OPT-OUT EVENT LOG: SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT, WEEKS ONE AND TWO

[asgardmods]

The volunteers from the LOCUSTS! event last month found in Odin's office endless research into Ginnungagap and a handwritten note from the King prior to his collapse. All arrows are pointing in the direction of the sacred canyon, and so it is that the Travellers will be initiating their own investigation into whatever Odin believes may be down there. It will be done without the eyes of the gods, however, so the trip will be a dangerous one without a map to lead the way and there may be many unforeseen obstacles along the way.

Week One: Day 441 / May 1-3

Day 441 ( April 30/May 1 )
As per the whispers on the street, the Travellers that've decided to go on this trip will meet up in the earliest hours of Day 441 at the Gate of Fire. Pack and prepare for a long haul, as this one will be a difficult journey. Any of those that went on the Down This Road opt-out event may want to offer up their memories as a vague guide into the canyon, but either way - without the guidance of the gods, making it to Ginnungagap safely will be nigh impossible.

After the Travellers sneak their way out of Asgard, they will make way towards the canyon to the east. Travel will be slow and difficult, particularly in moving through the forests that have been ravaged by the recent flooding. When they make camp for the evening, they will suffer the same strange sensations as those in Asgard just before 11PM: they will simultaneously feel a flicker in their bodies, like a missed heartbeat or a cut-off breath. Those in Freyr house that were present for the god's death and those that were present for the Friendly Fire event will recognise the sensation; it will happen twice more before one final blip. In that moment, everyone will essentially have a minor blackout: their vision will fade, their bodies will freeze, and there will be an internal sensation of dropping.

After this, the Travellers outside of the city will feel something of a drag towards Ginnungagap. It will feel like an outside force beckoning them inward, to someplace they belong. The compulsion will be relatively easy to overcome, but it will linger all throughout their journey through the depths of Yggdrasil.

Week Two: Days 443-445 / May 4-9

Day 443 ( May 4/5 )
Approaching the border between Asgard and Ginnungagap will bring the Travellers closer to the Fire Giants' kingdom of Muspellheim. From this distance, they will just barely be able to make out the great volcano, still lit at its peak, and a heavy black cloud that lingers over most of the kingdom. In this area, it may behoove them to keep an eye out for Giant patrols and pockets of defects from Surt's ranks, all seeking safe ground somewhere in the relatively neutral territory of Ginnungagap. They will be volatile and attack upon sight, but no groups will be any larger than five, maybe six at most.

As they sneak and fight their way across the plains, they will find that Ginnungagap is sparsely littered with old trees and short, soft grass on the outskirts of the canyon, streams flowing from varying mountain peaks into the vast space below; deeper within, it is sheer rock and sharp edges that are harsh and unyielding. If one were to look at it from above, they might think someone stabbed a knife into solid stone and carved out a jagged wound, and so it is moving through the canyon itself, where one false step can lead to certain and painful death.

[ OOC NOTES: This is the mingle log for WEEKS ONE AND TWO of the Something Significant plot event! Remember that your only characters who signed up for this opt-out event by the deadline will be able to participate. Please put your character's location in the title, as well as either OPEN or CLOSED and the DATE. For more details, please head on over to the full rundown HERE. If you have any questions, please let us know, and have fun! The event log for the SOMETHING OMINOUS opt-out plot log can be found HERE.

SPECIAL NOTE: As of the power expansion plot, bracelets will work outside of the city along with god powers. Characters WILL be able to communicate with those inside of the city of Asgard, as long as the party has his or her bracelet on him. ]

Comments

leonard mccoy ✩ multiple locations ✩ days 441-5

[sufferably]

i. day 441 | early morning | open

( mccoy and early mornings have never gotten along particularly well. although he’s right on time when the group leaves, he’s drowsy and more irritable than usual. he constantly adjusts the straps on his medkit and glares fiercely at anyone who tries to make too much small talk as they leave the city.

he’s back in his uniform, too, and it’s the first time he’s really worn it since arriving in the city. for some reason, it feels right. he’s a fretful traveler, constantly double-checking his pack and doing random, silent headcounts of the rest of the party.

but mostly he’s tired and speaking in mono-syllables. )

Coffee, ( he says mournfully, at one point. whether that’s a plea or a complaint is open to interpretation. )

i. day 443-5 | all day | open

( despite his very audible and verbose complaints, mccoy’s a good friend to have on a trip like this. he routinely makes sure people are eating enough, that small scrapes and bigger injuries are dealt with, and he may even be good company for a conversation or two in between bedding down for the night.

over the days you can find him in several places—tending to anyone being injured, scouting ahead in some very perfunctory fashion, or tripping on the roadside and falling in a very not-covert way. such is his life, really. )

I’m a doctor, ( he’ll say for adding emphasis, ) Not an explorer.

iii. day 443 | early afternoon | for jim & evy

( a few days in an everyone's a bit worse for wear, tired and sore and perhaps more than a little stressed. but there are those inevitably quiet moments when the party stops moving and everyone can pause to catch their breath.

it's during one of those breaks that bones happens upon both of them at once. this isn't necessarily a bad thing, considering that evelyn and jim top his list of people to keep an eye on, during this adventure. but it is a bit strange-- his life from home and his life from asgard coming together in ways he can no longer ignore. it's been eating at him for awhile-- has he gotten too used to being here, too wrapped up in this world's causes?-- but for now he pushes those thoughts aside and says, casually: )

We should probably grab a bite, while we can.

iii.

