[The Flash is currently talking around a mouthful of what appears to be multiple kinds of candies. So many they're actually spilling out of his mouth. The screen is slightly smudged with whatever ungodly things were on his hands and there is mustard on his chin.]

Just when you think this place completely stinks, something awesome happens. I am so happy. Who wants to take a romantic ride on the Ferris wheel? Or a platonic ride, that would be fine too.

I know what you're thinking. You're thinking "he should probably wipe his face." You may also be thinking, "but Flash is way faster than these roller coasters." These things you're thinking, they're all true. But you see, I'll wipe my face when I'm good and ready, and also, roller coasters are cool because I still can't fly. So. Nyah.

[He swallows before sticking his tongue out, revealing a multi-colored tongue.]

Can't count this kinda thing as a curse, I guess. Wonder how long it's sticking around?

Not into the giant pumpkins or any of that weird 4H crap, but the junk food's not bad. Even if I feel kinda like an idiot trusting it. No one's turned into anything weird, far as I see. Yet, anyway.

Can't believe it's October already. Shit.

Two years since...

I see we're entering day three of the City's apparent county fair. I have to admit, I'm actually surprised that it stuck around past the weekend. It seems like this kind of thing doesn't usually extend into a third day.

Of course, in light of the prolonged exposure to carnival food, here's some friendly and general medical advice. You don't need to come to the hospital for indigestion - any over-the-counter antacids should be fine, or if you prefer a more holistic approach, I'd go with some mint or chamomile tea. I would like to point out that overly sweetened or deep-fried anything is hardly medically advisable under any circumstances, but - it is a fair, and I'm not going to scold anyone for actually having a bit of fun. Just try not to overdo it by too much, all right?

And if I can't convince you not to indulge, at least let me recommend that you go with the funnel cake.

[Could it be that she actually looks in good spirits (for a change)? Is there a certain colour to Sif's cheeks, a certain spring in her step? Nnnnot really. She focuses the camera on herself (so good at this shit) before speaking.]

In Asgard, we welcome fall with feasts like this one. Only we do not make our guests pay for the food.

[You couldn't let that go, Sif, you just couldn't.] Do you fare better, people of the City? Are your spirits lifted, or is the sentiment of distrust still present within you, no matter how much these new leaders of ours might ply us with sweets and drinks? [Hey, speaking of - she focuses the camera on a large pumpkin.]

Loki, I have found this for you. It might be poisoned. [A beat.] I suppose you will have to find out.

[Anya's never been to a carnival before...at least not one she can remember, anyway. And even if she could, she suspects that it was never as...big or impressive as this.

She's sitting with a half eaten candy apple by the petting zoo, smiling to herself and watching the animals much about. Pooka, her ever playful pup, is trying to get in through the fence to join them.]

Pooka, stop that, you'll scare the other animals...I don't think you're allowed in there, anyway. You're gonna get us in trouble.

[She grins and shakes her head as he continues to get through the fence.]

You keep this up, I'm not gonna smuggle you onto the Ferris Wheel later...

You know, I've been here for...well, a while, and I've got to say, I don't think I've ever see the City do a carnival. At least not one like this, and especially without some creepy ulterior motive...

[She shrugs and grins a bit.]

I think I'm going to go and try all the rides. I've never been on a roller coaster before...and the whole thing looks like a lot of fun.

So, I'm going to the carnival. Everybody who works at the Dragon, you've got a day off! No point in coming in if everybody's going to be somewhere else, right?

[Her grin widens a bit.]

Hope they have cotton candy...that stuff is magical.