It has come to my attention that in light of recent events, we have had little enough time to ourselves. Naturally, this is only to be expected in a time of war. However, we must not lose sight of ourselves in the midst of all this havoc, and I therefore have a proposal for the women of Asgard.

Would anyone, perhaps, be interested in joining me for an evening of light entertainment? We have precious little time before everything comes crashing down around our ears, and I wish to attempt to use some of that time to get to know my fellow ladies-in-arms a bit more.

[ The morning of day 505, a message from the gods is broadcast over the network: ]

Greetings, Travelers.

Some of you may know already that there was a breach of the castle barrier. We apprehended an individual using Thiazi's magic to attempt assassination of the Queen, and have confirmed that he is Thiazi's informant inside Asgard. This man has been actively assisting her in making attacks on the city as well as misleading our own intelligence efforts.

[ Heimdall is understandably quite cross at this. He gestures offscreen and the feed shifts from Heimdall to a wider shot of the room, where there is a man being held in place between Thor and Loki, who also look quite cross. ]

His name is Satan and he pleads innocence by corruption -- that all he has done while sabotaging Asgard was Thiazi's influence. While he lives we cannot tell his intent, only that he is indeed the perpetrator.

Since he is one among you, we leave his judgment in your hands. What would you have us do with the traitor?


(( The poll is to be filled out ICly and once per character! This will decide Satan's fate. Please feel free to threadjack at will to discuss the trial! ))

[HELLO ASGARD. THIS IS YOUR RESIDENT ITALIAN ASSASSIN SHOPKEEPER ON THE LINE. And said resident Italian looks as if he has a question- or would if he currently wasn't having his attention directed to something on his outfit. Something like a grey hair.

Dio mio, does he really need a reminder about his age on top of fighting a war. Ezio makes a face at that, brushing off his sleeve and finally turning to the camera again.]

Buon giorno, Asgard. A question. [A pause, and then-] At what age do you start to consider someone as "old?"

[No, this has nothing to do with his novices telling him he needs to be more careful because of his age, or ghost pangs of old wounds when he moves the wrong way, what are you talking about. This is just normal conversation.

Right.

Right.]

[[FYI: Some characters might have the (mis)fortune of Ezio conking out in the middle of their conversation, as he's going on a canon update! Enjoy.]]

[The feed shows Castle laying on his bed, looking half-asleep or maybe just bored. He could probably be doing something productive, something that could benefit the war effort in some way, but would rather ask the population at large a question.]

Hey, Asgard - What's your favorite book?

[He's not doing research of any kind, just purely curious. But if anyone asks, this is somehow related to the Welcoming Committee. Don't worry, he'll make it work.]

[Newish face on the network, though some should find it familiar. Ostensibly a younger boy talking, for those who don't know any better. Gun in her hand? Gun in her hand. Naoto seems a little hurried, but she's still trying to manage a formal tone. Still, there's a trace of panic she can't quite eliminate.]

My name is Naoto Shirogane, I'm with the City Patrol. This is important, so please, pay attention. It's exactly what some of us feared. Just a moment ago, I caught sight of an army approaching the Gate of Fog. Most of the force is comprised of...frost giants, I believe? [Guess who hasn't actually seen them before?] Eighty or ninety or so, one hundred at the most. There were at least ten larger ice creatures accompanying them, and they're equipped with two catapults. Some kind of strange lights were around them as well. I don't have any further details, and I apologize, but...

[She grips her pistol a little more tightly. This isn't something she was really ready for, but like hell is she going to back down.]

I'm in no position to give anyone orders, but we must begin coordinating. Now.

( [filtered to City Patrol] )

( [filtered to Investigation Team] )

[Guess who finally came back from the dead? She's been gone since the mirror Asgard, and honestly she really didn't think she would wake up back here. It was odd. But she looks pleasant as ever- as well as anyone can look after a long spurt of just not being here at all.

She addresses the network, and she doesn't really expect anyone to know who she is. She has hidden every single time she's come across the network.]

Well, at least I can say I came back from the dead.

[She's really articulate. Really.]

Does it really count as death if you keep coming back? It feels to me something more like near death? If anyone has any thoughts on the matter I would be pleased to hear them.

ooc; i went on hiatus basically right after the mirror event at the end of november. so she's just now reviving. u3u;

[Who Family Filter] 

 [There's the tail end of muttering 'Can't even tell the passage of time.' when the signal comes on. 

Irving is, of course, immaculate, but he's also a touch resentful looking.] Have I been... absent... at all?

[Maglor] 

Well, I hope you stayed in bed last night, for I wouldn't have woken up for anything, it seems.

[Naoto]

I can confirm that 'returning home' does indeed occur. 

I never really cared much about the holiday season. I'm aware Christmas is quite a popular holiday in the West... and I suppose to some degree it is in Japan as well. I speculate it's for different reasons though. Everything lately sure has begun to look festive...

Ah, but there are probably those from worlds where such a holiday doesn't exist at all, yes?

