Complete 18+ Private ✪ Finweald Welcoming Song

[Crimson Ruby]

It took Yuhan all her emotional energy to consider logging back into that cursed game. After a whole month without touching her VR device, it almost felt like Terrasphere was going to become something of the past. Still, the reminder of friends she had in the game, people she cared for, perhaps even more than those outside of that virtual world made her reconsider.

Leaving them behind wasn't an idea Yuhan was fond of. They would probably continue venturing into those dangerous explorations, along with many others... And what would Yuhan... What would Ruby be able to do about it if she didn't come back?

With those thoughts haunting her, soon the crimson felis found herself surrounded by the cramped streets of Finweald.

Her hands quickly moved, opening her UI with anxiety crawling in her chest... Online... None of them were. A sigh slipped from her lips. Perhaps she wasn't as ready as she thought.

Without having a chance to think too much, someone bumped into her shoulder, making her snap back to 'reality'. After a brief exchange of apologies, Ruby tucked her hood to hide her face more, taking her to walk upstairs and avoiding anyone she crossed paths with. Eventually, a song ran from afar, of a voice that for some reason didn't feel entirely unfamiliar.

Brief memories of her moment of escape from the giant insect crossed her mind, and as she neared the song more, it was clear that this voice was the same that was singing there, along with Bluebird, along with that strange fellow with a hat.

When the singing was clear and close, Ruby was already at the top of the stairs she was climbing, which reached an open area where a crowd gathered around a woman.

Ruby pushed her way into the crowd, sneaking past it and eventually having no more sight obstacles. It was a beastfolk, just like her.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

It had been a while since Vina had come to Finweald. While she loved to be around people and have fun with them, the largest cities tended to be so bustling and busy that she couldn't hear the wind, something which was also important for her. However, she could alternate between the freedom of the wilds and the energy of the nucleus of civilization, so today she was in Finweald searching for a good spot to set herself up. After all, if she was going to be surrounded by people she might as well entertain them with some music.

Fortunately, Finweald had plenty of squares and widened crossroads where street musicians and merchants could ply their trade. Finding one fairly high up in the city Vina closed her eyes and tried to listen to the wind. Unfortunately, even at this altitude, the city around her made its tune little more than a faint whisper. Better than nothing, and it would do for her purposes.

She considered pulling out her flute but then decided to use her voice instead. Clearing her throat she first whistled a bit of a tune, her eyes closed as she tried to find her rhythm. Standing there in the middle of the square, right next to a statue of one of the heroes of Vintergard who'd helped rescue as many people as possible, she began to sing her song, a song which could be considered a farewell. The disaster of Vintergard might have been years ago, but it wasn't a bad thing to sometimes look back on it. Besides, the expedition that culminated in a fight with the demonic Kurungaar Broodmother had cost more than a few lives as well, and those people deserved to be remembered as well.

At first, she was largely ignored, but as her singing began to fill the square more and more people stopped to listen and watch the silver-haired vixen as she performed without a care for whether she had a captive audience or not. A few onlookers turned into a crowd, and before long a circle of people had formed around the statue and the fox girl standing right next to it.

As Vina sang she moved her body to the rhythm of the song, and around her a breeze formed that swirled and spun, making her obscenely long hair dance around her. Her voice was filled with emotion, sorrow for those who had been lost but also joy for those who remained, and for the times that they had together before they were forced to depart.

After all, one could spend their time grieving for that which they had lost, or they could try to fondly remember the times spent together. For Vina, ever the optimist, it was better to encourage the latter.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Managing to stay on the front row of the improvised arena of people, Ruby had the pleasure of watching the beautiful presentation with the best view she could have. Her eyes followed the steps of the other beastfolk, tracing every movement, impressed by the carefree yet very elegant movements. The hair of the girl swayed along with the song and the dance, and Ruby couldn't help but have her own legs moving slightly as well, urging her to dance for a moment.

It was hard to see such a beautiful dance and not go along with it. Even if her heart was still aching, the song was bright in a way, even if it had a trace of bitterness in it, that was somehow soothing.

The warmth of the sun bathing her, along with the lyrics and the message behind it made her think of those that had fallen in that dire combat. It reminded her of her failure at saving Sol, of leaving Shane behind... Of not able to do anything about her fellow explorers and being a bother for others, needing to be saved.

Still, the message was brought in a positive way, despite every odd going against it.

The singing voice made her ears twitch, once, twice, at some point enough to make her hood fall on her shoulders.

Along with the hood, tears began falling as well.

Why she has been running away from it?

