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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Something about Inigo's excitement turns a little more bashful when Taiki starts about the possibility of Inigo finding some inspiration too. It's not like he dislikes painting, but.. boy, does he ever feel inadequate at it, especially when he's doing it together with someone like Taiki, who - in Inigo's opinion - just makes all these beautiful pieces.

But he doesn't say anything about it. It feels like it'd drag down the mood, so he instead just glances down at their feet for a moment before looking back to Taiki, deciding to go with the more positive topic here.

"Of course I thought of you. Do you think I'm ever not thinking of you?" Yes, Inigo is actively embarrassing, but at least he means it. Taiki is one of his best friends. He's always on Inigo's mind, pretty much.

"You are too kind." Kinder than Taiki deserves. But this is just Inigo, wonderful, kind and always thinking of everyone but himself.

Taiki kept hold of his hand, pressing close to him in the crowd. "We will have to find some dancing later, I wonder what that will be like on this world..."

"Ah.." There's actually a pause after his voice trails off like that. If not just because Inigo - while still smiling on the outside - has completely frozen up on the inside for a moment at the very mention of that d-word..

"No, no, no, no!" He makes it sound light, playful, but he's shaking his head over here as if his very life depends on it. "It's fine!"

Because he's sure Taiki only means dancing to watch, but Inigo knows how this ends. Every time he watches someone else dance, he's inevitably dragged into it, and he might not survive that!

"This isn't me time right now-- it's you time! It's Taiki time!"

"Well it can be both of our time..." He tilted his head, his smile almost mischievous.

He doesn't want to actually embarrass Inigo but a little teasing won't harm him.

"Taiki and Inigo time, friend time. We can look at art and dancing. I wonder if this world has any special ball games Tidus would want to see..."

Look at this. Even Taiki is starting to learn the ways of Inigo teasing. Inigo truly has no one to count on anymore.. All of his friends are horrible teasing fiends..

Though thankfully - thankfully - Taiki just happens to mention Tidus there at the end, and it practically works as a lightning rod for Inigo's attention. He will gladly think about Tidus instead of himself, yes! Sounds great to him!

"I don't think I saw a stadium here.."

.. Inigo pauses, before frowning, like he's wondering something.

"Erm. Do you know what those are?" Hey, he figures he ought to ask, since the only reason Inigo knows about those is since he's seen them in all the blitzball stuff Tidus showed him. They don't really have sports stadiums in Ylisse.

"Yes... There were stadiums in Japan." He knows what he means. "Though it's hard to think of one all underwater..." Which it would have to be for Blitzball.

"I didn't see anything like that here though."

So perhaps sports weren't a large part of this culture, at least not in this part of the world.

"Honestly, Tidus could probably enjoy one even if it wasn't underwater."

Sure, underwater stadiums might be ideal, but.. Inigo honestly doubts that they will ever run into another world out there that actually has blitzball. If it really was a common thing, then surely they would have ran into it already.. but he can't think of anyone describing even anything remotely like it around Gyueran, and that comes the closest they've been to a place that even could have it. And Tidus seems like enough of a sports nerd that he might enjoy another stadium too. Just as long as it's sports-related. Balls-related.

But Taiki is right. Inigo hasn't seen anything like it either. Not even a regular stadium.

".. Guess that might mean Tidus is out of luck." When it comes to sports, anyway. "Maybe we should just find some good meal to treat him to instead."

"That would be better I think." Since he imagines if there was a stadium here they would have seen it by now. After all stadiums were generally large.

"Yes, I am sure he would like a nice meal."

They would have to look out for something, "After the museum... Unless you think he would want to come with us?"

Inigo is quiet for a moment.

He's most likely trying to imagine this scenario, hence the pause.. but he's rather quick to shake his head after that moment, walking on with Taiki.

"I can't imagine him finding it very fun. Can't you already imagine him hopping from foot to foot in the middle of the rooms? I don't think I've ever seen Tidus stand still for more than three seconds."

"I don't think so either..." The only times he had seen Tidus still were times he didn't want to think about. Times where Tidus was lost, hurt, in pain. Tidus was not the sort to be still and Taiki would not wish to force stillness on him.

"I think you are right..." As much as he didn't want to leave Tidus out, Tidus wouldn't find a museum much fun.

"We can ask him later, once we see him around."

Because there's no doubt in Inigo's mind that they will inevitably run into their friend once they're going around this place after they're done at the museum. Tidus is so active that their paths will cross at some point. He knows it for sure.

"And.. hey, if he's interested after all, we can just go a second time, right?" Inigo doubts Taiki would mind that. He'd probably love to see the paintings and stuff all over again. And while Inigo isn't entirely sure if it would be as exciting for him the second time around, he'll definitely tag along, just to be with his friends.

Taiki nodded at that, he wouldn't mind going again there were always more details to notice and a second look was always a good thing when it came to art.

Though Inigo might be bored... Or not. It depended how he liked it. Taiki hoped he would.

He held his hand happily as they made their way there. Of course if Inigo didn't like it so much he wouldn't drag him there again.

Thankfully it doesn't seem like they're too far away from the place - Inigo came running over to find Taiki as soon as he spotted the art museum, after all. So it only takes a little while of walking for them to reach it, some posters on display about the kind of art that's on view inside.