[proudofwhatiam]

[Evy's grown used to the tenor of these days over the course of several expeditions--lots of trudging, occasional stops--but in the middle of them, they're still rather wearying. She's taking advantage of this rest period to do just that, simply sitting quietly on her pack, taking everything in.

She glances up from her reverie when she hears Leonard speak and gives him a little smile, unaware that he's speaking to a group here.]

I think you're right.

i.

[true_renaissance_man]

[The small canteen at his side was given a shake indicating there was liquid inside but...]

Tea. While I have tried coffee a few times, it is just so bitter even with cream and sugar. I could not develop a strong liking to it.

You do look like you could use a cup though! Not used to getting up so early? I prefer to sleep in too but there are times when that is not possible.

[What was that about being grumpy at those who excessively chattered? You sir, have stumbled onto a talker!]

444

[cheerleader]

[Claire's been sticking to him for a good deal of the journey. While it was the Doctor that she followed to be included in on the trip in the first place, it's McCoy that she sticks to like glue. Out of everyone here, she views him as a guardian of sorts. The first couple of days she branches out and visits with familiar faces and makes an effort to speak to people she doesn't know yet, but this day finds the group traveling through terrain that leaves her a little curious. She's interested in walking along the line of the canyon, staring at the depths down below instead of straight ahead at where she's going. She walks with her arms outstretched, like she's on a tightrope, stumbling every now and then from her lack of attention. She might be fifteen, but she strongly resembles a reckless little girl playing around.]

How far down do you think it is to the bottom?

Margaret Houlihan |[Multiples days; 441-443]

[hotlips]

Week One: Day 441 / May 1-3
Day 441 ( April 30/May 1 )

Margaret packed well and the thermos of coffee was holding up well as long as she took small sips. It was black and bitter enough to keep her functional, it was also better than anything back in Korea. When they took breaks, she took her time, working her way through the thermos. She's got her own medical kit with her for any wounds, and will help where she's needed. Mostly, though, she's taking in the scenery and is fairly quiet.

She'd be fine with sharing her coffee, really. Maybe she'll stop for a word or two, as company is probably a good thing. She's left Hawkeye, BJ, and Father Mulcahy back in Asgard and honestly, she's starting to think this is really bad idea.

Margaret calls Hawkeye near dusk, just to check in, and her bracelet's set to video with the screen illuminating her face in the night. She sleeps better once she knows he's all right and wakes early the next morning.


Week Two: Days 443-445 / May 4-9
Day 443 ( May 4/5 )

1) Margaret is actually doing fine with all the travel, she moves carefully, but quickly, and avoids injury aside from a few missteps where she nearly twists an ankle. But a well timed snag of someone's arm puts an end to that.


2) [CLOSED; CHARACTER DEATH]

It's dusk and they've set up camp in what's supposed to be a relative safe spot. So, as she has before, Margaret gives Hawkeye a call as the light fades from the sky. She puts the call through and settles down, flicking a glance up at the stars in the night sky. None of them are remotely familiar and it disturbs her.

Closed - Video

[stilledsurgeon]

Hawkeye flops down on the bed and props himself up on a pillow, touching the stone on his bracelet to get his nightly call from Margaret, grinning as he sees her face pop up on the video feed. Neat little devices, these bracelets.

"Well, if it isn't the intrepid adventurer," he says cheerfully, "How goes the mission?"

443

[allpurposescarf]

Travel is something of a necessity in moment like these, but Four is at least glad to know that there are still a few people who know more or less what they happen to have gotten themselves into. And are willing enough to let curiosity drive them so far out of the city to see what might have been so important.

Still, he hadn't quite expected to find someone grabbing onto his arm and it's probably only coincidence that has him close enough to be grabbed in the first place. But he waits patiently until she's got her feet under her again before he speaks.

"Are you alright?"

Minato Arisato | Multiple places | Days 441-445

[runtothesunlight]

Day 441 | Morning | Open

[It took Minato some time to pack, making sure he had packed enough supplies into his new backpack, along with a few spare clothes since he knew they'd be roughing it. For today though, he decided on wearing his old school uniform. It felt fitting, given he and the others were going out to explore the unknown. He takes his sword with him. He'd only recently discovered he could now control other shadows besides his own, but better to err on the side of caution. He knows outside is not safe, and they'll be leaving this time without the protection from the gods. The whole situation was reckless and could cost them their lives.

But they can't stay in Asgard forever. The city already had too many close calls to be safe anymore. If there could be anything new learned this way, something that could help them win the war, then he might as well leave.

He'd been told to keep the meeting hush-hush, since they didn't want to attract too much attention. But Ryoji and Shinjiro ended up coming with him anyway.

