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 imagined that you hadn't gotten a booty call or something." Forgive her for the joke, Thanatos, but it's some way to lighten the mood a little, she hopes. Or at the very least break the ice. She stands for a moment with her hands behind her, one hand around a wrist, trying her best to look casual about it even though she had clearly sought him out.

After an appropriate length of quiet (she thinks) - Bulma asks to the heart of it.

"You wanna talk about it?"

Thanatos's glum expression flashes to confusion clearly not understanding the reference to what a "booty call" is. However, the moment to ask for clarification soon passes. (Probably for the best.)

"It reminded me of something that happened before. That's all."

That's all, he says, as if he hadn't been traumatized as a godling from such an event.

"It doesn't seem as simple as a 'that's all', though. Especially if you're, you know. Poofing in and out like that." She's used to this game of cat and mouse at least - she's been playing it for the better part of fifteen years or so with Vegeta when she'd been trying to figure him out. Hell, she still sometimes has to do it to figure out what the hell he and Goku are up to.

"It seems like your world is pretty harsh, but that doesn't mean you have to hang on to it all by yourself."

(Mort says he'll FITE the cat.)

Thanatos shakes his head. "Shifting locations is my main way to move about both at home and on the train. Ask the others if you doubt my claim."

Was that what Bulma really asked about? No. Is this what Thanatos is going to focus on instead? Yes.

"It's not any different than Goku and instant transmission, so far as I'm concerned." Bulma shrugs, knowing that's probably not the reaction that he wanted. Look, she's been here, done this a thousand times before if not more. It isn't fun to stab to the heart of it, but here she is anyways, pressing forward relentlessly.

"That wasn't what I asked, though, and I think you know it."

"And if I don't want to talk about it, isn't that my choice?" Thanatos keeps his arms crossed and looks out at the falling sors.

The problem with people trying to encourage emotions and more agency in what he wants is that sometimes he's making boundaries that may not work well with actually getting over some of his trauma.

"Of course." Bulma will agree, and still be mildly salty about it if she's honest with herself, but... the more important thing is to assert that she is there as a shoulder, if he ever wants or needs. Maybe she's got too much of a soft spot for someone who hardly ever talks, but it's easy considering .. well. She's used to it, and he looks a bit like Trunks, just washed out in color.

"But sometimes it's easier to carry when it isn't all on one set of shoulders if that makes sense." Bulma hums as she thinks about it a little, before nodding to herself as if confirming that's how she wants to express that.

"You forget that I am Death Incarnate. I exist for a reason and purpose, and that requires me to live up to that responsibility. By myself usually." He sighs. Thanatos is still a god even if he hasn't been much of one as of late. Godly life doesn't seem to be easily grasped by mortals, yet they claim to understand it and tell him how things should be done.

"This isn't something others can help with."

"Yes, but you did use the word 'usually' just now." Bulma's smiling, using the moment to prod him since he's left it open for her to do so. Still, there's a long, loud sigh as he says it isn't something that others can help with, and she thinks that, maybe.. she's approaching it incorrectly.

"I'm not saying I can help with anything in a literal fashion. My husband is the guy you go to when you want to eliminate a problem." She smiles, laughing lightly at her own joke since.. well. Vegeta could be that person, but he really is not any longer. Blessedly, at that.

"But sometimes it helps to talk about it. Sometimes getting it off of your mind and sharing it with someone else is the best help you can give yourself."

"Every time I've brought it up, it seems to only make things worse." For himself, for others. The only person Thanatos could think of who it didn't make things worse was Alice. It might have made their shared illusion worse, but Alice understood. She had gone through something similar.

"And I've learned that when it comes to matters like that, I need to handle it myself. I cannot depend on anyone else." Mort squeaks angrily and moves to bite Thanatos's earlobe with his fabric teeth. Thanatos moves to pat the bean mouse. "Myself and Mort."

Bulma hums in thought as Thanatos finishes speaking. Again, he sounds a lot like Vegeta, to her, when she was first prodding and trying to get to know him. She is just as non-plussed by the fact that he's saying it's worse to share. Look, she's got a group of friends who, at one point in their lives or another, had tried to destroy Earth as she knew it. If there is anyone who can bob and weave with the circumstances.. he's maybe looking at her.

"I'll say this - if I can befriend people who at one point wanted to destroy my entire planet, multiple times over? I highly doubt you can make things worse for me. But it's your choice, at the end of the day."

After including Mort and the pets, Mort lets go of Thanatos's earlobe and no longer acts like a very strange earring. He lets Thanatos cradle him in his hands near his chest.

He thinks about the times he spoke about what happened to others. He thinks about what he has to look forward to in the future. Or... what he would have looked forward to if he wasn't here and facing a world no longer able to sustain life. The betrayal of two people important to him. "I never said it would make things worse for you," Thanatos says quietly.

"Are we getting technical, now? You did say bringing it up only makes things worse, so..." Yes, she may have extrapolated a bit, but she doesn't think she's too far off. Clearly, he is hesitant to share, and that's fair enough she supposes, but it doesn't stop her from making the point. She's dealt with very heavy realities before.. some perhaps a bit more recent than she'd like to imagine.

"I've had to evade a lot around my own son lately. Not much is going to shake me, after everything we've been through in our world. "

Bulma seems to think that speaking of it will (or rather will not) unsettle her. And not that through talking about it with others will make his feelings about the whole ordeal worse in ways he never thought they could be. It's easy to believe to how much he was at fault and how much to curse Sisyphus. It's harder to believe that he's not wholly to blame and that he should forgive Sisyphus or believe that knave has truly changed.

So to her insistence, Thanatos remains stubbornly silent. For as old as Thanatos might be, he shows that he's still one of the younger gods in the pantheon.

The Waking of Neran

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