Complete 18+ Private Natural Touch

[Crimson Ruby]

It felt warm to be embraced by the vixen, and as hard as things has been in that dire moment, they were finally safe. Her lips quivered in a smile as Vina declared she would be a fool for leaving her alone, but at the same time, an apology came, making Ruby shake her head, pressing her head against Vina's. "No, Vina... I should've been more careful... I'm sorry for making you so worried, and for you to hurt because of me..." She said, opening her eyes and caressing the vixen's cheek as the hug slowly parted.

"It... It is fine now..." Ruby looked around, with her gaze soon focusing on the fallen girl, frowning and pursing her lips.

"Is she dead..? If not... We need to finish this job." Struggling, Ruby tried to sit, patting her hand around to try and reach her sword that was about a foot away from them.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Given that Vina had gotten hurt before Ruby did the vixen didn't agree with the feline's assessment of the situation, but she didn't have the energy or the will to argue. Instead she just smiled and slowly loosened her grip.

Let's just be more careful next time~

As Ruby tried to sit up Vina would kneel down next to her, supporting her friend and helping her lift her upper body from the ground. However, she frowned as the dancer suggested finishing the Flamebringer off, her natural resistance towards killing rearing its head even if she knew exactly why Ruby would want the human eliminated. The two of them had only barely managed to win the fight.

Still, that didn't mean she was comfortable with killing their opponent after she'd already been incapacitated, so she shook her head slowly.

I think... it'd be better if we disabled her constructs. Ivis still needs to know what happened to her kin.

Dangerous as the Flamebearer was, she relied heavily on her magitech creations. If the two of them could render the drones and the infernotech drake inoperable they should be capable of handling the human, especially if Ivis came back and assisted them.

Vina tried to help Ruby stand up, but winced and hissed as the pain in her arms and side kept her from even pushing herself up. Falling back down onto the ground she took a shallow breath and began to hum again, this time focusing on her own wounds. Once the bullets had been pushed out and she was no longer bleeding she let out a sigh of relief.

I hope Ivis returns soon... we still need to put out the fires.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby knew Vina's words regarding disabling the constructs meant more than simply safety. There was intention of keeping the Flamebearer alive, an idea that made Ruby feel a sour and bitter taste lingering in her tongue, especially after all pain she had caused.

"... You are right... Let's start working on it... Little by little."

Whatever it was that had happened to Ivis kin, however, was only for the Flamebearer to know, and for such... They needed to interrogate her.

---

Recovering and soon taking care of the flames that continued to destroy the forest, it took a big effort of other fae creatures, magic, and the help of Ivis herself, that eventually had returned to the battlefield she had ran away from.

Making sure that the Flamebearer wouldn't face an immediate consequence from the dryad required some talking, but after everything the two of them had done for her, the dryad was more than willing to listen to them, limiting herself to keep the red haired enemy restrained tightly by vines around her limbs held behind her back, and around her neck, just like the two beastfolk girls had to endure.

However, she was still unconscious, which gave them time to explain thoroughly everything that had happened, the Flamebearer's intentions, and what those dangerous constructs, that were now disabled and crushed by strong roots, were for.

"No wonder the two of you are so hurt... The Flamebearer was certainly a ferocious foe..." She looked at Vina, swallowing and taking a few steps back. "Thankfully... At least she could've been saved..." The dryad smiled, tracing a finger on the pixie's hair, that was sitting on her shoulder.

The pixie shimmered, looking at the two women with a fond smile before taking flight, hugging Ruby's arm, then following to Vina's, squishing it a bit.

Ruby slipped a faint giggle, looking at the pixie and smiling. "You are welcome, little fairy." She bowed her head, wincing slightly at how sore her body still was.

"And... I may owe the two of you my deepest apologies." She looked at Vina, swallowing and taking a few steps back. "For getting ahead of myself, and trying to accuse you from causing destruction to our forest... And even after that, you were still willing to help us, I... I'm terribly sorry... But also, my gratitude don't have words to describe it..." The dryad closed her eyes, holding both of her hands close to her chest.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

After the two of them managed to defeat the Flamebearer and got to work dousing the flames the redhead had been spreading so liberally the hot smoke created by the forest fire, no longer captured by Flamebearer's drones, rose high into the sky, quickly cooling down once it escaped the confines of the jungle. By the time Ivis had returned to help clear the flames the smoke had turned into dark clouds, and within minutes the first raindrops fell, soon followed by many more.