Somehow managing to get up really early, Minato arrives just in time before the group sets out. He's fairly quiet when they set out, but mostly because he has nothing to say. (Doesn't help that he's not exactly a morning person either.) Whoever wants to talk to him will have to initiate the conversation.]



Days 443-445 | all day | Open

[If nothing else, the scenery was really beautiful. It could have been set in a fantasy film back home. Minato wished he had a camera.

He'll be around helping anyone who needs a hand, whether it be to help walk or fending off a wild critter. He's also open to just talking, since while he has experience with exploration, he's still a city boy and thus not really wilderness savvy.]

443

[not_sasuke]

[City kids, man. Though at least this guy seems to be able to put up a fight against those critters, which is great because Yuusuke would much rather hang back than deal with it himself.]

Poor thing. I'm pretty sure you've scared it off by now.

445

[themortalhalf]

[And Shinjiro has been down this way before—with Aki before he left. Going to Ginnungagap and back. He's only been there once, but the pathway is at least somewhat recognizable, but they don't have the guidance of the Gods here, and the path hadn't been easy then. It's less so now. He can see the giant's home territory in the distance. Run-ins with them will never be peaceful.

He'll spot Minato eventually—not that he hasn't been discreetly keeping an eye on him and Mochizuki when he could, though they're plenty capable of babysitting themselves.]

It might look nice, [he'll say after a moment or two, as he draws closer and surveys his own surroundings.] but I wouldn't wander too far. It's only gonna get harder from here.

evy carnahan | days 441-445 | all open

[proudofwhatiam]

[day 441]
[morning]

Normally, Evy hates rising early. But today, on the morning of a secret expedition, she's up before dawn and probably much more chipper and excited than is sensible.

Once they're out of sight of Asgard, she'll be pleased enough with everything to start conversations with just about anyone, known or otherwise, with a cheerful, "Good morning."

[day 441]
[just before 11 PM]

Evy is bound and determined that they'll have a better record of this trip than the last one. Which is to say, any record at all. To that end, she's brought along a little leatherbound book to write down observations and a Kodak Brownie to take photographs. (She's also got bags for sampling, but they haven't proven relevant to her just yet.) It's not exactly as scientific as she'd prefer, but it's better than tramping about, doing nothing at all to capture their actions.

When the flickers happen, she's writing a brief overview of the first day. There isn't much to say thus far; it's been a difficult hike, they haven't gotten anywhere especially interesting just yet, and she's exhausted. She blames the first flicker on that tiredness, but the second catches her attention. The third occurs while she's still puzzling out what just happened.

It's a horrendous sensation, like falling without any sense of when one will hit the ground, and however brief it is, the subsequent blackout terrifies her. Too reminiscent, perhaps, of dying, enough so that she's trembling when she comes to again.

"Someone walked over my grave," she murmurs, shaking her head, and glances around to see if anyone else felt it.

[days 443-445]
[whenever]

As well-intentioned as she is, her enthusiasm for getting up early and walking all day wanes significantly after the first day. In the mornings, she's drowsy for at least an hour as they walk, trudging along with more grim determination than anything else. By lunch and onwards, however, she's much more willing to chat.

In the evenings, she's happy to have some company, but she also takes time to write out the events of the day. Just before she gives up and goes to bed, she pulls out a copy of Claudius the God by Robert Graves (likely to look increasingly beat-up as they go along) and reads a few pages.

Day 442

[ka_sera_sera]

He hasn't approached her, not until the evening of their second day. After last night, though, he's had enough reason and more than enough time to think on it while waiting for a time when they could stop walking without falling behind.

So after everyone decides to stop, Roland doesn't settle right away. He picks his way around little camps, slowing when he nears the one he's looking for and hunkering beside it. "Miss Carnahan," he nods, resting his elbows on his thighs. "How's travel finding you?" He's other business to discuss, of course, but Roland's not sure how experienced she is at this sort of thing, and probably ought to have seen about that earlier.

lil hal | 441 & 443 | ota

[harderbetterfaster]

441

Hal's come on this trip for one reason and one reason only: to bug people.

Well, mostly he wants to test out and continue to hone his newfound power on innocent passerbys. He mulls about in the crowd, easily weaving between people while he searches for someone who looks interesting. Prime candidates will invariably be people who look lost in thought, but Hal is liable to pick anyone, especially if they're dressed oddly, look familiar, or seem to be doing anything strange or noteworthy. Hal can only pick up whatever a person is thinking right then, so he wants to make sure it's good.

He waits until he's picked a target, and then bounces over, trying to poke a bare bit of exposed skin-- an elbow or a hand. Hal isn't that tall, being thirteen. He goes for what he can get, and delves in to search the mind of whoever he's caught.

If he were faster, he could zip away unnoticed. But he's not, so it's pretty obvious a kid just walked up and grabbed somebody. He tries to spin it into his favor: people from other worlds are just so wacky, right? "Oh! Hello!" Hal pours on the sweetness, playing up the thirteen-year-old angle as best he can.

443

Hal is only recently blessed with the bounty that is a physical form. Also, he is thirteen. Walking hurts and this is boring and he wants to go home, everything is dumb. He's used the fact that he looks thirteen to his benefit before, and this is just another opportunity. How far can he push this?

