middleofsomewhere | The Waking of Neran

"Good morning Voidtreckers and passengers. Today is day twenty one of the month of Orchestra. We will be arriving in System #78961112094711 later today and the dressing carriage is open for your use."

It is indeed, with thick winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves in all sizes. There are also some bags suitable for carrying food, for anyone who wants to add to the festival food with more food!

They have the morning to prepare before another announcement.

"Shortly arriving in System #78961112094711. The weather is extremely cold, voidtreckers and passengers should wrap up warm and wear their SCA's at all times. Arriving in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."
The train shakes as they leave the void and they will see dark skies with glowing flecks of light falling down around them. It's only a glimpse before there is rock to both sides as they enter the landing area.

The Waking of Neran

... ARRIVAL TO OSIGA

THE VOIDTRECKER EXPRESS PULLS INTO AN OPEN HIGH-STACKED PARKING STATION, FILLED ALREADY BY A VARIETY OF VEHICLES. Darkness and the cold spills into where they pull in, lights and signs around to guide the Voidtreckers who exit the craft where they need to go, elevator and teleporting systems available to choose from.

For those turn their gaze to where the cold comes, they will see a view of the world: a landscape of mountains lit in burning bright blue. Like Christmas and city lights, they can be seen in the far distance, and the sky too glows with a shimmering, falling blue. It looks like a slow rain, while farther up, the twinkling of actual stars can be glimpsed.

This will be their view of the world for three Osiga days - 210 hours, give or take.

The lower floor widens into a train-like station, shuttles ready to take them into Osiga proper in short five minute rides. They just need to figure out they need to scan their SCAs at the turnstiles, which will beep with approval, and send a map to their SCA of the grotto.

With a handy dot to their hotel.

... THE IRUE GROTTO

HOTEL. THE EXTERIOR OF THE HOTEL IS STONY, A WALL OF UNEVEN ROCK WITH SLITS FOR WINDOWS CLIMBING UPWARD. It gives off a sparse, cold impression, but the interior is anything but. Inside the floors are smoother, a carpet in the middle of a lobby, and the walls are decorated with colourful paints and endless rugs and furs. There's seating, a roaring fire in one corner, and lighting set to a cosy mood.

There's stairs that can be taken, but also elevators. The bedrooms are much the same as the lobby, with paints and furs all around - the furs especially covering the beds, along with hand stitched quilts. In the centre is a fire pit, set with heatstones than wood or coal, and extras in a container by a wall with safety instructions of how to move them (with tongs and gloves).

Outside the rest of the grotto can be seen, a mish-mash of layers closer to a labyrinth. There's curtains for privacy, and also a screen to help blot out the sound.

FOOD & SIGHTS.

NOW, THE IRUE GROTTO CAN BE EXPLORED. The grotto is easy to get lost in, with stone stairs and archways doubling as bridges to lead to different levels, but always with something to see. Museums and art galleries fill most of the lower layers down, a few shops between of traditional trinkets and garments for those who come out interested in taking a piece of Osiga back with them. There are also day classes, with candle-making a big one on the first night.

Water runs through constructed streams, small but always in travel. They fall off into small waterfalls, eventually gathering into pools that always ensure drink is around. But there's also drinking spaces around, wall coves where servers mind the drinks, and people gather around on crouched seating. Privacy isn't a big deal in Osiga; visitors welcomed into conversation freely. The drinks favour the strong, spicy and sweet. Their traditional drinks are a fiery whisky and a sweet creamy milk drink flavoured by spices that taste very much like cinnamon and nutmeg. It is strongly alcoholic though there is a non alcoholic version as well. There are other drinks available of course from other planets but visitors are encouraged in a good natured way to try the good stuff.

And let's not forget the food. Most traditional Osigian dishes are spicy yet sweet, fatty, and largely meat. There are also food baskets all over, filled with wrapped snacks free for taking, or to add your own. Never let your neighbour go hungry. What will you find, dipping your hand in: a treat, or a mistake?

