Complete 18+ Private Summer-Winter Holiday

[Fina Drago]

Looking to the side, the feline submerged herself a little bit, just enough so that the only part of her body still above water was her nose and above. Vina's line of logic wasn't exactly wrong, at least when looked at in isolation. As far as Fina was concerned, it was society that imposed certain rules that became so engraved in people that they became as natural as breathing to them. Wearing clothes and keeping intimacy well away from the public eye were but two examples.

But even if she understood this, it wasn't like she could just... remove that part of herself. It was rooted far too deep and now the embarrassement came naturally. When the songstress mentioned that she was happy Fina didn't draw a hard line in the sand yet, her golden eyes were directed back at the vixen while she blew a few bubbles under the water, trying to think of what to say. Ultimately, she just rose enough to free her mouth and said it as simply as she could.

"I kinda wish... I was just like you. In this game, at least..." But even admitting that much made her feel self-conscious so she dipped under the water's surface once more. In this place, her body was nothing like the one she had in the physical world. There was nothing to be ashamed about, nor anything to others would point fingers at her for. So why shouldn't she embrace it and be a bit more free, just like Vina? The fox was clearly having a lot of fun with it all...

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

She'd already been plenty pushy with the feline so far, even persuading the armsmaster to strip and enter the water naked with her. For now the songstress would wait for Fina to respond at her own pace, closing her eyes briefly to immerse herself in the sensation of the sun's golden rays against her cheek in contrast with the sparkling water embracing most of her frame. Out here in the midst of the ocean, with the islands floating high up in the skies, twilight would last longer than back on the continent. However, as the sun kept slowly but surely sinking the blazing orange that painted the sky was fading away to be replaced with a deep blue that would only become darker as time went on. Even now brilliant dots became visible above their heads.

Just like me? Now there's something I don't hear very often~

While Vina had an easy time getting along with others most people considered her a bit too out there for them to wish to emulate her. But the songstress knew what Fina really meant: she didn't like her own shyness.

I'm flattered though, and if that's what you want I'd gladly help~ The more comfortable you are with yourself the better you'll feel.

People often made existing problems worse by getting too engrossed in all the negatives. One of the reasons why Vina loved performing was because it was an opportunity to spread some joy and positivity.

Underwater it was barely noticeable, but Vina's tail was slowly wagging behind her as she resisted the urge to hug her friend. Under normal circumstances she wouldn't have hesitated, but if she did it right now she might have risked Fina igniting from sheer embarrassment. Instead she reached out underwater and grabbed both of Fina's hands, squeezing them softly with her own.

I was hoping we could hang out together more, and if you're okay with it I'll try to give you a push when I think you need it. That's something friends are for, after all~

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

Just because the sun was disappearing behind the horizon didn't mean their little hangout session had to end. Ther darker it became, the more apparent it became that the water here was anything but ordinary. By the time the stars started showing up and shade covered all, it was practically glowing azure blue, illuminating not only the sea itself, but the entire beach next to it as well. In certain spots, the bioluminescence was more apparent as coming out of plankton that painted rather beautiful lines where the water pressed up against the sand.

Fina herself twitched a bit when her hands were suddenly squeezed, but took rather well to the contact, if looking to the side a bit embarrassed by Vina's eagerness. "I mean... I would like to, but I'm not sure if I'm even really capable of it. I acted to stupid even over something so simple as just undressing..." Clearly she wasn't entirely confident in her ability to change her feelings. Still, it was reassuring to know that she had someone who was willing to help her in any way she could.

Although, given how open Vina was, it made Fina wonder just what kind of things the fox did in the past to get like this. Sure, maybe she just happened to grow up with such views and feelings, but... maybe she didn't? The feline did not hide her curious gaze, somewhat blank as her mind wandered, but her lips remained sealed. It felt like it would be a bit too rude to just ask about such things.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

It looked like Fina was at least comfortable enough that innocent skin contact didn't bother her, which made Vina's expression become a bit more tender.

Don't worry, everyone starts somewhere Fina~ Besides, there's plenty of others who'd share that hesitation, so you're not alone. You just have to take it easy and get used to it.

For the druidess such exhibitionism might be as natural as breathing, but she wasn't ignorant to the hesitations other people had. From her perspective it sounded like Fina just needed time to get more comfortable with herself and others, as well as develop some more confidence so she wasn't worrying so much.

That said, now that you've admitted to wanting it don't blame me if I help you undress in the future~ That's what friends are for, after all!

While Vina had taken note of the way the water glittered in the sun she wouldn't have expected this floating paradise to start glowing once night fell. Turning her head her mouth opened slightly as she took in the sight of the entire beach being illuminated by the algae that thrived in this environment, her eyes wide as they reflected the azure light brilliantly.

