Private Eastern Brisshal Second Meeting of Fox and Lion

[Vina Skysong]

One of the main reasons why Vina had returned to the world of Terrasphere was because she had known other people would. That didn't mean she was there to have fun with them. Well... that wasn't the only reason, at the very least. She had known that people would return to Terrasphere or even join it for the first time once the servers were once again accessible, and while it was a wondrous world where one could collect many enjoyable and exciting experiences it also carried the threat of one's demise. A game which was so realistic that it could kill you: a dream and a nightmare rolled into one.

She wanted to prevent those deaths, at least some of them. She was only a single person, she couldn't hope to keep everyone safe even if she worked herself into the ground. But maybe her supportive abilities could at least reduce the number of fatalities. Even a single life saved would already make it worth it. Others might argue that if someone chose to play this game it was their responsibility if they died from it, but Vina didn't care for such arguments which eventually boiled down to letting other people suffer.

The news that bandits were targeting new players was therefore something which disturbed her greatly and made her abandon all other plans she might have had. The moment she learned of this development she immediately headed towards Eastern Brisshal, towards Honeyhome. That was the place where all new players spawned into the game, and it was where these bandits were apparently hunting their prey. Why did they decide to hunt new players? They might be easy prey, but it wasn't like they had many valuables on them. Maybe the bandits had a grudge against Travelers?

Vina didn't know, but she hoped to find out. The silver-haired vixen arrived in Honeyhome, her obscenely long hair trailing behind her as the winds blew the strands in every direction. While summertime ensured a pleasant temperature the winds had decided to be tumultuous today. She hummed idly as she made her way to the town square, taking in the nostalgic sights of the village she, like all other players, had once beheld for the first time. The village which arguably served as the first step into the world of Terrasphere, and was as homely and welcoming as you could imagine.

@Ilya

 

[Ilya]

Ilya was standing smack dab in the middle of the road, the situation at hand, being one that bothered Ilya. She had gone to work right away, picking up as much information from the non-player characters as she could for the past thirty minutes. However she had turned up empty handed, maybe I ought to just run over the facts that I do have? Ilya began to process everything that she did know.

First things first, there were bandits attacking new players that spawned in and dared roam the forest. Second, no one seemed to know where they came from or who they worked for, if anyone at all. They left next to no traces, and no person dared hunt them down. Ilya wanted to take care of the situation quickly, but she didn't know what step to take first. All she knew was that they hunted in the forest close to Honeyhome, under an hour walk.

Ilya closed her palms together tightly, each thought of turmoil causing them to clench more and more. Her sour attitude really screwing her over until a whisk of hair floated past her field of vision. A familiar taste entered her mouth, who...? Where do I know them from...? Ilya reached out to grab hold of the strings of fate that had caused the two beastfolk to run into each other again, only Vina was already out of reach.

Ilya would then begin to follow Vina to catch up, which would take the two of them to the center of the town square, "Hello....?" Ilya would call out, her hand reaching forward, her fingers gently tapping Vina's shoulder before dropping to her side, palms up to show she had no hostility. Ilya would offer a kind smile, "I swear I recognize you from somewhere... I just can't put heads or tails to it... I swear your name starts with V-- Venice... no no.... V.... Vina?" Ilya hoped she had arrived to the right conclusion, "Sorry aha... I have a sort of dory memory..." Hopefully her joke about the old Disney movie would prove to break the ice and strike up conversation. "What are you doing in Honeyhome?"

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina hadn't really been paying attention to the people around her, more focused on the scenery as she took in the sights she hadn't been able to see for over four years. Honeyhome could feel like a home away from home if you let it, as it was one of the most nostalgic and rural places that Vina had ever had the pleasure of coming across. It reminded her of some of the villages back in Norway which had managed to resist the march of progress, or at least walked at a slower pace than the rest of the world. Honeyhome was warmer, being placed in a temperate climate, but during summertime, those villages came close.

Which was how she'd completely missed the part where she'd walked past someone she'd known back then as well, and only was pulled out of her thoughts when she heard a gentle voice calling out to her. The silver-haired vixen stopped walking and turned around even as she felt a finger on her shoulder, looking quite curious at who was calling out to her. A flash of recognition struck her when her azure eyes beheld Ilya, the lioness looking much the same as before, if a bit more mature. She blinked as she tried to recall all those memories and put a name to the pretty face even as Ilya did the same.

Unlike Ilya, however, Vina didn't wait for confirmation. As she recalled the golden-haired lioness before her the vixen smiled brightly, a surge of joy flowing through her.

