A new platform [intro post September]

[voidtreckermods]

For those on the train

“Good morning passengers, it is day one of the month of Bassoon.” The train announces the morning the month changes. It seems the train counts months in days of thirty. Team Points have been updated on the system.

The day continues as most days do, chores, eating, getting ready for another day. But those who suspect that a change of month may bring something else are correct. It is only an hour or two later that there is another announcement.

“Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. Exit from void imminent.”

By now they should know to hold on as the train jerks and jolts. There is only fog outside the windows but the train soon comes to a stop. The doors hiss open.

As they exit into the fog they may notice Evie exiting from the luggage carriage door. Much like Hibiki the last time they were on a platform. She leaves the train, backpack on her back as she walks through the station. She heads no call, reacts to no words and cannot be stopped as she walks to the ticket barrier and disappears through it.

Strange. But even stranger still is that there on the platform that whole time is Evie. Dressed in purple, backpack on back, with her are others. Waiting for the train.

For new arrivals

At first all they can see if steam. Billowing around them as they come to their senses. They are standing, in clothes that are not their own, styles they might not even recognise. They are carrying a rucksack on your back. For a moment it seems to just be them, alone in the white haze but then the steam begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

The platform is not very large, but it hold twelve figures all facing the tracks, all wearing similar clothing. The tracks stretch left and right into steam, or perhaps fog. Nothing can be seen to either side. There is a wall around the platform and the only entrance is a ticket barrier. It cannot be open, nor do there seem to be any staff.

What there is, is a train. Jet black and gleaming where it stands on the rails.Voidtrecker Express is emblazoned in the engine in gold. There is a hiss as the doors slide open.

Out step a selection of people, some less human than others, wearing clothes just like those worn by those on the platform.

The Train

The doors hiss open. Those from the train may encourage those on the platform to board. It’s not like there is anywhere else to go and even if there was, you feel a pull. A need to board, a feeling that staying on the platform would not be a good thing.

Once on board there is lots to explore. Passengers both old and new will hopefully be delighted to see the boredom of this train journey is somewhat alleviated by the introduction of a game carriage. Plenty of games, both familiar and new to play with your new travelling companions.
Each ICP shows the same message. If Red team go and look they will find a box in the luggage compartment that contains their prize. A dralite themed cake lolly each. There are enough for the new members of Red team too, share in your teams previous success!

The food stores have been topped up with new fresh food. Salmon has taken over as the primary ingredient of choice. Hopefully everyone likes fish!

New passengers will find their tickets allow them into their cabins. They may need to negotiate for beds, especially if they want a top bunk!

Room is tight but there are storage cubbies at the head of each bed, beds fold up and the bottom bunks double as benches for the small table. There is storage under those benches and you will hopefully find a pillow for your bed if it has not been nabbed by a roommate, there are also spare blankets for if it gets cold.

Departure

A second horn sounds to encourage any stragglers and the doors slide shut. For those who boarded two weeks ago they will know what is coming next.

The train sets off, the fog obscuring the view as it picks up speed.

"Welcome aboard, passengers of the Voidtrecker Express.” A female-coded artificial sounding voice echoes throughout the train. "Please take the time to read the passenger information displayed on the Information and Communication points and familiarise yourself with the layout and emergency exits."

The train begins to tilt, leaving the ground and rising up into the fog filled sky.

"Entrance into Voidspace imminent. New passengers are advised to remain seated."

Hopefully someone warns you that you really want to heed that warning because a moment later there is a shudder, a jolt, a lurch to the left. A flash of light, colourful and blinding.

As quick as it happens it is done. The train seems to steady. The fog from the windows is gone now, replaced with a kaleidoscope of ever changing colours.

Welcome to voidspace.

Comments

Open

[castintoflames]

New Arrivals -

(When venturing into the unknown, it is best to not include a Fëanorian. Maedhros stiffens when he finds himself on a platform, facing a... What is that monstrosity? His fingers twitch and he remembers, with a wince, how he had injured his hand on the Silmaril.

Oh. The Silmaril. And then the chasm. Closing his eyes tightly, the too tall Elf tries to drive the memories away. He tries to envision the sea. Water is cool, refreshing and comforting; he should have drowned - not burned.

The sound of the train brings him back and he opens his eyes, shocked. The rucksack on his back is filled with Eru knows what and Maedhros feels...lost. He glances around, his scarred features blank except for the fear in his eyes.)

Train -

(Train compartments are not meant for seven foot tall Elves. That thud is Maedhros's head colliding with a doorway. He curses, his voice soft but very deep, in Quenya. At least the ears of children will not be scorched by his temperamental tongue! Unless, of course, they know Quenya.)

Departure -

(It takes some doing, but finally he is tucked by a window and relatively comfortable. The flashing light frightens and irritates him. Turning his head, he tries to block it out, his hand gripping the seat under him.)

