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!))

[ 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. ]

[ Time has passed. What, two months now? This has been a lot to take in. And more importantly, a lot to get everyone's minds off his embarrassing and horrible introduction when he first arrived. He was prepared...! Nothing flashy this time, just something normal.

He seems oddly well-dressed at the moment, wearing this suit, which she bought using some of the money from-- ]

Hello, Asgard! The name's Keiichi for anyone I haven't had a chance to talk to before. I've got a few questions. More like a load of them, but I don't think I've got all day to interrogate everyone--

First, who here hasn't been to the Highwind? Don't answer! The real question is why. A restaurant ran by two adorable and charming women with great food. The wait staff is pretty cool, too. What are you all doing, just sitting there? It's right here in my own district--Heimdall!

[ ...Yeah, this is playing exactly like a television ad. He's not doing half bad, either; he has a title to uphold, after all, and still feels he owes the aforementioned friends for letting him work there despite being...less than experienced. At least he isn't doing any of the cooking. ]

So, I expect to see everyone I know there.

[ Now we return you to your regularly scheduled-- ]

...I've got another question. It's...kind of weird? I know most people have a lot of animosity towards the gods here...and I admit some of them [ read: all of them so far ] seem like jerks, but...

I'm curious about mine and I haven't seen him around? Heimdall, right? I don't know much about Norse mythology, so...

Anyone know who he is or what he's like? I'm, uh. Curious about why I ended up in his House. He's the one I've got to...'thank' for this power, after all, right? And we're assigned to them based on...something, right?

So, what's he like? Maybe he's shy? It'd explain why he doesn't seem to get out much...

[ He has seen the other gods talking here and there, and saw the sacrifice of one of the siblings and all. But he has yet to learn anything of his own patron god. ]

[ ohay asgard, ever seen the look of someone who's literally just gotten out of bed and scrambled to check the bracelet? because now you have. and he looks awful. if it was possible to look sleep deprived after what he's sure was the longest night (or maybe even multiple nights) of sleep he's ever had. of course, it wasn't just a normal sleep -- hence the franticness of everything he's doing right now.

it's a bit uncharacteristic, but jackson's had the video feed running for a minute or so as he stares at everything in disbelief. it might be the look of a newcomer if it wasn't for the fact that he's in his room at Thor and he doesn't look surprised at the network itself, but at the fact that it's still here. ]

I don't know if anyone— [ dreamt they were back home? no, no, that wouldn't work. what if no one knows what he's talking about. ]

I need someone — anyone — to tell me what day it is. [ his words are coming out too fast and he takes a deep breath to steady himself. ]

And what's the last thing that you remember happening here? I don't mean like you just waking up and getting food, but something major.

Whatever it was, I need to know now.

[ filtered to scott, stiles, allison, and derek ]

i need to talk to you. right now.

So, uh-- [Hey, Asgard. Timothy looks a little frazzled this morning, aside from his normal kiddish appearance. It appears he's in a kitchen and behind him the counters look like complete shit. What is that on his face? It looks like batter...]

How do you get rid of th' smell of smoke? Like is there a quick 'n easy way or somethin'?

I kinda need to know like now, so--

[From behind him something on the stove suddenly catches fire, causing Timothy to jump five feet out of his skin.] Oh shit--!

[Well that's the end of that feed.]

[The first thing that Euri's bracelet is recording is the CRUNCH CRUNCH of snow under her boots. She and Dog are out exploring all of Gefion Park today, curious to see how the snow changes the area surrounding her home.]

The snow is pretty nice! It's a lot more than we'd get back home in Fuggum.

Oh - but I had a question. There's a couple of people here who are royalty, right? How does that work, anyway? How do they get castles? Is it different in every world? The humans back home have royalty, and stories about princes and kings being chivalrous and slaying dragons and rescuing damsels in distress. I think if you marry someone royal you become royal, but I don't really know the details.

So! How does royalty work for everyone else?

[She and Dog will be out wandering all over Gefion for a while, so feel free to run into her in person!]

