[When Dave's feed turns on, nothing seems all that out of place. Dave's broken Royal Deringer is mounted on the wall and his bed is unmade. The table is littered with miscellaneous stuff. Probably things that Dave drew and brought to life.]

So, war is basically sitting at our doorstep. Oh boy.

[Moving on from the obvious. Dave's actually really nonchalant about this. But meteors aren't falling from the sky to destroy them, so maybe he's a little desensitized. You kind of get over sudden ice spikes and flying debris when it's not the size of a city.] Drawing life is pretty fun. I like it. But I'm also very aware how fucking useless it is at level one. I don't think I can count how many times I've tried drawing something and forgot that it comes out at the same size as I drew it at. I have an army of tiny, paper bags. They can't carry jack shit, but I can put them on my fingers. [He may or may not have drawn faces on them.] The whole size thing can be a real pain in the ass.

I also may or may not have swords the size of toothpicks and blankets the size of handkerchiefs. [Not that he needs a sword. He's got one propped against his bed.] I wouldn't really trust a sword that was drawn at level one anyways.

But more about what's happening outside the walls. Has anyone had trouble with the debr- [As Dave speaks, a flaming stone crashes through his window. He turns his head to regard it for a moment.] Anyone know how to fix a window?

[Another question. Elsa seems so full of them lately. But given that some had....magic, powers back home as well, she can't help but be cautiously curious. As far as she is aware it is just herself and the trolls back home with any sort of magic. However, her conversation with Regina makes her wonder about others, both here and back home that might have magic. It couldn't hurt to learn more about it. Whether or not she remembers, she still can't help being curious about the idea. Feeling.....well, less alone, in the idea that there are others here who had magic back home. That everyone here has magic of sorts. It makes her somewhat more comfortable in talking about her own at least.]

I'm afraid my questions seem never-ending. Once I have one answered, it only ends up bringing more to mind. But....the important one I am curious about is something I understand if some might not want to talk about. I was wondering about back home. How many here had magic or some sort of power. As far as I know, I was the only one with mine back home. I was just curious about others, and if they have different powers here in Asgard, how they are managing learning a new one like I am.

[ The morning's fierce thunderstorm may have calmed, but the unnatural silence that has fallen over the city brings little peace. Even the white noise of the rain is constant and heavy enough to fade from Travelers' awareness; it is the sort of quiet that begs one to break it, that drags out each successive moment for longer and longer.

That night, Heimdall addresses the network. He holds himself more formally than usual, shoulders back and chin up, gaze level into the feed as if he's meeting every Traveler's eyes directly. There's an air of authority about him and quiet certainty in his voice when he speaks. It's not strange by any means, but it's different enough that those who have spoken to him prior will know something has happened -- something that will affect them all. ]

Good evening, Travelers. I do hope this reaches you in safety. Certainly, this storm is no mere weather, and its mainspring...

[ Heimdall breathes in and seems to make a decision. He will tell the Travelers more than his King would approve of, in the hopes of ensuring their support. There has been enough conflict recently, arguments and placation, things for which they can no longer spare the time or energy. ]

Odin is gone. Shielding Asgard from Yggdrasil's collapse has taxed our King profoundly, and he has fallen into a sleep from which he cannot be woken. I ask of your patience as we await his recovery, and through any changes his rest may bring. Thor, Prince-Regent and heir, will reign in his father's absence.

I'm certain many of you have questions. While I will endeavor to respond, please realize there is much to be done at the moment. Thank you for your cooperation in this difficult time.

[Of course the thing that came from their world is the first monsters he ever encountered. Of. Course. A curly haired teenage boy with a put out look on his face and a wrench in hand waves on the screen.]

Normally I'd do some long talk about hey, I'm so and so and this is what I have to say. I'll make this quick because I'm a bit. [He angles his bracelet to the storm spirits outside the window racing down the street. One can catch a glimpse of the specialized web of wooden plates he's putting together as fast as he can.]

