[ claudia seems to have a habit, and this habit is posting to the network during the morning. even when it's an accident, apparently! today, though, the post does not begin purposefully; the video records... nothing, only a quiet view of claudia auditore's suite. clean but rich in colors and details, much like the room one would expect of an italian renaissance noble. if more updated, of course. (someone is, clearly, not wearing her bracelet.) but the feed remains quiet for only so long. — a rose-ringed parakeet (recently, feral. has someone lost one of their blackmarket goods?) squawks. once, twice, thrice in alarm as a hair brush nearly collides with its small body. ]

E che cazzo, chiudi il becco!

[ the bird, instead, flies across the screen's corner to settle between books and a plant, all sitting on a high shelf. the window is open, but something about the suite must be awfully nice for it to tolerate thrown objects; it hasn't left for several days, now. some on the fourth floor residents of freya's welcome hall may have noticed. ]

When I finish with you...! Caterina will have bird for dinner. And she asks: "what is this lovely meal," I can tell her it's exotic chicken! Do you hear me! [ claudia is... wet. wearing a towel, of course. but wet. and she has something akin to a mane sticking to her neck and back: soft but long and thick. no wonder she wears her hair up, huh! that's one of those distinctive things people notice when someone is reaching for the recording device, you know. that, and the incredible volume of claudia's voice. ] Oh, because if I hear you one more time, I swear — uch! I'll use those pretty feathers to make new earrings, and —

[ oops, did someone realize she is being recorded in the middle of a tirade against a bird? the surprise passes, though, and claudia's face scrunches before the emotion releases in a heavy sigh. the feed cuts, suddenly. ]

[The video starts with Diva staring at the camera with a frown, looking like there is something Very Important that she has to tell all of you. But if you manage to catch a glimpse at the pile of books next to her, you'll be able to guess that, no, that's not the case. They're all about vampires, both stories like TwiNightlight and more "serious" books about the supernatural.]

Ugh, so I've been in the library all day, because you know, it's been a long time since I've read anything about vampires... And you know, I apparently forgot a lot because this is all stupid!

[She picks up a random book and kind of shoves it into the camera, though her blue eyes peek over the top with her brow furrowed as she speaks. It's titled The Complete Book of Vampires]

Like, ways to kill them, I always knew that was stupid, but really? Sunlight, fire, holy water, garlic, crucifixes... And I mean, getting staked in the heart? [huffs] That's just rude!

[Diva sets the book down again, sitting back with her arms crossed. That said, one of the things she listed would kill her as a Chiropteran, but... Better to make people believe otherwise.] I mean, I know people think they're just things in stories, but still. And some of the things they can do are stupid too. Sparkling in the sunlight especially...

So, if that's what they're like in just stories, I'm curious. If you have vampires, you know, people that drink blood, where you come from, what are they like? At least Chiropterans don't have any weird things like this. Or I guess even things just in stories, since there's no way I'm reading any more of these stupid books.

[someone seems to be up someplace high; a roof, if you're clever enough to guess. Crouched on that roof is Yusuf, freshly awoken from having been stuck amongst the gray natives. He's more than glad to be really awake again, and greets the strange communicating device with a wave of his left hand--

--few should be able to tell except the particularly observant, very few--but that casual and almost instantaneous flash of his hand is remarkable only because his ring finger is bent down.

But who cares about that? A handsome Turk is smiling at the network and he's already speaking--]

This city... [He shakes his head.] It is very remarkable, but... I never thought blending into a crowd would be so boring, eh?

Let us say that perhaps my desire to bring color to this place has been renewed. Where might I find some honest work? [and by h o n e s t he means "work that pays."]

[ooc: those in Heimdall District, feel free to run into him on the streets or ogle at him sitting on a rooftop. C: ]

[Video starts with a rather peevish looking Hungary, having managed to get her way outside and in what she would consider a quiet-ish place. It's not quiet in that house for her, not nearly enough so for this. Pushing some hair out of her face she gives a little huff, not even hiding her annoyance with the whole situation.]

You can't be expecting me to stay in a place with that many people, that many loud people at that. Someone please tell me this is a joke and I'm dreaming or this is someone's idea of a joke and I'm not going to be stuck here for who knows how long...

