Complete 18+ Private Solvale Curled Up Together

[Vina Skysong]

Hmmm... Are you sure? I don't want to make you uncomfortable. (She blinked.) Uncomfortable uncomfortable I mean.

Given that she was trying to help Fina become a bit more confident and willing to expose herself some level of discomfort was probably unavoidable, especially when Vina pulled stunts like answering the door naked. But there was a difference between pushing the boundaries to try and help her friend become more free-spirited as well and just being annoying or inconsiderate.

She nodded along as Fina tried to explain what was bothering her. Once she got to the root of the matter the vixen let out a soft hum.

Ah. Do you often struggle with that?

It wasn't something Vina was familiar with on a personal level, but as she grew up in Norway it wasn't an alien affliction either: plenty of people struggled with the long winters of the north. The vixen reached out from her blanket to pick up her cup of tea and take a sip from it.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

"Well, it's not like you are the only one. It wouldn't exactly change much if you stopped, but no one else did. Seems that the fault lies with me for being too easy to tease." That was one way to think of it, right? But it wasn't like any of it was malicious, to begin with. Frankly, it was all on Fina, who should have toughened up and just shrugged it off. She always did that in the past, so why wasn't she doing it right now? Did this world make her feel like a completely different person that much?

And once again, she found it somewhat difficult to answer. "I guess so?" That was ultimately all she said. What else was she supposed to say? That a good chunk of her life up to this point was her wallowing in misery? It wouldn't exactly be fair, would it? Dumping something like that on someone who just wanted to have a nice time and a friendly conversation. Especially when the source of that misery was often she herself rather than any external factors. A topic far too depressing to be discussed.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina frowned slightly as Fina seemed to be arguing that it was her own fault that she got teased. While it was true that the feline was quite easy to tease, the vixen didn't think that was the same thing as her being to blame.

If it bothers you, and you've said as much, the kind thing to do is for me and others to keep that in mind.

Different people had different things that mattered to them, and what was of little importance to one could become quite the thorn in another's side. And it wasn't unusual for someone who was easy to tease finding it more irritating than most, as they had to put up with it a lot more.

Fina's answer made it clear that her friend wasn't really planning to talk about her mood in detail. Vina hummed softly as she took another sip and took a bite from a cookie, but then she got up from her seat and walked over to Fina's.

Sitting down on the armrest the blanketed vixen reached out and placed a hand on her beloved friend's shoulder.

I won't bother you if you don't want me to Fina. But if you ever need someone to talk to I'm here. I promise~

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

While it was nice that Vina cared enough to be now really conscious of the issue, that was just her. Other people didn't know that being teased bothered her, did they? And she sure as hell wasn't planning on going around and trying to pour her heart out to everyone. She wasn't... she wasn't that pathetic yet. So she figured it was best if they just dropped it, or else they would continue going in circles with this whole conversation.

Once Vina got up, Fina shifted in her seat a bit, sharp feline eyes watching every move the vixen made. And as she seated herself and placed the hand on the girl's shoulder, her body flinched a bit, but remained still otherwise. "Thank you. You're a bit too good for your own good, I'd say, but not like that'll matter to you anyhow." Truly kind people had an annoying tendency to counter those arguments with more kindness, after all.

"But I don't think I need a therapist in this game as well. At least not until someone manages to spill my guts on the floor, I guess... trying to make sure that doesn't happen, though." She had this bad feeling that actually experiencing death, even if just in this game, would probably end up rather poorly for her. A bit hard to explain why she was seemingly always putting herself in danger, then, against monsters like Szofrit.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina wondered what was going through Fina's mind that had her watching the vixen's movements so cautiously. Maybe she was expecting the druidess to do something very forward which she wasn't in the mood for? The druidess didn't dwell on such thoughts for too long, making herself comfortable on the armrest as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

I've yet to sacrifice myself for another, so I'd say that I'm balancing things quite well~ (She smiled.) But I'm glad that you're also looking out for me Fina. I know that I can be a bit of a handful at times.