Busy. We're going to have to improvise because we don't have the right metal to make weapons to take the storm spirits out. [He fits rings into place and locks more wooden plates into his contraption. It's not going to hold wind spirits for long but it's better than nothing.] There's probably a variety of ways to slow them down.

Anything conductive is not going to be the best idea. Unless you like feeling like you're in a microwave.

[He picks up the edge of his trap and shakes it.] Uh, anyway. They might look like people and you think you can reason with them. Dude, don't waste your breath and steer clear of the horse shaped ones.

But, lot of you are going to fight them so. Stick to wood and anything that won't conduct well and don't, don't let them touch you.

Gotta go, but if you got questions there's at least two of us who can answer on here. Post away!

[ When the video starts, Gunn is playing with a small battle-axe. It's not meant to be a threatening or imposing gesture - he's just restless, and this new toy here is enough to keep his hands busy. ]

So what is the general consensus on the gods, anyway? 'Cause I hear a lot of shit. Both ways, I mean, you know? But the other day it seemed for a second like a bunch of y'all were completely wigging out and getting ready to mutiny, and that's kinda the sort of thing I'd like to prepare for. I mean, just in case.

My two cents? Not really my first apocalypse, and I'm cool with being a hero. [ He pauses for a moment, before adding: ] And I seriously can't believe that I'm actually saying this, but: you guys seriously need to chill.

[The scene opens up to Ellie's face. It's dark, and there's blood on her cheeks, smeared back into her hair. There are tears in her eyes, and she's fucking frantic.]

SOS- fuck, we- we need a healer.

[Over the top of her voice is another, almost shouting 'no, we don't!']

Gelfion Park, we've got-

[Her voice breaks.]

Two dead.


( (Cut for blood and gore.) )

[When Skuld appears on Asgard's network, she is the picture of regal composure - perfectly groomed and solemn of face, a far cry from the dirty, soot-covered refugee that arrived the day before. Only when she speaks can some of the frayed edges be noted, but never to the point of hysteria; she is still a queen, and this is a royal duty.]

Travellers of Asgard. For those whom I did not have the pleasure of meeting on my last occasion to visit this city, my name is Skuld, and I am ruler of the elven kingdom of Alfheim. While it pleases me to speak with all of you again, I must regretfully inform you that it is on a very dire matter indeed.

[She glances down at her hands, ensuring that they are still steady where she's folded them in her lap, then back up again with iron determination.]

( Cut for Skuld's loquaciousness. TL;DR: things are, in fact, hitting the fan in elfland. )

[And indeed, her speech is done. The gods will be backing her on matters relating to Asgard, which will likely be the most pressing concerns for those that live here, but she will take any questions about Alfheim directly. And of course, it will likely be her who tries to soothe those angered by this speech.]

So, that Christmas thing was fun, huh? I've never celebrated Christmas before but I actually really enjoyed it! It was nice, choosing and making presents for everyone. I hope everyone had fun with the festival and all. And that will happen again next year? I wonder if we have Christmas back home. I should ask Eugene....

[Okay now calm down girl. Don't get too excited. :l]

Oh! Right. Thank you to everyone who gave me presents. It's wonderful to see everyone getting together and sharing things like this. I can't wait to learn more about the different holidays. I never really celebrated any back home before so all these here are kind of exciting!

It sounds like we're getting in some new arrivals? So um, hi there! I'm Rapunzel. [An almost annoyed sort of chirp can be heard and a little green...frog? No, chameleon appears at her shoulder underneath the trail of blonde. A seventy foot trail of blonde, not that all of it is necessarily visible as she sits curled up on her bed in her room.] And Pascal, of course. My best friend. No, he's not a frog. He's a chameleon. I know Asgard can be confusing at first, but it's pretty easy to make friends here and there's usually always someone willing to help you out. If you have any questions I might be able to help?

Saying hi to the new arrivals out of the way, in terms of more recent things, has anyone figured out what that meant last month? About the world tree, I mean? Alice and I went to the library to have a look, but I was wondering if anyone else might have found anything.

[The device turns on, revealing a Loras who looks...tired. He has been sleeping for two weeks (he has looked at the date), but he feels no more rested than he would, before.

