[The screen flickers on, revealing a young man who looks more than a bit annoyed, and above all else, exhausted. His golden eyes search the screen as if it will show him something back, but…nothing.]

Some stranger told me that this allows me to speak somehow to others here, trapped with me.

[A hand slides through curly blond hair, and he purses his lips, as if he’s unsure what to say. There is rage behind his eyes, his jaw setting. He controls his anger though--what good would it do, now? To yell at a screen that shows things to people he does not know.

Rage does not bring things back. He‘s learning that every day; so he‘ll bury the hurt down, let it simmer, and take a lesson from his sister; swallow the emotion and present a more reasoned face.]

I know not what this place is, or why I was deemed to be brought here. To be taken from Kings Landing in my sleep, that is a great sorcery indeed.

I like it even less that we've been provided magic. There is no good that can come from it--only death and destruction.

[The same sort of magic that could kill a King with shadows. The fact that he has a gift now, as well...it troubles him. But first--his thoughts need to be focused, on the one thing that matters, now. The thing he has left.]

If those who have taken me are listening, hear this. I am Ser Loras of the House Tyrell; if you have my sister, Margaery, return her from whence she came. My life will be forfeit if you do.

[He has pride, but his sister matters most. He shall swallow what he must to gain her freedom if she is here at all.]

And to those who are captives, as well...

...any assistance would be appreciated.

This place is quite beyond me, I am afraid to admit.

[When the feed for the video turns on it's not focused. It's a moment of movement as the person adjusts the bracelet so the video finally catches onto the figure. It's difficult to make out the features under the black cloak, but the bright blue eyes come out as clear as day.

The person doesn't say anything at first, although there's a sigh at getting the bracelet to work. The figure seems to be pulling together this thoughts before finally deciding to speak.]

Please--Can someone tell me how this is possible? I--I can't be here-- [There's a pause as she works that out. She's supposed to be with Sora.] I know they brought us here for a reason and I will do my part-- but I'm not supposed to be here. It's not possible.

[What is going on? Her voice struggles, but that age old determination makes it possible for her to finish.]

Please. If anyone has any answers, I need to know.

[ As per usual when a holiday he celebrates "approaches", France decides to address the network! After all, around this time of year is when April Fools might be, right--? He's wearing a cute pink dress for the occasion, and he's also all shaven and with his hair nice, looking quite pretty. This holiday is an excuse for him to look as he pleases, after all! ]

Bonjour, Asgard! It's come to my attention that some here do not know of April Fools, either! But I suppose now that's to be expected when it comes to Earth holidays, and the different timeframes we've all been pulled from, oui?

Well, you are in luck! Big Brother Francis shall explain April Fools Day to you now! You see, it occurs on the first of April, around springtime! And it's a great day for playing practical jokes on everyone!

[ he winks and twirls about in his dress. ]

I particularly like wearing dresses on this day myself, oui [ or nothing... though fortunately for the network, he doesn't bother mentioning that ] -- though others may have different ideas in mind when it comes to tricks and sharing good humor! Just remember you want to laugh, oui? That is actually also how this celebration can help Asgard -- how could laughter not help bring the color back?

So! As for tricks I've played in the past -- I often took pictures of my fellow friends [ cough, coughs ] -- in embarrassing situations! One of Arthur even looked like this! [ and he holds up a sketch showcasing a particular situation of England... sleeping, and cuddling a teddy bear. ]

There's all sorts of pranks you can play, so just be sure you have fun with them, non? Even if some are annoyed with you, the whole point is to laugh!

[Well, it's been a while since this face has been on the network visibly. Someone's been keeping a very low profile since her last 'episode,' but after the trip south it feels a little pointless to keep up the charade. So, here the red-head sits.

She's behind the counter of Pinch of Sage on a stool, leaning forward and looking at the screen. The stock behind her looks mostly like the usual. Garlic, sage and a collection of herbs hang there. She's sipping something that, from the look on her face is just god-awful. Setting it to the side, she taps the counter. On it is a small egg carton with what look like lightly colored eggs with paper wrapped at the top and a few small bottles.]