"Are we there yet?"

He finds anyone who looks like they can (or would be willing to try to) heft a minimal weight, and grabs a shirtsleeve or a stray pantleg. Anything to get their attention. "You know, I have a debilitating bone condition that may soon kill me where I stand. So, obviously, I should not be standing at this crucial moment in my young life."

[ooc Again, Hal had telepathy and will try to use it. I will assume you're good with Hal potentially reading your character's mind if you tag into the first prompt! Just say what Hal would catch in prose, thank youuu. Hal is still liable to try and read minds in his second prompt, but he'll be slower getting around to it. If you 100% don't want this to happen, just say, and please feel free to PM me or use Hal's opt out post to hash out details or express any concerns you may have.]

433

[runtothesunlight]

If you have a condition, shouldn't you have stayed at Asgard?

[He's not unconcerned, since this is a kid here. But given that he says it in the most flat way possible, it's easy to dismiss him as not caring.]

The Eleventh Doctor | All days | OTA | Placeholder for after Paris :'|

[comeonthensexy]

Day 441, Gate of Fire

[ Before most people have showed up, the Doctor is in place, and he's holding the reins for an eight-legged horse that's standing next to him picking for grass on the ground. There are bags hanging over its back, but the Doctor has his own bag on his back.

The horse is carrying extra torches. For the canyon, they'll need all the light they can get.

And he figures extra transport can't hurt. In case someone wants to rest their legs.

When anyone shows up, he offers a wide grin and a wave, but otherwise doesn't go out of his way to start conversations. Best be as quiet as possible. ]

Day 441, 11 PM

[ He sucks in a sharp breath once it all ends, and doesn't bother suppress the following shiver. He's been sitting since they made camp (which is unusual), but now he hops onto his feet and starts swinging his arms and legs about. Because for a second there he couldn't move, couldn't do anything, and that is unpleasant.

He turns his head towards Ginnungagap, in the direction of the pull, and rubs a hand over his face. Then, he looks towards the way they came. Towards Asgard. A deep crease takes shape on his brow. ]

What now?

[ It's whispered to himself, but pretty loudly. Someone might have heard it. ]

Day 441 - 445, on the road

[ During the travelling, he seems to be in an incredibly good mood. It's still unpleasant to see the state of the land after the flood, but he's already gone through it once. Mostly it's because it feels like they're doing something, and he enjoys that feeling.

Of course, he's not rushing about talking to people just to be annoying. It's also to check on them, make sure they're doing okay. And all the while he brings along the horse, so if he sees anyone looking tired, he'll bug them to get on it and ride for a little while.

Someone's got to keep the spirit up.

Of course, when they get into more dangerous territory - enemy territory - he's overall more silent. He brought weapons, but would rather not use them. Should anyone need, he has Healing services to offer. Whether they're asked for or not. ]

Day 441, 11 pm

[notsogrimreaper]

Ryoji does in fact hear, but between his own shock and Minato's predicament, he's too overwhelmed to respond just yet. He sorts himself out and has a small discussion, and then once he's checked on the people close to him, he stands and approaches.

"Hey... did you feel that too?"

Day/Night 441 - Open

[true_renaissance_man]

Day 441

It was a sign of growth perhaps that when mention of this trip have been made he volunteered his services without a care as to how dangerous it might prove to be. He had faced so much in Asgard, been to a battle front even, surely a quest like this even with its potential dangers and lack of Godly support could be managed?

Hopefully.

Well, it was too late now. His gear was shoved into the nearest satchel and slung over a shoulder as he ran a few paces behind the group hoping to catch them up before they were able to move too far from sight.

Night 441

With sextant in hand Leonardo sighted the star he had noticed on the first trip and jotted down a few quick notes in his chicken scratch filled notebook. He spoke to... no one in particular really, there were simply occasions when he liked to chatter.

"I think, no, I know we are a few degrees off course."

The instrument in his hand was adjusted before he squinted into it again.

"Not too bad really! We can correct our path in the morning. A straight line is so much quicke--..."

Then the world dropped out from beneath him. He was standing peacefully on a mall knoll but falling without hitting the ground. That terrible sensation, like the blast of an especially powerful firework thumping against his chest, once, twice...
The sextant fell from his hand as he turned to gape back as Asgard.

"Not again..."

Night

[bear_hearted]

Fergus had been keeping up without a problem, having been used to long travels from the war against the invaders of their homeland. Still he was glad to have a moment to rest and regain a bit of strength.

He had not been in Asgard long, but the feeling of having the wind knocked from you and falling were things he was familiar with. Over hearing the other, Fergus figured it must have something to do with the magic that everyone prattled on about, still not having much of a grasp of it or the gods.

"Nae again? An jus' what is goin' on?"

Kate Stewart | Multiple days | all open

[scienceleads]

Day 441

[Early mornings didn't phase her. Blame who she was, and the military discipline instilled in her from a young age. She was ready early, set with her pack, quiet as she took everything in. All she hoped now was that they could get some answers.]

