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

OOC post. Ask questions here. The Ministry's testimony form is here

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

The Ministry representative waits for them in a spiral-topped building close to the centre of the grotto, along the way to the sors parks. Come with Anan at the designated time on any of the three days, with a friend, or by yourself - the representative will always be in the same room on the second floor.

The space of the room is enough to fit a small gathering, with low cushioned seating similar to rocking chairs spaced out between blankets left on top of sitting pillows. A spread of food and drink waits for mouths in one corner. They're mostly human foods fashioned after Japanese and Chinese cuisines, but also hamburgers and fries in takeaway packaging. There are drinks too: water, coke, green tea, sake and baijiu.

(Note: everything will be cold.)

On the other side of a fire pit at the end of the room, is a figure only humanoid in shape. Wrapped in an Osigian cloak from neck to toe, nothing is visible but a head - robotic, or perhaps a helmet. They stand at around five foot.

➤ If meeting them at the designated time, in a group;

The representative stands waiting, motionless. Even as people filter into the room they show no sign of movement, the space of their eyes blank. It's not until there's a lull in people arriving-

"Welcome."

--that they speak, voice androgynous and smooth, using the tongue of the system to communicate.

"I go by the name of Ten-Nank, and as AX837BB21H has informed you, I represent the committee reviewing your case. You are displaced people tethered to an illegal voidcraft, without a means to return to whence you came. It is the duty of the Ministry of Void to ensure the safety of all those travelling in the void and those who may be touched by void activity."

They pause, giving the Voidtreckers a moment to digest the information before they go on.

"I will be open about some points of discussion regarding your case: mainly, what to do with the craft and yourselves. Unstable tethers are being made that could bring irreversible harm to the people they involve, and while the craft has given you middling to suitable care by your accounts, we can't predict how the voidcraft's objectives may evolve. It stands to reason that the craft should be detained and individuals tethered to it granted refuge while we examine it, keeping everyone - in safe and comfortable conditions - for as long as this takes."

Under its shawl, a bulge shows where arms might be folding underneath.

"This is the argument for some, anyway. But if your case was straight-forward, my job would be easier." There's so much emphasis, so much exhaustion. "Skipping over the fact we don't know how the craft will react to being restricted, we have interest in its connection to Systems #1015, the unnumbered system currently sealed from the void, and World #27462947582. Some want it to proceed as it will to find out more, and use it to investigate what's going on.

"Under this scenario, your journey will proceed as it has. You will stop at liminal stations, be sent on missions, but the craft and its passengers will now have temporary work and travel permits to move legally through the Void, and to take on these missions. We will have a working relationship, providing you aid where it's needed, staying in contact to information between one another as necessary. One of our objectives will still be to find a way for you to return where you should be, or to discuss alternatives."

Again they pause, just for a few seconds.

"These are the prominent arguments that have been submitted, but before a resolution can occur, a vote has been approved to include your voices on how to move forward. This is what I'm here for. A file has been sent to you where you can submit a testimony, and to everyone else who attended the exercise overseen by the Inspectors, they too will receive a copy. To anyone who wasn't around then, they'll need to see me or AX837BB21H for it."

Their head turns to face the window spaces, then their body, and the bulge where folded arms might be is replaced by a lump.

"Ask me questions, or don't. Submit your testimony, or don't. You have the length of your stay to decide."

➤ If visiting them outside of meeting hours;

The room hasn't changed since the Voidtreckers first arrived in it. The food and drink stays set out, lessening as the Voidtreckers pick at it. Ten-Nank can be found either standing in the room or in one of the reclining chairs, their shawl over them or without it, exposing the body-suit underneath. They never move, never turn their head to acknowledge their company.

Nor do they speak when someone enters, allowing them a chance to go first. But if the individual lingers without saying anything for too long-

"Speak up if you're here to talk."

...unless you're just hovering around the food, then go at it; Ten-Nank isn't going to stop them.

