Complete Private ✪ Finweald Passing Time with Tea

[Siondhe]

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Scythe Mastery ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Spirit Magic ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Aeromancy ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Corrupt

She smiled, sticking a tongue out in response to the numerous jests from Ruby. Even still, she remained silent, listening to the girl explain her reason for being here. Learning more about the world...taking advantage of what can be done, just not in the real world...It reminded Kyra of the limitations that TerraSphere removed for some, opening up new wonders that they would never be able to experience outside of the game itself.

Me? I'm just here to help people...something that I can't always do in the real world...

She fell silent for a moment, contemplating that reason. Originally, she had spent so much time helping. Hours, spent doing nothing but healing in the emergency encampment, on the road, small facilities. So what changed...

But...I guess I don't do anywhere near as much of that as I used to, before...well, before a lot of things...

Before Camp Hope. Before Lübeck. Before the Reaper. There was so much before. So much change.

Now...now I think I've changed. I don't come here just to help anymore...I still do - help. I still run the clinic, but not as often. And...

She paused suddenly, considering what she was about to say. Suddenly shaking her head - not rising from her comfortable position - she continued her train of thought.

Well, you'll see soon enough what's changed. I think. And if not, I'll give you a thousand guesses. And then maybe we'll see how well you know me.

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby listened to Kyra attentively, twitching her ears at some words, at the mentions of changes, and Kyra's altruistic desire in Terrasphere. Unfortunately, Ruby couldn't say she shared the same heroic desire, but that didn't stop her from admiring the fox girl next to her, even if she said she didn't do it as much nowadays.

"You are very noble, Kyra." Ruby said, brushing her fingers on Kyra's hair, averting her gaze and squinting. "I see... So you are trying to test me?" She asked, wrapping her tail and tugging Kyra's, squeezing her softly and purring near her ear.

"Changing or not, I will still be by your side. I'm glad you know this enough to be comfortable with letting me see what has changed." She hummed, looking at Kyra warmly and fondly.

There was probably a bigger reason why Kyra decided to call Ruby here and to show something important like that to her. It puzzled the Crimson Cat, but regardless of the case, she wouldn't let her go. Especially knowing how things affected Kyra.

@Kyra Vashtana

 

[Siondhe]

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Scythe Mastery ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Spirit Magic ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Aeromancy ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Corrupt

Kyra remained silent for a few moments, listening to the night air and the sound of Ruby shifting beside her. She wasn't entirely sure why she had summoned Ruby - well, she had a small idea, but...

What...asking you over for dinner, dress shopping, and weapon-picking-up isn't a good enough reason? And here I thought I was being romantic...

Her tail suddenly straightened as she realised what she'd said aloud, her face going a bright red and her ears twitching in response. She held her breath for a second, before letting it out softly as she felt her heart racing. She didn't look up at Ruby, instead focusing on the road in front of them.

Uh...anyways, the blacksmith should be done soon. I think. I mean it's likely close enough that we should be able to head over any minute, and see how they're progressing - I mean worst comes to worst we can just hang out outside, and wait for them to finish.

She hadn't moved from her position, waiting to see what Ruby would do, waiting to see how she would react - if she would react. Kyra didn't doubt that the girl had heard the words, Ruby's hearing was equal to Kyra's own, after all. Maybe she'll just take it as a joke...yeah, a joke, that's all. Totally. That's what she'll do.

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby's ears perked up at Kyra's words, twitching slightly as she tilted her head to look at the girl with a curious glint in her eyes. At first, she figured it was a joke, but the redness on the other girl's face gave everything away in an instant, which brought a devilish smile and a quiet chuckle from Ruby, that averted her gaze for a moment.

"Yes, it should be done soon. It is already night, after all. They can't work overnight, I'm certain." She said, knowing it would be a silly choice from such a professional smith to try to chew more than they can take it in a single day.

"... But going there only to wait outside..? It isn't as romantic as here, is it?" Ruby asked, squeezing Kyra closer and keeping her eyes on Kyra, while her tail caressed Kyra's gently.

"... To think the little, pure Kyra, had so many ulterior motives when inviting me to make her company someday." She hummed, leaning in to touch her forehead on Kyra's. "Now admitting that without looking at me is a little rude, isn't it?"

