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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Thanatos tilts his head a little at Ryo, confused. "Some of the shades have been drawn such a large memorial for the dead. It's not so strange given how lax the afterlife seems to be."

At least in a world like this. Back at Thanatos's world, they would be in the Underworld unable to return to the world of the living, but other worlds seem to have a much less organized afterlife. Mortals die multiple times or escape from Death. Thanatos looks around. He doesn't feel pulled toward any of the dead. They are not his responsibility or under his care. "If sensing the dead is bothering you, then maybe retreating to the hotel might help."

"Oh." It makes sense, to a point - of course any lingering souls would be called to a memorial remembering them. That's not what's bothering him, though. There's a sense of wrongness, quiet but pervasive - not in his Sense, but in his heart. There are ghost stories on Tera - stories about lingering wills determined to finish tasks they'd set out to do before their deaths, or staying to watch over someone, or, terrifyingly, tethered to the earth by old forbidden magic that refused to fade - but they all made it clear that that was not where a soul was supposed to be. They were supposed to pass on, to peace or to punishment. This isn't Tera, and it's possible things are different here, but the fact that the souls of the dead are here is unsettling.

"I don't- I mean-" Words continue to fail him, but he still continues to try. "I- should they be here? Shouldn't they be..."

He trails off as one of them becomes clearer in his Sense, and instinct alone has him lifting a hand, only for one of the butterflies to alight in his palm. It's not just a butterfly, as far as he can tell - somehow, according to his Sense, one of the souls has attached itself to the insect. He looks up at Thanatos questioningly - is this normal? - before returning his gaze to the butterfly. "Are you...from here?" he asks, hesitant.

(It is, all told, not the smartest thing he's ever said. He's trying.)

"That depends on this world, and I am unfamiliar with their gods and who takes them to the Afterlife."

Thanatos remains rather passive. He doesn't feel the Fates' pull toward any of them. He's not to guide them anywhere. They aren't his. If they were a danger, he would cut them down like he does the shades and wretches in the Underworld with Zagreus. However, these are peaceful, and he won't spark a potential conflict between gods by claiming them. Where would Thanatos even take them?

"Souls and butterflies are linked in my world. The ones I create from my power aren't connected to anyone. Although, that one--" He motions to the one focusing on Ryo. "--has gained a passenger."

The confirmation helps more than he'd thought it would, and he nods. There really is a soul in this butterfly, resting in the palm of his hand, and it's...answering his question. Not in words, but he can still feel the answers. Yes, the soul is from Osiga - not far from here, in fact! They had a lovely little place with their family.

...that is a lot more information than he'd expected.

"Oh! Um- is your family here, then?"

Yes! They're not too far away, and all of them came out for the parade - even the littlest grandson, all bundled up! He's terribly cute, though it's past his bedtime, so he's probably exhausted by now, the dear.

Ryo smiles at that and glances up at Thanatos - is he hearing any of this, or does he just see Ryo asking questions of a soul-laden butterfly? - before looking back at the butterfly again. "So you got to see them tonight."

Oh, yes, their family had told wonderful stories - all the stories they'd passed down to their family while they were still alive, in fact! Even the one with the missing brush. Especially the one with the missing brush. That one's a good one!

Thanatos remains silent, but his focus isn't on the butterfly with the hitchhiking soul. He watches Ryo and doesn't give any indication whether or not he hears the soul speak. It's like he's a statue of stone, not interfering and just in the scenery. Ryo has to decide how this progresses instead of pushing this onto Thanatos "because he's Death."

Ryo sounds very surprised that this conversation is happening. This isn't normal for him and might not be something possible in his world. Is it just the ability to speak to the shades of the dead or something more? This is not the power Ryo had in the false Diagad whatever this is, and even Ryo will have to see the truth of it. He's no danger to the living.

Thanatos gives Ryo absolutely nothing in that glance, and rather than try to follow up with that, he decides to focus on the matter at hand - namely, the soul in front of him, fondly reminiscing about their family. "I'm glad to hear it," he says gently. "Um, if you don't mind my asking...what else do you need?"

There's a silence that stretches for several seconds, to the point where Ryo is starting to worry he said the wrong thing, or somehow severed his connection with the soul completely by turning his attention to Thanatos for that moment, and then-

No, they suppose they don't really need anything else. It hasn't been too long since they passed, but they wanted to see their family again and make sure their family was doing okay, and now they've been able to do that. They're...well, they should be alright now. Time to move on.

Something sparks at that - not quite in his Sense, but a feeling that runs deeper than that. It feels like the beginning of a connection, when he intertwines his life with someone else's in order to heal them, and...it's weird, but he has an idea. "I...I might...do you mind if I try something?"

Of course, dear. What could it hurt - they're already dead, after all!

He can feel the smile in those words, and it's permission enough. "Okay." He takes a breath to steady himself and reaches out along that connection, feeling his way on instinct alone. It's not the same as his healing - it's a different sort of connection, feeling for all the world like he's walking a path with someone, hand in hand. It doesn't take them long to reach the end; he can't explain how he knows it's the end of the path, but it feels right. He lets go, sending the soul to continue on past the end-

He could swear he hears thank you, dear-

And the connection ends. The soul he had been talking with has disappeared from his Sense. The butterfly in his palm flaps its wings, takes to the air, and flies away.