He has been home. Living for months without knowledge of this place. But as he has woken up--he remembers the prophecy, the future he saw, so many weeks ago.

He knows that when he returns home, it will come true.

There is no escaping it.

So if he looks more serious, older, well. It is just the way of things, now.]

It seems while I slept, I returned home. I do not understand how it has occurred or why I have returned but--

--I can not deny the truth of it.

[He runs his free hand through his mess of curls.]

Can someone tell me what I have missed?

And--how many of you have returned home, and had no recollection of this place? Is that how it happens, always? With no way to use the knowledge of things learned here, back in our worlds?

[To avoid his fate--oh he wishes that he could.]

[ so, Rachel's freaked out. really, really freaked out. the network is talking about a mirror universe and she's noticed it, of course she has. people getting sucked into reflective surfaces. it's hard not to notice that! and she's managed to avoid getting caught in the crossfire so far, but only because she's shut herself in her room and hasn't left since the fighting started to get really bad. which, honestly, she hates. she feels useless!

so...

here's this transmission. she sounds panicked and frustrated all at the same time, fun stuff. ]

So, hi. Hello.

I'm still pretty new to the city so this might sound like a dumb question, but is it status quo for giant ..giants to be running around fighting each other here? Does this kind of thing just happen? I get that the people-stealing mirrors is new, but is this what the war is like here? The one we're supposed to be fighting in. Because I can't say I'm a huge fan of hiding out in my room and waiting until it's all over instead of actually helping somehow, but this kind of came out of nowhere and I've had a total of zero hours of training with my abilities, so here I am. Can't we do something? Maybe? What are we supposed to be doing right now?

[ half seriously looking for some answers, half just trying to distract herself from how crazy scary all of this is. yep. ]

[ The video to the network starts with a smug little smile, as most of Thiazi’s correspondences do. The field beneath the video that would typically display a name instead simply reads t̶̬h͓͇̪̗̥ ̷a͚̙͙̻͔̳z̷͔̣͖̬͚ ]

It’s been too long, Odin’s little bootlickers.

[ The sound is distorted, distant, as if coming through a loose connection. Thiazi’s cold smile is perfectly clear, however. ]

I am the Queen of Frost, and once again, the futility of your -

[ Whatever she’s saying is cut off abruptly by a sharp crashing sound from nearby. She looks quickly to the side, and her expression is less 'alarmed' and more 'off-put.' ]

You-

[The response is loud enough to be clearly heard carrying over her end of the connection, booming and unmistakably irritated.]

What do you think you’re doing?

[ Thiazi stands and turns, a snarl on her face and in her tone. ]

Surt. I was the one who began this attack before you and your army- [ The word is dripping with sarcasm. ] -charged in to attack, and we shall be the ones to-

[ She gestures widely then, and the video and audio both distort further as Thiazi steps back and a tall blonde man storms into sight. The sound cuts completely, leaving the wavering and staticky impression of the two of them bickering heatedly, before the video abruptly ends. ]


[ OOC Notes: Thiazi and Surt are both on the scene in their attack on Asgard, and will be responding in a small capacity to people who reply to this post! This is backdated to Day 362, and is a part of the House Divided event. ]

If you don't mind me asking, when something attacks....is there any kind of group to protect the civilians and those who are otherwise unable to fight? A place they meet? I just can't imagine kids just standing unprotected....in my world, it was my job to help protect them. If there isn't something in place, I would be willing to lead a group. We'd need people who could fight as well as those who can make sure no one slips out, or to get the people ushered in. It'd be volunteer based, but....it's all I have. 

[It's been bothering her. Granted, she wasn't here when the Gentlemen happened, however, it's still concerning that they're fighting with civilians left in the streets to fend for themselves. There should be something in place, if there isn't. Her place had one, albeit flawed. There should be no exception here.]

Also...if I had a type of machine here and wanted a working replica, would it be possible? I would have to pay you, of course. I would be able to fight much better with that around. 