SORS PARKS, OPEN SKIES. THE FARTHER FROM THE HOTELS AND STATION VISITORS GO, THE MORE THE SKY BECOMES VISIBLE, AND WITH IT THE FALLING SNOW. Except this isn't snow, and those who venture out will figure this soon enough. There are sors parks up ahead, hard to miss for how they glow a brilliant blue, tall erratic sculptures shaped like an abstract mess. They're cold, even colder than the rest of the grotto, and near every entrance are wooden racks with coats and scarfs hanging from pegs, a bucket of heatstones to stick in pockets.

Keeping company is better than not. Anyone who goes in alone will find the chill uncomfortable to those who have someone else nearby, SCAs working stronger together. Paths somehow stay free from being covered in the icy mess, and every few yards are grit bins with small bags to put the contents in, instructions as to what to do.

And that's to throw them at the sculptures, into the air, and watch as the hardened ice disperses into a fizzle of lights. The sight is considered beautiful, and especially fun for kids and couples.

... ANAN & THE MINISTRY

It's maybe an hour or so after their arrival when a message comes through the comms on their SCA's.

boop beep boop beep / boop boop boop/ boop boop/ beep//
beep beep / boop beep//
beep beep beep boop/ boop boop boop/ beep beep/ boop beep beep / boop / beep boop beep/ beep/ boop beep boop beep/ boop beep boop/ beep/ beep boop beep/ beep beep beep//

"It didn't close the hack. I think your Voidtrecker Express likes me." Anan sounds almost triumphant. "Glad you all came. I'm at the drinking space next to the Irue Museam of Osigan Art."

For those that wish to go and meet her, they can.

... THE WAKING OF NERAN

NIGHT ONE: REMEMBERING. It's hard to tell when 'night' begins when the world is in darkness and there are more hours in the day then they are perhaps used to. But things begin to wind down a little, the art houses and museums close and the day activities are wrapped up.

People begin making their way to the main streets where the parade will go. Some people may have made candles throughout the day but there are also long candles for sale and 'fire' bearers carrying large torches to light the candles. The main lights are all turned off, plunging the streets into darkness lit only by the candles and the faint distant glow of sors.

The parade itself has large lit floats, literally floating above the ground, the lights are in intricate shapes. There are light dancers- people dressed completely in black to blend in to the night, with ribbons of light doing feats of acrobatics to music- instruments and volcaless voices weaving melodies.

After the parade passes by people move to the streams, where their floating candles that can be lit and sent on their way. There are designated areas for the tall candles to be placed- almost shrine like with areas to pray or think or sing- the helpful guides will assist anyone and are very open to the different ways people from various worlds and cultures may wish to remember their dead.

Afterwards people are encouraged to drink, eat, spend time with the living and swap stories of the dead. Dance and sing. It is upbeat, joyous and the tears are meant to be cathartic.

NIGHT TWO: PERSEVERING. After another day of activities- or resting and recovering from the excess of the night before the grotto again is ready in anticipation. The side of the grotto open to the sky is packed with people, ledges and railings packed with people. Even the buildings on this side of the grotto have opened their doors to allow people up on their roofs to watch the firework display.

Sparklers are sold, as are snacks and drinks and a voice comes through speakers throughout the space.

"NERAN! On this night you fight!" The crowd cheers. "Hear our dedication, return to us! For tonight is a night of COURAGE!"

The crowd cheers again and the fireworks begin. Loud and colourful, beautiful shapes, almost like dances in the sky. It's loud and it's busy but the atmosphere is great, throughout the night within the crowd there are marriage proposals, declarations of new jobs, decisions to travel the void. Bravery and courage abound- helped probably by the strong whisky that is flowing freely.

NIGHT THREE: UNITY. The festival continues, though it's a slightly later start on day three for many who are nursing hangovers, having a well earned sleep in preparation for the final night or just frantically trying to remember what declarations they had made the night before.

