middleofsomewhere | The Waking of Neran

The Waking of Neran

"Good morning Voidtreckers and passengers. Today is day twenty one of the month of Orchestra. We will be arriving in System #78961112094711 later today and the dressing carriage is open for your use."

It is indeed, with thick winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves in all sizes. There are also some bags suitable for carrying food, for anyone who wants to add to the festival food with more food!

They have the morning to prepare before another announcement.

"Shortly arriving in System #78961112094711. The weather is extremely cold, voidtreckers and passengers should wrap up warm and wear their SCA's at all times. Arriving in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."
The train shakes as they leave the void and they will see dark skies with glowing flecks of light falling down around them. It's only a glimpse before there is rock to both sides as they enter the landing area.

The Waking of Neran

... ARRIVAL TO OSIGA

THE VOIDTRECKER EXPRESS PULLS INTO AN OPEN HIGH-STACKED PARKING STATION, FILLED ALREADY BY A VARIETY OF VEHICLES. Darkness and the cold spills into where they pull in, lights and signs around to guide the Voidtreckers who exit the craft where they need to go, elevator and teleporting systems available to choose from.

For those turn their gaze to where the cold comes, they will see a view of the world: a landscape of mountains lit in burning bright blue. Like Christmas and city lights, they can be seen in the far distance, and the sky too glows with a shimmering, falling blue. It looks like a slow rain, while farther up, the twinkling of actual stars can be glimpsed.

This will be their view of the world for three Osiga days - 210 hours, give or take.

The lower floor widens into a train-like station, shuttles ready to take them into Osiga proper in short five minute rides. They just need to figure out they need to scan their SCAs at the turnstiles, which will beep with approval, and send a map to their SCA of the grotto.

With a handy dot to their hotel.

... THE IRUE GROTTO

HOTEL. THE EXTERIOR OF THE HOTEL IS STONY, A WALL OF UNEVEN ROCK WITH SLITS FOR WINDOWS CLIMBING UPWARD. It gives off a sparse, cold impression, but the interior is anything but. Inside the floors are smoother, a carpet in the middle of a lobby, and the walls are decorated with colourful paints and endless rugs and furs. There's seating, a roaring fire in one corner, and lighting set to a cosy mood.

There's stairs that can be taken, but also elevators. The bedrooms are much the same as the lobby, with paints and furs all around - the furs especially covering the beds, along with hand stitched quilts. In the centre is a fire pit, set with heatstones than wood or coal, and extras in a container by a wall with safety instructions of how to move them (with tongs and gloves).

Outside the rest of the grotto can be seen, a mish-mash of layers closer to a labyrinth. There's curtains for privacy, and also a screen to help blot out the sound.

FOOD & SIGHTS.

NOW, THE IRUE GROTTO CAN BE EXPLORED. The grotto is easy to get lost in, with stone stairs and archways doubling as bridges to lead to different levels, but always with something to see. Museums and art galleries fill most of the lower layers down, a few shops between of traditional trinkets and garments for those who come out interested in taking a piece of Osiga back with them. There are also day classes, with candle-making a big one on the first night.

Water runs through constructed streams, small but always in travel. They fall off into small waterfalls, eventually gathering into pools that always ensure drink is around. But there's also drinking spaces around, wall coves where servers mind the drinks, and people gather around on crouched seating. Privacy isn't a big deal in Osiga; visitors welcomed into conversation freely. The drinks favour the strong, spicy and sweet. Their traditional drinks are a fiery whisky and a sweet creamy milk drink flavoured by spices that taste very much like cinnamon and nutmeg. It is strongly alcoholic though there is a non alcoholic version as well. There are other drinks available of course from other planets but visitors are encouraged in a good natured way to try the good stuff.

And let's not forget the food. Most traditional Osigian dishes are spicy yet sweet, fatty, and largely meat. There are also food baskets all over, filled with wrapped snacks free for taking, or to add your own. Never let your neighbour go hungry. What will you find, dipping your hand in: a treat, or a mistake?

SORS PARKS, OPEN SKIES. THE FARTHER FROM THE HOTELS AND STATION VISITORS GO, THE MORE THE SKY BECOMES VISIBLE, AND WITH IT THE FALLING SNOW. Except this isn't snow, and those who venture out will figure this soon enough. There are sors parks up ahead, hard to miss for how they glow a brilliant blue, tall erratic sculptures shaped like an abstract mess. They're cold, even colder than the rest of the grotto, and near every entrance are wooden racks with coats and scarfs hanging from pegs, a bucket of heatstones to stick in pockets.

