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

[sweetnessandfight]

I have been, how did you know? [Though she chuckles at that, a slight hint of pink touching her cheeks. She hadn't meant to, and Sarai was fairly agile herself, but the train? The train forgave no one.]

I'm Sarai Thunderstorm--Fëanorion, you say? You wouldn't be related to a Feanor, would you? [Her pronunciation is a bit off--she has a slight accent, but it's closer than most folk might achieve on the first try.] You see, I know a Feanor, and I'm rather fond of him!

[Though Sarai is fairly fond of everyone, truth be told...]

[so_dark_a_road]

[ He laughs too. ] It was the power of that lurch. I'm sure it could have thrown a hill-troll into the aisle!

Pleased to meet you, Sarai Thunderstorm. And yes, I'm related to Fëanor -- I'm his fifth son. [ Actually, her pronunciation is pretty good. And most don't even try. ] You know my father? I'm glad he has a friend. Have you known him long?

[ People such as Sarai are needed in any community! Good for her. ]

[sweetnessandfight]

Or my husband--who may not be quite a hill-troll, but Roegadyn are among the largest of the spoken races on my world--though to be certain, you Elves give him a run for his gil when it comes to height! When the train shakes, even he can be staggered!

[She beams at that.] Oh, I knew he had children, but--I've met Maglor. And played the harp with him! Which I think is a singular honor! And I have known them both for about two or three weeks?

[They have a calendar on the train, but it's not the one she's familiar with, so she gets confused, somewhat.] But I'm so pleased to meet you! I hope we can be friends, too!

[so_dark_a_road]

Here's to husbands that are almost as large as hill-trolls! [ Curufin raises an imaginary glass in a toast, with a smile. He's not as tall as either Maedhros or Maglor, but by mortal standards he'd be at least medium tall, at six feet and a few inches. ]

You've met Maglor too? Yes, it is an honor to play the harp with him! Did you play his or do you own one of your own? The harp is such a lovely instrument, and it is lovely to have the skill to play it. It seems a good way to pass the time, even if it's only been a few weeks.

[ He beams at her. ] I think we can be friends!

[sweetnessandfight]

[Sarai just claps her hands and laughs at that, before raising an imaginary toast in turn.] I'd have to see him to be sure, but I think he's a bit taller than you are. Oh! His name is Dread. He's got white hair and dark skin and his eyes are a different color--he's rather hard to miss!

[And then she nods, with as much enthusiasm as she's shown so far.] Yes! And Tony Stark threw a party a bit ago, and he asked Maglor and I to play for it. I played my own harp--Maglor asked me to look at his, too, since I'm a bit of a carpenter. Enough to take care of my harp--it doubles as a bow. Most bardic weapons from my world do. And it does pass the time!

[Especially here on the train, where there's a lot of time to pass, for instance. But she gives him a truly delighted expression in turn. And there's a hint of mischief there, too...] I am so glad! So what do you like to do, besides be babbled at by a strange Au Ra?

[so_dark_a_road]

[ He grins and downs his imaginary drink. Drinking to the blessing of marriage -- even though his was a disaster, except for the son that was the result. ] Is your husband here with you? Dread is an interesting name! [ Yep, he probably is taller than Curufn. ]

It sounds as though you and Maglor make a good team. Who is Tony Stark? He certainly has good taste in musicians! Good you have carpentry skills, as harps do require some maintenance. I'm a craftsman too, but of course, I wasn't there. Your harp is a magical item? -- must be, if it can double as a bow! [ He has to laugh. ] I'm imagining what it would be like if I could shoot an Orc with my own harp. Take that, soldier of Morgoth! It would either bonk the Orc on the noggin and scramble his brains or else strangle him with the harpstrings!

[ He returns the mischievous look with one of his own. Oh how he likes mischievousness! ] As I said, I'm a craftsman. I like to make things or repair things, and I have experience with both archaic and modern methods. Also, I'm a bit of a musician myself.

You're an Au Ra? What does that mean? [ He's curious about her. ]

[sweetnessandfight]

He is, yes! He's a Hellsguard Roegadyn--they tend to have rather descriptive names. [Sarai realizes that Curufin probably has no idea about him, either, but.] I'll have to introduce you to him later, and maybe he can tell you a bit about himself and his people.

