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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"I wouldn't take it as one, though I do sometimes wonder that people don't laugh at me, gettin' so excited about things they've maybe seen or done a hundred times," Nell said. "But I guess it's good that I can see the marvelousness in things and be grateful that I'm gettin' to see things most no one even on my whole planet will ever see. Makes it a little easier to balance out against what I'm missing if you'un knows what I mean."

She, too, was amazed by simple kindnesses - and by the fact that none of the men she'd run into here had tried to control her or order her around. And none of them treated her like she was theirs for the taking, like it or not.

"A whole town..." She tried to imagine some sort of ship big enough to hold 300 men. A whole town. "I can't even... it's hard to wrap my mind around." She blushed a little. "Gotta tell you, my mind picture is sorta of an old western town just lifted up and smack dab on the top deck of a sorta floating ship in space. Which I know isn't even close, but it tickles me nonetheless."

"I promise, girl, if you catch me laughin' it ain't to be mean, at least when it's about you findin' somethin' new you get a kick out of. ...Now, if you find somethin' harmless you might get spooked by? I might laugh a little to be mean but don't worry, I do that shit myself."

He flaps his hand dismissively. It's really a shame how both of them are impressed by the simplest kind inclinations.

"I don't even know what an old western town looks like..." He does from the movie car, but he doesn't really understand it in connection to the word 'western' since the genre hadn't been pointed out and the location wasn't something he could connect to. So her description is just as over his head.

"I can get behind that," Nell said cheerfully. "And I won't be a mite upset if you'un laugh at me for getting scared over something silly - though I think you'll find I don't scare all that easy."

She smiled at him. "I guess I've done enough being happy when a little one is so amazed at what I think of as a simple thing that I can understand it all right. And I'm happy I get to be amazed."

How to explain a western town, which she only knew of from books herself. "I guess... I think of it as a bunch of sort of plain, old-timey maybe little houses, like a little village of them. Maybe a sorta dusty road and most all the houses off the one road, with everything you need right there in that one place. That. Sort of floating in space somehow." She shook her head. "I know it sounds silly."

"Y'know what? That don't surprise me, either." That she doesn't spook all that easily. At least, maybe she's like him, and how people are generally is infinitely scarier than anything you can go up against in nature or in some kind of combat.

His mind is generally jumping to old stone buildings, not wooden ones, when she mentions 'old timey'. Maybe some straw huts in there, and that's what he accepts.

"Oh, I know. Ever seen a submarine? Think of somethin' like that but real big." A lot of planets have those, and he's seen a few movies in the cinema car that show them in Earthlike worlds.

He's not wrong. Nell does find people infinitely more scary than natural things.

A submarine. She'd seen a picture in a book and one in a movie here on the train. "Oh. I can see that." She closed her eyes for a minute, imagining it. "Okay, yes, one big enough for hundreds of people.. Must be interesting to live that way."

Then she laughed. "Look what I'm talking about. We'uns live on a train that's moving through some sort of void thing."

"It wasn't bad. Prolly not comfortable to some people but for us it was about where we stopped, not what our mode of transportation was."

But he ends up chuckling at that. "Y'know? I actually forgot how strange that is. I remember thinkin it was real odd at first. Now it don't feel off in the slightest."

"Kind if funny what you can get used to, isn't it?" Nell said thoughtfully. "I mean if you'd told me six months ago that I'd be flying around in a magic train, well I sure would have thought you were crazy."

She watched the sky as she thought about that. "I guess I'm pretty lucky. I met all sorts of kind people here that made everything a little easier. Like you."

Damn if this girl doesn't break his heart sometimes. He thinks if he met her a solid thirty years ago, she might have just kept him on a good path by bein' right by him, just like she is now.

"Yeah, the people here ain't too bad. Most of us are just the right kinda messed up..." he jokes lightly. Hard to make light of that kind of weight on them, but at the same time, makes everyone easier to understand. He's honoring a crew that died for him, but he never managed to get so close to any of them.

"Guess I fit right in then," she teased back. "Heaven knows I'm a bit messed up too."

Nell looked up at the man next to her. She didn't even know how to express her gratitude for Yondu, for a man who wasn't out to get or take anything from her and had only offered her kindness.

"I wish I could show you Soulwood," she said finally. "I think you'un might just be able to hear the land a little bit like I do. And I think it would like you very much."

"Yeah, you do!" He lightly, patting her shoulder. "I know ya probably don't feel like you're fittin' in but you're doin' just fine. You even know the church weren't that good to ya. My girl's been latched onto the idea that her preacher father was actually a good man. Ain't been able to convince her otherwise." 'My girl' sounding very fatherly there, even if he's technically not.

