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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Idia does. Idia would love to stay hidden up in the hotel, this stop was FAR too busy for his tastes, however he eventually does have to head out to actually eat, and he's curious to see what technology there may be around to help him in his designs.

All bundled up against the cold, what he isn't expecting is someone to instantly be in his face and all excited like that. It's enough for him to trip over his own words. "I-I-I was coming out t-to get food...?" Oh no, someone loud and cheerful. That was the worst!

Curled up by the Fire

Between her explorations, Nell often found herself in a cozy spot curled up by the fire. It was a great place to relax with a warm mugful of the non-alcoholic version of the Osigan's creamy milk drink and people watch.

Exploring the Grotto

Nell wandered through the museums and art galleries, awed by the sheer beauty of everything she saw. She joined a candle making class, then stopped by to try some of the food. She was delighted by the spiciness and might just have talked some of the proprietors into letting her buy a few of the spices and even take a cutting or two of the plants they came from. She made notes to herself about the foods, wondering if she might be able to reproduce some of them back aboard the train. She surely did like the spiciness!

Sors Parks

How could she resist the sculptures and the grit for throwing? It amazed her to see the beautiful fizzle of lights even as she shivered in the cold. She'd thought she was used to cold weather, but this was beyond anything she'd experienced. The heatstones certainly helped, but maybe someone would come along to join her so they'd both be warmer.

Night One: Remembering

Nell brought the meat handpies, pastries and such that she and Soldat had made to Yondu's remembrance celebration. She figured that anything left uneaten they could put in the food baskets left all over for anyone to take from. Nothing would go to waste.

Afterwards, solemnly, she found her way to another quiet place to light her candles and spend some time in quiet prayer. She missed Leah, of course, and John, but they'd both been gone for some time now. She wondered if God would think less of her that the beings she missed most were her dogs that the church men had killed shortly before the train took her. She hoped not, but she wasn't so sure of much about God these days.

Night Two: Persevering

Oh, the fireworks! She'd never been to a fireworks display before - seen bits of some from the house, sure, but never like this, right there, exploding over her head. And the noise! Oh my! She laughed and cheered, accepting a small glass of whisky that she sipped at as she crowd-watched from the edges, smiling over the proposals and declarations of bravery.

Night Three: Unity

So much dancing and laughter! Nell was mostly a wallflower, but occasionally someone would pull her into the dancing where she'd laugh and apologize for stepping on her partner's feet for a dance or so before drifting back to the edges to watch.

She'd napped in the afternoon so she'd be prepared to stay up all night and watch the sunrise. Up high on one of the cliffs she sat with a blanket wrapped around her watching and waiting until the first ray of sunlight broke across the sky. She couldn't help but catch her breath, and all right, tear up a little at the beauty of it all.

Wildcard: Catch Nell anywhere. She'll be exploring everything she can, trying all the different foods, and trying to absorb everything she can of this world and its culture.

Long, elaborate rituals full of people praying is... pretty normal, for Koumyou. Or at least had been, before the train.

So he finds himself wandering around with his hands tucked into his sleeves, observing without actually involving himself in any of it. It doesn't even occur to him to think of the many, many people he's lost in his time. It's too normal to be an observer, only.

But when he spots Buttercup, the priest heads her way and stops at her side, still watching the goings-on with that disconnected way of his. The moon shining down on a night ceremony, observing without touching.

He has an idea of what might be in Buttercup's mind, having been one of the people she'd spoken about her sister to.

"Are you okay?"

There's another ill fitted person for the cold out, equally all height and stick-like, and Idia was sure to bundle up well before he had arrived here, venturing out from hiding in his room at the hotel. Not that that was much of a refuge considering his roommates. Here was... slightly quieter, though still people milling around.

Including, "Kaiba." He offered as a greeting from behind a heavy coat, thick scarf, and hood up over as much of his 'hair' as he could. Idia had found this 'snow' really didn't agree with it, unsurprisingly, resulting in it melting and just leaving damp patches over whatever he was wearing. What a hassle.