Wow~ That's beautiful~!

She might be a bit biased because the glow was the shame colour as her own eyes, but that didn't diminish the genuine awe in her voice and the exhilarated look in her eyes.

Does it always do this?

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

At least Vina wasn't wrong. The feline was more than aware that there were plenty of people like herself. It didn't change the fact that it was much easier to only see those that did not have such issues and often even were presented as the perfect version of what a person can be. Even this world liked shoving such things into one's face for one reason or another.

But there was some progress for Fina, and hopefully, there would indeed be gradual improvements over time. Although what Vina said about undressing the felis even more in the future earned a bit of an embarrassed stare. "I feel like your definition of a 'friend' might be a bit skewed if you think normal friends do that kind of thing..."

It wasn't even really surprising, given how the songstress behaved. "But, um... yeah... you have my permission..." As awkward as it felt to say that, hopefully, that meant Vina wouldn't misunderstand the cat's reluctance as one of not wanting to go down such a path.

As for the sea that illuminated all around it in a blue hue, the girl nodded. "As far as I know, yeah. Though I haven't exactly been here that many times at night." Maybe she just got lucky to witness this rare marvel on each visit. Or maybe it truly was a nightly occurrence. All she could really say was that Vina looked even more beautiful than usual like this. Something she almost said out loud without thinking.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina answered Fina's embarrassed look with a smile which would have been as innocent as an angel's if it wasn't for the mischievous glint in her azure eyes. She nodded as the feline pointed out Vina's abnormal standards, the vixen unbothered by the accusation.

Maybe, but it's what I do for my friends~ (She chuckled.) But what I meant is that friends help each other achieve their goals, even if those goals involve stripping down and exposing yourself where others might see you~

It was always easier to face challenges with friends at your side, wasn't it? Vina believed so, at least. As Fina admitted that she was okay with this suggestion Vina let go of the feline's hands and clapped her own together instead, her tail dragging through the water as it wagged behind her.

Great! I look forward to it then~

A beach where the world was lit up not by the sun or the moon, but by the waters themselves. Vina's gaze swept across the horizon, travelling upwards at the volcanic island that floated high above, the waterfalls of mineral water streaming down from the edges to fall into the... ocean at the other edge of the island. Or maybe it would be more accurate to call it a lake? All Vina knew was that it was a wondrous sight, as if straight out of a painting.

Turning back towards Fina she tilted her head.

We should come here more often then~ And bring Ruby with us as well. (She paused, then leaned forward a little while folding her hands behind her back.) You know, this lighting makes you look really enchanting, like a fairy~ Want to see whether it also glows like this underwater?

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

"R-right." Ignoring Vina's rather mischievous expression for now, the feline could at least understand what the songstress meant. Helping others with their issues, no matter what the issue was... it was admirable, really. Fina tried to do so herself, though she was lucky so far that no one wanted help with anything awkward or embarrassing. Of course, right now, she was the one who required help with such a thing.

"Looking forward to it, huh..." That might have been slightly worrying. Though the fox was quick to change the subject back to the water. "Ruby... yeah. We discovered this whole place together, but she hasn't seen this island yet." Though when Vina leaned it, Fina couldn't help but lean back a tiny bit, instinctively covering her upper body with her hands even if it was not fully visible in the water.

"T-thank you. Though I'd say you look even better." Given that she was a bit of a loner in the physical world, the girl wasn't super used to receiving or giving such praise, so she hoped she didn't say anything weird. "Underwater? I guess it would... diving here, huh." That should actually be interesting.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

We should let her know of this island as soon as possible then. I'm sure she'll love it as well~ (She chuckled.) I'm sure the three of us could have a lot of fun together~

Clearly Fina was still a bit uncomfortable even when mostly submerged, but Vina ignored the protective gesture. Her friend should know by now that she only needed to tell Vina to stop and she'd stop, so any other gestures just signalled embarrassment rather than unwillingness. And to be honest, watching Fina be flustered was very endearing.

Thanks for the compliment, but I think anyone who saw us would thank their lucky stars for both of us~ No point in enjoying one beauty when there's two of us, right~?

With Fina on board with the idea of going underwater Vina leaned back, holding one hand out of the water as she began to focus.

The water is clear without contaminations, so I'd really like to explore what's underwater. Hold on, I'll make a bubble for the both of us.