Keeping company is better than not. Anyone who goes in alone will find the chill uncomfortable to those who have someone else nearby, SCAs working stronger together. Paths somehow stay free from being covered in the icy mess, and every few yards are grit bins with small bags to put the contents in, instructions as to what to do.

And that's to throw them at the sculptures, into the air, and watch as the hardened ice disperses into a fizzle of lights. The sight is considered beautiful, and especially fun for kids and couples.

... ANAN & THE MINISTRY

It's maybe an hour or so after their arrival when a message comes through the comms on their SCA's.

boop beep boop beep / boop boop boop/ boop boop/ beep//
beep beep / boop beep//
beep beep beep boop/ boop boop boop/ beep beep/ boop beep beep / boop / beep boop beep/ beep/ boop beep boop beep/ boop beep boop/ beep/ beep boop beep/ beep beep beep//

"It didn't close the hack. I think your Voidtrecker Express likes me." Anan sounds almost triumphant. "Glad you all came. I'm at the drinking space next to the Irue Museam of Osigan Art."

For those that wish to go and meet her, they can.

... THE WAKING OF NERAN

NIGHT ONE: REMEMBERING. It's hard to tell when 'night' begins when the world is in darkness and there are more hours in the day then they are perhaps used to. But things begin to wind down a little, the art houses and museums close and the day activities are wrapped up.

People begin making their way to the main streets where the parade will go. Some people may have made candles throughout the day but there are also long candles for sale and 'fire' bearers carrying large torches to light the candles. The main lights are all turned off, plunging the streets into darkness lit only by the candles and the faint distant glow of sors.

The parade itself has large lit floats, literally floating above the ground, the lights are in intricate shapes. There are light dancers- people dressed completely in black to blend in to the night, with ribbons of light doing feats of acrobatics to music- instruments and volcaless voices weaving melodies.

After the parade passes by people move to the streams, where their floating candles that can be lit and sent on their way. There are designated areas for the tall candles to be placed- almost shrine like with areas to pray or think or sing- the helpful guides will assist anyone and are very open to the different ways people from various worlds and cultures may wish to remember their dead.

Afterwards people are encouraged to drink, eat, spend time with the living and swap stories of the dead. Dance and sing. It is upbeat, joyous and the tears are meant to be cathartic.

NIGHT TWO: PERSEVERING. After another day of activities- or resting and recovering from the excess of the night before the grotto again is ready in anticipation. The side of the grotto open to the sky is packed with people, ledges and railings packed with people. Even the buildings on this side of the grotto have opened their doors to allow people up on their roofs to watch the firework display.

Sparklers are sold, as are snacks and drinks and a voice comes through speakers throughout the space.

"NERAN! On this night you fight!" The crowd cheers. "Hear our dedication, return to us! For tonight is a night of COURAGE!"

The crowd cheers again and the fireworks begin. Loud and colourful, beautiful shapes, almost like dances in the sky. It's loud and it's busy but the atmosphere is great, throughout the night within the crowd there are marriage proposals, declarations of new jobs, decisions to travel the void. Bravery and courage abound- helped probably by the strong whisky that is flowing freely.

NIGHT THREE: UNITY. The festival continues, though it's a slightly later start on day three for many who are nursing hangovers, having a well earned sleep in preparation for the final night or just frantically trying to remember what declarations they had made the night before.

But the activities are still happening throughout the grotto- though the guides might advise any obvious voidtravellers that they may wish to nap before 'night' time, especially if they are not used to day/night cycles this long. The final night doesn't stop til sunrise after all and no one wants to miss the sun rising!

As the time comes for the party to start every square and every street is packed, music blares through speakers. Traditional Osigan music mixed with styles and music from other planets in the galexy. The traditional Osigan music has many layers, deep bass instruments that seem to make the ground itself rumble.

There is dancing, led by guides and locals. They are big circle dances, loud energetic and done in unity. There are callers who keep everyone in time and remind them of the steps but it is mostly an exercise in organised chaos.

But very fun organised chaos. There's extra chairs and benches set around for people who would rather watch or need a break from the endless swirl of dancers. There's plenty of water in large barrels for people to help themselves and other drinks are available to buy.