[She trails off a moment, leaning against the wall outside.] Alternatively, if anyone would like to help me in blowing off some steam, it'd be appreciated. I doubt anyone would want me harming the trees or breaking them, I promise to go soft on you.

[Kyou has three words for you Asgard, but he doesn't know if he has the time or the energy to say it, but he'll say it. ]

Ya know there's something I gotta say and that's

AND THAT'S-[and then he sags as if all the energy is completely]

This....place it sucks and ya know what, THIS PLACE  I REALLY [he breathes in and out, like he's about to pass out at any moment]


hate it. 
[and then he sags his shoulders and just quits while he's ahead.  God damn this place.]


Stupid rain. Is it ever gonna stop?


[for those of you who don't know.  Kyou has a thing against water and he acts like crap whenever it rains a lot.  Also sorry for the late I've been on hiatus, but I'm back now ;A;]

[It's been awhile since Francis has actually been so bold as to post to the network. It's bad enough that he's commenting on other people's posts for crying out loud. He's been making a fool of himself on a more private scale and that SIMPLY WILL NOT DO. So no--this radio silence has officially been cut off for great justice.

Now, one could say that he's here to philosophize on your ass, or perhaps give love advice since, you know, he's so excellent in maintaining his own personal life. Perhaps he just wants to complain? He is French. It's only natural. However, as the video adjusts and Francis adjusts himself to fit just so into the frame looking mighty dapper today, it becomes clear that this isn't on his agenda. At all.]

My friends; some of you have seen me around and while others have not-- it seems as if Asgard is eagerly accepting more people within its borders, in which I must say hello. Welcome to this ah, surely unique experience. 

[rubbing his jaw, he divulges his imaginary audience with a bit of a grin] 

That is hardly the point of why I am here gracing you with my presence! Non, you see-- I am but a man that is seeking out companionship. An activity partner if you will. While I am not a shy man I hardly can indulge in spa days by myself. Imagine that-- myself, just hogging up all the attention with hardly anyone to talk to! 

Do tell me that there is someone out there that will save a man from his own?

[Why yes, he is bothering the good people of Asgard for a play date. He needs someone that is unattached to his current dilemmas to take his mind off of surly men things. NO HE IS NOT LONELY. NOT AT ALL. Why can't he ask to be rubbed down by a stranger in the company of someone who is a different shade of STRANGER?]

[ Have a spunky pink-haired girl in overalls, Asgard. And she looks rather distressed, oh no! ]

Um, hi everypony! I was just out celebrating the water being gone finally, and thought I'd even see how far down the street I can bounce a ball from the Loki front door! So I went and reached in this tree hollow here- [ she zips over to said tree, zooming in on the alleged hole in the tree ]

and there isn't a ball here! In fact, I've tried all the right places and I haven't found any balls anywhere!

[ Is she cringing? Is her face one of pure horror? Most indubitably! THIS IS IMPORTANT BUSINESS, ASGARD. SHE MEANS IT. ]

You guys don't mean to tell me there isn't an emergency ball stash set up here, can you? I-I mean, what does somepony do when they need a ball to bounce or even use in pranks? They're the stuff of practical joke gold! How does anypony go without?!

A-And I haven't found any eyepatches, either! Everypony should have an eyepatch within reach whenever they need one, don't you think?! How do Travellers stand it?!?!

Asgard, I've decided something. Even if it is... bigger than Ponyville, if I can set up the emergency ball and eyepatch stashes at home, I can do the same for Asgard, too!

[ And with a proud huff, the feed clicks off. ]

[ there's a bit of jumbling before the feed is set on an empty wall and what appears to be a film projector. the film reel inside it starts in a soft shade of sepia, actual color bleeding in faint, blues reds, and golds. it's old, and the quality is iffy, maybe something in line with the old films from the thirties, though obviously being in asgard has had some effect on the color. on the center of the screen is an arena over a pool of water, lit by a single spot. two groups of three people, one set in reds and whites, the other, in brown and tan, are lined up along the half court line. anyone who met or saw mako on his first day in town will recognize the combination of pads, though the helmets are a new addition. A BELL RINGS, and—!!

(the sound is almost washed out save for the announcer's words, it appears someone has mashed together a radio broadcast in time with the film.)

hot damn, someone's throwing fire. AND WATER? AND ALSO frisbee looking things... ]

( transcript, non-ic cut for length )

[ the reel cuts out seconds later, interrupting the radio announcer fellow's list of "league rankings". while it plays in the background, the camera switches to an awe-struck Hilda. ]

There's some awesome stuff in this library. Hey, Mako! This was that "bending" stuff you were telling me about, right? You should come and see all of these tapes!

