asgardeventide | 3; [ Video

[ 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! ♥ ]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

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?

[ 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.

[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.]

[ 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. ]

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?

[ 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.

[Oswin's expression darkens with the nod.]

I wonder why they'd do that. If we're supposed to be here fighting their war, it's against their MO right?

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?

[ 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.

[ She nods again. ]

You're right. It doesn't make much sense.

[ With the press of a button, she filters the video feed. ]

...But I wouldn't put it past them. I've learned that there's not much logic to many of their decisions.

It's probably best not to talk about it publicly, though. I'm not even sure if private conversations are safe either, considering they made the network. [ Maybe they can access anything on the network, filtered or otherwise? ]

I don't care what they do to me. [ They couldn't hurt her more than they already have. ] But I wouldn't want anything happening to you or anyone else. The gods are known for cursing people for the smallest of things.

Yeah? That's pretty cool. Uh -- I mean it blows that he's gone, but keeping it open ... That part's cool.

Um.

Apologies if this is weird, but my knowledge of social norms doesn't extend to asking people in greyed out mythical cities about the business they're running on behalf of their absent friend, and even if it did I would probably still put my foot in it, but can I watch you sometime? Doing the whole tea-room thing I mean. I am not really used to this whole being normal thing but I do know coffee and I figured that this could be a normal thing that I might not suck at.

You know, if it's cool and you have time and all.

Right. Under their watch at all times. But if something does happen, at least we can say we took precautions.

[Oswin pulls her knees to her chest and leans against the wall, thinking.

Luckily I haven't been cursed yet. Though, every time I think I understand this place, there's a twist. Would have never thought the gods steal bracelets and make us fade for a bit.

...D'you think it was punishment?

[ She blinks from the unexpected but humorous response. Giving a grin, she tries not to chuckle. ]

Sure! If you'd like, you're welcome to apply for a job too. We're hiring.

Welcome back, Nina.

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

How are you?

Yeah? Cool.

This would be me applying then.

Hey, welcome back.

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

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.

[ Haha, Kon, she likes your spirit! :D ]

All right, then! What would you like to do?

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.

I get a choice? Wow.

I'd like to be a barrista, I think. That's what it's called right? I'd have to learn how to do that and the tea-part, but I'm probably qualified to wait a table or two.

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.

Yep, and that sounds good!

[ She pauses as she realizes something, and she laughs. ]

Oh, I should probably learn your name first, before officially hiring you, huh?

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?

Maybe. I've lost my bracelet before, and I've been cursed plenty of times.

It could be for their amusement too. [ Her expression sours. ]

Has anyone told you why we're here?

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