➤ the last day of the festival, at sunrise

Ten-Nank isn't an easy figure to find at the festival - basically, because they stayed inside the entire time. But as people move out to see the sunrise, the representative can be found standing to the side with their cloak around them. ...looking rather out of place, or far too stiff, as if unaccustomed to the idea of sitting out in anticipation.

But they're there, available to be spoken to, watching out over the cliffs with an unreadable gaze.

[ ooc: Feel free to team up for threads if you like or go 1-on-1. Just let me know if anyone else is joining in your thread. ]

Initial Meeting

Anan is indeed where she said she would be, at one of the drinking spaces near the art museum. She greets anyone she recognises with a grin and a wave- that is if Chiff hasn't already found them and attempted to climb up their leg.

For those who haven't yet met her their first impression might be the small droid beeping excitedly at anyone wearing Voidtrecker Uniform.

Regardless if she knows them or not Anan greets them with a friendly smile.

"Do you want a drink?"

Ministry

Anan tells enough people during her initial meeting with them about the ministry contact that she hopes the news gets around. She makes sure they have the time slots and place, but she's also happy to take anyone there herself or answer any questions people have before they go.

"Sorry I didn't tell you before. I wasn't sure your craft would bring you if it knew..."

She gives an apologetic shrug.

Night One

She is at the parade watching the lights with a handmade candle in her hands, she lights some of the floating candles on it before placing it in one of the shrines.

Afterwards she can be found with a couple of bottles of strong whisky and plenty of cups. She has a sweet juice as well for the non drinkers and kid voidtreckers. "Come join me. I'm not sure if your culture speaks of their dead, just do whatever is most comfortable for you."

Night Two

It's loud but Anan doesn't seem to mind too much. This might be because Chiff's limbs are helpfully covering her ears, dimming the sound of the crowd and the fireworks.

"Having fun?" She shouts, to be heard.

Night Three

She spends the night dancing and will happily pull in any voidtreckers who want to join her. Chiff is still on her head but will transfer happily onto those they know, being more a hindrance than a help with the dance moves.

On the cliff tops she waves any voidtreckers over to an area covered in blankets that she set up. "It has a good view!"

She has some baskets of snacks as well, she's clearly somehow found some time in the madness of the last few days to get all of this ready. Chiff skitters around offering snacks and she smiles as she watches those who have come to join her.

Festivities

It's a little difficult to play host to over a hundred people spread over the grotto but she does her best to spend time with everyone throughout the three nights. She will check up on any voidtreckers who seem lost or confused or overwhelmed by the festival, direct them to museums, encourage them to take part in the day activities and tease them into trying the food and drink. Or if they want to talk she will take them to a quieter place, to give them some time out of the hustle and bustle.

(OOC: Feel free to wildcard her! She is all over the place!)

He's not wearing his Voidtrecker uniform, as he tends to not, but he isn't dressed any more warmly than usual. (Ravager uniforms are pretty good for facing a lot of weather types, but he's gonna need him some gloves immediately). Right now, though, he sees Chiff scuttling up to him.

"How you doin' Rover, I ain't seen you in a hot minute." He says to the little robot, before approaching Anan. He does have a blue pack over his shoulder, but under his arm he has a flower pot. Except unlike when he purchased it, some of the flowers are faintly glowing in various colors. The particularly large ones are vaguely warm with generated energy.

He holds them out towards her as he comes up.

"You know the right way to say hello. Absolutely I'll have one. Also, I made ya a little somethin'. Comes with a little gift just in case you go an' get in trouble and need to secret your way out again."

1 EXPLORING;

( a; exploring together )

Who wants to hang around in a hotel when there's a city to explore!

Or grotto, a word new to Tidus, and one he's not going to give any more thought to with the stony maze before him to investigate. He's happy to go alone or with company, maybe even meeting you outside, a smile drawing easy on his face.

"Hey! You gonna take a look around? Let's check out this festival!"

( b: exploring culture )

But it is too early for the main event, so it'll be catching the prep for it, the attractions open and available. He does end up in the museums, expressing vague (if puzzled) interest at the pottery, stone slabs, and rest that's on display.

