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

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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!

Getting food? The perfect opportunity to hang out with someone new and talk to with, you mean?

"Cool, same! If we're staying on a new planet, we've got to try the food!" Tidus has found his target. Come now, Idia, move along with Tidus, who'll suggest, "Think we should go this way?" with a point, start for it, but won't go far without Idia.

"Name's Tidus, by the way. How long you been around?"

His hair is hard to miss - he's definitely seen that around at least one time. ~~Unless he hides it.~~

"I-I guess?" Idia responds without much thinking, too shocked by the sudden wave of happiness and joy coming off Tidus for him to have a chance to think of a way out of this.

"Ah, I guess, um, about four months, or so." Oh, train time though. "Or I guess two according to the train." It felt so much longer! As for not having really run into each other yet, Idia did tend to hide away in the Lab, or his room when no one else was in it. Or the gaming car. He liked the gaming car. "Um, I'm, I'm Idia."

Four months? Two? Tidus didn't really get it, but he's not about to zone in on a detail like that, just taking what the guy - Idia - gives with a nod. He'll be moving in the direction decided on a whim; eyes making sure to keep ahead of them, leading down a slop of a path, with enough room to let him glance Idia's way.

"Nice to meet'cha. We get more time off the train these days, so, better than if you showed up before. Even if you're not big on festivals or big activities, it's good to get out, huh? Doesn't feel like you need to worry about the cold, either!"

A light joke, a grin to accompany it. If only he was a walking furnace!

"Ah, yeah." Certainly a lot less enthusiasm from Idia's side on that greeting, only because he knows Tidus' type all too well. There were many like him back at Night Raven, those who try and get Idia's attention or drag him to something despite him wanting nothing to do with it. Happy, cheerful, loud, pushy. Why does he keep running into people like this? Why do they care enough to interact with someone like him? Ughh...

"I... guess?" Actually, you know what, no. "I-I actually like s-staying in. And working in the Lab." Something Idia's regretting not doing this time around. There's just so many people here! It's far too busy. Idia also hesitates at the mention of his hair, then sighs. He's... getting used to those comments here. Why did he still have to stand out even in a place where universes meet up with each other?

Oh? "The lab?" That's got his interest, and it seems to need a second look of Idia. "What do you do in there? --Building things?"

...which could fall under a few of the available spaces in the lab, but Tidus is definitely thinking something closer to machines than blacksmithing, like Q'uila does. Or maybe chemicals, but really, Tidus can't make a good guess just from looking at the guy.

(But, likely not blacksmithing.)

"I certainly try to." Idia mutters this out, having not been that impressed with the tools and materials in it so far. Sure, he had some amazing ideas, but he can only produce them if he had the right tools to do so, and so far he didn't. Not yet at least. Those he would have to build first before he made anything fun or convenient for him. "They don't make it easy."

And while he may not look at it, and while Idia did excel the most at programming, he's more than happy to get his hands dirty on a fun piece of machinery. He enjoyed working with engines on magic wheels and similar, pulling them apart to learn how they worked, before improving and putting them back together. Sure, he may not have the build to work a blacksmith anvil, but if he had to he would find a way to use it to make the tools and materials he needed. Somehow.

There's a hum, some recognition of that tone, that kind of complaint. "No great tools? What kinda stuff do you usually work with? Might be some junk outside the lab, like - computer parts?"

Didn't he still have a few of those? ...if that would even mean anything for this guy. But maybe Senku had some bits and bobs. That guy always had bits and bobs on him. Plus, there was the metal they gathered from Bird Danger Zone.

"What do you want to make?"

"Tools that appear to be unique to my world." Idia could go on about that tools he needed, but he's already slotted Tidus away as not the type to waste such talk on. No doubt it would go over his head, and Idia really didn't want to explain it all. He's also gone around and salvaged a lot from around the train, maybe to a point of stealing some points, and hording them away until he can put them to use. Nothing most would notice missing, just... taking stuff that he clearly considered abandoned by others.

"I have plans to create a broomstick for transport." Idia thinking back to his first real mission on the train. Sure, his tech had still struggled, but not as much as his magic had. If he had a broomstick, one he designed, more modern and a merge of magic and technology, it in theory could still operate if one of those two part were not accessible on a stop.

"A broomstick?"

Did this guy say a broomstick for trave--hold the presses.

Which is to say, Tidus stops walking, eyes widening with what he's heard, the flash of a memory- nay, the hopes and dreams of an (okay he guesses) old man who talked about that. Dude. Dude!

These wide eyes are on Idia, and his voice is a notch higher.

"Hey - you think you can make it? Have you made one before?" There's a hand making a rolling motion, Tidus one to often speak with his hands.

Well? Well, Idia??

Wait. No. What's this enthusiasm? Stop! STOP! Idia's hands instinctively going up into fists in front of his chest, as if to act as a shield between him and Tidus. What did he say to get this kind of reaction?!

"A-a-a-ah, yes?!" Why was he so interested in broomsticks?! "I-I-I haven't made one before, b-b-but it's not that hard to improve on the old archaic design." Really, enhanced wood and straw? Please! This was the modern age, Idia could do much better than that, he's already got several designs drawn up to work out which would be the best fit for him. And maybe a helmet too, so he can interact with the controls of the broomstick without even being in contact with it. A form of auto-pilot.

