Complete 18+ Private Summer-Winter Holiday

[Fina Drago]

The message was a simple one. Coordinates were attached to a specific cliff near Tertoria, where one could find a small stone structure with a warp portal standing active atop it. Not exactly something most people would willingly leap into, but Fina was hoping that Vina trusted the feline enough to take the weapon master's word for it, that everything was perfectly safe. Once though, she'd arrive at the Landing, a sizable clearly with a stone circle in the middle.

There was not much of a need for further instructions, given that the felis was waiting only a bit ahead. There was really only one path from the clearing, and it led straight to her camp. A larger clearing with a campfire and a few fallen tree trunks around it to sit on top of, a few tents, and even what appeared to be a foundation of a house to the side. Clearly, the girl wasn't here completely alone. Though right now, Fina was the only one around, leaning against a crude wooden fence, waiting.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina hadn't been expecting a message from Fina, but the contents certainly made her curious. Or rather, the lack of contents, little more than coordinates and an instruction to pass through the gate the vixen would find at the location. As Tertoria hadn't been accessible before the shutdown Vina had never visited this area before, but it looked like in the four years that had passed enough progress had been made westwards that getting to the floating islands was no longer a herculean effort.

Arriving at the coordinates Vina would inevitably be drawn to the portal, the only feature standing out other than the beautiful vista of the floating lands of Tertoria stretching out before her into the far distance. It was clear that Fina wanted her to head through, and Vina's curiosity was strong enough that she didn't question this, despite not knowing what she might find on the other side.

Although she really doubted that it would be anything truly dangerous.

The other side looked similar to the cliff she just left behind, with grasslands stretching out in every direction until they were cut off by cliffs. The druidess looked around with large eyes, her ears twitching as she noted that the winds here were entirely different from those at the other side of the portal. There was a scent of salt in the air, and the air patterns were more unified, if also stronger. Somewhere close to the sea?

Following the only beaten path that led away from the portal it didn't take long for Vina to find her feline friend, who appeared to be waiting for her. Raising her hand Vina waved it as a greeting and called out before hastening her step, quickly closing the distance until the two of them could talk without having to shout.

Hey there~! (Vina quickly hugged Fina, her tail wagging behind her.) I'm glad to see you again! You doing all right~?

Taking a step backwards out of Fina's personal space she smiled broadly, holding her staff horizontally behind her back with both hands. She gave their surroundings another glance, her azure eyes resting on the camp Fina most likely was responsible for, before turning her full attention back to her friend.

So... where are we?

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

The cooler wind blew against Fina's body, making her hair dance as she ran her hand through it, looking toward the horizon. The valley was very pleasant, warmed up by the sun, but not overly hot thanks to the gentle winds. It was almost like day and night when compared to the cold and dreary state the rest of the world was in right now, doing its best to mimic the depressing season that was going on outside of the game at the moment.

But there was not much time for the girl to reminisce and contemplate, given that Vina had arrived. Returning the wave, a smile spread across the feline's face before it would warp slightly into mild worry, seeing the other girl approach faster and faster before she almost tackled her to the ground, only the fence behind Fina's back helping the two stay standing and hugging. "H-hey..! It's been a while, huh..?"

As the fox let go and took a few steps back, Fina almost felt bad. The other girl was very affectionate, which certainly wasn't for everyone... Fina herself was rather reluctant and sensitive to physical contact at the start as well. But by now, she learned just how nice skinship felt, so being left like that made her wish the hug could have lasted longer... much longer. That said, she scratched the back of her head and looked to the side.

"Yeah, doing alright. Sorry I didn't get in contact with you sooner..." It honestly has been a while. "Sorry for dragging you here without much of an explanation. I managed to find this place with another friend of mine some time ago, and we've been exploring it since. Seems to be a floating landmass waaay far into Ilmea's lament. The ecosystem here appears to be completely independent from the rest of the game, and given your... outfit, I figured you would appreciate a warmer place?" Hopefully, that didn't sound rude.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina hadn't intended to rush Fina like that, but in her enthusiasm she hadn't paid too much attention to just how fast she was going. Luckily the fence was there to keep the two of them upright... or maybe unluckily? Some cuddling on the grass wouldn't have gone amiss. The vixen laughed as her feline friend appeared to feel a bit embarrassed.

