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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Still didn't get why she didn't like meat; still wasn't judging. Given her situation, it was probably something he couldn't understand, what with being a demon and not a goddess of spring and all.

"That sucks. We'll have to find something! I don't care how hard we have to scour the place!"

"I should have planned better. In my head it was just going to just come together without any effort."

Persephone raises her head only enough to lean it atop his shoulder instead of pressed against it.

"It's a tourist town, they have to cater to everyone right? Bound to be something."

"Oh, if they don't now, they will." Zetta, committing war crimes was not the way to win Persephone's heart, even if it was all for her. "But SOMEplace has to be showing off their rare delicacies or something, if nothing else. Want me to send out the minions to find some stuff?"

What is it with men and trying to ruin other people's lives for her?

"Oh that might not be a bad idea, getting them to scout. If they won't be getting into trouble..."

Persephone is very aware that his creatures are often trouble.

It's trying to make HER life better! It's not HIS fault that other people are in the way of that. It's the other people's fault for being in the way!

"So not the Prinnies then." For style's sake, Zetta lifted his free hand, then snapped his fingers -- instantly summoning the minions to smash down from the sky above with force that looked like it ought to reduce their bones to jelly, but had absolutely no effect whatsoever.

"All right, you guys!" Zetta said over his shoulder to them. "Find some vegetarian food for the lady."

The minions let out a rousing cheer, then promptly drew their weapons and started to scatter. "Peacefully!" the Overlord quickly amended, and the now-grumbling minions put their weapons away and trudged off.

This might not be the best idea. They're already out and off grumbling though--so it's not as if she can do anything about it.

"I don't think I want to know why they thought they needed swords to find vegetables."

But--not important. Probably. Maybe. They're close enough to the stall for Persephone to spot as few nice things. She drops his arm, floating on ahead to fawn over the blankets.

"Oooh this one has such an intricate pattern. These take forever you know-- adding in and dropping colors."

"It's less the finding and more the conquering and taking," Zetta mused. "B-but don't worry, they won't do that! It's just their first reaction!"

Babbling just a bit, Zetta drifted after 'Sephe, barely noticing she'd found something until he realized she wasn't giving him a Look for the whole conquest thing. "Oh hey, that's fancy."

For once, Persephone wasn't paying attention. He got away with it. Mostly because weaving. It's been ages since she wove anything and so she's fairly engrossed.

"Oh but this one is simpler--but softer. Feel." Persephone holds out a gray blanket, all one color but in a softer wool. Cashmere or angora maybe? Something of similar quality. She fingers the wool and deliberately doesn't look at the price. It's probably super expensive.

"But we want to eat today--so something else."

If the other one took a lot more skill and effort, then quite possibly this one made up for material costs in labor -- so Zetta took the opportunity she didn't, and looked it over.

"Hey, this could be a lot worse," he said, carefully not touching the blanket. Around Persephone, he could feel... well, rough. Which he was, but normally he wasn't mindful of it.

Persephone squints sideways at him, looking at him with the vaguest suspicion. Is he just saying that because she likes it?

"Are you sure?" She very carefully turns over the price tag, preparing to wince and drop the blanket entirely. Well. Not drop it. Very carefully place it back on the table.

"Well, you tell me how much easier it is to make this than that." Zetta gestured at the more complicated blanket. Hadn't she just said it was pretty difficult? "I don't know a thing about looming or whatever."

"Weaving, dear. It's called weaving," A slightly condescending pat on the arm, "And that's harder to do, but this has better quality wool. Materials can bump up price just as much as complexity. Like--I imagine it's the same with weapons. Some highly complex dagger made with cheaper materials will be comparable to a simple one with better materials. Right?"

Persephone toys with the blanket.

"I don't think this is that bad honestly, for the quality. I could probably afford it if we buy nothing else and you grab dinner."

"Sounds like a plan!" Zetta said, already imagining Persephone sprawled out on it, because of course he did. "Let's do it!"

Persephone bundles it up in her arms and wanders off to pay. When she comes back, it's draped over her shoulders like a cloak.

"I might live in this blanket. It's so soft..." She rubs her cheek against the blanket with a pleased hum.

"Only if I'm allowed to visit!" Grinning, Zetta slid his hands into her hair to ruffle it, since the blanket blocked most any other physical affection he could drop on her without scooping her up or something.

The smile turned up to him is broad and infectious, her laughter bubbling up. Even as she tries to duck her head out of range, she's still laughing.

"Nooo--my hair! I worked so hard on this!" She reaches up to catch his hand, then squeaks as she starts to drop the blanket and rushes to catch it.

Edited 2022-02-02 20:14 (UTC)

"Hey, no lobbing that thing around!" Zetta stuck out a foot to ensnare the blanket before it could flop fully against the ground. "I can't mess with you if you're going to take it hostage like that!"

Persephone scrambles to pull it back up, holding most of it to her chest with one hand and gathering up the rest with the other.

"I wasn't lobbing it around, I was trying to protect my hair from your grubby mitts." She sticks her tongue out. Carefully shifting the bundle of blanket to one arm, she tries to fix her hair with one hand and is probably just making it worse. Were there always red flowers in her hair? Well she's certainly shedding red petals.

Persephone being so changeable, at least on the surface, hooked him pretty darn effectively. When there was always something new to admire, appreciate, or just ogle, how could he ever think of getting bored?

"You look cute this way too! I think I just did something awesome and impressive, and I'm sure anyone would agree with me!"

"What's so impressive about messing with my hair?"

Persephone shifts the blanket in her arms and then tosses it around his shoulders, scattering a few petals into his own hair.

"That no matter what I do, it still looks better than before. And it always starts looking great!"

At last a girl whose hair can compete with his own. Life is good.

"I have seen my hair first thing in the morning, you are objectively wrong."

But she's not actually mad and she makes that obvious by floating up to kiss him, using the blanket as a way to tug him into just the right kissing position.

"I have seen your hair first thing in the morning and --"

Well, good timing on that, he'd been inches from saying something crude. But as ever, kissing him was an incredible way to shut him up, as he completely forgot anything existed in the world except Persephone.

Being in public means cutting him off is a necessity. It also means that the kiss is fairly chaste, much to his probable dismay. When she pulls back, she smiles, bright at first, then slept turning mischievous. She raises her hands to cup his face--then she ruffles his hair with both hands.

Considering his entire focus, once she pulled away, had been getting another one, he's entirely vulnerable and utterly off-guard. "Argh!" was the only thing he had a chance to say, as his flamelike hair cracked and spit fiery bats left and right.

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