//Filtered away from Jacob//

I need pet suggestions that aren't 'cat' or 'dog.' Preferably not 'horse,' either.

[Because, to be honest, it's been more than a century since he had anything resembling a pet himself and it was a horse. Somehow, he doubts a horse would fit in Jacob's room, though.]

[Kaworu comes to the screen with a kind and gentle smile.]

Hello. I'm looking for a piano or a violin. I'm not sure where I can find one; not to buy - I simply wish to play for a while.

[and now that is out of the way, he wishes to ask something else]

I do have another question. Are you happy?

[ When the Doctor wandered into his room for the first time since yesterday this morning, he finds a fez. So, guess what he's wearing when he makes this broadcast a little while later?

The fez, of course.

Because fezzes are cool. ]

I guess they really are trying to spoil us. If I got things right, this has happened before? Things from our planets or worlds or universes - whichever works fine, I suppose - coming here. Or, if you're lucky, it's spoiling. Depends on what you get.

Something to do with the animals? Possibly. But what's with the plants? They obviously come from the outside, since they had all that colour. The animals too. So why? Why all of this?

[ A pause. ]

It's almost like someone's trying to get on our good side. Or they're possibly a little bored.

[The video comes on to show a red-head, irritated and staring up at what looks like an overhanging sign in front of a shop door. The walls of the brick building are covered in vines, vine as far as the eye can see. They don't actually lead into the building, since she keeps the windows boarded up, but there's a lush sort of wildgrowth that covers every inch of the visible world.

She turns towards the camera angle and growls, making a twitching face of irritation.]

Ok, could all the folks in Sigyn please not use this week as their chance to practice their powers? Enough already with the plants! This is getting just a little ridiculous here, and I'm thinking of changing the name "Pinch of Sage" to "Heart of the Amazon."

Anyone got any weed killer, or at the very least, any idea how to stop this little prank from getting more out of hand than it already is?

[ This morning, Uther is so dressed up the only thing missing is his crown. Not all that different from the last time he contacted the whole network, really, but there is also a slight change in posture and perhaps he looks even more, well, king-ly, even without that crown. He does have it, and it's so strange to not put it on.

But he hasn't really worn it for quite a while at this point. That is even stranger. But what's the point?

He's standing this time, rather than sitting, with the bracelet obviously placed on something to give a good view. Don't worry, he'll put it back on. His hands are behind his back, though, so you can't actually see that he's taken it off. ]

Travellers.

A while ago, further than I would have liked, I came to you with the suggestion of giving lessons on war. There was interest and I am here to follow up on it. It is at a convenient time that I make this, as I do believe it is soon time for new arrivals and they might not see this. Therefore, I ask that you, Travellers, spread the word. I will make sure it is advertised through other means than just the network, however, as this is also open to the natives.

[ A slight pause. ]

The lessons will start the day after tomorrow. I apologise for the short notice, however I believe it is important to start as soon as possible.

Each lesson will be taught over three days at different time, as to ensure as many as possible will be able to find a time where they can go. The lessons will take place in Draupnir, the theatre in the Freyr district. I will meet you outside and lead you to whichever room we have for the day. Do make sure to be on time.

This is not building an army. If you wish to join one, I direct you to my son, Arthur Pendragon, as he is arranging one. It is also not practical training for battle. For that, I also direct you to my son, as he runs the Citadel, which is focused on non-magical means of fighting.

[ Another pause, so he can take an unnoticeable breath. ]

If you wish to learn about your magic, instead, I direct you to Merlin, who runs the Teacher's Council. I.. will see about possibly bringing these abilities into my teachings in the future, but for now, they will not be brought up by me. You are free to do so yourself, however.

[ Free speech is strange, but he's trying to Get It. ]

The schedule is in written form, and I shall send it shortly. I hope to see you.