She didn't have hydromancy, so she couldn't just confer underwater breathing, but she had something that was almost as good. As she hummed a quick melody the air gathered above her hand, forming two spheres which were barely perceptible aside from a very faint fracturing of the light, as if a perfect spherical glass was hovering in the air. Once she'd gathered enough air for the both of them she directed one of her bubbles to Fina, the magical air container enveloping Fina's head while the other headed for the vixen herself.

This supply of fresh clean air should last the both of us long enough. You ready~?

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

Now there was an idea. Ruby was already plenty familiar with the floating isles, so she would probably even be able to arrive on her own. Heck, Vina managed to do so with just simple instructions sent via in-game mail. The idea of all three of them camping and generally relaxing here was... certainly very nice. However, the forge master figured that it would likely be a bit more difficult to find a moment when all three of them would have the time necessary for such an excursion. But that was an issue they'd confront once it faced them.

For now, Fina got to feel flattered and embarrassed at the same time with all of these comments the songstress directed at her. "Mm... I suppose so, yeah." She tried to accept the flattery, but it was still quite alien to her. Thankfully they didn't stay at that topic for too long. The prospect of exploring what was under the water's surface was quite interesting, and at the very least, there appeared to be no hostile aquatic life forms to be seen.

Given her own rather... focused set of abilities, it was always interesting to see others use actual magic in this fantasy world. Although her body reflexively tried to lean back as the bubble approached, some of her fur stood up straight as it enveloped her head. "R-right... shouldn't run out or anything." What a wonderful worry to be had. "Um... do you know much about diving? I, uh... didn't even really know how to swim until not too long ago, so..."

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina chuckled as Fina tried to awkwardly process the compliment, but didn't comment otherwise as it was time to get ready for a dive. Seeing how the feline seemed a bit nervous about the bubble the vixen tried to reassure her by letting her own bubble envelop her head first.

It'll be fine Fina~ It doesn't look like there's any dangerous creatures or treacherous currents here, so we can head back for the surface whenever we want.

If they wanted to stay underwater for an extended period of time it'd take some more effort, but Vina was confident that they'd be able to make do with these simple bubbles.

Upon Fina's admission that she didn't have much experience with swimming, let alone diving, Vina smiled and gently took her friend by the hand.

Diving's the same as swimming. The main danger of diving is that if you go to deep too fast you might get sick, but as long as we're taking it easy that shouldn't be a problem~ Also, since the bubble of air is lighter than the water you'll always know which way is up~

Slowly stepping backwards she pulled Fina along, the water submerging more and more of her form.

If you're worried just keep hold of my hand~

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

As long as they remained somewhat close to the shore, they indeed had nothing to be worried about. The currents only pick up some distance out as they would near the edge of the island itself, where the water spilled over the rocky side and created even more waterfalls down into the wide ocean that surrounded the continent that they were so used to. Being swept there would have probably been a much less pleasant experience.

That said, they had more than enough room for their fun. With her hand grabbed and dragged into the deeper waters, Fina's lips curled a bit as the feline couldn't help but close her eyes tightly the moment the water was about to wash over her head. The bubble did work and her head remained dry, although it took a few moments a good bit of courage to actually open her eyes to confirm.

Vina's prior curiosity was answered quickly as the visibility beneath the water's surface was just as good as during the day thanks the the glow, even if it seemed that this was localized to a higher altitude and some of the distant deeper spots were darker. This close to the beach, there were only some exotic small fish, a lot of stones dotting the sandy below, and the occasional coral. Though the density of these colorful growths seemed to increase the father they would go.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina made sure not to let go of Fina's hand while they submerged, offering some comfort to the feline by reminding her that there was someone by her side who could intervene if something went wrong. Not that the songstress was seriously worried: she just wanted to make sure Fina felt at ease.

The underwater visibility was a great boon, the vixen looking around with delight as she could see quite clearly. Only the depths in the distance were too dark, and she imagined that if they swam closer that would change as well. Now that she was fully underwater her hair drifted around her as well, the pale strands of floor-length hair fanning out.

Turning her head she smiled back at Fina, her smile quickly turning into a smirk as now she could see Fina's full body without any difficulties, and the same was also true the other way around. Now that they were both submerged their nudity was once again on full display.

I've linked the bubbles so we can talk.

While Vina couldn't control the water she could control the bubbles which were made of air, and some clever application of her Harmonic Magic meant that they could understand each other clearly.

It's beautiful down here~ I wonder if all these fish and corals come from the ocean?

The big question underlying their exploration of this island was where the island came from. The fish and corals implied that it originated from a tropical environment, but it wasn't like this place had to obey the same rules as back on Earth.

Shall we go deeper?

