[Today Riley can be found hanging out in the back of Needle in a Haystack. She's sitting on top of a pile of boxes, leaning back on one hand as she smiles at the recording she's making. Today she's feeling pretty good about things. Especially about the thing she wants to ask about.]

Okay so people in the past of my world used to celebrate birthdays a lot. They apparently had parties and all that to go "whoo hoo! I lived to see another year!" Now, where I'm from we've pretty much lost that because, well, reasons.

[She shrugs like "Apocalypse. What are you gonna do?"]

But here's a question for all of you. How do you celebrate your birthdays? Parties? Presents? Food? Nothing? I wanna know because I want to know all that stuff that I've been missing out on all these years because like hell was anyone going to be celebrating the grand existence of me. Even if they totally should have.

[That makes her laugh a little.]

Tell me about your birthday stuff. It's time to share again!

[Riley is sitting in the middle of her room at Loki. She's got a candy bar in one hand and a sheet of paper in the other. Grinning, she takes a bite of the candy then shifts about to lean back against her bed. There's boxes all over it.]

Okay... [Yes, Mags. She's talking with her mouth full again.] Fo. We've ha' fum... [She swallows.] ...shit storms recently. I think it's time to lighten the mood and ask a really fucking serious question.

[She puts on a serious face and points at the paper with her candy.] Would any of these... [She points at the world at large with the candy.] ...work on any of you?

[With that, she clears her throat and looks over the paper before giving everyone her sexiest look.]

Hey, baby. That's a nice shirt. Can I talk you out of it?

[Her lip trembles as she tries not to just bust up laughing.]

If you think you feel good, you should feel me.

[She lets out a snort.]

Hey babe! There's a party in my pants and you're invited!

[Okay no. She's done. Riley busts up laughing because all of these are so bad!] Who the hell uses this shit? It's more likely to get you punched in the face!

[Maribelle switches on the feed, clearing her throat politely. She seems much less ill at ease than before, and not a smidge of trepidation can be seen on her face. She must do her best to keep up appearances, after all.]

Good evening, everyone. Firstly, I wish to thank everyone who responded to my prior request. [Although it wasn't much of a request, but hey! Details!] I am most grateful for everyone's input and efforts, and especially to those who have chosen to join me.

That said, we are ready to begin questioning. Beginning tomorrow, I and my comrades shall start the process in the Everyday Sunshine building located in the Sigyn district. Questioning will begin in the morning, and end in the late afternoon.

There will, of course, be exceptions made for those who wish to participate in questioning, but wish to refrain from being subjected to our abilities. There is a telepathy user who has kindly agreed to interview people without a Charm user. Furthermore, there are two others, named Kirigiri Kyouko and Naoto Shirogane, who will question those who wish to answer our queries without being subjected to either charm or telepathy.

Everyone who wishes to attend may bring a witness if they so choose. My wish is for everyone to feel as safe as possible during this process.

[ river's standing in the middle of the road, looking a little worse for wear, but she doesn't seem to care about the blood drying on her skin, and her eyes are wide and bright as ever. the natives are walking past her, singing and holding one another, and one hands her a small candle that she holds in the center of her palm curiously. the hymns gets quieter as they pass and then she speaks down to her little flame. ]

Ghosts in the streets tonight, but you're alive now.

[ she blows on the candle, but not strong enough to put it out. it just flickers back in place and she smiles, looks directly into the camera feed. ]

Sǐ mǎ dāng huó mǎ yī. Did you do something good lately?

[ ooc; trying this one last time. river has been gone since june and has only just come back today with a canon bump to the end of serenity, so she's a little more sane but also in dire need of a bath. come say hi? ( permissions are still here. ) ]

[Freya is sitting, calm and regal, on an exquisitely carved chair of ancient wood, flowing blue tapestries hanging behind her. There's some kind of mutant rabbit in her lap, and she's holding it in place with gloved hands.] Travelers. You may have noticed a new addition to our fine city. It has fallen upon you to- [Her eyes dart away, and she turns her head to look with obvious worry at something off screen-] Freyr. Freyr, stop-

