[A soft calming melody can be heard from Draupnir’s outdoor stage and anyone that has their communicator on.

Aladdin had been exploring the town earlier but all the gray was getting to him. He decided he needed a good pick me up. Sadly he couldn’t spot any pretty girls around and Alibaba already told he couldn’t use all his money on food. Saying something about how all of it would be gone in a day if he did.

As he ponder what to do he spotted the Draupnir and decided to practice a bit of his new powers while taking his mind off his current problems. The minute he put the golden flute to his lips everything, seem to melt away.]

((OOC; Just a heads up Aladdin has the power of bardic influence.))

[Ther camera turns on, showing Cheriour looking rather serious. You see, he had a talk with one Vriska Serket a while ago, and found out something which troubled him greatly.]

So, um, I had the pleasure of talking to a few people, and a young lady wanted me to tell you something that has been concerning her about the way people see her species.

You see, she is a troll. But this is where I will stop you before you start to get a mental image of what a troll is in your mind. We tend to imagine trolls as the ones found in fairy tales, which are big, mean, and ugly creatures who are found under bridges and other such dark places.

But the trolls from her world are entirely different! Here. I have drawn some pictures to help you all understand.

( OOC cut for AMAZING DRAWINGS OF AMAZINGNESS okay not really )

You see, they are more like human beings in nature. They have a few differences like their skin and their eyes and the fact they have horns, but they are not big and mean and ugly and they shouldn't be thought of that way! Please, I implore you all not to make such a rude mistake when talking to them. It is like thinking a witch should have pointy hats and a broom when that may not be the case! So, remember, don't think trolls are supposed to be ugly when they aren't!

 [He grins and puts away his drawing, glad to help with this horribly rude travesty!]

Now that I've got that over with,  I have a question. Anyone else in the Heimdall House have the ability to lend their power to others? I know Castiel mentioned a woman named Morgana...anyone else have it, though? I'd love to practice with you all, so we can get better at using our ability to benefit others.

And last but not least, I seem to be rooming with one Klaud Nine...? What an odd name. Anyways, I'd love to get to know you, whoever you are!

[ooc: Sorry for the quality of the picture, my scanner is broken and I had to take a picture. DARN MY TECHNOLOGY. But still, hope it's readable!]

[Nine days. It's been nine days since he arrived, and that much time that he's avoided introducing himself over the networks, collecting information all the while. But it wasn't something he could avoid forever, given what they were brought here to do. At the very least he has a topic on mind that could help in this.]

We were brought here to return... "colour" and "life." While we've not been given information further than that in regards to this grey realm...

How many have achieved "colour" thus far? Not the temporary bursts that occur when we speak with one another. Rather, colour that endures for a significant amount of time.

[Though then again, it had been only nine days. Perhaps it was too soon.]

[When the camera turns on, Rick is sitting cross-legged on a bed, a bulky looking duffel bag next to him, barely touching his leg; he's keeping it in easy-to-get distance.]

Been awhile since I had a long sleep on a soft bed. [He chuckles softly, a little anxiously.] Don't know 'bout e'ryone else, here, but I'm glad not to be sleepin' on this frozen ground.

[He smiles easily into the camera.] Should probably have introduced myself right off the bat, 'stead of goin' into my sleepin' habits. I'm Rick Grimes. Back home, I was a Sheriff's deputy. If you don't know what that is, it's a little like a policeman. And if you don't know what that is... well, it's my duty to enforce the law of the land. I know some of you out there do the same thing, back home. Might be useful to compare notes, if we're goin' to be here for awhile.

[He lets out a soft sigh.] Looks like we might be, too. I guess I don't have much else to say; I've never been much of a talkin' man. Big speeches aren't really my thing.

[Rick pauses, running a hand through his slightly long hair, and then picking up his hat from off camera, putting it on his head.]

I do have a question... anyone know 'bout the ones in charge of this place? It's all... mythology and stuff, right? Never really heard of Heimdall before, so I don't know how they chose how we stay where, and why we're not all roomin' together, as Newcomers. That's all.