Don't worry Fina, it's been a busy couple of weeks right~? Oh! How were the holidays? Did you have fun~?

Life on Earth went on no matter what kind of strangeness showed itself in Terrasphere, which meant that while other people were busy with Vintergard Vina had been enjoying the holidays with her family back in Norway. From what she'd heard some crazy stuff had also happened in Terrasphere in the meantime, but seeing her parents and siblings again had been worth it.

While her laugh may have come across as frivolous, her warm smile and affectionate gaze made it clear that Vina was not bothered by Fina's silence in the least. Everyone had their own lives to live, after all, so you couldn't always stay in touch non-stop. As Fina explained where here was Vina listened with curiosity naked on her face, her tail continuing to wag.

A floating landmass? (She looked into the distance, tapping her chin.) The portal was very close to Tertoria's territory... Maybe it originated from there~?

She shook her head. They didn't know enough about Tertoria to make claims like that, although it did make sense. As Fina commented on her outfit Vina smirked, planting her hand on her hip.

I'm from Norway, so I'm used to the cold, but thank you for the offer Fina~ (She spread her arms.) This is a wonderful place you and your friend have discovered, to be this warm all year round. Speaking of which... (Leaning forward her smirk became more mischievous.) How'd you and your friend find this place? Looking for somewhere that you could be alone together~?

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

Vina really was quite the social butterfly, wasn't she? It kind of made Fina wonder if the other girl was this expressive and outgoing in real life as well. Probably something she would never have answered, oh well. At the topic of holidays, the Felis paused for a brief moment before giving an answer. "Not really any different from any other day, honestly. In that sense, I suppose the holidays were good - nothing bad happened." There was always a silver lining.

As for the place where they currently were, Fina had the same thought when she learned that it was indeed a large island, or rather, a collection of islands flying above the sea's surface with nothing obvious keeping it up in the skies. Though much research would have to be done to make any proper determination. "Who knows. All I know is that this place is like a miniature continent in itself, each island housing a different biome."

That was actually where she wanted to continue, but Vina jumped in a bit with a small jest. Though one that did manage to make the cat blush and look to the side. "O-of course not. We're just adventuring partners... I actually found the key to activate the portal with Cleo." Though the crimson lancer was quite busy these days. "A-anyway! As I was saying, each island here is like its own ecosystem... there is one I'd like to show you, if you'd be willing?"

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina's head tilted as Fina's answer was... less than cheerful. The holidays were good because nothing bad happened? It was hardly the first time that the vixen had heard of something like that, but it still made her heart go out to her friend. The holidays were something everyone should be able to enjoy!

I hope we can spend next year's holidays together. I promise it'll be a lot of fun~!

Dividing the days between her family and her friends would require a bit more planning, but the vixen didn't mind thinking ahead a little if it meant that she could enjoy the holidays with more people. A part of her wanted to ask Fina more about her situation, but she could tell that this wasn't a pleasant topic to encroach upon, especially after Fina had invited her to this place.

So it's several islands, each with a different biome? (She twitched one ear as she listened to the winds.) I can't hear the other biomes, so each island must have its own climate contained. Either this is a magical anomaly or someone put a lot of work into this...

Her voice trailed off at the thought. A series of islands, close in proximity and all connected, but each had its own biome? That hardly could be accidental. And there was a portal leading here as well... But Vina was distracted by Fina's predictable and endearing reaction to the vixen's teasing.

I see~ Just adventuring partners? Someone I know, perhaps~? (She nodded as Fina mentioned Cleo.) It's been a while since I last spoke to Cleo. Does she also know that this place exists, or does she only know about the key?

Teasing Fina was fun, but Vina wasn't about to neglect the invitation extended to her by the feline weaponmaster. She nodded again, this time with more enthusiasm, as Fina explained that there was a specific island she wanted to show to Vina.

If you're inviting me Fina, how could I say no~? (She indicated the island around them.) This place makes me want to explore, so I'll gladly follow you wherever you lead~!

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

Spending the holidays with someone like Vina? It made the feline momentarily freeze before she realized that the other girl probably meant in-game. Frankly, it made Fina sigh internally that she even considered something like that. Although it did lead to many thoughts, primarily about whether the songstress was at all similar to her real life self. Something she'd probably never find out, as it usually were.

