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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He grinned and pulled her into the dance. It is fast and nonstop and he is laughing as he tried to do the moves and listen to the caller and the music and remember which was his left and right.

They don't collide somehow and he grins at her as they spin and twirl and stomp. "Isn't it fun!" He yells to be heard.

Between the laughter and the dancing Nell was pretty breathless as she whirled around the dance floor with Romeo. "So much fun!" she yelled, "But my feet may never forgive me."

"Well I hope they aren't too mad!" Even if they hurt a lot tomorrow. "And it's okay because tomorrow we are going back to the train and then you can sit down a lot!"

No need to use her feet much for a while, he's sure they will be her friends again by the time they had to go on a mission again.

"I'm having too much fun to care," Nell admitted as they hopped and turned with the crowd. "And forget about sitting down, I might just lay down!"

She swung around to meet Romeo again and if he didn't protest she might just swing him off his feet this time, giggling all the way.

Lying down might be how many of the voidtreckers spend the days after the festival. Romeo laughed as they swung around and his laugh rang higher as she span him harder, lifting him all the way off his feet as if he were flying.

It was so much fun, his feet off the ground, air rushing around him. He was giggling as hard as she was when she set him down.

"Oh my gosh!" Nell finally managed through her laughter "I can't remember when I ever had this much fun. I don't believe I ever have! Oh thank you, Romeo!"

She twirled him off his feet again. "Shall we keep dancing or do you want a break to get some water and maybe a bite to eat to keep up our strength?"

"You never had this much fun before?"

That was a strange feeling. He's really glad that she can have so much fun now and that he could be the one to help her have such fun but it's also sad that she never had it before!

"Um..." It's a tricky question, he wants to dance more but his mouth is really dry and he is a shinki, he is forever hungry.

"We can get some food and water and then dance more!"

"This sort of thing woulda been frowned upon back home. The Church didn't look too highly on frivolous things." She smiled at Romeo. "So this is awful special to me."

She nodded. "Water and a little something to eat would be good. And then we can jump right back in again."

Nell grinned at him. "'Long as you're not to tired," she teased.

"The Church?" He knows what a Church is. It's a bit like a temple! But why would they not like frivolous things?

"I'm not too tired!" He protested with a smile. "Let's go and find some food, it's really yummy did you try any yet?"

"Mine was pretty particular," Nell said, "But I don't need to worry about that now."

She laughed. "Yes, let's. I have tried their food and it's delicious. I love how spicy it is!"

"Spicy food is really nice and so is sweet food so it's fun how they mixed the two!"

He liked it a lot. "Was it a bad church? A bad god?"

He knows gods could be bad, but mostly there weren't bad to the humans who followed them... He hoped.

"It is," Nell agreed. "I never had them combined quite like that before, but I liked it. And I might just have gotten a couple of recipes and some of the spices to try."

She considered for a moment. "Definitely a bad church. My judgement's not entirely in on the God thing, but I'm pretty confident that God isn't the problem, just the church and the people."

"Oh!" He nodded, "It's good your god isn't bad though! Most of them work really hard." He spotted a food and drink place and skipped over.

"What do you want?"

"Do you... know a lot of gods?" Nell asked. As far as she knew - or had been told - there was only the one true god. But well, who knew what happened on other planets.

"OH, definitely some water," she said. "And maybe some of that sandwichy wort of thing there."

"Yes." He nodded, "Before I was on the train I lived in the heavens and there were lots and lots and lots of gods there."

Half his friends were god and the other half worked for gods before this train, where there are still a few gods. He smiled politely at the stall keeper and ordered some of the food she had indicated and some water.

"You lived in heaven?" Nell asked slowly. "Are you an angel of some kind?" This was hard for her to wrap her head around. "And there... well now. Lots of gods. I hope they treated you well?"

"I'm a shinki!" He told her, they weren't like angels. At least not like the angels he had read about in stories.

He held out his hand, where there was a red kanji- 小僧 almost like a tattoo. "It means I'm a weapon for a god. I died and went to heaven and couldn't remember anything but my name. I met my god who was called Elfnein and she was really really nice! Everyone was nice and friendly in the heavens and then I came here to this train and Elfnein was here too but then she left. So now I belong to mister Zetta. He's a really good god as well too so I'm really lucky!"

Nell really didn't know what to make of this at all. Gods and belonging to gods and...

"You seem much to nice to be a weapon," Nell said. "But I guess if they're treating you well..."

"Well all the shinki I know are very nice." He grinned. "Yes, I'm lucky they are all god bosses."

Even if mister Zetta could be very loud and was still learning about friendship. He was always very nice to Romeo!

"Okay then," Nell said. "But if your boss doesn't treat you well, you come let me know and I'll give him a piece of my mind!"

He blinked and then smiled at her. He was pretty certain Zetta would never be mean to him, so he didn't need to worry about that. Zetta was a good boss!

"I bet you are a bit scary when you are mad miss!"

Nell started to protest, then couldn't help but laugh. "Yes, Romeo. I reckon there are a number of people who think I'm pretty scary when I'm mad."

"I'll make sure not to make you mad then miss!" He smiled at her. He was sure he could manage that. He hadn't made her mad so far!

Nell laughed. "I can't imagine getting mad at you. Mad for you maybe, if someone wasn't treating you right, but not at you."

"Well that's good!" He did his best to be good, so people wouldn't get mad at him!

He grinned at her as they got to a place for food.

The Waking of Neran

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wrap?

Yes!