[ And he bows his head before he moves to shut the recording off. After he sends the schedule, he sends some private messages. ]

( Private to Merlin, Diana and Buffy )

((OOC: There is an OOC info post here, where you can also find the schedule in OOC form, which isn't very different from the IC one, just without the quick info and with no actual names on the lessons. Just times.

EDIT: omg typo'ing that I discover like twelve hours later orz.))

[ Look! I promised that one day Arthur would post without being on the brink of death, and here he is: prim and proper, dressed smartly in a deep red tunic, and Ready For Business. ]

Greetings, people of Asgard. Many of you may already be familiar with my face, but please allow me to introduce myself once more.

I am Arthur Pendragon, Crown Prince and heir to the throne of Camelot - though I come before you today not for the nobility in my blood, but for that very same essence what ties our still-beating hearts together in this life. I come before you not as sovereign, but as a Traveller, one of many that has fought and bled for this land.

Today, I come in the name of Asgard, and all its people whose lives hang from a delicate thread in a dark and unavoidable future.

[ He pauses then and sits up a little straighter, lifts his chin in acknowledgement and esteem. ]

In the time since the first Travellers were brought to Asgard, we have been set upon by all manner of attack, be it beasts of ice and fire or plagues of the body and mind. We have been met with hardship and strife, the likes of which could never have been foreseen, but we have held fast by the brave souls that would face all that comes to pass with their heads held high.

To these noble men and women, it is with every due honour and respect that I implore we band together and make the might of Asgard known. What I am proposing has been long in the making, both through the smaller efforts of such able bodied minds and the pleas of those that would see these efforts taken a step further: a formalised body of defence, to ensure the safety of this city and its residents.

We cannot rely on the Gods for their protection; we have only each other, but it is in the hearts of Men that you find a force greater than all else in creation. You find the will to survive, that stubborn beating drum that carries us forward through dark and difficult times until we come upon the light once more. We have gathered from across the high heavens to this place what turns boys into men, warriors into soldiers, and our strengths shine at their brightest when we stand together as one.

[ Another brief pause, and he lightens, smiles faintly. ]

The choice is solely yours to make; my decision was made long ago, and I should be proud to lay down my life for yours, for my family and my friends. I would fight for you, and it would be my honour to fight with you, so we might see this battle through to the very last. I am Arthur Pendragon, Traveller to Asgard, and I ask of you today to join me, as brothers and sisters in arms - as the guardians of this realm, for it is ours now to defend.

[ ooc; jfc this took forever to write gross sobbing anyhow. this is the IC post for the mod-approved, god-sponsored militia! though I've yet to receive word whether Odin will pick up our bar tab or not. :|a all information regarding the militia can be found here, and I am open to any and all questions on either post!

feel free to threadjack at will! ♥ ]

[ On video is the pink haired Secret Service agent, standing in a kitchen, dressed in maid's costume, with a white apron on. The maid costume of course comes from her Master, who always has her dressed in the strangest things.

In front of her is a counter top overflowing with different ingredients. Vegetables, meats, breads, spices, pastas, and more, as if she were cooking for a large party. But the face on the girl looks unhappy, as she looks at her mountains of ingredients. ]

...I don't know what I should make.

[ Her voice is quiet and spacey, like she's hardly even awake. Even her eyes look like she's near minutes of falling asleep. That's just how she is, and even though her looks say one thing, inside, she's extremely worried about making the right thing. ]

...My... [ How to refer to Miketsukami... ] ..friend died, and I want to make something that will cheer up Chiyo-chan and Miketsukami.

Does anyone have any ideas?

[ hi asgard! look who it is!

mako, baby, you look tired. (worry does that, and just when you think it's all over, there's something new to worry about.)

he's not looking at the camera at first, just giving the ground a stare, gold eyes cold and angry.

he shuts his eyes and pinches at the bridge of his nose — there's a fading, week old bruise following the plane of bone off his wrist, and his coat (different from anything he's ever worn here in asgard!) hangs off in such a way that you can tell the fabric is near-threadbare. and where'd you get the scarf, bro? it's pretty cheap-ass looking, maybe you should buy a new one...

deep breath; not a sigh of resignation, just. acceptance? and maybe a touch of annoyance. he drops his hand, and looks up at the camera. ]

Hey, Asami, [ GUESS WHO LOOKED AT THE NAME LIST AND FOUND OUT KORRA AND BOLIN AREN'T THERE ] Are you still in Freya?