The party goes on for hours but eventually the music stops and there is an announcement that they have an hour left until sunrise. People begin moving out to find the best spots to watch. Up high on the cliffs people spread out rugs and blankets and settle, waiting.

The atmosphere is one of anticipation, people passing around drinks and snacks. Then there is a hush, a cry as for the first time in a month the first ray of light streaks across the sky.

Neran has awoken. The sun has returned once more.

OOC NOTES

OOC post. Ask questions here. The Ministry's testimony form is here

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"Yeah. It is." He could replicate it in VR. Get the lighting right, the correct colors, the way it reflected on the snow. Idia could make it all perfect.

...but it wouldn't be the same. He had always used that excuse to not go out, saying he could remake a place digitally, that way he could stay comfortable in his room. But in a way... being stuck out in the cold that bit against his exposed skin, sitting on the hard ground, the sounds of others around them and also enjoying this. It... it was nice.

...it would be better in a climate controlled room though... but it was nice.

As much as he was enjoying it eventually Idia started fidgeting with his gloved fingers as time progressed, waiting for it to hurry up and be done, checking now and then if others were leaving and Romeo was still enraptured with this all. Idia did manage to stick it out, but by the time the sun was beyond the point of 'sunrise' he was more than ready to leave. Standing up he gave a groan as he straightened out, arching his back to stretch his legs and back out, before returning to that normal stoop of his, looking to check on Romeo. The kid had been up all night and waited through the early morning for this, he must be tired, right?

Still, better to ask instead of assume. "You ready to go back?"

Crowley decides he'll throw the angel a bone this time. His eyes dart to the side of the path where a few carts line it. There, steam is rising above a small crowd of people. He nudges Aziraphale with his elbow, then nods in it's direction.

"Over there, dove." he replies, "Shall we try it?"

Admittedly, he is just as eager to try a new culture's cuisine. There seems to be plenty here to enjoy, after all.

Crowley is surprised at the question, his expression considering for a moment before falling flat. "I used to think they were universal concepts, but that was before I learned that the universe was bigger than I originally thought."

He shrugs, "Or that there may be multiples of them. Anyway, I suppose anything is possible."

Looking around the museum, he starts scouting for any sort of signage. "Perhaps there's a section on religion. We could look..."

"I do be thanking you." Manners were important, even with Xue Yang. She drank some of the drink gratefully. It definitely was soothing on her mouth.

"As am I," Leia said. "I thought we'd have to destroy it somehow to stop it. I've rarely been happier to be proven wrong."

As to her powers, she nodded. "There are certain people in my galaxy who are naturally able to tap into a type of energy known as the Force; this ability runs especially strongly in my family. With time and training, Force-sensitive individuals can develop a number of different powers that are far beyond the norm for their species, including- but not limited to- enhanced strength and reflexes, telekinesis, and the ability to influence some people's minds and emotions."

Romeo truly was caught in the moment, watching how the colours came back to the world, remembering the story and knowing that Neran had defeated the night time and the darkness, that she had come back to the world because everyone had wanted her to and cheered her on.

But soon it seemed that Idia was ready to go and really Romeo was so tired he felt like he could curl up and sleep for a whole day!

"Yes," He yawned, "I think we should go back and sleep before we got to go on the train again."

"It is," Leia said. "Though at the same time, you can't dwell on it constantly; that doesn't help anyone. Which is why times like this are so important; they provide a space for expressing those thoughts and emotions, and others to share them with to offer companionship and support."

"I would like to," Alice pipes up.

Especially since he doesn't necessarily seem uncomfortable about the idea. If she did get that sort of sensation from Crowley, Alice would back down on the suggestion for sure. But if he's okay with it, then she's kind of curious. Not that Alice has ever been interested in the concept of angels and demons before, not in the slightest.. but a very specific angel and demon sure have awoken her interest.

"Perhaps we will find out this world has some odd, twisted versions of them. Like.. amons and dengels."

She's probably trying to joke around with that at least a little bit, judging by a certain hint of whimsy in Alice's tone.

He settles back down so that he can resume his own eating. All he does is nod in response to her thanks. He doesn't really need to be thanked. He isn't used to such things but he will accept her appreciation anyway as he attempts to finish his meal now that he has a drink to wash it down with.

Zag, I'm here. I'm here!

Thanatos panics for a moment. How can he make it any more clear? He could try to initiate a kiss, but he's never done that before. How does pressing lips together become something pleasurable? What if he does it wrong and pushes Zagreus away? He could probably manage a forehead kiss if that didn't risk sending completely the wrong message. It's not what he wants though, won't satisfy the need to be closer. Won't satisfy the pounding of his heart sending his godly ichor coursing through his veins.