"Here it is, here it is!" Inigo sure sounds excited (for now). "Does it look good?"

Taiki smiled at him, looking up at the building. "Yes. It looks great." He squeezed his hand and continued, towards the front door.

He's not sure if there will be a charge, if whatever the train had given them to buy food would work with museums but they are merely waved in by a friendly person on the front desk so perhaps museums here held no charge.

"Um... I've never been to an art museum before. But there should be a map or a guide somewhere..."

"Never?!"

That's pretty surprising to Inigo. He imagined that between the two different worlds Taiki has been part of, there must have been at least one with art museums.. If not just because it seems like Earth has a lot of the stuff other worlds, like this one, seem to have. But maybe it's since Taiki didn't discover his art hobby until a later time..?

Regardless of the reason, Inigo seems surprised. His eyes grow wider, he stares.. but then he shakes his head. He doesn't want to ask for the reason in case it might be a bad one!

Still, he can at least say: "I didn't know that this was our first art museum trip for both of us!" See, time to turn it into something positive instead!

"No." He shook his head. "I always wanted to go to one." So now he could. With a friend. Could there be a greater thing than that.

He spotted a map on a stand and pointed it out. "There. I am sure that will show us where to go first."

This way they won't miss anything.

Wow.. Inigo had absolutely no idea. He guesses that means it's only an even better idea that he actually dragged Taiki over to this place, but.. sheesh, poor Taiki. Wanting to see one for so long, and only being able to do so now, in the middle of their wild train journey..

Inigo is mostly looking at his friends for a few more moments, but then he does turn to look at the map instead, quietly studying it.

"I think we need to go up the big set of stairs first. And then it should be in a room on the left.. That's the staring point." From what Inigo can tell from this map, anyway. He has no idea how museums work. Is there a starting point? There are arrows on this map, and they are pointing to that room, so..!

"Ah yes, you are right." He can see it now. He smiled at Inigo, excitement in his face as he turns towards the stairs.

He wonders what art will look like in this world. If it will be recognisable or something different entirely.

He hopes Inigo likes it, though they can leave if Inigo begins to get bored and he will make sure to do something his friend likes after this.

Don't worry, Taiki. Right now Inigo is still full of spirit and energy, ready to face their little art adventure..!

It's why he doesn't hesitate. He keeps holding Taiki's hand as the two of them start to head up the stairs, already looking around a little, like Inigo is expecting to see art on the middle of the stairs. (Of course there isn't.)

But then they arrive at the top, head into the first room of the museum, and.. well. It makes Inigo stop walking for a moment, peering at the room and the art in it with curious eyes. He's truly never seen anything like this before, after all. All art in his own world was purely decorative, and there never was a room like this with just art in it.

".. So this is a museum..?"

"Yes." He smiled at him, "It's a place where they gather art... Or other things often, so that anyone can come and learn about them and see them."

Instead of keeping them hidden in private houses, only for those who could afford them to see.

He wasn't sure there were any museums in Tai, he had never heard of any in that world as well. Since parts of Ylisse seemed so similar to Tai he's not surprised that this is Inigo's first time seeing such a place.

"See, these signs tell you about the pieces and who made them." He pointed at one of the plaques next to a nearby painting.

The moment Taiki gestures at the plaque, Inigo is already moving over there. There's something almost childish about him as he moves like that. It's definitely the look of someone exploring something that's totally new to them, and his facial expression gives away all the emotions that are crossing his mind as he's reading the plaque.

There's some bewilderment, amazement, surprise.. perhaps a tad of confusion too.

But the end result doesn't seem to be too bad, since Inigo finishes reading the text and instead looks over at the art, staring at it for a few moments.

"It's so.. amazing. That people are just showing their art to so many other people like this."

"It is." He smiled. "It's good that they can be showcased and that people can see it, just like that."

Art should be shared. "It makes you... It's not something people need like food or shelter or warmth but it is important nonetheless."

In places like Tai where people struggled to even survive another day there was not much in the way of art. People had no time for it. But in places like En that were so prosperous things like art could flourish.

"I think people do need it."

Inigo says it softly, but he seems very serious in his words. Not serious in the bad sort of way, where he seems to go all emotionless, but.. just in a genuine sort of way. Like he really means it, as he glances at the artpieces around the room and the people quietly looking at them.

".. I think they just don't realise it."

After all, there's nothing as direct to tell you that. There's no growling stomach, no eyes that keep falling shut from exhaustion.

But living without art, without joy.. that sucks away your soul. Inigo still remembers how miserable the people in Ylisse looked, how easy it was for Brady to cheer up a kid by playing the violin some.

Taiki looked to the side, to look at Inigo and nodded sadly. He was right. It was a different need but it was a need that people didn't realise they had. It was the first thing to go when things got tough but people needed art, music, stories and everything else that made life worth it.

It brought people together and made them smile.

"Yes... It is often thought as not very useful. But making people smile... that should never be underestimated."

He glances over at the side, his gaze finally ripped away from the art pieces so he can look at Taiki instead, smiling at the other.

"I guess that means you have a pretty great talent, Taiki. I don't think there's anyone who couldn't smile as long as they're around you." After all, the other is so sweet and cute that Inigo just knows that to be true. How could anyone not be drawn in by that?

The Waking of Neran

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