It'd take divine intervention to get Vina to stop being her altruistic self, but she wasn't so naive to not realise that at times her selflessness could also worry her friends.

Oh, I don't think I qualify as a therapist~ (She softly rubbed Fina's shoulder.) But anyone can use a friend who's willing to listen and help them out. That's just how it is for everyone: we're stronger together~

As for dying... (Shaking her head she reached a bit further, stroking Fina's cheek.) You're strong, and I know you can take care of yourself. And so far we've done a good job keeping each other alive, so I say we keep going with what works~

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

"Sacrifices are lame anyway." Why go for a sacrifice when you could just go for the perfect result where everyone survived? And, well... of course, Fina looked out for the fox. She tried to look out for everyone. Wasn't that just basic human empathy? Sounded like something that shouldn't be praised because it should be normal. But then again, she was quickly reminded of human greed and selfishness, just how vile people could be, and it made perfect sense. "Yeah... you can be more than a handful, too."

When the hand reached her cheek, an unfamiliar sense of touch that did not come from her own hand, it made the feline lean away slightly. "Right. It was just... an example. Nevermind, it was a stupid thing to say. Plenty of things would be better if I stopped my mouth from opening." It was often the case, she noticed. Simply staying out of things, not voicing her opinion, just keeping all to herself... it could make life so much easier at times.

"Your tea is gonna get cold if you don't go back to it." While saying so, she eyed her own cup, left untouched for a bit now. Maybe it wouldn't be so scalding now, especially against the backdrop of the heavy rain outside.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

While Vina wouldn't phrase it quite the same way she did agree with Fina. Sacrifices were tragic all by themselves, and the only situations in which she could imagine them being acceptable were if everything else had failed and it was either offering yourself or letting those you cared about die. It was essentially the bittersweet best worst option when things had already gone wrong.

More than a handful even? (She tilted her head.) I'll have to see if I can compensate for that then~

Seeing Fina flinch away from the touch Vina quickly retracted her hand and mouthed a 'sorry', the vixen taking note that in her current mood her friend clearly wasn't up for physical contact. A shame, since she thought that the feline arms master could use a hug.

Vina did shake her head once Fina started talking about how it'd be better if she didn't speak, the vixen frowning with some more open concern now.

That's not true Fina. I'm much happier when you speak your mind. As for my tea...

Her first thought was to just say that she could always pour herself another cup, but she guessed that Fina was also implying that she'd rather have some more space. Sliding off the armrest Vina would smoothly return to her seat, the blanket flowing around her form before settling down even as she grasped her cup once more to drink some more.

You should also give it a try before it's cold. Maybe give me some pointers on how I could improve it~

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

Compensate, huh? Fina imagined that there was only one way to really interpret that when it was coming from the carnal vixen. Honestly, the feline didn't hate the idea of having sex, but... it was too unfamiliar to her. So, as with everything, she was far too afraid to take the first step. Especially in a situation like this, when she was nothing but unpleasant to her host. Certainly didn't make for the appropriate mood for either of them. As Vina returned to her own seat, the lavender-haired cat let out a small sigh.

"Well, I'm not exactly a talkative person to begin with. Hell, I've been talking in this game for the past year more than I have talked outside of it... probably ever." Even if she ever had anything worthwhile to say, others didn't want to hear it. They always had their own truths they were far too preoccupied with, after all. "As for the tea... I think I would need to know more, or anything, really, about teas." But she did at least take the cup again and had another taste. It tasted good... but she really didn't have any suggestions to make. She wouldn't even know where to begin outside of 'more/less sugar/honey'.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Making herself comfortable on the couch once more Vina nibbled on a cookie after taking a sip from her tea, listening as Fina explained that she just wasn't talkative.

Maybe because you're experiencing a lot of things and meeting lots of people all at once? Terrasphere is a lot different from... anything else, really.

Even someone who wasn't talkative otherwise would probably have lots of things to say once they entered Terrasphere and tried to adapt not only to the different world but also to the many people they met, both natives and other players.

