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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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Wha--" Yes, he had entirely forgotten! But of course, being Zetta, he could not admit to weakness or anything, so, uh --

"W-why should I hesitate letting a hot girl get all over me?! This is just making people jealous of me! Those suckers! They wish they were in my place! And not just because I'm the most badass freaking Overlord in the entire cosmos!"

If Zetta had a virtue, it was the ability to commit. Two words in and any hesitation or confusion he might have felt had vanished utterly.

"Uh huh. Remarkable change of heart all of a sudden."

Persephone glances left, right, then kisses him one more time. With that, she drifts back towards the ground, letting her feet set down one by one.

"You're protesting awful loud for someone who was letting me hold his face in my hands." She fusses with her dress, smoothing it back down where it had ridden up and straightening out the ribbing.

Zetta leaned sideways to get a look down, just in case the dress had elected to reveal anything he'd want to get his eyes on (in other words, anything at all). "Who's protesting? I'd be jealous as hell if a girl as hot as you was looking at anyone half like you were looking at me." He can admit that because it can't happen.

Zetta, you literally saw everything there was to see under this barely an hour ago. Literally saw her in her undergarments. Persephone raises her eyebrows, tilting sideways with him to look him in the eye.

"You got an eyeful earlier. And there are definitely beautiful women on the train who look at their partners just like I look at you." Though, she will admit, not a lot. Women aren't as common as men on the train, much to her displeasure. She's so much more used to the company of women.

But he hasn't seen any of that since then.

"What, did I get my fill earlier? Did it get somehow less sexy since then?" No shame, no embarrassment, no nothing. "And sure, there are hot girls on the train, but I specifically said 'as hot as you'. That's you and you alone, 'Sephe!"

He is obviously teasing and working her up. She's aware of that. She's very aware of that. But it's still working, if the heat in her face is telling her anything.

Persephone twists her hand. Drooping garlands of white flowers appear all over his head--and drape down onto his face to block his vision.

"We're in public." She doesn't actually sound angry, just flustered. Even if she is using her powers against him. "And as much as I love you, I don't want the entire world to hear about this. I'm sure they were already aware that you find me attractive."

"They should be more aware!" Zetta said, from behind the flowers. He quickly brought up a hand to pull them aside. "I don't do anything subtle, you know that!"

Not... entirely true, but what Zetta did that most people would consider a little subtle, he considered the absolute height of circumspect sneakiness.

With a couple of garland still hanging in his face, Zetta blew at them to try to get them out of the way.

"I don't need them to be aware!"

Without even a flick of her hand, the dangling wisteria part neatly to frame his face. How ridiculous he looks is only penance for being extremely obvious.

"I am out on my very first date, with my boyfriend of several months, to go do the sappy things I've always wanted to do. If I was out to make everyone jealous of us, I would have dressed very differently and I would have picked very different activities. So please, love, believe me when I say I could care less if people know you think I'm attractive. You're here with me, holding my hand and my shopping. I think they get we're together."

"I care though. I take pleasure in the suffering of others, knowing they will never have a girl as hot as you!"

Their priorities in this relationship were not incompatible, but they occasionally could be very different indeed. By some miracle, however, Zetta managed to put aside thoughts of those 'very different' things she was hinting at, and instead chuckled as he tugged her in for a squeeze.

"I definitely don't mind if people know we're together though. Whatever causes them to notice that!"

For all her sputtering, Persephone doesn't push out of his arms. Instead, she throws her arms over his shoulders and huffs.

"Yeah, well... Less leering, more romantic stuff."

"But what if I find the leering romantic?" Or, well, romantic might not be the right word. Part of being a couple, let's say?

"Well--well do it subtly. Leaning over to look at my skirt is not subtle."

With a little extra huff, she rolls her eyes, "But don't pretend you find it romantic so much as just something you like to do."

Zetta pouted slightly. It was subtle for him, and she knew it!

"So what romantic thing do you want to do, then? On a budget, given everything, but -- here we are, right?" You didn't need money to have fun and spend time together!

It's only subtle in that he didn't loudly announce that he was looking at her. She resists the desire to straighten out her skirt once more, lest they end up right back where they started here, and turns to look around. Then she turns back with her eyes sparkling.

"Let's go to one of those snow park things! Where you get to touch this stuff." Is it romantic or just something she wants to do. Yes.

Like he said! Subtle, for him!