"...Spoons?"

Why are spoons on display?

( c; exploring mouth pain )

It would be a lie to say Tidus has been enlightened by culture, but he does know a kind of culture experience he can appreciate: food. Catch him at a vendor frying fresh mysterious meat in real time, marinated with an appetising smell. People can try a free bite, and Tidus takes one from the sample platter, moving away from the cluster so he can take a bite. A sharp sweetness hits his mouth, and he makes a sound as his taste buds come alive.

...

... and that's when the heat hits, and Tidus is struggling on the spot, his new mouth noises - and the wave of a hand at his face - signalling a need for water.

please help his mouth is going to die

2 FESTIVAL;

( a; remembrance )

Lighting candles for the dead isn't really his thing, or maybe, doing it on other, faraway planets isn't really his thing. But he's been travelling the void for some time, thought a lot about people during it; the people of Zanarkand, his old man; the already dead man who stayed watching him for years after...

He's got a handmade candle, but it doesn't seem enough when the time comes. Trust him, not to make plans, but the assistants give him two more without question, to set at the shrine and to join with the rest already lit, a small puddle of lights surely to grow into a stream of their own.

"Zanarkand, old man," he says, watching the candles as they begin to drift. "--Auron. You take care. ...You don't need to worry anymore."

Be good in the afterlife.

( b; dancing )

Tidus isn't here just for the sad stuff. He's a figure around the parades on the first night, and when the third night rolls around (so, so slowly...), he joins in with the dancing, energetic to wake up anyone who had to sleep and nap before the festivities started up again.

Truthfully he's glad for it, though the sight of the dancing hadn't initially inspired him. But nothing about Osiga is fast 'til now, nothing but conversations, and Tidus is tired of talking, wants to move his body. He's laughing before long when he joins the circle, and if you're a familiar face and looking like a wallflower in a chair?

He'll make motions for you to join in, and even grab a hand to tug in bolder moments, shouting over the noise. "C'mon, it's great!"

Or catch him when he finally, finally takes a break, slumped in a chair. Whew!

( c: sun watching )

It's so cold.

He's switched to the fur coat Senku made him that reaches down his legs, has a blanket covering his head, and still where he sits waiting for that sunrise, Tidus can't stop the chattering of teeth. The cold, it's getting to him! And he's torn between knowing he should get up, but also, t-that s-s-sounds cold...!!!

Come and sit with this poor soul? Or, if he knows you, he can always call out their name pitifully if he spots them. Uggghhh, w-who thinks this is a g-g-good idea!

3 WILDCARD;

But between all of the above, there's a lot more to do over the three days, nights, whatever they're called. Catch Tidus in the sors parks messing with the grit and ice, or trying out more food vendors as he comes about them. There's also getting bored in the hotel lobby, sitting by the fire; no clue of what time it is, or what time even really means in this place.

It's a lie. A big fat lie.

Exploring (Day One,Morning)
Danny barely manages to keep his feet on the ground through the check in at the hotel. He was sure it was a nice place, but his mind was on the glimpse of blue sky he'd seen at their arrival. How long had it been since he'd had the chance to just fly for the fun of it?

He barely pauses long enough to drop his bag in his room before he is phasing through the nearest window to the outside and speeding into the sky.

After getting his fill of flight, he finds his way to the sors parks and takes an interest in comparing the sors to his own ghost ice. He lingers there maybe a little too long, too used to being immune to the cold to think to worry about it.

Later he comes back to the town, shivering, and gratefully stops to get a hot drink.

It was one of the best days he'd had in a while.

A Message (Day One, Afternoon)
In the early afternoon a message arrives on his SCA. Danny flips it open to read it without thinking... and he nearly drops the device in shock.

A second re-read and he goes in search of Razzy and any other close friends. He needed to talk to the ministry representative about this. But before that, he needed advice.