[ wow mako maybe you should say hi to all your other friends. rude boy. he pauses for a moment, and continues. the way it's said, you can... SORT OF TELL HE'S ADDRESSING THE GENERAL PUBLIC THO ]

How long's it's been since the stuff with the shadows?

[ oop, there we go.

kinda.

MAKO YOU'RE SO RUDE, HONEY. ]

[The feed opens with Jonah in the middle of cleaning his new AK-74. He's checking the barrel at the moment, not paying attention to his bracelet just yet. When he puts the barrel of the weapon down and picks up the firing pin, a stack of photo books becomes visible in the background. They all seem to be pertaining to jungles, plains, mountains, and other natural wonders.]

[He stops what he's doing for a moment, staring at the firing pin for a moment.]

Y'know, I've done a lot of traveling, but it's always been for work. I've been all over Africa and Europe, and even a few places in the Middle East. Plenty of places in Western Asia, too. But I've never been anywhere for anything other than work.

[A pause, and he starts to reassemble the assault rifle.]

Makes me wonder what it's like to travel just for the sake of traveling. I haven't been anywhere in North or South America yet.

[And he's already done putting the weapon back together. He picks up a full magazine and puts it into the weapon, pulling the receiver back to chamber a round, the ch-chack noise echoing in his room.]

I miss people from back home, too. It feels kinda weird, 'cause I've never really missed anyone before.

Alright. Here's the deal.

[Nick's looking a bit more serious today, probably because that whole illness thing shook him up, though he would be loath enough to admit it. Being so helpless and watching people die around him- really, it's not like he cared, but the fact that he couldn't be in control while what was clearly an attack on the city was quite the horrible feeling indeed.

[But enough about that. He's making this post for quite a different reason. He hasn't figured out this filter thing yet, so he has to do the next best thing.]

I'm going to do a little poll right now. You see, I realized that when I got here that I wasn't the only inhuman species roaming around the place. So, here's the thing I want you to do for me- if you're not human, respond to me and tell me what you are and what's the deal behind your species, because I'm curious. Maybe there's something similar out there to what I am, I don't know.

...That being said, if you're homo sapien, human, whatever you call yourselves nowadays...don't bother answering. I've had enough of your kind enough in my life, alright? Get lost.

No, really.


[ooc: Nick is just trying to do a poll of how many inhuman species there are in Asgard, but feel free to have your human character comment too! Just because Nick is a jerk doesn't mean that I don't want all the CR for him. Open to all! :Ib]

[The feed cuts in and the first thing you'll see isn't Jonah himself, but instead the pistol he's holding in his hands, as he's pulling the slide to chamber a round. Fresh magazine and all. Best not to ask why he's loaded a fresh mag, either.]

[The view suddenly shifts as he brings his wrist up so his head fills most of the display. He's wearing what looks to be a medical grade respirator and a pair of goggles. It's easy to recognize that it's him, due to his silver hair and red eyes. It should be noted that the stock of an AK-74 is looking ominously over his right shoulder, and he looks to be wearing a harness of some sort.]

I've got a few more of these masks, if anyone that's still healthy wants one. I also saw people talking about a cure being made, so I offered to help deliver that once it's done.

[A pause.]

I can protect people too, if somebody wants.

[ It's afternoon, Day 148, and people are dying.

Jasmine looks harried, eyes ringed with purple bags. One is bruised and blackened from a rock a native threw. But as she addresses the network from the quietest corner of the Yakuzen Clinic, she takes on the most authoritative, focused air she can muster and talks calmly and concisely, though not without obvious concern. ]

Asgard, regarding this illness. You've heard already it was from the canisters, but we can dwell on the motive later...what's important now is curing it.

