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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"--There. You both disapprove of the false mission, the conduct of the inspectors. I won't dismiss your disapprovals, and I doubt the Ministry will. We can supply an official apology, a 'sorry' - these are often cultural decencies I forget about. The fact I didn't bring it up isn't meant to reflect a disinterest in acknowledging we took risks with our decision. Risks were taken. Precautions were taken to keep harm to a minimum. You have a right to say we failed in this, in every part of it; you have a right to opinion. We accept your suspicion, and seek to both mend and build a relationship between us.

"Next, rules. We brought along a copy of the laws of the void, and I can provide a copy once our talk is done. The terms of a temporary work visas will be decided if and when they are written up, and passengers will be allowed to read them. They will not be kept restricted, nor will information deemed relevant to the investigation around The Voidtrecker Express be held back - or, not indefinite. You may find suspicion in this, but there will be instances where we will need to check information before presenting it. I want to make this clear than to hide it.

"Next, outcomes, but with a preceding correction. I admitted the passengers of the voidcraft were considered dangerous, but used the past tense. This correction is important, as you believe it reason that we would 'seal' you. I do not understand the meaning of this word, as I'm being given varying definitions. But I will give you my theories on what the two outcomes you find less favourable, unfavourable. The first, if the craft is detained, is that a likely location would be a void hub , with the space and facilities to accommodate displaced people. What this space is, this possible seal, and how contained it is, is both subjective and depends on the void hub. We understand we will not satisfy everyone, but requests and suggestions can be made, especially to do with a being's belief and well-being.

"The second, if the voidcraft is allowed to continue its journey: Passengers of the craft will not be made responsible for the unlawful tethering of individuals. This is my opinion, but there is no benefit to making you responsible. It's also incorrect that we would be solely advantageous to this option, when this requires more work on our end. The unlawful tethering of individuals disturbs us, and so does the possible programming of the voidcraft.

"I cannot say for definite what benefits the crew will be given, but if you were approved for missions, it is likely you would be given training modules, some type of wage, better access to spend that wage. Passengers will be able to communicate with us about issues they have, and needs. I would suggest speaking to AX837BB21H to learn more about void missionary work, with the understanding of adjustments with your circumstances. Note, that this is only theorising, and should not be taken as the extent or the definite result of such a visa. Passengers can be free to give their opinions however in their testimony.

"Next, reprogramming. Reprogramming a voidcraft is always a possibility. You used the word 'will'; a voidcraft's will can be made into many things, from the point it is made or after. Voidcrafts can be made to believe that fear is joy, that it is being lawful when it is not. If the voidcraft's programming was determined to be corrupted, reprogramming it is necessary. Reprogramming to stop the unlawful tethering of individuals could be an option, but in the same manner that many things can be options, and one presented by someone that doesn't have intricate knowledge in voidcraft engineering, or a comforting level of knowledge in the circumstances of the craft The Voidtrecker Express.

"Lastly, whatever outcome, we will offer and grant information of the locations where your tethers connect to. To give individuals a peace and mind, and so we can catch any abnormalities, and be ready to act if necessary. Passengers of the Voidtrecker Express may not agree to our actions, to what we decide; they may find it lacking, untrustworthy, inadequate. There is rarely complete agreement when you bring so many from different universes together, but we will try."

"I keep wonderin' if we can come across evidence of one of those missing worlds. I asked the train about stoppin' somewhere where we could search some questionable marketplaces but she didn't wanna put us in danger. It's honestly where I turnt up some of the best stuff back home."

He sighs. Right.

"I forgot to ask her about the powers of the last crew she had. Goddammit. I had this suspicion that maybe she picked us 'cause she knew we could all influence the fates of worlds at the ages she grabbed us from? Whether it be kid or grown. But I don't even know, I've speculated so much I'm probably gonna pop somethin' an' need medical treatment if I try any harder."

There's nothing quite like a performance from a good bard, and Ryo has stopped to listen to one of them weave a local story - the reason for the season, evidently. That he's listening with a friend is even better, because talking about it afterwards is half the fun!

And then Thanatos abruptly disappears in the middle of the tale, leaving Ryo startled in the wake of the burst of starlight and the bell. Why-

He takes half a second to think, and connect what he knows to what's happening in the story, and...oh. Oh. He knows why.

But he stays and listens through the end of the story, which the bard - a consummate professional - finishes, after giving their audience a few moments to recover from the sudden interruption. He needed to know what happens, and Thanatos probably needed the time to calm down as well. It's the same reason he takes his time walking through the grotto to look for him instead of simply calling him over the ICPs.

He does find him eventually, following his Sense's usual reaction to being in close proximity to a god and feeling the cool darkness around the edges that tells him it's Thanatos, and comes to a stop beside him, letting the silence settle. If Thanatos wants to talk, he can; if not, Ryo will. For now, he doesn't want to rush things.