"Know where one is? If you do, lead the way!" If not, well, they'll wing it!

Luckily, Persephone does know at least the general direction of a park, so leading the way is what she does. Once there, she spends most of her time trying to collect sors in certain spots. As a being of warmth and growth, the cold hits her harder than most, but she still forgoes the hat. Instead, she grows a wreath of roses, coating them in frosty spiderwebs of sors that clings to strands of her hair, and insists on doing the same for Zetta.

By the end, she's thoroughly frozen, the tips of her nose and ears turned a little blue, but the smile on her face makes it obvious how little she cares. She shoves her hands in her pockets with those heatstones and perhaps makes off with one or two for the walk to the restaurant.

Eating is nice, simple. They weren't exactly spoiled for choice, but any place that caters to her will pretty much cater to him. She's not sure what she expected out of a dinner date, but this is pretty nice. It's not particularly fancy, it's not particularly dazzling, but she enjoys it.

It's been dark the whole time they've been here, but it feels particularly late when they walk out of the restaurant. It's probably not actually that late--but it's a feeling. A feeling of a long day and a nice evening.

For someone who'd lived millennia, Zetta had absolutely no problem living in the moment. Heck, that might be one of his problems -- maybe if he actually felt the slightest bit of weight from those countless centuries, he'd be a little wiser or more mature or at least not so explosively reactive. But at the same time, he could enjoy days like this, and time like this, in full.

Needless to say, he had no intention of letting Persephone's hand go any time soon.

"Y'know, I don't know what I'd consider 'the perfect date', but I'm starting to think you being there gets it pretty much so close that the rest doesn't matter at all."

Persephone flushes as they walk in the general direction of the hotel, or at least what she hopes is that general direction. Lacing her fingers through his is a little colder than letting his hand envelop hers, but she's willing to put up with some discomfort for the little things.

"Wasn't so bad to just be with you either. Also that was sweet. Really sweet. Adorable even." One day she might stop teasing him but it'll be a long way in the distant future.

"It was just the truth!" Seriously, don't make him bluster more to avoid that kind of adjective! "You can go ahead and be seduced by it but now who's making a public scene?"

Not that the two were objectively comparable, but -- this was, after all, Zetta.

"You're right, I'm seduced by your dumb face and your even dumber remarks. What a winning combination."

This could be entirely sarcastic but it certainly doesn't look like it. She's grinning up at him, fond but amused, her crown of red roses putting off new buds.

"Getting you flustered is well worth the scene."

"Wench," Zetta grumbled, not anywhere near mad or upset. 'Sephe could keep him on his toes, and he appreciated that a lot. Sometimes he thought she was too sweet, but then that sharp edge nicked him and he appreciated the contrast all the more. Pretty hard to resist, honestly. "Here I am trying to behave, too!"

"And you're did very admirably." Persephone slips out in front of him, hand still locked in his, her eyes sparkling with barely concealed mischief.

"Very admirable. Until you called me a wench. And here I was about to say that this is the part where you take me home and--"

She's cut off by a sudden burst of sound and light. Up in the sky, far above, the fireworks start to go off in brilliant patterns of color. Sadly, for Zetta at least, she's too enamored with this spectacle to finish her sentence.

Zetta, for his part, was far more interested in watching her than the fireworks. Stuff blew up every day in the Netherworld. This was nothing compared to a sun going supernova or a gas giant collapsing in on itself or stuff like that. But a girl like Persephone was far more rare and way nicer to look at, especially the rapture in her eyes as she watched.

Live for millennia, and you can still find something new and special to appreciate it.

His free arm went around her, tugging her close.

Cuddling up to him is second nature. His arm is a warm weight around her. The sounds of people cheering are far off and for all the people stopped around them to do precisely the same thing, they could be entirely alone as far as she's concerned. Only when it dies down does she tilt her head up to look at him, eyes shining even without the reflection of fireworks in them.

"This place really is beautiful, you know. We should come back. Or get the train to take us back. Maybe when they do this festival again."

Edited 2022-04-24 00:13 (UTC)

"I'll make a note of it, see if we can find it again. Someone ought to know where it is."

The cosmos was huge, with infinite opportunity to see incredible and wonderful sights. But if she wanted this one, this very specific one, then he as Overlord would damn well see to it that she got it. And you know, it was pretty special... not for the sights or the events or for the food, but because of the company.

The Waking of Neran

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