middleofsomewhere | 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

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"I have it... Yes..." He nodded with a head tilt. "But if I change, it means you can have my coat, and this blanket."

And his warmth as a kirin.

"Yeahh," yeeahh, suuure, "but, what would you like? I can fit my arms 'round you better like this." And he gives Taiki a squeeze where his arms are around him.

"Or, I might be able to get my arms around your neck! Which sounds more cosy?"

For Taiki too?

He laughed slightly, "Whichever. I just want you to be warm."

He doesn't want Tidus to freeze and he doesn't mind which form he is!

"Well in that case," Tidus says, and incoming, incoming, it's another squeeze Taiki hug!!!, "I like this! Look how much Taiki I get to hold! I'm gonna warm up like a sauna before you know it!"

Unlikely, but he is enjoying the excuse to do this to his forever soft friend.

He smiled happily at that, letting himself be squeezed by Tidus. He hopes it is true, that he will warm up.

"Have you spotted Inigo yet? I bet he would be happy for an excuse for cuddles."

Does there even need to be an excuse for cuddles?

"That guy always wants to cuddle! What if I wanna cuddle with you? He'll come anyway," Tidus says, "if he hasn't found someone already. He'll know he's missing out."

He says it with feigned exasperation, the joking kind - but also, totally true. Never mistake the Missing Out On Hugs senses.

"Hey, you don't think 'soon' to these people means the sun's gonna rise in ten hours, do you?"

He's expecting an Inigo any minute, he thinks he definitely has senses to tell him when his friends are hugging.

He looked out at where everyone was looking, where the sun was going to come from. "I don't know... The nights are so long here. A month of darkness already felt like a lot, but it's even longer than a month in my world. More than double."

"I like the time off the train, but I wish it were warmer." He's too much of a sunny boy. What's he supposed to do when it's cold all the time?

...other than cling onto Taiki, apparently.

"No wonder they made a whole festival over it when they're in the dark this long though. You think they used to leave their homes as soon as it stopped being cold in the old ages?"

Probably not, right? ... right?

"Yes, they deserve to celebrate the light after all that time in darkness and cold.

"Perhaps... There was probably a lot of work to do."

After a month where nothing had seen the light.

Tidus...can't imagine it. Or, truthfully he can, considering they're out in the cold right now. But that's what's making him so cold now, and adding more ice onto his brain?

He shivers noisily, chattering teeth, and deems giving Taiki a squeeze to absorb some of his heat is what he deserves.

"No thanks, I couldn't handle it!" Those were brave people - braver than him! "Is it this cold back in Tai? It's gotta be warmer, or we're sending them blankets."

You know, somehow. Some way.

"Yes. It's cold just like this." He nodded. "The winters in Tai are very very harsh. The people are very strong to be able to live in all the snow and ice."

There's a hint of pride there. Though truthfully he has little imput on the people of Tai's hardiness. But they are his people, he can be proud of them.

"It's beautiful, but also so dangerous."

"You learn to be as tough as you need to!" He nudges himself against Taiki, this time in his usual friendly gesture of it than out of a nudge for warmth. "The people of Spira are the same. I never saw people having to struggle so much. But, it doesn't mean they didn't have things they were happy for."

But, it does make him wonder. "Is Tai ever warm? Is it snow and ice all the time?"

It was true, people could adapt to all sorts of situations, be as tough as they needed to be. And happiness could be found in many situations.

"It's warm in the summer. Not hot, the climate is cooler than other kingdoms and cooler than Japan. But it is not freezing."

"So, is that when people farm? Can you do that? You know, growing stuff. Or do you have to get everything from the other kingdoms like that?"

Was there enough time for it? Not that Tidus knew much about farming, and considering his closest, longest contact was the greenhouse carriage that was looked over by magical people who could speed growth up...

...wait. "Do people have magic in Tai...?"

Taiki was magical. Right? Why not.

"People do farm yes... Though it is hard in much of the kingdom. So we do rely on trade a lot. We have a lot of gems, mining, springs that form precious rocks... So we use those to trade for what we need."

He tilted his head. "No... Or... Not in the way you have magic. There is magic, magical creatures and wonders but people cannot cast spells and such... Outside of simple divination or minor charms."

"Riight, right. I remember the mines." The one thing he does remember, and wasn't there some kinda water in them? ...or that's just his mind getting confused for one reason or another. But pretty mines, that he does recall.

"Well, charms sound helpful. Those like talismans?" Oh, but more than the question, Tidus is now interested to share with Taiki something else. "--Did I tell you I've been trying to make them with one of the Wuxians? So we can make a bunch for protecting people! That was the idea anyway, but I'm so slow learning the writing. You need to write everything with a brush, and every part of it's gotta be perfect! You seen 'em?"

Talismans in general, he means, and if those and charms are anything like the same. They sound the same, to his ears.

"Ah yes." He nodded. "I know what you mean." He smiled.

"I struggle with the writing too. It's the same writing they use in Tai... Almost. And though I can understand any spoken words I didn't know the writing when I first went there, it's often similar but also different to Japanese."

So he can understand Tidus' difficulties.

Oh, that makes him wonder. "Have you seen my writing? You must've - it doesn't sound like it looks like anything you've seen before?"

...his language and how it's written isn't the main topic, but heck, if they're talking about it.

The Waking of Neran

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