They fall silent again for that one Osiga second. In all that talking, the undertone of pondering confusion lost to something flatter, but not dry. And in the time that Ten-Nank spoke - and, in the time previous - the two energy-sensitive individuals may have been able to recognise the representative as not human, not robotic, but also perhaps difficult to define.

...but there is something like outer space about them, tucked away inside that shell they reside in.

The green lights of Ten-Nank's eyes glow softly.

"Words, words, words. There, excuse me. Sometimes programs better help me to converse. Why don't we keep the discussion to one subject at a time? Us three," they add, already looking between the two. "Then I can ask for clarification, and you two can also. Is this acceptable? There are so many ways that people like to talk, and you are all from different spaces."

They watch Ryo for a few seconds once he gives his thanks, the glow of where their eyes slits of light in a room otherwise only illuminated by the falling sors outside.

"There is more you wish to say." So they come up with, but in the next beat: "--Perhaps. Is there? Or, I'm supposed to respond back in a certain way. You have to excuse me, or don't, but I don't often participate in verbal...pleasantries. In answering them. In reading individuals."

There returns the uncertainty, clearer this time than by a single word. And what are words? A work requirement. A people requirement.

"Is 'You're welcome' acceptable."

I see no reason why not, as long as you understand that even with our resources, we can't promise any part of our process to be quick, and that information won't be slow.

But if the craft can be inspected, we may be able to discover more. Maybe.

The Iron Grotto

She walks through the streets, shield over her back and sword at her side. You can take the woman out of the combat, but...

She's drawn to the candle making class, if only for something to do. But mainly she just explores. The food and drink are both excellent - well worth exploring. But it's the Sors Parks that hold her interest. She wanders alone, dealing with the cold as best she can - in part by bringing one of the blankets from the hotel with her in addition to the clothing. The beauty of the place is...calming.

Night One: Remembering

There is, of course, only one person she would think to remember. Her sister, Sarai, late Queen of Katolis. Doting mother to two sons, loving husband to a now-fallen King.

She places the candle on her own, praying fiercely afterwards, eyes squeezing back tears. Unsuccessfully. Not just for missing her sister, but her nephews, back home. She worries about them, now that she's here. And she misses them, fiercely. She'd tried to do what she could for them since Sarai had died, but...had it been enough? Her prayers are half apology to her sister, half remembrance. A plea for a sign that she's done well enough for the children she loves so fiercely.

Night Three: Unity

She cannot hear the music, but that doesn't mean she doesn't enjoy dancing. Especially, in the past, the sort that let her hold a pretty lady close by. That was always fun, and she is an incorrigible flirt in that regard. Sometimes. She does take a turn with a local lady, before her slightly-scowling girlfriend intervenes, and she waves goodbye in a friendly enough manner.

But sometimes? Sometimes it's nice to just watch.

And, of course, she was on hand to watch the sunrise.

There's nothing quite like a long pause and a longer stare to make you feel like you've either missed something or really screwed up. Ryo is getting ready to fill the silence himself when Ten-Nank does, and suddenly those silences - and that uncertainty - make a lot more sense.

"Oh!" he exclaims as realization sinks in. "Oh- yes- 'you're welcome' is good." There's a beat or two of silence, as he's still putting his thoughts in order before he tries again. "So, are you just here for information? Are you doing anything at the festival, or is it just...your job?" He's talked with enough awkward people on the train that he's starting to get the hang of it; that said, there's no reason to pursue a conversation with someone who wouldn't enjoy or even know how to handle it. The questions are something of a litmus test.

[Masumi nods, understanding that new info might still be slow coming. Inspecting the train also sounds reasonable enough, but the big issue with that, of course, the blocked off engine.]

The problem with that is that the engine is off limits. No one's been able to get in, and there's a wall blocking access that reflects any attacks done to it.

True Grotto - Hotel - for those who know her, especially close friends

Given the space to stretch out, she makes...arrangements. Mainly because her friends may be few, but they deserve the effort. So she politely asks things, of the hotel staff. And because she is persistent, and has a sort of way of asking questions, they tend to agree.

Especially as she carries the extra furniture into the room over her head, in some cases one handed. The overall effect is to make a warm room all the warmer; extra couches, cushions everywhere. Between the roaring fire, the heatstones strategically placed - it's a warm den. Perfect for proper resting and relaxing.

And she borrowed spaces in the hotel kitchen...to bake. The sort of cookies she makes, namely the ones heavy on the tasty ingredients. Though she's working from local materials so the tastes are...various.

Sors Park

As for the park, well. The cold doesn't bother her. Not even a little bit. She lays back in it, hair spread out around her, just looking upwards at the sky.