...so, any of you newbies know about this stuff? Or maybe had something like it back home? I've seen Pokemon be able to use elements like that, but never people!


((ooc: tags will come from both Mako and Hilda, with the former answering any questions about pro-bending and the latter just jumping in with her own commentary. ))

Hello.

Hello?

[Austria blinks at the screen. This thing actually works...

Have an unamused lineface. Culture shock?]

If anyone is watching, I'm assuming this is either an elaborate joke or a dream I can't seem to wake up from. I got an explanation from a servant and, while she was very kind, I don't think I buy into the story. I'm no stranger to being pranked, you know, and I don't appreciate it going on for so long. If this is a dream, however, I supposed it's my own damned fault for challenging myself to watch the entirety of Der Ring des Nibelungen on DVD in one sitting last week. I've had all the Leitmotivs running through my head since, although I'm not sure why I was expecting otherwise. Couldn't stand the staging direction, mind you, but a masterpiece is a masterpiece --

[He clears his throat.] I've been told I have the power to potentially manipulate emotions and create illusions through music, which is rather amusing because any decent musician knows how to do this. I don't need to be presented with the obvious. That being said, I need to find a case for my violin and I need to find one quickly. I don't like carrying it around naked with all this water everywhere.

[The scowl fades, and he seems to have suddenly been hit with reality. There is a numbness about him.]

...If anyone would care to show me around, I would be grateful. I haven't ventured too far past my room, as I unfortunately doubt my own skills in finding my way back.

Thank you.

( The feed cuts on and Spain isn't really paying attention. It looks like he's still playing with the bracelet but it's hard to tell. When he looks up, he's almost surprised to see that it's started to work already. Some day, he'll get used to this magic. Until then, have a welcoming smile, )

It's interesting; I thought I'd seen everything but it looks like there's more out there.

What is your world like? Is it nice? How's the weather? Does it have anything interesting? What about the military. . .

( Spain you aren't being very subtle about your intentions here. )

Speaking of places. ( He holds up his copy of the map that was given to him. He taps at a random area outside the wall, ) Can anyone tell me about what is outside the walls?

<sub>[ If anybody is out there receiving texts, they may get a wall of purple here, not sounding utterly pleased with his sudden new location. He's going to sent an out cry of this before switching to video.
It's a rather demanding sounding wall of text. This guy is really trying to sound dead serious here, but it's sort of hard to take what he's saying seriously, really. ]


[ Impatience as nobody responds right away, Eridan snarls and switches to video. We an exhausted looking fish boy here with disgusting looking fins protruding from his face. His hair is styled in some messy faux hawk with a purple streak in it, eyes framed with stereotypical hipster glasses. Oh, and the stupid scarf of course. It takes him awhile to adjust the video on his face properly, and all he barks is this: ]</sub>

Vvris, if you're out there, get your ASS ovver here! I ain't done wwith this!
As for anybody else, tell me wwhat the HELL is goin' on here! You're addressin' sub-ROYALTY here. I demand you givve me your damn RESPECT.

[After a substantial amount of panic, shouting and demanding to know where his friends are, Kurogane has finally given up on finding them in the palace and turned to this strange bracelet. He manages to get the audio feature working, vaguely remembering how telephones and stuff like that worked in Hanshin and Piffle.]

Oi. [His tone is tense and he obviously has to force himself to keep calm. This is not a happy man.] I need someone to tell me how the hell I get back to where I was and who's responsible for this shit. [Another interference from that guy? It doesn't look like it but who the hell else...] I don't have time for this crap.

Kid, manjuu... Mage... If you guys are here, let me know now. [He sounds more and more stressed as he goes on.] If anyone's seen a kid with brown hair carrying a girl or a guy with blond hair and an eyepatch, say so. [Pauses for a moment, tense.] If this thing even fucking works! [Kurogane growls and tries to turn the communicator off, quickly getting frustrated and just slamming his fist against the wall, with an audible crash.]

I only let go for one fucking second, damnit...

There are two questions I wish to have answered.