[There's a full vase of roses sitting next to Morticia, as though for decorating her room. She's pulling them out, one by one, and methodically clipping the flower from the stem, and then replacing them in the vase, casually rearranging them as she does so.]

It's dim, it's dreary, it's dismal- it's almost truly desolate.

[She snips off another flower.]

But it lacks a certain something. [Snip. A thoughtful look, and then an arched eyebrow.] Perhaps vultures. [Another pause.] No, something bigger. An execution. Just the way to spend an evening, waiting for the blade to fall. Something depressing for the whole family. The children would love it.

[And she sighs, a little dejected, and finishes off the last flower.]

[The video feed shows a very concerned looking young man, standing out in front of the God House in Sigyn District. He studies the feed for a few moments.]

Is this thing on? [Canada then clears his throat.

He tries to speak up a little but really, his voice is still very quiet and shaky.]

I'm still not entirely sure what the meaning of all this is but, I don't suppose there's anyone who can tell me what's going on, eh? And why this place looks so....dull? I thought maybe it was my glasses but that doesn't seem to be the case. [He laughs nervously.]

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

[Pause.]

And if you see my bear, Kumajinjo..please tell me.

[This wasn't meant to be a video, but it's a video nonetheless. Rosemariné thought he'd only have to speak, not be seen as well, but the concept of touch screens is a bit ahead of his time, to put it lightly. It's kind of a miracle he managed to get this far, although that might have been due to him spending the last four hours fiddling with the bracelet (and frequently throwing it onto his desk). What viewers have the pleasure of seeing now is a incredibly pretty individual dressed in the manner of a 19th-century man with far too much money on his hands. One that hates you so much that he doesn't even want to spend the energy to whack you over the head. Yes, you.]

Good afternoon.

[If he seems incredibly angry at the world right now, it's probably because he is. His words are polite but curt, as if he's trying to make sure that everything gets said as bluntly as possible so he can get back to glaring at things.]

I've already been told that there's no use in insisting I'm sent back immediately, so you don't need to tell me. That doesn't mean I'm at all inclined to believe it, but there you are. I'm tired of hearing the same thing constantly, as if I'm an idiot. If you happen to have information that is more useful, however, I'm happy to hear it.

[A small, annoyed sigh, although he doesn't drop his composure. (That, too, has already happened in a strictly private setting.)]

Now, as for this whole affair with emotions and patron deities... my Scandinavian roots do not mean that I believe in the gods of old. They are a part of fascinating legends, and nothing more. I require a proper Christian church to reach a state of health and happiness, so you've chosen very poorly if that's what you want from me.

That is all.

[The video lasts for another minute, though, as he attempts to make it stop.]

[After talking with the Sygin's snowman and bringing him some hot tea, Laurent is now sitting with a basket of food in his lap and a small white puppy by his side. The puppy is happily munching on a bone, and Laurent is holding an elegant golden can.]

Does anybody like this food? It says it's made of fish's eggs...

[He's not very fond of anything that comes from the sea, and Beluga caviar sound disgusting.]

[it's Elika again! she's gained a little more familiarity with the PDC, so thankfully it's video and stays that way this time. her face hovers into view, and it looks like she's piled the blankets around herself.]

I don't know about you, but I come from a pretty hot climate. This...cold was an extra surprise I'm not sure I needed. Could someone tell me where I could find clothes better suited for this weather?

[she flashes the tattered right sleeve of her dirty top, ripped to shreds. she smiles ruefully at the camera.]

I need a wardrobe change anyway.

[she then looks away, thoughtful, apparently looking out the window for a moment before turning back]

...As a final note, I'd be grateful if someone could explain these bizarre mechanisms in this bracelet, too. How does something like this even work? That strange wall...box in the common room that has moving pictures with sound. I could never have imagined or believed something like it until I saw it for myself.

And if anyone wants, I'm willing to help you learn to work with your new power ability. [an amused smirk] Let's just say I've had to do the same in recent memory before I got here.