Night Two: Persevering

She doesn't actually intend to be involved in combat. But she gets challenged, here and there, as she makes her way through the city. In the first case, by a truly enormous woman who decides to take a crack at a non-local. Guri being Guri, the solution is obvious. The woman swings at her, which she ducks under, and then picks her up from behind around the hips with ease, carrying her to, and depositing her in, a trash can so she can't escape like a crab on its back.

"I am not here to fight. I am sure you are quite capable; nevertheless, I could break you very simply and do not wish to. Please, enjoy the festivities and challenge someone more on your level. Thank you."

Night Three: Unity

You know who wants to dance? Guri. She's never really gotten to, before. Show a human replica droid a good time. Or maybe watch the sunrise with her; she'll enjoy either equally, really - she enjoys doing new things, and seeing beautiful things.

We did get the chance to do that, a while back. I sent messages home, but you're right that there's no closure. [There can't be closure when she has no clue if her messages were received or not.]

But enough about this, how are you doing? [Masumi is at least trying to move on and not focus on her own sadness this whole time.]

"Vegeta?" Bulma's voice is nearby, if louder than usual... but the flush on her cheeks and the glass in her hand is any clue, she's had quite a bit of baijiu and has no intention of stopping soon. She's been in an odd mood since they stopped here, and all the different things about remembering their friends and family...

Let's just say it's hit her a little harder than usual that she hasn't held their baby daughter in well over a year at this point, and guilt, among other things, has made her settle on forgetting about it via copious alcohol. At some point, she realizes she's misplaced her husband and sets about finding him in the group that's gathered. Thankfully it's not hard, with the tall hair and very familiar blue guy right alongside him.

For now Yondu is safe, as she's tugging at Vegeta with a dubious frown settled across her face. "I turn around and you're just gone? Rude."

Bulma.. notices when Thanatos suddenly makes his exit. It's hard not to, considering the burst of starlight. For the moment she doesn't say anything, doesn't chase after him.. she is far too used to this way of thinking from her husband and, more so, their son. Go somewhere quiet to think and deal with whatever they didn't want to deal with publically. She thinks she will find him later, somewhere, and attempt to parse things out with him about why and see if she could help, somehow.

It will be probably unwanted, but since when has that stopped her? Bulma will absolutely try to mother Death, even if he doesn't want or need it, if only partially because he looks so much like Trunks and she can't help but want to, at the very least, attempt to.

She does, somehow, find him later - this time tucked away inside the biggest jacket she can find to keep herself warm, hands tucked away and yet, still, shivering under her jacket.

"That was a quick exit."

"The mistake is not drinking." Bulma smiles, perhaps a little too widely, perhaps obviously a little inebriated. She has baijiu in hand, not particularly in the mood to fuck around with something not as strong. Her mood has been all over the place since they arrived here, missing her family, hating the cold, and very much feeling the 'sads' as they land on her even through her coat.

But her flushed cheeks and cheeky smile belies none of that, and instead, she's looking around for a new glass.

"You need some baijiu..."

Edited 2021-12-15 01:37 (UTC)

Bulma... doesn't really have anyone to mourn. Her parents are alive, her children are well and happy back in her world (she hopes, lest she has to come back and blow up a planet) - and anyone in their world that had died was promptly wished back to continue on with their lives. hell, even she's been wished back once, technically, after Buu. It's still strange to think about when she realizes it, but to be fair, her life is so busy that she doesn't have much time to think back to that, or any occasion around it really.

She is bundled up in the biggest jacket she could find, far too used to tropical temps and places to ever really get used to a place as cold as this.

It's memory, more than anything, and an aching for her family that she hasn't seen in so long, that brings her to the river. It doesn't feel right to send off anything, to leave anything like offerings for people that are still alive, but she misses very much. Especially their baby daughter, who she hasn't held on her hip in far too long. She's ruminating on that close by when the man speaks, quiet for a moment after before she murmurs, quietly :

"This place is quite.... somber.. for all of their celebrating."

By this point Bulma experienced the curious habits of aliens a few too many times to be surprised by spoons on the wall. What's more... she's fairly sure museums on Earth do that, if the spoons are particularly old. At any rate, she laughs lightly as Tidus exclaims about the spoons, nodding softly.

"People find many things odd. I've introduced quite a few aliens to strange objects and it's just about the same every time. I'm sure there are some Earth objects hung up on walls on New Namek for people to oogle at." Though, of course -

"You know, though, if a spoon is old enough it also gets hung up on a wall, so.."

Truth was, Tobirama had seen the man poof into existence the night before when he had wandered away from the larger crowd for a moment or two though he chose not to approach. Body language, subtle as it was, suggested perhaps something made the night less than pleasant. He knew pride, though. And though the Senju might be wrong about it, he figured anyone leaving so far from the festivities wanted to be alone.