[Not that she couldn't do it herself, but Sarai doesn't want to ignore Curufin's other questions, either.] Tony is a human--he's sort of made himself guardian of the train. I suppose he's someone rather important where he's from, but I wouldn't know for certain. He really does have the train's best interests in mind, although he can be a bit abrasive at times. To some people, that is--he and I hit it off just fine! [Though she does laugh a bit, there.] And Maglor is wonderful to make music with! I cannot compete with his singing voice, though! I feel like a shrieking voidsent next to him--though I promise you he probably has no idea I feel that way, and I would not want him to!

[Maglor has been nothing but kind to her, and she'd feel terrible if she made him feel bad!] Failnaught? That is my bow--and yes, it's a magical item. It's called an artifact where I am from...strangling with harpstrings seems more like something a ninja might do, though!

Oh, if you are a musician, we'll have to find you a harp as well! I'd love to hear you play! [She's practically wiggling with excitement, now.] Oh! Au Ra is my species--why I have scales and horns and a tail! Though I'm...a bit odd for my kind, we don't usually come with more than a pair, and no claws. I had a bit of a mishap involving magic and something called goldbile that was...apparently some sort of poison but it also changed my sister and I? We gained two other sets of horns, and claws. I couldn't tell you why it happened, only that it did!

In any case, we have two different tribes--my tribe is the Xaela. We live on the Azim Steppe on Hydaelyn, and we have black scales. There are a number of clans of us--mine was Dalamiq, before I took my husband's surname when we married. The other tribe is rarer--they call themselves the Raen, and their scales are white. I know there's a city of them beneath the Ruby Sea, but they are very insular. The rest of them retreated from Doma when the Garlean Empire conquered it--but to speak of Garlemald is a whole other kettle of fish!

[so_dark_a_road]

If he's a member of an organization called the Hellsguard, then I imagine he'd need a descriptive name! I'd be pleased to meet him, if you want to introduce us.

Tony sounds like a lot of leaders I know. [ Including himself, in the old days. But he had learned other ways than abrasiveness in his years of journeying, since he left his own world. ] But if he has the people's best interests in his heart, then he is to be lauded. And say, nobody can compete with Maglor's singing! There's a reason he's recognized as the premier Bard of Middle-earth. He might disagree with me on that, but everybody knows it. And don't worry about what he thinks of your singing; he's quite kind to other musicians and doesn't denigrate anybody.

Failnaught, eh? It sounds a bit like Sindarin, the language we Elves of Arda mainly speak. Some Elves name their weapons, and that one would be a good name. I like that idea of a harp being able to morph into a bow. It would save time and trouble, having to carry only one item and having it serve both purposes. I have heard that term ninja before. Strangling with harpstrings does sound a bit like a ninja technique, does it not?

[ He thinks about musical instruments. ] If I could find the materials, I could make a harp. Unfortunately, I don't have mine with me. Oh, I see, you're an Au Ra; that's your kind. Wait, you were somehow poisoned and you changed, acquiring horns and claws that your species wouldn't usually have? But I was thinking, they might come in handy if there was a fight.

[ He listens to her description of the tribes and her world. ] Tell me all that you feel like telling me. I find that knowing something about a person's world and background is much help to my understanding of that person.

[sweetnessandfight]

Oh, that's his clan--they originate from around the Abalathia's Spine mountain range, though I know he grew up in the city-state of Ul'dah. My sister and I settled there for a while after we left the Azim Steppes where we were born--though Dread and I did not meet until I was living in Limsa Lominsa. And I'd be delighted to introduce you sometime!

[She nodded at that--and Sarai truly did believe that Tony had everyone's best interests at heart, it was true. He wouldn't have her support if he didn't!] Oh no, Maglor has been nothing but kind to me! I just hope that he might give me lessons! I don't aspire to be a F'lhaminn--she's a Miqo'te songstress on our world and acclaimed as a great talent--but it might be nice to be remembered.

[Be remembered as more than just 'the Warrior of Light', maybe.] Yes, it does. I am fair certain I know a ninja who's used just that technique--and we do also have a ninja on the train. Or so he claims. His name is Edge, I'm certain you shall run into him at some point.

[Edge also claimed to be a king, but Sarai couldn't give credence to that. The ninja she had been thinking of first, however, had been a Raen shinobi from her world, Yugiri Mistwalker.]