[A handsome, wild-eyed, middle-aged man with a pencil thin moustache appears, then goes in and out of focus a bit as he rapidly moves his bracelet closer to and away from his face.]

Is this on? Marvelous technology, really! Tish, did they give you one? I think it would look better on you, but ah, I don’t suppose we have a choice! Like a manacle, a chain, binding us to this place to be used like chattel, forced into unspeakable acts- querida, I must find you, and soon. [smoldering look]

Fester, old man, where have you gotten to? And the children, and Grandmama, and Lurch, and Thing? This room is remarkably empty. Oh, well, it’s like a scavenger hunt! I offer a reward to anyone who can hear this message, ten doubloons and a fine cigar to anyone who can find a member of my family! Haha!

[The feed opens to... well. Snow. And the Heimdall snowman in the far background, with one Kuchiki Byakuya peering down at the "camera"  with a puzzled expression on his face.]

Is there a point to making these... snow sculptures?

[They remind him of sand sculptures. But those hadn't really had a point beyond entertainment either. It doesn't seem to be the case, here. Y'know, what with them talking and moving and all.]

[ Oh this one is easy to figure out. You have a new arrival making a video post from somewhere near Freyr house, hoping to reach whatever Powers That Be in this place or the ones back in her own world. Yes, she might get responses from other "residents", but she's sure as hell going to try anyway.

Her expression is deceptively neutral, contrary to the surprise of it all maybe she should be, but she's not MAD about any of this. ]

So let me make sure I've got this straight. I-- we've --been taken from our homes and brought to this... [ A glance around, just to be sure that she's still seeing things. She returns her view to the camera with an uncertain smile. ] ... place, to bring color back to the world? I'm still unconvinced this isn't just a crazy fever dream. I mean, where are Dorothy and Toto, right?. There's no other LOGICAL explanation. So, okay! Consider my lesson learned!

[ Wait, just a moment. She's taking the bracelet off to put on the next best solid surface, and when she steps back her right hand goes over her heart and the left hand goes up in a universal pledge or swear pose. She even closes her eyes. ] No more staying up all night watching Netflix, and definitely NO more pineapple pizza after one in the morning. Can I go home now, please? [ A pause, an inquisitive rise in pitch as she peeks one eye open. ] ... No?

[ Sigh. Hands both drop dejectedly back to her lap as her shoulders slump a little. ] Alright. You can't blame a girl for trying.

On the bright side it doesn't seem like life here will be all that bad, or even boring, at the very least. Dream or not, it'll be pretty interesting to get to talk to everyone. So to my new housemates at Freyr-- [ She offers a little lopsided grin, then winks. ] Nice to meet you. I'll see you around. [ And then she ends the feed.

Tony will just be wandering around if anyone wants to tag her for action. ]

[ on video is a young man who, honestly, looks like he's seen better days. he looks tired and dirty and cold, and definitely looks like he could use a warm bath and a hearty meal. he sighs, finally giving in to using this thing he was instructed to, but not looking directly at it while it records him. ]

Che-- Even after searching for days, I've found no way out--

What a damn tasteless joke, keeping someone trapped in an illusion this long.

Well, THIS is unexpected.

[there's a young woman using the video feature; she has dark skin, flyaway hair, and a tattered top which was once ornate and beautiful. she's staring at the screen with odd combination of wariness and amusement, and her unfamiliarity with technology is quickly made apparent when she hesitantly pokes at a couple of controls and the video cuts out, to be replaced by audio only.]

--Oh. Hm.

[a few moments' silence as she possibly tries to undo whatever she did, but doesn't figure out how, so continues regardless.]

I'm told I now belong to House Heimdall. If it pleases the patron, I would like to meet him and pay my respects before settling in.

[a pause, then a snort of laughter]

Of course, it must be some kind of cosmic joke that I'm in an afterlife with gods I've never heard of before. I wonder what Ahriman or Ormazd would say to all this. ...Or the stranger. [with definite amusement this time] I bet he'd be complaining.