Anyway I found a wrecked motorcycle after the earthquake. I've taken the opportunity to try and fix it up although my skills might not be quite that good... and it's certainly not like I could ride it. If anyone is more cultivated with them that could give me advice I'd take it into consideration. [But she really wants to succeed in fixing it entirely by herself so...]

Although I suppose I've... technically taken a job already... [lol the Investigation Team's "detective agency"....] I wouldn't mind another if anyone is in need of employees.

—I didn't ask for this.

[ This being the horrific holiday jumper - hat and all - that he's wearing that's causing him to miss his aviator jacket terribly. It was an easier time, with that. ]

I look like an idiot. This is something Percy or Leo would wear. Probably as a joke, but still!

[ He's miserably tugging on the teddy bear, hoping by some miracle that it would fall off in his hands and that would mean that the whole thing would fall apart. Nico sometimes has a tendency to hope for too much, however, and all he does is cause a small tent in the jumper until he lets go and it flops back against him. ]

... Oh gods. My dad would kill me if he saw me wearing this. I haven't even been here long and this is what happens— Is this a normal thing? Stupid surprises that make me want to punch someone?

[Meet Astrid. She's a a viking. She only recently figured ou how to use her bracelet properly. And she's wearing this lovely monstrosity. Tis the season after all.

She's frowning, her face slightly puckered into a look of distaste.]

So this? This isn't funny. I can deal with the cold, and I can deal with the snow, but I want my clothes back.

[She rolls her eyes, before muttering under her breath.]

I do not want to celebrate Snoggletog looking like this. It's itchy.

[PUBLIC POST - ADDRESSED TO ALL]
[The feed opens in another Sigyn room. There's a tall teenager with greyish hair and he looks calmly at the camera, giving a small bow in greeting.]

Hello.

[Since he's got a few things to send in private, why not go for broke and address the entire population. Projects are buzzing in his mind.]

I'm Souji Seta, and in house Sigyn. While I haven't been here for long, if anyone has questions regarding the city, I've been studying maps and locations whenever I've had free time. [His head is in the books when he's got a minute off, he kinda needs to keep his mind off things that's how he rolls.]

I've been thinking about what has happened recently, and while I was able to find information about the gods made by someone else, I don't see any guides to the city itself. The stores and services some of you own that could be useful to add as well.

Whenever we have new people coming here - along with Loki's, having a guide could give them a better understanding of what's happening and the history so far. [And in easier terms, sorry Loki.]

By pooling our resources together, I believe we can truly make something impressive. [Sorry, protags gotta protag.] As I've said, I've only been here for a short time myself, but I know some of you have been here since the first day. I would appreciate it greatly if you could share your knowledge with us.

I'll spearhead the information collecting myself, so simply leave me a message with what you know or businesses you have and their open and closing hours, and I'll work on a document we could easily pass around.

[He smiles.]

Thank you.

I'll try to come here once in a while and give you all updated information on how it's going so far. If anyone wants to help me with this, I'd be glad to have your help.

---

( PUBLIC POST, BUT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSED TO THE DOCTORS -- ALL OF THEM )

--

( PRIVATE POST TO THE INVESTIGATION TEAM )

---

( PRIVATE POST TO THE IT, SEES AND THE RYOJI )

[Why hello Asgard, seems to me you're being treated to a familiar face. Well, mostly familiar. Been here a few times, as he's managed to gather, but still new. Different.

From what people might be able to tell from the surrounding scenery, he's in Odin at the moment, outside the library and simply sitting on what's either a low wall or a bench of some sort. Or perhaps even a bit of broken off something from the quake.]

Rrrriiiiiight. Asgard... [He's staring at a place just above the recording bit of this neat ol' "magic" bracelet they've all been given, just sort of mulling over the word, turning it over both in his mind and in his mouth.] Asgard, Asgard, Aaaasgard. You know, general preconception of Asgard's all... vikings and swirling mists, big pointy helmets, furs, great halls and towering mountains.

[He glances towards the heart of the recording, one eyebrow up and the other cocked down as he scratches at a sideburn.]

Never heard Asgard and inter-dimensional kidnapping in the same sentence before. Love to hear theories from people who've been here a while. Experience can be even better than books sometimes.

[Not that he hasn't already heard and researched some of these theories since arriving here, but. You know. Good way to meet people and to hear personal opinions on this place at the same time. And, you know, to effectively ignore the fact that he really should be thinking more about how he's Doctor number 98279384729384 to show up in this place.

Oh, and as an afterthought-] Also taking that earthquakes aren't common around here, are they?

So....is everyone okay? If anyone needs help, I can try? I have drawing life, if anyone needs someone with that, I mean. I'm okay myself, so if people let me know where to go to help out, I can do my best. Even if I can't heal anymore, here in Asgard. I'm assuming the hospital, provided that isn't damaged in the quake.

Also. I am not the only one sort of....um, hearing things, am I? That makes me sound crazy now.

[Irving is looking irritated, even though he's settled down for a rest with a nice cup of tea and some of that cake River had earlier.]  Thank you, Random Ominous Voice, for taking the time to inform me that 'It won't stop' and 'This is just the beginning', as if I was assuming otherwise.