I have some wood from the last time I was off the train; it isn't enough to make a harp, though. I'd been making it into a cane so I could use conjury better--it's a type of magic, tied to nature and specialized in healing. I have some skill it it, as well, and...well. Things do happen, here. [She chuckled at that.] I figure it would be best if we had all the healing we could get, yes?

My sister and I both changed--I'm not certain if it was the poison--the stuff itself was called goldbile, and it was a byproduct of mining ceruleum gas. The Garlean Empire is quite invested in the stuff, it powers their magitek equipment, but it seemed that that was all that was left in that particular place--that and a great number of monstrosities. My sister Irves and I went to investigate and attempt to clear the place out, and between her thaumaturgy and the arcanima I was using at the time--those are types of magic, again--we both were splashed with the stuff and changed. We can't explain why, and neither can anyone else who's taken a look at us. She isn't here, however. [Though honestly, Sarai was not unhappy about that sort of thing...] We have bad memories of the Aurum Vale, though. [Who could blame them?]

I'm not much given to headbutting. [Sarai giggled at that.] Two of these horns are actually cranial projections--they serve me much like your ears serve you! So I wouldn't want them to be damaged! The claws, though--they do come in handy, both in a fight and when I play the harp. I don't wreck my fingers that way!

[She chuckled again, ducking her head.] I feel as if I've been talking your ears off! Though I suppose there isn't terribly much more to do at the moment, and you don't seem offended...

[so_dark_a_road]

[ Curufin will be most interested to meet Sarai's husband. It sounds as though her world has an interesting geography, and he guesses an interesting history as well. He'll look out for Edge, and he's always interested in other warriors and their fighting skills. ]

I think that if you asked him, Maglor would be happy to give you lessons in the harp. He's a good music teacher; I'm indebted to him for any musical skills I have. He was remarkably patient with me when I was little and wanted to learn to play that pretty instrument.

Maybe we'll stop at some world where there is one of the kinds of wood that would be appropriate for harp-making. Maple or walnut would work perfectly well for the body, and then spruce for the soundboard. The most complicated part would be finding harps strings and the hardware that goes with them, or making these myself. But if you have healing skills, I'm glad you used the wood you found to make an implement for invoking the healing magic. Yes, if you can heal, there is no telling when or where you might be needed. Things happen, as you say.

You and your sister clearly have had a few adventures!

Headbutting! [ He chuckles along with her. ] Not my favorite move either. It tends to give me a concussion as well as my opponent. You certainly would not want to damage those sensory projections, though. Not if you're using them to hear. Especially if you're a musician. But the claws would certainly serve you in a fight or when playing a metal-stringed harp. I'll be looking forward to hearing the sound.

[ He smiled. ] I'm not offended at all; you can talk all you want. As I said, and as you said, there's nothing much to do at the moment except get to know each other and the other passengers. I always ask question anyway, it's my way. Tell me, what did you most care about, in your world? And what do you most care about now, in this one?

[sweetnessandfight]

For the strings, you could always ask Tony Stark or Ash for help. Tony is human, but Ash is from Hydaelyn, as I am--you cannot miss her, she has rabbit ears and quite the lush fall of hair! She's a Viera. And I may ask Maglor for lessons--my instructor Jehantel always told me that there was more to learn, and it was most important for a bard to listen. We serve in so many ways, at home...

[But Sarai's worried that she might sound as if she's bragging, should she continue.] I think it was oak that I picked up for my radical--it's harder, and while I've had some time to carve it, it's taken longer than I liked. But oak is a sturdy wood, not like to be infected with rot or insects, though I doubt either will actually be on the train, ever! Still, I plan to take it with me when we've missions--Twelve know that there will be injuries, though we've been fairly lucky so far.

[Save for Peter, but that boy is his own story.]

Gods, did we! The Steppes where we grew up are beautiful, but for two very small girls with very big personalities--sometimes I do wonder that we ever managed to grow up! "Oh, Irves, look! A sleeping khun chuluu! I bet you I can climb it!" "I bet you can't, Sarangerel!" "You're on!" [She laughs at that.] Considering I am here to tell you the tale, however, I clearly did manage to climb it. And then ride it until I found a soft place to fall off! Yes, fall!

[Sarai laughed again, then.] True, I've always preferred to be a ranged opponent, either by spells or by arrows and song. I left punching things to Dread--he has a talent for being up close and personal. As for my claws, I suppose I'm lucky I've not cut my strings, since sometimes metal strings can be at a premium, where I'm from. They exist, they just are not all over--and sometimes better used for instruments like the harpsichord, since those are often more protected, whereas I wander all over and weather wind and rain and so on!