The rain alone wouldn't be sufficient to put a halt to the hungry flames, but it did help the Travellers and the forest dwellers in suppressing the flames until they could put an end to the mess. A silver lining to the human's madness was that the small clearing she'd created with her constructs allowed the rain to penetrate the dense canopy, nourishing the soil far below and bringing refreshment to those who'd dared to brave the flames.

I didn't think she'd bring such a big construct into the Tangleweaves.

Vina had also taken the time to further tend to her and Ruby's wounds, lessening them to the point that they could at least move freely... if they were willing to ignore their bodies complaining. The vixen was seated in the middle of the small clearing, letting the rain hit her naked form without restraint, her obscenely long hair now clinging to her curves and the silky fur of her tail hanging down heavily.

Still, it would've been easy if I'd been a bit more careful. A lesson for next time~

She smiled affectionately as the pixie rewarded the two of them with a hug for their efforts, using her slender fingers to carefully stroke the small fae's back in response.

I'm glad you're safe as well~

Ivis's next words made her blink in confusion, already having moved on from the way the dryad had treated them at first. As the plant maiden tried her best to apologise the druidess first tilted her head, then once Ivis had closed her eyes she stood up and closed the gap, wrapping her arms around the dryad with a soft chuckle, suppressing a wince as her body objected.

Don't worry about it Ivis~ We wouldn't hold grudges over a little misunderstanding, and we don't need a reason to help one another, do we~? (She looked over her shoulder to give Ruby a wink.) Besides, I don't mind a little vine-play~

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

The dryad looked at Vina with a small smile, one that Ruby had shared and nodded in agreement. "Exactly. What is in the past, is in the past."

Then, the teasing words caught Ruby by surprise, making her ears perk up.

"Vine... Play..?" She tilted her head.

The confused question of the dryad made Ruby's face flare up, and she shook her head. "I-It is nothing, Ivis." She reassured, casting a glance at Vina and pushing her softly. "Vina! Don't teach her this kind of thing!" She scolded her friend, mildly.

However, a salvation from the embarrassment came as soon as a coughing startled the girls.

At first, Ruby decided to not take off the mask of the girl just in case she had harmed her neck. But seeming the girl in a fit of cough while wearing it made she reach for her, removing the mask with little to no care, revealing the face of the Flamebearer.

"Decided to wake up? That's a shame, I wish it would've never happened again."

"Y... You..." She coughed, exasperated, struggling faintly to move her arms, but noticing they were stuck. "Fuck..." The curse came with a cost of another cough, and she rested the back of her head on the tree she was forced onto.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina couldn't resist a mischievous smirk as Ivis seemed confused and Ruby embarrassed. Letting go of the dryad she took a step as the felis pushed her, suppressing another mild wince as she instead tilted her head as if confused by the dancer's words.

Why not Ruby~? She'd be very good at it, and she might enjoy it as well~ (She smiled towards Ivis.) I can give you a demonstration if you want after we've had the opportunity to rest~

However, before she could continue to embarrass Ruby (and hopefully introduce Ivis to a new and exciting hobby) their captive showed signs of life, the songstress quickly turning towards the bound redhead. Even as they'd been dousing the flames she'd managed to locate the hand Ruby had removed at the beginning of the fight, and while she hadn't gotten around to reattaching it now was as good an opportunity as any.

Hold still.

Her words were as much warning as they were an instruction, the vixen kneeling down next to the Flamebearer. Fortunately Ivis's vines hadn't blocked the stump so she could get to work.

Ivis has some questions for you. I think it'd be best for everyone if you cooperated.

With some luck the Flamebearer would understand the meaning behind Vina's words: if the redhead continued to be antagonistic Ruby and Ivis would have little reason to feel merciful. Vina would rather strip the Flamebearer of anything remotely dangerous and drop her outside of the Tangleweaves, but if both Ruby and Ivis decided that the human was too dangerous to leave alive she wasn't really in a position to force the issue.

Placing the hand at the stump she began to hum softly, keeping her voice low as she began to form a resonance between the hand and the stump. Once a resonance was formed it'd be easy to convince the two body parts to reconnect, given that they used to be part of the same whole.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby glanced at Vina, with a lowering ear expressing her skepticism. "I suppose she is, considering she can summon vines, but..." She sighed, shaking her head and smiling faintly. "You are really something, Vina." She muttered.