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

It wasn't particularly difficult to notice Vina's smirk, especially so with Fina being still rather conscious of her surroundings, especially the one actual person that could induce feelings of shame and embarrassement. It quickly caused the feline to close her thighs together and use her one free hand to cover her chest, even if neither action amounted to all that much, given that she needed to move her body and limbs around to actually 'swim'

Although she was both surprised and impressed that the songstress was capable of connecting them both under the sea's waves like so. "H-huh..." Not expecting to hear the fox's voice until after they were back above the water's surface, it left Fina staggered for a moment before it was suggested that they go even further down. That meant also swimming father away from the shore as the ground beneath them was going downward in a mild slope before it would eventually break in the distance.

"I-um... I suppose we can?" It wasn't like the forge master wasn't enjoying the rather unique experience and the sheer visual stimulation that came with it. However, a good few people would likely be somewhat unnerved by going to the point where a gentle slope turned into a near perfect vertical fall, a maw of darkness opening up in front of them with seemingly no bottom and nothing but unknown lying in wait. Being underwater... sure had a special way of being scary.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina chuckled light-heartedly as Fina tried to cover herself only to find out that she couldn't both hide her private parts and swim. The clear waters were a blessing to the exhibitionist, as they both allowed the two of them to explore the underwater world freely and meant that they couldn't hide anything from one another. Of course, the vixen didn't even bother to try and cover herself, her nude form fully exposed even if Fina was the only one who could see it here.

All right then~ Let's stay away from the edge though... I think it would be difficult to come back if the current caught us.

Unsurprisingly, the current of the water on the floating island moved from the centre towards the edge, where it would fall down as rain onto the true ocean far below. Close to the beach the current wasn't that strong, but as Vina led the way deeper into the submerged terrain she'd make sure to not get anywhere close to that edge in the distance.

Hmmm~ Being here makes me wish that I still had White Magic. I'd be able to light up even more than the algae do~ (She looked over her shoulder at Fina.) But these islands are pretty big, aren't they? I wonder what might be hidden down here~

Given that she was holding Fina's hand to guide the feline along the vixen was mostly relying on her legs to propel her forwards, her azure eyes taking in the sight of the forest of coral expanding before them. Thanks to the coral the water floor was one of the most colourful places she'd ever seen, and as they got further into the water the coral also became bigger, forming larger structures until the two of them could move between them, watching various fish and other small sea life make their homes amidst the towering carbon structures.

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

The feline had to close her eyes for a bit in hopes of composing herself. The best way to deal with this was to clearly forget that she had no clothes on, do not mind that someone else was looking at her... but it was rather difficult when her heart started beating faster whenever Vina's alluring eyes fell on the forge master's form. Or whenever her own eyes fell onto Vina's features, for that matter. Quite distracting, to say the least.

Opening her eyes again, she sighed internally and tried to focus on other things, such as the vixen's voice and the beautiful scenery around them. "Well, we would have to swim for some good 10 minutes or probably more to reach the actual edge. Although... the chasm down below us does seem quite deep, I hope there isn't a hole at the bottom that could suck us in if we were to go down there." It was a bit hard to say with a view from above. If they could fly below the island, it'd be easy to map out such spots, but from up here, the was little they could infer.

"White magic, huh? I know aeromancy can control lightning... but I suppose it can't produce the same effect without also electrocuting us, hm?" That was a morbid thought. And speaking of morbid thoughts... "Going by some media, it'd be a large predator with many tentacles to spare." The girl shuddered. "But realistically... I can't imagine any predators living on this specific island. There might be nothing at all."

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

One could argue that Fina had the advantage that at least Vina's obscenely long hair and her large vulpine tail obscured her features to some extent... although at the same time that also meant that the vixen was constantly teasing her companion with glimpses of her nude form, even if it wasn't on purpose. Either way, after the first smirk Vina would focus on the submerged world spreading out before them, wanting to make sure they didn't get anywhere near that edge in the distance where the currents would most likely try to drag them away.

The suggestion of a hole in the island made her frown, looking around at their surroundings. The beautiful glowing algae did make it a lot easier for them to see everything, leaving the vixen doubtful that they'd be that unlucky.

I think if there was a hole in the bottom large enough to swallow us we'd have seen signs of it already? The waters look calm to me~

Leading the two of them towards the seafloor Vina planted her feet on the sand, throwing up small clouds as she looked at the coral forest that now surrounded the two of them. They were still close enough to the shore that if they wanted to they could quickly return, but far enough that the coral structures were taller than themselves. She nodded as Fina mentioned Aeromancy.