She should've been right there with the others, not run away for all these weeks.

The shy movements of her legs spread to her whole body, making her dance, even if timidly compared to the other woman. Usually, she would've been freeing herself just like the other. But something was still off in her.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

As beautiful as the song was, it could only last for so long, and Vina could already foresee the end. Her voice had enchanted the masses that surrounded her, making them ignore the world for a moment as they listened to her performance, but soon her performance would falter and they'd either disperse or she'd have to continue her performance in a different direction. And frankly, Vina didn't want her performance to end yet: she was one with the breeze around her, her voice carried along by the air currents so everyone around her could hear it as clearly as if she was performing for them alone.

Her eyes had been closed for most of the performance, but as her eyelids parted slightly she noticed a girl standing amidst the other people. At first glance, there wasn't anything particularly remarkable about her, but Vina thought she could remember that girl being part of the expedition into the Tangleweaves, where all of them had been forced to face off against a demonic Kurungaar Broodmother. It had been quite the punishing expedition, but Vina was glad to see that this person had regained the strength to return to Terrasphere. She could imagine that there were others who wouldn't want anything to do with this wondrous world after such a terrifying encounter.

The song came to an end, and some of the onlookers clapped and cheered as Vina's swaying slowed down. However, the vixen wasn't done yet. With a smooth motion, she pulled a violin out of thin air along with a bow, giving the onlookers a wink and a smile as she placed the violin under her chin for support as she held the neck with one hand and the bow with the other. Placing the bow against the violin's strings she began to play another song, her voice this time augmented by the instrumental accompaniment.

The previous song had been a farewell to those who had moved on, a reminder that even if they were gone the happy memories shared with them hadn't disappeared. A song both sweet and sad, but now Vina wanted to perform a song turned towards the future. A song about how, even when times were rough, one had to move forward to find what they were looking for, to hold onto what was important.

Like with the previous song Vina's body was as much part of the performance as her voice, although since she was now also playing an instrument her movements were a bit more careful to ensure the violin wouldn't slip from its position. Nevertheless, her hips would sway and her hair would dance around her to the rhythm of the song as she filled with the square with voice and violin.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby froze for a moment when the vague brim of the dancer's partially closed eyes met hers. That woman just looked at her, didn't she?

Instinctively, the girl reached for her eyes, which were wet and prickling with tears, wiping them out and tugging her cloak back to hide her face for a moment. It was embarrassing to come back to this game only to start breaking down in the same way she left one month ago.

As the first song and dance stopped, there was a moment Ruby thought that was it... But not yet.

Another music started, this time with a violin in her hands, the other woman continued her music and dance that touched Ruby's heart and tingled her emotions. Ruby's lips pursed, holding back for a moment and casting another glance at the woman, that lingered once again, thanks to how mesmerizing the sight was.

Taking one step forward, Ruby hesitated for a moment... But she knew she shouldn't, if she hesitated in this small thing, how she would do better in something bigger like before?

She wasn't going to commit the same mistake twice.

Moving in, Ruby's legs followed the other woman's, with the redhead becoming an intruder in the performance for a moment. Not with her voice, not with her own instrument, but with her body and her dance, hoping to make up for the other woman's limited movement.

Swaying, and circling the other girl, Ruby went against the direction the other was dancing, a contrast to the choreography, just before she slowly went with more matching steps, peering at the woman for a moment with an apologetic look in her eyes, silently saying sorry for stepping in, but continuing to do so anyway... Just like she should have done in that bloody combat.

@Vina Skysong (Sorry! I missed the alert in the middle of the mini game alerts!)

 

[Vina Skysong]

The first song made an impact on the crowd, but the second song made them more lively. The tune was more upbeat, and the story behind it was encouraging. The people that surrounded the performing vixen were now tapping their feet and humming along, the unifying nature of music sweeping across the crowd and pulling them all into the dream that Vina was weaving for them with her voice, her violin, and her body. It was an exhilarating experience, to be the centre of the crowd and to inspire them with music. For Vina it was much better than the adrenaline rush of combat, as there was no violence or pain, only a whirlwind of emotions.

One of the people in the crowd, the young feline that Vina had noticed before who she was pretty sure was a Traveler, even went so far as to step out of the crowd and join the musician. Her movements were smooth and precise, revealing the woman to be an experienced dancer. During the first song she might have been passive, but now Vina got to watch her be even more lively than herself, compensating for Vina's more subdued movements as she didn't want to risk dropping her violin.

