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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"Ah... Let me..." She can smell the alcohol in that milk. That's probably not...

Poor kid. She quickly ordered some milk, plain, not even the sweet stuff and within a few moments there was a cool glass being pressed into his hands.

"Here, drink this."

She recognised him of course, uniform or no. She smiled at him, understanding enough of his world from what he had told her that she could understand why such rituals had been so long ago.

"Do you remember them?"

"Oh, I'm fine," Razzy said with a dismissive wave. "I eat a lot more then I look like I could. The spiciness is the real challenge. Have you tried some?"

Devero returns the nod and settles in beside Tobirama, close enough to be heard but not not too close to crowd. "I'm Devero," he says. "Yondu told me that this--" His gesture encompasses the gathered passengers and the show in the sky. "--was your idea?"

"No, but I probably should. Probably won't get another chance until later."

It's one thing to receive a drink from a stranger. It's another thing entirely to receive one from someone that he knows vaguely but a lot of his friends trust, and right now, when he's desperate, that is good enough. He looks up briefly, meets Anan's eyes, and trades his drink for the proffered one, downing half of it in one go.

It takes a second or two to sink in, but gods, that is so much better. It's easier to catch his breath with the pain assuaged, though he's still gasping a bit when he tries to talk. "Thank you." And then, after another few breaths, "Why is- everything here- so spicy?"

She frowned. "I mean, yeah? I haven't seen any ghost portals that work on other things. Can't be Vlad, obviously. But....it also has to be specific ghosts. Like ones stuck in the human world? I don't think ghost barriers stop natural portals from forming inside them."

"Could it be people are wildly misunderstanding something? From what I gathered, most humans assumed ghosts were bad."

"Then try....some of this," she said, picking up some kind of dumpling thing.

Because there are Always Dumplings.

"It wasn't too hot. Only needed to down half a glass for it."

"Heh! That doesn't sound too bad!" Mina took the dumpling and chowed down on it.

"Oh, that wasn't too--"

Nope, that was spicy, fanning her mouth with her normal hand.

"Drink! Drink!"

He rejoins him, nodding as he does. "I'm sorry you won't get that opportunity," he says. "But now you have a chance to give that a try going forward, yeah? Kind of already have been, really."

Razzy grabs a cup of some fruity, dairy drink and hands it over. "Here, try this, it helps a lot."

She'll take the drink and happily down it, sighing in relief.

"Oh, that feels much better... whoof, I didn't expect such a spice."

"Even I have the social skills to know not to barge into a person's place to ask them personal questions unprovoked," Razzy said with a kind of weariness of experience, but also not sympathy. "The whole making me think my cousin was dead think is pretty provoked."

"But fine, context. I'm here because your 'ministry' didn't feel it pertinent to respect us, I felt it was only fair I came on my own time, and I'm extremely ticked off by what they pulled, and how they continue to act like we owe them anything," she said. "But I'm willing to listen to what you've got to say in defense of them, but I'm also taking my right to have my feelings be what they are."

"So yes, answer again."

"They do have a lot. I've been working my way up, but I'm pretty good at pushing through this kind of thing," she said. Then paused.

"Also I can cool down my internal temperature, that might actually be why I am taking it so well," she said, tilting her head thoughtfully. Her experience with spicy food WAS limited, after all, and she does get adaption.

"Hey, that's cheating!" she said, teasing in her voice. "But, at least you're having fun with all of this!"

Razzy giggled. "Sorry. I didn't even think about it, really. I've gotten pretty used to the cold feeling, so I barely notice it when it happens anymore."

Frankly, the fact it isn't actually freezing her enough to make ice form is a marked improvement.

"Its always a good time when there's more foods to try. Especially on alien planets."

"Could you hook up with me after this whole thing? If the train actually physically lets us board I might be able to run an' grab ya the record book I been keepin'?"

He figures if nothing else it would give people some idea of the worlds they'd helped. Of people they'd lost. "...An' maybe make a copy of it."

Because he doesn't trust a firsthand account to go missing should the worst happen. Seems a lot less did. Death read it. Maybe she'd remember everything verbatim. But that's a hell of an ask.

"I've honestly never been to another world before..." Mina said. "This is my first new world, so I'm a little overwhelmed."

"Oh wow. Yeah, it can be a lot the first time," she said. "I've been to....a couple dozen by now, though I didn't have to get pulled around by a stubborn train for most. But things can be so different, or really similar, and its kind of fun to figure out how things are the same, but completely different."

"Like!" She grabs another one of the dumplings. "These are everyone. Most places have at least fun that is basically food in a bread container."

“Now, that’s handy!” Mina said, nodding. “I do admit, though, being away from everything from home feel less… crushing.”

"Less crushing?" Razzy asked.

“My world’s been in a constant state of war for over a decade, trying to free it from madmen who want to turn everyone into robots.” Mina admitted. “While I know everyone back home needs me, being here makes the pressure of being a hero… lesser, I guess.”

"It is one of the more bearable ways to stare at light," he said with some amusement.

"If I had to guess...probably the material the explosives are stored in. Stagger what is breaking to make a shape happen," he said.

There is. A pause. "Wouldn't...wouldn't it be faster just to make robots instead of turning people into robots?" At least when cyborgs are made, its because they need to person to go do something, but everyone into robots seems wildly inefficient. "Why does he want everyone to be robots?"

How to explain that it wasn't hard until relatively recently without trying to explain Nobodies and all that went with them? Lea opted just to avoid that bit with a nod as he followed Anan. "Yeah, me too," he said.

"They would've loved all this, I think. Not just the whole 'visiting another world' part, but all the cold weather stuff too. Radiant Garden's climate is pretty mild, so it doesn't often get cold enough for natural snow or ice. And everyone likes a good festival, whatever the reason."

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The Waking of Neran

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