[Sarai paused, then, giving Curufin's question the thought it deserves, and decides, quickly enough, that there is no difference in the answer.] The people, here and on Hydaelyn. The land often heals itself; things may be missed, but cities can be rebuilt and things can always be re-acquired. But people? When you lose a person you care for, there is no replacing that loss.

[so_dark_a_road]

Tony and Ash are good at acquiring things people need? In that case, I'll ask them. I definitely would like to make a harp or two. And yes, you should ask Maglor for lessons. Your teacher Jehantel spoke truth, and that is the sort of thing Maglor understands well.

Oak is indeed a wonderful wood. I use it for boat-building. But it has many other uses, and I'm sure it would be good for a magical implement. By the way, I have carving tools with me, and I'm good at sharpening them, so if yours need sharpening, I'm always available. I think you're right about the possibility of injuries. I can't imagine there is any world or situation in which it's not a possibility.

I love steppe lands. I lived just south of such a country for nearly six hundred years. [ He smiles to hear her story about the climbing. ] I can see you liked to take chances as a child, and I'll go out on a limb and guess that you still do. [ He can identify! ] You fell off that creature into the grass? Well, that's one way to learn to ride!

[ He's still thinking about harps. ] All fighting folk have their preferred methods of battle. Spells and arrows and songs sound perfectly good to me. And I guess you could use gut strings instead of metal ones. The sound is different, and which is better, it depends on the musician. Bronze strings have an otherworldly sound, and I favor them myself. Only problem is, they rust a bit if they get wet.

If you love people and are willing to take the risks of loving, there is nothing in the world that is better, no substitute for it at all. That's what I think, anyway. So I suppose that you and I are in agreement about what is really important.

[sweetnessandfight]

I'd be happy to help you make your harp--I figure you've plenty of skill to do it, but my fingers are smaller, and you'd be surprised what I can do with my claws. [Sarai chuckled at that a bit, but she had used them in a pinch to do detailed carving!]

In truth, I've been making do--I do not have my own carving tools with me. What the train allowed us to bring was...rather limited, as you may have already observed. I did not even have my proper clothes on my back! [She's not exactly offended or scandalized, those are too strong of words. Perhaps 'annoyed' works. It's a bit closer, at least.]

Six hundred---! [Sarai can't help an exclamation of startlement at that. There simply weren't that many folk on Hydaelyn who lived so long. But she shakes her head ruefully and smiles.] I must seem so foolish to you! I've only seen twenty-three summers! And yes. But khun chuluu aren't terribly intelligent, even if they can wield magics. Only one. And I was very agile as a child. I grabbed Irves and we ran as if all the demons in the Void were after us! And our parents weren't very happy with us when we got back to the village, either...

I suppose you could always file the rust off, or give it a good oiling first...still, both might change the sounds of metal strings. Not that wet can't change the sound of gut strings, either...

[At Curufin's words about love, she can't help but smile. Just smile. But then her expression changes, but not to anything bad--as if she's thought of something.]

Tony is something of an inventor, as well. A bit like Feanor, from what I've gleaned of him. That might be something, too...

[so_dark_a_road]

I'd be delighted to have your help making the harp, and I will share it with you when it's finished. [ He could completely believe those fine clawed fingers could produce fine work! ]

We all seem to be short on items we'd like to have with us. I only have my nine most important tools, not the whole shed full of them that I'm used to having. [ He grins, looking down at his all-orange clothing. ] This isn't exactly my most fashionable suit, either. They've deprived us all of our proper clothes.

No, you don't seem foolish to me. I've certainly met a lot of mortals in my own country who were wise, even though much younger than me. And it was the same with some of the other long-lived types. I think wisdom comes to those who seek it, regardless of their years. [ He laughs a little, hearing her story about riding the khun chuluu. ] Parents never do like it when their children take risks. But I think children have to take risks if that is their temperament, or not grow up to be who they are.

Yes, the rust on metal harpstrings could be filed off, or better yet, sanded off with fine sandpaper. [ Another material he doesn't have. ] We'll just have to manage the best we can, whatever we find to make the strings of.

I must meet this Tony. If he's an inventor, he may have good ideas about all sorts of things. My father spoke of him, and he sounds like an interesting person. And a leader for sure.