You'd be right~ I'd need some more practice with using lightning underwater before I'd be comfortable with it. That, and it costs a lot of energy in comparison to changing the winds~

Aeromancy was convenient in that it allowed access to both air and lightning magic, but lightning magic was far from perfect. At the mentioning of a tentacle monster she smirked, looking quite intrigued for a moment before shaking her head.

I don't think we'll meet one of those here~ We'd have to go looking somewhere else~ (She pointed at the small fish that had made the coral structures their home.) I don't think there's anything here big enough to threaten us, but maybe some small sharks?

Walking on the seafloor was an interesting experience. The vixen imagined that this was what it felt like to walk on the moon, with gravity barely holding her down as she explored the coral forest a bit more. Down here there weren't as many algae as up above, but there was still enough light for the two of them to see clearly.

It's like being on a different planet~

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

Fina's wasn't quite so lucky or enraptured by Vina that'd be able to really catches the glimpses that might have occasionally be presented. And, of course, she herself had no such defense available. But she hadn't exactly caught the vixen outright ogling her either, so she assumed that things weren't that lecherous, at least not yet. Ultimately, there was greater beauty all around them to steal their gaze.

"I guess you could say that we practically are on one." Sailing right past the fact that Vina apparently knew where to find a tentacle monster, the feline simply shared her agreement on the fact that this place was strange. Able to breath and talk like normal, yet their bodies behaved so differently here. The pressured had also increased, but it seemed that the girl's natural body strength at least somewhat translated into a resistance to that.

"I mean, there is still deeper to go further out, but we probably shouldn't." The abyss extended much further down, but any venture to a place like that would require far more preparation than what the two girls had put into this trip. But at least it wasn't like they had to dive that deep to witness such amazing sights. Although Fina didn't exactly dare to interact much with the corals and the like, often hearing how rough and sharp these things apparently were.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

While Vina was studying the corals from up close she wasn't touching them just yet, instead watching as the small fish flitted around through the water at surprising speed, especially for their size. To them the coral was their home and also a maze in which they could lose almost any predator.

I haven't spotted any eels down here yet, so these little ones must be living a good life down here~

She looked thoughtful in response to Fina's suggestion, the vixen holding still for a moment before nodding.

I guess this would count as a different world~ But that does remind me that I'm really curious where these floating islands are from. The wildlife looks familiar for the most part, but at the same time it's completely isolated aside from that portal.

Leaving the coral forest alone for now she turned back towards Fina, approaching the feline until they were face to face. Around them the world was quiet, the bubbles that surrounded their heads and provided them with fresh air also dampening any sounds that might arise from the waters around them. As they stood there small fish would start approaching them as well, not touching them but swimming around them as if they were part of the coral structures.

I'm really glad you invited me out here Fina~ This is a wonderful place, even if we can't explore all of it today~ But it's also getting late... were you planning to camp out here?

@Fina Drago

 

[Fina Drago]

"Eels..?" Apparently, Vina knew a fair bit about aquatic life, which wasn't exactly expected. Sure, the fox appeared to be rather in tune with nature, but underwater was often seen as a bit different than that. No matter. Eels sounded like bad news, anyway. At least if video games with the electric kind taught the girl anything.

And speaking of dangers, Vina approached once more, almost close enough that she could just go ahead and embrace the feline as they became surrounded by life that only amplified the beauty of this place. "Ah, um... you're welcome. This place is large, so we never had a chance to look at it all in just one day..." Looking up, the moon's illumination cast a curious circle above them where the water's surface up above.

"Camp? Well, the main camp is back at the portal... but this place is peaceful, so I guess it would be possible to spend the night at the beach, or somewhere else nearby." Sounded like the fox was tired already and eager for that kind of experience. Fina was no survivalist, but surely they could figure something out if they wanted to.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina laughed softly as Fina took her words more literally than she'd intended.

I think there's too many things to see here for anyone to explore all of it in one day~ I know what you mean though Fina.

She looked up as well, at the surface far above them. The sky was only visible by the brightening of the water, but the moon's silver light still managed to cast a silver circle on the surface bright enough for them to see, beams of pale light penetrating several meters before the water's distortions rendered it too weak to go any deeper.

Camping out on the beach sounds like a fun idea to me~ The weather here is great, so we only really need cover in case it starts raining. Without any predators we don't have to worry about standing guard or anything either~

Of course, given that in this world sleeping meant logging out it wasn't like they'd actually experience the night, but the thought was still exciting. A part of her wanted to stay down here and continue exploring, but it was late enough that she didn't think they'd find anything beyond more corals and fish before it became too late to keep going. Taking Fina by the hand again she pointed in the direction they came from.

Shall we go back then~?

@Fina Drago