Tannusen has been keeping his head down and not making any waves so far on the train. He'd intended to do the same at this... vacation? stop? while his head continued to be too full of recent trauma. Even unseelie as he is, he prefers not to take it out on 'people' he's stuck living in close quarters with. For now.

That's just smart. Don't shit where you eat, and all.

...But he feels that whoosh of air, and glimpses what is definitely a kirin before Taiki goes flying off overhead. Huh.

Tannusen does, in fact, glance down to see if clothing was left behind. Most pooka have that same problem, after all. Spotting the pile, he scoops it up. And in an instant where no eyes are on him, he also changes into his other skin, and launches up into the air to follow with a simple cast of Wind Runner mid-leap.

And so a flying tiger follows a flying kirin. Follows, not chases. He's giving the kid space, not trying to catch up immediately.

"Um..." He's. A bit confused. Comfort wasn't really- "...I was just explaining so that you had a more accurate idea of what was going on actually..." The boy blinks, adjusting his hat. "...Since it seems like...that affects how well any of this can work?"

Personal reasons aside, it's hard to get what he'd prefer if he doesn't make sure all the necessary information is there.

"Ah-" And then...there's Jake. The boy nods, and Weather for now, vanishes. "...Thanks." Inwardly shaking it off, he takes a breath and continues. "Is there anything else we should put down on the testimony, that would help with things..?"

Leia arrived at the appointed meeting time. For one thing, it was just polite; she wanted to make a better impression on the Ministry than the Ministry had them. And for another, she knew very well how much a government official likely had on their plate, and whatever her feelings on the Ministry as a whole, had both respect and sympathy for the undoubtedly difficult job the person had to do.

Upon arriving, Leia got a cup of green tea and some small dumplings before taking a seat in one of the chairs. The being- or droid, possibly? they felt like a life form at least- greeted them when they'd all arrived, their tone all business, but not curt. She approved. She returned a polite nod of her own at the greeting, but otherwise simply listened to what the representative had to say until it seemed that they were finished.

While listening, she weighed what was being said. The bit about the duty of the Ministry sounded so rote that Leia wouldn't have been surprised to learn that it came straight from the training manual for Ten-Nank's position as something they were required to add into every meeting somewhere. The next bit was something she had expected, and was relatively close to what many of them had guessed the Ministry's desire to be; she didn't quite trust the Ministry's offer of 'refuge' though, especially when they might be detained for an indeterminate length of time during the investigation and potentially after, depending on the results.

Whatever her misgivings about the Ministry though, Ten-Nank's exhaustion was very real and very understandable. Their situation couldn't be an easy one to deal with from any angle. Still, she found herself highly preferring the second scenario to the first, and only partly because it put a bit of distance between the Ministry and those aboard the train. She very much wanted to know what was going on in this dimension, and continuing on seemed like the best way of finding that out.

When it seemed Ten-Nank was finished, Leia spoke. "Thank you for the information and for taking the time to meet with us," she said. "As someone who used to work for a government of comparable scale to what the Ministry seems to be, I have some appreciation for how difficult our situation must be to deal with on your end. I'll definitely want to submit a testimony. I'll have to check whether or not I've received the file; I was aboard at the time of the... exercise you mentioned, though I didn't participate in it." Because the train had realized the call had been a ruse just in time to stop a few of them from disembarking, but she didn't mention that.

"Regarding that exercise though, is such a thing standard procedure for investigations like this one? Because I've got to tell you, it didn't give the best impression of the Ministry for a lot of us. After all, no one appreciates being tricked like that, regardless of the intent behind it."

Tobirama still watches as his candle floats away. It had been a long time since the man had died but he'd never truly mourned him. Was is... cruel to say that he didn't feel the need to? Tobirama understood that Butsuma was a product of the times and cared deeply in his own way but it was not a way that worked.