"I wouldn't be against it, but you really don't need to go out of your way for me if you have other plans." The girl hated feeling like she was making others choose between two things they wanted to do. If Vina was able to celebrate and enjoy the holidays well enough already, then surely having another person to take care of would only split her attention? Well, nevermind all of that. The pale fox actually seemed eager to explore this place as well.

"Mm, probably not someone you know, no. Unless the name Crimson Ruby rings any bells?" There was always that small chance that the two were indeed acquintances, but given how many people played TerraSphere, that chance was extraordinarily small. "As for Cleo, I didn't have a chance to tell her about this place yet, unfortunately." Though it would be one of the first things when they met up again.

With that said, there was one more thing she needed to ask before they could set off to their destination. "Um... say, are you afraid of heights? There are only two feasible paths. One by taking a glider and flying there from nearby, or the longer way around, a somewhat rocky road." It was up to Vina's preference since Fina was already familiar with both methods of getting there. It'd be bad if the songstress fell ill when gliding and then plummeting down into the sea, though.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina might come across as carefree to the point of being flighty, but she was actually quite attentive when it came to people. So when Fina froze up she took notice, even if outwardly she just smiled with affection and genuine interest. Her suspicions were strengthened when the feline weaponmaster tried to tell her not to worry herself, to which the vixen shook her head.

It's no problem, really~ Spending time with people you like and care about is what the holidays are all about~ (She paused for a moment before continuing.) But that's for next year, so let's focus on the here and now~!

With some luck Fina would have become more comfortable spending time with the songstress within the next twelve months. For now she brightened up as the silver-haired cat mentioned Ruby, another feline that Vina was on good terms with.

Oh, I know Ruby~! We haven't done much adventuring together yet, but I imagine that the two of you have a lot of fun together~ (She nodded in response to the second part.) A good idea. Cleo's always so serious, she could use more opportunities to relax~

Was she afraid of heights? Vina blinked, then laughed softly. As an aeromancer she never would've thought someone would ask her whether she was comfortable with heights, but she answered the question nonetheless.

I'm comfortable with heights, so unless the longer road is scenic I suggest we take the other path~ I might even be able to make the gliding more fun~

She could manipulate the winds almost effortlessly, so enhancing the trip was well within her powers.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

"I thought any time of the year was for that." Fina's answer was almost cynical, though it was very much meant just as a joke. She was well aware of what Vina meant with her answer, and her view of holidays was rather widespread and common. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it. In fact, it might have even been admirable in some ways. Especially in a world where people would sacrifice their time with others to pursue other pleasures or even necessary displeasures.

Then came another unexpected reveal. The feline blinked a few times before tilting her head. "Oh... huh, I see." Out in the physical world, people often said 'The world is a small place' when such things happen, and perhaps that saying applies to this world as well. "I guess that makes any explaining easier." Vina was probably able to at least partly imagine how the two cats could get together and set out to explore a place like this.

But it was now a fox and a cat that would explore the area. Well, it might not have necessarily counted as exploration, given that Fina already charted the land near the Landing, but it would still be a new experience for one of them. Although the girl did pause a moment when her partner suggested making the flight more 'fun'. "Let's, um... let's not tempt it. It'd be a loooong way down." And neither of them were probably eager to meet their first death.

However, with Vina affirming that she was just fine using a glider, Fina would move away from the fence and lead the way. While the place they were headed toward was truly magic in the red light of a setting sun, it would have been best to make use of the day they still had. The due had to follow a path out of the camp for a few minutes, through a fairly dense jungle-like area, before they'd arrive at a cliffside. What opened up in front of them was a vista like no other.

On their right side, quite the distance away, was a floating island completely different from the one they were at. Instead of being lush with green, lively with plant life and happy little animals, it was entirely scorched. The ground - charred black stone. The source of this was easy to spot as well, twin volcanos roughly in the center of the landmass, surrounded by jagged mountains. But despite the visual distortions caused by the heat, there appeared to be a fair amount of water flowing as well. Bubbling, boiling water formed rivers that slowly cooled the father away from the volcanos they went.