"I wouldn't mind seeing what you have to teach me, Vina."

She answered, but her attention was mostly locked on the red-haired, approaching her while Vina treated of her severed hand.

"AH... AAAARH!" She scowled, feeling her hand being reattached to her body, breathing heavily when the process was mostly done. "Kill me..." She bared her teeth in response to Vina's words.

"You can bet that's my plan. But you can also bet that I won't 'kill' you so easily. You really won't like what will come to you, so do our dryad a favor and answer her. This way, I will be able to think a bit more kindly of you when I give you what you want." Ruby made it clear, nearing her face to the Flamebearer and making her lean her face away.

"Get off me!"

Before Ruby could engage into aggression any further, however, a wooden hand rested on her shoulder, tightening a grip and tugging the girl slightly away.

"Enough... You, Flamebearer. I'm not sure what are your intentions, nor I am sure of why did you go that far, nearly destroying our home... But I must know, above all of that. What did you do to my sisters?"

The Flamebearer gritted her teeth, looking at the dryad in a disgusted expression.

"Timbeeer."

She responded comically. The dryad simply frowned, unsure of what that meant, but Ruby was ready to throw the red haired a fierce punch on her face if not interrupted.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina practically beamed as Ivis showed a willingness to learn more about this "vine play". Of course, she imagined that the dryad would be rather surprised once she found out what exactly the vixen was talking about, but with some luck she could get the plant maiden to go along with it and learn to enjoy it.

Wonderful! I'll make sure to educate you thoroughly Ivis~

However, that was a delight for another time. For now they had to deal with their captive. While Vina did her best to make the reattachment process as painless as possible suddenly having your nerves reconnect was never a pleasant sensation. Finishing the connect quickly she got to work tidying up, but was distracted by the Flamebearer's words.

...Why would you want that?

The Flamebearer had only lost a fight while trying to acquire those gases which she claimed were valuable. There was little reason for her to want to die.

Ruby's attempt at getting something more useful out of the redhead didn't seem to work either. Vina shot her beloved friend a concerned look as the dancer spoke so freely of intentionally making the Flamebearer's demise unpleasant if she didn't cooperate. To decide she was too dangerous to let live was one thing, but to threaten with torture...

The Flamebearer's response to Ivis made Vina's heart sink. The first interpretation which came to her of the human's words was not one she liked, but she couldn't put it past the Flamebearer either. Before Ruby could punch their captive in the face Vina placed a hand on the bound human's shoulder.

Why are you trying to goad us? You said you were here to collect the gases that the roots of the Allfather Tree produce, but you're acting like this is some personal grudge you're willing to give your life for.

The redhead's actions didn't match her proclaimed motivations, and while Vina didn't think that the Flamebearer would suddenly spill the beans she wanted to at least try to understand.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby halted her punch halfway through, clenching her fist tightly and suppressing her anger at the moment. Ivis was still clueless, but her expressions grew in concern as she connected dots and simply assumed the situation was the worst possible by the whistle's reaction.

Before Ivis could voice her worries, however, the Flamebearer responded sharply to Vina-

"Why do you care?"

Her question was sent without any hint of enjoyment for it, scoffing at the following question the vixen had to her, that only served to deepen her scowl.

"... I don't understand. Tell me already, why? What happened to my sisters, are they-

"Dead? Yes. I won't sugarcoat to you, 'sweetie'. They are in fucking hell. Is that what you and this bitch wanted to hear?"

She roared, being enough for the dryad to flinch and scowl herself, but the following punch that connected on the girl's face this time wasn't held back, sending her head to the side, with a exaspered cough following it.

Ruby had her fist clenched, also bruised due to the impact with her fingers on the Flamebearer's skull.

"You aren't crazy. You are a psychopath, that's what you are." The crimson cat grabbed the other red-haired by the neck, forcibly pulling her to face her. "Vina! This one isn't worth to talk with, let's just end this."

"Yes. End this. Kill me, I will come back and kill you too until you won't come back again yourself. And if you kill me for good, At least I get to find the sisters of this stupid plant to kill them again."

"ENOUGH!" She shrieked, stomping the ground and making the vines tighten while another pushed Ruby away.

