[The video comes on as Finnick slowly works on something. It dips and comes back up, and then dips again. It becomes obvious that the thing that Finnick is working on is a large net. But why? Turning the camera to his face, as he smiles.]

So, I was wondering if anyone knows where I can get a trident? I probably need to get back into practice.

[He doesn't say for what]

Also I need to know how many people we can expect at the wedding so that I know exactly how much set up we need to plan for. Like I said before, the more the merrier, so even if you're new you're invited!

[There's something in his gaze that seems distant for a second, before he rubs at his forehead and and chuckles.]

Anyway, let me know.

Right. Magic communications system activate.

[The feed flicks on to show a young girl in a red dress. She's young, early twenties at the latest, and she has a big smile on her face. As though this entire situation is highly entertaining.]

Oh, there it goes. So easy it's almost boring. I suppose I can't modify it either.

[She shakes her head, amused.]

So. Gods. Gods and magic in a dying world. Normally I'm a skeptic but there's little room for disbelief here. Though, I must say they're a little desperate for Gods if they're picking up dead girls to do their bidding. Is everyone here dead or is that just a personal problem? Also human again, that's nice. Sure did miss doing my hair.

[A cough.]

Anyway, suppose this is where I drop an introduction to my new world saving friends, isn't it? Oswin Oswald. Girl genius, rather sexy, now part of Odin's house. Also Junior Entertainment Manager on the luxury starliner The Alaska. Well former. Ship crash ended that job. There! Introduced.

[She moves to turn off the feed before pausing.]

Oh yes. And if you've seen a man with floppy hair, terrible fashion, and an impressive chin and his pal with the nose. Tell him I'm here and waiting.

[You'd think Merlin would have gotten over the stage fright after all the announcements he's made before this, but no such luck. There's still a moment of nervous fidgeting before he clears his throat and gets straight to the point.]

Everyone's all right, yeah? After...the darkness. [He falters, paling just a bit, then forces himself to continue.] Turns out that was an attack on the city from the giants. A lot of us have been training, working on our powers for something like this, but we were still unprepared. [A soft, mirthless chuckle.] Really unprepared.

I thought we could try something--you know, in case we're caught off guard again. We've all just been talking to people we already know in the Teacher's Council meetings, or working with Travelers who have powers we're interested in. We're not going to have that sort of luxury when we're actually under attack. I know, I should've realised it earlier [especially with the number of battles he's followed Arthur into] but we have to work with what we've got around us. That's why...well, why don't we pair ourselves up blindly and come up with a useful way to combine our powers? Then we could share our ideas in that practice log I set up a while ago, so the information's available to everyone in the city. Or we could just talk about it during the next meeting. That way, we have a better idea of how to work with any of the powers, in case our usual allies aren't around.

[Merlin smiles at his audience rather hopefully.] If anyone wants to join up, let me know and I'll see about finding you a partner for this.

Oh right, I was supposed to say something else, wasn't I? You all heard what Odin said about the elves from Alfheim. They're the allies the gods have called on to help us rebuild what was damaged during the darkness' attack. I might have spoken to their queen--well, actually, it was more her talking to me--and she wanted to make sure the gods don't ah... [An embarrassed sort of pause as he rubs at his neck.] leave out things when they mention her. So if you've questions about the elves or anything similar, I suppose I'll...try my best to answer them. Or ask her for you. She did say that was all right.

[Merlin leans back, looking relieved that he's nearing the end of his message.] That's about it. Don't forget the next Teacher's Council meeting will be in a week--newcomers are welcome!--and that the hospital's always open for anyone who's been injured and needs help.


(ooc: If anyone's still interested in participating in the random partner activity, go ahead and sign up here!)

[Sara is sitting on her bed in Room 402 of Heimdall house when her bracelet comes on. When she's certain it definitely on, she starts a little, and then she gives a small smile.]

Hello. My name is Sara Mudou. Ah... The maid I talked to when I got here told me a little bit about where I am. They gave me a map, too. At least I won't get lost now.

[The smiles fades a bit and he gnaws her lip.]

But I still feel like there's a lot I wasn't told! I think I have an idea of where most things are, but if anyone could tell me anything they think I should know, I'd be grateful. Maybe I could give you something else, if I can think of anything. I don't have much, but we could try to find something. I'll try to repay you any way I can.

If anyone listening to this ever hears anything about a boy named "Setsuna", or a "Messiah", please tell me that, too. Please.

[She reaches up to finger a lock of hair with her free hand.]

Mmmmm, I want to know about all of you too! I think you can learn a lot about someone from what they like. So, I was wondering, what's your favorite thing about your home?