But the activities are still happening throughout the grotto- though the guides might advise any obvious voidtravellers that they may wish to nap before 'night' time, especially if they are not used to day/night cycles this long. The final night doesn't stop til sunrise after all and no one wants to miss the sun rising!

As the time comes for the party to start every square and every street is packed, music blares through speakers. Traditional Osigan music mixed with styles and music from other planets in the galexy. The traditional Osigan music has many layers, deep bass instruments that seem to make the ground itself rumble.

There is dancing, led by guides and locals. They are big circle dances, loud energetic and done in unity. There are callers who keep everyone in time and remind them of the steps but it is mostly an exercise in organised chaos.

But very fun organised chaos. There's extra chairs and benches set around for people who would rather watch or need a break from the endless swirl of dancers. There's plenty of water in large barrels for people to help themselves and other drinks are available to buy.

The party goes on for hours but eventually the music stops and there is an announcement that they have an hour left until sunrise. People begin moving out to find the best spots to watch. Up high on the cliffs people spread out rugs and blankets and settle, waiting.

The atmosphere is one of anticipation, people passing around drinks and snacks. Then there is a hush, a cry as for the first time in a month the first ray of light streaks across the sky.

Neran has awoken. The sun has returned once more.

OOC NOTES

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"Tidus!"

Ah, yes. There it is. It was only a matter of moments before Inigo's impulsive and dramatic attitude would come out, and here it is. Inigo's voice rises three pitches as he says that one single dramatic name, wildly shaking his head, perhaps jostling Tidus by accident with the sudden wild movement, even though he's still trying to hold the other up as well as he can.

"You can't give up yet! We haven't even been here for long yet! Don't you want to see more of this place?!"

Okay, it's that session of shaking that gets Tidus to do more than mimic a dying swan. He puts a hand on Inigo's shoulder, grabbing it, weak as the movement is. A groan following as he leans his head against that same shoulder.

"Okkaaay, fiiine, but stop shaking meee. M'mouth still feels like cinders..."

Ughhh. Bro. Think about a bro. Let him be a wallowing mess over nothing more than nearly choking on animal fat and spices. But he does sigh, a loud dramatic one, and offers:

"I want something cold."

There. Inigo, you have one job. Give your pal something cold.

Inigo has one job.

Surely he couldn't screw this up. Right?

".. Something cold," he repeats. And not just once. Inigo repeats it at least another time, if not two, as he starts looking around them. Something cold, something cold.. Maybe there's an ice cream shop around here? Maybe such a cold place isn't the ideal place to sell it, but on the other hand, Inigo likes the taste of it enough that he can't imagine any place, regardless of temperature, would want to deprive themselves of such a delight..

So he starts moving. Still while supporting (read: practically dragging around) Tidus, mind you. He isn't going to leave the other behind in the middle of his quest for something cold..!

The only problem is the fact that every single sign he passes by advertises spicy food. Hot food. Burning food. Why is this world like this!

Slowly starting to feel desperate, Inigo - one-job-Inigo - pipes up with: ".. D-Do you think we should just shove some ice into your mouth?"

Inigo, no. But he is worried, okay!! His one braincell works slower when it is busy worrying!

Edited 2021-12-26 21:41 (UTC)

"Ugghhh - is that what our friendship's worth to you!?"

Shoving ice into his mouth. This is how he's being treated in his most vulnerable of moments! Their hotel room, should he just go back there? Or find Taiki - Taiki will be nice and let him lean all over him and whine a bunch until he got out of his mood.

Every scenario is better than the possibility of Inigo shoving ice into his mouth. Which-

"Don't shove ice in my mouth." --Just as in case Inigo was still considering it. "Ever."

Walking around (read: away from the one booth he was an embarrassment in front of) is doing him better, but not so much he's even really paying attention to anything in particular. The grotto (city?) is pretty enough visually. If kinda cramped-feeling.

