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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"For most the people on train, that'd include being honest with themselves."

Dryly stated, but without heat. Lan Jingyi didn't find that a problem only present with the people on the Voidtrecker Express. Nor did he have issue with the fireworks, for different reasons. He could create them himself out of spiritual energy, but they'd always been signals, not celebratory art. (Perhaps for standard mortals they were also sky art, but for a dragon, it seemed a nuisance or a weapon and then that became a training method, and no, he didn't want to dodge fireworks, thank you, imagination.)

(Though he'd be good at it. He knew it!)

"Are these bothering you?" He looked away from the most recent burst overhead, hearing the screeching whine of another set arcing skyward. Gesturing up, he was partly lit by the burst of blue light that followed, lending him an almost Rembrandt quality of shadow against the stark, partial planes of his face.

Edited 2021-12-28 10:56 (UTC)

He looked at him for a moment, he was probably right. Being honest with yourself could take courage, it could be difficult. Since most truths were hard and things that people would want to shy away from as long as possible.

He glanced at the sky, shaking his head, flicking his mane out of his eyes. "Not really... They are just a little loud."

He's seen fireworks before though, so they aren't surprising or worrying.

A sideways look paired with the quirk of his brow. Jingyi held up two fingers, offering a lopsided, self satisfied smirk.

"No one better to ask to help with quieting things down than a Lan."

Says the most garrulous, chatty, loud Lan out of the inner disciples of his generation.

"Ah... You don't have to. Everyone is having fun and they aren't bothering me that much."

He doesn't want to have Jingyi go out of his way for him at all. After all if they get too noisy he can just retreat to the hotel. It is his choice to be out here.

He laughs at that, lifting his hands to form a familiar seal. Once he finishes, the area right around them brightens for a moment, and Taiki might feel a thrum of qi indicating the barrier around them as the sound cuts down.

"Too much effort to do something about the fireworks." Doing something about where they are, specifically? He can manage that, as long as Taiki doesn't want to go haring off, full speed ahead.

He smiled with gratitude. "Ah. Thank you." The noise is muffled, he calms slightly.

"I don't mind them really... I think it's the deer in me." Easily startled by loud noises. "I like the colours though. Do you have fireworks in your homeland?"

"Some instincts take time to learn how to work around." He shrugs, where most his are on the predatory end, without the final, killing sort of blow: he's too aware, attracted to motion, things which are fine given he lives the life he lives, but would be awkward, in other settings.

Regardless, he lifts his eyes again, to the dampened sounds of the crowd (mostly inaudible) and the fireworks (like distant whispers).

"No. Not like this. We use them to signal. Single ones, usually. I think mortals, er..." He trails off, then sighs, rubbing at the back of his neck. "Mortals probably do, but they make them, where the ones I set off are qi based. Someone tried to get me to talk about love with fireworks as a metaphor, but really, that sounds so violent."

"Ah. Signals." He nodded. "I think so too. Fireworks sound violent even though I don't think... Um I mean I don't think most people use them as weapons."

He would hope not. He glanced up at the sky again, at the lights up there.

"I guess... I'm not doing well at the bravery part of tonight."

"Haven't run off yet," he says, pointing it out offhand. "Pretty sure that counts. Not saying you need to stop there or anything, but you are here. Still."

He's not sure that was brave, that he had not ran from these fireworks that he knows logically are not going to hurt him.

But he smiles anyways, stepping closer. "Um... I was actually... Going to ask you..."

It's as good a time as any, the sounds of fireworks and the crowds muffled around them.

In any modern context, this would read like a romantic moment. The festival crowds, the fireworks, the momentary muffled sound, the trailing sentences.

Only Jingyi isn't from a context that would understand those particulars stacked just so, and he knows Taiki well enough (in his opinion) to jump to a vastly different conclusion.

"If I'd swear a bond as your guardian summons?"

Taiki should have known these tropes but they pass him by in this instance as he looks upon Lan Jingyi nervously.

A nervousness that turns to a slight confusion and wariness. "Oh... Um... No..."

He shook his head, quickly with a fleeting smile. He knows Jingyi, knows it is a joke. But he can't help but have a moment of worry, the usual worry that he is too much of a burden on his friends, something they need to protect. But that is a worry he will always have.

Another part of him wonders if kirin taste good to dragons and that's an even sillier worry.

"I... Would you like to share a room with me... On the train I mean..."

Cue another quirk of his brow.

"Huh? I mean, that's fine by me, but why?"

This is definitely not what he would have guessed, to him so out of the blue he's blinking through his apparent confusion.

"Um... Only if you want..."

He doesn't want to be a burden after all. He blinks back, nervous all of a sudden.

"I guess I just thought... You seemed to like it when we all were in the hire room together and the beds are bigger... There's a seat that could be a bed too, so I could sleep up there and you could have a larger bed..."

"... Xiao Ki, you're being dumb, and you know it. Sleep on the seat? No, sleep in the bed. And yes, I like a larger bed, the ones we all have aren't exactly big, they're not even long enough for a number of us. Again, I don't mind, but I don't see what this does for you, only what you think it'll do for me. So, tell me."

He quirks both brows upward; it's not something that he'll simply roll with because it benefits him, let alone when Taiki is going so far out of his way to clarify why it would benefit him alone. Sure, he's not utterly unselfish, he's only a person, but he doesn't make friends eat bad deals for his sake either.

"Tell me what's good about it for you."

He looked down at that, perhaps he was being dumb but he had never done anything like this before. Asking to spend time in another's presence felt like all too much. But he should have know Lan Jingyi would not accept a deal that seemed so one sided.

"I like spending time with you... And um... I guess I don't like so much being alone."

He wasn't really close to his roommates, not since Wen Qing had disappeared and his current room would always remind him of Lord Gyousou.

Jingyi took this answer, canting his head. The quiet his warding provided made it quiet in here, too, and he shrugged his shoulders, tail giving a lazy swish behind them.

"That sounds more honest," he said, "So yes. We can move into one of the doubles together. Since even in a room of strangers that become less strange, you can still feel alone."

Spending time with someone that one feels easy with wasn't enough in that sense to him, but it likely never would be. This? This made sense.

There's relief. He hadn't known if he would say yes, he wasn't sure he would want to and though that would have been alright... He was glad he had.

He smiled, "Thank you. I'm glad."

They could ask on the train form when they returned and hopefully it would allow them to move at the next platform.

He smiled brightly at Jingyi illuminated in the fireworks, they were a lot prettier now that they weren't so loud.

And in this incredibly romantic atmosphere neither one of them is at all inclined toward noticing...

They became roommates!

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The Waking of Neran

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