[ And Freyr's head comes into view, just at the edge of the screen. He is crouched down, touching the arm of Freya's chair to brace himself as he leans dangerously close to the animal. ] Oh, don't worry, I'm not going to get too close -- [ He's not looking at the bracelet, but the excitement in his tone seems to suggest he's addressing it, anyway. ] They're brand new creatures, really, truly new things, right from this world, so please be kind to them.... [ And he trails off, distracted, as he seems to try to line his face up with the animal's. Their noses are inches apart. Freyr wiggles his, delighted. ]

[Freya picks the rabbit up and moves it onto a nearby table, away from Freyr. She says, tone pointed,] Don't touch it. [And, looking back to her audience-] Them. The experience is highly- highly unrecommended.

[ Freyr's face falls into an expression of disappointment, before he stands and follows after her. ] I think most of you agreed on Longtoothed Reinhare, so: Miss Lovegood, thank you very much for that suggestion. [ Yeah, the disappointment is already gone. He simply seems brightly cheerful again now. ] Do you have any questions, or...? Please do ask.

[Freya continues:] Yes, please do ask, if- Freyr! Freyr, be careful- [And the video ends.]

[This is Maribelle. This is Maribelle, looking distinctly unimpressed. This is also her realizing that she might just be painting a giant target on her back. Any questions?]

Well, then. As though we all simply hadn't enough to deal with as things are, we now have a traitor in our midst. How very distressing! [cue a prudish sniff] As if we simply hadn't enough to deal with, now tensions are running high, and with barely a clue as to the identity of the culprit in sight.

Therefore, I have a proposal. I have heard that those of Loki's house are often gifted in telepathy, and those of my own - that is, Freya - may sometimes charm others. I wish to ask if anyone of Loki's house might wish to join with me, in order to question people.

Please, do not misunderstand me. I have absolutely no wish to even so much as attempt to force anyone, and I myself will gladly volunteer to be questioned, as well. However, I wish to at least narrow down the list of suspects. Even if we do not find the dastard, we can, at least, learn who the turncoat isn't, and any amount of information shall greatly help us.

Should anyone be interested in helping me, I shall gladly accept. Please do feel free to contact me.

Before you start complaining, [ said with a Look, because he knows some of you probably already have ], let me set things straight.

This is not a punishment. I've been content to let you guys roam about and track mud through my house like misbehaving toddlers since Day One, and I'd be content to continue doing so until our business is done here. But isn't, and we don't have time to dick around anymore.

Thiazi's attack wasn't random. It was desperate and sloppy, which means one thing: she knows we're coming for her.

[ He wants to be viciously pleased with the idea of her panicking, but he is nothing close to amused right now. ]

The only way she could know that is if someone on the inside told her. We don't know who, and we don't know how, but we can't afford that kind of liability. These laws are in place to protect you. We can't fight a war on both sides of the wall.

Be vigilant. Look after each other. It's going to be down to you to keep each other safe.

[ A pause, a blink. The ever eternal silent sigh. ]

You have questions. Ask.

[ OOC NOTES: This is the official kickoff for the new martial law! Ask your IC questions here, and let us know if you want any god in specific, as they'll be hanging around this post. The log for weapons registration, rationing, and Red Scare flavoured shenanigans is over here. Let us know if you have any questions! ]

[Riley’s giggling can be heard even if her face can’t be seen. It seems she’s currently sneaking through Needle in a Haystack to where there are a bunch of voices. With a snort, the giggling stops as she aims the view around the corner to show…

A bunch of shirtless Assassins in various stages of irritation over the fact. It’s so funny to her that she has to share this with the world.]

( [Six Assassins learn they're shirtless below cut] )

They just disappear? Nothing will stay on any of us?

[An Italian accent chimes in, and Ezio turns his head towards the group, back to the camera, and actually trying not to smile. Okay, so in between all of this war, it’s funny to him, despite the irritation he may feel.]

I have only tried once- and as much as I wish to see if it would work, I am not certain I wish to sacrifice more of my clothes if Asgard demands we remain this way.

[A second equally Italian accent chimes in, far less entertained sounding.]

Is this a regular occurrence in this city then? People’s decency revoked for… amusement?

