[Where else was Samantha ever present in these things than when she was in her lab? It would have been a rare sight to see her anywhere else on the network. Something was bubbling in the background and an old, weathered stone statue stood in the corner looking stolid.

She grunted and looked down at some notes before glancing at the feed.]

It's been a few weeks. There's going to be a reprisal. Either from what's left of her forces if they can muster it, or Surt's going to come after us. His lot's been itching for a fight.

So, I guess the cat's a little 'out of the bag' now about some of the things I've been up to. Good. [She coughed once.] If anyone needs me for that sort of thing, give me a call, but in the meantime, I'm just going to be an eternal kill joy and get right back to work.

Poultices still need to be made. We've got supplies ready, but just in case he comes to Asgard itself, I want a plan of action. If the fight's here, we don't need to split our healer teams up like we did last month. I'm open to working with anyone who feels up to defending folks that isn't in the military in helping make sure the medics stay safe during a fight. If they go down, we could end up sunk.

So, right then. Give me a call if you want in on the fun. [Yeah, someone thought of potions as fun. She really needed to get out more.]

If you could take anything... well... any one thing from here back home... something that isn't a memory or a person. What would you bring back home with you? If you would bring back anything at all, I suppose.

I've just been thinking, now with Thiazi... gone [She doesn't really want to say dead.] that things feel like we're far more likely to be getting close to the end of things. It's a terribly serious thing to talk about, which is why I suppose such a serious question...

[She tries to brighten herself up, offering a smile, though it is half-hearted.]

It doesn't have to be, though! I'm sure... well, perhaps it's best to think of something fun and lovely instead.

It is winter again. We had the wonderful festival last time. Perhaps we should do something smaller but something like it? [She wasn't sure that anyone would be in such a mood for a thing, but maybe so?]

[Today Riley can be found hanging out in the back of Needle in a Haystack. She's sitting on top of a pile of boxes, leaning back on one hand as she smiles at the recording she's making. Today she's feeling pretty good about things. Especially about the thing she wants to ask about.]

Okay so people in the past of my world used to celebrate birthdays a lot. They apparently had parties and all that to go "whoo hoo! I lived to see another year!" Now, where I'm from we've pretty much lost that because, well, reasons.

[She shrugs like "Apocalypse. What are you gonna do?"]

But here's a question for all of you. How do you celebrate your birthdays? Parties? Presents? Food? Nothing? I wanna know because I want to know all that stuff that I've been missing out on all these years because like hell was anyone going to be celebrating the grand existence of me. Even if they totally should have.

[That makes her laugh a little.]

Tell me about your birthday stuff. It's time to share again!

Umm... [Kevin rubs the back of his neck with his left hand. There's probably no way to make this whole thing easy. There's too many reasons why what he's hoping for might not work.] I know some people can draw some pretty awesome stuff and make it real. Do you think it'd work to draw a new arm? Not a real one, like a metal one but one that actually moves? And would anyone else know how to attach it?

I've realized something. ( her voice is level, even, and pleased. she's been thinking since returning from the recent expedition to destroy thiazi. the biggest of the big bads has been vanquished, and in spite of the hardships met and casualties, she's feeling relatively optimistic. ) We're gonna win. They want a war, we'll give 'em one. But.

( and there's always a but... )

I think some of our resourcefulness could be extended if we had more driving physical force. I'm going to reopen defense classes, including some bootcamp-style hard-hitting advanced weaponry. I'm willing to spend most of my time on this between patrols - and you know, food and sleep, the stuff you need to not wither and die - including one-on-one sessions. You're more than welcome to contact me any time, day or night, through your bracelets. First class will meet outside of the Roadhouse tomorrow, about an hour after first light. There will be cardio and strength training to warm up, and the majority of combative instruction will take place at Gefion Park, where there's more room.

Oh - for those I haven't met yet, I'm Buffy. I'll take fighters of all ages, though I'd encourage anyone under the age of like - say, sixteen? - to find less risky means of helping in the war effort. Anyway. Get in touch, we'll talk fight.

[ Hello, Asgard. Here we have a man with a lovely nose. That nose and nervous disposition may be familiar to some of you, but he hasn't been here for some time. Even know when he's managed to settle down and post to the network, he seems a bit puzzled and taken off guard by his return. ]

Right. Here again. Hullo. [ Accented with your typical awkward Rory wave. ]

Is--the war isn't over yet, is it? I mean, no, I suppose not. Since you're all still here. Sorry--I've been gone for a bit.

[ Settling into an entirely different time period really scatters you a little. ]

Can someone give me an update on what's happened recently, then? And if the clinic is in need of more help again? And if you can tell me if the Doctor is still here, that would be fantastic. Any of them. Or a woman with red hair called Amy.

