asgardmeridiem | END OF ARC 2: PART ONE OF THREE

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END OF ARC 2: PART ONE OF THREE

Who: ANYONE going on the infiltration into Thrymheim!
What: Lots of travelling and also rescuing Freyr's soul.
When: Days 278 - 279 ( June 10 - 13 )
Where: Asgard, Thrymheim, and the road inbetween.
Rating: PG-13. Anything that might go higher than that should be taken to a private log, please!

[ Before even the first crack of sunlight over the horizon on Day 278, every bracelet in the city will give a quiet blip! as they activate with a short mass text from the gods:

The time to act has come. Gather at the Gate of Frost by the Sun's first rays if you will, and be prepared to strike at the heart of ice. There is no room for failure.

Exactly as the message implies: it's time to ship off to Thrymheim. Gear up in your best winter clothes and bring whatever weaponry you need; there are wagons thinly concealed and waiting for you at the southern gate that leads to the home of the Frost Giants. Inside the wagons will be those portable heaters that you guys bought in Utgard, along with spare gloves, jackets and scarves for anyone that foolishly believed summer might touch the kingdom of ice. Travellers can also find food rations to last a week alongside a generous amount of medical supplies that may or may not be a bit foreboding.

The caravan will leave at precisely 5AM, driven by the barest amount of Natives to keep travel at a minimum. Secrecy is of the utmost importance, and a severe silence will fall across the few sitting in the back of the wagons with the Travellers. They know the weight of this mission: if you fail, Freyr's soul will remain trapped forever. It is dangerous and no one's lives are guaranteed, so prepare yourselves for a fight quite unlike any other this far.

As you travel further from Asgard, you might notice the terrain getting a bit more uneven as the wagons move through undeveloped areas. There may be the odd village noticeable in the far off distance, but they are nowhere close enough to make out any distinguishable details because you don't want them distinguishing anything about you in return. These villages are few and far between, and grow even less in number the closer the caravan gets to Thrymheim. The terrain goes from rocky but arable to colder and harder, the temperature dropping increasingly as the earth grows solid and unforgiving, eventually peppering with light snowfall even in the midst of Yggdrasil's summer.

It will take two full days to reach Thrymheim travelling at as fast a pace as they can without wearing out the horses or catching unwanted attention. They will make short stops to feed and brush the horses, switch drivers, and allow for any necessary relief - but these breaks will last no longer than ten to twenty minutes at most. Simple meals will be served by the Natives thrice daily, and Travellers are welcome to attempt sleep on one of the meager pallets stocked up if they think they can manage it. Space is not abundant and neither is time. ]

[ OOC NOTES: This is part one of three for the Save Our Souls plot! Please put the day/location in the title of your comment along with [OPEN/CLOSED]. The second log can be found over here and the third and final log can be found here. Let us know if you have any questions! ]

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( natasha rises before dawn anyway; it's an old habit. she was surveying the street outside loki house when her bracelet went off and she didn't even hesitate before leaving the building her usual way -- through the window. so. something was finally happening. finally. this was what she had been trained for, at least. she didn't fight in wars, but..

perhaps she could make an exception, this once, to keep from expiring from sheer boredom.

by the time she arrived at the gate of frost, she was early. the sun hadn't come up yet - maybe she was one of the first to receive the message. no matter. she liked it that way; instead she busied herself with taking pick of the equipment, gearing up as if for a russian winter, double checking the security of the wagons (there could still be a saboteur among them), and generally keeping the shadows as it grows more crowded).

hell, if you approach her, she might even help you. that's the kind of mood she's in. and if she notices people intent on going into the cold woefully unprepared, she'll definitely say something. you learn quickly, growing up in russia - cold kills, faster than any bullet. )

[Daphne is not very pleased.

She is sitting on her bench with a large basket at her feet, frowning to herself. The mission has been set before them and she has been given a pretty large responsibility which no one she knows seems very happy about.

Still, Daphne managed during Ragnarok with a third of the power she has now. Surely she can manage this, with as much skill and experience as she's gathered.

When dinner is served, Daphne opens her mouth slightly as the food (if it could even be called that) is handed out, but she doesn't refuse it outright. That would be rude -- but she does undo the basket at her feet.

