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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So it's definitely something he's deliberately choosing to live by, Alice thinks, as she hears his response. If he thought that his own stoicness had been forced, surely he wouldn't still be keeping it up at this point.

Alice slowly releases a breath, releasing some of the tension that came along with the inherent need to rebel at such an idea. Instead she just finds herself being reminded, once more, that Tobirama has a pretty sensible head on his shoulders.

"It was a long-fought freedom," she just says. Because it's just objectively true. She spent so much time and effort just to be able to feel whatever she wants to feel.

She looks over at him.

"How about that war you fought back home? Was it at least for some cause you believed in?"

Maybe choice isn't the right word. Its just how he seemed to have been wired. Of course there were many other pieces that came together and made it more true than what it may have been before, but in the same way Hashirama was very emotional Tobirama had always been more reserved. Though he did have something of an unbridled anger if you push the right buttons. Just like dear old dad.

He nods, acknowledging her success in the matter. Changing something so deeply ingrained in yourself is a whole other battle that many fail at. As for her question, though.

"Wars," he corrects, "and no. They were all pointless, vying for power and control, sending children to their ends. Peace was brief and rare. We tried as we aged to usher in a different way of living, but." It never lasted.

"Why not?"

Even though he didn't say that last part out loud, it's like Alice heard it all the same. Not that she can hear thoughts or anything of the sort though - not in the slightest. It's more just that it's the natural conclusion to that kind of 'but' at the end of that sentence, especially with the sort of life experience she has.

She stares over at him, quiet curiosity in her eyes.

"Could you not do anything about it? Or were the people causing it so high further up compared to you that you were powerless in that regard?" It doesn't sound like she's judging when she's saying that last part. Alice knows that it's the way things often are.

And it sucks. It's the worst.

"The way people were, perhaps. A question I asked myself many times." He left the words hanging enough it was easy to assume someone could pick up what he hadn't said. "It was all we knew, I suppose. Years before I was born, before my brother even dreamed of a village, a place of peace, it was clan against clan. Stupid, really. To gain the most respect from the Daimyo? The most pay? Who's to say."

He's a little surprised how much he speaks about it, really, but Tobirama had a lot of thoughts on the whole thing. He always had. Even when young he thought the way that the adults handled things was stupid and irresponsible. Everyone mourned the loss of their children but continued to send them to war, send their adults out to kill the 'weaker'. Widdle down the 'opposing clans'. He pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment, frustrated all over again.

"We tried, my brother managed to broker peace between our clan and the opposing one after quite some time. Together they made a village where people would live for the village and not their own clan. It worked for a time, but the other man was... troubled. He always had been."

Daimyo?

It's a word that Alice - oddly enough - recognizes from Wonderland, even though she knows the meanings of words are always twisted in that sort of place. Still, she knows that even out there in what most people would call the 'real' world, it is a word that exists.. something she has heard before in Radcliffe's office. Probably an eastern term, then, though Alice can't place it more than that.

But after quietly listening and pondering that for a moment, the young woman speaks up once more.

"So it fell apart?"

Just that short question is all she asks. But since Tobirama is speaking so much right now, Alice figures he wants to talk about it. In her experience, the stoic types are never ones to speak this much without reason. Without wanting to, for some reason.

So she will gladly ask such a question to help the story along. She is rather interested in the story thus far, anyway.

"The peace did," he speaks it slowly, considering. "It came and went, war after war, but-- the village itself continued, prospered even. Many others followed our examples. Now, I think, after four major wars, change comes." Though the togetherness might be in part that their enemy is something otherworldly. There's no choice but to band together. He does, however, have faith. In Naruto.

A long inhale and slow nod followed. Red eyes slipped from the lanterns and back to Alice. He gives her a look over. Considers a moment. "Tell me, Alice, of your world, yourself?"

.. a village prospering, even throughout wars.

It's something Alice definitely could think about for a long time. She has a very lively imagination, after all, and she could easily let it dream away about what such a place might be like for ages.

But Tobirama is ahead of her, asking her that question. A question that makes her frown. Not necessarily because she doesn't want to share - maybe usually she wouldn't, but it'd just feel unnecessarily rude after he offered up information about his own world like that - but because she's trying to think.

