really that's the level of safety they all need, without any disruption to their lives. But he gives a grin. ]
Maybe they think you have a very large backpack, or an elaborate mobile aid. Regardless, they won't think about it very hard.
And here I was wondering if I looked like a serial killer.
[He's hardly complaining. He's even trying to joke! Seems like he's had a time of it lately, though. The arms move as if to help support him as he enters the house proper, a little more active than they usually tend to be.]
[ Balthier laughs at that. ] That wouldn't make you particularly incognito, so I'd be both a poor sorcerer and a poor pirate.
[ He doesn't miss the fatigue in Otto's disposition, though, and not for the first time wished his healing magic worked. If he senses someone walking by on the street, he's not above syphoning just a little of the fatigue off his guest and onto some random passerby who can just feel a little tired. ]
Honestly, it's strange how much this feels like home. I was glad to be back, overall. Yourself?
Oh, yes. I never had any intention to stay long in my world - I'd rather be here, now.
[For a lot of reasons, mostly depressing!]
It's home, for better or worse! I'll admit, I'm a little glad so many people are coming back. Though, of course I'd rather everyone have the option to go home permanently, if they want to.
I did find the whole thing disorienting. Can't say I remember the trip back, but going there - it was as if I'd been dropped into the body of my own past self. Everything I brought with me was gone. A bit of a shock.
[Mostly: he'd forgotten exactly how much he was freezing cold, soaked in gross river water, and had also just been punched a lot and slightly electrocuted]
[ Balthier winces, remembering the reactor in the fear cauldron. ]
Similar. I was dropped right back to the moment I left, which was my partner being crushed in a collapsing ship. It turned out alright and I appreciate knowing she's safe, but it was not a good few days, especially given I was rusty with my magick.
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Oh, gods, Otto my apologies. I was off world.
Is everything alright?
Also I hope you know I'm now obligated to provide you dinner while you tell me this story.
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[In the intervening time, Otto did come to realize that everyone who left through the portal would be back sooner or later. He hadn't seen the point in blowing up anyone's phone while they were gone, though!]
Everything's just fine now.
My trip home was just a bit less safe than I intended.
They really mean it when they say things you bring with you might not make the trip.
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Is everything alright?
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Didn't realize I would end up back at the exact moment I left, though, and we were in a crashing ship.
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I'd have warned you, but I think we missed each other.
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The thought is appreciated.
Why don't you come by some time? Or I can come to you -- I know Excelsior isn't ideal these days. I have something to help with that, by the way. Gave it to Peter. Illusion charm, like the one I did at the restaurant. Can carry it though.
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I'll come to you. I should probably get out.
[Also his place isn't really up to his usual standards, due to...you know. General depression of late. It's fine!]
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[ When Otto does arrive, Balthier will wave him in, ever the ready host. Safer these days, than going out, which he doesn't love, but the lack of stress is welcome especially since Otto has a harder time passing as normal, even with the illusion charms.
Balthier has his stool out and puts tea on, but addresses neither before he gives Otto a long, tight embrace. ]
It's good to see you.
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[Otto sort of looks like shit right now - not the fault of the illusion, he just seems very run down! After a moment of surprise, he returns the hug tightly as well.]
These things work wonders. [He takes off the charm, putting it in his pocket. Balthier can see through his own creations, of course, but it's force of habit by now.] Though I would like to know what people think, when they give me that wide a berth.
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I'm glad it's been a help. My understanding is they still see a person, vaguely like you, but it forces their attention to slide off, so if they try to recall you, the details are blurred, like someone you saw briefly walking through a crowd. They may be able to describe your general type, but they wouldn't be able to pick you out of a lineup.
[ And really that's the level of safety they all need, without any disruption to their lives. But he gives a grin. ]
Maybe they think you have a very large backpack, or an elaborate mobile aid. Regardless, they won't think about it very hard.
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[He's hardly complaining. He's even trying to joke! Seems like he's had a time of it lately, though. The arms move as if to help support him as he enters the house proper, a little more active than they usually tend to be.]
Been settling back into this world all right?
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[ He doesn't miss the fatigue in Otto's disposition, though, and not for the first time wished his healing magic worked. If he senses someone walking by on the street, he's not above syphoning just a little of the fatigue off his guest and onto some random passerby who can just feel a little tired. ]
Honestly, it's strange how much this feels like home. I was glad to be back, overall. Yourself?
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[For a lot of reasons, mostly depressing!]
It's home, for better or worse! I'll admit, I'm a little glad so many people are coming back. Though, of course I'd rather everyone have the option to go home permanently, if they want to.
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[ Though his reasons are...not all depressing. Especially the David-shaped ones. ]
Selfishly, I agree, though of course if they wish to return permanently, I wish them speed in achieving it. Glad I'll have you awhile yet, though.
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[Could be worse! Could always be worse.
There's a slightly-too-long pause, before he realizes he's letting the conversation lapse.]
I'm sorry. Just a bit tired.
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[ And the mind. ]
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I did find the whole thing disorienting. Can't say I remember the trip back, but going there - it was as if I'd been dropped into the body of my own past self. Everything I brought with me was gone. A bit of a shock.
[Mostly: he'd forgotten exactly how much he was freezing cold, soaked in gross river water, and had also just been punched a lot and slightly electrocuted]
Was it anything like that for you?
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Similar. I was dropped right back to the moment I left, which was my partner being crushed in a collapsing ship. It turned out alright and I appreciate knowing she's safe, but it was not a good few days, especially given I was rusty with my magick.
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I'm glad everyone was alright. And that you were able to leave her in a better place. I know how that kind of uncertainty can weigh on you.