[ The video starts a bit before Arthur intends for it to, with him sitting in Very Serious Contemplation. Something on his mind, perhaps, but it's not important, not like what he actually came here to do. ]

As many of you have come to notice of late, the need to be capable of defending ourselves becomes more prudent with every passing day. And so it is that I would like to introduce myself to you once more.

[ A beat, the first time he's hesitated in an address like this, and he's made about ten of them. ]

I am Arthur Pendragon, and for those of you new to Asgard or as yet unfamiliar with me, I own and operate the Citadel in the Thor district. We offer training in various forms of combat, from standard self-defence to swordsmanship, and in recent - reconstructions - I have modified the firing range for both archery and marksmanship.

[ Yes, it took two years for Arthur to accept guns into the Citadel. Don't offend his delicate medieval sensibilities!! He looks distracted again for a second before adding, a bit more subdued: ]

Please do come and join us. Payment is negotiable, as I'd prefer to see you well learned and ready above all else. I am also looking for new instructors, as we've had many departures of late. If you're interested, please contact me privately to discuss the - matters.

[ The thing, the thing; what a lame finish. His brows furrow, and that niggling thought just won't quit. He eventually blurts it out, all air of formality and serious business gone. ]

I - [ H U F F ] - this is. Entirely unrelated, but I've been made to wonder and I can't quite wrap my mind around -

[ huff huff Stop rambling, get on with it, etc etc. ]

How many among you doubt me when I claim the name of King Arthur? I'd been told there are ... tales, of my kingdom and my quests, but I wasn't aware there was any question as to my existence until -

[ Until Spike. Everything is Spike's fault. Arthur frowns. ]

Never mind. It's not important. Come to the Citadel to learn your defences. Thank you.

[ wow much serious very business what a finish wow. ]

[ ooc; The link is not IC and is just for OOC reference! If you're interested in having your character teach some things, please hit me up on that post or on plurk first so we can figure things out. If you're a current instructor, please tell me if I got anything wrong on the info page, it's the first time I've updated in months and months cries. This post is silly and I apologise. ]

[ The video starts begins with the frowning face of a teenage girl with perked dog ears atop her head. ]

Okay, first of all! Everyone who is new, hi! My name is Jade, and welcome to Asgard, and make sure to let someone know if you need something! I can be helpful - I've been here practically forever now.

Secondly, I am going to need everyone to stop dying, thank you very much.

Thirdly - and this one kind of goes back to the second point, here - if you don't know how to use a weapon, you need to learn how to use a weapon. [ The frown on her face grows a little more severe. ] We are at war, and we can't always rely on our powers! Because some of them kind of suck - no offense, Harry - and when we're attacked, they're not gonna care if you're able to make a giant fireball or if you can just float half a foot off the ground.

[ Her expression is very decidedly stubborn. ]

I can teach you how to shoot a gun. I want to teach you how to shoot a gun! If you can't fight? Please let me teach you how to shoot a gun so you don't die, okay? Between here and home I've died like four times [ five, she's just unaware of that last one right now ] and I am getting sort of sick of it. Let me help!

Or at least let someone.

[ Jade leans forward, as if to end the video, before she wrinkles her nose and adds - ]

Also there's no pie at the Highwind today because my baker is being a butthead. Sorry Stiles. Take it up with Ryan!

[Well, it's been a while since Percy posted on the network. A little over a month. Part of that was due to being gray... But after waking up after an extra long sleep today he's got a perplexing question.]

So-- Uh... How many people go to sleep and get memories from home? This is the second time now, but--

[He's frowning at his bracelet.]

I'm pretty sure my bracelet was a different shade of purple. I didn't think these things could get dirty. [Or that he got his this dirty, but details. There's a more somber energy about him, now, though as he considers.]

Anyway, there's a lot of new people since I last used the network. I'm Percy and if you haven't used the ball pits and nets in Heimdall you're missing out. The slide's a good way to not have to walk down the steps in the morning, too. [Yes, he did that. |b] I don't know about the rest of the places, but anyone not in Heimdall is missing out.

[---He's not sure what to say. Really. And shrugs.]

Um, yeah. 