Not a warrior by trade, she did not bring weapons, or protective gear. She bundled both her and her husband up and then set to work doing what she does best while he gathered all of that sort of thing. And what she did best was cook.

So, if you are nearby, if she is friends with you, or even if she's never met you before -- have a sandwich.

You can't enter Ice Hell without being well-rested and fed.]

[It is about an hour into the trip that something a little strange occurs.

At the very side of the cart where there had previously been empty space, a burgundy cloak begins to fade into view. Judging by its lumpy appearance, it's almost like there's a child under there...

...

If your character chooses to investigate, Hibiki can indeed be found curled up and sleeping soundly underneath. If not, well... enjoy the squeak of surprise when she suddenly wakes up closer to 8AM.]

[ Morgana chose the seat near the end of the caravan, at a spot that allows her to look outside. granted, it's colder here but she doesn't seem to mind it. it's late but she is wide awake, watching the road, the sky, the darkness.

she loathes the gods, but she will do this and see it done. because even proud morgana pendragon would rather screw the queen of gods over than the gods. for now.

a sword is rested near her, at least two daggers hidden on her body. it might take you a moment to recognize her in chain-mail and breeches rather than the gowns, hair braided carefully and boots that have seemed to have gone through much.

she's not a lady tonight, nor is she quite the conquering queen; she is a warrior.

she lifts her chin and calms her breath.

it will be a long night. ]

[When Jack hears about a trip to the cold lands, he expects something better. Of course they're going to fight, so fun isn't exactly in the program, but all this secrecy is driving him crazy. All the silence, all the tension, all the looks he gets for being barefooted and undressed. It makes him restless and more importantly (and kinda dangerous), it makes him bored. Anyone who feels like slapping him any minute now would be completely justified.

His fidgeting stops when he feels the change of temperature. Maybe he hasn't got his powers anymore, but he still recognizes good ol' winter when he gets in the area. Using his staff (don't ask why he stills carries it around), he makes a hole on the side of the caravan to take a better look of their surroundings.]

Geez, we're missing all the good stuff.

Equius walked amongst the others, shouldering the massive bow he'd carried since receiving it from the gods. There was a quiver literally bristling with wicked looking arrows. The troll had had ample practice in the weapon's use finally, and he was itching for the chance to use it.

Of course, it meant that he was better suited for backup, but that didn't bother him in the slightest. He kept a sketch pad beside him and a potion, just in case when they reached the front something powerful to serve as added support was needed.

But for the moment he just looked grim and dour... well more grim than usual.

[DAY 278 - Gate of Frost]

[For all her concerns and misgivings about the gods in general, Naminé was not about to miss this trip. The others are going, after all, and even if that 'others' is amorphous and may or may not contain the most familiar and dearest names in the city, her duty is to all of them, all of those who choose to make this journey. As a healer, she cannot find it in herself to do otherwise.]

[She's fairly awake for this early in the morning, but if the somberness of her expression and the way she seems lost to her thoughts are any indication, that's probably assisted by her own concerns. She seems to have packed fairly lightly, although a noticeable and, for her, unusual addition is the knife at her side. She's never used it, and she hopes she won't have to, but she has no illusions about the likelihood of that.]

[DAY 278-279 WAGONS]

[It's a bit strange when she catches sight of all of the medical supplies, many of which she assisted in the purchase of, herself. Still, knowing that they're to be used for this... it's jarring. Cold comfort, perhaps. It stops her in her tracks, but only for a brief moment, and then she continues to take her place on the wagon.]

[From time to time, she draws in the small, travel-sized sketchbook she's brought with her. It's a good distraction, at least, from the way her thoughts are inclined to go. As the road grows more bumpy, however, she has more and more difficulty - although that doesn't stop her from trying entirely.]

[Other things change over time as the temperature drops. The coat she'd seen fit to purchase at the suggestion of the natives makes an appearance, well-insulated and pure white. She's wearing pants - for once - in addition, although the chill does seem to effect her, regardless. She becomes slowly turned more inward for the sake of maintaining warmth, although her posture remains as firm as always even as her arms and legs cross and her shoulders rise. She does not, however, breathe a word of complaint. It's actually a little fun to be able to see her breath, even if the mood doesn't exactly encourage her to appreciate it any more than as a quiet distraction. The scenery, too, is perused unrepentantly but for the most part without comment.]

