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 imagine they expected that hosting you would give them clout with your gods as well as other people," he says with a shake of his head. "They didn't know you very well if they thought that would work."

He lifts his cup to his lips and sips again, then regards Koumyou as he lowers it. "Then again, very few people wanted to know you at all. They only cared about Sanzo-sama, didn't they?"

"Mm, and in some cases, getting me to stay under their roof would have made for a whole night of assassination attempts, and that's just annoying."

Most people who craved power enough to care about the clout of having a Sanzo around... also wouldn't turn down the chance at a sutra. Or two. Especially the rich civilian types who didn't particularly care about his spiritual significance.

Devero's second statement gets a nod, and a one-shouldered shrug out of Koumyou. Voicing his thought of a moment ago, he adds, "Or just the sutras that they saw as in their reach."

What Koumyou's saying sounds like cynicism, but Devero knows enough about him and his world now to know that he's just being realistic. He nods, his expression going solemn--

No. Unconsciously, he touches the box sitting in his pocket, waiting for its moment. Koumyou isn't there anymore; with all luck, he'll never have to go back there (were he even able to). Koumyou's here with him, and tonight is going to be amazing. He's determined.

So he determines to shift the mood back around to fun. Setting his cup aside on the table, he twists to face Koumyou and spider-walks his fingers up his chest to his shoulders, where the sutra hides under the priest's layers.

"Oh Sanzo, you're on to my secret plan," he says in an exaggerated theatrical voice. "But it's too late. Now your sutra's in my reach!"

"Oh, so it was all just a long con, was it?" Koumyou smiles, and takes another sip of his drink before also setting his cup carefully aside.

"You'd make the worst assassin, you know. I'm not sure I can even joke about it. Unless-- that's all been an act to throw me off the scent?"

"I'm the best actor ever," Devero assures him haughtily. "I'm ruthless and deadly! Prepare to be bested!"

And he dives his hands under Koumyou's cloak.

To tickle him.

Yes, really.

"Devero!" Koumyou protests, but instead of twisting away? He returns the favor.

Devero's a lot more ticklish than he is. ENGARDE.

Really, he should have seen this coming. He immediately shies away, laughing and trying to fend off Koumyou's hands. "Oh no," he cries dramatically (the effect somewhat disrupted by the peals of booming laughter as Koumyou gets him), "you're too powerful for me! Oh, I am being defeated!"

Koumyou only relents after he gets a few more of those big booming laughs out of Devero, but not before leaning into plant a smooch on his cheek.

"Let that be a lesson to you, assassin."

"Truly, I am humbled," he says, hanging his head and looking for a moment the absolute picture of dejection. But his eyes and his smile sparkle with affection for his boyfriend when he straightens back up.

He touches the box in his pocket again with one hand, and with the other checks the time on his Interface. "The fireworks are about to start!" he announces, and dislodges the warm blankets around him as gets to his feet.

He holds both hands out to Koumyou, and if given them, pulls the priest up and over to the little open space at the railing of the balcony.

Koumyou does indeed let Devero pull him up to his feet, but he pulls a hand free to grab one of the warm blankets on the way over, moving to drape it over both of them once they're situated.

Priorities.

Valid priorities. Devero snugs the blanket tight over his free shoulder, and wraps his arm around Koumyou's waist.

"NERAN!" The amplified voice is tinny and hollow when it reaches them, the speakers not quite so plentiful on this residential little street. The words are still audible, though, and continue, "On this night you fight! Hear our dedication, return to us! For tonight is a night of COURAGE!"

Cheering fills the air along with the first bright trail of light, individual voices from the roofs and balconies surrounding them overlaying the dull roar of larger, more distant crowds. With a massive boom, the first firework bursts, the sky blooming with yellow-white light.

Koumyou winds his nearer arm around Devero in turn, and turns his attention to the sky as the cheering roars through the area. On that first big burst, he gasps, "Oh!"