"What is with this hatred? You haven't responded the vixen's question... This is a concern of mine as well. To end this-"

The flamebearer struggled for a moment at the tightening grasp of the vines, but soon, they loosened again, allowing her to respond.

"Now you want to stop and think about being concerned about hate and to end this with conversation?! When we first came to this place, your beloved 'sisters' met us with all hatred they had."

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina shot Ruby a quick, grateful look when the dancer held back her punch so the songstress had the opportunity to talk to their captive for a bit longer. Given what had happened she could understand that Ruby had very little patience left for the Flamebringer, so for her to still control herself for Vina's sake was noted and appreciated.

Their captive's question was fairly easy to answer.

Death is a tragedy most try to avoid. It's concerning when someone openly asks for it.

Of course, her own patience was also tested when the Flamebearer so blatantly exclaimed that she'd killed the dryads who'd had the misfortune of meeting her before Vina and Ruby did, the vixen going pale as her fears were confirmed. Although there was also some confusion in her expression, a minute twitching of one ear, when the Flamebearer mentioned hell.

Her expression grew troubled as Ruby urged her to stop questioning their captive. The white-maned vixen looked at both redheads, frowning and flattening her ears against her skull as she tried to think of how to proceed. To go along with Ruby's impatience, or to continue digging for why this had happened...

Before she could make up her mind Ivis intervened, the dryad enforcing her decision through her vines. Clearly she wished for more answers. Vina nodded along, agreeing with Ivis's words... but her ears shot up and her eyes widened as she realised what the issue might be. Her gaze went from the Flamebearer towards Ivis, recalling their first meeting, before looking at the redhead again.

...How many friends did you lose?

She asked this cautiously, glancing towards Ruby as she hoped that her own friend would understand what she meant. The Flamebearer was referring to herself as part of a group, and given that she was now here alone, and seemed to be much more emotionally invested than she should be if this was purely about acquiring resources...

Ivis... It's not unusual for dryads to get rid of those who harm the forest, is it?

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby didn't fight back against the vine pushing her away, but it wasn't to say she liked the idea of being pushed aside for a moment, keeping her hand firm on her blade as she continued to keep a hostile gaze on the Flamebearer. Whether she had dead friends or not didn't concern her, not when she was being rather cruel.

"It doesn't let you be allowed to destroy a whole forest regardless. And you shouldn't try to go and threaten to kill others either."

Yet... She could understand the feelings she had at the moment, for now leaving the talking to Vina.

When asked about the lost friends, the flamebearer averted her face, and Ivis' body remained stiff, even as she turned to respond the vixen-

"It isn't. Anyone that harms the forest must be fought off." She responded, turning to look with a firm gaze at the Flamebearer. "A lot of my sisters are even more zealous and quick to deal with problems like you. If you had left the forest be, you wouldn't have lost anyone."

"Fuck you and your forest. We didn't know you and the whores of the forest would wage war just because of some goddamn trees-"

Ivis tightened her fists, and so did the vines around the Flamebearer's neck, that soon closed the airways of the red-haired that braced herself.

"It isn't 'just trees', they are part of us. Part of the forest. Part of our family." Her eyes turned serious, and a deep frown crossed her face.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina took a deep breath as she tried to get a grip on the situation. The Flamebearer had come to this forest together with her friends to collect some of that gas the Allfather tree roots produce, only for the dryads to respond lethally to a perceived threat to the forest. With her friends killed the Flamebearer had lost all restraint and killed the dryads.

A tragedy all around, especially since it seemed like the Flamebearer's desire for revenge had yet to abate even though the dryads responsible for the deaths of her friends were now also gone. Given how aggressive she'd been towards Vina and Ruby she was either ruthless by nature or losing her friends like that had done a real number on her mental state.

Either way, the vixen had to somehow figure out how to resolve this situation. Both Ruby and Ivis clearly wanted to just kill the redhead and be done with the whole business, but now that the vixen knew why this situation had occurred she felt like that wouldn't be fair either.

After all, even if for the dryads protecting the Tangleweaves was the highest priority, if their first response to potential threats was lethal there were going to be instances where people were killed for not knowing how important the forest was.

Lifting a hand the vixen placed it on Ivis's shoulder when the dryad tightened the vines around the Flamebearer's neck, trying to calm her new botanical buddy and silently request her to stop choking the redhead. Her expression was one of concern and worry: unlike the others she felt no desire for revenge or justice, only regret for all the pain that had already been suffered.