Because she's unsure of where to even start.

".. what do you want to know?"

There's a lot to be said about all that had come after the village first was born, after Madara had passed; after Hashirama had passed. After the things that Tobirama had done; the things Sarutobi and Danzou had done. Frankly, probably the most functional of them all as a somewhat decent leader was Tsunade and that was an alarming realization to have. Up until now, he thinks.

"What comes to mind first when I ask?" he understands the breadth of the question but finds himself curious what first few things would immediately stand out to Alice as things worth mentioning.

"That the place I come from is awful."

The bridge of Alice's nose wrinkles a little as she says it. Like she's smelling something really nasty - or reliving some particularly bad memories in her mind.

It's most likely saying something that, of all things to come to mind first, this is what she's immediately saying.

"London is such a bad place. It is rotten to the core. The streets are dirty, and no one spares even the slightest glance for any person in need. A few people relish in their wealth, while all the others die out on the streets."

Alice may not exactly like this entire train kidnapping thing - but it's not like she's upset to be away from London necessarily.

Well, that is a visceral response. He frowns, upset by how poorly her environment was described to be. Their village had its issues but the people were at the core of it good. Most, at least, and frankly it were the shinobi families who were the problem. The average person living among them were just fine. And the village itself was far from dirty.

"Unfortunate," he lets out a sigh. "Your governing bodies did no such thing to help aid?"

The young woman lets out a huff. "As if they would ever care."

Granted, it's not like Alice has ever had direct contact with anyone that high up, nor does she really follow the news, since her sort of life doesn't allow for picking up much more than the gossip people spread on the streets.. but she still doesn't think they care.

If they would, then surely they would have done something about the way the poor half of the city lives already.

"They would not care if we all would waste away, as long as they could live with all the riches in the world." That seems her general impression of people with power and money, anyway.

Working on a governmental level was complicated; creating change to well established systems was complicated; pleasing everyone was impossible. Yet, he's say, that if a governing body cared regardless of the disparities in opinions it would be easy to tell that attempts were being made.

Yet the talk of riches brings a familiar boil to his stomach that he lets out with a sigh. "It is no easy task to manage a community of people," is where he'll start, "and when someone believes their power and control to be absolute, corruption quickly sets in." A beat. "Besides being essentially kidnapped, are you happier and safer here?"

".. the circumstances are better," she reluctantly agrees. But Alice really, really hates to say that about an entity she dislikes as much as the train, so it's followed up by: "But that is not saying much."

After all, London was the lowest of the lows, and Rutledge's even more so. Any place would be better than that, even a place like this.

In fact, it's like saying even the faintest good thing about the train makes her feel like something is pricking her skin, causing her to be a tad more honest than she'd usually be with people as she continues.

"I.. do not like being in such a small space. It reminds me of bad memories." After all, being stuck in that awful place for so long back home basically just gave her claustrophobia. "It was suffocating for me to sleep in one of those four-person cabins, so I convinced someone to room together with me in a two-person room."

Better is something, at least. Although he disagrees with the lacking consent for some, Tobirama imagines, the Train is like a gift. He, too, understands the tenseness that comes with being confined to small spaces. Which the Senju does not have a traumatic reason for it he is far more used to wide and open lands.

"It is uncomfortable, isn't it? For this, I am glad for you to have the space. Accommodations could be better, but I am sure they could also be worse." Tobirama sighed, drifting his glance to the people around and finally prepared to step back from the water. "Shall I leave you to your goodbyes or will you walk with me?"

Alice is quiet for a moment when he asks her that question. But rather than looking at him, she's staring at the light of the candles.

After that moment, that almost feels like it stretches out into eternity, she just slowly shakes her head.

"I will stay here for a while longer."

It doesn't feel like she's properly paid her respect to her family yet.

It goes unsaid, but the lack of any harsh tone in her voice does convey some sentiment - that she's grateful for the offer all the same, despite turning it down.

"Very well," he is more than welcoming to her decline. People needed their time, their space to grieve and honor, and Tobirama knew that on a personal level. So the man rolled up to his feet and gave her a nod.

"May this help bring some form of peace, at least." It's the last he'll say before heading off.

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The Waking of Neran

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Good place to wrap?