This is the work of Morgoth! (What else can it be?) The Void?

(Well at least he had been correct. Is this some special place designed for him and his kin?)

Nanyë nyérinqua...

Train

[enthunder]

[ While she'd originally intended to go and meet people on the platform, the distraction of her book order arriving has meant that even now she's still curled up in a booth in the main carriage, leafing through Diary of a Voidtrecker, occasionally making sparse notes in her journal or folding over the corner of a page for later.

Still, she's not exactly an avid reader, so when the thud vibrates through the coach, she glances up, almost glad for the distraction.

...

Hmm. ]

What did the train ever do to you?

[castintoflames]

(He is rubbing the new red mark on his forehead, one eye closed against the irritation. However when she speaks, he stills completely - except for how he cocks his head to see her.)

I know naught. (Maedhros has difficulty speaking to strangers, which might seem silly considering his size. What does he have to fear?

Much.) I did not mean to disturb you.

Train

[faithfulson]

[ Luke couldn't help but flinch as he head the thud behind him, feeling like he needed to rub his own head in pain at the noise. That sounded like it hurt, and he turned around to the person behind him that did it... and... continued to look up... ]

[ ...wow, he really thought only wookiees were taller than his father. ]

Are you all right?

[castintoflames]

(Maedhros is blessed with height...and then more height. Yet, amazingly, he isn't the tallest Elf. That glorious position goes to Thingol, who stands at a lofty eight feet and six inches.

Of course none of that makes his head hurt less. Nor does it help him be less awkward towards strangers.)

Mm I will live.

(Ironic words since, before he came here, he hadn't been living.)

Did I frighten you?

Departure

[mtsilver_conquor]

I don't know who that is, but I don't think they did this.

[Eva offers a reassuring smile from her own seat across the aisle, one hand braced against the back of the seat in front, the other gripping a red-and-white ball somewhere between the size of a tennis and small baseball.

She really needs to find or make a proper pokebelt that will securely hold it. Pockets are good and all but they're not secure.

Only once they're fully into the void again does she relax, the ball slipped into one of the cargo pockets.] We actually have very little information on who's behind this - or where we're going.

[castintoflames]

What proof do you have? (He wants to know this isn't the Void and that Morgoth is nowhere near him. Maedhros will fight for as long as he is able, but he is so tired of being scared and miserable.

She looks like an ordinary young woman to his eyes - well, eye - yet that ball draws his attention.)

Then I will ask you about your ball instead. (For now, his fears will be buried. He has a lot of experience doing just that.)

Departure

[tinkerheart]

(How did he miss him on the platform? Feanor thought he heard a familiar voice earlier on the train but dismissed it as impossible. It seems nothing is impossible here. He has evidence right there before his eyes. The sight equally painful and exhilarating.)

Nelyo. (These are the soaring heights of eloquence he's capable of right now. There is so much he wants to say, so much to ask and yet the only thing he's capable of uttering is his son's name.)

[castintoflames]

(His ears are failing him and his descent into madness is worse than ever before. Maedhros lifts his hand, almost as if to cover one of his ears, but he pauses mid-motion. He cannot ignore the call of his father's voice - even if it turns out to be an hallucination.)

...Atar? (Slowly, he turns his head and stares at the other Elf, amazement mixing with awe. There is also fear.) Is it truly you?

[deductiongeek]

It was mostly curiosity and boredom that had driven Conan out to the train platform. He wanted to see if it was any different than the platform he'd arrived on a month ago, and he wanted to see who had been brought here this time.

With the fog obscuring everything, Conan comes upon the elf by chance. He looks up and further up, having to crane his neck more than a little.

And this person was obviously lost.

"Do you need help?"

[castintoflames]

The voice startles him - as it comes from somewhere near his...knees? However knowing this helpful soul is so small also helps him relax his guard and he kneels down in one graceful motion.

"I'm not sure where I am."

As his gaze settles on the boy, he can't help but be reminded of certain fosterlings. They would have been eager to help too.

New Arrivals

[sweetnessandfight]

[Sarai often comes out onto the platform to meet the new folk. She's small, and she considers herself not intimidating at all--despite the bow slung over her back and her relatively unique appearance. It is her friendly attitude and the fact that she genuinely cares that seems to win people over, usually, however...

She approaches the tall, red-haired Elf slowly and carefully, one hand lifted in a greeting. She's not short enough to miss the fear in his eyes, and so she's attempting to use all of her bardic charm and calm demeanor to help him regain his own calm.]

Hello. I know this is very strange, but you are not the only one who has had to deal with this sort of thing. There are other Elves here as well. I know that may not be terribly reassuring, and I am sorry.

[As for herself, she bows, one hand to her heart.] My name is Sarai Thunderstorm, and I hail from Hydaelyn. I'm an Au Ra. May I make your acquaintance?