I think all the new people are settled, right? I don't have much to say other than 'good luck' to you guys. And hopefully you try to enjoy yourself a little in between everything that happens.

If any of you haven't heard of what ramen is, whether you're new or not, I tend to run a deal where you can get your first bowl for free from me. I haven't really announced it at all but I run a ramen stand which I cart around between the districts most days. So keep an eye out and you can find me around or contact me and I'll see if I can deliver an order or two, if it's not too far out of the way.

...maybe hiring someone for deliveries would be a good idea...

A-Anyway, I hope I didn't miss anything.

...and if you ask me what ramen is, you're better off taking advantage of my offer and just tasting it yourself. Make your own opinion.

[with all the decorations going up around the city, it seems like everyone is getting into the holiday spirit! ... more or less. these two girls seem to be pretty into it, though, as they enjoy some nice, hot drinks in a cafe somewhere in the Sigyn district. the girl whose bracelet is recording this video stretches as she looks at the recording feed.] Man, this really hits the spot! I’m so glad we found this place, especially with how cold it’s been getting. Don’t you think so, Yukiko?

[the other girl quietly nods as she takes a sip from her mug. surely some seasonal drink — hot cocoa, coffee, or cinnamon tea.] Mhm. This place is really nice, Chie. Thanks for— [and then, she looks over to her friend, only to see her own face reflected back at her.] C-Chie, are you recording me? [She looks to her friend, then back to the camera, giving a wry half smile.] Um, hello..

I just wanted to introduce you to the network! It’s how I made most of the friends I met when I first got here. [with a grin still on her face, she turns her attention from Yukiko to the recording feed.] This is Yukiko Amagi! She’s my best friend from back home, and she’s new here! She’s super nice and friendly, so treat her well, okay? [and then, her voice drops a little... jokingly, of course. right?] Or else.

[the bracelet is then passed to Yukiko, who positions it to where her face is on the screen clearly. she waves a bit.] Um, hello. I’m sorry.. I’m still not completely used to communicating with this.. thing. I guess it shouldn’t be so awkward, it’s just like a cell phone, right? [she smiles.] But don’t worry about me, Chie. I can take care of myself. [a tiny nod, but her face darkens a bit. The duo truly is a fearsome pair..] Anyways, it’s nice to meet everyone in Asgard. I hope we can get along. [after a few moments of silence..] Um, Chie? How do I turn it off?

Oh, here, I got it— [and the bracelet is back to Chie. but before she turns it off, she has one more message for the network...] By the way, the peppermint mocha here is awesome. You guys should definitely try it if you have the chance! We’ll be coming here more often, right? [and with Chie's attention fully returned her bff, off the bracelet goes!]

(ooc: joint post!! Chie and Yukiko will be replying separately.)

[ The feed suddenly turns on, the screen showing a stack of books rather than a person at first. However, after some shifting the feed shows a girl with twintails flipping through a book. She seems a bit unimpressed by what she's looking at and she closes the book, eyes closed and shaking her head. ]

This library is impressive, but so far I haven't found anything on Asgard itself. Are they that embarrassed about its history and land? [ She shifts a bit, crossing her legs. ] Then again, I would be embarrassed too if I was a great god and had to depend on some teenagers and a few adults to save the world. They're probably not telling us something, too.

[ A pause to let her words sink in a bit. Plus socializing is hard. ]

.... My name is Rin Tohsaka, by the way. I'm in Odin with fire abilities. [ A shadow crosses her face, and a more grim expression is shown. After all, she just came from a burning castle after watching her previous servant die. It's like the gods are playing a joke in her. ] Before I go, if there's a Shirou Emiya or a woman going by the name Saber around, please do tell me.

[ With that, the feed shuts off. ]

In my own opinion, the kidnapping scenario is rather cliché and, if I’m to be honest, only someone who is running low on ideas would decide to use such a repetitive concept. While I’m flattered you thought I was someone who suited your criteria, I’m in no way interested in what it is you wish for me to do for your world so with that said, I would appreciate it if you would return me to from whence I came and we can part as nothing more than strangers passing by the street.