Edited 2021-12-11 14:03 (UTC)

Danny enters warily, several hours after receiving his message. After the fake mission he'd been thoroughly lectured on why he shouldn't trust the ministry, even if they weren't giving out "want to capture and destroy ghosts" vibes.

But after that message, he needed to know. What did they mean by conflict on a wide scale?

"Are you Ten-Nank?"

The representative is posed by one of the windows, curtains pulled and resting against the edge, appearing to be looking out. The cloak they wear hide most of their figure, but what ball-jointed feet are visible below if one looks.

"Yes," they reply to Danny, not looking over. "Ask your questions."

There's a tired note, of someone who has repeated this many times, and will do so more.

"I got this message?" He holds out his SCA in demonstration. "It said I could ask about getting a visual about my world."

Now they look over at Danny, quiet. Waiting, really, as...

"Your name?"

Danny had heard of Anan,of course. (He'd lived on the Voidtrecker too long not to.) But he hadn't ever met her in person.

So this was maybe just a little bit awkward. Or maybe it was just because he was that bad at first meetings.

"Uh, hi?" He blinks in bemusement at the droid. "Got anything hot?"

He was wearing his voidtrecker uniform, not having thought that the cold would be a problem. And it wouldn't have been, if he hadn't spent most of the morning flying as high in the sky as he could reach.

"Danny. Danny Fenton or sometimes Phantom."

It was getting harder and harder to remember which name he'd told people, without the need for a secret identity.

"Searching."

It's a 'Please wait' in the most overworked secretary tone, their arms coming away from the windowsill. They stand there, still for about ten seconds passing before they turn to Danny, walking over.

They stop before him, a hand coming out - long-fingered, robotic digits, revealing an androgynous body in the slit made in their cloak.

"World 41425168142013," they dully confirm as their hand stops mid-air, and holographic images flicker into being: pictures of an Earth from multiple angles, an Earth that's almost familiar to a space fanatic like Danny.

But there are splotches of colour that shouldn't be there over regions of land. A sickly bright green all over.

"This is your planet?"

There's a hint of interest.

Danny blanches.

"....Yeah. That's it." And he knew that shade of green too. "Is there any way to zoom that in any more?"

Because if that was what he thought it was....

"It's good to see you Yondu." It really was. Knowing how unstable their tethers were and how often their crew left she had been worried that those she had gotten to know would have left, vanished to some unknown fate.

So she's relieved to see at least one of them. She grinned at the server and ordered two of the the firey whiskys.

"Ah thank you." She smiled, "They are beautiful." And they glowed, and they would help her escape? She tilted her head, hoping he'd explain more.

"Hello." She doesn't know him, though she vaguely recognises him as someone who had been around when they had been fighting Chaos.

Still she smiles at him. "Yes, there's a good hot milk if you like that sort of thing." She looked him up and down as if trying to gauge his age and then gave up.

"You old enough to drink alcohol in your system?"

He laughs.

"Not even close. But I'll take the hot milk." He grins. "I'm Danny, by the way."

"Unlikely you'll get more detail." There's a few images, and Ten-Nank brushes her hand over the different ones to further enlarge them. The seas and lands can be made out, which of them they are under the clouds. ...some of which are also green.

"The task was to locate the planet and to observe it from afar. Your file shows you gave a specific location, but it will take time before our scouts can move in."

There's a pause, and they add, intrigued. "Is it the bright spots that are unusual? So many planets look the same and not. So many named Earth."

They're unimpressed.

Honestly, Edge hadn't been prepared either -- but the sudden somber tone and the weight of memory had made some sort of remembrance seem not only appropriate, but necessary. He lit his own two candles in silence, expression mostly hidden behind his scarf...

Too somber, too serious by far. When he heard Tidus speak, he practically grabbed for the words as a lifeline, something to get him out of his own thoughts and memories.

"Three people, huh?"

"They weren't there when I left, if that's what you mean." The only thing he could think up that would be that color, and cover that much of the world... Well that was ghost shields. His parents had the technology,but they had always been so energy intensive that they'd only used them at that scale for emergencies. But for them to be covering so many places?

