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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No worries. Inigo is fine.

After all, he's so used to getting all banged up that this much is nothing to him. A fall to the ground is more embarrassing than necessarily something that hurts, even if he didn't exactly have an incredibly gentle fall - though the upside is that it wasn't exactly a very hard fall either.

So when Inigo groans, it's not really in pain (his body mostly aches a little, but he knows that's going to fade real soon) as much as it's in embarrassment, lifting himself up enough to at least sit, rather than lay there all sprawled out and be in the way of everyone else dancing.

"'m fine." Just a bruised ego, he thinks, as he raises a hand to ruffle some dirt out of his hair. ".. just wasn't prepared for that."

Please don't take that as him being prepared for it now, because he still isn't. He might need five weeks or so to prepare for just one occasion of dancing in such a big group of people, try again after giving him that much time in advance.

Five weeks that calculates to a minute in Osiga time?? Got it.

Tidus is at least keeping to a kneeled leg beside his friend, considering if he should nudge him to help get back up, but figuring it can't hurt to stay like this a while. The other people are being mindful of them for the time being, and for those that lingered in worry for Inigo, Tidus nods at them, a quick, "It's fine, he's alright," to send them on their way.

"Sorry!" And to Inigo, he can get that apology now. "Too quick for ya? It's alright, I nearly tripped up a bunch too. Banged into plenty already. That's a part of it!" At least, he's pretty sure.

"Wanna try again? You just gotta get in there and do it. Nothing else to it!"

Tidus just wants the true mosh pit experience, apparently.

Not that Inigo is too surprised by Tidus just going along with the dancing. It's what the other is like. If he sees something that's fun, or that he likes to try out, he just goes for it. Nothing like Inigo himself, with all his shyness and his ten thousand anxious fears.

But it's exactly why just saying 'no, thanks' is so hard here. He doesn't want to look like a weenie, but this isn't him just trying out something new. It's the idea of dancing with this many people present, even if he's not the only person dancing.. It's baffling.

He glances at the backs of the people who were looking at them, worried, leaving. Returning to their dance. Then his gaze slowly shifts over towards Tidus.

"I.. Not here." Inigo's facial expression somehow looks physically pained, despite the fact that there's nothing wrong with his body, not even after that fall. It's like the embarrassment just gets too him that badly. ".. Do you think it'd count if I'd just dance somewhere else..? Away from the crowd?"

Ohhh. This is turning to Aquafir again, isn't it.

And there's a struggle in Tidus, between the look Inigo is giving him, everything he knows about the guy and his hang-ups, and everything fun the activity right in front of them is. He doesn't want Inigo to miss out! But he also hadn't want Inigo to miss out on that weird goofy dance game, and he upset Inigo something there.

Still, still. He gives Inigo a wonky smile, something reassuring, hapless.

"Is it easier if you don't think about it like a dance? It's just moving - in a circle."

What's dance-like about that, right buddy?

"And," he goes on slowly, very very considerately! to his friend's gentle heart, "it's a lot of fun to do with friends..."

Like him?

Like your pal Tidus?

Please look into this hopeful face, Inigo.

.. Something melts a little in Inigo's expression as he looks at that hopeful face Tidus is giving him.

But it's a half-good, half-bad kind of melt. There's a hint of smile in in it, in that 'oh you' sort of way. Inigo seeming kind of amused by what the other is trying to do here, and feeling fond as well that Tidus would immediately think of Inigo's interest..

But on the other hand, his heart being so weak for the other isn't a good thing when that means potentially giving in to something terrifying here.

"It is fun to do with friends," he at least says. Partially giving in. But watching all the feet moving around - something that's very, very easy from his current position - just makes the reality of his situation dawn upon him. "But doing this around.."

Inigo's voice trails off, as if he's attempting to count all the dancing people around, only to give up when he realises there's no way he could do that so easily.

"Around way too many people isn't exactly the same as gently easing me into it, now is it..?"

Tidus can see the slips, the hesitance, the show that he's getting through, if not entirely. But even a little is good! A little is what he can worm his way into, especially with how Inigo agrees with him.

Nevermind the 'but'. The but is the barrier they need to push past. The reason for the squeeze to Inigo's shoulder, the passion to Inigo's low-spoken voice.

"Sometimes," he says, "you can't go in gently. You need to go for it, a leap - and it's scary and it makes your heart go crazy, but you do it! Then, you see that you can. And that feeling, after the fear? That's what sticks with you."

That you did it, that you won't be held back; that you can do a lot more than your anxiety tells you you can't.

"It's not like I have to though.."

Because he does recognize the feeling, that's where this statement comes from. Inigo has definitely felt it before. That fear, the sheer terror of diving right into something. There have been so many battles where he knew he was outmatched, or that even his entire group of friends was outmatched.

But they always jumped in anyway. Because they had no choice. Either they fought, or they just gave up, and that was not an option if they wanted to save anything in their world.

But fighting for the sake of something else - like the world - is easy. Doing something for himself, especially when it's scary?

It's like a mountain Inigo can't climb over. Even though all he'd have to do is something as simple and dumb as getting up on his feet and starting to move again, it feels insurmountable.