My name is Elika. I don't know how to describe where I'm from, or what to tell you... I'm here now, so I suppose what my life was before now doesn't really matter anymore, but I'll work with everyone to bring back the color to this place.

[A strange face appears close to the screen, as Johnny inspects it. The face and hair are scraggly and snow white, and light blue eyes with no pupils blink as he puzzles over this device. He pulls back after a moment, muttering to himself at first.]

This is some real trippy Minority Report shit right here.

Uh. So. I ain't totally convinced this isn't a dream yet, but I guess I'm supposed to be introducing myself. My name's Johnny D'Amico. I don't really have time to stick around here 'n' play action movie super hero, so if anyone has found a way for people to leave yet, that would be great. If not... can someone tell me what's really goin' on here, or what I need to do? Otherwise I'm gonna hit the kitchen for now.

Oh yeah. Is there like, a list of people who live here or anythin'? Cuz I'm looking for someone.

[The feed turns on and you can see the face of a teen with green eyes, dark skin and light purple hair. He’s sitting on grass in the park, the plants and flower around him looks grey-is and desaturated, but not as much as the other that are far away from him.]

H-hello....[His voice is soft and he tries to be calm, but there’s a hint of anxiety.] You know what’s really hard to find in a city that’s mostly grey, black and white? An albino dog. So please, if anybody sees a small puppy with red eyes let me know. I'm Laurent and I reside in Sigyn's house.

[The boy’s hand touches one of the flowers when he moves it to touch the stone of hsi bracelet. The plant burst into color and opens, Laurent stares at the rose with surprise.]

....oh.

[ The first instinct is always the text. ]

sup ladies and gents and anybody in between
im gonna extend a generous hand here in saying in my everloving wisdom and say
what the actual fuck
pardon my oh so keen sense of language but these things just seem to keep happening dont they
its just another case of i warned you bout the holy city of asgard bro i told you dog
and yknow how badly id like to take this flawless looking letter seriously but
"the laughter and tears of all travellers"
ok so i want whoevers reading this shit to take a step back and picture me this
"the laughter and tears of dave strider"
irony hasnt got a hold down on me this time if i really want to poke my brains out
sounds like the title of one of a boy named egberts horribly bad movies
jesus a perfect scenario for one of those all is fine moments but then bam next thing you got a zombie apocalypse on your hands
i just want to know this isnt leading up to another apocalypse period ok
imma kindly ask you that there be no more surprises

[ Dave stops typing, his mouth twitches just slightly as he realizes that that last line would most likely not come true. He decides to switch to video then. So catch a boy, about 13, sitting in a dimly light room, his head looks blonde, he's got dark shades. There's no way you can see his eyes. He sighs a bit, then gets talking. His voice comes out smoothly, and if you listen hard enough and think about it long enough, you'll feel a rhythm. ]

I guess if I have to preserve this world, if I got to; then travellers with double 'l's, they better prepare -- and that's you guys watching. Y'know things like rapping, music, feeling the beats? Damn sure hope that counts towards all this attempt at restoration. This world will grow strong if people start feeling the liberal arts. Like feeling, feeeeling. One more time, get it; that kind of thing.

Oh, and if you don't know who I am, the name's Dave... Strider. Like I said, the laughter and tears. I just want to assure you that wisdom is my forte and I was a god in my past life. And If you can't prove me wrong... you can't prove me at all.

[ He winks, but you can't tell. No smile to give you the slightest hint. And the feed cuts off. ]

((ooc: opt-out of the text!))

[ After waking, listening to everything rather calmly, reading that letter and deciding that yeah, he was kidnapped, he's realised that the parts about the communication thing just went right over his head. In fact, he's just poking at it from outside of his assigned house (Odin) and muttering to... well, himself. Yeah, that might not be a good thing, talking to oneself, but - ]


--How did they manage to get past...[ pssshhhtt noises take over the video, which is... pointed at his feet. ] ...even worse than demon pirates at the beach... [ more noises, but hey, he's got it pointed at his head. for a second. ] --How is this thing even... [ the video drops down to the ground once more and the feed ends with Hawke sighing. ]