@Kyra Vashtana

 

[Siondhe]

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Scythe Mastery ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Spirit Magic ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Aeromancy ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Corrupt

She closed her eyes, knowing that her face had reddened enough to give away her ulterior thoughts. Not that she was about to admit anything aloud, no matter how hard Ruby might push for some sort of verbal confirmation. Instead, she snuggled in for a few seconds, before bounding to her feet.

Come on...we should get up and move a bit, elsewise we'll get fat. Wouldn't want that to happen, just lazying around and getting fat and lazy and stuff. Exercise is good and all that, right?

She bounded ahead a few steps, before turning to make sure that Ruby was coming. Thankfully, the rain had let up a little bit, a few drizzles still falling in places, but otherwise slowing.

They should be almost done...I think. Worst comes to worst, there's another snack bar near the blacksmith that I know about...might be worth stopping in to see if they have those plates...

She spun suddenly, tail waving behind her as she skipped down the street, going slow enough that Ruby could catch up once she got going, but not hindering herself so much as to be dragging her feet. She figured the catgirl would follow, once she realised that Kyra was leaving her behind.

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Kyra's lack of response was all the confirmation Ruby needed, with a quiet chuckle escaping from her lips as she stood up along with the other, who suddenly tried to distract the situation with the remainder of the weapon that should be done soon, and the mention of exercises.

Ruby simply shook her head, quickly approaching the fox girl and resting her hands behind her back. "Alright, alright..." She said but leaned in to whisper... "I won't lie. I have my own ulterior motives as well." Ruby whispered closely, smirking a bit before leaning away, deciding to let Kyra to her own shyness, for now, knowing there was something else she had to do.

"Show me about this snack bar then, regardless if the weapon is done or not." Ruby said, with her hands behind her back as she continued to move on, swaying her tail and peeking at the other with curiosity.

"I'm still eager to see what your weapon has become." She hummed.

@Kyra Vashtana

 

[Siondhe]

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Scythe Mastery ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Spirit Magic ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Aeromancy ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Corrupt

Her entire body had stiffened as Ruby's whispered words had touched her ears. For a brief second, she could've sworn she'd stopped breathing, the words and the breath on her ears taking away what little normalcy she had in her movements and actions.

Then, almost all at once again, she began moving, her face breaking into a nervous smile as she pushed herself forwards. She spun to face Ruby, nodding as she did so - and careful not to trip on the path while manoeuvring.

Snack bar...right...uhm, come this way then! It's not far, actually. I mean nothing in this area is really that far...it's all really well laid out so that you can basically walk every-

She caught herself as her words began to flow from her, the nervousness of the situation catching her off guard and letting her speak more than she meant to be doing. Slamming her mouth shut, she finished off the sentence with a quick mumbling.

er...this way.

---

The location wasn't spectacular - not that Kyra had promised it would be. Lit by candles that seemed to barely be sufficient, the bar itself was manned by a smaller human male, a ragged look upon his face as he grunted at their arrival.

Just two of the usual, please...

The man didn't even speak as he disappeared into the back room for a moment, before returning with two boxes of cinnamon rolls. Kyra quickly handed over the payment, before grabbing the boxes and rushing outside with them, opening them up on the outdoor table before reaching for one. She paused, midway through her reach, as she looked over at Ruby with a sudden horrified look.

Slowly sliding the box towards the catgirl, she mumbled a hesitant offer of one of the treats, an almost selfish look in her eyes as she did so.

Here...try one...they're, well...try one.

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby would be lying if she said she wasn't enjoying Kyra's reactions to her words, but a quick sway of her tail and an averted gaze gave away she didn't expect the other girl to be so dodgy when she decided to take some advancements. Lingering behind, Ruby decided to give the other some space, as she followed behind.

Stepping into the building, Ruby glanced around and then trailed her eyes to the options they had for snacks, swaying her tail as she watched patiently, peeking at Kyra and raising an eyebrow when noticing her expressions and her hesitation in offering the sweets.

A faint smile crossed Ruby's lips, and she simply reached for one. "Really?" She wondered, being mostly sure the other girl would prefer if she said she didn't want any.

"... Say 'aaah'" Ruby whispered, leaning the sweet near Kyra's lips, but also maintaining a certain distance herself.

@Kyra Vashtana

 

[Siondhe]

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Scythe Mastery ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Spirit Magic ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Aeromancy ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Corrupt

There was the briefest of breaths where Kyra was tempted to scold Ruby for treating her like a child, attempting to feed her as if she was...well, a child. That breath passed however, as the fox girl leapt forward and bit the roll from Ruby's fingers, careful not to bite the catgirl too hard as she did so.