Alright, so we're back from the trip down south to get intel. I'm going to let other people who know how to organize crap that needs to get organized handle the sharing of information. In the meantime, a few orders of business.

One, [Another tap at the counter.], We're still open over here at Pinch of Sage. You need herbal cures, there's my place and Euri's, and we offer medicines of pretty much any variety you can get in Asgard. Don't be shy coming in. My staff's a lot more friendly than I am.

I've got new alchemical stock in, and there's been a change of policy. We're in a war, and you need whatever weapons you can get. So, I'm going to come out and say it. I specialize in poison-making using the magic herbs. It's not as good as your powers, so don't bank on it, but some days you don't have enough juice, and you take what you can get. Ask, and I'll tell you what it does. It's available, and I'm not going for a big profit on it, but that doesn't make it cheap. We're not responsible for what stupid crap you do with it. You start screwing each other over with poisons, that's on your head. You use 'em on me, it's definitely your head.

These little eggs [She lifted one gently] are new. Draco, I've had some luck with the inhalants. They're old japanese style egg bombs. Toss 'em at someone and they'll burst a bit of powder that, when they breathe it in, it'll mess 'em up for a little bit. Not long, since it can't have much potency, but every second counts sometimes. Draco, you, Euri or Hermione can stop by and I'll give you the run-down on what I found.

[Setting the egg down and put her hands up under her chin. Her face had a distasteful quirk to it.]

Two, For those of you bothered by the last time you saw me, I've taken some steps to help them make sure it doesn't happen again... hopefully. I'm branded, magically. I don't know who's got the stone that tracks me, and I don't want to ever know. Don't ask around and don't tell me. If I get loose again, they can find me a lot faster and put me down before it goes haywire again.

We're going to stop this one way or another. I'd apologize, and in fact I will if you got hurt and I haven't already, but words are cheap. I'm sick of hurting people. Anyone helping keep me under control needs to get ahold of me, you know where to find me.

[She sighed and took another sip from her cup, wincing and coughing. God, she hated the stuff.]

Three, I'm not the only person out there that's ever had problems going crazy. Werewolves in some worlds have that problem. Vampires sometimes have bloodlust. Lots of folks out there struggle with another side of them, in their world and sometimes here too. I've been thinking about this a lot. Look, if you guys want help, I don't know, dealing with the feeling you're not always in control of your actions the way you want to be, stop by. We can talk. I might try setting up a ... I guess you'd call it a support group or something. All anonymous. No names, no sharing with others. Just, somewhere you can talk. Might help.

[ Hey Asgard, remember this annoying green brat? ]

Good evening, everyone! I'd like to ask about whether or not anyone's interested in working at or opening a karaoke bar in the Freyr district. It seems only fair that the musical place would be put in the musical god's district, right?

For anyone who doesn't know what a karaoke bar is, you know, because I'm sure people like that are out there, it's basically a place where you can rent a room for and sing your heart out! The one I have in mind... anyway. I'm not sure if it's like that anywhere outside of Japan. You might be asking, "Why would I wanna pay to sing if I can sing anywhere?" Well you're wrong, dead wrong!!

A karaoke bar is somewhere where you sing with your friends and the acoustics are amazing and there's a huge variety of songs! What's singing if you can't have accompanying music or an audience? No haters allowed, by the way!

If you're interested in helping me, let me know, okay?

[ Miku stop talking, no one's listening. ]

[A clearing of the throat, and a certain moth man dressed in a bright purple suit comes on camera, looking unamused as always.]

So, they say that you can judge people by what they like, right? I mean, if you like reading big long tedious books in your spare time, people will tend to think that you're big long and tedious when it comes to conversations. Or, if you like action movies and things with large explosions in them, people might think you're an adrenaline junkie and more likely to jump into a reckless situation. Or if you like really trashy romance novels, you don't actually have a life and stay at home all day because nobody will ever go out with you. Stuff like that, you get the idea.

So, I thought, why not ask people what they think about a certain thing I actually know a little bit about?

Insects.

[Yes, he's being serious. Nick gives the camera a level look.]