[ spike hasn't made an appearance on the network or much of anywhere public since his return, but here he is. he's outside, wearing a sweater and gloves. it's gotten cold this past week or so. ]

...Well, hey, you lot. Fancy seeing you here. [ there's a shift but then he's doing his best to look unbothered by the entire situation. he's always been awkward about these things, but what is there really left to say. ] Glad to be back, really, thanks for asking.

Tea's as good as ever, and there's always something on cable... I've just been thinking, you know. No smart remarks, I do have the capability and all.

[ he's got to stop rambling. oh boy. he looks right into the feed and nods his head. this is definitive. no turning back; it's been decided and it's over with. ]

We're gonna win. I mean really-- we've got this.

We're gonna win.

That's it. Just thought you should know.

[ It's not been often lately that any of the gods have seemed outright celebratory on the network, but here you have it now: Thor's face is lit up with a brilliant and almost triumphant grin. ]

Polish your armor and sharpen your swords. We've taken Tyr and his power out of Thiazi's hands, and we know now for sure: she will not stand a chance against us and our dragon friends.

We will leave at sunrise in two days' time, and know this, Travelers - she is afraid, and with good reason. In two days, we march to victory.

[ ooc notes: He'll be hanging around a while if anyone has any questions, but feel free to use this post for ic discussion/planning too! The ooc event post will go up detailing all of the minutia in the morning. Thanks! ]

[Riley is sitting in the middle of her room at Loki. She's got a candy bar in one hand and a sheet of paper in the other. Grinning, she takes a bite of the candy then shifts about to lean back against her bed. There's boxes all over it.]

Okay... [Yes, Mags. She's talking with her mouth full again.] Fo. We've ha' fum... [She swallows.] ...shit storms recently. I think it's time to lighten the mood and ask a really fucking serious question.

[She puts on a serious face and points at the paper with her candy.] Would any of these... [She points at the world at large with the candy.] ...work on any of you?

[With that, she clears her throat and looks over the paper before giving everyone her sexiest look.]

Hey, baby. That's a nice shirt. Can I talk you out of it?

[Her lip trembles as she tries not to just bust up laughing.]

If you think you feel good, you should feel me.

[She lets out a snort.]

Hey babe! There's a party in my pants and you're invited!

[Okay no. She's done. Riley busts up laughing because all of these are so bad!] Who the hell uses this shit? It's more likely to get you punched in the face!

alright asgard. long time, no see. hear you've been a bit down lately. no problem. i've got something to lift your spirits.

unfortunately i've a bit of a shopping list i've gotta take care of before it can. if you've got any of this stuff, i'm willing to cough up the cash. in the end, considering you're of age, it'll benefit me and you both.

-corn or corn meal
-yeast
-sugar
-copper tubing

[ You're not subtle, Ash. ]

[ Private to Jo ]
i'm gonna need some money.

I have an odd request for everyone, or at least those that will listen to me. I was wondering if anyone of you wanted a...hug.

[The last part is said quietly like he's scared to just say the word at the moment. It would normally be unusual considering he love to give affectionate hugs. The hallucinations had brought and old fear he had to the forefront of his mind even after they've dissipated]

If a hug is too much, I can give you a handshake or pat on the shoulder. Anything is fine now, I just think a gentle touch is just something that everyone could use at least once in while. Just give me a call if you need one...

[The before ends it, he whispers someone to himself, only those with good hearing will catch it.]

I just need to feel that everyone is alive.

[ This is Odin's first real public appearance since the martial law was first instated, an intentional move after the whole traitor fiasco, and despite his standard crisp black suit and ramrod straight posture, the King of Asgard is still looking a little rough around the edges. A muscle jumps in his jaw right before he begins speaking. ]

There's a decision to be made. You handled the last with a surprising amount of grace and reason, and for your hand in both getting us to this point and in the war at large, we'll give you say in this one as well.

You returned from Mimisbrunnr with the information we needed to recover Tyr's soul from Thiazi's grasp, but we've been waiting for the right moment. We need to be prepared, because as soon as we make our move, she's going to know, and she's going to be pissed.

[ At least for that much, he almost looks pleased, insofar as the only change in his demeanor being a sort of fire in his eyes. It's short lived. ]

So. Before we perform the ritual, we need to decide what to do with Tyr's soul once we have it. This is where you come in. My colleagues and I will be around to answer any questions you might have, but seeing as this is a largely personal matter for many of us, I'll remind you lot to either keep it professional or keep it to yourself.

[ Looking @ u, Freyr and Loki and any other bleeding hearts in the audience. ]

We need to act fast, so you have until sundown. And one last word of caution - [ As personal as Odin will get for this post, with an imperceptible glare. ] - do not take this lightly.