"Ilya!"

She quickly closed the gap and wrapped her arms around Ilya, hugging her friend happily even as her tail wagged behind her. They might not have met for over four years, but Vina was never one to be hesitant when it came to showing intimacy, affection, and happiness. The hug lasted for several seconds before Vina loosened her hold and stepped back, giving Ilya some breathing room even as she laughed.

"It's Vina, yes. It's been a while, hasn't it? It's nice to see you again~!"

Of course, the happiness was slightly dampened by the fact that Ilya's presence meant she was back in the death game, but that was just a minor blip compared to the joy of reuniting with an old friend. She did, however, turn a bit more serious when she turned her attention to Ilya's question.

"Well, I heard that there are some bandits who are targeting new players, so I'm here to find out who they are and why they're doing it, and put a stop to it. What about you? I would've thought that you'd stay away from Terrasphere after what happened four years ago."

The news that dying in the game could lead to death in the physical world, followed by such an aggressive attempt at shutting the game down... You couldn't blame someone for deciding to turn away from Terrasphere and take their life in a different, safer direction.

@Ilya

 

[Ilya]

"Sorry, haha... I just sort of have a terrible memory, plus it's been so long..." Ashamed could be one word Ilya would use to describe just how she felt. She didn't want to forget people... It just sort of happened, though fortunately for her, she had filled her time in her previous playtime in Terrasphere with good friends. Friends that would recognize her at the drop of a hat, and friends that even if she couldn't fully recognize or remember all too well would fill her with happiness. Her friends, being the main reason she had come back into this fantastical game.

Ilya was shaken out of her thoughts as the feeling of warmth surrounded her body. Vina was embracing her, and Ilya instantly replied by wrapping her own arms around her friend. "Thank you for staying you, one thing I do remember is how adoring you are. It truly has been forever it feels." Ilya appreciated the warmth of the hug more than Vina might have realized, as up till now the only real physical connection she had in the game, with others, was with Zelrius.

"Bandits... Then it seems you're here for the same reason... It doesn't sit right to know that they're targeting new people, people who don't even have an ounce of wealth. I want to put a stop to them, so I can make it just a bit more peaceful and welcoming to these beans. As for why i'm back in Terrasphere... I've had a really long time to sit and think on everything...." Ilya's ears twitched slightly, while her expression was trying it's best to remain stoic, her own animal parts were giving herself away.

"I just couldn't stay away... I suppose, I just wanted to see all of my friends again. Real life is kind of difficult, and it's hard to have real friends there. But here, I was kind of accepted as I was, and it enabled me to connect on a personal level with people. The threat of my background of no consequence." Ilya sook her head, "I know I don't want to die, and I don't want other people to die either. But I just couldn't stay away, this game... It's too addicting." Ilya shivered slightly, through all of her adrenaline rushes, staring face to face with death still got to her. "Why are you back in Terrasphere? I could say the same, I can't imagine you'd be super willing to die here."

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina was way too happy to be meeting a friend again after four years to be bothered by the fact that Ilya needed a moment to recall her name. Besides, it had been four years, and it wasn't like you could just expect someone to remember your name with crystal clarity for that long.

Don't worry about it~ It's been four years, after all!

She quickly reassured Ilya that the lioness shouldn't be too harsh on herself. The druidess's tail wagged a bit faster after her friend returned the embrace, nuzzling the golden-haired female for a short moment before stepping out of the hug so they could continue the conversation. Well, technically they could just have kept hugging while talking, but Vina had learned that most people would prefer to keep that level of intimacy to more private encounters, not in the middle of the village. That didn't remove the fact that she enjoyed the hug though.

Any time~ No harm in showing your friends love, is there~?

A quick wink followed the words before they moved on to the more serious topics. While Vina's upbeat nature never disappeared for long, she listened attentively and carefully as Ilya explained why she had returned and why she was here. It was clear that the friends she had in Terrasphere really mattered to Ilya, and that she found it harder to form those kinds of bonds outside of the game. It made Vina feel a bit guilty that they hadn't kept in contact outside of the game, although it wasn't like either of them had been given a warning that the game would be shut down for four years.

Ilya would find warmth envelop her hand as Vina took hold of it, the vixen smiling affectionately as she gave the lioness's hand a gentle squeeze.

I understand. I also missed you and all my other friends from Terrasphere. But if you want to talk outside of the game as well we can exchange contact info. No reason to keep ourselves limited to this world when we've got two~

Vina didn't know about Ilya's background, or why she'd have a hard time connecting with people outside of the game. But that wasn't going to stop her.

