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

"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.

Persephone bursts into a fit of giggles, darting back a foot. Still within reach, but not as immediately accessible. This lasts all of ten seconds before she's reaching up to touch the little bats as they flare off his hair.

"I love your hair."

"See, this is just one more reason we work great together. We both have better hair than anyone else we could ever meet."

If she was gonna do that, he was gonna try to get his hands in hers. Gently, of course, but he sure did love doing that himself.

"You'd probably think it's weird if you ever saw it when it goes all petal and leaves."

For all her vague protest, she does let him mess with her hair. It's short and easily fixed up. Probably. Her own hands slide through his hair to cup his face.

"But then your hair turns into bats. Weird is relative."

"And it's a raw symbol of power. Same as yours is. See? Perfect."

Distracted by her, Zetta hadn't noticed they were getting a bit sappy right out here in the middle of the market. He tried to keep up appearances -- but she had more power over him than his ego did, for a miracle, especially at a time like this.

"Yes, perfect."

Her smile is bright and fond all at once, her eyes crinkling slightly as she holds his face in her hands. Her mouth opens, everything about her lifts a little as if she's about to speak, but she doesn't. Instead, she presses her forehead to his and her smile twists in amusement.

"I'm assuming you forgot we were in public or are allowing this blatant affection because no one we know is around."

"Wha--" Yes, he had entirely forgotten! But of course, being Zetta, he could not admit to weakness or anything, so, uh --

"W-why should I hesitate letting a hot girl get all over me?! This is just making people jealous of me! Those suckers! They wish they were in my place! And not just because I'm the most badass freaking Overlord in the entire cosmos!"

If Zetta had a virtue, it was the ability to commit. Two words in and any hesitation or confusion he might have felt had vanished utterly.

"Uh huh. Remarkable change of heart all of a sudden."

Persephone glances left, right, then kisses him one more time. With that, she drifts back towards the ground, letting her feet set down one by one.

"You're protesting awful loud for someone who was letting me hold his face in my hands." She fusses with her dress, smoothing it back down where it had ridden up and straightening out the ribbing.

Zetta leaned sideways to get a look down, just in case the dress had elected to reveal anything he'd want to get his eyes on (in other words, anything at all). "Who's protesting? I'd be jealous as hell if a girl as hot as you was looking at anyone half like you were looking at me." He can admit that because it can't happen.

Zetta, you literally saw everything there was to see under this barely an hour ago. Literally saw her in her undergarments. Persephone raises her eyebrows, tilting sideways with him to look him in the eye.

"You got an eyeful earlier. And there are definitely beautiful women on the train who look at their partners just like I look at you." Though, she will admit, not a lot. Women aren't as common as men on the train, much to her displeasure. She's so much more used to the company of women.

But he hasn't seen any of that since then.

"What, did I get my fill earlier? Did it get somehow less sexy since then?" No shame, no embarrassment, no nothing. "And sure, there are hot girls on the train, but I specifically said 'as hot as you'. That's you and you alone, 'Sephe!"

He is obviously teasing and working her up. She's aware of that. She's very aware of that. But it's still working, if the heat in her face is telling her anything.

Persephone twists her hand. Drooping garlands of white flowers appear all over his head--and drape down onto his face to block his vision.

"We're in public." She doesn't actually sound angry, just flustered. Even if she is using her powers against him. "And as much as I love you, I don't want the entire world to hear about this. I'm sure they were already aware that you find me attractive."

"They should be more aware!" Zetta said, from behind the flowers. He quickly brought up a hand to pull them aside. "I don't do anything subtle, you know that!"

Not... entirely true, but what Zetta did that most people would consider a little subtle, he considered the absolute height of circumspect sneakiness.

With a couple of garland still hanging in his face, Zetta blew at them to try to get them out of the way.

"I don't need them to be aware!"

Without even a flick of her hand, the dangling wisteria part neatly to frame his face. How ridiculous he looks is only penance for being extremely obvious.

"I am out on my very first date, with my boyfriend of several months, to go do the sappy things I've always wanted to do. If I was out to make everyone jealous of us, I would have dressed very differently and I would have picked very different activities. So please, love, believe me when I say I could care less if people know you think I'm attractive. You're here with me, holding my hand and my shopping. I think they get we're together."

"I care though. I take pleasure in the suffering of others, knowing they will never have a girl as hot as you!"

Their priorities in this relationship were not incompatible, but they occasionally could be very different indeed. By some miracle, however, Zetta managed to put aside thoughts of those 'very different' things she was hinting at, and instead chuckled as he tugged her in for a squeeze.

"I definitely don't mind if people know we're together though. Whatever causes them to notice that!"

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

no subject