Come now, padre, you make it sound as if we are treated like barbarians. [Ezio can’t really hide the smile he’s wearing. Oops.] I do not mind the attention so much.

Your madre will have me up by my thumbs for parading about in public!

So will my wife. [Altaïr hesitates, as if he’s not really sure.] Most likely.

[ In the midst of the Assassins' kerfuffle, Desmond hurries in from the summer heat, equally shirtless and equally vexed. ]

Does anyone have a spare- oh.

[ If he wasn't bewildered before... ] Really?

[ It seems like Natasha is always last to know these things - but it was really inconvenient, to be honest. She’d been at work at the bar when her shirt had suddenly decided to take a vacation to god-knows-where. Now she’s come to join the cavalcade, hands propped on her hips once she spots the predicament of everyone else. Her bra has decided to stick around for the party, at least so far. ]

I liked that shirt. And I liked the rest of you with shirts, no matter how .. interesting .. the view. [ She sighs slightly, not ashamed of being sans-shirt but definitely very far from pleased. What’s next? Their pants? ]

[Connor wanders by Riley’s hiding spot about that point, utterly unruffled by his current state. He pauses briefly and glances in her direction.] Good morning, Riley. [And moves on with his day. These boxes won’t unload themselves!]

[Immediately everything falls silent as everyone but Connor turns to look at the Novice Assassin with looks that say she had better run.]

You should be impressed I was here this long without you noticing? She does look better than all of the rest of you though.

[That doesn't help the problem and she bursts out laughing as the angle changes to show Riley laughing her ass off as she runs as fast as she can because she is in SO MUCH TROUBLE.]

FUCKING WORTH IT!

[ooc: Welcome to the shirtless curse brought to you by Altaïr, Giovanni, Ezio, Desmond, Natasha, and Connor. It's an Assassin shirtless party! Well, most of the Assassins. Riley, for example, did not get hit and made the most of it.

Network responses very welcome but there will be an open thread for people to visit Needle in a Haystack if they want to see all the shirtless Assassins in person! Enjoy!]

[ to the video Ame comes up. His ears are standing up, his black wet nose is pointed at the camera, and he is sitting inside a room with flowers and other plants around. ]

When I was little, I was afraid of everything. I was afraid of lizards, I was afraid of cats, I was afraid of owls. My mother used to pet me as she said “it’s alright”, to tell me that she was there with me.

One day during winter, I was catching a bird by the river and I fell in. I almost drowned. When I woke up, I told my mom “Mom, I got it. I got the bird. All by myself”. But she was angry and I didn’t understand why - all I could think of was that I was able to catch the bird and I felt like I could do anything. But when I looked at mom again, I saw her crying and shaking and she was so scared. [ Ame’s ears drop a little, but only momentarily ]

I decided that I could do a lot of things, yeah. But what I wanted the most was to tell my mom “it’s alright”, that she doesn’t have to be afraid because I’m there.

I want to do the same in this place. I met a lot of people and I like a lot of people, and I want to show them it’s alright. Even if I look like a kid, I still think I can do a lot of things. And you, too. Everyone can. And it’s okay to be scared and angry, but there are still others and they are there. And together we make it alright. [ he hopes so, at least. Because the last attack to the city was rough, but they still made it, and he thinks they can win, in the end.

aaaand that was about it. Ame pauses, one of his ear moves, not sure how to end this ] That’s all I wanted to say.

[ the pup finally turns off his video feed. Yes, this is werewolf encouragement. He tries. ]

[The shuffling of papers and some sort of metallic object getting the last few details hammered into it could be heard in the background before a few friendly faces appeared on the screen.]

Buon pomeriggio Asgard!

Aladdin, Tony Stark and I have been working on a project for a few weeks now and I think we are to the stage where we could use some help with it. That is if anyone interested in a light weight armor with the added protection of runes? We could use a few volunteers to test the design.

We need people with all sorts of different shapes and body types for this. It's important to get all information we can so this will work.

[Aladdin says over his shoulder, he is doing a few last minute checks on the rune work.]

Si, just as he says. So would any of you be willing?