"Maybe you can show me how to listen to the land a li'l' better. Right now I can only hear close up."

He can't tell if it's that Soulwood also chooses to talk or it's her own powers alone, but it's worth trying to learn.

"I'm glad you think so," she said sincerely. "I figure it's not like I have much choice, so I might as well do my best to make this as positive as I can."

Nell nodded solemnly. "I've known that for a long time. I'd be happy to talk to... your daughter is it? If you'un think it might help that is. And I'd be glad to show you as much as I can. I think you'll take to it right away with just some practice. I can't tell you how nice it is to find other people who can do that. Back home, well, if the church found out it would have been ugly and it's so lonely to just have to hide what you are."

"Yeah, her name's Kyoko? The one on purple team. She wears a coat somethin' like mine." He'd gotten her a Ravager coat, and he was so glad she actually wore it. "I dunno if bein' direct about it will help, but maybe knowin' the church ain't always so good might do somethin'. She's also a li'l' bit of a turd but ain't some of the best people? She ain't my literal daughter, she just lets me look out for her."

Which is almost being a daughter, right?

He thinks of Kitty, though, when she says she's had to hide what she is. That on Kitty's world she had to be careful, too. "Well I'm blue so... I think they'd prolly notice that about me before the plant thing." He tries to lighten the mood for her.

Nell nodded. "Maybe you could introduce me sometime and we could sorta edge our way in if it felt right. Kyoko. That's a pretty name." She couldn't help but smile. "My sister, we call her Mud, she can, what did you say? Be a little but of a turd sometimes, too."

At his last comment she stared at him for a moment, then started to laugh. "I plum forgot," she said through her laughter. "It's not that I don't know you're blue, I just... you're Yondu and I don't think about your color here. But yes, they'd prob'ly try to burn us both at the stake - you for bein' some kinda demon and me for consortin' with one!"

"I recall you talkin' about her bein' a heavy sleeper. Honestly troublesome sorts of kids got their benefits. They got quick wits about 'em in' tight situations. Is Mud short for anything or was she just prone to gettin' into it?"

Seriously, she could convince this poor man her name was Mudiva or something. He'd accept it. He doesn't get the intricacies of human naming conventions.

"I'm surprised more folks ain't thought I was somethin' like a demon! Not even one's jumped to the conclusion. An' the only time anyone asked me why I's blue was when ever'body got turned to kids when I first showed up. I started makin' up excuses at some point. Shit like 'the doctor got confused'."

"Her name's Mindy, but we've pretty much always called her Mud. She's pretty feisty. I worry about her, stuck there. Her and my other sisters... " Nell sighed. "Well, nothing I can do from here - not that I was having much luck there."

"I never thought you were a demon," Nell said seriously, then grinned. "I just thought you were... colorically challenged, maybe."

"Well, I hope your influence works on 'em. For their own good." Cause them cult fellas sounded like sickos, and she needed her sisters to get out of there. But that was easy to think of.

"Colorically challenged? You sayin' I ain't a pretty shade of blue? Well now I gotta feel all offended." He's obviously, obviously joking, being exaggerated with it. Teasing about the wording, 'cause he can't really help himself.

"Me too." He didn't know the half of it.

Nell laughed. "You are a perfectly lovely shade of blue, but you sure aren't any color that anybody's seen on my world before. Which is probly too bad. You'd sure brighten things up."

"You're gonna flatter me 'til I turn purple an' then I'll just be in the same situation I guess."

He gently pats her shoulder.

"Hey, will ya do me a favor? While you're here, pick ya out some clothes you actually like an' to hell with what anyone else woulda thought." He gestures at his Ravager gear. "Nothin' says freedom like lookin' exactly how you please."

She nodded. "I can do that. Now, m'not saying I'll be getting anything daring." Like any skirts much above ankle length or tops that showed much skin beyond maybe a modest scoop neck. "But definitely some things with color. And nothing orange. Maybe a nice bright green. Or blue," she teased, "so's we can match."

That makes him laugh wry and loud, absolutely delighted by that sentiment. "Get ya a lil' red accessory to go with it an' I think you're set."

But now he's got it in his mind he needs to talk to Kyoko about her, too, and see if she can be a bad influence. The girl's devoutly religious but not in a way that makes her legs sinful for bein' had.

"Well, sure, I'd get a little red hat to go with it," she said cheerfully.

It wasn't so much the church saying it was wrong really, she wore overalls and t-shirts at home, even though that made her a terribly wanton woman in the church's eyes. It's just... having uncovered limbs made her feel all naked.

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The Waking of Neran

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