It wasn't as if I had other things to do than deal with an insistent mantra that isn't actually helpful.

Next time, if you can hear me, do try to use sky-writing or something? It's much less invasive. [Well, it was worth a try. Rubbing his temple, he turns off.] 

[The video coming through at the moment seems to be coming from somewhere in the Freyr welcome hall, going by the colours. Kanji's staying inside in the cool, dammit, where he can get something to drink easily.

However, he's got other reasons to be sweating, right now. How about some nerves? He can't quite believe he's doing this.
Still, if that mirror world'd told him anything, it was a reminder about being true to himself, so... here goes nothing.]

Uh - so, hey, everyone.

We've all been through a whole lot over the past few days. And we could kinda use a break from it… so… Figured I'd do somethin' to cheer folks up. I was doin' a couple already, so...

[In a bit of a rush-] I'm makin' these.

[Kanji reaches down out of camera-shot, and picks up an absolutely adorable knitted plushie. A grey kitten with a flower on its collar, to be precise.]

If anyone wants one... they're gonna be one hundred percent custom designs. Whatever you want, I can make, pretty much. That's hand-make. More complicated ones are gonna cost more and I'm gonna need to spend longer working out the patterns on them, but I can still do just about anything.

So who's up for the cutest crap that this city's ever seen?

[There's a moment where Alvin actually pauses to comb his hair back into place as a hand finds a few strands ... well, sticking up in different directions. He grins afterward, shrugging like he can't help himself, and then he sits down heavily in a chair conveniently placed so he can do this transmission. He looks weary, and relaxes back against his seat.]

I was hoping to keep my handsome face off the network a little bit longer. After all, there's just too much competition for me to be so proudly displayed for all to see. But seeing as we're missing some people, I think it might be all right. Too many men and woman won't swoon at the sight of me and thus forget exactly what they're saying.

[There's a moment where he pauses.]

Not that there haven't been a few conversations here and there, just in case you're wondering ... I am doing my job as a good citizen of Asgard.

[And another pause.]

But the reason why I'm here today is to suggest we make a list of our lost ones, just in case people are looking for them amidst all this. And to see if there's a way of making sure of it. I don't know about you, but I don't check my friends' living quarters all the time.

To get this list started, I'll name a couple myself: Jude Mathis and the Great Milla Maxwell.

[ text ]

edit: missing list

Minerva
Gerome
Henry
Milla Maxwell
Jude Mathis
Souji Seta
Guy with an Ostrich
Merlin
Arthur Pendragon
Morgana Pendragon

[The name attached to this post is "Naoto Shirogane", but Naoto's is definitely not the only face to greet the camera as it switches on, let alone the one initially taking up most of the picture - although "greet" implies some sort of presence and purposefulness, both of which seem to be lacking in the taller young man currently looking over at somebody just out of frame.]

- sense, doesn't it? We don't know if anyone's going to believe a bunch of high-schoolers even if we're all saying the same thing, but a detective's another story. So...

[He looks down at the bracelet, brow furrowing a little, pointer finger at the ready, and... does a pretty dramatic double take.]

Huh? It started recording already?

Whether we're believed or not isn't our concern. We can simply give out the information we have and nothing else. [Those who choose to listen to it or not... that's up to them.

( OOC cut for an extremely professional PSA about the mirror world )

Oh, and if anyone's seen... Eh, never mind. [Before anyone can correct him, he reaches down and switches Naoto's recording off.]

[ooc: replies and possibly threadjacks may be from any combination of Yosuke, Kanji, Rise and Naoto!]

I never got a chance to use the network or introduce myself on it. Seeing as how there appears to be some down time as the community rebuilds I thought I'd take the opportunity to do so. My name is Naoto Shirogane. I'm from a small town in Japan called Inaba though given the amount of world representations there are here I'd be surprised if many have heard of it.

[Sans her, her friends and everyone else she's spoken to already about it. Buuuut that's not really important in the end. She moves on to more important matters...]

In light of recent events I'd like to ask if there's a way to acquire firearms here. I'm afraid mine was never brought with me and seeing as how threats are very real here I'd feel safer having one. [Her magical fire powers are cool and all but... yeah. She's more threatening with a gun than with magic she barely knows how to control.]

I'm also curious if there's any way to acquire items from home. It might be a long shot but I thought I'd inquiry about this as well.

[Jude is looking pensive, trying to figure out if asking this question is even worth it. he hadn't found anything related to spyrites or Elympios since his trip to Odin's library but then again, he hasn't yet explored the entirety of it.

maybe he should, to at least get an answer & to put his never ending racing mind at ease if just for a moment.]

The library in Odin's district... it wouldn't happen to have books from other worlds, would it? I know it's a long shot, but I just figured I'd ask. I haven't gotten to see all of it yet.

[the boy would very much love to continue his research while helping out with matters here but if the reality of it is that he'll ultimately have to put a pause on that until he returns home? then he'll just have to deal with it.]