He's seen fireworks, of course. But small ones, little rockets and of course things like hand-held sparklers. Maybe a few larger bits of artillery but certainly never as a beginning.

It's an impressive fireworks display. A really impressive fireworks display, as befits a profoundly important cultural celebration turned interdimensional tourist hot spot. Even Devero's impressed by the size and color of the fireworks, for a moment watching them transfixed.

But after that moment his attention turns to Koumyou, and he watches instead the way that light plays over the precious face of this precious man.

His hand slips into his pocket.

"Everyone's cheering the sun on," Koumyou's oblivious to being stared at for a few more moments, transfixed by the display. "Even the sky!"

Of course this enthralls him on a few levels. His son, after all, is the sun in the same way he is the moon. It may be a different sun, but... still. Still.

He blinks suspiciously damp (and shiny) eyes, but it's happy tears. A glance up at Devero has him blinking again, this time a little uncertainly. "Devero?"

Devero's been obsessing over how he would know when it was The Moment, right up until Koumyou looks up to him with those damp eyes and says his name with that little waver and he just knows.

He pushes the blanket over his shoulder and takes a step back from Koumyou. He pulls a small wooden box from pocket and clasps it in front of him in both hands.

"Toua Koumyou Sanzō Hoshi-sama," he intones, "the 30th of China, who bears the Seiten sutra," as he lowers himself smoothly to one knee, "who was Houmei, who is Genjo Sanzo's father," as he opens the box, exposing something the gleams inside, "who is now Buttercup's father..."

He lifts the box and the gleaming ring inside towards his boyfriend.

"Will you do me the honor of being my husband?"

Koumyou's eyes rarely widen a whole lot, but they sure do now as Devero starts speaking, and even more-so when he goes to a knee.

The priest stares down at him in stunned silence for a moment. Then -- he can't help himself but to ask -- "You're... sure?"

Devero's gaze doesn't waver from Koumyou's face for an instant, and it doesn't waver now. "I am absolutely sure," he says simply, holding the priest's wide-eyed gaze.

"Th-then yes," Koumyou breathes, "I would be honored."

It's absolutely terrifying.

But it's Devero, so it's absolutely worth it.

He inhales shakily, his eyes filling with tears as he does. "Thank you," he breathes.

Lowering the box, he removes the ring and holds his hand out for Koumyou's. He slides-- actually, he chafes Koumyou's bony hand between both of his for a moment, before he does anything else.

But when he does slide it on, the ring fits the third finger of Koumyou's left hand like it was made for him.

"Oh," Koumyou lifts his hand once it's ringed, staring at the new addition for a moment, "it's beautiful."

The warm-toned wood with the bands of sleek metal and that central band of stone right in the center of it--

"It looks like you."

"Funny," he says softly (although not too softly to be heard over the general hubbub of the continuing fireworks), "I thought it looked like you."

He pockets the ring box and rises to his feet, reaching out to cup Koumyou's face in his hands. "May I kiss you, Koumyou Sanzo?" he asks-- not because he feels he has to, but to honor the ceremony of the moment.

Koumyou resists the urge to make any comments about his own ragged appearance versus this very smooth, very sleek and modern-looking ring on his finger.

Instead, he focuses up on Devero's face, and smiles, "You'd better."

Devero beams down at him, and slides his arms under the blanket still draped over his shoulders to hitch him close. He lowers his lips to his beloved's, intending to be sensual and romantic and instead closing with fire and urgency.

On that balcony, under those fireworks, Devero kisses Koumyou like he might expire if he's denied the taste of those holy lips.

The man attached to those holy lips is more than willing to match him, burning a little of that fear-energy off with the intensity of it, arms looping around Devero's waist.

When they do eventually break, Koumyou has to pant for air, and manages a quiet but sincere, "Devero."

He leans his forehead against Koumyou's, feeling the hard pebble of the holy chakra pressing into his skin and relishing it. "Koumyou," he breathes, eyes overflowing. "I love you so much, my Sanzo."

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