Days 443-445

[It's been a long time since she's walked over terrain such as this, and she aches all over. Dodging patrols was definitely not her idea of fun, and it was with great relief at the end of the that she could sit down quietly, and rub aching muscles.

But she was never too far gone to be able to lend a hand where needed. Fighting might not be her thing, as such (she had armoured units for that, normally) but scouting ahead was definitely a thing she could do.]

day 441

[sufferably]

( he spots her in the small crowd and almost smiles, even through his own early-morning haze of grump and not-quite-consciousness. he moves until they're walking side-by-side, and extends a thermos. )

I figure we could all use a pick-me-up.

Roland Deschain | any day | open | if you want a day/situation not listed here I'm up for anything

[ka_sera_sera]

441

morning
It's not really encouraging, seeing how many people are coming on this 'secret' trip. Probably shouldn't be a surprise, knowing how easily he'd found out. (You may one day think you're being clever by ducking into a mostly-empty shop to whisper about your special new mission. No chance anyone will overhear you there, right? Of course not. Everyone knows shopkeepers only hear you if you're buying something. How clever you are. Good job.)

Anyway, the idea of any real secrecy here is a joke, and a particularly bad one, but Roland doesn't say so. Wouldn't do any good, would it? He just stays near the edges of the crowd, keeps absently pushing at the strap over his shoulder and listens to the steady murmur of a crowd trying halfheartedly to be quiet.


evening
If the idea of secrecy was a joke, the idea of any decisions being made at all is a whole play's worth of comedy. Just as well, probably, that Roland's never needed much of a sense of humor. Some want to stop, some want to press on through the night, most agree that the travelers should try to stay mostly together if at all possible, and that means starting and stopping at the same times.

His battleground yell wouldn't call these toward any sort of order, though. Only add to the chaos. Roland looks around, getting some better idea of how many really do need to sleep. Then he shrugs, moves more toward the most densely packed part of the crowd's head and sits right there, slinging his purse off his shoulder and digging through it. He doesn't look up to see how many others follow his lead, nor whether he's gotten in anyone's way. Just finds his rolling papers and tobacco and begins, calmly, to roll himself a cigarette.


((ooc: this does require some degree of assuming other characters are doing certain things, but I don't see how a group like this wouldn't argue a little bit about when to stop for the day))


444?
(or any other day that works for you)

Roland's not the only one scouting ahead, he knows. He wonders how many others have encountered the same thing he has. Whether any are right now, and him all unaware. He may stop cursing the size of their party one of these days, but being repetitive makes it no less true - if it was a company of soldiers making this trip, half of these problems would be avoided.

Namely, the problem of three of what must be fire giants standing just beyond his meager shelter of bushes and thin trees, and the knowledge that there were travelers near him even well after Roland had decided to make his way ahead. If Roland's lucky, anyone who approaches will at least be trying to stay silent. If he's not... well, maybe he'll find out soon enough just how vulnerable these things are to bullets.

444

[true_renaissance_man]

Leonardo was not so much scouting ahead as he was getting momentarily lost, stumbling into a giant's left behind foot print, and cursing in Italian over the sudden fall and subsequent muddied knees that resulted from his carelessness. Course... had he been aware that the giants who made these footprints were only just over the next rise, he might have cursed a little more quietly.

One of the giants looked up from the group as he caught the sound and, while he could not readily see anything out of the ordinary, he still gave the other two a signal to spread out and search. There was something out there.

Ryoji Mochizuki | OTA

[notsogrimreaper]

Day 441

Ryoji was not much of an explorer, and honestly wasn't sure he wanted to leave the city, considering what happened last time. Yet the rumours spread around Asgard until they finally reached his boyfriend... and wherever Minato goes, Ryoji follows.

He's mainly quiet while they travel, but still friendly and polite, and willing to chat. He's also just as cheery when they set up camp... but after the blackout, he can be found clutching at his scarf, breathing shallow.

No sight, no hearing, no touch... just like the Seal...

Day 442-445

After that day, Ryoji becomes much more reserved, focusing his attention on making sure he and the people around him cross safely. His nerves are high, and the smallest noise can have him flinching... though if anyone approaches him, he smiles and acts as if nothing is wrong, even if his white-knuckled fist is shaking.

441

[runtothesunlight]

What...what was....?

[Minato's in no better shape post-blackout. Clutching his head, trying to breathe, it brings back memories of his first summoning experience. Only this was less pleasant.]

You--you okay?

Multiple Days | OTA

[tonsofpun]

441

Ellie's first day on the road feels like a strange return to her roots, though they aren't technically her roots, and moving in a big group like this makes her feel clumsy and slow. Instead of sticking with the others she tends to follow Joel, even if they don't directly speak.

She's laden more heavily than she's used to, having packed food and water and more weaponry, but not enough to really slow her down. She moves like she's used to covering large distances on foot, keeps a steady pace she can maintain for hours.

Over and over, she checks the bracelet -- though for what, it might be hard to determine- except that Riley is notably absent.

"You know what? I think it's time to get some laughter going. You all look too serious right now."

She whips out her old, tattered pun book.