I don't think choking her is going to help. (She pointed out softly.) For outsiders it's difficult to understand how important the forest is to its inhabitants.

Her gaze turned towards the Flamebearer, letting go of Ivis's shoulder so she could crouch and look the redhead in the eyes.

You have my sympathies for what happened to your friends. I know that doesn't help much, but I want you to know that. The lives of dryads are tied to the forests they are part of, so damaging the forest is like destroying their home and hurting their loved ones at the same time. And since there is a long history of outsiders cutting down forests without a second thought they've grown used to the idea that it's better to get rid of such threats than to try and reason with them.

It wasn't like she was taking the Flamebearer's side, but if she wanted to get the redhead out of this alive she needed to convince both Ivis and Ruby that the magitech menace wasn't going to be a threat in the future if left alive.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

"That doesn't give you any right to do what you did."

Ruby couldn't help but feel it was a waste of time to question the Flamebearer any further. The woman was clearly out of her mind, even all losses considered. She could understand the hatred, but it seemed like it was a big part of her fault as well. If anything, Ruby could only feel worried about Vina, that had got herself entangled in this complicated discussion.

The Flamebearer gritted her teeth when the dryad seemed very ready to let her choke to death. Even with Vina's warnings, the dryad almost seemed to clench her fists tighter, only making the Flamebearer choke more, whimpering, only letting it soften mildly so she could answer Vina.

A weak cough escaped the Flamebearer, and she glared at Vina and the dryad.

"We... We couldn't know, goddamn it!"

The words escaped, there was a hint of regret... But no hint of apology.

Yet, Vina's continuous attempting to convince the red haired, on top of the clear suffering that she was causing eventually made the dryad halt, and perhaps, angry at herself for not having the heart to do it, she shoved the Flamebearer away with her vines.

"Get out of our forest. And don't ever come back."

The Dryad said, teary eyed and shaking while glaring down at the coughing Flamebearer, that struggled to support herself.

Ruby had her arms crossed, and casting a glance at the dryad. "Are you sure about it?"

"..."

The Dryad didn't respond, averting her gaze from the Flamebearer, obviously lost in thoughts and holding back any second thoughts... For now.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina wasn't sure what else she could say at this point. Ruby clearly still was feeling very unkindly towards the Flamebearer, and Ivis hadn't relented with her vines either. Given just what the redhead had done she couldn't blame them, but she still didn't believe that just killing this person was the answer to the tragedy.

As the vines tightened Vina's eyes widened and she looked back at Ivis, worried that the dryad agreed with Ruby that there was no point in dragging this on any longer. However, after that the captured redhead regained enough air to give her final response, one which made Vina wince.

...I'm sorry.

Ivis actually releasing the Flamebearer and telling her to leave rather than finishing her off came as a surprise, but a welcome one. Vina shot the dryad a grateful look before moving a bit closer to the released redhead and placing a hand on her shoulder.

I can't give your constructs back, but I'll fix you up before you go.

If the human female were to head out in her current state there was a good chance she wouldn't make it out of the Tangleweaves alive even without the dryads after her. The vixen would waste no time channelling her magic, soothing winds gathering around the two of them to restore the Flamebearer's health and stamina.

While she did her thing she glanced back at Ruby and Ivis. She was pretty sure that this was the right thing to do, but she guessed that neither of them would appreciate her healing the one responsible for so much pain, even if it was in retaliation for what had been done to her and her companions first.

Keep going south and against the winds and you should reach Astorea before nightfall.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

The Flamebearer struggled to recover for a moment, rubbing her marked neck and looking at the group, now looking more scared than wrathful, compared to before.

A hint of anger did cross her face when @Vina Skysong insisted on helping her, but soon her expressions softened in gratitude. If anything, the vixen played a big role on her being still alive right now, and to show so much concern after everything she had done...

"... Th-Thank you..."

She said, not managing to look at the vixen's eyes, out of shame. A brief shake of head was the only response to the apologies of the vixen, and one last glance was taken on the dryad and the cat girl before the Flamebearer struggled once more, and stumbled her way out of their sight...