[When she sleeps, it's more of a doze, the hood of her coat drawn over her head as she attempts to rest, leaving only the part of her blonde hair that sits over her shoulder and the lower half of her face visible to distinguish her in any way other than her small stature and clothing choice. The jostling doesn't suit her, nor does the cold, but when she does manage to fall asleep, she is for the most part as still as death, only shifting or moving in any way not caused by the wagons upon rare occasion.]

[Is Henry on one of those wagons? You bet your sweet cakes he's on one of those wagons, huddled up in a big winter coat, and still looking rather cold.

And happy. And sleepy. But also cold. Plegia was a desert country, so the idea of there being a place made of cold and ice and more cold was more than a little foreign. But at least he'd gotten a coat, right? And they're not even at Thrymheim yet. He's still shivering a lot and breathing onto his hands, but it doesn't seem to take away even an iota of his good mood.

He's also humming a cheerful little tune, just a little bit off-key, and more than a little bit broken up by harder shivers. And the occasional yawn. After the first couple hours, this could probably get annoying.]

[ day 278 : gate of frost.

Never let it be said that Asgard's a kingdom lacking for quests. One more journey for a lengthening list. Gwaine will arrive with the New Camelot party, presumably, properly done up in the whole knightly cloak and chainmail and weaponry spiel. Sword, hunting knife, one dagger to keep in a boot. Arthur's got them bringing crossbows. Seems like a suitable load to him. Bit early by any sane standards, this embarkation, but this isn't his first rodeo. It's a rare traveling party that doesn't set out at first light anymore. He's got a sharp eye open for familiar faces, more so than he would on a less serious mission, but will be doing his best to let people get done setting themselves up for the journey before approaching anybody. Rescuing a soul. That's the sort of thing you want everybody at their best for.

278 + 279 : en route.

And your typical fare for Gwaine while traveling, really. This is a quest he's taking entirely seriously alongside most everyone else, which is all the more reason to act like he isn't taking it very seriously at all. He's got a particular knack for being cheery and talkative on the road- why make an exception for this? This is when he does most of his catching up and chatting with people both familiar and new, possibly to the point of some irritation. God, but he hates a lot of silence when he's on his way somewhere that has a decent chance at killing him. Don't know how people can stand it. It's strange enough being out one Merlin and one Lancelot in all of this: the last thing he needs is to sit around quietly for a few days before things really get started.

If he's not talking with somebody, he'll be sharpening his weapons, eating the meals, or possibly sleeping (pallet or no). Sleeping on the road is also one of his knacks.

Basically socializing, being a bit of a guard dog, and doing the preparation thing. And lucky him, Merlin shoved a coat at him on his first day in Asgard. Pretty much everything's covered as far as he's concerned. ]

[ day 278: gathering

Allen's actually very much on time and rather quiet about the whole thing. No-nonsense and a gentle sort of serious expression -- and wearing a trim, militaristic sort of black and red-trimmed uniform he hasn't in a long while. There's a badge of a silver cross over the heart that reads "The Black Order" as well. He's not saying much and standing a little off by himself; just seems ready and rather unsurprised by it. (You'd think he was used to sudden missions without any warning and having to drop everything to go save a soul. Gosh.)

Although unlike probably a lot of others meaning to be there to fight -- he doesn't seem to have any weapon on him. And a sharp eye would notice his bracelet has a Sigyn colored gem in it. Funny, that.

(Although at getting assigned to a defense team? -- er, he probably did blink for a second at that and smile a little ~~awkwardly~~ quickly. Him, really? And he'll try to find them before they head off, his other teammates, but you know how his luck is and there probably isn't a lot of time.)

Timcanpy's still there though, a ~~fat~~ pleasantly plump sort of golden ball wings wings and a tail perched on Allen's shoulder or hovering nearby. (It is watching you without seeming to have any eyes? Shhhh, yes he is...)

day 278-279: en route

And at least one white-haired British teen can be found walking outside along the wagons as much as his constitution (well, the weather) will allow him. Maybe to act as a guard, but -- maybe because he's really restless, too. And maybe looking a little thinly dressed in just that uniform and a matching hooded overcoat -- how could something like that be warm for winter -- but it doesn't seem to be bothering him as such.