[ after having said this, silence finally begins to settle in as she awaits for her departure but, to no surprise, nothing happens. at this, she turns her attention back to the bracelet. well, seems she'll be stuck here for a while longer -- in any case, it's not as though she was desperate to return, but being in a new world wasn't exactly nice either.]

You're all liars, all of you.

[While the words are already jarring, out of place, when spoken with Freya's soft voice, they don't even begin to compare to the rest of the picture. Something is wrong. The goddess, usually so cool and collected in front of the travelers, is nothing like that now. It looks as if she hasn't been sleeping in days, since her twin's death, and her slender frame trembles with emotion.

Freyr had always been the friendlier, warmer of the two siblings, but that doesn't mean there is no warmth to be found in his sister. No, Freya loves, just as her brother did. She loves fiercely and boldly. She loves enough to fight for those she cares for.

It just never occurred to anyone that this would be a problem.]

I can still save him. [There's a harsh, hysterical quality to her voice that wasn't there before.] And you, with all your beautiful, noble words, will not help me, despite all he has done to spare your lives.

[She bows her head, hair tumbling down her shoulders and hiding her expression from the viewers.]

Stay within your guarded walls then. I will fix this myself.

[As soon as the video ends, all members of Freya's house will feel a strange, disconnected sensation and have difficulties using their powers as she cuts them all off. This will fade within a minute, and the powers will be returned to normal after that.]

Stupid fucking gods!

[There's a very abrupt crash as Euri hurls a teapot at the wall of the mushroom. She's been wrecking the first floor of the mushroom for a good half hour now, but it hasn't helped calm her down. She's frustrated and pissed and even just thinking of never being able to see Vanitas again is riling her up over and over. There's another smash as a cup shatters against the wall.]

How could you?! He had nothing to go back to! Nothing! Even if he hated it he was better off here! And now he's - he's -

[Gone. Dead. The word doesn't matter. Unless the gods decide to bring him back on a whim she'll never be able to see him again. She hates that - on top of everything else, there isn't a damn thing she can do. She's completely powerless.

And what about Vanitas? He goes back to absolute nothingness. Dragged away from a place that actually gave him possibilities, an actual future. Even if he was far from a good person she knew he wasn't all bad. He doesn't deserve to go back to nothing. It's heartbreaking.

There's a few moments of silence, and when she speaks up again her voice sounds a lot more choked, as if she's about to start crying.]

They got rid of Vanitas.

[ As painfully unnecessary feeds go, please appreciate this one for having 254.6(6)% more muttering, fumbling and awkward pauses than your average sheepish interlude. ]

...sorry. Sorry about everything that's been happening. The losses. The... inconvenience. Sorry about all that.

[ It appears he is growing a spine for the next part - ]

And sorry, but - what's a good job for someone who... can't do anything?

[ ...and that the spine has now entered evolutionary recession. Muffled rambling mode: engaged. ]

Not fix things, not tell jokes, not do your physics homework, not herd cattle, not... be a... witch, not really punch, not carry the groceries without ruining the eggs, not... nothing. Nothing at all.

[ Sigh. ]

What's a good job for someone like that? And where could they get it? Along with about forty-two mops. Thank you.

[ Despite staying out of the way during most of the fighting - as much as possible, anyways - Shion hasn’t been procrastinating, no way. Amongst various things that could be important, she’s been debating on what to do about someone. The someone she currently happens to be in the same room with. So all of Asgard is blessed with her delightful face today, and with some other kid’s head as well. ]

Ah, hello everyone! [ You remember her? OF COURSE YOU DO. She’s waving towards Satoshi, smiling cheerfully. And then nudging him in the ribs. ] Say hello!

[ For his own part, Satoshi had managed to stay away from the fighting too... mostly at Shion’s insistence. It’d been hard to ignore at times, but he knew there probably wasn’t much he could anyways. Better to leave that sort of stuff to people better suited for it, right? ]

Oh... um... hello! [ He smiles weakly as he rubs his ribs, glancing back at Shion. ] You never told me what this was about... [ Or that she’d be recording it, whatever it was. ]

Ahh, about that... I’m going to introduce you to the rest of the city! [ Because he needs friends. ] So please, tell us all your name, age and special skill! [ Wait, can she take that back... As much as she likes him... ] Go on!