It's really strange that there's this entire world in a game that you just get an invite to at random. I wasn't sure what to make of it at first.

Terrasphere was a miraculous as it was ominous. If it wasn't for the consequences for dying Vina would have gone so far as to declare it a paradise.

As long as you like it then~ Are there any treats or snacks you like to eat? I'd have to experiment a little since not all the flora and fauna are the same, but I'd love to try and make something you like~

It wasn't like Vina was an enthusiastic chef: her invitation was born from the strong desire to make others happy, and even if Vina was altruistic and kind-hearted towards practically everyone Fina would still come to mind before most others.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

It made perfect sense, and Fina already figured that this was probably the case. Meeting so many people and most of them being rather extroverted, it was inevitable that at least some of it would rub off on her. Certainly not a bad thing in this case, but it was not something that could change her permanently. An adult person just didn't change that quickly without a traumatic experience to push things forward. "Yeah... it... is very much different from the world outside of here, and everything else."

Though when the fox mentioned the process of how people got into this game, it gave Fina a small pause, as she set the teacup back down on the table. "If you go by that process, then I don't belong to this world at all. I have never been invited into Terrasphere by anyone. I've learned of the game on my own... and then forced someone who did get invited into sharing the installation file with me." Hardly an honorable thing to do. A crime, even, depending on how one chose to view things.

But that was also quite a heavy subject, wasn't it? Taking a cookie and biting into it, the feline shook her head. "I don't really have favorites. But these cookies are good, so I guess you're already plenty good."

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Combining Fina's response with some of the other things she had said Vina could make some guesses at what her friend was used to, although she wasn't about to just jump to conclusions. Instead she nodded along.

It's a lot more intense as well. Both in the more fun and the less fun ways.

It wasn't like Earth was a utopia, but for most people who had the opportunity to connect to Terrasphere Earth was rather tame. In this world they were subjected to exciting and life-threatening scenarios where many things could happen and their own actions had a strong impact on what results they met.

Fina's admission that she'd more or less forced her way into this world did catch Vina by surprise. The vixen blinked as the feline bluntly explained that after she'd learned of this game's existence she'd "forced" someone into sharing the link with her. It wasn't something Vina would expect Fina to do... but at the same time it didn't seem that strange either. After taking several seconds to absorb the information Vina put her cup down as well.

So you sought it out before you even got the link? I'm surprised you'd go that far given the kind of rumours there are.

Knowing that Fina did like the cookies put a smile on her face. While the topic at hand may be a bit heavy Vina believed that in such a cozy atmosphere it wasn't that difficult to talk about it.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

Briefly running her hands across her legs, up to her knees, Fina wasn't entirely sure if she should continue. Though leaving things vague like that certainly didn't feel correct, either. "It was because of all those rumors that I was willing to go very far to get access to this place. I'd like to think that if people knew why, they'd understand..." Or maybe they wouldn't, and the girl was just placing far too much faith in humankind that was so hellbent on often demonizing anyone who was different from the majority, as she had herself experienced many times over and over.

And so she tried to change her approach a bit, looking at the vixen much more seriously before asking a rather simple question. "What was the biggest pain you have ever experienced in the world outside of this one?" A morbid question that perhaps came out of nowhere, but she figured it was a good prelude to making others understand. Sure, Vina might have been different than most, friendly and always trying to understand others. But even then, the girl couldn't help but feel that what she had experienced in the past with other people would just repeat again.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

It looked like the mood had indeed helped in some way, Fina continuing despite hesitation and uncertainty clearly making her slow down and choose her words more carefully. Vina blinked and looked rather puzzled, her azure eyes slipping down to where Fina's hand was trailing her own leg before going back up to the feline's golden eyes.

Speaking up at this point didn't seem like the best idea, so she gave Fina the time to gather her thoughts. However, the question that came next wasn't one that Vina could easily answer: the druidess looked confused at first, then thoughtful as her tail brushed against the outside of her blanket.

