middleofsomewhere | Event: Healing Waters

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Event: Healing Waters

"Good morning passengers, it is day twenty three of the month of Grasshopper. All passengers of the Voidtrecker Express require rest. Next stop Jema’grethy Island. All passengers prepare to disembark."

It is a very strange morning message that rings through the train on the morning of day twenty three but as the passengers of the Voidtrecker Express wake their screens glow with the colour of the void and a holographic screen pops up for them to read.

World #2554098133741: A world once inhabited by an ancient civilisation and now preserved as a historical site, nature reserve and well-being retreat. It is famous for its relaxing hot springs, calming atmosphere and beautiful beaches.

It is a popular void-traveller destination, particularly among void missionaries as a place to rest and recuperate after difficult missions.

The Voidtrecker Express will spend three days here, arriving today and leaving on day twenty six of the month of Grasshopper. The dressing carriage is open for your convenience.

It is time for a holiday it seems!

Preparation

For those who go to explore the dressing carriage they will find a variety of beachwear and wetsuits. One cupboard has a pile of tents and groundsheets in all four team colours.

One cabinet is exclusively filled with beach towels, in a kaleidoscope of colours, designs and patterns. Another is filled with different shapes and sizes of plain towel dressing gowns. There is even a cabinet with buckets, spades and small rock-pooling nets.

It seems they are in for quite an adventure.

Arrival

"Shortly arriving on World #2554098133741. Exit from void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."

The train lurches and rattles as it leaves the void they will get a glimpse of silver-purple sky and a beautiful ocean below.

However some passengers might be a little more than distracted, one staring at that table for a second too long, another seeming lost in thought for a couple of seconds, a longer than normal pause in a sentence. They see a vision, a glimpse of a life that is not their own. Not all at once, but here and there as the train descends to the island.

But then it is gone and things are back to normal. Just in time, as they come to land.

Jema’grethy Island

The train has landed on a grassy ridge, overlooking a beautiful beach of white sand and the ocean beyond. It is warm, but not too hot, a cool ocean breeze cutting through the heat making it pleasant. Behind them is a grassy plain, changing to forest in the distance. There is the sound of birdsong in the purple sky. To the west the land is more craggy, the silhouette of a fortress in the distance. In a word, it is idylic. A sense of peace permeates the island.

A little more worrying is the volcano-like structure in the north. But even a quick glance will show it is not a typical volcano. There is no smoke and the liquid slowly running down it in rivulets is pink and blue.

Exploring the passengers will find beautiful beaches, ragged cliffs to walk and caves to explore. Where it is more craggy the beaches are made of pebbles- perfect for rock pooling.

The place has no people, but it is clearly maintained. The eastern beaches have racks of shallow boats, both canoes and one- or two-person sailing dinghies. There is also a small building in which scuba gear is stored, along with several waterproofed manuals and instructional literature.

Ruins of ancient houses are scattered across the island, but the main settlement is built into a rocky section in the north-west that has been secured with ropes and stairways cut into the cliffs, perfect for scrambles and hikes.

There are no living quarters, but there are sheltered sections with basic toilet facilities marked as camping grounds in five different sections of the island - by the hot springs, within the ruined fortress, beside the harbour, on the eastern beaches, and on the northern face of the mountain.

Hot Springs

To the west are the hot springs. They have both outdoor and indoor areas; the indoor areas being wooden loghouse saunas, changing rooms and storage sheds, whilst the outdoor areas are a tiered series of pools spilling down the side of the mountain and shaded by brightly flowering trees. The waters are hot, mineral-rich and soothing.

Perfect for overly stressed, world weary Void heroes...

(OOC: More setting information is here, please feel free to go wild with the setting and have a fun and relaxing time. You can use this post as a catch all for your holiday or make your own posts on

middleofsomewhere. More information about how the memory event is structured is here!)

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[ There it is, the last defining trait he had been looking for. The seriousness that Inigo seemed to attribute to Roland as well, though he can see why, now. He was cognizant of his own attitude, especially when the children around him, his King no less, would tell him it wasn't a crime to let loose once in a while.