Then Zagreus gives that wonderful smile and laugh which could light up the Underworld and make it seem less of a place of death and stillness. He gives shy smile in turn. Their lips touch, and while Thanatos still doesn't know how to proceed (what he should do with his mouth, where he should he put his hands), he leans into the kiss. He closes his eyes. The feel of Zagreus's touch, his warmth upon him, threatens to overwhelm him, yet he relishes it.

For once in his life Thanatos is fully where he wants to be, in the moment, with nothing trying to steal his attention away.

I'm here. With you.

She nods back and focuses on her own food, it was a lot easier now she had a drink and the food was good. This world got high marks in that regard.

"It was useful," Lea said. "And might help him find an actual job one day back home. Whereas my marketable skills tend to come down to fighting and burning things. I'm working on my forging, but moogles can do something similar way easier back home, so..." He shrugged.

"And yeah. Not immediately before we were brought here, but.... before. There's a few of us on board who were in it, actually, though thankfully none of us are now back home." He wasn't counting Vexen going off to play double agent, as that was an infiltration, not a real membership.

"I wouldn't have asked if I minded," Lea said. "And yeah, I want to bring a few too. Though it's so weird that we've been here this long and it's not even 'tonight' yet." Even weirder that it constantly looked like night, but that part at least they'd been expecting, given what the festival was about.

"That no matter what I do, it still looks better than before. And it always starts looking great!"

At last a girl whose hair can compete with his own. Life is good.

Curufin chuckled. "I'll bet you do. And you'd have such a wonderful opportunity to do that research."

He nodded. "Yes, ask the Ministry official. He'll be able to tell you where the branches are, I would think. What will you do if it turns out there is a branch near your world?"

Edited 2022-02-15 10:26 (UTC)

"There's a lot I don't know, either. My world has a Void, that I do know. I managed to dip into it at one point in my history, though that is a long and complicated story and I don't need to take up your time to tell it. Our world had no formal means to travel the Void, and the Elvish race had no intention of making that a goal. And yet, if traveling the Void without a craft still counts as making a world Void-active, then I suppose Arda must be counted as such. And yes, I'd be an anomaly on the Voidtrecker Express." He smiled. "I don't mind being an anomaly. I am such in more than one way."

He lifted his drink and make a toasting gesture, and then drank it.

"Yes... The days are really long here. Longer than any world I've been on before."

Which made it strange, especially with the constant darkness. Hard to keep track at all.

"Because you don't know," Lea said. "You might expect certain things, but no one knows for sure what's going to happen until it actually happens."

"Take ice cream as a simple example. If I eat it too fast, I expect that I'll get brain freeze. But I don't know for sure that I will. As long as more than one thing happening is physically possible, there's always a chance that things won't go the way you expect. I mean, you wouldn't worry so much if you already knew for sure what was gonna happen."

"I have seen my hair first thing in the morning, you are objectively wrong."

But she's not actually mad and she makes that obvious by floating up to kiss him, using the blanket as a way to tug him into just the right kissing position.

"I know that whenever things seem to be better, they get worse," she said, softly. "I know that wanting things doesn't make them happen. I know that at some point I... this me... has to stop," she whispered, looking down at her gloves.

"I have seen your hair first thing in the morning and --"

Well, good timing on that, he'd been inches from saying something crude. But as ever, kissing him was an incredible way to shut him up, as he completely forgot anything existed in the world except Persephone.

"Never really thought about it like that." Then again, Allen had never been much of a sharer when it came to talking about things. So that could be why.

He was at least trying his best to do better in that aspect and lnowing when it was a good time anyway.

Being in public means cutting him off is a necessity. It also means that the kiss is fairly chaste, much to his probable dismay. When she pulls back, she smiles, bright at first, then slept turning mischievous. She raises her hands to cup his face--then she ruffles his hair with both hands.

"What is a moogle?" Apart from a very cute word for a forger.

"They were not a good people to work for then?"

"That's a good attitude to have." She smiled at him and raised her own drink, a toast to drink back at him.

"Hopefully the list of things you don't know will get smaller in time."

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The Waking of Neran

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Re: Night One

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Pretend I have an appropriate icon for this

wrap?

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Good place to wrap this thread?

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Re: Night One

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Sure!