Eyes slid over to Alice as she approached and gave her a nod. His body was still crouched, observing the floating lights. A long and quiet sigh. He notes the 'as well' and assumes she, too, did the same. "Did it bring you comfort?"

"Of course. Why should we celebrate their death? We mourned them before. That is enough."

Time to move on and he can't do that if he is always thinking about it. This place is trying to make him think about things he wants to stop thinking about.

Kaiba greets Idia with his usual nod of acknowledgment. It's bitterly cold, but maybe a little less so now. And the glistening ice is interesting to look at. "Too crowded in there?"

Leia smiled right back upon seeing Anan. "Hello, Anan," she said. "And you too, Chiff." She bent down to give the little droid a friendly pat before gently disengaging him from her leg and setting him back on the ground.

"And a drink- alcoholic or not- would be lovely, yes. Though something warm would be preferable if possible."

Seto smiles as they hike upward, watching the icy flakes cling to their clothes. They're not in any danger, it's just quite the show.

"...yeah. I'm glad I'm here with you."

There's really something intriguing about the dark sky and swirling sors. "Tonight's the ritual of perseverance, right?"

"Sounds like a good trip. Out in the universe, free..."

Kaiba likes to imagine it. He has his people and his purpose now, but that siren song sure is nice.

"Right. Those are my main concerns...the people we've lost, and what happens at the end of the road. Ideally, we should have a choice."

"...not usually an art museum guy. That was more my girlfriend's thing, or my captains. But maybe I should go so I can tell them about it someday?"

Jake nods to himself. That's what he'll do.

"But I could definitely try the snow. It's the sticky blue stuff, right?"

Give it some more time. Some more time and a conversation, actually, because he's not an idiot nor as oblivious as some people like to think. You don't lead a village and live to sixty being that emotionally thick. He'd hope, at least, but then again... this was all points aside. For the time being, Tobirama considers in silence. Weighing his thoughts and choosing his words carefully.

Hands reach out to light a few more candles. He's only lit one for Hashirama, but now Kawarama and Itama needed one, too. He's a temperate man, Yondu. There's not much that's too hard on him to speak about. The question is if he will or will not. He exhales. "Kawarama was seven. We found him face down in the river. Itama was ten. We were too late to come to his aid, Hashirama and I. Taken down by several adults." His head turns toward the other man. "A child, Yondu. Hunted down by grown men."

His eyes return to the altar, "Hashirama died younger than he should have because he was an idiot. I mourn his loss, but I mourn them more."

Night One: Remembrance

The darkness is a reprieve for Thanatos. While it would be better if there weren't so many people, Thanatos takes this time to relish the feeling of being in the dark. Thanatos dresses in a long coat, long scarf from the dressing car. He still wears his golden gorget around his neck, though anyone who has taken any note of Thanatos's usual state of dress will see that it's an entirely different golden gorget. Instead of a repetitive eye motif, common among chthonic gods and Primordial Chaos, embossing of Underworld flora decorate the rim as inlaid dark gem butterflies rise above them. Perhaps even more shocking would be that he lacks a hood. The candlelight illuminating Osiga's streets reflect off his silvery hair like moonlight. So rarely has Thanatos seemed a god as of late, but looking at him like this gives him a divine aura. (Even with the sunglasses and earmuffs.)

Mort skitters around Thanatos's shoulders wearing a small knit hat with illogical ear flaps as his ears poke out from slits on the top. Each movement from him (of which there is now plenty of) shakes the large pom-pom atop the hat. When he gets tired of sightseeing, he retreats to Thanatos's warm coat pocket.

Thanatos stays at a respectable distance from those remembering and mourning the dead. It feels odd for him to be here, being Death Incarnate and all. He's not mourning anyone he's lost. The people he worries for back home are alive, which is part of the problem. In mortal eyes, he's the greedy god who takes and takes, listening to no plea as he cuts their thread. All he does is secretly add to the spectacle. Purple butterflies flutter about, weaving to and fro through the candle flames. They ascend towards the stars and burst into motes of starlight to rain down like sors.