Tell me what insects you like, and I'll then judge what kind of person you are based on that. Yes, I'll count spiders in with that one. And if you don't like bugs all that much, you can just tell me which ones you don't like, and I'll judge that too. Think of this as a survey, of sorts.

...

If you have no idea what insects are, then I wonder what in the name of Sam Hill is going on with your world, because it must be the apocalypse over there or everything is messed up, that's all I can say.

[Anyone who says they hates butterflies is automatically getting a punch in the face from him, just saying.]

[The face of a young woman appears on screen, at first confused, but once the feed cuts in all the way she smiles proudly.]

Ah, hello! I think I've gotten this figured out now. It works kind of like recording spheres, right...?

Um, anyway, now that I've got it, my name is Yuna and I'd like to tell you a quick story, if you feel like listening.

[A warm smile.]

Actually, it has to do with everyone else's stories, too. You see, everyone is connected... and just when you think you might never have something to do with someone, you're actually intertwined!

I've been fortunate to meet so many people, and hear their stories. Now their stories are in my memory, so they're a part of my own.

Do you understand? Would you like to tell me your story?

[Alice looks at the screen and then claps her hand in joy.]

Oh I've done it! Oh how wonderfully splendid! [Alice examines the screen very closely.] Curiouser and curiouser! [She mumbled to herself.] I've not ever seen anything like it before! And to think, all I did was press the jewel! I've never known any sort of bracelet to do such a thing before. Or... well anything like this before. It's like a mirror! Oh but! The most curious mirror I've ever seen. Perhaps mirror is not correct... Now if it isn't a mirror, what would I call it. A window doesn't seem right though I can touch it like one. [She hmmed softly before pulling back.]

Now let's see! [She touches the screen and watches as it follows her around.] So many little squares and sorts! Whatever do they do? [Alice was unaware she had started recording her actions, instead trying to understand the bracelet. Lessons by gray people were all well and good when little girls actually listened to them. She pressed another button on the screen.] Look at all the names! [She whispers as she just reads everything. She moves to try and look under the touchscreen but said screen just follows her movement.] And there were all those people on it before... how do I get back to the little people in the boxes?

How peculiar! I do so wonder what this all does. [She tilts her head.] Now, if I were to press this-

[She cuts her feed.]

[It's the Candle Cavern again, and here's Pyro with a message for you all. But this time, he doesn't look disdainful or angry - in fact, he looks somewhat uneasy, like he's standing on a precipice with toes curled around the edge and only one step away from changing everything.]

I know what you all think of me. I'm used to it.

[The beginning of a challenge? No, his voice softens to match his expression.]

But everyone faces a choice at least once in their lives where there's no other answer but doing the right thing. And yeah, even I can do that.

[And now he stares out earnestly, almost vulnerably.]

Euri... will you marry me?

[More out of character confessions! Is it another curse, or is this one for real? Break out the popcorn, folks. It'll be fun either way.]

Good morning...

[Mariko rarely if ever uses the network to make anything similar to a direct post. But this time there is... quite the reason to do so. The Mariko that appears on the feed looks very pale but composed, biting her lower lip a little, and acting with the slightly languid attitude of someone who, well, was crying until a while ago. Her voice sounds pretty clear when she speaks in her calmest tone, however.]

To everyone who knew her... I regret to tell you that Misonoo Nanako-san has gone home. If you wonder how do I know, her name is not in the list, and upon further inspection her room is empty.

[Not *totally* empty, though. Mariko *did* find something on Nanako's night table, but she won't mention that. So she lets out a sigh (that sounds a little like a choked sob) and weakly smiles at the "screen".] Thanks for your time. Don't worry about me, I will be all right.

[*Liar, you're a liar*, the voice inside her head says. *Nanako is gone, she's gone, she is truly and fully gone and you won't be okay, she may be alone against Misaki and her posse from now on back home, she's g o n e...* But again that's *her* issue, not anybody else's, and she's not gonna air it to the network.

