Complete 18+ Private Solvale Curled Up Together

[Vina Skysong]

After a warm and vibrant summer, the inevitable changing of seasons was finally arriving. The days grew shorter, the weather grew wetter, and the air grew colder. Winter was still months away, but people were already dressing more warmly (most people, anyway) and animals throughout the land were preparing for the harshest months of the year.

Astorea was no exception to this. Despite everything that had happened ever since the Starcalled returned the seasons would continue to follow one another, and even the busiest of people could not ignore when the weather went from hot and dry to cold and wet. Of course, many had left Astorea's territory in the fallout of the fight against the Dragonship's master. However, those who remained were more determined to stick together than ever.

At the edge of one of the forests adorning the Solvale region, there was a wooden cabin with a rather strange quality to it. Rather than roughly hewn logs or finely sawed planks the wooden walls appeared to have been moulded carefully, as if someone had shaped them like clay. Moss covered most of the walls, and the roof was made of very thick foliage. Overall it would be difficult to say whether it was a cabin, a tree, or both, especially since it was made of curves and bends rather than corners and edges.

While Vina was a traveller at heart she did recognise the joy of having a comfortable place to return to. This was one of the safest places in Astorea, and even if she didn't return often it did help to have this little home available for when she wanted to kick back and relax in a more cosy environment.

This time around she wasn't planning on enjoying the approach of autumn alone either. She'd extended an invitation to her dear friend Fina to come visit, with directions to make sure the feline arms master could find the place. The druidess didn't know when her friend would arrive, but for the moment she was already enjoying herself preparing for Fina's arrival.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

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"Hm..." Fina took her while as she stared at what almost appeared to be a hobbit home of sorts, though not quite as submerged into the ground... as far as she could tell from the outside, anyhow. Granted, rather than being a hole dug into a large molehill, it was maybe more like someone used earth itself as the building blocks, instead of what usually grew on top of said earth. Which, in a funny way, did make this to likely be the correct place. She was looking for Vina's home, after all.

Good timing, too. It seemed that the weather was slowly turning for the worse and the first droplets of rain started falling down, quickly wetting the large coat that Fina always wore. Although this time it was actually helping her keep warm rather than just being there for the cool factor. Even her breath left behind a barely visible cloud of mist, showing just how much the temperatures have dropped now.

With a few knocks, the feline tried to lightly push against the only door that she managed to find. "E-excuse me?" It was still possible that she got the wrong place. Unlike real life, this place, unfortunately, did not have any fancy navigation or even postal numbers to go by.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina's sharp ears picked up the soft patter which indicated that raindrops were beginning to hit the roof, the vixen humming as she glanced outside. She liked the rain, but she could imagine that Fina would rather arrive here before she got drenched: most people didn't like getting rained on. Fortunately her glance caught the sight of a figure with silver-lavender hair, the druidess's smile widening as she hurried to the door.

The tree-like house was indeed very unusual, which might lead to some questions about what the windows were made of if no standard construction methods were involved. However, before Fina was given the opportunity to study the windows the door she pushed against would open, warm air flowing out from the house to greet her together with the owner. Vina greeted Fina with an affectionate smile and a wagging tail... and no clothes

You came~! Welcome to my humble abode Fina! (She motioned for Fina to enter as she stepped backwards to give the feline the space.) Come inside~

The interior was very similar to the exterior, with nearly everything being made of wood or other organic materials. The oven was the main exception, being made of stone for rather obvious reasons. But beyond that, Vina had put a lot of effort into making the house feel both natural and cosy, with plenty of comfortable furniture and a layer of very fine grass serving as a carpet.

I'm making some food and drinks for us as well. Fortunately making tea is easy with some magic, so if you've got any preferred type I can try to reproduce it.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

Fina's wonders and questions were quickly quelled by the vixen's swift response at the door. But as with many things in life, answering one question came with asking many more. The moment the wooden door opened and the feline's eyes trailed across its edge, and then onto the home's occupant, she became a bit staggered. Sure, she already knew how flippant the other girl was when it came to things like decency, but somehow, she just didn't expect to lay her eyes on someone deprived of clothes. "Do you welcome every guest like that..?"

The question was somewhat dry as an unpleasant thought entered the girl's mind. But she tried to shake it as quickly as she could, taking a step into the rather strange abode. The fact that the indoors was just about as earthy as the outside was actually quite surprising, as she honestly expected to find a completely normal interior. She honestly wasn't entirely sure how it would be like to live in a place like this. It just somehow didn't feel like it would be the best for her health? Well, not like Vina actually lived here, given her life outside of the game... or that her body abided by the same rules as the one outside of here.