Well... my name is Satoshi Houjou, and I’m 16. My special skill is... [ Does he even have a special skill? He seems to go into deep thought for a while, unable to really come up with anything. Yeah, this is pretty tough. Sorry, Shion. ]

...Let’s leave that up to our viewers. [ She turns back to the screen and nods. ] If you have any suggestions as to what his skill could be, please let me know. It’s more dire than I expected.

Is it really that bad...? I can come up with something, I just need more time! [ A lot more. ]

A-anyways, please treat him kindly! [ She’s going to use this opportunity to warn him away from everyone she deems unworthy... And if they don’t treat him nicely, she’ll wait until they’re asleep and... ] Satoshi-kun, is there anything you want to add?

Not really. I’d be glad if I could meet any of Shion’s friends though. Things have been kind of... crazy lately, so it’s nice that things are finally getting back to normal. [ Relatively speaking, anyway. ] I hope we all get along!

Don’t worry, I’m sure you will. [ With that, she flicks the feed off. Friend request him, Asgard. ]

[ green is shion, blue is satoshi! since she's introducing him to everyone, tags will go CHARACTER, SHION, SATOSHI, etc. it might break off a bit later on, after the introductory stage and such. ]

[When the feed starts Euri's bracelet is focused on the ground. Specifically, what seems to be some kind of wreath comprised of branches, stems and a lot of mushrooms, all dried. It then flicks up to show, about fifteen feet away, a pile of plants (herbs, possibly?) smoldering slowly. A lot of smoke is being released, mixing in with the early morning chill.

Anyone who fought in the war or saw Freyr's post will recognize it as the spot where he exploded. How pleasant.]

So... it's normal back home to cleanse an area of land where a lot of people died. You know, to purify it, to try and prevent any future necromancy. Or restless spirits.

[It feels awkward explaining this. Even if she's used to being around humans there's still a sour pang of a Witch explaining sacred rituals to inferior humans. She tries to ignore it, though.] I'm not sure if that's how things work here, but it can't hurt. It's better to prevent necromancy than have to deal with it later, and these herbs are supposed to help protect things. Maybe it'll help the flora grow back faster, too.

[Thankfully since her bracelet isn't on her anyone watching this will miss the shiver run down her spine. She hopes to every single one of her gods that this will actually do something. To a Witch necromancy is one of the few things worse than a razed piece of land that's unable to grow any vegetation.]

Oh - and - [More awkward uncomfortable explanations.] There's another ritual back home. Singing to mourn and honour the recently dead. But it doesn't seem appropriate to sing any of the Witch funerary songs, since no one who died was a Witch, so... I have a CD with this other song on it. A book in the library said this song is used for funerals often. I hope it's okay.

[Then she'll launch into a surprisingly good rendition of Ave Maria. Despite the awkwardness before her voice is now confident.]

[If Wynne is anything, she is an excellent student. To one who has spent nearly their entire life learning and teaching others, it wasn't hard to put the maid's instructions of the bracelet's functions into play.

Even so. Fascinating. The video feed clicks on to show a rather elderly woman staring curiously into the bracelet]

My, what an interesting contraption. I've heard the elves of Arlathan had something similar, but I never thought...[Right. "Recording". That means everyone will see this.]

I beg your pardon. I suppose I should say hello to my neighbors; good day...Asgard, was it? If that letter was telling the truth, then we may be seeing quite a bit of each other. It would probably be in our best interest to start things off on a pleasant foot, don't you think?

Why don't you humor an old woman for the moment? You may call me Wynne; I hail from Ferelden's Circle of Magi, if any of those names are familiar. [She laughs.] It's probably quite a long shot, but I wouldn't say no to the company of someone from my homeland. [If they would deign to associate with a mage outside the watch of the Circle and the templars, anyway. But that's not pleasant introductory talk.]