[ Hullo Asgard, goodbye Asgard, someone is remembering his etiquette lessons again. yes, sure, this is how you talk to people.

At least Ja'far isn't throwing anything this time..! (and if you have heard ~mysterious crashing noises~ in Heimdall last week? Then let's ignore those, that was certainly not his doing...erm ) Anyway, taking a deep breathe here, someone is really rather tense ]

I have been told that the comings and goings of the people trapped in this place are not self-determined, rather, they're controlled by external forces.

Those left behind can be caught too, and those trapped in this city are liable to disappear without prior warning. I take it that there's no possibility to know how they are fairing?! Those self-named gods would not consent to lowering themselves enough to relief our worries most likely and--

[ stopping right there because even Ja'far realises that he is losing his cool. No, he has survival instincts, why are you asking? There's a hand massaging at his temple now, the movement rough, the knuckles dyed dark blue. Ink? Bruises? Who knows, he doesn't seem bothered by them at least ]

I find myself without employment at the moment, that would be the second reason behind this...video. I am not comfortable with that arrangement and wish to inquire about the possibility of rectifying this.


( OOC: SO, Ja'far without work is a REALLY BAD THING, he gets rashes for one {!!} but he could avoid those by camping out in the library reading like a loon. As for the other, he miiiight have taken to just. picking up things he finds in Heimdall and putting them in order. folding clothes. cleaning shoes. filling out other people's crossword puzzles! Feel free to have noticed that and bite him for it. ALSO, I am probably falling asleep soon so I will tackle this when I get back!!)

[ the feed opens to a raven-haired teen, currently looking very cross at something, or someone. ]

If this is some form of a joke, it isn't funny at all.

Saotome-san, if it is you, please stop fooling around and get me back to the studio.

… If it isn't Saotome-san, then whoever it is who brought me here, please return me back to my place. I still have to practice for our next performance.

[ he turns away slightly, sighing. His voice is softer now. ]

I do not want Nanami-san, Otoya and the others to worry about me. It's bad enough I made them worry before our debut…

[ooc: am I supposed to request for a tag? /forgot how this works orz]

[A bearded man who seems to be in his mid-forties fiddles and taps the bracelet, appearing--if nothing else--bewildered and bemused by this strange device. He is, honestly, but wouldn't anyone? Panic will do him no good at all!

This man is dark-skinned and, to anyone from Earth, appears to speak with a particular accent--from the near East; a Turk, dressed somewhat colorfully over what skilled eyes would see as protective armor--and he's armed as well. At the moment though, he may as well look harmless.

Yusuf rubs at his chin, tapping a finger against his jaw.]

I hope this is not a magnificent ruse of some kind, but I was not aware this is where I would walk-- No, no, vakitsiz oten horozun basini keserler, eh? Important matters first--the rest will happen in time.

If what I am told is true, this message can be heard by others as well. Perhaps an answer would serve to put my mind at ease? [Because the grin on his face says he's really trying, but if this turns out not to be true he will feel pretty foolish in the end. Nothing ventured nothing gained though.]

I am afraid visiting a city of gods is beyond my past experiences, and trust me, I have seen many strange things in my lifetime. Unfortunately, I have little to offer in materials in exchange for information. If I may intrude upon the graces of any generous travelers I promise I will offer good conversation in return.

[Yusuf nods and waves an idle hand.] Bir elin nesi var, iki elin sesi var.

[And after more fiddling, off goes the transmission.]

I have a question, if you do not mind answering, everyone.

[There's a long pause, where Kadar considers both the question and his own answer for a moment.]

Are you happy here?

( After playing with the bracelet some, he thinks he has an idea of how this works? Or maybe not. He should have asked the maid to show him again. Oh! There we go. Have a video of the Spanish Empire. For those who know him from home, they might think he looks younger and did he get those clothes from a museum? )

Well, this isn't too bad, is it? A guide and a map at the very beginning? ¡Ay! I wish it was always this easy.

( A hand to his heart, a smile, and a wink, )

Hola, my name is Spain. The kingdom on which the sun never sets and the greatest empire in the world. ( Oh, that was a lot to say, ) But just Spain will work.

We can go home once we do our part, no? So let's work together and finish as quickly as we can. I'm a very busy person! And if I don't get home soon, my boss will find out and I'll get in trouble.

So first things first: I think red is a nice color. . .