Private Lake Horatio A Tiger Doesn't Change Its Stripes

[Vina Skysong]

Before she'd been rudely kicked out of Terrasphere and left unable to re-enter the fantastical world Vina had a dream. A dream where she'd go and gather the reagents needed to grow the world's biggest tree, which would serve as a home for anyone who loved nature like she did. A place for druids to meet each other, making new friends and combining their skills to achieve great feats. Perhaps even Zalra's curse could be lifted in due time if all interested parties banded together under the boughs of such a large tree.

And then when she could finally log back in she discovered that the Yladian elves had done just that on the coast of Lake Horatio. Well, it wasn't exactly the same, but it was similar enough that Vina had to admit that if she tried to revive her old dream it'd probably just lead to the birth of a second Oflainn.

A bit of a bummer, that.

However, Vina was nothing if not cheerful and undeterred in her optimism, so rather than dwelling on her inability to assist in such an amazing project she instead rejoiced upon learning that others had the same dream as her and had made it a reality. Other activities had kept her from visiting the tree, but now that winter had come and the holidays had ended she thought it was the perfect time to give Oflainn a visit. After all, they might have some winter customs as well that she'd be eager to learn.

However, the giant tree was on the other side of the lake, which was big enough that one might call it a small sea if they were being generous. Vina considered travelling around it, but on the west the lake rested at the foot of the Hylands Ascent, a place left alone by the unprepared, and to the north she'd have to travel through the Tangleweaves, which could be a lot of fun by itself but which would severely slow down her travel time as she'd have to navigate a landscape where every surface was green and more than half of them were vertical.

Which left the vixen standing on the shores of the grand lake, humming to herself as she felt the breeze blow past her, ruffling the fur of her tail and making her hair dance around her. Even in winter's chill she didn't abandon her revealing outfit, which made her stand out amidst all those who'd rather stay warm with thick layers of clothing. For her part Vina just smiled at anyone who seemed confused or puzzled by her choice of attire, her humming unfaltering as she waited for the boat to arrive.

There was a particular boat, as much as building as a vehicle, which not only offered joyrides across the giant lake but also served as a means of transport for those who had reason to visit Dorofir. Together with some other travelers Vina was waiting for the boat's arrival, although a change in the winds make her look back towards the fields that spread out behind her.

A vaguely familiar scent was approaching, one which she hadn't come across in a while but which still lingered in her memories.

@Luna Avalbane

 

[Luna Avalbane]

When she had been logged off so unexpectedly, in the middle of being fused with Natiri, Luna had worried for a while that something had happened, before eventually life had continued on as if nothing had really happened. Terrasphere had been little more than a fleeting dream, or so it had seeemed at the time, before the unexpected and seemingly miraculous comeback. A lot of time had passed and, for the most part, a lot of things had gone forgotten, given the passage of time and other things becoming important in their place.

But the idea of visiting a giant tree, of undergoing this kind of journey? It would always hold some kind of meaning for Luna, as the last time she had ever been apart from Natiri. She missed her tigress friend dearly, even if the tigress was now a permanent part of herself. One she'd had to learn to accept, given her new ears and tail that just didn't go away.

Of course, the last time that she had made this kind of journey, the land had been a lot less tamed. And she'd been journeying with somebody, hadn't she?

Luna shook her head as she approached the place where she was supposed to wait for a boat. There was no guarantee that woman had even rejoined the game....

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina's ears perked up as she heard the footsteps of yet another traveler who apparently wished to explore the giant tree which could be seen from kilometers away. Turning away from the waters she focused on the sound, the songstress closing her eyes as she memorised the rhythm. It was a lively rhythm, filled with the vigour of a young and healthy soul. As she concentrated further she could also hear the soft sound of a tail cutting through the air, meaning that this was a beastkin, one with a long and fairly fluffy tail. And... female, as well.

She could have used her magic to gain even more information in advance, but Vina decided to open her eyes and let life surprise her. Maybe she'd be able to make a new friend: she was willing to befriend anybody given the chance, but beastfolk tended to be easier to connect to for some reason. Maybe it was the subtle influence of her beast arts?