At least Tidus isn't moving towards Idia and his protective stance. But, Tidus is still rather move-y even when he's in place - especially with his hands.

"That's great! A pal - Roland, he's on Purple Team. He's always had this thing about flying broomsticks." Read: He mentioned them once or twice in over six or seven months. "You think if I could help you get whatever you need to make them, you could make him one too? I've got points!"

If points are enough to get what Idia needs, but - if it's to make some flying broomsticks and Roland can use one, then why not?

"I don't do commissions!" Idia blurted out instantly. Maybe louder than he needed to, and certainly louder than he had been so far. He seemed to stiffen up even more at the realization of how loud he had been, dropping his head a little and hunching his shoulders, as if he could hide in them. "I-it's just a prototype design so far. I-I'll have to test it first." It's also his! Why would he want another to have HIS design?!

However... he could use more points... he's just used most of his to get the crystals he needed. Ideally if he's going to be flying he would like his dorm uniform since it's infused with magic to protect against the elements while flying... but Idia hated the idea of having to rely on others, or to owe them anything.

...maybe they could sort out a payment system. "...maybe after I finish mine," Then to point out something he felt should be obvious, but others may not get. "Assuming he could even use one. His magic may not work with the devices from my world."

Oops - Tidus does wonder immediately if he got carried away in his excitement following that reaction, his grin faltering, shaped in surprise before his energy eases in general. A note sheepish when he does speak again, nodding.

"He's got a lil' magic, but it's hard for him to learn new stuff? But," and he nods again, "I'd appreciate if you took a look after you're done - with your own! And I'll pay for the materials. Whatever you're comfortable with - sorry I got carried away."

'Cause hey, he did, and he doesn't want to put the guy on the spot...! And if Roland can't get a flying broom, well. At least they exist...!?

Oh, don't look at him like that as if he's the bad guy here! He's finally managed to get enough currency together to get these crystals, so he can make some actual useful tools for himself, and yet now others want what he's making. Ughhh...

"I would have to first test if the crystals would even react to his magic." Despite this glimmer of hope that Idia hasn't fully dismissed the idea, his tone and posture clearly tells he finds this is a pain, shoulders slumping and a shake of his head as he looks off to the side. He never liked selling his ideas and creations, but... well, he's used to having a lot more money than he has here, it would be nice to get items when he needed it, not having to save up for them. Plus... he can't fault someone who wants to have fun. Just because Idia doesn't enjoy flying by broomsticks doesn't mean others can't enjoy them. "If not then I would have to find something similar that can be used by him and work within my systems."

Tidus can appreciate the time Idia's giving to him - a stranger, who just got really excited about his idea! So the tone and posture doesn't rub off him wrong.

But the last of what he says - Tidus is quiet, and wonders.

"So you use magic and tech, right? He was telling me, back where he came from, they made these wands that anyone can use, even if they can't do magic." He raises a hand, like he might be holding an invisible wand, flicking his wrist.

"Is that something that'd help? Maybe even to check out, for yourself! Or some other magic-technology. I dunno if nosing at new tech's any fun."

For Idia, specifically. Maybe? Tidus just likes when tech works. Doesn't matter how it does.

...wands that those without magic could use. That's...

Idia needs one of those. Not for anything for others, but for himself. If he could get an item that worked like his own wand, but without the risk of overblot... there were so much potential. Or even a way to combined the two. The power of two magical devices with half the draw back, or at least a way to limit the build up of blot... it could be amazing.

And maybe a chance to explore such a device was worth making up a second broomstick. After his own, of course.

"I think so, but I would have to get my hands on one first to see if it has potential." He also guesses that would mean he could make magic based tech that non-magic users on the train could use as well, you know, all that. But to be so far away from his world with no safety measures or back up in place if he overblotted... Idia needed to play this smart.

"Alright." A chirpy answer, glad. "I'll see what he says! I can't buy it, but maybe there's other stuff too... having a magic wand's pretty handy."

So if Roland can use it himself whatever turns out with this broom, it's not a bad purchase, is it. But they've been walking to a point where the dipping path levels, and there's a crowd of open booths, and Tidus notices with a- "Oh hey, look, let's check these out!"

He moves into the busy street, trying to eye what's being made, the sizzling as noisy as the chatter of people. Meats on sticks, large pans of stew-mixes. What can they get close to...!

"It would offer another option to many." It's still such an amazing concept... even if Idia can't even begin to guess how it would work. Maybe it's enchanted materials or similar. It had to draw its magical ability from something if not its user. It also seems like it could be dangerous, to allow non magic users to have access to magic, without any training.

Idia's still mulling over all the possibilities, not realizing he was just automatically trailing along with Tidus, until the other boy's shouts, making Idia jump in his step. What?! What?! Oh...

Wait... was he really going to stick around? Really? Though... it did smell good, even for a picky eater such as Idia. "W-what is it?"

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The Waking of Neran

1A

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He's a brat, sorry

he's right and he should think it

More people to torture Idia with

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