"Um, I guess any green tea will do? I'm not exactly picky." At least the unusual room presented a good distraction for her eyes. Even if Vina was okay with eyes being glued to her, Fina certainly didn't feel particularly good about potentially staring at her friend like some kind of freak.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina laughed as Fina was clearly stunned by her nude appearance, the shameless vixen not even bothering to cover any part of herself even as she welcomed Fina into her home. The feline's question was answered with a wink.

Well, I don't invite that many people to this place~

After sticking out her tongue she closed the door, preventing the indoor warmth from escaping. As strange as the tree-like house might be, it did keep all the warmth contained very well, so even in the midst of a growing rainstorm Vina could walk around naked without feeling even slightly uncomfortable or chilly.

Sure thing! Make yourself comfortable while I finish in the kitchen~

With the clear focus on comfort it might be harder for Fina to remain uncomfortable than it would be to follow Vina's invitation. Several pieces of furniture surrounded a low table, each made of shaped wood but covered in thick green fabric. The combination of brown wood and green fabric was nearly universal, giving the entire house a very earthly and homely feeling.

In the kitchen Vina checked the cookies she'd been working on, licking her lips as she saw that they were ready to go. The only thing left was to boil some water and fill it with tea leafs, the former of which she'd already been doing before Fina arrived, so it took very little time to wrap it up.

You can hang your coat on one of the knobs on the wall if you want!

Rather than a standard coat rack the wall next to the door had several wooden knobs sticking out, clearly meant to hold clothes from guests and Vina herself. The playful vixen returned from the kitchen with a plate stacked with cookies and a wooden pot in which hot water was quickly getting turned into tea.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

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The non-answer given still left the possibility in the air, so Fina opted to just not think about it any longer instead. Probably better for her sanity anyway. And if there was anything potentially good coming from all of these encounters with Vina where the fox just didn't bother with any clothes, it would be that the feline would soon become somewhat desensitized to it. Perhaps she could function like a normal human being then, rather than an embarrassed pile of mess.

"Okay..." Her eyes quickly trailed over to the wall with said place for any coats and such, the large brown coat finding it a new temporary home. It certainly seemed to fit this place, at least in terms of colors. Although it made Fina wonder if the knobs were just an accidental thing, on account of this whole place possibly being a tree, or if the vixen actually owned any clothes that could be hung there. Perhaps she wasn't always such an... exhibitionist?

Plopping herself down on one of the chairs by the table, the girl just couldn't quite help but continue admiring the whole structure. One thing was clear, Vina took the whole fantasy thing to the peak. Fina herself did not own any property in this world, but if she did, she imagined it would be quite an ordinary-looking wooden lodge with an ordinary interior and boring furniture. Well, she couldn't exactly afford any of that, either.

"You live... in an interesting place. Um... did you grow this house yourself?"

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

The scent of freshly baked cookies quickly filled the building as Vina set the plate down on the low table, together with the more subtle scent of tea which slowly became stronger as the hot water inside the pot was extracting the contents of the leafs.

I did, yes. And thank you Fina~

Standing up she stepped towards the broad couch that bordered the table on one side, quickly making herself comfortable on the larger piece of furniture. Rather than sitting down she laid down as if it were a bed, exposing herself fully even as she stretched like a cat before tilting her head to look at her guest.

I was inspired by the elves~ The house is alive and still growing, so you need a druid to maintain it. It took a lot of time to get it right, and now every time I come here I have to spend some time restoring it.

Reaching out towards the table she snatched one of the cookies, taking a bite out of it while taking care not to let any crumbs fall onto the couch. She spoke again even as she was still chewing, adding a very weak crunching to her voice as she skilfully managed to minimise the sound.

Feel free to take as much as you want~ I can always make more if need be. How have you been Fina~?

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

Vina certainly made herself at home. Which made sense, given that she was... home. Perhaps it was just Fina would never quite dare to act that carefree in the presence of someone else? Perhaps, perhaps not. There could have been many cultural differences and much more. All the feline knew for sure was that the mild blush she wore would not easily go away if her company planned to keep presenting herself as if she wanted to be painted like of them French girls.

"I suppose that makes sense. Elves are often depicted as living in primitive tree houses... guess this world is no different. But being a druid, a minstrel, and a healer all at once... you sure like to keep busy, huh." The vixen carried a lot of titles, and a lot of talent. Certainly far more than Fina herself. As far as the girl would say, all she was good for was conjuring weapons and then chucking them at others. Couldn't even really make anything for others since her arcane weaponry would not last long.