Thankfully, that was not where they were headed. On their left, down below, was a second floating island that looked far more hospitable. While it had plenty of solid land, primarily sandy beaches, and tropical forests, the majority appeared to be something akin to a sea formed by the water from the scorched land far above. It was almost mesmerizing how those boiling rivers spilled over into waterfalls, the clear liquid cooling on the way down and forming titanous rainbows. A symbiosis between two pieces of land that could not be more different.

"That's where we're going! Since it's below us, it's easy enough to glide there, even if there is a bit of a gap between this island and that one. But since you seem to be an expert, I guess I don't have to say much else." With that, the felis walked up to one of the many prepared gliders and looked over her shoulder to see if Vina was following.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina didn't expect Fina's retort, but it certainly amused her, the vixen laughing before nodding heartily.

You're not wrong~ Any time is a good time to have fun with your loved ones. It's just that the holidays have that special feeling to them~ Snow outside, warmth and merriment inside...

Given Fina's earlier reply it was most likely the case that she didn't share that special feeling, but that just meant that Vina could help her experience it. The druidess definitely wanted to become closer to the feline weaponmaster, and part of that was enjoying such moments with the silver-haired female.

Out of curiosity, how did you meet Ruby?

Her own meeting with Ruby had been quite memorable to her even if nothing too unusual had happened. Maybe it was just that Vina really enjoyed performing together with others, or maybe it had just been a really good day. The vixen couldn't say, but she wondered if Fina's meeting with the red-haired feline was similar to hers.

Fina's cautious approach to traversing the islands by air made Vina smile mischievously.

Don't worry, I'll be very gentle Fina~ You'll feel almost weightless~

As much fun as she was having teasing the feline she wasn't planning to do anything truly risky. After all, she certainly had no intention of dying if she could avoid it, and she wouldn't want to endanger Fina either.

With Fina taking the lead Vina would follow, humming a cheerful tune as she looked around at their surroundings as the two of them headed for where the gliders apparently were located. Their surroundings were quite densely covered in vegetation, and she marvelled at how the rays of the setting sun pierced the foliage to bathe everything in red light. It was beautiful, and if it wasn't for Fina she would have stopped walking to admire all of it.

Hmmmhmmhmmm~ I don't recognise any of these plants... I wonder if they're unique to this place.

However, the view that opened up before them next stole her breath away, the vixen falling silent as her azure eyes went wide. Islands floating above the clouds, with the evening sun painting the sky in mesmerising hues of red and orange. It was truly a place of fantasy, moreso than the lands that Vina had visited before.

...It's beautiful~

The volcanic island that dominated the sky before them was awe-inspiring from this distance, the twin volcanos leaking molten rock as steam and superheated air rose up from the surrounding landscape. The rivers which then fell down into another island, which looked like a tropical beach floating mid-air, gave an impression of just how big this place was, and just how far up the volcanic island was compared to the tropical island.

Of course, once Fina affirmed that they were heading for the tropical area, Vina tilted her head, the majesty of the vista now mixed with amusement.

So... did you invite me to islands floating high above the sea... to go to the beach~? (Her eyes sparkled, but with amusement rather than mischief.) A creative idea~

With the magic of the view before them broken Vina followed Fina to the gliders, although she shook her head when the feline called her an expert.

I'm an expert at gliding, but I know nothing of gliders. (As she spoke the winds seemed to pick up around them, the vixen chuckling.) I suggest you hold on tight~

Once Fina looked around she'd see that Vina was right behind her, and before she could react the druidess would grab Fina's hand and jump off the edge of the island. However, before they'd fallen more than a meter a strong upwards gust would catch them, strong enough that the two of them would end up hovering in the air as if weightless. Vina's obscenely long hair danced around her as she laughed, carefree as always even as she two of them were carried onwards.

I told you that you'd feel weightless, didn't I~?

Vina's control over the winds was refined enough that the two of them flew through the evening sky as freely as birds, heading straight for the tropical island that Fina had pointed out. Even though they were descending it'd never feel as if they were truly falling, moreso as if they were gently being guided along by the winds.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

It was only natural that Vina would be interested in Ruby in this context, given that she was now a common acquintance between the two girls. Although as far as Fina was concerned, their meeting was nothing particularly special. "We just kinda ran into each other when she was practicing her blade dancing. I guess I looked really impressed because she offered to teach me a bit and spar as well, so we did. Afterward, we agreed that it would be nice to explore the world together."