If you're going to dangle food in front of someone...you're going to lose it.

The grin across her face was wide as she spoke, an almost devilish, playful look in her eyes. She glanced down at the remaining rolls - a good twenty-three still left between the two boxes, before deciding to offer one to Ruby again.

That is...unless you don't want one...

She suddenly pulled the boxes away quickly, grabbing another one and stuffing it in her mouth. The low growl in her throat was playful, as if attempting to taunt the catgirl.

Kyra sighed suddenly, standing as she glanced down the street a bit, her eyes hovering over a nearby storefront that had a chimney billowing smoke from it. An excitement was visible in her frame through the tension that was held in every muscle.

Still smoking...maybe another few minutes...

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby's ears twitched at the face Kyra made at her, tilting her head in confusion and watching the box of sweets being offered again.

She smiled, ending up accepting it and trying to reach for it, only to have the box snatched away just in time. Ruby squinted for a moment, stricking a defiant and intent stare at her.

"I have tastier sweets in mind." Ruby licked her lips, releasing a Primal Aura toward Kyra as she looked at the girl with a mischievous gaze before averting it and following next to Kyra down the street.

Her eyes trailed following Kyra's, focusing on the chimney that still was working at this hour of the day.

"They are sure dilligent, to be working until now." Her tail swayed, impressed at the fact as she kept going for the building, smiling faintly at Kyra's excitement that seemed to have no end.

@Kyra Vashtana

 

[Siondhe]

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Scythe Mastery ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Spirit Magic ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Aeromancy ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Corrupt

The Primal Aura hit Kyra like a wave, and for a moment she let it wash over her - that was, until she realised what it was that was hitting her. The sudden squeak and leap into the air signifying that she had realised what Ruby was sending to her mind, before spin and hiss that followed.

That...is not behaving!

Her tail behind her gave away her true feelings, however, as it continued to sway in an almost maddeningly way; the speed enough that some would be concerned about sprains. Hesitantly, Kyra opened one of the boxes on the table again, grabbing another roll before pushing it slightly towards Ruby. She did have enough to share, after all - even if she didn't want to in actuality.

It's one of the reasons I chose them...they're not the cheapest - not by far - but their quality of work is...well, unbelievable in many ways. But...not cheap.

She winced as she thought of what this was costing her again - enough that she could've paid her rent for several months. Still, she had seen the diagrams that the blacksmith had made up with her, and the beginnings of the project. That alone had been enough to quell any doubts she'd been having. And now it's almost ready...almost mine...

She glanced over at Ruby, her smile seemingly distant as she thought about the piece. In her hand, half a roll hovered, as if forgotten for the moment.

We should go check. If they're done.

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby chuckled at Kyra's reaction, finding it amusing at the moment, but eventually deciding to let her be. Swaying her tail happily and side-glancing the girl. "To think you are offering me something so expensive." Ruby chuckled, resting a hand on Kyra's and pushing the sweet back to the box. "I really don't need the sweet. I wasn't joking when I said what I said." She said, honestly not being all that interested in the sweet roll, even if now she had a hint of curiosity on why Kyra loved it so much.

"I think you won't stop being like that until you get your weapon, so..." Ruby sighed and shrugged. "Let's go for it, no point on waiting outside forever. And if we take too long, maybe they will finish and close the workshop, and we will need to wait until tomorrow to see the results." She said, looking at Kyra and marching forward, hooking her arm on hers and tugging along.

"Let's go. Even I am getting curious about it now."

@Kyra Vashtana

 

[Siondhe]

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Scythe Mastery ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Spirit Magic ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Aeromancy ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Corrupt

Kyra turned a horrified look towards Ruby, the thought never having crossed her mind previously. The gasping voice that spoke was filled with terror as she seemed to stall for a second, trying to process the possibility that they would do such a thing.

You don't think they'd actually...close...before we got there, right?! I mean they said-I told them I'd-we need to go now!

Suddenly she was pulling Ruby forward, a rush in her step as she struggled to hold onto the rolls, all while pulling Ruby along with her other hand. She was not going to let them close before she got her new weapon. Over my dead body will that happen. Or someone else's...