The worst pain I've ever felt? If you mean physical... (She hummed before wincing.) ...I think that would've been when I tripped and my hair got caught. It felt like my scalp would be ripped right off.

Vina's insistence on letting her hair grow long certainly wasn't always justified, and that was one of the few times where she'd wished she'd cut it shorter instead. Having your entire body weight supported by your hair was not fun at all.

Of course, she suspected that the reason Fina asked was because she had an example that would trump anything Vina could think of.

I'm guessing... That's small beans compared to what you've been through?

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

Fina quietly listened as Vina spoke about her unfortunate experience. Seemed like something that could happen to just about anyone... even if their hair was not long, what was keeping another person from simply grabbing it and dragging you somewhere by it? But that was hardly here or there. With her expression unchanging, she replied to Vina's expression of curiosity. "Who knows? It's been so long ago that I don't actually remember the sensation anymore."

She closed her eyes and opened them back up again a few moments later, as if she was trying to re-compose herself. "Sitting in a car, a truck collided with it, hitting the door that I was on the other side of. I was so mangled, it was apparently rather miraculous that I even survived." Her eyes flicked from side to side, as if she was trying to recall those moments. "I just remember that it was definitely the most painful moment in my life. But I couldn't describe the pain anymore, as if it never even happened."

Her fists clenched. "It left my spine shattered. That's why I was willing to resort... almost to violence to get access to this place. After hearing all of the rumors, and after being disappointed with so many other VR programs that promised they would let me walk again, only for the sensation to never feel right..."

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

So long ago that Fina couldn't remember the actual sensation... Vina guessed that meant it had happened during her childhood. Perhaps it was a blessing that she couldn't remember the actual pain any more? However, that was irrelevant compared to the long-lasting consequences that couldn't be forgotten or denied.

A car accident might not sound as impressive as some of the horrible incidents that occurred in this world, but Vina still winced in empathic pain as Fina told her of what had happened to her. While she didn't want to interrupt Fina's explanation she did look at her friend with clear sympathy in her eyes, resisting the urge to get up and give Fina a warm hug.

Once the explanation had come to an end Vina stayed silent for several seconds, then nodded.

I understand. If that happened to me I'd also take any chance to walk again. And thanks to all the regulations there aren't any games which are as realistic as Terrasphere.

She slipped one hand out from underneath her blanket, flexing and stretching it. In other VR games you were clearly controlling something akin to a puppet, and input was very limited. In here, however... if it wasn't for her tail and her ears she would have a hard time telling that she wasn't just on Earth, inside her own body.

I can also imagine that it'd make you more sensitive about being touched, so I'm sorry if I've been making you uncomfortable. (She smiled.) I still want to give you lots of hugs, but I'll make sure to ask first, okay Fina~?

Most likely Fina had already heard "I'm sorry to hear that" often enough throughout her life for it to have become tiresome. Such sentiment could begin to feel like pity when it came to an accident that redefined your life. While Vina couldn't help but be sympathetic she wouldn't want to reduce Fina to what happened to her.

I'm glad you told me.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

"I'm honestly not sure why I've told you all of that, or why I framed it so dramatically... wasn't really planning on telling anyone in here." But at least Vina was understanding. Though, frankly, Fina would have to reconsider her relationship with anyone who would not be understanding after being told such a thing. This whole reveal also served as a bit of a context... since now that she had already said this much, she might have as well tried to explain why she could be so moody at times.

"I've also grown up in a small village... as in, a proper real world village with less than thousand people living there. Pretty much no accessibility. When all the kids were playing out in the fields, I had to stay home. I'm not exactly used to human contact after so many years of being alone. Especially intimate contact..." Having her skin touched by someone else often easily made her jump, the feeling simply so alien and unfamiliar that her body or mind were not used to it.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina hummed shortly after Fina questioned her own actions, the vixen taking several seconds to consider the question before shrugging.