So in the spirit of bridging bonds and to fulfill his promise to Inigo, Roland takes his duffel bag from the floor, slings it over his shoulder, and walks to the direction of the rocky terrain leading up to either the mountain or the volcano. With a side glance at his now companion, he smiles with a hint of playfulness. ]

Then let's get a move on while we've got the sun on our side, Gerome.

[Gerome started to turn, but then he stopped completely. He might well have followed the other man right then but something was said that caused him to frown deeply.]

... I do not recall giving you my name.

[ Roland just chuckles. ]

I apologize. Someone went ahead with the introductions before we even had a chance to meet in person.

[ The walking stick in his duffel back is foldable, so he brings it out and twirls it into place, ready for the hike. ]

Inigo speaks very highly of you. It's good to finally make your acquaintance. I'm Roland.

...

[Gerome sighed... He was going to have to have a word with Inigo about this. It was disconcerting finding people knew more about him than they knew about him. It put him on edge. He was immediately at a disadvantage and felt like the only course of action would be to leave.

But that would get back to Inigo, and the idiot would look at him and pout, and want to know why he didn't give his friends a chance... But perhaps that was because he had not been given a chance to come to these people on his own terms, without them knowing everything about him.]

I know nothing about you...

[And wasn't that another big issue for Gerome. Inigo had talked about him, but Gerome was not sure he'd heard the name 'Roland' spoken in return.

He was definitely on edge now.]

It seems you know more about me. You have me at a disadvantage... And I dislike that.

[ Thankfully, Roland's dealt with men like Gerome in the past. He isn't so easily intimidated by the way he speaks, reading through the words and getting straight into the meat of his message: he really was reserved. And with good reason. Roland has a feeling the world Inigo comes from is not all that it seems, from the way the boy has acted in front of him, to how Gerome is acting now.

He takes nothing away from them, takes nothing against him, so he responds with encouragement, like a challenge to be met face-to-face. ]

[ He also now understands why Inigo encouraged him of all people, to come find Gerome when he had a chance. ]

That's fair. How about we even out the playing field, then? [ He leans part of his body weight on the walking stick. ] What would you need from me to prove I'm trustworthy enough to walk to the mountaintop with?

[Truthfully, Gerome hadn't been intending to be intimidating, he didn't even sound angry. To be sure, he was unhappy that Inigo was going around talking about him, because no he had no idea what had been said. Not, of course, that there was much that could be said... There wasn't much to Gerome. He knew that. But still, it bothered him...

And it bothered him more that it seemed that this man was mocking him. Perhaps that was not what was intended, but it was the way Gerome was taking it.

He moved. One foot in front of the other, back straight, he breezed past Roland. And spoke a moment after he had passed.]

Keep up.

Heh. Alright then.

[ In contrast, Roland can only chuckle under his breath, finding himself a little bit more invested in the mysterious man from Inigo's world more than he expected. There was a certain gravitas to Gerome; a a sense of precociousness Roland has not seen in a while.

He shakes his head and brandishes the walking stick with a twirl before heading off in pursuit of Gerome, his brisk gait and long strides eventually catching up to him as they walk side by side towards the mountain. Terrain here was not as rocky as the volcano, but there were parts that kept uneven. ]

You're fine not changing out of your train uniform? By high noon, it's not going to be this comfortable hiking up to the top.

[ Or whenever high noon is when you've got no concept of measurable time in the void space. He assumes what will be high noon, judging by the slow ascent of the sun to the peak of the sky. Overheating was a real concern. ]

I'm used to wearing armour. This will be fine.

[He hoped. He was sure it would be. He was feeling perfectly fine as it was, his boots were fine for hiking up and if the heat did become an issue, his outer garments could always be removed. But Gerome didn't foresee that becoming an issue.

He hesitated a moment, before continuing.]

Thank you for your concern.

[ He'd keep an eye out for Gerome, just in case. This type of heat was deceptive, and he may have just met the guy, but not only was he part of the Purple team, he was also someone important to Inigo. For now, he just nods and takes him for his word. ]

No problem.