---

The interior of the blacksmith's shop was exactly as Kyra remembered it - basic, but exactly what was required to operate a smithy. The front area contained a counter - separating customer from the work area behind. A work area that contained what Kyra could only assume was a prized forge, and numerous tables, anvils, shelves and other assorted goods that such a shop would require.

Hi! Uhm...I just wanted to check in and see if my order was ready yet, or-

She was cut off as the blacksmith seemed to laugh, before heading into a side room out of view. A few seconds passed, where Kyra shuffled on her feet. Almost as suddenly as he had disappeared, the blacksmith returned - wrapped piece in his hands, nearly two metres long in length, and of a shape and form that was obviously a scythe. The smith laid it upon the counter, before waving a hand towards it - a sign for her to unwrap it.

Kyra gave one quick glance at Ruby, before tearing the wrapping off in an excited frenzy - careful not to damage the covering, nor the piece within. As she stepped back, she hefted the scythe, lifting it off the counter before weighing it in her hands.

It's perfect...thank you, so, so much. It's...perfect.

The blacksmith smiled, giving a few words of gratitude, before making his way back towards the workbenches, leaving Kyra and Ruby at the front.

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

The sudden hurry got Ruby to rush her steps along with Kyra, speeding through the streets until they got to the Blacksmith where thankfully everything was still open. The cat girl couldn't help but be impressed at the effort the man was putting into his work, keeping the workshop open all up to this time...

... Or perhaps, Kyra's scythe was just such a big work they needed to stay open for longer? She wouldn't know, and she didn't really bother about it much anyway. She wanted to see Kyra and her new scythe.

"Seems like this is an approval." Ruby said, looking at the scythe and then at Kyra, smiling.

"It does look better now too. Longer and more imposing." Her tails swayed, and she tilted her head. "No wonder you decided to upgrade it... And for it to be so well made... I can only guess you've put a lot of investment on it."

A bit concerning, considering how Kyra was sometimes. But at least, she was happy, which was the most important part of it.

@Kyra Vashtana

 

[Siondhe]

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Scythe Mastery ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Spirit Magic ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Aeromancy ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Corrupt

Kyra ran her left hand along the scythe's haft, admiring the smoothness of it. The entire weapon felt light in her hands, well balanced and designed just how she'd imagined it would be. A soft glint of purple against the black that bespoke a question of violent tendencies. The expected imagery of a real Reaper...

It's perfect...and it only cost me 3,500...ish...but look at it, it's absolutely beautiful. Almost more beautiful than you are.

She admired the curve of the blade, eyeing up each piece of the weapon before sliding outside and into the street again. Scythe in her hand, she twirled, letting the blade flow with her, spinning it around her body in a wide, controlled arc. The piece felt like an extension of her, like it was a part of her that should've been there before, but had only just been brought to life. An extension of my soul...my being. Something...right.

She grinned back at Ruby, before sliding across the pavement, letting the scythe twirl in an almost maddening manner as she tested the piece out - pushing herself to the extreme in an attempt to see how the weapon handled. Each twirl, spin, causing a wider grin from her, until she was beaming in response to it.

I love this thing! It's...it's amazing! It's perfect! I...this was so worth the five thousand-It's absolutely breath-taking!

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby rested her hands on her hips and squinted at Kyra's statement with a frown. "Ah really? My beauty being compared to a weapon now?" She chuckled, rolling her eyes and leaning her face in. Her nose twitched feeling the smell of a new forge, but she quickly took a distance so Kyra could swirl her new scythe around.

"Five thousands? I guess it wasn't three-thousands five-hundred golds after all." Ruby blinked surprised at the price, until she was reminded of her own Jian, that was far from a cheap deal.

Still, the happiness of the girl was captivating, and Ruby simply sighed while having a small smile on her lips, swaying her tails and enjoying the sight for a moment before finally speaking up-

"It is a great scythe. And since you've become better at using it, you will end up being grim reaper yourself." Ruby said, approaching the girl with a warm smile.

@Kyra Vashtana

 

[Siondhe]

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Scythe Mastery ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Spirit Magic ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Aeromancy ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Corrupt

She came to a stop, the blade of the scythe tucked behind her feet as she held her right hand outwards, posed as if midway through her motion. The smile on her face beamed the excitement she was feeling, but her eyes bespoke of a different emotion.

That's the idea...I'm embracing the Reaper concept a bit more thoroughly. I...