"What do you get when you cross an elephant and a rhino? HellifIknow."



441 - Camp

The first time they bed down for the night to camp, Ellie tests her powers, finds that she's able to still use Growth to some effect and quickly sows a few strawberry patches, filling a bandanna with the bright red fruit. It might not be much, but hopefully it'll be enough to lift a few spirits. It provides her an excuse to visit the fires of the others, to flop down and offer a small handful or two of the berries.

"So, hope you're not horribly allergic. If you are, don't take this the wrong way."

441

[notsogrimreaper]

Though Ryoji has been keeping quiet for the most part during the trip, he isn't about to shut down all attempts at conversation. He listens attentively when Ellie starts speaking, and chuckles slightly when she delivers the punchline.

"That one was kind of lame, don't you think?"

jo harvelle || all days || ota

[swedge]

DAY 441 || ALL DAY || OPEN

[ the anticipation is the worst part. jo's been organizing and planning this trip ever since the flood, ever since she snuck back into odin's study, and with four's help and the whispers heading around the city, it's been able to come to something. it's been able to grow and shift, from ideas to plans to an early morning meeting at the gates of the city and then they're off.

she doesn't necessary take a leading position, but as the organizer she finds herself checking in on everyone's she's spoken to already. making sure everyone knows how dangerous it's likely to be, knows they have this last chance to back out before it's all over. then it's making sure everyone has everything they need, packed the right stuff, and then...then they're off.

she buzzes around for most of that first day, calm and excited and determined, all at once. the journal is burning a hole in the back of her backpack, but she doesn't take out it. doesn't flip through the pages for the eighteen hundredth time like she has for the past few weeks. not even when they settle down to make camp, and she's doing another round before coming to stop by her own little tent, not sure if she'll even be able to sleep. after that feeling of falling, again and again and then the blackout, she's nervous. more than nervous.

but then she feels the pull, and she knows this was the right choice. the right idea.

they'll make it. ]

DAY 443-445 || ALL DAY || OPEN

[ jo spends most of her time trying to get everyone to keep quiet, assuming that the only way to get around these scouts and the kingdom is by sneaking around. she does jump into a fight or two, stepping up behind people even if they don't see her to give them a quick boost before she moves on again. her power isn't anything she brags about, and she hates how she's most useful out of the line of fire, but she does what she can to get as many people through it as they can.

the canyon is so close. she can feel it in her chest, her bones. and the faster they can get through this and out, the better. they're all exhausted by the time they finally do, jo feeling it just as much as anyone who was doing actual fighting, but she doesn't stop. finds herself near the front of the group and keeps pushing. when she comes upon the large gash in the ground, she freezes up for a moment. takes in the sight in front of her.

there's something violent about this place, but the draw is even heavier. pulling her in, and in, and even she ends up slipping a bit as they make their way down the canyon. wouldn't that be ironic, killing herself before she even gets to see what this whole trip culminates to. ]

441, midday

[allpurposescarf]

[Anticipation is always the worst. Four himself may have had long years to get used to it, but that never makes it easy. Nor does the fact that he's never so much as been out in this particular direction before, which is maybe a little odd for someone who's technically in charge of the whole affair. But as long as someone knows where they're headed the precise details don't matter so much to him.

Of course, the first day is still spent in something like quiet nervousness for the first few hours. He is, after all, not entirely certain that he knows how much the gods might be paying attention to this, much less how much attention they're paying to the city at any given point. But it fades in relatively quick order, once they get far enough out of the city. He's always been prone to curiosity, and worry is all but forgotten as he makes his way over to Jo.]

Thinking about anything in particular?

Yuusuke Sagami | Multiple Days | Open!

[not_sasuke]

[Day 441; Day]

[Once they really get going, Yuusuke will be keeping towards the front of the group, his nose apparently buried in a small journal retrieved from some pocket or another of his pack.

...Or is it? He frequently looks up and back, as if trying to ascertain something. Eventually, he pockets the book, seemingly satisfied with whatever he saw. Is it... even worth asking about?]

[Day 441; Evening]

[The effects of the dropping sensation are obvious when it comes to Yuusuke. Previously laid back on the ground to gaze up at the night sky, he jolts up into a sitting position the moment he feels the flicker, cocking his head as his eyes strain against the dark. Someone with good hearing may have heard the small click of a pocket knife being flipped open; someone with excellent sight may actually notice the blade itself. Of course, it's not much help when he briefly loses consciousness, his vision eaten up by the dark as the knife falls uselessly on the ground by his side. It's not until he's recovered that he retrieves it, making a small "tch" of annoyance as he folds the blade back into the hilt.]

What was that...?

[The words are mumbled wearily as he settles down again, but it will be a while before he falls asleep. Maybe some friendly chat will help pass the time?]

[Days 443-445]

[All throughout this time, Yuusuke can be seen slinking across spaces with the grace of a cat. His sense of balance is impeccable, which may be a saving grace for some; as with the first trip, he'll go ahead and grab anyone who appears to be teetering on the edge of falling into the abyss to help them regain their balance.]