We've been studying the patients' blood along with anything else that could help, and have started developing an immunisation. It should be ready later this evening, if all goes well, and enough patients begin recovering safely...

[ She looks down and up again, drawing in breath behind clenched teeth. She coughs once. ] I will not lie to you...this illness can be fatal. But if one gets through the worst stages they may yet live. This is why distributing this immunisation will be so vital. Quick treatment is needed!

Anyone with any transport at all, can you be counted upon to help distribute this to the travellers? I may have to go out myself...

And, uhm, please, if you feel any of these symptoms: a severe cough that may contain blood, dizziness, fever, nausea, a burn-like rash, or internal burning sensations, get to the hospital or clinic immediately. [ She stares for a while, very firm on that point. ]

I'll be here to answer any questions while Dr. Watson and the others work on healing and finishing up the immunisation.

[ Jasmine coughs again, and covers her mouth, obscuring the screen slightly. She looks at her hand. There's a trickle of scarlet. Her eyes widen and the broadcast ends. ]

(( ooc: this is the position two milestone post! ))

So the elves of Álfheim have proclaimed their allegiance to the gods of Asgard. [ a deliberate pause; he doubts the same thought (doubt) has occurred to many, but if there's a chance that he can help plant it—. ] I admit, that leaves me wondering as to the allegiances of the other realms; this world is far more than Asgard and Utgard and Thrymheim. [ a touch of wry amusement. he pauses, gaze flickering downwards momentarily — one might assume it's out of thought, but he knows what he wants to say and how, and as such, the pause, the appearance is exactly that: for appearances. ] Svartálfheim, Vanaheim, Nidavellir, Muspelheim—. [ a beat and a shrug. ] If the gods of Asgard are so truly bent on circumventing this war, in defeating the giants before they've a chance to be defeated themselves, I suspect we'll find that they'll be scrambling about between themselves in search of trust and allies. We've already been told that the horrors recently visited upon the city were part of an attack. If emotions are the foundation of Asgard, where we will be placed when the gods seek to right perceived wrongs? When defence and prevention becomes not the preserve of Asgard alone, and offence is considered the only answer left.

[ despite his words, loki looks relatively unconcerned, and it's a prelude to his next point: ]

Aladdin's recent announcement as to the discovery of our ability to use the innate power of Asgard, of Yggdrasil has given me thought, along with [ a slight twitch of his lips. ] the Doctor's query as to how one might travel between the realms and universes. Whilst Odin [ a touch of bitterness ] might seek to portray otherwise, the Æsir aren't the only beings with the power to travel between the two. The magic of Svartálfheim, the access to the doorway between realms may be beyond our reach, but if rune magic is not—. [ a smile and an audible exhale (satisfied). ]

It's perhaps for the best that the Norn are without alliances. Should we not too take inspiration from independence?

[ loki moves as if to end the feed but stops suddenly, a look of thought briefly passing across his features. ] —Arya, Caterina, the Pevensie siblings: I intend on travelling as soon as circumstances allow. If you wish to be kept abreast, do let me know.

( ooc: anyone else wanting to get involved with loki's schemes (one + two) can ofc still do so! it's never too late x( )

[Have a red-head. She doesn't look any different than she usually does, aside from the fact that her expression seems more than a touch 'off' for some reason. She's seated lazily in a cheap-looking, beat-up old easy-chair. The room behind her isn't clearly visible, and looks at best glance to be someone's basement. There's healthy odds that, given the repairs around the city, she's found some poor bastard's basement in one of the still unfinished spots and is lounging in a room. The room probably looks familiar to only one person in all of Asgard. Otherwise, there is no immediate indication of where she is visible.

There's nothing else particularly unusual about the chamber, and were it not for the odd way that she was leering at the screen, it might not be quite as disturbing as it is.]