Frequently enough he can be found sitting on the rear of one of the wagons, legs dangling over the side and watching the path behind them with a thoughtful (and somehow a little heavy or sad) kind of expression. Or maybe trying to catch a quick catnap wedged up against some of the supplies (nope, not even on a pallet). Playing a little idly with the yellow golem maybe, stretching him thisway and thatway like putty although it doesn't seem to mind, and wherever Allen is the entire trip Timcanpy seems to be following in twain.

He'll be quick to smile and be polite and cheery the instant anyone tries to talk address him! But ah. He does seem a little more quietly by himself until engaged. ]

Edited 2013-06-11 20:26 (UTC)

Day 278 : Gate of Frost

[ I'm so sorry for what is about to follow. I'm so sorry for the hideous.

Condesce got the message. To be perfectly honest, she didn't care about the god or goddess or whoever they were going to save - as matter of fact, she hoped they died. Because if you need to be saved, it means you are worthless in first place and you should die. It's quite simple set of mind, actually.

The Troll Empress will only go for one thing and one thing only: to kill bitches.

Now, when you go out to kill bitches, you at least wear something appropriate. Menacing. Maybe serious. Yeah, but Condesce doesn't. Condesce decided that looking like Lady Gaga during winter is probably for the best. Wearing a pink leopard jacket, white shutter shades, a huge gold chain around her neck with the Pisces symbol, jewelry that would probably be worth a lot if she sold it (but she won't), she is out for the kill. Don't ask, it's easier.

She also carries a trident and probably a couple of other weapons hidden ~~in her hair~~ around. Speaking of hair? That thing is everywhere. You'd think she would at least tie it up, but fuck that (actually, she didn't have time, that's why). Careful with it, tho, it might engulf you and you might lose your way inside.

The moment she arrives, she grabs a cigar. She is actually quite happy, and may be humming a Snoop Dog song. ]

Day 278 - 279 : En route

[ Yeah, her good mood is gone. Right now, she is just cursing the caravan because who the fuck travels like this? No, seriously. They are "gods" and they don't have spaceships or teleports and they go by caravan which is the biggest bullshit she has ever had the displeasure of encountering. No wonder there is some bitch trying to destroy it all, this world is dumb as hell.

And of course she is on a wagon.

Hell naw, she ain't gonna walk *FINGER SNAP*

Also because her hair is dragging. And speaking of that, she is currently trying to tie it up, make a braid or SOMETHING out of that black mass which she calls hair. It's actually a bit difficult because it IS a lot of hair.

At least she appreciates the cold. Trolls have thicker skin and are nocturnal, so the sun is something the Empress wants gone, too. Of course without her jacket it would be a lot more difficult to appreciate the lack of sun, but that thing is as warm as it is ridiculous. ]

Edited 2013-06-12 14:54 (UTC)

[ Day 278: Gate of Frost

It doesn't take much to swing back to his place and seize up the pack he'd had packed and ready to go in his workroom since they got back from Utgard. Dirk took precious seconds to adjust his sword belt before he was off. He left no messages, said no good byes.

It's time implies a lot of things. None of them are peaceful. He found it a little ironic that he'd pictured things like this happening during Sburb, but none of it did. Yet.

He arrives at the gates wearing his usual clothes and shouldering a pack. He'd look like he was setting out for a normal journey if not for the swords on his hips, and sober air he's taken on. After the spy incident, he isn't about to broadcast to anyone watching outside of the city what's going on. He'd arrived early, but that doesn't matter. They're all going to the same place.

He'd been selected for the Strike Team. Dirk allows himself a small 'heh'. Get in, get out. Just like the years of slipping past security on Derse and getting what information he needed. This time it will be difficult. He doesn't know the terrain of where they're going, possibly unfamiliar team members, and no telling if the enemy is waiting for them. He shakes his head a little and waits.

Thinking too far ahead would send the whole thing tumbling down.]

[ Day 278-279: Wagons

The worst part of any operation is the waiting. He can't stand it. During the trip Dirk is a shadow in the back of a wagon who says little. Every now and then he'll look up and make eye contact with others or the small amount of the view allowed. Other things he's up and about, moving quietly as he patrols the area. As the weather gets closer, Dirk's restlessness grows.