She fell silent for a moment, remembering the many encounters, the experiences she'd gone through. Everything that had occurred. Her smile slowly slipped away, her expression becoming darker as her mind replayed memories that she had pushed away.

...sometimes to help people, you need to put aside the focus on helping them.

She turned her gaze to Ruby, her right arm lowering, but the scythe still locked into the ready position behind her, the blade mere centimetres from her heels. The few lights lining the street seemed to reflect on the blade, only to be swallowed by the metal - the glint barely visible, as if consuming.

Those who wish to hurt people, innocent people, people that I care about...they will come to fear me. I'll ensure that they do.

Her face was void of emotion as she spoke, and her voice carried an almost dull tone to it - no anger, no fury, as if speaking a simple fact. Her eyes, locked on Ruby, seemed to flicker with a determination. And behind her, the scythe seemed to continue to consume the light around it, as if drawing it in.

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby watched Kyra's face shifting. Her smile and eyes mismatching, albeit both holding a relentless determination. There was a darkness in her gaze that Ruby didn't like, but it was also strangely familiar. An echo from their time in the guardian's cave, and a reminder of Ruby after the Red Fever incidents.

"Kyra..." Ruby muttered, looking at the girl she held so dearly, hoping she wasn't drowning herself in something worse than it looked.

Maybe she was overthinking... but she needed to watch it closely.

"So you want to be an avenger?" Ruby muttered, unsheathing her blade and looking at Kyra for a moment. She could trust her, she hoped. It wouldn't be the first time she decided to be hasty, and she always came back to her usual self.

"I will be honest. I don't want to lose you to a sense of revenge, or a desire to bring fear to others... Like that day." Ruby reminded, looking at Kyra intently.

"But I also told you I wouldn't leave you. So..." She held her blade with both hands. "Let me share you something, to help in your mission."

@Kyra Vashtana

 

[Siondhe]

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Scythe Mastery ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Spirit Magic ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Aeromancy ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Corrupt

The look that had hovered over her face broke as Kyra suddenly turned to glance at Ruby, a surprised expression replacing it. She shook her head at Ruby's words, speaking softly.

Avenger...? Revenge? No...I don't want to be either of those...I want to be a defender, if anything. Someone who watches over people, who looks down from above...not quite an angel, but an actual Reaper. One who guides those who's time is up to the life beyond...regardless of whom they may be, but sooner should their time require ending...

She placed a hand on Ruby's shoulder, smiling at the girl as she did so. She had always appreciated how Ruby would come running whenever she called, regardless of the reason. Something I will never be able to repay...but who knows...

Don't fear...I'm not giving in to darkness...I'm becoming one with a force that...well, it's hard to explain. My purpose won't be to harm...simply to guide. And some people need guiding to the afterlife sooner than others.

She flashed a smile at Ruby as she spoke, knowing that she cleared up absolutely nothing with her explanation. She wasn't quite sure how to put it in words, much less words that another could understand.

All I can say for sure...if that I have no plans to go around murdering people, unless they really deserve it - like in order to protect children. I'm still a healer at heart, even if I have another purpose now.

She leaned forward, letting her lips brush against Ruby's as she took a chance. Almost as suddenly, she straightened up, before bounding off down the road, scythe in hand as she twirled it around herself in an almost playful way - yet still careful to keep it well and clear of anything but open air.

@Crimson Ruby​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby listened to Kyra's correction to her words and assumptions, looking at the girl and slowly growing a fond smile at what she aimed to become. It wasn't much different from what Ruby wished to do at some point, something that seemed to become clear at the Zalra incident with the faerin spirits. And knowing Kyra was taking that path, it sure was reassuring.

Her friend was still the kind and helpful girl she had met in that labyrinth in Brisshal. She could feel relieved that nothing had turned her into something she wasn't.

Before Ruby could react with her voice, her lips were brushed by Kyra's, making Ruby's ears perk up as her cheeks grew red, but at the same time being too quick for Ruby to process it, only having the soft feeling of Kyra's lips lingering as a phantom touch.

A sheepish chuckle escaped, and Ruby tried to approach quickly, leaning in to kiss Kyra's cheek and entangle their tails together as she glued each other closely. "This is the Kyra that I like... A kind and altruistic one." She said, warming up with a smile. "My words don't change, I won't leave you. And I still have things to help you out... We are both Spirit Magic users, after all." Ruby said, even if they had their differences.

@Kyra Vashtana