asgardeventide | 001 // voice. day 399.

[ Contary to popular belief, not all of her reminders are sudsy faux pas at raising morale by glossing over the near-imminent end of days with errant chore routines and rehearsed domesticity for the sake of her team, but swapping one apocalypse for another version of the Armageddeon was enough to induce internal hemorrhaging on both accounts (granted, if a certain Assassin hadn't already beat them to the punch). Ascended Fridge Horror was an eternal trope in her line of business.

But Stillman remains composed in her attempt to infuse some vestige of credibility into her message. Professionalism didn't cut slack for even post-mortem workaholics. ]

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Lucy. I'm a ... researcher. In light of everything that's occurred recently, I believe it's high time that I become acquainted with you all, if only to extend my support in our shared endeavors. I'll do what I can to help.

That being said: would anyone like self-defense lessons? I realize it's not that much to offer, but if anyone needs a sparring partner, I'm capable of handling firearms, blades, blunt weapons, and hand-to-hand combat. I wouldn't be against polishing my technique with your assistance, either. Payment isn't necessary, but I do have a preference for fixed appointments. Let me know if you're interested and we'll hammer out the rest of the details together. [ There's a nearly pedestrian, lilting pause as she invokes the real intent behind using the network system to contact the general public in the first place. ]

I understand that, for better or worse, we were chosen and forcibly brought to Asgard. But the extenuating reasons behind that decision — whether it's by chance or through ulterior motives — are completely beyond me. I take it some people have had quite a long stay here, and others, like myself, have only recently arrived, but it seems we all share an equal opportunity to leave. The thing is? It isn't on our terms. Only random selection at any given time of day.

I'm open to all possible theories you might have concerning any Traveler's sudden departure, however.

And while I'm at it, is there anyone out there who's returned to Asgard from their original world on more than one occassion? If so, I'd like to ask a few general questions about the experiences in each iteration. Nothing major. [ A beat. ]

Thank you for your time. I genuinely appreciate it.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'm trained in hand-to-hand, but it's been a while since I've had anyone to practice with. I could probably stand to brush up on it a little. Bo staffs too, if you're comfortable with those...

But don't let me get in the way of anyone who actually needs to learn, if you're short on time.

[ She will be listening in on any discussion of Travelers leaving or returning to their own worlds, but new as she is, she doesn't have much to add. Other than that the gods are apparently jerks. And Thor had always seemed so nice... ]

Gotta' admit, I'm a little rusty myself, so if you were expecting a pro, you've come to the wrong place. But no worries. I've got plenty of time left over in my schedule to take a shot at polishing my skills with you.

... Bo staffs it is, then? I can handle that.

[ She did effectively whack the living daylights out of security guards with their own police batons once upon a time (and on more than one occasion), so it's not as if she's unacquainted with blunt weapons. ]

When's your timetable free?

[ She laughs a little. ] Don't worry. Just someone I won't feel bad punching is fine with me. With my teammates these days, it'd be like kicking puppies.

[ ...she could probably handle bruising Clint, but they don't train together except with bows. Maybe they should change that, when they get back. ]

Umm... basically... whenever? I just got here, so I've got a lot of free time on my hands and not a lot to do with it.

[ Lucy reciprocates the gesture, tacking an idle note of amusement onto her words. ] Should I be offended or flattered? I'm glad to hear I don't strike you as a kicked puppy, though.

I only got here a week or so before, but I'll admit, it takes some time adjusting to Asgard. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have to the best of my ability.

How's a day from now sound? ... Oh. And is that a 'wherever' too, or were you hoping to meet up somewhere specific?

You can go with flattered, if you want. And thanks. I'm doing okay so far - I was in the middle of a sort-of vacation anyway, so this is just... a little farther from home than I was planning to go.

A day from now's good. Where doesn't really matter to me, but there's about a fifty-fifty chance you'll get a confused call because I'm lost if it's outside the Thor district. I... haven't really had a chance to explore the rest of the city. But I don't mind making the attempt!

I don't think any of us were planning to wander this far away from home, but it's making the best of an otherwise shitty situation that counts, right?

Actually, I'm glad to hear it. Have you heard of the Arena in Thor? I'm actually pretty close to the location myself, give or take a district, so I wouldn't mind the walk if you could meet me up there. How early can you make it?

Also, if it's not too much trouble, is there anyone in particular I should be looking for? [ Cue a sheepish chortle. ] I can see your contact information on the network itself, but I'm still pulling lots for your appearance.

Right! Hang on. [ There is a small pauses as she tries to remember how to switch functions - this is all brand new to her and it is not an iPhone. After a moment, she gets it working, and gives the screen a little wave. ] Hi. I'm Kate.

Anyway. Yeah, I've been by the Arena. Getting there shouldn't be a problem. How about... ten-ish?

[ A second or so afterwards, Lucy accordingly fiddles with the functions with her bracelet, eventually bringing up her own video screen. ] Hi, Kate. The name's Lucy, just in case it slipped. [ She offers a cordial grin. ] And just so you know who to look for.

Sure. I'll be there tomorrow by nine, in case you want to get a few early punches in advance. Hope to see you there.

001 // voice. day 399.

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