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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He continues in that vein for several moments, bursting through enough sors accretions that the strange, glowing snow starts to accumulate on his plush white coat instead. Soon enough, he resembles less a dog and more a crystal-backed, blue glowing monster. He stops in the middle of the path and turns several circles, first one way than the other, trying to get a look at himself.

Then he tries to shake the sors out of his coat. It might have worked with regular snow, but this stuff is more tenacious; fragments of sors dislodge, but the biggest 'spires' that have grown along his back stubbornly remain.

It about then that he realizes he's not alone. The dog stiffens for a moment, staring at his observer as if trying to decide how to react-- before trotting over and turning sideways to her, presenting his back with a whine.

Though it's not immediately obvious that he's wearing an SCA around his neck in lieu of a collar under the sors and his fur, she may notice that she gets warmer once he's at her side.

She smiles, signing at the dog.

Oh, fine, I get the message.

She crouches down, starting to pry them loose as gently as she can and - then notices the SCA, with a frown.

What in the...

Thankfully, they come apart pretty easily, although little lumps want to accrete on her gloves if she's not careful to brush them free. The dog even seems to lean into her hands, eyes closed and tail waving and for the moment oblivious to her developing consternation.

She'll shake those off as best she can, starting to stroke the dog's neck as she frees them of the things - though she's still wondering if it's really a dog or...more train weirdness.

Oh. Oh, he likes that. Even after his coat's been suitably cleared, he will sit there at-slash-on her feet, leaning into her legs and thumping his tail steadily for as long as she wants to pet him.

Well now she's just trapped, isn't she? She makes a theatrical, silent sigh, getting both hands in on the dog-scratching action.

The dog exhibits all evidence of canine bliss, eyes closed and tongue lolling. He squints up at her and enjoys the scratching shamelessly for several long moments. But eventually he does get to his feet, licking one of her hands with his big tongue before backing off a few steps.

The dog bows low with his forelimbs stretched out in front of him, then bounces up onto his hind legs-- and up, and up, body shifting and reconfiguring from a big fluffy white dog to an even bigger man with black hair as almost as fluffy as the dog's fur.

Hi, he signs, his body language nothing so much as sheepish.

She rears as that transformation starts, ready for - well, a lot of things, but not that.

She frowns, sighing, signing back.

Congratulations. You found a rare way to surprise me.

Sorry. He laughs, still looking self-conscious. General Amaya, I presume? Not that he doesn't recognize her from the train, but they haven't actually met yet in person, and he doesn't want to be rude...r than he's already been.

You presume correctly, she signs in return.

Though her look and body language rather clearly indicate she's waiting for an explanation rather than an introduction.

He may not be able to read expression and body language as intuitively as a Deaf person, but he's got a pretty good eye for it.

I haven't always been able to turn into a dog, he explains. It's an ability I only acquired... two months ago? I still get pretty caught up in-- He pauses, thinking about how best to say this in sign, eventually settling on: --dog-brain-thoughts when I'm in that form.

In her case, in this specific instance, it's certainly easy enough to read the complete weirdness she's feeling.

Something to spring on someone, that's for sure, she signed in return.

His shoulders droop as he bows his head, contrite. He doesn't like making people uncomfortable unintentionally. You have my apologies, General, he says. I really didn't mean to cause any discomfort or alarm. To be honest, I'm still getting used to it myself.

She laid a hand on her chest, exhaling deeply.

Bit of a strange surprise, you might say, from a creature to a person. That I was petting. And I'll go with 'I can tell' for the rest.

My dogself really likes getting pet, he says, repeating that 'really' several times for emphasis. Hopefully you can find it in your heart to forgive me?

(There's something of the dog's guileless optimism in the puppy-dog-eyes he gives her as he asks that.)

She nodded, then shook her head.

Of course. It's just...really, really strange to see a dog turn into a person. Bit surprising, as I'm guessing you're aware.

He laughs. Oh, very! I think I told you I'm from a tech world? Pretty sure my brain had a glitch the first time I saw someone doing something magical around here.

Other way around, for me. But yeah, seeing magic for the first time really did throw me for a loop. It's...complicated in my world. And pretty sure 'dog into man' is a new one even by their standards.

Devero indicates the path with a nod of his head, asking with body language alone if she'd like to walk with him. Tell me about it? he actually asks, taking a step. If you want.

She nods, starting to walk, but shrugs, signing her next reply with a wry expression.

Bit hard to pick a place to start. It's a big old place. Bet yours is, too.

His expression goes... a little bit wry, actually. You might be surprised. My reality's kind of a unique one in that respect.

She gives him a bit of a look.

Well, don't leave me hanging like that.

He doesn't respond immediately, his eyes on the swirling of the sors without actually seeing the swirling of the sors.

Eventually, with sort of measured, formal motions he says, Six hundred years in my world's past there was a plague. We refer to it as the Apocalypse plague, because it was. Ninety-nine out of every hundred people died, either from the Pathogen itself or in the chaos caused by the pandemic. We went from a planetary population of almost ten billion people to less than a hundred million in a span of less than 20 years.

The population has grown a lot since that happened, but compared to most every other world I've learned about since I arrived here, my planet is empty. It's a big planet, but it's a small, small world.

The numbers are absolutely boggling, and it shows on her face - and there are more worlds like that? That populous? She doubts if there's a billion beings on her entire world.

She blinks a few times.

I can't imagine any of that.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The Waking of Neran

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject