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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"Oh, I know that we do. But it still sounds rather inconvenient." He might not have witnessed how that death thing works, but he can imagine that there's something that's a trade-off that they don't know or he isn't aware of it.

He doesn't even pause in his walking at the mouth to mouth comment, merely rolling his eyes and shaking his head. "If that was an attempt to flirt with me, that's by far the worst one I've heard yet. But at least not the most ineffective, at least I acknowledged that one." It could be worse, it could be so much worse.

"It does. At least - don't know if it's better or worse than the Floor." It makes sense, he swears.

"Probably. ... I'll have to think of a better one when I can think." He grins and tilts his head a little bit. "You get that often, though?"

"No, no I don't." He states rather bluntly and without any hesitation. Huh, well, okay.

"It's been years since someone had tried and they're long since gone, not that it was ever a tantalizing prospect to begin with." Necessary at points? Yes. A way to pass time? Also yes. But fun or worth it? Absolutely not.

Luckily attentions wavered over the years.

"Hmph. You deserve better." He chuckles and nudges Kabuto perhaps a little bit too hard. "You're an attractive young man. And while you're sarcastic and probably bitter, I like that."

Is he going to let this go? Possibly. Is he going to let it go now? Absolutely not.

"Not like... ngh. I'm that easy to... you know. I've gotten bored. People think they're being innovative but it's... all the same shit. I've had countless partners over the millennia. I prefer ones that have an actual personality and bring... something unique. Tch."

Luckily, despite not looking the most physically sound, he doesn't move much even with a harder nudge. If he did, he'd be a terrible shinobi, wouldn't he? "I've heard that before, too." He states just as bluntly as before, oops. Maybe the wrong buttons to go for right there.

The only way to really get through to this utter idiot with trauma is to keep pushing the subject until he inevitably has to give up. Probably.

Countless partners over the millennia. Personality, hm? Well, at least one of those is less of a warning siren in the back of his mind. "And what would keep someone like you from eventually growing bored and tossing someone to the side? And finding someone, say, more interesting or younger or more attractive? It seems inevitable, doesn't it?"

"Growing apart is inevitable. I've gotten good at waiting... usually they're ripped from me by one reason or another." He'd claim bad luck, but he knows that he's got a cursed life. It always seems to happen.

"I don't throw people away for the sin of being human. If they aren't open to change then I do try to part on at least decent terms. I won't deny that I've used people..." And oh, has he used them. "But I'm not a monster. I do have some decent bones in my body."

Growing apart is inevitable. He can't deny or refute that, not when it's the truth. Nor people being ripped away, he can understand that as well.

He remains quiet as they keep walking, allowing the words to turn over in his mind, being examined at every point he can manage. To find some reason to reject it with proper reason. He's used people, he's known people who've done that as well. He's been with people who have done as such....

"You aren't going to drop this until I concede, are you?"

"I'm not going to force you to do anything you don't want to." He tries to keep his words from slurring, mostly successfully. "The enemy I fight would take away free will. I, on the other hand, think free will is what... makes people unique. So yes, I'll drop it if it makes you uncomfortable or is unwanted."

He's an asshole, not a dick. There's a distinct difference.

Not going to force him to do anything? You know what, okay, maybe he was actually wrong about this whole thing. He uses his free hand to rub at his face, to give him some sort of grounding in this whole thing.

"And if I agreed to your whole... thing... what would that all entail? Once you're sober, I assume."

"That depends what you would be into. I'm a twenty four year old man, physically - with the corresponding needs. But I've been on the side of unwanted affection before. It could be nothing, it could be anything. I tend to let my partners take the lead on such things, because I don't want to come off too aggressive."

"... Unless they're into that." Some people are! He's not judging.

Sir, that's not what he meant and you damn well know it. But this walk at least is long enough that he's able to contemplate and not have to immediately answer. It's been quite some time since he's... really had to think about any of this sort of thing.

"And here I thought most tended to start out with that whole dating nonsense," he muses, sounding far too amused despite himself. "But that's a whole bunch of fluff, isn't it?"

"Bah. I'm not a romantic. Romantics tend to work on an idealized version of the world. I prefer to be a realist." He chuckles and waves his free arm out towards the world around them. "Most people aren't all that romantic in truth, they just think they should be."

Society sucks, people are dumb, etc. "At least in my experience. I can fake it, but that doesn't mean I like it."

"As if I have time for that sort of thing, here or home." He really didn't, that whole thing is for children and civilians, not his type of lifestyle.

"Though I do believe discussing a few things in private, when you're sober, would perhaps be a good starting point." For boundaries, because lord knows he knows he'll need them for his own sanity. ~~And to work through some other things, but he won't admit to it.~~

"Exactly." He has time, but not the inclination to. For certain people, maybe - but he can't do it all the time or else he starts hating things.

"Agreed. The cold is taking the edge off, but I'm definitely not sober." He can still feel the false warmth and confidence that the alcohol is bringing, and while he likes it... it's no good for serious discussions like this is turning into.

When your life can end at any second from a single misstep, you tend to not have the time. Or, really, the inclination, either. What's the point?

"I can tell," he's dipping his head to hide a small bit of a smirk tugging at his lips, hiding it with his hood. "I think we're almost back to the hotel now, however." He could do with curling up in front of the fire for the next ten years, if he were perfectly honest.

He can hear that smirk, mister.

"Oh, good. I could use some rest before I give myself a massive headache." He sways a little bit and frowns. "... More of one. I can already tell I'm going to have a bad hangover. Fifty five hundred years old and I still do this to myself..."

He wasn't doing a good job at trying to hide it.

"Well. If you want some way to not have a horrid one, you could always join me in my room. I'm sure the warmth of the fire pit would do some good and I could keep an eye on you." And treat what bit of the hangover from hell he could, it's not like anyone's going to say anything at the end of the day, he's sure. "But only if you want to."

"... I think I'll take you up on that. I'll do my best to try not to get sick on your sheets." As catlike as he can be sometimes, that's not an experience he w ants to impart on anyone else. "But being with a medic is likely the best place for me to be."

He may or may not wake up with regrets over his behavior, but either way a medic can probably treat the worst of what he's going to be experiencing.

"It wouldn't be the first time." That someone's been sick on his sheets, don't ask him how that works or what the situation was, it does not matter. "Well, then, I think we're almost there."

That didn't take as long as he thought it would and he's quite glad to ignore anyone that might look at them a little odd on the way to elevator and to his room. Once in he'll gently guide him to the fire pit to sit.

"Get more comfortable if you like, I'm going to do the same. And refill the heatstones a bit." If by "more comfortable" one means stripping down to just his cargo shorts, then sure.

He pulls his hoodie off, revealing the shirt underneath - it's still the train red shirt since he hasn't been able to afford anything else yet. He hangs it near the door so it won't get sors anywhere and then allows himself to be guided to sit down.

He nods, and then immediately draws his knees into his chest, pressing his head against his knees. There's always a pounding in his head and this has just made it worse.

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The Waking of Neran

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