Night One: Escape from Neran's Tale

Thanatos does spend some time learning about the meaning of this celebration. However... he gets as far as learning Neran was chained for a month before he shifts in a burst of starlight and darkness. Thanatos doesn't care how rude he just was to the others enjoying the tale; he had to leave.

He'll end up near one of the sors parks, and he'll stay there for a time. "You too, Lady Neran?" he asks of the night sky above when his initial panic subsides. The cold doesn't bother him as much as it should. He's worn less in the snow back home. No, what bothers him most is that trapped, chained gods is a reoccurring thing among the cosmos.

Night Two: Persevering

Thanatos knows only two things about this night. One, it is supposed to be about courage, as the speaker loudly proclaims. Two, the fireworks and the cheering threaten to give him a migraine. More often than not, Thanatos tries to find a way a little further from the main action to give his senses a break. As joyous and motivating the occasion is supposed to be, the spectacle of it all keeps him from participating. He doesn't even know what he'd have to be courageous about.

Thanatos swerves around a couple of participants as he makes his way through the crowd. One of them is practically yelling her confession to her friend who has her hands covering her mouth in shock. They then embrace as the people around them roar with excitement.

Well, Thanatos supposes he has one idea, but he's not keen on doing so just because everyone else is. Or, he won't actively aim to do so. All he wants to do right now is to give his head a rest.

Night Three: Unity

Unless persuaded otherwise, Thanatos will continue to find less crowded areas. He'll watch the dancing and music from afar. He'll remain higher up in his attempt at distance, but as it draws closer to sunrise, he ends up having a very good view.

"Welcome back to freedom, Lady Neran," Thanatos whispers before adverting his eyes from the brightness. He doesn't know if there is such a goddess, but on the event there is, he expresses his sentiment from one who has been similarly trapped. "Time for you to get back to work."

Wildcard: Choose Your Own Adventure

[[ OOC: Got an idea? Write up a starter or plot something out. Feel free to contact me by journal DM,

aviekokyre, or Discord: aviekokyre#3411 ]]

The food reminded Sonya of when she was stationed in Kazakhstan, but with spices more reminiscent of Shanghai during the summer. Logically she knew this couldn't be the case, that this was an entirely different world (or dimension) with no true connection to Earthrealm.

Still, she couldn't help think of the comparison.

Certainly didn't stop her from attempting to try some of it for herself, though finding a table to sit was proving more of a task. She in the end had to settle for instead searching a familiar face.

"Mind if I join you?" Not exactly a friend, but a battle buddy and that counted for something.

"Don't choke to death on me Tidus," she chided him while trying to find something that was at least the ambient temperature around them. Maybe juice would work? She could scout out ways to sooth her own mouth as well, depending on how that went.

"Here," she offered.

"Even if I'm not there to find them... it would just be nice to know that they've gone home, or elsewhere if they'd like." That might not be the case for everyone, and it did concern her a little. "So I only really had one person to light a candle for, then."

Museums and Culture- Any day

Growing up on Alderaan, an especially as its princess, Leia had been instilled with an interest in and respect for the arts and cultures of the galaxy, and it was something she carried with her through her time in Nautilus and Kaliste and to the various worlds they'd visited aboard the train. Thus, she was quite pleased to have the opportunity and free time to explore the various museums and art galleries the Grotto had to offer. She found herself particularly interested in an exhibit of various tapestries depicting scenes from Osigan mythology, including the story of Neran.

Shopping, Exploring, and Food

Equally enjoyable was the festival itself. Leia could be found browsing the various stalls selling craft goods, considering bits of jewelry, handmade soaps, and cloth goods. Or occasionally just walking the streets enjoying the scenery and doing some people-watching. She even decided to attend one of the candle-making classes, because why not?