[ And the silence that falls between them afterwards is a natural lull, neither unpleasant nor comfortable. Roland soon realizes that Gerome was not the type of person who appreciated being talked about behind his back, and if he even mentioned that Inigo and him were childhood friends, he might just up and abandon this trek completely. So, as they start their honest ascent up the mountain trail, canopies of trees growing sparse around them, he decides to change his approach to be more personable to his companion.

Who knew he'd have to tap into is experience talking to diplomats and ambassadors to make small talk like this? ]

I must have missed you when you arrived. How many platform days ago has it been since you came on the Voidtrecker?

Platform days...? [Gerome slowed down his steps and frowned, is that how people measured time here? He supposed that it was as good a way as any. But now he had to think.]

Since I arrived there has been one of these 'platform days'. Does that help?

[Because he had no idea. That meant that he had arrived on the second to last platform day.]

I arrived before the underground mission.

That does indeed, help. I'm coming in to my third platform day, myself.

[ He hops up a length of rock and soil expertly, not even relying on the walking stick for leverage yet. Roland keeps watch for Gerome, though something tells him he would follow just as easily. ]

How was it, then? Terra was my first mission too. [ He didn't mean to talk shop, but it came so naturally to Roland that he isn't even aware it might be too serious to discuss on such a nice day out. ]

[That was a loaded question. How was it? Gerome was unsure if he should brush it off or be honest. After a few seconds of consideration he assumed that this man would prefer honesty, given his behaviour thus far.]

I am not used to... assisting people in this way.

And I almost died.

All in all, I feel the 'mission' was not my best introduction to this 'heroic life' the people here are attempting to lead.

[ He stops in his tracks and turns around to look at Gerome with a sharpness in his gaze. Candid as it was, he was right to be honest. ]

Hm. I see.

[ He looks away, only to think. But the pause is not so long that he lets it get awkward. Roland bounces back fast, arms now crossed back against his chest.]

What happened underground, if I may ask? [ Roland shakes his head. ] That shouldn't have happened. I'm sorry I wasn't able to assist you. But if you can share with me what you can, I can assure you that it won't happen again, and you'll get the support that you need moving forward.

[A puzzled look, but Gerome didn't stop walking. He slowed a little so that, after he stepped past Roland, he didn't move so far as to get ahead of him.]

That is not an assurance you can make. [And a ridiculous claim to make on top of it. What did he plan to do? Follow him around for the entirety of the next mission, shielding him from any and all possible threats? How silly.]

It was entirely my fault. I failed to realise a precarious situation and I paid the price. I was caught in a rock slide.

[ 'A rock slide...?'

It's a realization that hits him fast. When Inigo helped him at the medbay and refused to show him his hands, Roland didn't pry. He knew the boy needed time. But now, the answer is staring at him in the face. Inigo mentioned it to Roland, to distract him from his wounds.

'Inigo was helping Gerome get out.'

He promised him he would call for aid if he needed it. Roland holds back a grimace, storing this information for later, when he had a chance to discuss things with Inigo one-on-one. For now... ]

[ Roland answers fairly confidently, and he keeps what he assumes is eye contact with the youth despite the mask obscuring his view. ]

You're right. I can't assure you that you won't find yourself in danger again on the next mission. No one can. But what I can promise you is my aid should you find yourself in another pinch. [ He clenches a fist. ]

Anyway. Words won't mean anything without action to back them up. So I'll just need you to trust that as team leads of Purple, we'll deliver when it counts. [ He's used to making promises like this. It doesn't faze him, not one bit. It only means he's setting himself up to work harder to earn the responsibility given to him out of faith. ]

[Only Gerome is not used to promises like this, nor relying on anyone but himself. Generally he worked alone, he preferred it that way. Asking for help was not something he would normally do, and was not something he could promise he would do.

And since he had already decided to be honest...]

That won't be necessary. [He turned away then and continued on his walk.] I appreciate the sentiment, but prefer to work alone.

Do you prefer it, or is that what you're used to?