What was going on in his world?

"And I can't think of any good reason for them to be there now." He pauses. "Uh... they're defenses. Barriers. Which means that something's gone wrong."

They bring their arms in, posing a finger under their chin. Thoughtful contemplation.

"We're already keeping an eye on the planet. It's not my decision on what action will be taken, but if the situation worsens, we may step in. But," they go on, "as I shared in my message, we won't be able to keep you informed unless we can keep in contact with you."

First Day - Ravager Memorial

Yondu hadn't expected how much help he'd gotten on the day he'd asked to remember his comrades in arms. But there it was, and several people had helped him. Brilliant lights, mostly red-hued, various patterns against a permanight sky in the quietest part of the busy grotto he could find, the best place to see the dark above clearly and not interfere with native festivities. Kaiba, Caleb, Zelda, Vexen, and Zelgadis had all lent their hand to the show portion. The odd falling ice crystals reflect the light sometimes, adding a little something. In his sometimes sentimental mind it makes him think of falling stars, and that some of them would have appreciated it. Some of them might have stupidly tried to catch it in their mouths though.

But shit like that was what made them fun (if exhausting) to be around. They lived to their fullest while he just watched.

Soldat and Nell had made sure there was food, but he didn't know if that was a unified front or not. Just that there was a little something. He'd used a chunk of his credit when they first arrived to make sure there was alcohol but also had grabbed some non-alcoholic drinks. What was a Ravager Memorial without a toast, too?

He taps the left side of his chest with his right fist, doesn't bow this time as he's looking up at the sky (not his sky, not his galaxy, but the sentiment can cross universes) and raises his glass to the sky. "Enjoy your voyage, fellas. You earned it." He's sorry that he didn't go square sooner. Maybe they'd still be standing. But in the end, they all stood up for him. And now there are people that, even if they have no connection to that home universe, they knew what those brave bastards did. It takes a special sort of loyalty to not sell someone out to save your own ass.

Second Night - popcorning an alien teenage romance

Centaurians are omnivores but with a preference towards meat, one of those species that will stop and crunch the occasional greens or sweet fruit to help their digestion but mostly want to tear their teeth into raw protien. So this wierd blubbery stuff? Rich, but exactly Yondu's jam. Other people might be hesitant but he's downing chunks of fried Osiga like someone scarfing french fries after a nine hour office day.

He'd left without getting anything from the luggage car, having focussed on filling his pack with necessities and a gift and grabbing his flowers from the greenhouse car. So one of his purchases since showing up was a pair of leather gloves that vaguely match the rest of his uniform, and he has his knit blanket from Raven (shades of blue, purple, and pink) rolled and hanging over his shoulders like a giant scarf.

He's watching this particular night show as he munches, watching an adolescent... whatever that species is? Somebody purple, anyway, asking a tall-looking other kid. She's astonishingly slender and gotta have a full four feet on her partner. The entire story is told through nervous gestures, tiny person looking down at their exposed hoofy toes, and then this doe of a young lady picking up her stout little new date with a beaming smile and a kiss. Shorty's legs kick up in happiness while they're being held up and smooched.

He looks away and jams more food in his mouth, shaking his head.

WILDCARD

[Hit me with anything. Prose or brackets are both good.]

The idea they could poof out at any moment was a heavy one but not one that he wanted to think about all that much.

He pulls a pad of stationery out of his pack along with a pen with security ink. A couple of sheets are filled with a letter to her, mostly as example. On the front, an account (filled with bitching related to it) about the effects of the void storm on the cars. On the back? When he holds the paper close to one of the larger flowers there's a written account of what the Voidtrecker Express had given them about Vian Tail, Xela Istrola, Ave Sill, and Kiel Tretin. Though it has to be read by moving the paper underneath the flower, the whole thing can't be illuminated, just a few inches at a time.

"Since you seemed good at aimin' for troublesome places, should help you with those worlds where people cain't see high light spectrums. I know some can, but eh." He shrugs. Good enough for a simple gift, right? He takes his whiskey when it's available.