I thought I would leave this a few days so things had a chance to get back to normal, but I have a few questions I'd like to ask. Some people have made the observation that the little- flying things, what were they, ice fairies? That their bites had unusual effects for some who were exposed to them.

I'm curious about the properties of their venom, if that's what was happening. If you experienced unusual symptoms during the last invasion, and you'd be comfortable discussing the onset, nature, and duration of your experiences, I would truly appreciate it.

[He's curious for a few reasons. First, if this was a venom, he wants to check in on these people and make sure they haven't all gone off and quietly died in their apartments (this is far too morbid to say out loud on the network. Second, if it wasn't venom, if there's enough range in the symptoms or if any of them seem magical, then it may have been a curse, and it is worth knowing if a curse can be transmitted by animal bite, even if that animal is magical. Third, if it was a curse and there are people out there who experienced it without having been bitten, then they may have a huge problem here, since Thiazi has history of infecting city dwellers. If something like last time is beginning, he wants to begin collecting data now, before everyone goes crazy and starts killing each other. Again.

None of this shows in his expression, which is all gentle-medical-professional.]

Thank you for your time.

( Maria's at the Citadel, for anyone that's familiar enough with it to recognise the location. For anyone that isn't she's hoping to push you a little into getting familiar with it )

We don't know when this will happen, that's obvious enough. We all have our groups and ours jobs, but what when the war really hits? Most of the training has been more focused to combat and those wishing to fight.

I want to focus on defense. Not everyone is going to fight - you made that choice with your group. Everyone should be able to defend themselves. To feel safer. Would you rather be able to help yourself, or wait until it could be too late for someone to help you.

( Just going for the worst case scenario here, not the expected. But if you expect the worst hopefully you can get something better. Or be shocked a little into going with her suggestion )

There are a lot of options, included weapons training and unarmed. I teach hand-to-hand combat at the Citadel and self-defense at the school. I'd rather see someone try, and take a chance at helping than not make it through because they couldn't. Think about it.

( Are you going to be able to count on the gods to revive you when it comes down to the end? )

( FILTERED | military group )

We need to get together. Knowing each other and our abilities will help us start putting together a strategy. The better we can work together now gives us a better chance when we need to work together. We have to be able to rely on each other.

[Where she's tucked herself away is unimportant, which is why she's not giving that bit away. Mother Nature sounds more resigned and contemplative than anything, and there's the faint sound of crowds in the background.]

Death is like gravity, it cannot be stopped or all of the universe begins to go out of sorts. Things unravel when people come against such things, more than they believe they are already. Things die, it is a part of existence and a rule of the universe that should never be broken.

And yet here we all are, being forced in to a fight that will be ultimately lost. Forced to take a side and prepare ourselves and others for what? To be felled in battle? To fade out of existence?

[She sighs.]

I don't know how many of you have seen war, but it is not anywhere near so glorious as anyone wants you to think. It is blood and death and terror for little more than bragging rights over some pile of dirt or another.

It is people sitting at windows waiting for their lovers to come back with scars that will never go away if at all.

It is those you love leaving and never coming back.

It is watching everything you love burn to ashes in your fingers for some ideal that will never fill the hole they leave.

[She sighs, shaky.]

Worlds have died before, entire civilizations and people have been erased from existence and yet... here we are, still alive, still existing despite all of that.

We should be planting a new tree, making new homes, not trying to save a burning ship... but what do I know about anything. I'm no god, no war hero.

I've just been dragged here and forced against my will in to a fight I've no interest in. So please; sell me a reason to fight, give me something to believe in that will work.

[ A light has gone out in this young Empress, and she no longer cares to hide it. The temptation to just give up has been real, but she is still here, and she is still willing to fight.

For Leto, as always.

He's not in the city anymore, but perhaps he can still come back, and even if he can't... she must fight to protect their world, and the future he wants to build.

This gives her strength, but no joy. She is once more the immeasurably sad woman that came to this city. ]

I find myself struggling with the decision of which group to assign myself to in the coming war effort. What does Asgard need more from me?