Good evening my fellow travelers. I'm expecting some guests in a little bit to pick up a friend of theirs, and I wouldn't want to be remiss in ... entertaining them properly when they arrive. However, they aren't here yet, and everyone else is a little indisposed, so I find myself bored and with a little time on my hands.

I do soo... hate boredom [Her tail flops about lazily as she says this.]. Won't someone be so kind as to offer a little bit of light diversion while I wait for the mounties on their shining white horses?

(OOC: This thread should stay PG-13, if very creepy. There is, however, a high potential of some triggery issues. Just be aware.)

How exciting. [sarcastically.]

Not only Have I witnessed Cymry Roman legions pass through my homeland off to fight off invaders and Niall of the Nine Hostages' own flesh and blood fight over the kingship of Tara, I get to see a war again. Led by gods, is it? Druids, let alone ovates don't partake in war, but I've always been different.

It will be interesting to see, won't it? Especially in a land where death doesn't seem to stick long enough.

But already... I'm tired of it.

[ooc; links are naturally references.]

[Caterina is looking at you carefully, Asgard. Searchingly. Seriously.]

So we're finally talking about war now, are we? Va bene, tell me. How many of you have actually seen war?

[She's dead serious right now. War is nothing to chat lightly about. She knows.]

 [Ritsu, today in women's garb, has decided to be of some 'help' today. He's standing outside the Sigyn house, and holding a white sign with black bold lettering. It reads "Male".

He's also purposely left the bracelet on, so others can see this. He smiles cheerfully, and hums a little. He thinks this is the best way to let people know he is, in fact, a guy.]

[Flickering video happens, and-- oh hey! This face may look familiar to a few. She's far from happy, but she's not really angry, either. More... confused and a tiny bit irritated. Her brows furrow before she addresses the feed.]

I'm saying right now that going from home to here to home to here again isn't my idea of a vacation. At all. I'm really more of a beach type of girl. Waves, sand, sun, that sorta thing. Really, I promise I won't demand my money back if I can get a flight home or however that works.

[Zessica sighs, sort of dramatically.]

At least I know the way to the welcome house this time. Who's still here, anyway?

[ Obon had already passed by the looks of the seasons, but that doesn't stop some people from celebrating it and doing something remotely related to the summer season. Normals always told their friends ghost stories around this time of the year, so some practice will do her good. It isn't often that this particular deep, spooky voice crops up on the network, but the time she chose was a particularly quiet one in the evening. Those who know her will be able to discern its owner - Yozora. This gloomy tone is the one she usually speaks with, but it sets the mood perfectly. ]

The end of summer, the start of fall. It is during these two seasons that the world pays its respects to the spirits of the afterlife. I wouldn't say that those of this ethereal plane are above us, figuratively speaking. Yet for many generations, haven't humans always been most afraid of what they don't know? Strange occurrences that cannot be explained, - it's almost laughable how these mysteries hold so much power over us.

[ She cackles, and she didn't even need to practice two hours to perfect it. There is nothing but silence that follows. ]

What if I told you they were true? Just because we cannot comprehend these happenings doesn't allow us to simply dismiss them. Although belief is waning, tradition remains strong. There must be a reason behind it all, don't you agree?

Well then, shall we revive that tradition tonight?

I heard this from a local in the Baldr district. It happened long before the disease spread, when the city still had its color...

( cut for asgardian horror story )

Who wants to go next?

(ooc: People are welcome to post their own stories as well, be it in video, text or voice. Others are free to reply to the stories with their character's reactions and comments. In other words, treat this post like a mingle log!)

[Today Beato addresses her fellow travelers much like she has on other occasions, seated primly in the drawing room of Loki House, a warm cup of black tea at her elbow. There's an entire tea set on the table, as well, and it looks like a fair few empty cups are sitting around the table]

In light of our recent scolding for not being quite social enough, it occurs to me that there must be quite a lot going on around here that I am missing out on. So with that in mind, I invite any who are interested to join me here in Loki House for a small tea party.

I would so dearly love to hear a fresh bit of gossip.