And she was quite willing to sample the local food and drink too. One sample of the local whiskey was enough to know that it was a bit much for her taste, but the milky beverage was excellent, and went well with the predominantly spicy and heavy local food. She made sure to have some non alcoholic beverages too, including a pleasantly robust local tea flavored with some of the same spices as the milk beverage. She would be happy to invite anyone she knew, or anyone who wanted to get to know her, to sit down and have a bite to eat with her.

Night One

Leia had done more than her fair share of honoring the dead already throughout her life, but did her hair in the traditional Alderaanian mourning braid before going to join the first night of the festival, taking in the lovely parade before setting a few floating candles on their way for those closest to her. Later she can be found enjoying a late meal and one of those milky drinks, listening to the singing and occasionally joining in a bot of the dancing. And she was quite willing to share a few stories with those who asked.

Night Two

Leia had politely turned down a sparkler, but found herself very much enjoying the fireworks and cheering right along with the crowd. She didn't have anything especially momentous to announce, but was quite happy to talk to anyone over drinks who might need an extra boost of courage or a few words of wisdom, or to offer congratulations to anyone who had already made their move.

Night Three

Leia was among those who had napped earlier in the day, and she was certainly glad of it now. She had to pace herself when it came to the highly energetic dances- one dance had to be followed by sitting out two or three others, if she wasn't going to regret this later-, but overall it was a lot of fun.

Then, when the announcement came, she went up with the others, finding a spot on the cliffs with a reasonably good view and sitting relatively comfortably on a fur rug. She'd brought with her a thermos full of the hot local tea she'd found and some small fruit and nut filled pastries, and would certainly welcome someone to share them with as they watched and waited for the sunrise.

Wildcard

(OOC: You know what to do.)

He turns at his name, he might have been embarassed to be hailed so loudly in a crowd like this but it doesn't matter because he recognises the voice as well. It's Inigo and so he is very prepared for the tackle hug that comes next.

He wraps his arms around him and gives him a small smile. "Are you warm enough? It's very cold here, are you wearing enough layers?"

Fussing, he doesn't want Inigo to freeze.

He handed it over with a smile, he wasn't too cold himself yet and if he got cold he could just transform, he was able to stay warmer in kirin form after all.

"Yes... They are beautiful, even if they are made from something so sorrowful and dangerous."

Idia's lip curled up at that question. "This stop is horrible." Maybe not to most, but to an extreme introvert like him it was. Then again, "All stops have been horrible." Either it's too many people around, or having his magic and tech not working. Idia still doesn't know why the train brought him on board, just to have him go to places like this.

"This is at least... quiet." Cold, but quiet.

Museums and art galleries hadn't always been something Hera spent a lot of time investigating. But being away from home for so long they've taken on a certain sentimentality. Sometimes it's just nice to engage it something that makes you think of the people you love. "Sabine would love this."

There are even fireworks scheduled for later, which Sabine would also love of course.

He flies for a good distance, focusing on the feeling of flying, the coldness on his skin and the wind in his mane rather than the reason he is flying in the first place. Slowly the panicked feeling that made him flee in the first place fades, leaving him with just a lingering sense of embarrassment and sorrow.

It's when he slows down enough to take in his surroundings that he realises he's being followed. It doesn't feel dangerous, not as if he is being chased by a predator even if that is definitely a...

It looks like a suugu, it's enough to make him stop completely and watch the creature with a sense of awe, though he's sensible enough to maintain a little wariness, ready to flee if this creature means him harm.

But for now curiosity is greater than any worry.

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Page 8 of 130

The Waking of Neran

1A

Nell Ingram | OTA

Remembrance

Sors park

Remembrance

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Designated time, cause they're all busy here

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Initial meeting

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Thanatos| Hades | Red | OTA

Night One: Remembrance

Night One: Escape from Neran's Tale

Night Two: Persevering

Night Three: Unity

Wildcard: Choose Your Own Adventure

food and drink

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Gallery

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