I wouldn't recommend going down there, if you want to make it to Ginnungagap in one piece.

[Really now, Yuusuke?

Other than that, he seems to be more or less absorbed in his own thing, whether it's eating small if reasonably healthy snacks as he walks or, as with the previous days, checking that little book of his. During breaks, rather than continue to eat, he simply jots down notes instead. Come investigate, perhaps?]

444

[abhero]

[Hamel makes his way easily, because being able to fly means you don't have to worry about finding a foothold.]

Better watch it or one of them will end up taking you down.

[Hovering a few feet away, right above the abyss, he just watched Yuusuke grab another traveler. And no, he didn't offer help. He's here for blithe commentary.]

[bartalk]

day 443; morning

[ on the first day, all of this had been quite exciting: sneaking out of the city, eating trail mix and jerky and enjoying it, and all the other things Jim associated with actual camping trips. by the second and third day, it had become more of a tedium than anything else. so far the trip had been a lot of walking, a decent bit of waiting... and very little else. ]

I'm bored.

day 445; daytime [character death]

[ jim can't help but think to himself that falling off a cliff would be a terrible terrible way to go. his previous brush with death taught him that no death was ever good, but falling was probably a few steps under 'noble sacrifice' on the ladder of useful ways to go.

it's morbid thoughts like this that accompany him through the canyon, and put him in a more somber mood for a change. to anyone who knows him, it's an odd switch. ]

Great place to go cliff diving, don't you think? [ he tries to joke ] How deep do you think it goes?

445

[not_sasuke]

[...Do you have a death wish, man?]

Pretty deep. I don't think even cliff diving would be a good idea here.

stefan salvatore | ota - all days

[somanyadjectives]

[This is a trip Stefan's made before, but it's never been quite under these circumstances. He's paying a lot more attention this time around, keeping a sharp eye on those around him and keeping an eye out for those who went with him. He should have tried to convince Elena to go with them, but then again, some distance can be good too. He, Elena and Damon have been in each other's space pretty much since he arrived in Asgard.

It's probably overdue that they gave her some. Even with Klaus around, but at least he's practically human and no as much of a threat as Stefan understands he would normally be.

And around Day 444, he knows that Elena being in Asgard is what's best for Jenna. He can't imagine what would have happened if Jenna had arrived to find herself alone in Asgard with Klaus and Kol.

All the same, he's wandering with the rest of the group, being sociable when necessary, and keeping an eye on Damon, Caroline and Tyler. He doesn't like the way they seem to be drawn to something, almost as though there's something waiting for them in the canyon when previous experience dictates that there's nothing living in the Earth Giant's settlement in Ginnungagap. All there is is death, and death is something Stefan knows well.

Still, he's determined to keep the group together, regardless of their feelings for each other at the moment. They're all leaving Asgard together, Stefan's going to do his best to make sure that they all come back in one piece.

Which is, by the end of this expedition, will probably be considered kind of funny.]

finally tagging into this....

[lockwood]

[Tyler's mostly here because he wants to see what's out there with his own eyes. He's still new enough to not trust anything -- not that trust is something that's ever come easily for him, especially not these days.

Speaking of not trusting...somehow he's ended up walking alongside Stefan for this little jaunt. He knows there are a lot of things Stefan doesn't know, that it's probably unfair to hold against him, but it doesn't really make Tyler like the dude any more.

Still, he'll never hear the end of it from Caroline if he doesn't at least try to be civil.]

Hey.

Robb Stark | ota, day 441

[needsnoheadsman]

[All things considered, the first day goes relatively well. Night falls, and Robb is already on his guard when something happens, something like a flicker. And the last time that happened, a few hours later he was bleeding on the streets with one hand cut off, so when he finally manages to come back to himself, he's quick to back away from the nearest person.

He's also got his left hand settled on the hilt of his sword as they go on, ready to draw and fight if need be. He's exhausted, a little twitchy, and a little more standoffish than usual, but if anyone wants to talk with him, well, it wouldn't hurt to get a conversation going and take his mind off things.

Gods know he'll need a distraction, at least for a time.]

[cheerleader]

Are you okay?

[She's not exactly doing great herself, after what happened, but she's more confused than anything. Seeing him off by himself acting skittish has her worried, but she plays it off as simple curiosity instead.]

That whole thing freaked me out too, it's okay. I don't think anything bad happened though.

Annie Sawyer | All Days OTA except Day 443

[howstrongiam]

Days 441/442

[This is Annie's first trip out of the city. Does it always feel this strange?

The first day of walking isn't so bad. Somewhat dull at first, especially since so much of the land outside Asgard had been deserted after the flood. And, besides the big chunk of black ice near the city, there isn't much to see after the flood flattened the countryside.

It's at night when things start getting interesting, and continues into the next couple days. Annie is just about to lie down for the night when everything seems to drop out from under her. She stumbles the rest of the way to her sleeping bag and sits heavily, blinking.

The next day continues to feel strange with the inexplicable pull towards Ginnungagap. What the hell is that? Annie would resist, but then, isn't the point of this trip to go there? No reason to balk and turn around now.