But my former life seems to be of no consequence here. I am Wynne of the house Sigyn now, whatever that will mean to the rest of you.

Now, a name for a name, if you'd be so kind; please introduce yourselves. [And she grins.] And if you perhaps know a place where they brew some good ale, please don't keep it to yourself.

[The video swivels to a rather nice view of the ceiling as Wynne fiddles with the bracelet, attempting to turn it off.]

Oooh, blast these things...

[Click.]

[ hello Asgard! the feed will click on to Mike, who is semi-nonchalantly leaning on a certain motorbike that he received during the Milkening. while this isn't quite Mutt and it can't run (he's tried), keeping the hog in his room as a decorative piece for now is the way to go. it also makes him look cool, but I digress.

Mike himself has his usual friendly smile, but something about it does look a little worrysome. and when Mike Chilton is worried, something serious is going down. ]

Hey everyone. I dunno if the word is spreading around yet, but apparently some of us were chosen to keep a lead eye out for our districts while all of this fighting is going to happen. They chose me for Freya, so I sort of thought it'd be good for people to know who I am and all that. I can promise that you guys are in good hands.[ his smile brightens just a little; gotta keep a positive attitude about this, after all. ]  Still, I wouldn't mind having some people help me out with making sure the district is safe, either. If you think you're okay with patrolling and stuff like that, I'd love to have you on my team.

But listen; I know that we've got a pretty hefty army protecting us, but I know that some people might not be totally comfortable with self-defense, too. I promise it won't come to that, but I'd be happy to help anyone with training for some peace of mind. I'm good with hand-to-hand and staff combat, so just shout out if you want to do some sparring or get some lessons!


[ PRIVATE TO THE BURNERS ] 

This might not be Motorcity... but I think as far as we're concerned, this is our turf now. Are you guys in?

If this is supposed to be another attack on the city I think it's a lot nicer than the previous ones.

[She's actually using video today! Except... the camera isn't focused on herself at all, it's the shaggy head of a yak calf who has decided to sprawl against Euri and is currently getting a very thorough brushing. They're in Gefion Park, sitting on the overgrown grass, and further away an energetic, great dane-sized wolfdog can be seen circling around a bunch of goats munching away at the various foliage. Euri isn't particularly concerned since Dog isn't trying to eat them but herd them, like he did with the goats back home.]

Dog is definitely enjoying himself, at least. It's been months since he's gotten to herd anything. [She hums a little, clearly pleased that Dog is happy, before focusing on the calf.]

This guy is, too! Aren't you? You're so cute! And you're just a baby, too!

[She ruffles his ears and resumes brushing him, that humming quickly turning into the first verse of this song before she remembers to shut the feed off.]

[The feed opens up with a thud, the thud of someone's fist hitting the wall. And that would be what causes the bracelet activating at the same time.]

...you gotta be -- there's no way... [Some more, louder thuds as said someone goes into an unattractive temper tantrum.] I'll never-- I--

[Another thud and the bracelet deactivates without her having ever known it was on. But just a short while later, Yukari does intentionally make a video post. Because for some reason she feels it's chickening out on a text post. Her expression is cautious, neutral.]

...H-Hey. I know there's always a few of these messages, but... [y'all can suck it up] Minato-kun's gone... again, I guess. [She takes a breath, carefully concealing a catch in her throat.]

I... don't need to hear anyone feel sorry for me, okay? [Wait, why did she even say that? She regrets it immediately; nothing good can come of it. She either looks like a defensive idiot or alienates her friends, and either way looks totally self-obsessed, because obviously not everyone knows that they're -- Whatever. She's just rambling now... better get off this quickly.] I mean... Sorry, it's not that I wouldn't--ya know--appreciate that, but... [She waves a hand.] Just--Just don't want to hear that again. That's it. 

[Ooookay. Still kind of a disaster. But that's as good as she can probably do right now, right?

She cuts the feed and then leaves Freya House to go wander the district and make her way gradually around, through Sigyn and back, just walking to cool off.]