Of course, that was leaving out some of the finer details. But they'd be standing around for a while if she were to divulge all of it... not to mention that some of it was a bit too personal. Either way, it was fine for now as they arrived at the site of the gliders. Painstakingly crafted by a member of the adventurer guild who, along with a few others, agreed to help chart this new land. And yet, they were not even to be used, given what Vina did next.

And while there were some obvious allusions to it before, Fina really didn't think the songstress would do anything bad. Hell, she didn't even know that the white fox had control over aeromancy. So it was quite a surprise when her hand was suddenly grabbed, only to be yanked forward and off the ledge. While Vina laughed and enjoyed the freedom of flight, Fina had just about the opposite reaction. A brief scream of terror was accompanied by her hand also grabbing onto Vina's wrist, though strong enough that it would probably leave a mark for some time.

The whole way down her grip did not loosen at all, teeth remained clenched, and tears appeared in the corners of her eyes. Perhaps flying would be a pleasant experience if she were the one who could control it and assure herself of everything being safe. At least the journey wasn't particularly long and they would soon land on the beach, boots quickly leaving prints in the golden sand.

Aquatic Isle
Southern Beach

With legs firmly on the ground, the feline let out a sigh of relief. Best they didn't talk about that experience. Thankfully there was plenty to distract them around. Straight ahead, the beach stretched into the distance, consisting of fine and pleasantly warm sand of golden color. Naturally, it was also accompanied by the sea that continued into the horizon. Azure blue water with no impurities, exotic fish swimming beneath, and generally rich underwater life full of corals, kelp, and more.

On the opposite side, some distance across the beach, started the tropical desert. Aside from plenty of vegetation, there also appeared to be some ruins here and there with a larger structure further in the back. None of it appeared inhabitated at all, and since Fina already explored a lot of this place and didn't say anything, then it was probably safe to assume that there were no dangers lurking around. Only the sun, the beach, and the sea to be enjoyed here.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Blade dancing~? (Vina looked intrigued.) I've ever actually seen her fight, but I guess that's what she calls her techniques? I do know she's good at normal dancing~ I met her when she joined my performance in one of Finweald's plazas~

She had enjoyed the crimson cat's company, especially since she was both a talented dancer and musician. Which reminded her that her attempt at doing something similar with Fina hadn't gone so well, but maybe she'd be more interested in giving it another shot another time?

But right now there was the joy of flight, only lightly marred by Fina doing exactly what Vina had advised her to do and holding on tightly enough that Vina was worried she might suffer some bruises because of it. Well, that's what she got for trying to surprise Fina with something like jumping from a floating island. As entertaining as she herself might consider it, some people might find that kind of thing shocking or borderline traumatising.

Still, the ride was safe as could be, the winds carrying them gently even as they swiftly left the jungle island behind and descending upon the tropical island. Vina had chosen one of the beaches to land on, since dropping the two of them in the water would have been a bit much after already spooking Fina with an unannounced flight. Once they were back on the ground the winds dispersed, Vina raising her arms and stretching before looking at the armsmaster with a cheeky grin.

So! Enjoyed the ride~?

She would have pushed it a bit further, but it looked like Fina would rather focus on their new surroundings. In the evening sun, the sea glittered as the waves reflected the light, and the sand shone like it was covered in many grains of gold. Behind them the trees and other vegetation cast long shadows, but Vina was focused on what lay before them, the blue sea and the golden beach.

It's really beautiful here though~ I'm glad you invited me here Fina~ (Her grin lost its mischievous nature, instead becoming grateful.) The weather is amazing here as well. Maybe this entire place is an easter egg?

After all, this world was still virtual. For this seemingly perfect vacation resort to exist, wasn't the most logical answer that the developers had put it here?

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

Quite shaken, it felt like Fina was standing on stilts for the first few moments. Not that she actually knew what that felt like, but she heard the expression, and her knees were certainly wobbly for a bit there. "Throwing us over the edge like that, are you actually a devil instead of an angel..?" The girl half-joked as she shook her entire body, trying to dispel leftover adrenalin that caused goosebumps all over.