I fight very well, as some of you know. I also... see things others might not, in terms of details, minute clues and the connections between them. I often see things people would like to hide. My mind can occupy itself with several tasks at once.

I could most likely do some good in any group, but I cannot seem to make a firm decision on where I might be needed most, and so I turn to my fellow travelers in the hope that discussion might reveal to me the best course of action.

In closing, I offer words that have guided me through life and that I suspect will once more become quite relevant as we move forward.

I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.

ooc: This is actually me trying to figure out in which group to put Ghanima for real so any input is appreciated, I hope the forward-dating is ok

[He's much too ashamed to use video now, choosing voice instead.]

I must apologize for the way I was the last fortnight. I am unaccostomed to how things happen here, and yet it is no excuse for my behavior. I lost all of who I am, replaced by the mindset of how I once was. [He knows he must specifically look for one man in particular, but this is hard enough. It's not that he cannot admit that he was wrong, but rather that people saw him that way.]

If I did or said anything to offend or to hurt, I am truly sorry. I had never meant to attack anyone, and I assure all of Asgard I have long since stopped feeding. No one was ever meant to see what I once was.

[And now he'll go he depressed in Hel.]

[When the feed starts, Athelstan is in his room, with one of Will's dogs stretched warmly across his lap. Athelstan rubs his fingers against her ears as he looks over the projection from his bracelet- right, recording.]

...'this is the end'. The tree has been- is being?- destroyed. I am not a commander of men, nor am I any sort of leader, but times are dire and I... [His lips press together firmly as he nudges the dog off of his lap- she makes a soft, indignant noise before skittering out of his room.]

Where I come from, the men worshiped these gods. This tree was their world, holding up everything they held dear. We must fight to keep it standing, we must- I can show you how these gods must be worshiped, I can tell stories of their exploits and wit, if that would give you cause to fight for them.

[There's a short pause, as Athelstan lets out a breath, contemplating his next words.] Even if you cannot fight, you must pray. All of your gods have guided men through their trials for hundreds of years- longer, in some of your worlds. They would not abandon us now.

[The words are encouraging, but his voice is hollow, preaching a message he's not sure if he can believe in.]

[Alastair is pale, and he looks like he's gone through hell. For those who know him, or at least recognize him, he looks several years older than he did only a few days ago. He takes a deep breath and runs a hand through his long hair and looks directly at the camera.]

For any of you who might still be skeptical about what's at stake, you need to hear this.

[He looks away, bracing himself for what he's about to say.]

All of you need to hear this.

[He looks back at the camera again, and there's a new intensity to it, a desperation. His voice cracks slightly with the despair lurking beneath the shock he's still feeling.]

My home is gone. Destroyed. If you have ever had any doubts before, listen to me now. Your homes are in danger. I watched my world crumble and die and there was nothing I could do to stop it. It withered and died because Yggdrasil is withering and dying.

Think what you will about the gods and their methods but this war isn't for nothing. You have something to fight for, and you need to fight for it or it will be gone. Gone in death and destruction and more pain than you can possibly imagine.

[He swallows and looks away again, the pain crossing his face as he tries to compose himself.]

I know because I watched it happen.

[He takes a deep breath and looks back once more.]

If you... if you have any questions, I'm ready to answer them.

[ in the feed, river can be seen wearing a newly appropriated dress, a nice green and flowing thing that billows out around her legs in a passing breeze. she's standing up somewhere high, the surface rounded and colourful; her ( bare, as always ) toes curl around it to give her balance, and she's staring down at them with wide eyes. ]

Finally found her. She won't stop crying.

[ there's a creak of metal, and river goes to one knee, just in case, braced against a fall that doesn't come. her head tilts curiously and you know what, fuck it. she's just going to lay down completely, one ear pressed to the roof of the carousel in the dark carnival. there are a few natives telling her to come down, as well as a few ghosts hovering nearby; no signs of anyone crying, and river pets her hand across the space beside her head. ]

Shh. Don't be sad. It'll all be over soon.

[ ooc; just a little bit of newbie metaplot for y'all! this is sort of forward dated to later on day 450, so i guess i could've posted it tomorrow but i do what i want, thor. just in case, river's permissions post is here! ]