[ Roland poses the question with a casual tone, but he also doesn't expect Gerome to answer it right now. He ends it like an open-ended sentence, flashing him a quiet smile, as if in constant understanding. He walks past the young man and covers his eyes with an open palm to the forehead, staring at the mountain path leading up to the top. There was a fork in the road, one rockier than the other. ]

[ Gerome already gave Roland the impression that there was more to the surface, and he was in no rush to peel off layers in one go. Inigo has put his faith and trust in Gerome; he wishes to understand it for himself, on his own accord. ]

Left or right? What level of challenge are you in the mood for?

[ The right would prove difficult, but a doable road less traveled. The left was obviously the worn and weary path most probably chose over the latter, with smooth roads and pebbled soil at most. ]

[He looked at the other with an unhappy frown. He didn't appreciate the questioning. And he knew what Roland was getting at... But the fact was he preferred it. He had gone to great pains over the years to ensure that fact. All he had ever needed was himself and Minerva... But she wasn't here. And that... left him in an unsettled state.

And somehow, without him quite realising it, Inigo seemed to have taken her place. While Gerome was more than happy to be on his own, he was coming more used to having Inigo around him.

And others... But his preference would always be to do things on his own. Asking for help was not something he thought he could do. At least, not easily...

When Roland spoke again, Gerome was shaken from his thoughts and turned to look in both directions. Right or left. Again, he felt like he was being tested here, so rather than looking at difficulty, he tried to gauge quickness and points of interest. And it seemed the left was the ideal for that. Smooth roads taken by many people over the years had found the quickest route to the top. So Gerome turned down that road.]

This will be the quickest way, it seems.

[ He nods sensibly, and leads the trek with long strides and careful steps. He only uses the walking stick for elevated slopes, to help him get some footing. For the most part, Roland waits and looks back or looks beside him to make sure Gerome was following just fine. The sun was starting to come up much higher in the sky now, and even he was feeling the sweat collect around his hairline and the back of his neck. ]

[ He decides to try settling something with Gerome as the trek continues. ]

Purple. [ He reaches for a water bottle from his duffel and drinks from it before continuing. He looks fairly serious despite the nature of his words. ] Don't tell the train, but my favorite color is actually, really, purple. Back home, I wear it often for almost every occasion. Especially when I have to meet other constituents.

[ He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand and offers Gerome the water bottle too. ] I haven't really told anyone else that, just because no one's really asked.

[ A gesture of good will. Now, Gerome knows something about Roland, even if it was insignificant. A level to the playing field, which he hopes will help him feel just a tad bit more comfortable around him. ]

[He was keeping up, though he paused at one point to look toward a tree. He thought he saw a strange bird amoung it's branches, but perhaps his eyes were playing tricks on him? He carried on, keeping a step or two behind Roland but he was taking the path just fine, and didn't seem to be too bothered with the sun. At least, if he was, he was not showing it.

When Roland stops for a drink, he also stops. But gives the man a strange look. Why was he telling him about his favourite colour of all things? And why would it be something he would not want the train to know? It didn't seem an embarrassing thing.

The water bottle was handed to him and Gerome reached for it.

He was very confused though. And honestly... didn't really care. Favourite colour? He took a drink from the bottle before handing it back.]

... I see. I never asked your favourite colour, Roland.

[ Roland takes the water bottle back...and drinks from it again, if only to hide his growing smile, and the small laugh that comes forth from him. Thankfully, he's graceful enough to turn away, pretending to take a long gulp from the half-empty bottle.

Gerome didn't intend it, but Roland finds him amusing. He was really exactly what Inigo described to him, but infinitely more. More layered, more subdued. More to uncover, literally, behind the mask. ]

[ He clears his throat and sets the water bottle back in his bag. He's smiling genuinely. ]

I know, I know. I just wanted you to know something Inigo doesn't. Makes things even, I hope. We'll work our way up to big, dangerous secrets. [ There's a light lilt at the end of his sentence. Roland nods and gestures to Gerome to continue the journey. They were halfway there. ]

Even...

That depends on how much you were told about me, and how personal those things are.

[There was, he thought, logic in his words. He didn't understand why Roland was finding this so funny. But it bothered him...

He sighed and continued walking, done with this line of talk.]

You know what you know. It is done. Let us move on now.

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Event: Healing Waters

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