However, when the woman she'd been hearing came into view Vina's brow furrowed. It wasn't that she disliked what she was seeing: the white tigress was very pretty, in a tough-looking way. Like she could beat someone down with her bare hands and still look good while doing it. What caused her expression to change was that she was pretty sure she'd seen this girl before, but at the same time couldn't place her...

Hey there~!

Vina called out to the feline female once Luna reached the small pier where the boat would soon arrive at. The vixen's tail was wagging behind her as she approached her fellow beastfolk with a friendly smile, holding her staff horizontally behind her back.

Also here to visit Oflainn?

Once she was close enough for the two of them to talk face to face she leaned forward slightly, curiosity evident in her body language even if her arched back also made her features stand out. Her nose twitched as she caught Luna's scent, the playful vixen tilting her head.

...You smell familiar~

@Luna Avalbane

 

[Luna Avalbane]

Well, that was quite the friendly greeting. Luna hadn't expected to be greeted at all, it wasn't like she was travelling in a party and she didn't really know anybody that played this game. At least, not anymore. The woman looked like some kind of druid, which made sense considering that it was a place of great natural power that the boat would be taking them to, with fox-like ears and a tail that wagged behind her, akin to but different to the swaying and flicking of Luna's own tail.

Um, h-hello there!

She gave the woman a small wave.

Oflainn is the big tree, right? I don't know the names of things too well, but if so, then yes, that's where I'm headed.

She gave a small smile, though she blinked when the woman leaned forward and seemeed to sniff at the air or something, before commenting on her smell. Maybe they'd run into each other beforehand in passing? She had to admit, though, the woman did look familiar.

I mean, you look slightly familiar. Maybe we've wandered past each other once or twice?

Luna shrugged, not too sure but also not exactly worried about it, before offering her hand for the fox to shake.

My name is Luna Avalbane. Nice to meet you.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

It sounded like this tigress was a bit shyer than herself. Which meant little, since most people were. Vina was as friendly as always, however, brimming with friendliness and curiosity as she raised one hand to answer Luna's wave with one of her own.

As the tigress answered Vina's question the vixen's smile widened a little, twisting her upper body so she could point at the large tree in the distance without turning away from Luna.

Oflainn is the settlement the Yladian elves built in the branches of the tree, but many people call the tree itself Oflainn as well. It's a remarkable thing, isn't it~?

She was quite happy to talk about the tree and its inhabitants with her new friend, since it was so similar to the dream she herself had so long ago. That and she just liked talking with people.

The druids made it as part of their efforts to gather support for the reclamation of their homeland, but I imagine it's also just a wonderful place to live~

Her tone sounded a bit wistful at that last part, although in no way sad or regretful. Maybe she could get herself a house in Oflainn? She'd have to ask around if outsiders could move in just like that, but it would be worth a lot to her to be able to stay at that tree village.

Possibly, but I would think that I'd remember you. You stand out, you know~? (She said it like a compliment, as she intended it to be.) But you remind me of someone...

Even as she tried to spur her own memories she happily took Luna's hand, her grip firm but gentle, or perhaps that was simply the limit of the strength in her hands. Whichever was the case, her azure eyes went wide when Luna introduced herself formally, her tail freezing before a moment before wagging even faster than it had been. Her friendly smile turned into a wide grin, the songstress finally having placed her memories.

Luna~! It's you~!

In her excitement she jumped forward and embraced her friend, brimming like the sun as the other people waiting for the boat looked at the two female beastfolk who were creating a bit of a spectacle.

It's me, Vina~! Remember me?

It might have been five years, but now that Vina knew who Luna was she greeted her as fondly as she would greet any friend she hadn't seen in a while.

@Luna Avalbane

 

[Luna Avalbane]

It's definitely a pretty remarkable thing, yeah. It's impossible to miss, even from miles out. Further if you're looking towards it from somewhere elevated.

It was almost impossible to miss, like those gargantuan monuments that existed in the real world, that stretched towards the skies and other such things. Luna was tempted to compare the giant tree to something like the pyramids, but the comparison wasn't a great one, so it was probably better to just discard it and move on without vocalizing anything of the sort.

It definitely sounds like a nice place. I'm guessing you're a druid, judging by the way you dress and that staff of yours?