Ryo watches it go, trembling as what happened slowly sinks in. Was that- had he- could he have-

He looks up at Thanatos, searching and nearly desperate. Thanatos understands this. Thanatos would know. "Is- is it-" His breath hitches, and he can barely ask the question. "D-did they- did they go?"

"I don't sense the shade nearby. They are likely where they are supposed to be, in the afterlife and not lingering around the living who can't see them." Thanatos lets the butterfly dissolve into motes of starlight which rains down much like the sors from the sky. It was never a true butterfly.

"You didn't act exactly like a psychopomp but more like a step between the shade leaving the body and reaching their final resting place. I think." There's a faint distinction. Ryo isn't causing the spirit to leave the body like Thanatos does when he cuts their threads. Ryo isn't taking the shade to the Underworld like Thanatos, Hermes, or Charon. He doesn't understand fully because that step doesn't exist for him. He is both the one who cuts the thread and brings them to the Underworld.

But this extra step doesn't seem bad or pointless, and it's something Ryo doesn't have to do if the one responsible for the dead does their job correctly. "Perhaps you guided them to whoever could take them the rest of the way or toward the path they could take themselves."

He listens, Thanatos's words sinking into his soul like water into parched land. This is what Thanatos does - this is part of who he is, and he wouldn't lie or mince words to make Ryo feel better. Ryo is absolutely certain of that.

So that means...

He did this. The soul has moved on - the soul is where they're supposed to be - because of him. This is what the change in his Sense is for. This is what his Diagad powers are for-

This is confirmation, played out right in front of him, by his hand, that his powers have changed. The power to kill with a touch is gone, if it had ever really been his to begin with; in its place is the power to help those who have already died, who would normally be out of his reach as a healer. He doesn't have to be afraid of himself anymore.

It's only when he feels a new, biting cold on his face that he realizes he's crying, the tears rolling down his cheeks rapidly cooled by the night air. He tries to wipe them away, only for them to be immediately replaced, and the dam bursts in a flood of abject relief, leaving him crying quietly into his hands, overwhelmed with emotion and unable to stop. "It's- it's okay," he manages, whispered words stolen between hitched breaths. "I'm okay."

It wouldn't make any sense to anyone else listening, but Thanatos should know enough to understand.

"Do you think you can make it back to the hotel? You should rest there for a while." Because Thanatos absolutely knows that Ryo will try to guide every wayward soul here even though it's not his job, and he has just realized his power.

"You've said your prayers for those you've mourned, right?" If not, Ryo could come back later after a moment of composing himself, getting out all the anxiety he's had over his powers. "And if not, those who care for you should understand the delay."

It takes a bit for the emotional overload to subside - for all the worry and fear he'd been holding onto over his Diagad powers to make its way out and dissipate - but he gets there eventually. He's still crying, tears still streaming down his face, and while that's probably going to continue for a bit, he's not quite so swept away by it all anymore. His breathing is a little easier. He will, eventually, calm down - he's just not quite there yet.

He's heard Thanatos's questions, though he's only just started applying thought to them, and he nods. He's done what he needs to do here, in remembrance of his mother. He can probably make it back to the hotel, and if he has trouble, the people here are kind enough to help him.

But...he doesn't want to leave yet. It's not even a desire to help the rest of the wayward souls (though that will absolutely come later, once he's gathered himself well enough for healer responsibilities to kick back in); he just...doesn't want to be alone. He wants to be around people. He wants...

"Can I have a hug?" The question is quiet. He wants a hug - he wants to hold someone, and be held in turn, and be comforted after being so completely overwhelmed. He also knows that, while there are people he can just hug and it'll be fine, Thanatos isn't among them; all he can do is ask and hope Thanatos will be okay with it.

Thanatos will give Ryo a hug, but it's also one that will angle Ryo away from the main celebration. There is still no question that Ryo needs some time away from all this. Somehow, Thanatos should stress that Ryo doesn't have to use this power. He has a choice. However, knowing Ryo, he won't even consider it. He'll want to help no matter what it may do to him, so maybe Thanatos just won't bring it up and fight a battle he will lose. Or worse, a battle that Ryo will try to turn on him despite not understanding.

"Come on, let's get you out of here." Ryo will have to find someone else to cuddle with for longer periods of time, however. Thanatos only does that with one person, and that person isn't Ryo. Besides, Thanatos wants to be within the night as much as he can.

He tries not to cling, but he is absolutely clinging. He knows hugs aren't something Thanatos generally enjoys, which makes him that much more grateful for this one - for the fact that Thanatos is willing to help him in the way he needs.

"Okay." He knows he's being led away - Thanatos thinks he should rest, and...well, Thanatos is right. Stress is exhausting, and relief is exhausting, and he's gone from one to the other in very quick succession. He's going to need time to settle and get his wits back about him before he can do much else.

(Not bringing up the possibility of him helping other souls yet is, as it turns out, the right move.)

He doesn't really let go until they get closer to the hotel, and he stops and looks up at Thanatos. "Thank you. For...all of this." For the butterflies. For sticking by him. For helping him figure himself out. For the hug. For caring.

Thanatos does his best not to react to the clinging, tries not to think about how he can break free if he must. For his efforts, he manages not to move in a way that'll get Ryo's attention. They wind their way through the crowd. People are eager to fill the space behind them as they distanced themselves from the festivities and head to the hotel. Thanatos also tries not to show his relief at finally being let go.

"You asked for help, and I was in the area." Thanatos, for once, had an answer that helped, and Ryo didn't immediately try to argue with him. "Rest well."

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The Waking of Neran

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