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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Somehow Kitty manages to find them while looking for a spot of her own to watch the sunrise. She settles down beside them, bundled up in several layers, and at the offered bag she smiles.

"Thanks," she says through chattering teeth, reaching in to grab a few. Then she shivers, but still laughs a little. "Guess I don't need to worry about these melting."

"No, it's a little cold for things melting. Do you have gloves?" They've kind of been cursing their own lack of planning, having the train deliver them their old warming stones from Beacon. They sure would have come in handy here.

If she's gloveless, they'll pull off their own and offer them to her. The metal one is gloved mostly for appearances sake, and so they don't accidentally touch someone with the chilled metal.

She barely has a chance to shake her head before Soldat removes their gloves and holds them out for her, and she blinks up at them. "Are you sure?" she asks, even as she slowly reaches up to take them. Even with their metal arm, he still has one hand that's flesh and blood.

"I'm a supersoldier, Kitty. I'm meant for dealing with extreme temperatures." The gloves will be a little big on her, but one of them at least is pre-warmed, so there's that. "Plus, I've got something like eight layers on. I'll be fine." They're more worried about her fingers and frostbite, which they could heal from even if they could get it.

She can't help still being a little worried, but it's hard to argue how much better it feels to wear the gloves, even if they are a bit on the large side for her. They do help anyway, and she breathes into her hands to warm them up a bit more.

Then she glances up at them with another smile. "Thanks." With another little shiver, she leans back a bit to look up at the sky. "I can't wait for the sun to come up, though. You think it'll still be this cold when there's light out?"

"Yes. It takes time to warm a world. And we're still not close enough to the sun to really warm it up quickly," Soldat says, matter-of-fact, tucking the flesh hand into a pocket for warmth. They smile a bit, then add, "But it should be beautiful. I don't get to see the sun enough, feels like."

First Beacon, with no light but the lanterns (Soldat's is currently at their feet, being used for it's apparent physical purpose of providing light), and then the train with no sun but colors everywhere. And half their missions wind up places with no suns. It's a little sad.

She laughs a little at the completely factual answer, but their additional comment has her nodding in agreement. "I know. The lights on the train are definitely not the same."

Even if the train was very good at making the hours feel very distinctly day and night, she really did miss the sunshine.

Soldat shuts their eyes, imagining the feel of sunlight. They've got slivers of it from Before, and memories from the couple of missions that were actually outside, but it feels like pitifully few. Scraps. "I used to like to lie in it, I think," they say. "The sun. Out on the fire escape. Or on the roof."

That one vacation world had been close, they'd lain out on the beach outside their cabin for a bit, but in order to feel safe they still had to be covered neck to toes, so it wasn't quite the same.

"Don't think it'd be a great idea to do that here, though, not for long anyway," they add.

Kitty releases a slow breath, watching the vapor rise and disappear into the air. "Lying out in the sun is such a nice feeling," she agrees, her own memories recalling trips to the beach or just stretched out sunbathing by the pool. It feels like moments like those were few and far between.

"Though yeah, probably not the best idea to do here, especially now." She rubs her hands together a little. "It's too bad we probably won't get to see if this place ever gets warm enough to."

"I know." Soldat leans back, using the metal arm to prop themselves up so they can keep the flesh one warmer in their pocket. "I kind of miss being able to just. Stay in one place for a while. Beacon was dark, and dangerous, but you could still make it your own, you know?" Though things are a little better now that they've moved to a double room, it's still not really their space, properly.

Kitty nods. "Yeah. I kinda miss having a room to myself too." Not that she didn't like her roommates, but she did like having some time to herself occasionally, which was difficult when their rooms were a bit cramped. And even with being able to decorate their area, they still had to worry about not interfering with the people they shared the space with.

Exactly. Soldat likes their former roommates, but this is still better. "You could get a double with somebody if you wanted. It's not quite the same, but it's closer. Easier to navigate around one other person than three."

With something akin to a pout, she shakes her head. "You have to be at least 16 to stay in one of the double cabins with someone, even if you're not dating or anything."

Though she wonders if she could still get one with someone. She's been on the train for a while, but she's not sure how much time on Earth that would be equivalent to. Maybe her birthday would have passed already.

"Wait, you're not sixteen?" They look a little surprised. "I figured you were sixteen." She's young, sure, but sixteen was the age they'd pegged her at. "I'd ask when your birthday is, but who knows what months on this train corresponds to what, back on Earth."

She laughs with a shrug. "For all I know, I could be. I don't know how long time would've passed back home versus how long I've been on the train. Maybe my birthday already passed."

She huffs a little, though the pout on her face is mostly playful then. "And I still wouldn't be able to get my driver's license."

"Then maybe you should try and ask, just in case," Soldat says, leaning over just enough to give her shoulder a little nudge with their elbow. It's not much touch, but it's what they can manage. "I guess a driver's license isn't as useful out in the Void, though."

They pause. "You know, I don't think I have one, either. Technically."

She laughs a little. "I guess it couldn't hurt. Maybe I can see if I can have my age updated."

It might be nice to have a bigger room. She would need to find someone to share it with, though.

"Yeah, I guess a driver's license isn't too useful around here. Did they have driver's licenses in the previous place you were at?"

"There wasn't a government in Beacon, there weren't enough people, so nobody issuing licenses to do anything. And not a lot of cars, either, so it didn't really matter. Rosinante was working on fixing up a boat, though, if he could ever figure out how to get it from the junkyard to the lake." They had been trying to help as much as they could, but the last couple months were mostly full of dealing with emergencies as the World Eater crept closer.

"Oh wow. So was it a pretty small place? The kind you could just walk most places?"

"Technically, it was a whole world," Soldat says, looking back up at the sky. "But we had only explored a small part. Maybe twenty miles across, the remains of a small city. I wound up having to split my patrol in half or I'd never have gotten it all done in time for lunch."

"Wow. So there was a lot more that could have been out there, huh?" She tries to imagine what a world like that would be like. "So you just patrolled around that city, or did you ever try expanding out?"

"We did some exploring, found some important places around Beacon, but it was pretty dangerous. Not all the spirits were friendly. I got eaten by one, once." (~~That was me!~~ No. It was not you, Pitt, and you know it.)

She blinks at him, not sure whether to be alarmed by that or not. "A spirit ate you?"

They chuckle a little at her expression. Yeah, it had hurt. But not as much as having their brain fried repeatedly. Or getting metal grafted to their bones. "That fight didn't go so hot. I was stupid. I was upset because someone important to me had died, and I went in too angry. But my lantern was fine, so they could bring me back in the end."

She glances at the lantern that they always carried with them. "Well, that's good at least." It probably should have been a weirder thought, but given that people on the train can also die and come back a while later, it wasn't entirely surprising any more.

"So, how would you compare being on the train to being in that other world?"

The Waking of Neran

IV Morning

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