[castintoflames]

(Her demeanor does help and Maedhros is hardly in any position to talk about odd appearances. Elves of Arda are supposed to be images of perfection - and once he had been - but now he is terribly scarred beyond repair and all healing.)

What are their names? (Some life - some hope - flickers in his eyes. There is something softer in their depths too.) I am Maedhros and I hail from Arda. I am a Prince of the Noldor, which makes me an Elf.

Not actually engaging Maedhros but..

[runs_on_batteries]

Tony spots the scared elf on the platform. He would approach him, but he observes a few others coming forward to help him instead. If the scarred man wasn't being taken care of by several of the train's best, he'd have joined the welcome party.

On the train later, he also sees the tall man in distress. He takes a step closer to where he's sitting to assist, but then sees Feanor take the spot next to him. Seeing the way the two react to each other brings a small smile to his face and he leaves them alone.

So while he leaves the man alone, it might be likely that Maedhros catches his presence and that he's been quietly watching him in the background. Or if the elf is too overwhelmed, Tony's just happy he's being taken care of.

O.O

[castintoflames]

Tony's presence is noted and Maedhros glances away from his helpers, visitors and kin to catch sight of the Man. Sometime, later, as he explores the train, he will look for him, quietly checking this compartment and that compartment on his journey. He will also do his utmost not to hit his head again - which is hard to do at his height.

Departure

[seawanderer]

Maglor hadn't left the train all that long, just enough to stretch his legs and breath the dubiously fresh air. So he hadn't really paid attention to new arrivals.

But he's back on board, walking the corridor, holding on as the train lurches to return to the Void, when he sees and hears a familiar voice curse. He freezes, eyes wide before he lets out a weary breath, shoulders slumping a little.

In many ways, he's far angrier with this particular brother than he'd been with their father. But does it really matter here and now? Not really. Many people have been chiming in to make sure he eats regularly, and so he's much more healthy-looking these days despite it only having been two weeks.

"Morgoth isn't here, Nelyo," he corrects his brother quietly as he takes a seat beside him. "And this is the Void, but I think not the one the Enemy is cast to."

[castintoflames]

Can a heart swell and sink at the same time? Maedhros has most wanted to hear that voice, but he knows the pain it will bring. Then again, what is pain to them? They have endured the worst of it and survived. Surely this can be overcome?

He turns towards Maglor once the other sits and he tries to peer into his brother's eyes, searching for the emotions there.

"Kano..." his hand is gentle as his fingers touch Maglor's cheek, "You look good."

Healthier. Stronger. He isn't sure what that means.

New Arrivals

[so_dark_a_road]

[ Curufin is on that platform too, and he spots Maedhros immediately. He sees the fear in his brother's face and guesses he has come straight from his death. ]

Nelyo! Don't worry, you're not alone. [ He pulls him into a loving embrace. ]

[castintoflames]

(Speaking of those who have experienced death! Maedhros flinches, stiff for a moment before he, carefully, returns the embrace.)

Curufin...? How?

Train

[stealsyourheart]

Who's Morgoth?

[ Cheerful, friendly, and very curious ]

[castintoflames]

The Enemy. (He speaks the words with a tone that is equal parts hatred and misery.) If it is he who brings us forth, we will suffer.

train

[happyends]

[ Thankfully for Madoka's innocent fourteen year old ears, she sure doesn't know Quenya. So for all she knows, the other person could've said just about anything. It's not the content of what Maedhros is saying that draws her attention as much as hearing the sound of someone speaking up - it makes Madoka turn her head to look who said that.

It's a stranger, but that's not too surprising, considering all the new people on the platform today. What seems to hit her more after a moment or two is realising why the other must have said something, considering where he's standing and his height..

Madoka's jaw drops open in concern. ]

A.. Are you okay, sir?!

[castintoflames]

(He immediately regrets his sharp tongue and wild temper. She is so young! Maedhros bows his head as if he has been admonished - and perhaps he should have been. Despite his throbbing his forehead - more an irritation than anything worrisome - he tries to give her an expression that will not frighten her.)

This train was not built for one of my height. (Then, he speaks softer:) I hope I did not disturb you?

Departure:

[blueberryprincess]

[ Evie'd listened when the voice told her to hold on, wedging herself in as best as possible. This almost reminded her of her first ride off of the Isle, and that weird panic that hit when she was sure it was a trap and the limo driver was going to drive them all into the sea.

She wonders briefly how Harry's handling the sudden, jarring take off and then overhears the man speak a language she's never heard when they're officially moving. ]

Who or what is Morgoth?

[ Once she's sure they're not going to die, she relaxes some in her seat, looking over at Maehdros to speak to him. ]

[castintoflames]

The Enemy. (He isn't shocked that a mortal woman doesn't know of him, but still, doesn't that make this journey all the more cruel?) If we are venturing into the Void, we may encounter him.

(And Maedhros is an utter mess by any standard. He is in no shape to fight, though he will, of course, if it is asked of him.)