The sight of his heart marked shirt is replaced with a grey coat that has pockets on the inside of it. It's simple but it affords him protection from the weather without slowing him down. His green shoes are switched out in favor of a pair of boots. The boots are light just like the rest of his gear with an added feature. The bottom of his new boots contain metal. A kick from Dirk would be like being smashed into with a brick.

Toward the end of the trip, he takes out a dagger from somewhere. It never hurt to have enough blades to cover you. He can't help but remember how Jade had taken him by surprise back home. In case the giants did the same, he had back up. He runs his stone for sharpening over the blade, aware of the surface geometry. The edge is left alone. It might not be a katana but he isn't about to destroy a blade for the sake of an edge.]

Edited 2013-06-12 17:37 (UTC)

[ Raven isn't pleased with the Gods for the things they've done, the things they've taken away from her and her friends, or the things they seem to think all of the travelers are here for - but she also doesn't like sitting idly by while things happen and other people trapped here, not unlike herself, go forth and take risks and make a difference. She doesn't ask for Erik's approval before she leaves; rather, she slips out in the early hours of the morning to try to make as quiet an exit as possible, to avoid making waves. It's better to ask him to forgive her for it later than it is to try talking him into letting her go to begin with.

She wears only what is necessary to protect her during the journey, and to sustain her. She has a small pack on her back with water and some food, and is wearing a coat. She doesn't wear shoes, nor does she have any other sort of adornment. It has been a struggle here just as it was before she went with Erik back in Cuba to accept and warm up to the idea of walking around naked; perhaps more difficult because she cannot choose to change whenever she wishes. But she has come to accept it again, in most instances.

The blue girl walks toward the back of the largest parts of the crowd, keeping to herself and simply observing those around her. She doesn't really want to fight for the Gods or join in their war, but there is a sense of boredom about just sitting around, and she is ever curious. She wants to go, to see, to learn. ]

[throughout the trip, sophie is restless. this is probably not a surprise to anyone who knows her. she speaks quietly to people she knows, reads a book (twice, if anyone is paying attention), even hops off the wagon to move to another one or walk beside them from time to time. she's a bit anxious, yes, but mostly she's just very bad at being still and waiting. she dons her warmer clothes slowly, waiting until she's chilly in the wagon before adding another layer. there are no weapons or armor visible on her person]

[It's early.

Jesus, it's early. Five in the morning to leave? That means getting up at four, which for a sixteen year old with no school to attend means, like... three hours of sleep.

So Isaac isn't particularly happy, but he's going to go along anyway, even if he has his doubts. This is why they're here, right? And the sooner they fix all this crap, the sooner they can get back home- which seems like what Derek wants more than anything else. Besides which, Sophie is going, and Isaac has been getting stir crazy around here with nothing to do but practice and get better at using his powers, day in and day out. He's pretty confident in them now.

As the caravan starts moving and Isaac realizes that he didn't really bring anything to keep himself occupied (remember, they left at five in the morning?), he's going to make his own fun. After a few hours, he's going to start making small shadow puppets that blossom up out of the floor. Two little shadow knights on horseback, maybe six inches tall, and Isaac proceeds to amuse himself by having them joust across the floor of the caravan.

Feel free to tell him to stop. Or to make requests!]

Edited 2013-06-13 11:23 (UTC)

[ Being up bright and early is no problem for a soldier, and when John enters the wagons he spots the medical supplies and immediately walks over to make sure it really is good enough. He expects so, but he needs to occupy himself with something.

Once the wagon gets going, he mostly sits in one spot, against the wall, occasionally making sure he does still have his gun with him. Being used to war or not, it's a good thing to be a little on the edge, and so he allows that much.

But, god, how he's missed that feeling. For the most part he's been bored out of his mind in Asgard. One city where nothing seems to ever happen and he's just looking after a small clinic... Sure, he thinks he eventually wants to settle into a calmer life eventually, and that he could no matter what the Holmes brothers think, but he definitely doesn't want all that peace and quiet now. So he's glad something is happening, really glad, and while on the edge, if you know him and are observant enough you might notice he seems oddly more relaxed than his has for the whole stay in the city. ]

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DAY 278 | PACKING UP | OPEN

LATE DAY 278 | EN ROUTE | OPEN.

DAY 278