[Anyone who knew Leonardo da Vinci, might see some of his inventions in the background.

Loras looks mildly worried, brow furrowed as he looks around once more, before focusing his attention on the bracelet once more.]

Has anyone seen Leonardo? The--the inventor.

[Loras realizes that there might be other Leonardo's around, after all.]

I had come to ask him a question,

[To see if he wished to go to the Masquerade.]

But he seems to be missing. I fear that he has lost his bracelet.

[It is still pinging, but there has been no answer. Leonardo had lost his bracelet once before; it is the only explanation that he could arrive at.]

If that is the case, is it fruitless to search?

I would ask for assistance, regardless.

[Gwen didn't feel like talking. Not only was she starting to become scared of this place, but the lost of her friends was making nearly impossible to stand this place all together.

The sound of a hammer hitting metal could be heard as Gwen tried to keep busy and her mind off of everything during this time.]

For... for those who knew him, Lancelot has returned home. [She sounds upset, but desperately trying to hide it.] I suppose it means he's safe though, so it can be seen as a bit of good news.

[Gwen has no idea what will happen to Lancelot at home, but she does know that it's better than being stuck in this place right now, and her friends being safe is all she cares about.]

Also, if anyone requires a weapon, it seems I have made a bit too many. [Something she's been doing to keep busy during this horrific time.] They are not my best work though. Perhaps I shouldn't be working when- OW! Oh! I can't believe-! [And she quickly hung up.

Due to being weak from lack of sleep from just sheer fear, Gwen managed to hammer her thumb. Not badly, but it was going to be nice and bruised, and probably a bit swollen for awhile.]

[At first it had been little curious things. The nightmares, the feeling of having gone to bed but finding oneself sleeping at the desk in the morning. Then there were the little sounds that seemed to follow him from room to room.
Harmless, but it had escalated quickly. Soon it was awaking to find himself outside, wandering towards... he had no idea where. Then the terrifying experience of waking to find a large piece of broken glass in his hand. Had it been aimed at his own neck or was that just part of some dream?
The nightmares had gotten worse about that time too. No longer did he simply wake up by sitting bolt upright in bed, now he flailed, fought, often ended up on the floor hopelessly twisted in his blankets.
The final straw was the worst most horrifying incident of all. He awoke that time to find himself standing waist deep in a pool of water. Not a pool like a tub or a shallow puddle, but more like a lake... and he couldn't swim.
It was these nightmares and the wandering that had caused him to swear off sleep some time ago. Leonardo looked weary, slightly unkempt and with bags under his eyes when he addressed the network. ]

I was wondering, just how long has some one gone without sleep? Has anyone tried to...

[He looked back at the wall behind him. That noise was there again.]

Tried to go more than a few days?

[When he looked back to the bracelet it was almost as if he was not even seeing it any longer. Leonardo yawned deeply with one eye lazily closing. ]

Why must it always be dreams? So many attacks occur during dreams...

[It was no use. Every time he would fight back against the encroaching sleep the desire would come back stronger. He had just been awake for too long. ]

I might... There needs to be a way to block...

[He started walking as soon as both eyes had given in and sleep took over. The bracelet only caught snatches of this journey as he bumped his way past a desk, made his way outside... Then it was too dark to see much of anything, until finally a light caught the edge of the ledge and the roofline became visible in the moonlight.
Some one had decided to 'fly' from the tallest building in Freyr. ]

[ The pure, unadulterated rage on Thor's face right now is probably something only those who have seen him in battle have witnessed before. He is nearly apoplectic, seething when he speaks. ]

This isn't us. This isn't some curse or game that we're playing - this is her, and we're not oblivious to this in our city. We're looking for a way to fix it. Stand together. She is mocking all of us, and all of you, too.

[ Still angry beyond measure, he turns the feed to show where Altair stands, just on the other side of the barrier between the city and castle, dead-eyed and laughing. ] There are five of them. Look after them and each other.

[ It's a snarling, raging afterthought, and if the way he flings his bracelet to turn it off is any indication, he likely won't be answering for now. ]