So listen up, people.

[ The friendliest address ever is brought to you by Johanna Mason, who looks a damn sight better than she did on arrival.

...Or, well. She's not bleeding any more, at any rate.

She offers a tight lipped smile that looks more like a grimace than anything else. She's not the friendliest person in the world, okay? ]

As much as I'm loving the holiday, getting out of practice has literally never boded well for me. I'm after some training partners, sparring, whatever - you just need to be good. [ She pauses for a moment before grinning slightly, actually a little amused. ] Really good. Anyway, takers, people who can point in the right direction, et cetera et cetera, let me know.

[ And with a brief wave that looks more like a salute than anything else, Johanna's out. ]

For those of you who interacted with Puck in the mirror world (white-haired, floating, mischief maker, magic, spells via rhymes):

It was enjoyable while it lasted. However, now that we are back in the real Asgard, do not expect to see him again. Details may or may not be provided depended on questions asked, if you wish.

[yes he knows this sounds creepy. but he's covering all his bases the best way he can: sweeping things under the rug and not giving straight answers. Owen's settling back into needless secrecy and he does not want to get out of that routine.

also, like hell he's telling all of you all the details. lol nope.]

Have a good day.

[Private to Demona]
Remember what we agreed about secrets.

[aka 'please don't out him of the magical closet, buddy.']

[Behold, Asgard! This time, Jack's video isn't being recorded on a roof - it's inside of the Guardian's apartment above the ice rink. He is sitting on the couch with his legs crossed, metal staff lying across his lap, but he isn't the one doing the recording. Judging by the snickering coming from behind the screen, Jamie is their cameraman today.]

You know, for a bunch of people who got dragged to a new world by a bunch of Norse gods, were given new powers, asked to fight ice giants-- [He's counting with his fingers as he speaks.] --and get cursed more often than not, you guys sure are waaaay too skeptical for your own good.

[Sandy, looking somewhat sleepy, is perched on the arm of the couch, his sketchpad open in his lap. He lazily sketches things that aren't visible from the camera, looking as though he's only halfway listening with vague amusement to the spirit next to him. Tooth is sitting on the back of the couch, between them, her wings fluttering slightly. She looks rather amused at the whole thing. ]

Jack, that's not fair, just because some things are real doesn't mean they're going to believe anything they hear.

[Jack, being the mature spirit he is, just... pouts at her a little bit.] Do they have to flip out though? I'm started to get offended! [He turns to the camera again, sounding completely serious about this. Mark the calendar, folks.] Soooo, PSA time, everyone. All the stories you've heard when you were kids? Real. Every single of us - we exist. Get over it already.

( ooc cut for OMG WHEN DID THIS GET SO LONG )

[SPAM, OPEN]

[Selina is out practicing with her whip. And it's every bit as noisy as you'd think, because she's doing a hell of a lot of marksman training. She has a picture--the picture given to her here--of her and Bruce Wayne propped up beside the leaves and bits of garbage she's found and subsequently shredded with her whip. The picture is untouched. Every time she goes to cut it in half, she changes her mind.]

[VIDEO]

[So she finally makes a post when she's sweating and out of breath, because it's been a long time coming anyway.]

All right, here's what I need: a sewing kit, some fabric, and my own place as soon as possible. I don't share well.... But if you happen to be my roommate, feel free to speak up and make yourself known.

And are there any animals around here? Mice and birds are a plus.

It hasn't even been a day since other travelers from Vanahiem and yet, there will be so many children affected by it. Just the sight of this... this mess is enough. I do not particularly like to give out "warnings" - although to call it a "warning" would be kind.

No.

Anyone can claim they care and help others, however, in some cases, that isn't necessarily the case. Doctors, nurses, and proprietors of orphanages. I have seen and known first hand they are not always who they say they are. I care not if I am too hostile, so let it be known and only known once.

If anyone here so much lays a hand on the children in a not-so kind manner.

[Hi, vorpal blade, how you doing? Just the glisten of it hits Alice's green eyes in a very off-putting matter.]

You will be dealing with me. Especially if you happen to mouth off to a young Alice. Do I make myself clear?


[ooc; I want to apologize for the slow responses ;o;!]

[ The video feed starts up, and right off, it's pretty easy to tell that Blaine is worried, and most definitely confused. ]

Hey, guys. So I know it's going to sound stupid, but what happened?

[ The backdrop behind him is more or less a scene of carnage, and it's not at all what he was expecting to see upon his return from Vanaheim. ]

I was gone from the city, so I obviously missed a lot. [ And he's going to feel bad for missing whatever it was that went down. It doesn't feel right that so many of them were having a good time in Vanaheim, while bad things were happening here. ]

If anyone needs a hand with anything at all, let me know. I want to help you guys out, if I can.

[ It feels like the least he can do, after skipping town, so to speak. ]

[The video clicks on to Owen, frowning at the camera. Even through his glasses, you can see that there are bags under his eyes. Still, he's wearing a business suit and tie, trying to give off the impression that he's put together and is not suffering from nightmares and hearing voices, thank you very much. When he speaks, it's with a dull, British accent.]

I must say, I preferred the apples.

[He adjusts his glasses slightly, letting that statement speak for itself.] On a different note, I am currently looking for a job. I was told that there were businesses here, and advertising on this bracelet seemed to be the most efficient way to find out which were hiring.

As for myself, my name is Owen Burnett, currently of Loki House. I have experience in administrative work, serving as the executive assistant for Xanatos Enterprises back home. Of course, [small frown here] I have a feeling that company name means absolutely nothing to most of you. I can also cook and provide customer service, though I would prefer administrative work. [because let's be real, this guy looks hella boring, why would you want him for a waiter.]

Still, I would appreciate any information you may provide.

[ Freyr's visage is calm but sincere, but there is something that subtly belies stress in the thin press of his lips. ]

Good afternoon, Travelers. I assume you all heard the ruckus at the gates earlier, and for that I apologize.

[ He is, of course, referring to the thunderous knocking that had occurred at the Gate of Fog, and the envoy of soldiers bearing Vanaheim's emblem on their flags and shields as they marched to the castle at the center of the city. ]

I am, as we have so many times before, asking you for help. The great King and Queen of Vanaheim are convinced that this war is hopeless, and that those we have brought into this world for help are themselves defenseless. My sister Freya and I will be returning home to soothe their concerns, and this is where we ask you for help: please aid us in proving them wrong. You are strong, competent, brilliant souls, and we would be honored if you would accompany us to showcase your talents to them, to prove them wrong.

[ He smiles again. ]

Vanaheim is a beautiful city, full of culture and art and the most magnificent libraries that you can imagine. You'll be well-provided for on this trip, and kept safe - that much I can assure you.

I'll give you until tomorrow to decide. I hope to see you by the Gate of Fog at sunrise, and if you've any questions now, I'd be happy to answer them.



[ OOC: This is the NPC post kicking off this optional plot event, which will feature travel to Vanaheim for the month in lieu of the month's darker plot! Please feel free to ask any IC questions here and any out of character ones in the plot post above. A mingle log will be going up for this on Day 324/September 10th, when the characters leave! the city! ]