Still, the fact that they both seemed familiar to one another was strange, or at least, it was until the reveal of Luna's name had apparently cracked the code for whoever this vixen was. And apparently, they were familiar enough for the woman to leap at her and embrace her, brimming and beaming.

Vina....

Luna hummed, the name extremely familiar on her tongue, before it hit her. They'd been together just before the server closing. She'd been demonstrating her ability to merge with Natiri!

Vina! Oh my god, I didn't think I'd run into you again! I wasn't sure if you'd returned to the game or not!

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

I was once hoping to create something like this, a really big tree that druids could gather at, but it still amazes me to see it.

The manifestation of the dream Vina had years ago, visible in the distance as clear as anything. There was still a small pang that she couldn't have been part of the process, but what was much more important was that the tree existed. As Luna correctly guessed Vina's "class" the vixen nodded as affirmation.

I am, yes~ Well, I'm also a bard, but I do think of myself as a druid~ I'm hoping to meet many fellow druids in Oflainn.

Maybe some of them could even teach her a bit more about nature magic. Vina wasn't bad at it, but she'd been neglecting it somewhat in favour of indulging her passion for music and the open skies.

It seemed like Luna needed Vina's name to remember her in the same way Vina needed Luna's. Knowing that Luna still remembered her made Vina very happy, as was demonstrated in the passion with which she embraced her friend and nuzzled her nose.

I'll admit I wasn't sure either, but I'm glad I did! I'm so sorry we didn't get to go on that journey together!

While her apology was sincere Vina wasn't sad in the least. Even if that journey had been cut short, their reunion was worth much more to her. After the initial hug she tightened her grip a bit, pulling her head back so the two of them could look each other in the eyes.

How've you been? I see you're a tigress now: is Natiri still with you~?

Back then it seemed like Luna was inseparable from her feline companion, so to not see the tiger around was a bit strange. Then again, it might be that Luna had yet to reunite with her friend after five years?

@Luna Avalbane

 

[Luna Avalbane]

A bard druid, huh? I think I can see it. I never did get to see what you can do back in the day, even though things are super different than they were back then now.

Hell, her entire skillset was entirely different. It had felt like she needed to reinvent herself, after the permanent loss of Natiri. Maybe it was childish to be so attached to a fictional, digital tigress, but there wasn't much Luna could do about that. The heart would do its own thing and that white tigress would always be a part of her. Physically and mentally.

Literally, too.

That was why she winced when Vina asked if Natiri was still with her, rubbing at the back of her neck as her ears flattened against her skull and her tail began to hang low.

Ah, um, do you remember how we were logged off whilst I was fused with Natiri?

She gestured to her body, particularly her feline traits, forcing her ears to flick a bit before they returned to resting flat against her head.

I'm like this now because she's, well, in here. Part of my body. I'm, well, a lot more Beast than most Beastkin are, I guess.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina laughed merrily as Luna commented on her masteries. It was true that Terrasphere had changed, but some things had remained the same.

Don't worry, I'm still the same as always~ If you want to see what I can do just ask and I'll give you a show for free~

The only thing she'd lost was her ability to shapeshift (which admittedly was a bummer) and her white magic (which she'd barely used). Other than that Vina might as well have been a picture-perfect copy of who she was before the servers were blocked, not only in ability but also in mentality.

Which also meant that she quickly noticed that Natiri's name brought unpleasant memories to Luna's mind. Vina's expression quickly went from cheerful to concerned, bringing up one hand to rest it on the tigress's cheek. She didn't say anything yet, but the question was clear on her face even before Luna began to explain.

I do. It was quite the sight.

Unlike her own magic which had allowed her to change shape, Luna had reached the peak of Beast Taming which had allowed her to become one with her companion. But as Luna explained what had happened Vina blinked, feeling confusion and sympathy alike.

Natiri is now... part of you?

It was a strange thought. Beast Arts no longer allowed one to merge with their companion, so the system just recognised Luna and Natiri as one entity now? Her hand travelled a bit higher, stroking one of Luna's ears carefully.

I did notice that you have a strong, beastly scent, but I didn't think it was because of something like that.