As for why I'm here... I definitely don't want to die. The thought scares me. But I don't want others to die either. I want to keep people from getting hurt, and if that is impossible I want to help people enjoy this game without it costing their lives. That's also why I can't just ignore these bandits hunting newcomers, who won't even know how to defend themselves.

A sheepish smile followed. She'd been talking about lofty goals so far, but she had to admit that there was also a more selfish aspect.

That, and it's just hard to stay away from this world. It's a miracle, even if it has a dark side to it.

@Ilya

 

[Ilya]

Feeling the warmth of another person, especially remember that she was inside a game, still continued to catch Ilya off guard after being gone for four years. She clasped her fingers around Vina's hand after it was squeezed, not wanting to let go of the warmth and feelings of affection coming from Vina. She offered a gentle squeeze back as the two of them continued to talk.

"I would love to exchange contact information, anything to keep touch with a good friend, especially if something would to happen again life four years ago..." Ilya trailed off, she didn't want this game to disappear again... "This game really does mean a lot to so many of us..."

Her eyes that had stayed focused on Vina glazed over slightly before she jerked herself back into reality, the warmth coming from her hand as it was clasped around Vina's being the central anchor.

"If we're here for the same reason, then why don't we work together to get rid of them, or at least find out more of what's going on." Ilya smiled at her friend, "I unfortunately didn't uncover much, other than the fact that they keep hunting and don't stop. They seem to be constantly attacking between the thirty minute and hour walk from this village, so I would assume we should start there."

Ilya would then begin to let go of Vina's hand, even if she was hesitant to remove herself from the warmth that Vina gave off. After all, it wasn't verry convenient to walk facing each other towards the forest.

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina nodded in response to Ilya's words. It was true that, while Terrasphere had returned once, there was no guarantee that the VRSA wouldn't find another way to block it. Or it could even go offline of its own accord: that the game returned after four years felt like it meant the developers cared a lot about it, but their enigmatic nature meant it was difficult to truly understand their motives or predict their actions.

Let's do that once we're done with the bandits then. I'm looking forward to talking to you outside of the game~

Her own gaze also focused on something in the distance for a moment when the lioness expressed her attachment to the game. Vina could understand where Ilya was coming from, as she experienced those same feelings, but she still couldn't shake the fact that, maybe, it would have been better if Terrasphere hadn't returned. The main argument against it was that if that happened, those who'd been locked into the game before it was taken down would have been lost forever.

I think it's a good idea to first understand what's going on and why. I can't really think of a good reason to hunt new Travelers, but the bandits must be getting something out of it, right?

People rarely, if ever, were evil for the sake of being evil. From the other side, or from the outside, it might seem like pointless cruelty, but Vina firmly believed that if you just understood someone's background they had solid reasons to act the way they did. Those reasons might not be very good, they might be misguided, but everyone should at least have a chance to be heard and understood.

That said, they couldn't just let bandits continue to attack new Travelers, so Vina followed Ilya's lead as the two of them headed out of the village and towards where the thugs were said to most commonly show themselves. While they couldn't really hold hands while walking, as they needed to be prepared, Vina's vulpine tail would brush against Ilya's, a more subtle way of displaying affection and sharing her warmth.

Do you know how many bandits there are? I've only heard that there are several of them, but that's a pretty vague description.

@Ilya

 

[Ilya]

Vina was right in that no one did anything with no gain, even evil acts had reason behind them. "I honestly don't know what their reason might be, but whatever it is... It has to be pretty twisted." Ilya flattened her ears at the thought of just senselessly murdering people that were literally defenseless. "As for how many, from little I did hear. I think they attack in groups of three to four. But as for how many in total, we won't know unless we manage to ask them. Though I doubt they'd openly talk about everything with us just cause we're asking."

Brushing tails, the pair walked onwards making their way to where Ilya believed the Bandits would most likely be. Of course with no shooting stars lighting up the sky, it would make everything quite a bit more difficult. They would probably not be actively hunting the new players. "Shall we start looking around for signs of the bandits?" Ilya knew that even though this was a game, there had to be some kind of sign of the previous slaughters that had taken place.

Ilya activated her investigation mode and began to sweep the areas, in search of any signs. It took quite a bit of time, and she began to grow restless. That was until her eyes caught sight of a piece of fabric caught on a branch a few paces away. She headed over, "Come check this out over here..." She pointed towards the fabric and moved closer cautiously. To her delight her investigation mode confirmed that the piece of fabric was from a Bandit. <Torn Strip of Bandit's Tunic>. "Looks like they must've come here. Though I don't know how recent it was...." Ilya bit her lip glancing back at Vina. "Any ideas?"