Still, the sensation is just...weird. Annie turns to someone nearby. Surely they've felt it, right?]

Is it just me, or does it feel like we're being led to Ginnu...uh...gap? Whatever it's called.

Day 443 - Closed to Eleven

[What's the worst power to have when trying to fight off one of Surt's fiery minions?

And which power does Annie have? Yes, of course, the one where the only thing she can do is give the giant pursuing her some more leafy fuel for his fire. Not that she doesn't try, however. As she runs, she tries growing the existing plant life behind her to stop the giant's pursuit, but the bastard keeps coming, turning her pathetic roadblocks into piles of ash.

Of course, all this power usage distracts her from one important fact: that giant hadn't been alone.

Annie slams bodily into the other fire giant who just stepped into her path and skitters backwards. With a shriek, she finds herself grabbed by her shirt before she can escape very far. After a moment, she stops struggling and just closes her eyes. What is left for her to do? She can't hardly move, growing plants only serves to create more tinder, and she'd managed to get far enough away trying to escape the pursuing giants that even if someone had heard her scream, they won't be able to make it in time.

As Annie expects, her sudden lack of a struggle only makes the giant lose interest in playing with her. The large knife through the gut doesn't come as a surprise to her, but the pain of her tearing flesh does make her gasp and her vision go grey, only to briefly go black when the giant tosses her to the ground like a child that has grown tired of their doll.]

[comeonthensexy]

[ He sees it from a distance.

Perhaps Annie isn't all that important. That's an easy enough thing to think. She only just got here, so she couldn't possibly have any noticeable skills with her powers. She's a Traveller, and that means she'll just be back, so what difference does it make, really? She probably hasn't had enough time to make a great impression on someone (although sometimes that happens in a blink). And, frankly, to him personally, she's hardly a friend yet.

But if the Doctor gave a damn about any of that, he wouldn't be the Doctor. And if he honestly thought Annie wasn't all that important, he wouldn't be the Doctor.

And if he ever accepted that people die, he wouldn't be the Doctor.

Travellers may come back, but that doesn't change the fact that they still have to go through dying. And if it can be avoided, then it will be avoided.

First priority is getting rid of the giants. Two well aimed shots at each of them slows them down enough for others to easily do the rest, and then he runs as fast as he can towards Annie's body with a mantra of no no no running through his head. ]

Annie!

[ And he drops down next to her, as he looks her over to find where she's hurt, even as he reaches out a hand to gently clap her cheek. ]

Days 441-444 open, day 445 locked

[chivalrouswench]

441-444

[ Asgard has not been going easy on Brienne. She's been reunited with her king, which sent her spiraling right back into a very unwise infatuation, and the reunion with Jaime shortly followed by his disappearance left her profoundly shaken as well.

Going on a mission seemed like a good idea to keep herself distracted, much as she still had doubts about leaving Renly's side. She is part of his Rainbow Guard, and her vow is to protect and serve him.

She failed him the first time around, did this mean she was failing again already?

But after that odd flickering sensation hit, the one that made her feel like suddenly she knew what it might be like to be a candle getting blown out, that anxiousness seemed to fade.

She is on a quest. She is exactly where she is supposed to be.

That doesn't really make her that much more prone to being social, really. She still keeps mostly to herself, big and ungraceful and impossible to miss, much as she is trying to be inconspicuous.

She could probably use some company, even if she's not likely to admit to it. ]

Day 445, locked to Robb Stark

[ It's almost a little strange, that the first thought Brienne has when she comes upon the group of Giants is: Wander off to take a piss and bumble into enemies. Jaime would never let me live it down.

Strange, because really what she should be thinking about is the fact that she is almost certainly about to die. There are five of the giants and only one of her. She doesn't stand a chance.

It's not until a club does her right knee in that it sinks in, if one can call blinding pain followed by a moment of clarity that.

She is going to die.

She isn't aware of screaming, but she must have, because her throat is raw and sore as she tries to manage some sort of retreat, knowing that it's useless but what else is she supposed to do? ]

[needsnoheadsman]

[Wander off to give yourself a moment alone to deal with a new loss, and you end up hearing someone scream and running straight into a fight. Robb almost welcomes the fight--it's a distraction, at least, from the fresh grief coming from Bran's disappearance. He draws his sword with his left hand as he runs, and though it's clumsy and awkward (he never did get to actually training with his left), it's still easy enough to hold it and slash down on a giant, albeit with all the grace of a beginner who's been thrust into battle far too soon.

The giant isn't dead yet, but it screams and stumbles back a step. There are five of them against him and Brienne, even with one giant injured (and it'll recover soon enough, he figures), and the odds of both of them getting out alive aren't really looking so good.

But he'd come here to keep an eye on the people heading to Ginnungagap, and if Brienne gets out of here and he doesn't, well, it's not as if it's his first time to die.]

Go, my lady, [he all but snaps, putting himself between her and the giants with some difficulty] get out of here, I'll hold them off. [As soon as the words are out of his mouth, he realizes they're not entirely wise, considering that one: Brienne's knee does not look good, and two: he has one hand, and it isn't even his right.

He's going to die. Again.]