Lowering her hand she embraced Luna again, this time more tenderly in an attempt to offer her friend some comfort.

I'm sorry to hear that. I know Natiri meant a lot to you.

Others might laugh at the idea of getting attached to a virtual animal companion, but Vina knew that bonds were real even if the creatures involved were virtual. One's emotions were always genuine, and she strongly felt for her friend who had lost her closest companion even if, in an unusual way, the two of them were always together now.

Are you doing okay then?

@Luna Avalbane

 

[Luna Avalbane]

Yeah. I think with the changes to the system, the mechanics that had allowed me to merge with Natiri were gone and so the system registered Natiri as part of my avatar, rather than as a separate entity.

She'd put a lot of thought into how and why this had happened to her and it all came back to the same thing. A glitch, borne from something being changed and deleted at the worst possible time, the easiest fix for which had been for the world to delete the entity 'Natiri' and just merge it with whatever 'Luna Avalbane' was. Perhaps it had registered her beast traits and set her race to beastfolk.

She missed the ability to have pets. She really missed it.

The tender embrace from Vina made Luna's throat feel heavy and leaden, the swallow that she did to try and bury that feeling pretty much audible, especially for Vina, who would have been close enough to her to hear such a thing.

I....

She felt awkward. Really, she should lie and say she was doing okay, since Vina and her barely knew each other and she didn't need to burden the woman with her problems.

But still...

I'm....I'm not. I'm so lonely and lost without Natiri and all my old friends. I...I don't even know what I'm doing anymore...

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

It made sense that if the game no longer allowed for Beast Tamers to merge with their pets someone who was merged with their pet when they got kicked out of the game would end up in such a state. Well, at least it was reasonable enough an explanation that Vina could follow it, the vixen nodding in understanding even as her expression was filled with sympathy for her now-feline friend.

I can imagine that happening. It does explain why Natiri...

She didn't finish the sentence, instead listening as Luna clearly was struggling to get the words out. Being part tiger was no replacement for having a tiger companion, a friend who followed you around and experienced your adventures together with you. Terrasphere had done Luna a gross disservice.

As Luna admitted that she was feeling lost without Natiri, but also the friends she'd made before the shutdown who were no longer around, Vina hugged her tighter, ignoring everyone else as she did her best to help her friend.

I understand. I'm here for you now. (She stroked Luna's striped hair.) I'll keep you company if you want me.

It wouldn't be a perfect solution, as Vina couldn't just replace Luna's friends. But at least she might help take the edge off the loneliness her friend might be feeling.

Shall we go to the tree together?

@Luna Avalbane

 

[Luna Avalbane]

She didn't need Vina to finish speaking to know what the vixen had been about to say and even though the words were left unspoken they were able to be finished in her heart. And it hurt all the same, as ridiculous as it was. Somehow a virtual tigress had ended up feeling like an actual friend, or even a family member. It felt almost like she expected the death of a sibling would feel.

It was probably why she pretty much collapsed into Vina's hug and shuddered, trying to hold in any sobs or tears that threatened to spill out of her. Having somebody accept and recognize the fact that Terrasphere had taken so much from her was vindicating.

She hated it.

I...thanks...

She swallowed and tried to shore herself back up, make it seem like she wasn't and hadn't been on the verge of breaking down into tears, giving Vina a slightly watery smile as she nodded.

Sure. I'd like to travel to the tree together. It'd be just like before...before...

She swallowed, unable to finish the sentence.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina might not be strong, but she was strong enough to support a friend when they needed to let out their feelings. Thus she stood tall as Luna leaned against her, the songstress moving one hand up and down the tigress's muscular back in a slow, reassuring motion.

It's okay. You've gone through a lot. You deserve to rest and sort out your feelings.

Everyone had to deal with loss and sorrow. What usually caused them to break down was when they didn't have the opportunity to process those feelings. Vina's own eyes grew watery as her empathy caused her to share Luna's grief, the vixen making sure not to let go until the felis herself signalled that she had recovered somewhat and could support herself again.

Luna's smile was answered by Vina's own, the vixen radiating nothing but affection and sympathy. Her tail curled forward, touching Luna's own and brushing against the tigress's leg as the songstress spoke up again.