Maybe you just wanted me to know you better? It's easier for people to get along if they understand one another well, and your past is important for who you are in the present. (She nodded.) Don't worry though, I won't tell anyone else~

The fact that Fina also had to put up with growing up in a rural community where her options were more limited helped accentuate just how important Terrasphere must have been for her. Vina pushed the bowl of cookies a bit closer to her friend. The steady if muffled drumming of rain hitting the walls and the roof continued, an incessant rhythm which contrasted with the steady glow of the translucent bulbs attached to short branches growing out of the walls to serve as lights.

That just means we should make the most of the opportunity now that we're in this world together, doesn't it~? I'm sure that if you spend enough time with me you'll quickly become used to those kinds of things.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

"Knowing things about other people also makes it easier to manipulate and blackmail them, but I'll trust you." She said half-jokingly as she took a cookie. They really were good, huh. With how versatile magic was in this world, were there perhaps even more cookie wizards in TerraSphere? Nevermind that, at least Vina was taking all of this in strikes, doing her best to be supportive. "I think people might get used to some entirely different things in your presence specifically."

Being around the vixen could be quite strange. She was unashamed, completely different from how one would act in the real world. And yet, this place obeyed many of the same rules as the physical world. Yet, people could do so much more here, and be so much more free. Was it simply because anyone could attain power? Or was it the people who made things more open? It truly made her wonder. In fact, why did she just not ask? "Um... weird question out of the left field, I think, but do you ever get in trouble for your demeanor and your lack of clothing?"

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

The suggestion that knowledge of someone could allow you to control them made Vina blink. It was true, of course, but it was not a thought which came to her naturally. Teasing people by finding out what they reacted to was one thing, but it was clear Fina was thinking of something darker.

However, the feline then followed up with the declaration that she trusted the vixen, so Vina just shook her head before smiling.

I'm glad you trust me then Fina~ As for that... (She laughed softly.) I hope they do~ Life is so much more fun when you don't spend too much time worrying about things like clothes~!

There were plenty of good reasons to wear clothes, but modesty wasn't one that Vina really cared about. If being herself helped other people feel the same she'd consider it a good thing, even if others might disagree.

The next question wasn't entirely unexpected, as Fina had made it clear that she found Vina's behaviour unusual (as did many others. The vixen hummed as she pulled up her legs inside the blanket and wrapped her arms around them.

Sometimes, yes. Most people don't really mind, but others have a harder time with it. It's why you'll rarely see me naked inside a town or city~ (She shrugged.) I don't really mind clothes so it's not a big deal to me. That, and I can just run away if things get hairy~

She chuckled, her expression becoming a bit more mischievous as she thought back to some encounters.

And there are those who just need a little convincing~

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

"People usually worry about things more serious than clothes, in my experience." Her words were followed by a brief pause as if the girl had just realized that what she said was rather stupid. "But I suppose people also tend to worry about things even smaller and more insignificant than clothes... either way, plenty of people find clothes and the act of choosing and wearing them fun. It's pretty normal for people to want to feel and look good, after all." And putting that pressure of looking good on their bodies was often far too much. Buying and wearing new clothes was much simpler and faster than having to work for good looks, after all.

This place was different, however. Vina's body was, by all means, perfect. Proportions that even some supermodels could envy, free of any blemishes and scarring. Even her hair, and fur, all lustrous and soft (presumably) as if she gave it all the care in the world. Maybe she did, but Fina was ready to bet that a lot of that was just how the bodies of Starcalled were by default. One of the many aspects by which Landers were able to recognize them as outsiders so easily.

Snapping back to the present, Fina tried to recompose herself, realizing just how deep into her own thoughts she went, probably staring somewhat absentmindedly. "Well, you do you. In this world, there is no framework that could be used to ensure that a single act of... 'lewd deviancy' could ruin your entire life, forever more." Her tone probably betrayed how she felt about these things in the physical world. Punishments so severe that few mere seconds of action could dictate the course of one's life until its ultimate end. Of course, many, many would be against her in this regard. After all, people with such convictions were often labeled as monsters who should be shot dead on the spot.

@Vina Skysong