So she quietly shuts off the feed, and it will take her a while to reply to anyone who contacts her over it. Additionally, anyone who passes by Mariko's Freya room will notice that her door is ajar so they're welcome to peek in; she's sitting on her bed with some letters on her lap, mostly calm at least on looks.]

Ac-chem.

[A slight clearing of the throat, and...oh, it's this jerk of a mothman in the purple suit and sunglasses, staring at the camera with a rather bashful expression.]

Asgard, I have something to confess. Something that has been on my mind for quite a while now.

[A pause, a deep breath, and then:]

I'm...in love.

No, really, I know most of you are probably scoffing right now, but I am! And you know who with? Do you know which lovely lady has captured my heart forever?

[Nick actually lets out a happy sigh- honestly, is this the same guy who was insulting everyone who breathed in his vicinity for the last two months?]

The perfect woman by the name of Nina Fortner, that's who. Yes...her bright eyes shine so fondly upon me, her blonde hair must be made from the feathers of an angel and the way she accepts me for who I am...[He glances away with a dreamy smile, seemingly lost in his own daydreams, before seemingly noticing that he's on camera and addressing it again.]

I know, I know, you might be saying "But Nick, she's a human! You hate humans! What are you doing with her??" [He frowns.] Well, this is different! She's the one for me, better than any Moth that I have ever met, and anyone who even dares to put a finger on her will have to face me first, okay? Don't test me.

[And then back to a lovesick look again.]

Oh Nina...will you accept this love of mine and be with me, forever? You're the only one for me, you know...

[Somebody come over and try to slap sense into his mind?]


[ooc: Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, and as we all know, February's the month of love! That's why the gods have decided to curse Nick and Nina (imhome). They've been arguing and annoying each other a little too much, so it's time for a change. For a few days, they'll be cursed into suddenly being in love with each other, despite all logic and reason, and may or may not be quoting lines from Twilight Nightlight here and there...]

[Hello Asgard, it's "???" popping up again.]

What makes a home?

Is Asgard a home to you now?

[........Yup, that's all he has to say, even if he should probably notify people who may be interested to know that he's alive awake.]

As much as I dislike the gods... the snow has been around for a while. Back home it only ever lasted a couple days. Usually the trees didn't even drop their leaves.

That's one thing I miss. This place is nowhere near as green in the winter. I think it might be because the trees are smaller - a lot smaller - and there isn't nearly as much moss. Not that the trees here aren't nice, but Fuggum has trees bigger than entire human houses, and they're absolutely covered in moss and lichen and mushrooms. Now that I think of it, even the ground and giant mushrooms were covered in moss, too.

So... when is winter supposed to end in a place like this, anyway? Is the snow supposed to start melting soon or is it supposed to stick around for another month?

- Oh, and everyone better come to the concert Luka is organizing! It's coming up in a couple days at Draupnir, and it'll be really fun so no one has an excuse to not show up!

((Concert details are over here!))

Uh, hey there! Some weather we're having, huh? It never gets this chilly where I'm from! This place sure is different from Shinjuku. Is this normal?

[Oh boy, speaking to a network of nearly 250 people is just a little bit intimidating, especially since Takato already knows that he's one of the youngest Travellers. A bit of sheepish laughter won't make anything more awkward, will it?]

I'm Takato, and I still have a lot of questions about.... uh, everything. I already know what happened, but is that why there aren't many people in the Freyr house? I mean, why would you have a slide on the second floor if almost no one lives there?

[He's alluding to Freyr's sacrifice, but bringing that up may be a bad move. A really bad move, considering what he's seen thus far.]

Anyway, what I really want to ask about is the drawing power! I mean, it's really cool but I think I'm doing something wrong because it doesn't always work the way I want it to. Is that supposed to happen or am I having technical—er, magical, I guess, difficulties? I like to draw for fun too, but I haven't seen many other people doing it. I can’t be the only one, right?

Oh, and I was wondering.... has anyone heard of Digimon before? [He visibly flinches without warning, and unsurprisingly, another round of sheepish laughter follows.] I mean the card game! The Digimon card game! I have a bunch of cards with me but I can't play by myself.