Thank goodness it all faded in such a short amount of time. And even better, first impressions for Vina seemed to be nothing short of fantastic. "Who knows with this game. Just about anything is possible, but if this was some kind of easter egg, then I am glad I managed to find it." Although the whole of several floating islands connected together felt like a much more solid piece of content than some small secret. This vacation island was just one part of that whole.

"Now that you know the way, you can come back here any time you want to enjoy the warmth, sun, and sand. Ah... guess that might actually be necessary. I didn't tell you there would be a place to swim..." That meant Vina didn't have a chance to bring a swimsuit with her. And, granted, neither did Fina. Though she still figured that they could, at the very least, enjoy a nice walk on the beach, maybe dip their legs in the water for that nice refreshing feeling.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina hummed in response to Fina's question, her expression innocent despite the mischievous glint in her eyes.

Hmmmm~ Maybe a little bit of both~? (She winked.) Don't worry, I'd never let you fall Fina~

It seemed that Fina was able to joke about the incident now that she was no longer wobbling about, which was good. Vina had wanted to scare her friend a little bit as a prank, not actually traumatise her.

She certainly did appreciate the scenery Fina had provided, humming a cheerful tune as her feline friend continued talking. The druidess certainly felt like this place had to be designed on purpose, given how Terrasphere usually provided quite realistic ecosystems and climates (as long as you accepted magic as an environmental factor) while this place reminded her a little bit of those areas you encountered in games where it was always tropical or artic regardless of the time of year.

Whether it was an easter bag or something more significant was up in the air though.

Stepping forward to feel the water against her feet as it washed the beach the songstress nodded along with Fina's words until the weaponmaster implied that they'd need to go back for swimsuits before they could enjoy the water more thoroughly. At that point, Vina looked around at her friend with genuine confusion.

How so? We're both here now, aren't we~? (She spread her arms to indicate the waters.) "Now is as good a time as any~

With those words Vina first tossed her staff into her inventory then got to work removing her clothes. As usual she didn't wear much more than a crop top, a pelvic curtain, and surprisingly sturdy boots, which meant that undressing herself boiled down to pulling off her boots, removing the clasp on her top, and untying the cloth around her waist, tossing it all aside and now standing bare as she was born in front of the water.

Aaaah~ The winds feel so nice here~

Stretching her whole body Vina closed her eyes as her obscenely long hair danced in the wind, revealing plenty of pale but healthy skin to her feline friend. Opening her azure eyes she looked at Fina over her shoulder with a smile.

You coming~?

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

"Not on purpose, yeah..." She believed that much. But she knew that mistakes could happen, and her imagination was plenty wild to scare her with all kinds of mental images. Not that she didn't trust in her friend's mastery over winds, but... well, even a master was capable of making mistakes every now and then.

Speaking of mistakes, it seemed that Fina made the mistake of not realizing just how open Vina was with, well... her self? At first, the feline thought that the fox meant they could just swim around in their current clothes, given that both of them were wearing clothes that were admittedly rather revealing and swimsuit-like.

But when the songstress suddenly started undressing as if no one was watching, the cat's cheeks very quickly reddened in response. It was almost as if her heart skipped a beat with how fast it started beating at the moment's notice, causing a squeezing feeling inside of the girl's chest before she would cover her eyes with her hands and quickly turn around.

The wind pressed up against the cloak the Fina wore, making it dance in the wind almost the same way as Vina's hair. But the weapon master remained standing still, her back toward her companion and very much unsure of what to do in this situation. "W-what are you doing so suddenly?!" Surely it wasn't normal behavior for friends to just undress in front of one another? Even if the girl didn't travel much, there was no way people from other countries could be that brazen, right?

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

One thing Fina might have noticed in the brief time that she had to gaze upon Vina's undressing form before her own embarrassment obligated her to turn around was that the vixen apparently didn't bother with underwear. Given how revealing her outfit was that would most likely not come as a surprise, but it still meant that only two skimpy articles of clothing had been between Vina and full exposure this whole time, not counting the boots that now rested on the golden sand.

I'm getting ready to swim. What else would I be doing~?

Truthfully, Vina hadn't thought that Fina would be so reserved as to be made uncomfortable by this, so she had to re-evaluate. It didn't seem like the feline weaponmaster was truly disturbed, but she might need some encouragement to embrace nudity amongst friends. The encouragement that Vina would be eager to provide.