Great~! It shouldn't take much longer before the boat arrives which can take us there. I considered going around the lake myself but that might take a lot longer.

Despite Luna's renewed mental fortitude Vina didn't let go of her friend: instead she moved to stand next to her, one arm entangled with Luna's and the fingers of their hands intertwined. The wind was still blowing past them, from the plains to the waters, so as Vina turned her head to keep looking at Luna her obscenely long hair danced around her form.

We didn't get to go on our adventure before the shutdown, but now that we've found each other again we can make up for lost time~

@Luna Avalbane

 

[Luna Avalbane]

She would rest when she was tired. Besides, as she always told herself when she needed to make more steps forward, it was nothing more than a game. It wasn't real, as much as some people would try and convince people otherwise. It had been developed by humans, for humans, which meant that there was no way it could be real.

She was shocked to find that Vina's eyes were also watery and wet with unshed tears, not sure why Vina was possibly sad enough to hold back tears when nothing had even happened to the vixen.

Still, when they broke apart, it wasn't a complete and total break. Instead their arms remained interlocked and their hands intertwined, fingers threaded between one another. Hearing the talk of making up for lost time, Luna nodded, happy for the change in topic as she swallowed down the lump in her throat and banished any thoughts of that old topic.

Yeah. You never did get to do that thing you wanted to do. I hope you're not too upset that it was all kind've just done for you during the down time?

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina's empathy was often something that people had difficulty with. For her it was as normal as anything to share the emotions of others, something which she heard elves of this world also did. But more than once she had to explain that her tears were for the sake of someone else, rather than because of personal pain.

But she could endure that pain quite well, so as Luna seemed to be improving Vina's expression also quickly returned to its usual cheerful self, blinking several times to clear her azure eyes so they once again carried their relentlessly optimistic light. She could tell that Luna was pushing the pain back down, but here at the edge of the lake wasn't the best time to dig too deep into her friend's feelings.

I'm a bit upset that I wasn't there to be part of it. (She admitted before smiling brightly.) But I'm happier that people cared enough about the same idea I had to do it, and I'm excited to see it for myself~!

There was always a bright side to things so far as the vixen was concerned. Yes, she would have preferred to do her part, but wasn't it better that it was done, that others also wished to dedicate their time and effort to such beautiful goals?

On top of that, that's not the only thing I wanted to do~ (She squeezed Luna's hands softly.) There's many places in this world to explore, many friends to meet, and many things to do. There's no time to linger in the past~

Looking towards the lake she released one of Luna's hands to point towards a vehicle that was making its way across the smooth surface, elegantly cutting through the water with purpose as it headed towards where the two beastfolk were waiting together with several others (who had been doing their best to leave Vina and Luna alone).

That should be the boat~

@Luna Avalbane

 

[Luna Avalbane]

That did make sense. Anybody that had been planning something for a long time, put a lot of thought and effort into that thing, would be more than just a little disappointed that they hadn't been able to be a part of that thing if somebody else went ahead and did it without them. Frankly, it was a testament to the vixen's strange boundless enthusiasm that she was happier that other people had decided to undergo the same task that she had been gearing up for. Luna knew, if she had been working on a project and somebody else did it first, she'd have been annoyed.

I guess I kind of see it. Though, well, I like to think that the past can be quite nice to indulge in, personally speaking.

Especially for somebody like herself. The past was a place, a time, where she didn't have to be so alone and so lost for purpose. Still, breaking out of that reverie, she watched as Vina pointed towards a boat that was gliding across the surface of the water. Luna sighed, smiling softly.

Well, it's certainly a much easier journey than our last one was, though I will miss trekking through the wilds, I think.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

As the boat got closer to the shore its shape became more distinguishable. It was quite compact, looking more like a small house placed on top of a hull than a proper ship, and rather than a sail or oars it was propelled with paddles, which explained why it moved so smoothly. On the seas such a design would have been unfeasible, but here on the calm lake it was perfect for the comfort it provided its passengers.

Oh, I don't mean that we can't enjoy the past! I mean that there's no time to dwell on bad times when there's good times for us to head towards~

Energetic as Vina was she didn't often do so, but she could occasionally lay down in the grass and just let all the fun times she'd experienced flow before her eyes.