Following the other's lead, the cat reached for one of the cookies and got to tasting. It was definitely good, so she could add 'A fantastic cook' to the list of things that Vina seemed to be. Her eyes remained fixated on the table absentmindedly for a brief moment, before they momentarily rested on the bare vixen and then went back to literally anything else. "Same as usual. There's been... absolutely nothing happening ever since Dragonfall. As if the world itself halted."

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina nodded along as Fina remarked upon the usual tropes which were associated with elves. Close to nature, able to easily communicate with it and living alongside the forest rather than cutting down trees and smothering the earth with blocks of chiselled stone. Her tail idly flicked as she wondered what it would have been like if she'd chosen to be an elf rather than a vixen: truthfully, it probably would have been her choice if it wasn't for the wondrous soft tail which even now covered part of her legs.

The Yladians living further north are very nice people. You should go visit them with me at some point, you'd be amazed at this giant tree they've built a village in~ (She pouted for a moment before continuing.) I guess I am all those things, but since they're all linked together it's not that difficult.

After consuming the first cookie she grabbed a second, taking a moment to immerse herself in the sweet taste. A slender finger swept around to indicate the tree-grown house around them: this time Vina took the time to swallow the bite before speaking again.

It's all about music and melody in the end. With the right tune I can make the plants grow, and with another I can fix you right up... or get you in the right mood~ (She winked.) It's less that I do various different things as that all living things can appreciate a good song.

While it wasn't absolutely necessary for Vina to use her music to channel her other magics it certainly helped. It made it easier for her to focus and cast complex spells, the music serving as the impromptu ritual which connected her with plant, animal, and person.

A small chuckle escaped as she caught Fina looking at her for a brief moment before quickly turning her gaze somewhere else. While Vina wasn't out to make her friend uncomfortable she couldn't deny that teasing the beautiful feline with nothing but her own nudity was entertaining. Although Fina's mentioning of the calm that followed the now famous Dragonfall did make her push herself up on her elbow.

Dragonfall was a lot to process for everyone. I'm thinking it'll take another couple of months before things return to normal. People always bounce back eventually though Fina~ For now I'm just glad we can spend time together peacefully. (She finished her second cookie.) And on Earth? All ready for Halloween and Christmas after?

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

For as long as she had been in this world, she had not explored all that much of it. Was it because of fear? Or something else? Fina herself did not quite know, but the world itself had loved to remind itself as a dangerous place. Sometimes to the point that one just had to wonder why anyone bothered continuing with this game as opposed to the far more mundane but generally safer reality. The mentioned Dragonfall was certainly the best case point for that, forcing many people to abandon this world for good. But it was probably best not to talk about it much, so Fina decided to make a small jest instead.

"Appreciate a good song, or perhaps be susceptible to whatever mind control comes with it." She didn't mean anything bad with it, of course, and even smiled as she said so. Though, it was a reminder that in this fantastical world, they didn't necessarily know how such things worked at all. After all, magic was the name for things that could not be rationally explained, right? Perhaps there was such an aspect to Vina's magic without the caster even knowing.

But when the vixen suddenly asked about the feline's real-life preparations for upcoming seasons, it took her aback. Pausing for a moment, she needed to re-organize her thoughts. Vina never really asked about such things, so it was a little surprising. "Mm... Halloween isn't a thing where I live, and Christmas is still too far for any preparations." Probably a rather disappointing answer.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina blinked at the suggestion of mind control, the vixen looking at the rain outside before shaking her head and pouting.

I hope not... If it was mind control that would mean that none of them could say no whenever I asked if I was pretty~ (She smiled back at Fina.) How could a girl get good feedback about whether a dress makes her ass look fat if she's charming everyone by accident?

Mind control wasn't exactly funny, but it was obvious that Fina wasn't being serious when she suggested it. The reality was that Harmonic Magic did influence the emotions and feelings of those who listened to it, but so far as Vina could tell it was just a stronger effect of what music did anyway. It certainly didn't get close to completely controlling their thoughts.

No Halloween?

That answer was rather surprising. Vina had been home for quite some time now, but she still vividly remembered the amount of effort everyone put into the holiday back when she was still a student overseas. And while the holiday was far from traditional it was very common to see people decorating their homes in celebration anyway.

Now that I think about it, I guess Halloween isn't that standard where I live either. Lots of pumpkin and bat decorations, but... (She shrugged.) No trick or treaters. Which is a shame, since I do love the idea of trick or treating~ Or even better, trick and treating~

She chuckled at that, then pushed herself upright and reached for the teapot. The scent of freshly brewed tea was quite distinct now, filling the room even as the rain outside picked up. There was now a constant muffled drumming as droplets hit the roof, the walls, and the windows, too faint to be a serious concern but a constant reminder that they were sheltering in the warmth while outside it was cold and wet.