"I could just.. go." Inigo's gaze slips off to the side as he says it, like he's trying to spot a way out of this crowd of people. Like he's already imagining himself doing it in this moment.

Inigo could just go.

It would be easy. It would be Inigo's choice. Inigo going would be a lot easier for the guy than staying, and who knows how into dancing around in a circle he'll really be into, if he did it? Tidus just wants to pull the guy in again, tempt fate a second time (or, Inigo's face finding the ground). But...

"You can." But it should be Inigo's chance, shouldn't it. Tidus tips his head in acknowledgement, a small shrug. Your choice.

...

...

... but maybe Tidus can give the other guy one little nudge while they're both down here, a kind of encouragement to go along with what Tidus is trying to ease him into. Bringing his mouth near to Inigo's ear, he whispers, a hand coming to keep the words secret.

He then moves away, giving himself enough space to stand, adding on the way up:

"--Or whatever you want. Your choice."

In more ways than one.

Look at this sly devil.

The chance that Inigo was just going to outright escape this situation was growing bigger and bigger by the moment - and yet such a simple thing, just one whisper, makes the scales tip in the entirely opposite direction.

Instead of contemplating leaving, it makes Inigo contemplate staying, staring at Tidus like a dog who just found something that caught its attention.

"Really?"

Just that one word makes it so clear that Inigo is actually considering this. That he's leaning towards doing it just for that. Because he's a simple boy, and because apparently this need is strong enough to make embarrassment fade to the back of his mind, if not just for a moment.

"You mean it? You're not just teasing me, are you?"

Was this really gonna work?

Tidus was the one who said it, but standing upright, a rosy warmth spreading through him and a playful grin showing teeth, it'd be easy to think he was messing around. And with Inigo calling him out, even Tidus has to wonder if he'd be up for it come the time.

Except, he's pretty sure he knows the answer. It's not him he's worried about.

(But wow, did a switch in Inigo flip. Has he really got that power over the guy?)

"Got to stick around to get the real experience," Tidus warns, through a cockiness he knows how to wear well. "After that - we're heading back the same direction."

Who knows what could happen.

There's a moment where Inigo's eyes narrow, as if he might be able to tell whether Tidus is telling the truth or not just through that - like he can see the lies.

Except that's obviously not how it works. Inigo will have to trust the other's word on it, and.. well, when it comes down to it, he does trust Tidus, right? Surely the other wouldn't lure him into this with a false promise. Not when he knows how hard this is for Inigo.

So he slowly rises back up to his feet, glancing at the dancing crowd around him one last time, working up the final bits of courage he'll need to grab a hand and let himself be dragged along with the flow of the dance again.

"If I cry, it's on you."

(Right now while they're here dancing and he might get a little too embarrassed, he means, not later, okay!!)

For a brief second, Tidus chews on the back of his bottom lip, the offer that's been put out there intriguing him in the reaction received. He'll have to pay up later, but -

okay, no thinking about any of that for too long.

"It'll be a good cry," he promises, since he isn't going to bank on Inigo not getting teary-eyed. But he'll be Inigo's hand again, tugging it, feeling a new sense of electricity of what this will lead to - but for now, there's a dance to be had.

"Keep up!"

It's time to do this.

Thanks to Tidus for having so much faith in Inigo's tears. And he isn't wrong, honestly. There's almost no way this won't end up - in some way - with Inigo crying.

But he is willing to do it! Perhaps with some.. unusual external motivation going on for him here, but he is doing it! He's holding Tidus's hand right back when he feels it being grabbed, and a moment later Inigo is blindly reaching out with his other hand, feeling one of the natives latching onto it without hesitation.

The next moment he is being pulled along once more. And he can't deny it - there's still a nervous feeling in his stomach. The feeling one might have while sitting in a rollercoaster, watching the car climb higher and higher very slowly. The feeling that danger can set in any moment now.

Though--

Inigo moves his feet. He moves along in the circle, letting himself be tugged along, no matter how nervous he is. His breath is a little shakey from all the sheer emotion and adrenaline that's coursing through his veins right now, but he is doing it!

"It's.. It's so fast..!" He manages to force out, almost gasping.

(Mind you, he did not say too fast! He is not giving up!)

It's a rush in every sense. Joining the circle, doing movement with your feet and legs that you don't have time to think about, you just have to move with it. And there's a heightened sense to it this time as Tidus joins in, carried in from the promise that led them into this dance. Tidus knows Inigo is one of the hands he holds, a glance taken at the other side, but he sees nothing, doesn't bother to even acknowledge the face of the other person, despite the moment he looked.

"Keep going!" He hears Inigo, but if Inigo hears him, who knows? The noise is as thunderous as the dance itself, and he's already squeezing Inigo's hand tighter through some attempt to help him go. He likes this - this joy, this mindlessness of movement. It's the most fun he's had since coming to this world, easy to get lost in.

--and they'll be getting lost. From each other, as the circle breaks, splitting to meet with new faces and new hands.

It goes, on and on, but they're never alone. There's always someone beside them to help keep them standing, going.

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The Waking of Neran

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