[ OOC NOTES: This is the IC discussion regarding whether or not to resurrect Tyr! The poll is still open until Oct. 16 at 11:59PM CST, so hash things out and make sure to vote!! Let us know if you have any questions or if you'd like to request an NPC in specific for your thread! ]

[ even in war there is time for philosophy. maybe. Kaworu comes to the video, smiling. He is sitting in his room; on the walls, there are MANY photos of many different people he has met while in Asgard. In his lap there is Zadkiel, an adult orange cat, who is purring loudly (surprisingly, because this cat is the devil) ]

Of all the things you have learned through your life, which is the one you praise the most, the one you think of the most about, the one you are most glad to have learned, met or seen? And why?

[ and because he learned it's better to answer your own questions in order to help others answer, Kaworu will do exactly that ]

I'd say mine is rain. Since this body was created, I have lived inside a laboratory and I was not allowed contact with the outside world. When I first arrived to Asgard, it was around this time of the year and it rained. It was the first time I had seen and felt it, during an afternoon when I shared with someone who is no longer in this world. I suppose that's why I came to love it. Rain reminds me of him. Rain reminds me of many things, and each is very dear to me. [ his hand reaches to pet the cat's head as he looks down at him ]

Ever since I arrived, I was allowed to learn much and see much. I was allowed contact with others, and I was allowed to learn about others. [ yes, "allowed". Because before, he was more of a labrat, not allowed much.

He smiles softly and after he turns to the bracelet again ]

I'm very glad for the time I have spent here. And I thank you for it. I thank you for all that you showed me and taught me, and I thank you for being there. It made this extra time I was allowed much more meaningful.

[ and he is talking about himself which is weird for those who know him, but the war is ending and it's time ]

So.

[ He's eating popcorn. If there's an angry way to eat popcorn, Loki's managing it right now. Munch munch munch. ]

You guys know I'm a fan of riddles. Here's one: what's the difference between a lobster with big boobs and a Greyhound station? [ The most careful deadpan. Munch munch. ] Too easy? All right, I've got a harder one for you: how does a Giant with elemental magic perform spiritual magic?

[ A beat. A handful of popcorn. Prolonged eye-contact. ]

Nothing? Man, rough crowd. Don't worry, I'll give you this one: she doesn't. She gets a god to do it for her.

[ Okay, fuck the popcorn. He throws the whole bucket over his shoulder and sits forward. ]

See, turns out when everyone else was having that fun family reunion down in Ginnungagap, Thiazi wasn't actually just sitting naked on her throne and cackling to herself as she is wont to do. Naw, she was studying the magic dear old Dad used to shove my mom's soul into the doll that started the whole party. The gods were too busy fighting over some snot-nosed brats to realise that Tyr's soul never returned to the land like it was supposed to.

[ Hence the recent excursions and general confusion. He shouldn't've ditched his popcorn, now he has nothing to angrily chew but the inside of his cheek. ]

Thiazi's been attacking us in ways that shouldn't be possible, aren't, because her magic isn't written that way. Took us awhile to figure it out, but seems like you guys do pretty well as the Bossman's eyes. There's no magic down there 'cos someone took it, and it ain't in Muspellheim 'cos it's hanging out down south, and Thiazi's more powerful than she should be 'cos she's using my dad's soul, same way she was planning to use Freyr's and the rest of us once she'd taken us down.

[ He wiggles his fingers theatrically and confetti falls in front of the camera with the word 'Surprise!' written on it. So dramatic ! ]

Luckily for us, most of you guys are the heroic sort that love rescuing damsels in distress, and the rest of you just like dicking people over. So - how's a trip back to Mimisbrunnr sound? If there's a way to draw Tyr's soul back out of Thiazi, she'll be weakened and we'll have one more edge over her crazy ass. Train's heading out tomorrow if you're interested!

[ A pause, and he summons his popcorn back to him to resume eating it from ... off ... the floor Loki you could've just summoned new popcorn why ... ]

I like to think I've been pretty good to you guys, so I'm gonna ask you for a personal favour. [ He sobers, as much as Loki is able to do so when he's this mad. ] Help me kill this bitch. Doing this will get us one step closer, and I cannot fucking wait to see her head roll.

[ That's all he's got. Loki, out! ]

[ OOC NOTES: This is the metaplot information for Dude, Where's My Soul? You didn't think the title was just a shitty reference, did you? The log is already up here! Enjoy! ]

[Bruce comes on the network rarely, but makes an exception on this particularly dark night. He considers, comes very close to asking is everyone out there holding up all right? They're living in interesting times. There's no shame in asking for help. They should all be taking care of themselves and each other.

He's a little maudlin tonight, to be perfectly honest. But he recognizes the tendency, and asks instead;]

Does your world have limericks? I've got a prize here for the best, another for the silliest, and another for the rudest. Let's have 'em, Asgard.