Are there any other autumn celebrations where you live then Fina? Also, would you like a cup~?

One wooden cup was quickly filled with the green substance, Vina waiting for Fina's positive response to see if she should fill the other one as well.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

Fina couldn't help but narrow her gaze, which was already narrowed with plenty of doubt. "You wear store-bought dresses..?" That didn't sound right at all. It felt like catching a suspect slipping up in a murder case. The fox didn't wear much of anything to begin with, and when she did, it looked like clothes she made herself using her masteries. And those could barely be counted as actual dresses. But perhaps the feline gave this idea far too much thought and inner dialogue already.

For the more normal part of the conversation, she just shrugged. "Just the All Souls Day... or Saint's Day if you're religious. Or The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed if you are even more religious and can remember all that." And by being able to remember all that, she might have accidentally allowed Vina to have a tiny peek into what the feline's past might have been like, at least somewhat. "Either way it's just one evening when people gather at the graveyard to light candles to remember the dead... because it's too hard to remember them more than once a year, I guess." Her words were a bit bitter.

Of course, Vina was far more playful in her description of things. That much was hardly surprising, although Fina had trouble imagining how the other girl could exist in the real world with behavior like this. She'd probably be arrested for sexual harassment well before she could do anything that she does here.

Unable to think of any other Autumn celebrations, Fina ended up simply nodding to the question about tea. She did say she would drink some green tea, so it'd be a bit rude if she suddenly said she'd have none, wouldn't it...

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina tilted her head, surprised at the suspicion in Fina's voice, as if her wearing dresses was somehow against the natural order of things.

Not often, but it's fun to try things out from time to time~ (She looked at her own nudity, then chuckled.) I'm guessing my current looks are making you doubtful?

It was true that Vina liked being naked, as long as the environment allowed for it. While she could use her aeromancy to ward off the cold to some extent even she couldn't ignore winter for long. She found it funny that she'd made such an impression on Fina that the very thought got her feline friend wondering.

That sounds close to the origins of Halloween. (She pointed out as Fina explained.) But more focused on the original goal of remembering our loved ones.

Why this time of the year caused everyone to start venerating the dead was something of a puzzler to Vina, but it certainly seemed like a universal truth. The vixen shook her head as Fina implied that this was also the only time of the year that people bothered to remember the dead, quickly formulating a reply.

People remember their loved ones all year: it's just that once a year everyone comes together for it. That way everyone can share stories and good memories and pay respects even to someone they might not have known too well, but which they would've been friends with if they had~

As she spoke she also filled Fina's cup with fresh tea, the scent becoming a bit stronger and steam faintly rising from the hot surface. Pushing the cup towards Fina's part of the table Vina took her own cup and leaned back, crossing her legs on top of the couch and taking a sip.

Not bad I'd say~ It's not as good as what you'd get from the shop, but I hope you like it. In this weather it's nice to have something warm to drink, isn't it~?

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

"Less so your current looks and more so the fact this is far from the first time you are naked around people." If this was a one-time thing, then she'd think that Vina was just a little weird, staying that comfortable in her home when guests were over... but no, this was just the latest in the line of naked adventures. So Fina would say that she was a bit more justified in her opinion regarding the vixen and clothing, dresses included.

"Hm, wouldn't it be nice if that was the universal truth." Again, her retort was rather dry, but she didn't plan on dwelling on it. They were in this world to escape from the real world, at least for the most part, so why should she drag such negativity from there to here? Instead, she leaned it to take the cop of tea, trying to ignore the fact that while sitting, Vina was presenting herself to the feline even more than when she was lying down.

It wasn't bad. She might have been used to something sweater, as she always put honey in her tea, but this wasn't bad, either. "I haven't gotten any from the local stores, so I wouldn't know. And this one is good either way, so you're not gonna catch me complaining." Her eyes wandered to the droplets washing down the windows. She almost felt cold just looking at it.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Well~ It's true that I'm often naked around you, but that doesn't mean I'm naked all the time Fina~

Vina smirked light-heartedly, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes before she took another sip from her tea. She could also tell that Fina wasn't very comfortable talking about the customs of her hometown back on Earth, so the vixen dropped the topic as well to instead focus on what was important in the here and now: the taste of tea.

I'm glad to hear it~ But there are some shops in Finweald which sell really good tea, so if you're interested I could get you some to try out.