She smiled as well as the boat arrived, her tail wagging behind her as she stepped forward to the edge of the water. The other people made some space, allowing the beastfolk to join them.

We can do that another time as well~ In fact, after we finish exploring Oflainn we could head north and see what the Tangleweaves are like now~ I don't think you were there with us when there was an expedition?

The vixen shook her head as she realised that she'd rather not bring that time up. The expedition had been an experience, and while it had been intense and exhilarating it wasn't something she'd want to talk too much about if she didn't have to. Instead she swiftly moved onto another topic.

We could even go all the way to Zalra, and from what I've heard there's new lands in the west for us to explore as well. We don't have to worry about a lack of adventures Luna~

@Luna Avalbane

 

[Luna Avalbane]

Uh, right. I agree...

Actually she didn't, but she wasn't about to just come out and reveal that to Vina. But really, Luna figured that it was pretty impossible to avoid dwelling on bad times when they were kind of pervasive towards the entirety of one's life. Sure, outside of Terrasphere she was doing okay, but it was a boring, regular and quite lonely life, all things considered.

Still, the boat had arrived, so rather than just standing around, Luna quickly followed Vina's lead and stepped out onto the boat. Vina was saying something about going on a trip, something about the Tangleweaves and an expedition, neither of which really made a whole lot of sense to the felis.

Uh, sure, I guess we could go somewhere. It's not like I really had anything else to do, really.

Honestly, even she couldn't identifty the reason she continued to log hours into this game. Maybe she was still trying to run from her real life, but even then, it was impossible to find something she wanted from Terrasphere anymore.

I'm nowhere near as powerful as I once was, though. Especially now that I lack Beast Taming. My affinity with animals was my biggest strength...

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina raised one eyebrow slightly as Luna's response was less than enthusiastic, although her smile remained as bright as always. She could tell that Luna wasn't in agreement with her, which was often the case when the vixen made such optimistic statements. She'd give her friend another gentle squeeze in the hand.

And if you keep yourself busy you might not have time to dwell on anything at all~

Once the boat reached the coast and the gangway was extended they could board it together, Vina pulling Luna along as the other passengers quickly followed suit. The boat was easily large enough to accommodate all of them, with space around the central structure so those who wished to enjoy the breeze could stay outside while the rest waited inside for the short journey to come to an end.

To anyone who knew the vixen it would come as no surprise that she chose to remain outside, leaning against the wooden railing as the gangbridge was pulled back in. Slowly the boat began to move, a steady acceleration making it first turn away from the coast, then head back towards the waters and towards the tree that stood tall in the distance. With the wind blowing from behind and the boat carrying them forward it almost felt like there was no wind at all on board, only a light breeze stroking them.

It's a date then~ (She smiled wider.) You're still stronger than me though, I'd bet. But I'll make sure to keep you in good shape, so don't worry too much about it~

Luna's declaration that she couldn't tame beasts anymore confused Vina a little. Beast taming was no longer a thing, but Beast Arts had practically the same effect, minus the merging.

You don't have the Beast Arts Mastery? It doesn't give you the ability to combine with your companions, but you can still turn animals into your friends with it~

@Luna Avalbane

 

[Luna Avalbane]

Was there really that much out there to keep herself busy with? It wasn't like this world was so full of activity that it gave her no time to think at all. In fact, a lot of the time was spent in mindless wandering with nothing to do, thanks to the fact that the game lacked any kind of fast travel mechanic, or at least, if it had once then Luna hadn't managed to find it. Travelling had definitely been easier back before the servers had gone down.

Of course, back then, she'd been able to ride a beast or something....

Of course, now that they were moving on the boat, the wind at their backs, Vina decided to latch onto the fact that she couldn't tame beasts anymore. Luna swallowed, wondering how she should answer this question.

Ah, uh, well....

Her ears pressed flat against her skull and her tail tucked between her legs as she reached a hand up to idly play with a lock of hair, one of her usual soothing gestures.

I actually, when I re-joined, I was with somebody important to me. She...basically commanded me to change my Masteries.

@Vina Skysong