A) Irue Grotto - Food

Gosh, it was cold out here! Cold and lost. The grotto was so expansive, it was like a maze. But, that didn't deter Ruby from exploring and seeing what she can find. The food catches her eye and she goes to take a basket for her own consumption. She happily takes a bite... and quickly realizes her mistake as she finds the food really spicy. She should have gone slower!

"H-Hot... hot!" she yelped, waving her hand in front of her mouth, looking for something to drink.

If you're not there to give her something to drink, she's already found one... and while it's cooled her mouth, it's also made her drunk, having grabbed one of the alcoholic drinks. It's good, but she's a happy drunk.

"Oooh, this is really good~! Wanna share?" Ruby said, smiling.

B)Sors Park

If it was cold in the grotto, it's really unbearable here. Even with the large parka and the heatstones in her pockets, she can still feel the cold. Despite this, she can't help but be in awe with what she sees.

"It's so pretty..." Ruby uttered. "So cool..."

And as she admires everything, Ruby doesn't realize the snow is sticking on her more and more.

C-1) Remembrance

Honestly, Ruby didn't want to do this. Remembrance of the dead was a major sore spot for her. So many lost since Beacon fell. But, the people here suggested that Ruby do this. So, she'll participate in this. Mostly to remember one person.

She'll light a candle and stay in thought.

"Pyrrha... I'm sorry..."

C-2) Perservering

Ruby watched in awe as the fireworks started. It was such a pretty sight to see, and something of a relaxing moment. She giggles as she hears all of the declarations and decides to call out her own.

"I'll make everyone happy!"

And she'll happily throw herself at the nearest person, hugging them tightly.

Danny nods, feeling the responsibility for his world settle back on him.

"What do you need?"

Seeing the Sights

Taiki doesn't spend much time in the hotel room, just enough to leave his bag and put on some extra layers, it was very cold here. There's a pang of sorrow, cold places often reminded him of Tai but this place was different enough in every other way that he could distract himself.

He visits the museums and the sors parks, watching as ice burst into light. Despite the cold he is happy to walk around here for a while, fascinated by the sors, the sorrow they speak of and the way this world has turned pain into beauty.

He takes a candle making lesson and warily walks around the food stalls, though he did bring some food from the train, in case there was nothing he could eat.

Remembrance (cw: panic mentions)

He tries. He really does. He has his candle and he goes to watch the parade. There are people he wants to remember after all. Many people and that's the problem. Once he allows himself to start thinking about them it quickly gets overwhelming.

Because there's so many, and so many of them are his fault and he hasn't allowed himself to think on it all, in so long and it is very overwhelming. The crowds, the candles, the music.

He turns, people everywhere, trying to get out, but the crowds are too thick...

Then for those close there's a gust of wind and a horned creature stood, just for a moment before he dives up and over the crowd leaving a pile of clothes and a now extinguished candle behind.

Perseverance

He's a bit embarassed after the first night and so he can be found on the edge of the crowd, to watch the fireworks. He smiles at those he recognises near by.

"Are... Are you going to do something brave tonight?"

Unity

He joins in the dancing, nervously at first but getting into it after a while. It's fun, though he gets exhausted after a few dances and has to move to the side to rest. "Do you think they can keep it up all night?"

The nights were long here, it's a long time to dance, especially this style of dancing.

Watching the sun rise was more his speed and he finds a space, covering himself with a blanket against the cold. "It will be nice to see the sun, I can't imagine living in darkness for a month."

Even if technically they went without seeing the sun for a long time on the train, there was at least light and darkness.

[OOC: If you want to plot hit me at

damua or damua#1089. Also feel free to wildcard!]

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The Waking of Neran

Representative

Anan | NPC

Initial Meeting

Tidus ; OTA

Danny Fenton | OTA

Day One, Evening, One-on-One

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Initial Meeting

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Re: Initial Meeting

Re: Initial Meeting

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2A

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Yondu Udonta | OTA

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Ruby Rose | OTA

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