Turning around to face Fina fully Vina grasped one forearm with the other hand behind her back, a slight tilt to her head as she smiled reassuringly.

There's only the two of us here, is there not? There's nothing to be ashamed about~

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

Fina was never an outgoing or social person. That changed somewhat in games, but even there, it was mostly text-based interactions that allowed just about anyone to be far more open and outgoing. It was, therefore, only with TerraSphere that the girl became more social and eager to interact with other people in a real sense. This, though, was a bit much, coming out of nowhere and for someone who had no siblings or other individuals to experience this kind of situation with.

"E-even then! You don't just... reveal yourself in front of others! O-only couples do that!" Well, that was what she figured anyway. Though, in this case, the issue might have been that Fina was well aware she would end up staring where she should not if she were to turn around and actually take Vina fully in. At this point, she didn't even really consider undressing herself, the thought only now coming to her and making her feel like she would definitely die of embarrassment.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Really? (Vina blinked, even if Fina wasn't looking at her.) Only couples? What about friends and family~?

If Fina was speaking the truth she either didn't have any experience with the casual nudity that was common between siblings, or she was raised in a culture where they adhered to strict modesty when it came to the self. Vina frowned lightly at that thought before dismissing it. It was up to everyone how comfortable they were with themselves and others, but that didn't mean she couldn't try to make Fina a bit more comfortable.

I don't think there's anything wrong with exposing yourself though~ We both have beautiful bodies, so we have nothing to be ashamed of. If people want to stare, isn't that just a form of praise~? (She laughed softly before continuing.) And the water is also lovely here, so you'd be missing out if you don't join me~

Turning around Vina would wade deeper into the water until it reached up to her upper thighs. Her obscenely long hair was now drifting on the small waves, obscuring most of her frame from behind while her large, lustrous tail ensured that the area between her thighs was fully covered for now. The cold water made pleasant shivers run up her spine, the vixen blushing slightly before she scooped up some of the water with both hands to drip down onto her face and front.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

Keeping standing still with her eyes firmly shut and covered with her palms, it was almost becoming a bit disorienting. Her ears were picking up all kinds of sounds, all the way from small critters and birds chirping to Vina wading through the water somewhere behind her. She... wasn't entirely wrong. In a certain way, being stared at definitely meant that there was something to look at. Although Fina was far more familiar with the look that was observing 'ugliness' and the 'unnatural' rather than anything worth admiring.

"E-even if that's true... I think my heart would explode if anyone saw me without clothes-!" Her body in this game might have been approaching what some saw as perfection, there was little doubt about that. The character creator allowed for such things easily. But the shame and slight insecurity were still embedded in the girl's actual personality, even if she were to try and play a character here.

"Y-yeah, definitely... I don't think I'd be able to physically undress in front of someone that is not my doctor..." She spoke a bit more quietly this time, as if she was justifying all of this hesitation to herself. The situation certainly wasn't making her heartbeat calm down at all.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

While Vina had hoped to help Fina calm down, it looked that the feline's modesty was deeply rooted. Unsurprising, if a bit disappointing: Vina did find Fina quite beautiful, so she would've quite liked to see the cat in all her glory. Nevertheless, being too pushy was also a flaw, so the vixen would have to gently coax her friend out of her shell. A part of her did wonder if maybe she should just strip the girl... But that wasn't her style, and it was too forceful for her tastes.

If that's your decision I'll respect it~ Although I am curious why you find it so embarrassing... And that doesn't explain why you won't look at me, since I don't mind at all~

So far all of Fina's explanations had been about why she wouldn't want to expose herself, but here she was, refusing to look at Vina. The vixen waded a bit deeper into the water now that her front had been wetted, now submerged all the way to her waste. Even if she were to turn around to look at Fina now the only thing the feline would see would be the vixen's chest.

Her ears twitched as her friend whispered something softly enough that if it wasn't for Vina's sharp senses she might have missed it. Only her doctor? A rather specific statement... The druidess did turn around at that point, talking a bit louder since there was now a bit more distance between the two of them.

Is this about dirty thoughts then~? I promise I have no intention other than swim with you~ (She smirked.) You know, with my specialisation I'm probably the closest thing to a physician in this place. You can think of me as a doctor if it helps~

That last part was definitely a tease, but she couldn't resist.

@Fina Drago