mandalus :: the city of fates.

[The video starts as the usual video broadcasts from Pepper - Pepper sitting at her desk, perfectly framed against the backdrop of the sky behind her and between two window frames.

But then she stands with a sigh, finally looking directly into the camera with a serious expression.]

I'm sure everyone is aware of our new "leader" and her position on many of us within the city. Once again, I'd like to remind everyone, and I do mean everyone that Stark Tower is always a refuge in times like this.

Thor and his squad of men are protecting the building, as well as Tony and I at times when it's required. If you're in the city and you need somewhere safe to hide, we can retrieve you. [She sighs again, squaring her shoulders.]

Contact me if you require anything, or come to the Tower.

[When the video broadcast begins, all is quiet for a moment as the camera focuses on Pepper's body laying completely still.

There is a quiet whisper off-screen, one of the priests consulting a priestess. Pepper's eyes snapped open and instantly flared orange as she slowly pulled herself into a sitting position. Had the natural light been dimmer, they would almost appear to be glowing.

As it was, the orange faded when Pepper realized no one seemed to be holding a weapon or blatantly threatening her.]

Where is Tony? Where am I? [She could ignore the odd clothing she was in for the moment, though she wishes she hadn't been changed. Even if she was aware of how many bullet holes there would probably have been in the outfit she died in. The camera moved closer and sank to Pepper's level. There was another flurry of movement as Pepper took the phone and tried to stand. She needed to return to the Tower.]

...I can't move. Why can't I move? [This couldn't be what was happening to her. She needed to be able to walk.]

You will be able to walk later. Tell someone to come and return you to your home. [There was a loud moment of fabric rustling as the C'Meni began to leave. She sighed quietly, trying to strengthen herself for more.]

Ah. Looks like this thing is broadcasting. Hello, everyone. I'm somewhere in the woods. Tony?

[The video opens with Pepper at her desk. A familiar view for some, considering how often she broadcasts from that exact position.]

Hello, everyone. I've been back for a week, but there were some things that Tony and I needed to work on. [She's quite aware that makes it sound like they were having relationship problems, but if that is what people assume, people are welcome to do so. They've never been closer.]

I'm now contactable through any of the usual means. Drop by Stark Tower, call or text me. Anything works. [She smiles broadly.]

I hope everyone has been well in my absence. Do let me know if you need anything.

( Cut for slight Iron Man 3 spoilers )

[The audio feed is silent for a moment, before there is a quiet rustling of fabric as Pepper clears her throat and speaks. She's made this type of announcement before. She never wanted to do it for Tony.]

Tony Stark has apparently been returned home. I hope you all enjoyed his party last night. [At least she got to celebrate his birthday with him.]

If you had any business with him I'll be taking it over, but don't expect me to be the engineer he is. [Was? A quiet sigh. He isn't dead. She's not sure how to handle this.]

That's all. Thank you, everyone.

If I may have a moment of everyone's time. [Pepper speaks before the video focuses on her face, and once it has focused she smiles softly.] First of all, allow me to issue a blanket apology if Tony's been any trouble in the past few weeks. [She's not responsible, but she's spent over a decade issuing apologies for him. It's a habit she's having trouble kicking.]

Now, onto business. I know there are quite a few bakers among those of us here. I'm looking for someone who is willing to be commissioned for a relatively large cake and... [She looks away from the phone, the edge of a Stark Industries tablet obvious at the side of the screen as she lifts it to check her notes.] About one hundred cupcakes.

[It's a small party by usual Stark standards, which is why Pepper's put planning for the more important things off until the same month as the party.

There's a short pause before she moves or speaks again, and then it is only to sigh as if she cannot actually believe she is about to ask the next question.]

Does anyone know where I can rent a llama? [She's almost certain Tony's just attempting to see how far she'll let him push, but if she found him jellyfish in Dubai in less than two hours at four in the morning, she'll do her best to find a llama.

Or at least, that had been her thought coming into this call. She shakes her head, waving a hand dismissively.] Never mind. I'm not letting him have a llama in the tower.

Rabbit or The Spine, which of you do I speak to about booking you for the party?

Miss Potts, if I could see you for a moment. In private.

If there is anyone who needs somewhere safe to stay, Tony and I are opening Stark Tower. [Again. Pepper takes a deep breath.]

We'll be able to escort anyone who needs it to the tower. Tony has managed a force field for the building and we have supplies and power.

...That is all. I suggest everyone stay out of the army's way if you aren't fighting. They have no qualms about killing us.

[The video clicks on with Pepper seated at her desk, perfectly framed by the lines of the windows behind her, though that is caused by the layout of her office, not any attempt on her part to look good. She is silent for a moment as she thinks, a somber look on her face.]

...Dr. Bruce Banner has been returned home. If you had any business with him, I'll do my best to complete it. [Hopefully she'll actually be able to.]

His clinic will be closed until his return or unless I can find a volunteer. [She'll take over the upkeep. There's a chance. He could return tomorrow. She doesn't know when he disappeared. She sighs and nods, reaching out for the phone just as a muffled explosion sounds and the camera shakes slightly.]

Tony! That's all for today, thank you. [She's on her feet before the feed ends.]