Ruby watched the Flamebearer leave with a hint of anger. She wished she could just wait her to go far enough for her to go there and finish the job. But... She didn't want to betray the Dryad's ultimate decision, and much less to betray Vina's efforts.

"There she goes. And hopefully to never come back." She shrugged, sheathing her blade.

"Humans have always been problematic animals, the elder dryad has said once... You kill one, they come back and kill many, you kill the ones that killed many, and the next step they are trying to wipe you out..."

The Dryad's eyes were still teary, and a tear may have even rolled down.

"I-It is for the best..." She turned to look at Vina, in a mix of apology and gratefulness. "Thank you for stopping me... I know, I believe that thing doesn't deserve to breath anymore... But the lives she will take away if she comes back in another revenge do... I don't want another cycle of death... I want... I want peace again. I want to rebuild everything... I..."

The Dryad paused, with her voice cracking for a moment as she fell in tears.

"I just want my sisters back..!"

Ruby pursed her lips, watching the situation unfold with a lump in her throat. She hated everything that had happened so far, and as unfortunate as it was, it seemed that it was the best they would manage. "... They are still with you, Ivis. I can feel it, this forest is filled with spirits that have decided to never leave it... And if they are as passionate to the forest as you are, I am sure they are still here. As a tree, as the wind, as... Well... As part of your home."

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina smiled tenderly as the Flamebearer actually thanked her. This wasn't a happy affair by any means, and it wasn't like she could completely forget what the girl had done, but it still was better than having Ivis and Ruby kill her after she'd already been beaten and defeated.

Good luck.

She watched the Flamebearer leave, letting out a small sigh as neither of the two others tried to stop the human from departing. Ruby had made it clear where she stood, and while Ivis apparently was willing to accept banishing the redhead Vina wouldn't have been surprised if the dryad still couldn't get over what had happened.

Once the Flamebearer was out of sight Vina looked up at the clouded skies, the ceaseless rain hitting her face before she turned back towards the other two.

It would be better for everyone if she didn't come back yes. (She sighed again.) Humans struggle to handle loss. The best we can do is keep one tragedy from provoking many more.

She stepped closer, her expression growing sadder as she could see how Ivis's grief was welling up to the surface even as she spoke. When the dryad broke down the vixen immediately wrapped her arms around the forest spirit and embraced her, closing her eyes as she stroked Ivis's back and curled her tail around one of the dryad's legs.

I know. It's... It's hard. But as Ruby said, their love for this forest and you remains here, as well as the precious memories you made with them. And we're here for you as well.

Opening her eyes she looked at Ruby, an unspoken message for the blade dancer to join the hug as well. She also began to hum softly, a soothing tune which drowned out the sound of the rain washing the forest despite its low volume.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

The Dryad leaned into the hug for a moment, before allowing herself to let it all out in Vina's arms. Despite the initial difference on how they should've handled this matter, the Dryad was now trustful of the vixen enough to be open about her feelings, and when Ruby was silently invited to the hug, the crimson cat pursed her lips.

She approached, understanding well the pain of losing people that one cared for, and soon she joined the hug with one of her own, a bit tight even... And the tears of the Dryad rolled for a long, long time...

---

After a long time spent fixing what could be immediately fixed. The sun was already disappearing, which made the tangleweaves take a different tone. It was dark, but the faint dim light of the glowing plants and fungi made sure it was possible to see.

Ruby, mostly exhausted from the long day, and from the whole task of helping to fix everything, slowly approached @Vina Skysong, while Ivis and the other fey were finally settling the last touches before break.

"Hey." Ruby greeted Vina, swaying her tails and resting her hands behind her back.

"... You are too kind..." Her voice tingled with a hint of scold, but her expressions softened, along with a small smile. "... And it is very charming of you." She admitted, letting her eyes linger on Vina for a moment, before her lips twisted for a moment.

"I guess this time it was for the best... But I'm worried someday this will backfire."

 

[Vina Skysong]

Comforting the grieving dryad had been a lengthy task, but one which Vina readily dedicated herself to. Even if they'd put a stop to the Flamebearer's rampage plenty of damage had already been done, and for Ivis not all of it could be healed. At least she had two new friends with her to offer comfort while she tried to process her sorrow.

Once Ivis had regained some of her composure Vina helped with restoring this portion of the forest to its original health, insofar this was possible within a day. Her druidic magic at least was quite useful in this regard, and even if the event leading to this scenario was an unpleasant one the playful vixen did find using her talents to restore nature to be a lot more enjoyable than fighting.