Her gaze followed Fina's towards the window, where droplets could be seen hitting the transparent surface and slowly sliding down. For Vina the knowledge that they were nice and dry inside while it was cold and wet outside made her feel quite cozy, but something about the way Fina was looking at the window made it clear she was also imagining what it would be like outside in the rain. The druidess shook her head and put her cup of tea down before reaching underneath the table.

Hey Fina~ There's enough space here if you want to join me~ (She pulled a blanket out from underneath the table, the thick fabric quickly unfolding.) It'd be much cozier together~

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

"Are you trying to imply something with that?" As she spoke, Fina took another sip of the hot tea, if only to briefly hide her blushing face behind the cup. Honestly, she wasn't entirely sure how to feel about the idea that the girl might have been naked more often around her than others... even if she found that somewhat hard to believe. They didn't know each other that long yet, so surely there were people she liked to do this around even more, right?

But instead of any potential elaboration, the vixen decided to pull out a blanket. Fina would be lying if she said that she didn't think it would, indeed, be very cozy... but she had to ask first. "Are you... trying to get me out of my clothes with this again?" Their time at the beach readily came to mind. In fact, the memory was so embarrassing that the feline could barely hold it for more than a few moments before nearly keeling over from shame.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina tilted her head, a mischievous but affectionate smile adorning her face in response to Fina's question.

Well~ I like being naked around you, I'd say~? You're a good friend, and I'll admit that I like to tease you~

Vina was playful and mischievous, but also very honest by nature. With Fina asking such a question it was inevitable that the vixen would speak the unvarnished truth, even though she expected her friend's face to get even redder in response. She knew that her behaviour was far from normal, and that many people would find it strange or even suspicious, but Vina enjoyed herself too much to worry about such things.

Instead she waited to see what Fina's response would be to the invitation. Unsurprisingly, the pretty feline was a bit hesitant, as the invitation would most likely involve her leaving her clothes behind as well so the two of them could cuddle together without anything getting in the way. Once again Vina responded to Fina's question with truth, nodding even as she straightened up and drew the blanket behind her, holding it wide open so Fina could see every bit of her naked figure together with the clear invitation of joining her.

It'll be even cozier without any clothes, so yes~ But I also just want to cuddle up with my friend and enjoy some nice tea and cookies together with her while the rain drums on the window~ But if you want you can keep your clothes on Fina.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

"Seems to be a constant among people who know me..." She couldn't quite say that she was happy with it. The teasing was never malicious, yet it sometimes left a bitter aftertaste. Perhaps she was far too used to teasing being a thin veil to disguise true vitriol.

Instead of looking at Vina even more, the feline's golden eyes turned back toward the window, mesmerized by the countless droplets of rain, washing down the glass. It was lovely to be cozy and warm, safe inside of one's own home during such weather... and yet, she couldn't help but feel that being outside in the rain would be just as lovely. In a completely different way, however... a more primal, feral, vital way.

"I'm... sure you can feel cozy in that blanket with just yourself and your tail." She ended up replying quietly, her eyes never leaving that window, only narrowing slightly, a tired look.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina's ears twitched and the vixen tilted her head a bit as Fina's response sounded... less than pleased, to say the least. Vina herself never acted with malice, and her teasing was well-intentioned even if it could at times become a bit much for people who weren't as free-spirited as her. But if Fina had become tired of everyone playing with her the fact the lack of malice in Vina's playfulness wouldn't do much to relieve the lavender-haired feline.

If it bothers you I can try to hold it back a little.

To not tease her friend would be a bit of a challenge for the druidess, but she was willing to try if it meant putting Fina at ease.

The rejection of the offer to cuddle together underneath the blanket was more of a surprise, but Vina noticed that Fina seemed to be more absorbed by the rain outside than the invitation. Wrapping the blanket around herself Vina looked at the window as well, watching the rain form patterns of droplets on the transparent surface. The large blanket hid most of her body once wrapped, showing little skin aside from her head, one of her hands, and her large fluffy tail which was curled around the blanket on the outside.

Is there something on your mind Fina?

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

Fina's longing stare out the window led to a brief sigh as she answered without turning to face Fina just yet, perhaps feeling a bit melodramatic. "Don't bother. I don't like it when people feel the need to change what they do because of me anyway..." Her life outside of the game was already one pity party after another, she didn't need that to be the case here as well, even if it was well-intentioned.

As for the other question, that was much more difficult to answer, honestly. "Nothing specific." She tried to think of a good way to describe it, but how does one convey a general moodiness? "Just the heaviness of it all, I suppose." Looking back at Vina, she blinked a few times and then rubbed her forehead as if she just realized something. "Um, or to speak like a normal person... I guess it's just the Winter depression. Hoped that wouldn't happen in this place, but... nevermind."

@Vina Skysong