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina nodded as Ilya voiced her opinion of the bandits. That said, the druidess had her own opinions as well. It was easy to just decide that the bandits were monsters or something, but thinking back to how things had been like before the shutdown...

Maybe... They don't think it's a good thing that we Travelers are returning? Most of us are good people, but Astorea and Falderen have gone to war already over our presence...

She hadn't been too involved in that situation, but from what she remembered the king of Falderen had come to the decision that the Travelers were a threat which had to be eliminated. It was the cause for a lot of bloodshed, and while the Travelers were victorious in the end the victory had not been without a cause. On top of that, the Distortion only happened after the Travelers had settled themselves, and not soon after the Travelers all disappeared...

It wasn't entirely fair, but it wouldn't be entirely surprising if some People of the Land held strongly negative opinions of Travelers, and even wished to drive them out. With some Travelers having been locked into this world after dying three times, and time having passed even during the shutdown, they probably also knew more about Travelers than before...

I might be able to pacify them, so we could try to talk to them if that works.

Vina smiled at that, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

I've been told that I can be very persuasive~

Arriving at the location where Ilya said they had the best chance of finding the bandits, Vina could only agree with the suggestion to start looking for signs of bandit activity. The vixen activated her own Investigation Mode, humming softly to herself as she slowly turned around and looked at everything. Her ears swiveled in every direction as well, trying to pick up on any sounds. Vina wasn't a trained hunter or anything, but at least she could be alert. However, Ilya would still find something before she did: the druidess quickly joined her friend once the lioness called out for her.

Looks like they can't even keep their clothes on~

Cheeky commentary aside, Vina thought deep as Ilya asked her how they should proceed.

I could try tracking them by scent. I got the trait that enhances my nose. Or we could just make a loud racket here and hope that makes them show up.

As noted before, Vina wasn't a tracker or anything. She had the augmented sense of smell, but that didn't mean she was good at using it.

If they're not nearby we don't really have any way of finding their hideout unless they're smelly.

It was far from a conclusive answer to Ilya's question, but Vina couldn't immediately think of a way for the two of them to find the bandits if the bandits weren't already nearby.

@Ilya

 

[Ilya]

Ilya could only agree with both of Vina's ideas. "It isn't likely that a new traveler will randomly appear anytime soon. I think we should first try to scout them out with your sense of smell. I personally took on the traits that give enhanced strength and what-not... So I only have slightly enhanced senses... Though we could always use magic if all else fails. I don't know what kind of masteries you picked up this time around, or if yours got reset like mine did..."

Ilya drew a hand to her chin, showing that she was thinking. Her tail flicking back and forth. "I think uhhh our best chances...." Ilya opened her palm menu to take a quick peek.

"Maybe if either of us had nature magic or beast arts... I could always pick one of them up... I have two open mastery slots I can fill..." Ilya looked over the list of skills again, "Nature magic lets you talk to plants... Which we are in a forest-- And beast arts.. Well, animals.. Obviously..."

Ilya looked up at Vina, "I could ask the gods to provide us some insight. Like a path of light or something. I have pretty high ranking in Divine Magic... Though I think our chances lie better if we take up a nature or beast arts mastery if our senses fail us." That was all that Ilya could think of. Tilting her head to the side, she would wait to hear Vina's new opinion based on the information that Ilya had shared.

 

[Vina Skysong]

The Beastlord's Blessings? I gave them a look, but I didn't think they'd really suit me~ I'm a lover, not a fighter, after all~

Vina smirked as she said that, before quickly continuing.

That must mean that you're even stronger than before, however~ When we do find the bandits I'll back you up, since I'm much more suited for that role.

Her ears perked up as Ilya mentioned both Nature Magic and Beast Arts, both masteries that the vixen possessed. Her build was almost exactly as it had been before the break, although she'd decided that, since the game had added some new features, she'd switch out Divine Magic with Mend, so as to become even better support.

I have both of those masteries, same as before~ But I haven't raised them as I wanted to first master Harmonic Magic and Aeromancy. Maybe I should raise them though, so I can make some more friends~

While conversing with both animals and plants seemed like a fun experience, it didn't really help with their current situation, as Vina's priorities had left both masteries too low to be reliable. However, now that Ilya was mentioning how to use their masteries how to help...