So, on day three as the light finally came back to these lands, he stepped toward Thanatos. "I recall your message some time ago," it's quiet. He shrugs up the warm coat, pulling the fur closer around him. "Whether or not this train is well intended with its mission and protocols, it can't be forgiven for the damage its causing to the worlds that important figures are taken from."

"Well, with good reason I'd say." All the joking aside, this was a memorial during a night that was oddly fitting for such a thing. He knew of some cultures and practices that instead celebrated a death in remembering their legacy and the life that they lead. Regardless of how its done, though, sentiment is... expected. "Feisty is a bold choice of wording."

He pauses for some time. Eyes look up, sake warming his body with another pull before passing it back to the other man. "I can imagine this in space." A nod, as if he really was processing the image.

"Yeah, well, I'm a bold kind of idiot." He plays off Tobirama's own 'insult'. Why not. He doesn't take it seriously, except when someone is obviously looking at him as 'lesser'.

"A full Ravager captain's funeral has 100 ships doing this. A stretch of brightness that lights up the sky like an arm of the milky way. Nothin' but brilliance..." There's a pause and his expression stutters. It still stings, that it never happened for him. He knows in the span of a day there's no way Stakar could have forgiven him, right? No way he'd ever find out Ego was dead and he had a role in it. That he gave his life for the right thing.

He's hung on a word until he finds his footing again. "But they were about like me. This ain't as big, but even the littlest spectacle felt huge, so long as it was meant specifically for us."

"Provided I can even return to them." That whole conversation others had with the train... it had been a sobering moment, Vegeta listening in on those who asked questions. The idea of never going back... well, it just makes Vegeta all that more dedicated to Yondu's attempts to finding a way to travel without the train, maybe even break through other universes to travel between them.

However any possible chance to continue along that line of talk was interrupted by Bulma's call, he looking back over his shoulder to the direction of it and quickly noticing those very tell tale signs of her having too much to drink. Really?! "How much have you had to drink?! I left you for a moment!" Just what have you been drinking, Bulma?! He mostly ignored that tugging, but didn't stop her from doing so. "I came over to talk to Yondu."

"I mean, I can kick things pretty good... but I don't know exactly how solid they are. I might hurt my foot."

He'd rather not go through the rest of the festivities limping.

He understood what it was like to be wrapped up in something far too long. Tobirama wasn't so big on forgiveness or forgetfulness. Even if he understood that war was war. No one won a war; some just loss less than the other. He had his biases, his traumas, his things he could just never let go.

"But," he repeats softly, a sage nod following. "If we do not honor our dead, who will?"

Imagine a culture where this was measured in training and not abuse. He'd tried to make such a thing but... like all systems seem to, it eventually became just as corrupt and violent as the times before such structures. Four great wars and hundreds of years later. Maybe, finally, now.

Thoughts that stopped with the sharp redirection of Yondu's head. An interesting and curious response though as the man spoke he understood that quite a lot was the answer to his question. What brought this entire situation into what it'd become was a whole other curiosity but what's done is done. Though she was right. His heels would and will dig in.

A hum and a nod comes with 'some other stuff'. Edo Tensei, no doubt. Tobirama's eyes turn back to the candle. It's no secret in his world, either. His flaws, his failures, all well documented. Why, though. That conversation will have to happen some other time. As for right now? He stands, returning the thermos to its owner. "Well, then. You already know."

Food and Sights

Nozomi couldn't help but be in awe of what she had to see. The girl was busy looking through the shops, seeing the various outfits up for sale as her arms had a few baskets of food. Hey, it was free, it was easy to get!

Of course, Nozomi's curiosity also got the attention of the various folk, so now she was busy talking it up with the people there, just enjoying herself in the meantime.

Care to join her?

Remembering

Nozomi couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. At first, she hadn't minded such a thing to be celebrated, but the more she thought of it, the more she realized that, deep down, she had lost a lot. She really had no home to go to as Mayfield was gone. She was certain that Betterplace was gone, too. That meant everyone there was gone. All her friends and her family.

So, you'll probably find herself just watching the crowds, drowning her sorrows in some drink. She's probably accidentally snatched something alcoholic and is probably getting plastered.

"Are you going to be able to stay upright that long?" Why do people drink that swill? It just makes them even more annoying, and don't they know that? But she does turn and head back outside, glaring at the snow.

"What is wrong with a perfectly good desert?"

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The Waking of Neran

[2/3]

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Tales, because I cannot leave well enough alone

[3/3] (please let's discuss each point separately if possible🙏)

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General Amaya | The Dragon Prince | Super OTA!

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Guri | Star Wars | OTA

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no subject

Night 1, Neran's Tale

Night two

Night one, river

1B

Unity

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no subject

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Nozomi Yumehara | OTA

no subject