What up, Asgard? Ready for another one of my questions? No need to give me looks this time! No audible groans as you put prepare your white board to draw on, or pull out your teaching stick. It's not about anything I don't know about! I'm totally in the know right now!

*For those keeping track of his questions, there is a annoyed MROW from off screen, which Aoto completely ignores.*

So! Indulge me, Asgardians!

What is the first thing that springs to mind when you hear the word passion?

[ Yuri's finally successfully turned on the feed! Behind him, a dog is taking up the majority of his bed, sleeping. ]

I'll be quick, because from the looks of it, the 'I get nothing going on' gets old quick. If someone can forward me a guide, I'll read it over in my own time. I'll only shake someone down for a full rundown if I really have to.

What I really need is a sword. Where to get one, if I need one made, who can make it, and the IOU's that come after that. I'm pretty sure I can wrangle out the right amont of money-- [ Legally, or illegally. A sword is important enough to break rules. ] -- for anyone who can supply.

[ There's a bit of a sigh, and following; ]

I'm Yuri Lowell. If there's anyone who knows that name, I need to talk to you ASAP. [ Even if it's not a friendly face. ]

 I'm very sorry for bothering everyone with this useless questioning, but I was wondering... does this realm of the gods have a time period as it relates to years? I wanted to know what year it was... because depending on what year it is here, we could celebrate the zodiac animal of that year!

Once we find out the year and the animal, I was thinking maybe Ayame's could have a special discount for a little bit! Bring in the new year's animal, and you get a half of discount! If it's the year of the Ram, you could bring in one of these cute sheep, and then you get half off! Or a pig, or a rat, or a dog! And maybe we can make the dresses styled to the animal! I'd love a kimono with little monkey paws on them, I think that would be very cute!

[Awww, this is the happiest he's been in a while. Who wants to ruin it by pointing out several illogical facts? And if you'd like action, he can be seen sweeping outside of Ayame's dress shop.]

[Normally when a person connects to Asgard's network, they greet villagers with a view of their face. However, this particular new Traveller is busy showing the city…snow. In particular, the fresh snow and frost that graced the city just two days prior to his arrival. Lots of snow, because this particular new Traveller just tried to fly and promptly fell into the snow instead. There's a frustrated sound from Jack Frost as he stands up, bracelet turning to face the snow again. Good thing nobody saw that. He's not really thinking about whether anyone can hear or see him though. The whole "being seen and believed in" thing? Still sort of hit and miss with this guy, and he's working under the assumption that most people still can't. However he's very much visible to anyone looking. They'll see a white-haired boy covered in snow and walking through the city like it's no big deal. Oh yeah, and without shoes. He's still not showing his face to the bracelet for the network to see, but he's soon speaking up to talk his way through the situation.]

Uh huh. So the fate of all existence rests within my hands. Thaaat sounds kind of familiar. [Speaking of hands, one of his hands soon appears as he bends down while walking, scooping up some snow to form a snowball.]

What I want to know is who beat me to it. [That snowball starts getting tossed up and down.] Because this? This isn't my work. [The snowball stops getting tossed and he brings it up, presumably, to his mouth to try and work some magic on it. No such luck though. He immediately stops in his path, giving the snowball a curious look.

Okay, well, how about we make it snow? …no luck? What about fros--okay, no luck there either.]

You gotta be kidding me. I mean I get it, I have a new power. [In fact, he's going to test the strength of his new power, using his mind to create snowballs without his hand and allow them to float and hover around him.] …which is kind of cool, I guess. I get that supposedly old powers won't work, but how am I supposed to be a Guardian if I can't even make the snow come?

[Aw well…even if he can't make new snow, there's no sense wasting the snowball that's in his hand. So what's Jack going to do? He's going to take a look around…and that snowball's suddenly getting launched…who knows where. If another traveller's nearby, it might just hit them. Totally on accident. Really. Oh come on, he's still working under the assumption that most people can't see him. Someone missed the memo that when they say everything's been stripped, they mean everything. So assuming that there's no harm done here, he'll just start to walk off with his telekinetically-created snowballs drifting behind him like baby ducks following their mother.]