Hey~! You just gave me a good idea. Let me try something before we do anything else.

After giving Ilya an enthusiastic smile Vina would close her eyes and focus, her breathing becoming steadier as her ears stood up straight, swiveled outwards so she could pick up sounds from any direction. Her entire body, including her tail, became nearly motionless aside from her steady breathing.

Her Nature Magic and her Beast Arts weren't amazing, but her Harmonic Magic was top notch and her Aeromancy was good as well. Which meant that she had control over the air streams and their vibrations. If she focused, she could use her magic to enhance her hearing and improve her ability to perceive sounds...

A faint sound in the distance, of multiple footsteps on dry ground.

Found them~ Come on, let's go!

Vina's eyes snapped open, and she grabbed Ilya's hand before dragging the lioness away from the beaten path and into the forest, towards where the bandits were walking between the trees. Of course, she wasn't going to just barge in on them like that, so Vina would come to a halt before they were noticed.

@Ilya

 

[Ilya]

☀𓆱𓃬

Ilya thought over what Vina was saying, it was true. To the bandits and monsters of the land, they might view the travelers as the start of everything wrong... After all, they did cause a lot of problems in the past. These four years must have been very calming and nice in reverse to everything else that had happened prior.

Ilya's face went bright red as she felt heat rise to her cheeks. "I-I uhm..." She held up her hands and started flailing them around, taken totally aback by Vina's words.

She had forgotten how direct and flirty this vixen was. "I mean-" Ilya stuttered, "Y-You know, you could persuade me a-anyday." She turned her face from her friend feeling her embarrassment grow even more. Why she was being so direct, was easily tagged with the fact that Vina was just really approachable.

Plus their history, it made Ilya that much more comfortable. Turning back to Vina as she ignited her harmonics, Ilya would smile widely. "Good job Vina!" She would latch her finger's around Vina's as they headed towards the place Vina had heard something.

They had walked not too far when Ilya also heard the footsteps. "So what's the plan? Surely if we just jump out at them they'll attack us... How do we get them to not attack us right off the bat?" Ilya was whispering as to not be heard by the bandits.

"Hmmm, if only I had Illusion magic, I could make them perceive us as good..." None of her masteries would work like that. Maybe if she used her divine magic to make the two of them appear to be chosen by the gods and goddesses? Giving her companion yet another squeeze she felt her anxiety calm down considerably. Having Vina there to ground her was more helpful that she could admit.

"Maybe we should just make our voices heard and hold a conversation and just walk out? That way we don't catch them off guard?"

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina did like getting people all flustered as they had trouble handling her open and flirtatious nature, so when Ilya's cheeks began to burn and the lioness did her best to find a proper answer to the vixen's words she just laughed softly, her eyes glinting with mischievous amusement. However, Ilya's actual response had Vina bringing her head close and her voice lower.

I'll keep that in mind for when we're done here then~

She winked before pulling her head back as the two of them instead headed for where the bandits were. Teasing Ilya was fun and all, but they had a job to do here: to protect the other players from those who'd wish harm upon those who had no means to defend themselves.

Thanks~!

Of course, that didn't mean she couldn't give Ilya's hand a gentle squeeze.

If I go out there alone I'm sure they won't attack me on sight~ I don't look particularly threatening~ If you wait a couple of seconds I'll have calmed them down and they should be able to keep themselves from attacking us. I'd really like to see if we can persuade them to stop causing harm~

Words before weapons, after all. Vina wasn't entirely sure they could actually achieve anything with diplomacy here, but it was worth a shot.

@Ilya

 

[Ilya]

☀𓆱𓃬

​

lion's pride...

Ilya nodded her head at Vina, trusting her companion entirely. "Let's go with that plan, I'll be here waiting for your signal." She placed her hand on Vina's shoulder, "Just like flick your tail back and forth a few times and I'll come over. But be careful, if it looks tight... Come running back so I can help you and make sure you stay safe."

Ilya chewed the inside of her mouth, "And just in case..." She flared up her magic, positioning her face close to Vina's. Her face drawing closer as she lightly kissed Vina's cheek. Her magic transferring to Vina's body in a protection spell, should something happen. "I gave you some protection, just in case... Again, please stay safe..."

Ilya let go of Vina, crouching in the foliage while having a clear line of sight of where Vina would be. Her body was alert, and her ears were pinned up. Ilya would take this seriously, as after all, one of her dear friends might end up being at risk of getting hurt. She had to be at her best so she could make sure nothing bad happened.

@Vina Skysong