"Isn't there anywhere with room? A nice view? Let's look around."

There. And save himself from a mouth full of ice.

"I wasn't really going to!"

(He was really going to.)

But Inigo recognizes a good protest when he sees one, and so Tidus will be spared the awful, awful fate of having ice just brutally crammed into his mouth by Inigo. For today, anyway. Instead he shifts his hold on the other a little, so it's easier to move around with Tidus like this, and keeps walking. Looking at all of the establishments they're passing until he sees one that does look like it's got some space to sit - a table that looks pretty comfy too, near a hearth.

.. It's kind of like that time they went to the tavern in Irivar together, huh. Different, but.. just reminiscent enough of it. It comes closer to that place than any other they've visited, at least when it comes to their interior aesthetics.

So Inigo heads in there, carefully - rather than unceremoniously - dropping Tidus onto a seat, before heading over to the staff and asking for a cold drink for his friend. And something sweet for him. Maybe they've got some mead..?

"There," he says once he returns, sitting down at the table as well. "They're going to get you something. And you're sitting! All nice and comfy! What more do you want?"

At least it's not said in a please-stop-whining tone. Instead it's just said with a smile on Inigo's face, like an excited dog. Or just one that's eager to please. Now everything is ok, right!! He fixed it, didn't he!!

Tidus isn't so slouched over by now, some droop to his shoulders, but he's gathered some self-dignity enough to not drag as much. But he'll take the seat when he's put in front of it, not needing any extra nudging or manoeuvring on Inigo's part. It's a comfy-looking thing, better than most of the ones that are meant for gathering in the open stalls.

But oh, What more do you want?

Tidus shuffles more comfortably into his seat, fingers lacing over his stomach.

"...I want food." Food. Wait. "...a food that won't kill me."

Yes, good addition. And what would he like? What's safe, and goes with a cold drink.

...

...

"...bread. Bread's safe."

Inigo looks like he's about ready to call someone over to order food as well..

But then he stops. And stares at Tidus. He doesn't mean to be critical - okay, maybe just a little bit - since Tidus just went through a dramatic, yet tough time.

But out of all the things he could've asked for..

"Really? Is bread all you want to eat? That's so not like you!" (Maybe he's judging Tidus's choice a little.. though lacking the necessary brainpower to figure out why Tidus might be going for bread. Or what that 'safe' remark means in this context.)

"What if I get meat and it tries killing me again!?" See, bro, see?! Surely bread wouldn't kill him if he's got a drink nearby!

...but Inigo remarking on it does get Tidus to relent (actually, bread can still kill him - also, he doesn't want a dry roll, blergh), so, conceding: "Okay, maybe something in a bun. You know...the mildest food. Not chewy."

There. That's better, right? More open to possibilities than just bread, but as long as he isn't about to get a Game Over screen, Tidus won't grumble (as much).

"Alright, alright, I'll ask them for the mildest thing they've got."

That's a good compromise, right? He's already ordering it a moment later - too late to stop him! - and just decides to order two portions of it.. Because no matter what exactly just happened to Tidus, Inigo sure doesn't wish to experience it himself. Even if it means he also might up with two strong guy arms holding him.

It isn't worth the way it left Tidus looking entirely defeated.

"And once they bring it, I can just try a bite first! I will test it for his royal majesty Tidus over here, like a humble servant..!"

Don't make him sound like the baby he's being!! A less grumpy baby as Tidus sits there waiting, scrunching up a face at Inigo at being called royalty, but nothing out of the usual. Nothing worrying.

"Alright." Fine! He folds his arms. "I'll let you be my taste-tester out there. We'll go to all the food booths, and try everything!"

Yes-- yes, this is a wonderful idea. You know? This is sounding great - Tidus is already starting to look forward to taking Inigo back to where he nearly moved on to the afterlife!

The Waking of Neran

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