3; [ Video - Day 187 ]

[imhome]

[ Returning to Asgard was a difficult adjustment, to say the least. It's been almost a week since Nina recovered her bracelet, but she could hardly believe what happened in her absence. Her brother vanished, a god died, and Nakama was gone... It seemed too surreal, so unfair.

How long would they have to stay here? All of them were needed at home, in their own worlds. The thought that time stopped until they returned was a small comfort. What if the gods were lying again? And if they didn't remember anything from their stay here, would all of her progress with Johan (Honestly, was it even progress or just a foolish hope?) be for nothing?

And Nakama... one of her first friends in Asgard, now in a world where she has no future. She didn't even have the chance to say goodbye, just like with Yuri. The knowledge stings like a sharp wound -- a collision of guilt and anger. She promised her that they wouldn't be separated, but she disappeared when Nakama needed her the most.

At least not everything was hopeless. There was still time to change their fates. She can't surrender, no matter how despondent she felt. It's what Tenma always did. What Dieter and Dr. Reichwein would encourage her to do. They kept going. They persevered. She won't disappoint them.

After much contemplation, she activates her bracelet to post to the network. She smiles, but there's the slightest sign of hesitation. Posting publicly still unnerves her, even with her brother gone. But it's the best way of communication, and now that he's no longer here, there should be no danger now. ]

Ah, hello. I know it's been a while since I've used the network, so I'd like to introduce myself again. I'm Nina Fortner.

I know you've probably heard this warning before, but... please make sure to always wear your bracelet. I recently lost mine, and everything that's been said is true. [ Like a deep sleep, no feelings or awareness of her surroundings. It sends a chill down her spine. ]

I want to extend an invitation to everyone. If you ever need anything or if you'd just like someone to talk to, let me know. A lot has happened lately, and I'm sorry that I wasn't here to help. [ Her brow furrows with regret before her expression grows more determined. ]

But I'd like to change that now. I can be reached through the network, and I can also be found at the Hrafn Tea Room in the Odin District most of the time.

Thank you.

[ With that, she smiles gently and disconnects the video feed. ]

[ OOC: And I've finally returned from my hiatus, haha! D: Nina's recovered her bracelet and has been back from being lost since Day 182. She's researched the network to learn about what she's missed, and please feel free to assume that, if your character is friends with her, she contacted them to explain her disappearance and ask how they're doing before this post. If you'd like to rp this part, please respond here! :) Also, if anything important happened with your character that Nina should know about, could you please PM me or leave an OOC note? Thank you! ♥ ]

Comments

video;

[eggsterminate]

Sorry, we've never met and this is a poor introduction but-

I must have missed the memo. What happens when you lose your bracelet?

[imhome]

[ She dismisses the apology with a polite smile and a shake of her head. ]

Oh, no, it's fine.

[ At the question, she becomes more solemn. ]

If you're without your bracelet for too long, you... become grey and faceless. Like many of the natives. It's like... you're unconscious. You lose awareness of what's happening around you.

[eggsterminate]

[Oswin gives her a brief nod and a smile before her face turns serious as she listens to what the other woman has to say. And the words are disturbing and hit a little too close to home. Losing awareness that's not something she wants to repeat.]

I don't look good in grey, best to avoid that. And the fact it just sounds... terrible.

One more question, sorry, how... how did you lose it?

[From her expression and tone, it's clear she thinks it might involve foul play.]

[issuesdrawn]

[ She detects Oswin's suspicion and, with a nod, confirms it. ]

It's possible to misplace it, but I don't remember ever taking mine off. [ She's careful, and while it's not impossible, she finds it unlikely. To her, that leaves one explanation: the gods. ]

[video]

[superissues]

Thanks for the head's up! I also didn't get the memo but you know, I scrolled up.

The Hrafn Tea Shop -- you guys also do coffee?

[issuesdrawn]

[ Her smile strengthens a little when she sees his cheerfulness. ]

No problem.

Mm-hmm. We're known best for our tea, but we also offer a wide selection of coffee and other drinks.

[superissues]

Obviously, otherwise you'd be the Hrafn Coffee House, right?

I know this isn't strictly on-topic but when you said talk you didn't say there were limits, so. How'd you land the tea-house gig?

[imhome]

[ She gives a laugh. ] Right.

Ah... [ The question surprises her, but only briefly. Her expression grows sadder, but her smile doesn't disappear. ]

It was here since before I arrived. Its previous owner was a friend of mine -- Judge Yuri Petrov. [ A kind, just man who was like a mentor. ] He offered me a job. A few months ago, he returned home, but I wanted to keep it open in his memory.

Video

[sparkling_eyes]

Welcome back, Nina.

[imhome]

Thanks, Lyon. [ A bittersweet return, considering everything she missed, but she's glad to see her friends again. ]

How are you?

[sparkling_eyes]

I'm all right. Things have been busy, but it looks like they've calmed down again, at least for the moment.

[issuesdrawn]

[ A nod. ]

And how's Frey?

[Audio]

[occulthymns]

Hey, welcome back.

... I'm not sure how many people will actually listen to you, though.

[ Audio | Filtered ]

[imhome]

Thanks, Euri.

And you're right. [ She almost sighs. ] I have to try, though.

[ Suddenly, Nina remembers her post on the network about Vanitas' departure. Although she felt conflicted and wary about him, she understands how painful it must have been for her. She filters their conversation. ]

...I'm sorry.

[ Audio | Filtered ]

[occulthymns]

Good luck. There are a few new jerks here, so.... [Pyro B|

That second comment has Euri pausing for a few seconds, almost asking Nina why she's saying that. But it clicks a split second later and her voice is wavering.]

I - it's alright! I'm feeling - ... um, better, I guess.

[ Audio | Filtered ]

[issuesdrawn]

[ A few new jerks? Wonderful... ]

That's good, but if you'd like to talk, I'm here.

( voice )

[flintlocking]

Thank you, I will take note of that... and it is good that you are safe.

That is a generous offer for you to make. Talking can be rather cathartic, though I have been not here long enough to see all that this strange world has in store.

( voice )

[imhome]

Thank you.

And it's the least I can do. It's nice to meet you, sir. I'd say welcome, but Asgard's not really the best place to be. Hopefully, you won't have to be here too long and can return home soon, though.

( voice )

[flintlocking]

There are a handful of places I would rather be, I agree, but your welcome is appreciated.

Are visitors here returned to their homes often, Nina?

[video]

[extraordinarymuse]

[Just a simple smile. I'm going to assume the contacting-and-explaining part happened, but Kate feels like sending a message anyway.]

It's good to have you back, Nina.

[imhome]

[ It totally did! :D ]

Thank you. It's good to be back. How are you?

[extraordinarymuse]

I've been worse, that's for sure. It seems you missed the worst of it.

[tumbled]

[ Oh, well that's intriguing. ]

That's a very kind offer, Miss Fortner, and I hope someone takes you up on it. Though what you were saying before, about the bracelets-what happens should we misplace them?

[issuesdrawn]

You become grey and faceless, like the natives. It was like I was unconscious. I wasn't aware of anything around me until I woke up again.

[tumbled]

Well that's...disheartening, to say the least. [ A beat. ] What was it that brought about your re-awakening, if you don't mind my asking?