In the end she was still an outsider just like Ruby, so eventually the druidess had to step aside and let Ivis and her surviving friends do the remainder of the work, leaving her with little to do but close her eyes and enjoy the soft breeze that flowed forth from between the trees, speaking to her of other parts of the forest. She didn't catch any whispers of the blazing redhead who'd caused so much devastation, so she hoped that the female human had managed to leave the forest safely.

Heya~

Her eyes opened and she turned her head to look at Ruby with a smile. Like the felis the vulpis was also feeling the strain of working all day, and she was quite dirty to boot: mud, leafs, and other pieces of plant matter stained her skin and clung to her hair and tail. While she didn't mind the former the latter was irritating, so she tried to get rid of the worst of it even as Ruby voiced her concerns.

Thank you~ (She paused before becoming more serious.) I know you aren't happy with the outcome, and it's true that it could lead to more pain in the future. (She turned to face Ruby fully, tossing away some dirt before folding her hands behind her back as well.) But I don't like to see people in pain, or watch their grief and hatred twist their hearts. If she comes back for more I hope I can help deal with that, and if it turns out badly I'll accept that it's also my fault.

But I truly believe it's better to be kind in the present than to worry too much about the future.

If the Flamebearer had simply been driven by greed and sadism it would've been another story, but the more Vina learned the more apparent it was that the redhead had also been fuelled by grief, not malice. And that such motivations could be hidden underneath such an unhinged attitude was why she didn't want to assume the worst.

She walked a bit closer to Ruby, her tail swaying behind her. The expression in her eyes was a bit sad at first, but shaking her head she managed to shake off the sorrow, at least for now.

But I also understand that you're trying to protect those you care about and who you want to help. It's very charming as well, and I hope you'll continue to look out for me~

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby forced herself to keep her eyes locked on Vina's even upon the mention of her not liking the outcome. It wasn't a lie, Ruby really didn't like the outcome, but it was mostly due to personal reasons, just like Vina decided to keep the girl safe because of her personal beliefs. "At some moment, I felt like
I did understand her feelings. But I can't help but feel the same for Ivis. It was a tragedy after another." She sighed, along with her droopy ears.

"... It is probably in these times that your mindset is the best, Vina. If not looking behind was easy, we wouldn't suffer that much." Her gaze lowered for a moment, and then it went back to Vina, especially when her mood seemed to falter for a moment.

Approaching more, Ruby moved to the side and pressed her arm against Vina, while her tail wrapped around the vixen's waist to pull her closer.

"Of course I will keep looking out for you." Ruby offered a small smile. "Especially when I know you will do the same to me..." The crimson cat purred with a nuzzle and resting her head on the vixen's shoulder, before looking up and locking her gaze on Vina's once again.

"... This said, help me to make sure I will never cross a line that I shouldn't."

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

There's not always a good answer, sadly enough. We can only try to do right by ourselves and others and hope for the best.

Vina didn't believe that killing the Flamebearer would've helped Ivis in the long run, which was part of the reason why she had tried her best to avoid the redhead's capture leading to her execution. But she wouldn't judge Ruby for feeling differently, as she could also understand the desire for revenge after those you cared for had been hurt. Even if in her case that desire was almost always suppressed by her more altruistic feelings.

The warmth of Ruby's body was welcome, especially with that soft tail also wrapping around Vina's waist and pulling her closer. The druidess went along with the gesture, her own vulpine tail also curling around Ruby's leg while her hand moved to the feline dancer's shoulder.

Thanks Ruby. And yes, I'll do my best to help you whenever you need it and remind you of what's important when necessary~

Vina answered Ruby's purr with her own, closing her eyes and nuzzling her friend affectionally while also rubbing her shoulder gently.

Just don't get mad if some of my ways of keeping you from crossing that line could end up being a bit more than you asked for~

A playful smirk adorned the vixen's lips, along with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes that joined the warmth that was already there. Although the mischievous touch disappeared fairly quickly, the druidess instead glancing back at where Ivis and her fey friends were still working.

So, would you mind if we stayed here for a bit longer? The next couple of days will be rough for Ivis, so I'd like to be there for her. Our own quest doesn't have a timer on it either.

@Crimson Ruby