Ruby's gaze met Vina's azure eyes, and the vixen just smiled at her without missing a beat in her performance. The girl seemed a bit uncertain about whether her presence was wanted or not, but Vina could only encourage others to express themselves as well. It was one thing to perform in front of a crowd and pluck at their heartstrings, another to actually get them to take part in the performance.

Given that the feline was already doing a good job dancing along to the rhythm of Vina's song the vixen would focus on continuing to sing and play the violin, subtly adapting her movements now that she had a partner in the performance. She'd still be at the centre of the song, being the source, but she'd do her best to also give Ruby plenty of opportunity to do her thing and draw the eyes of the crowd.

Now that there were two of them the crowd grew even bigger, wanting to listen to Vina's song and watch Ruby's dancing. That she'd been willing to step out of the crowd and join Vina was met with approving cheers, with some people even going so far as to clap their hands along to the rhythm as they encouraged the two females to keep going. Of course, the song could only keep going for so long, and it wouldn't take long before Vina began to work towards the end, repeating the chorus for the last time before the song would reach its climax and come to an end.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby followed Vina's lead. The voice of the other woman acted like a conductor's baton for Ruby, who swayed her tail along with her hair and body, with dance moves not so much different from Vina's moves from the previous song-- Albeit, too timid at first, until Ruby's eyes met Vina's, locking for a fraction of second, which was more than enough to deliver a silent approval for the cat's actions.

With the approval, Ruby released any of her insecurity and allowed her legs and arms to move freely. With one sway after another, the lyrics and the notes were translated into Ruby's choreography... With feelings that not only were held by the song, but also by herself.

The crowd approached, but for Ruby, as long as music and dance were involved, there was nothing that dozens of pairs of eyes could do to her mentality.

It was just like the day she met Bluebird.

The song continued to cause the crowd to erupt in cheers, but soon it quietened, fading into a quietness that made Ruby slow down until her movements were mostly halted in a final post.

Breathing heavily, Ruby shifted her glance from the crowd to Vina, having a very faint smile crossing her lips.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

The ending of the song was rather abrupt: the last line was sung, the last notes were played, and with that, it was done. Vina exhaled slowly once the song was over, her body coming to a halt as well while the crowd cheered. The vixen bowed before the audience, her tail wagging behind her to display her happiness at having made such an impact without any real preparation.

But what was perhaps more important than the crowd was the feline who had joined her performance. Vina turned her attention towards Ruby, her azure eyes sparkling with a kind of mischievous delight.

So, having fun~? (She teased the girl slightly even as she smiled warmly.) I don't often have someone joining my performance, but I certainly don't mind. Especially when you make such an impression with your dancing skills~

The crowd was still cheering, although now that Vina seemed to be addressing Ruby instead of setting up for another song some people broke off and resumed their business. The silver-haired druidess looked around, then looked back at Ruby.

It looks like our audience still wants more~ Got any songs you'd want to dance to? (She brought the violin back in position.) I know a lot of songs, so don't be afraid to suggest anything that comes to mind.

Given Ruby's movements Vina was fairly confident that, unless the feline threw her a curveball, she'd be able to play whatever song Ruby might think of. Of course, that still depended on whether Ruby wanted to keep going, or whether she considered one dance enough.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

The tone of the other beastfolk made Ruby's cheeks rosy, even though her expressions remained mostly unchanged, with a hint of sadness that was slowly overtaken by the soothing songs that slowly calmed her heart. Albeit things were way too dire to be solved so easily.

Still, it was enough to make her feel much better than before.

"... Y-Yes, I am having fun." She nodded, swaying her tail. "Your dance was also amazing, it was what caught my attention... Along with your voice." Ruby admitted.

"Not necessairly dancing, but... How... About 'I will remember you'? It isn't really dancy... But I can play it with my instrument and..." Ruby looked at Vina, twitching her left ear and drawing her liuqin out of her UI Inventory. Honestly, the woman's voice was wonderful, so she wished to let her take care of any singing necessary.

"Don't feel forced though, I understand if it isn't as upbeat as you would wish." She added, just to make sure.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina could tell that the feline dancer was getting more out of this performance than just the opportunity to dance, but that suited her just fine. Music was art, and art was the language of the soul. To channel your thoughts and feelings into music and dance was one of the greatest parts of life so far as Vina was concerned, and she always liked it when she could share that experience with someone else.

I'm glad you like both~ You're a really good dancer, so your praise makes me happy~ (She tilted her head for a moment as Ruby suggested her song, then nodded and smiled.) Sure thing! I'll leave the instrumentals to you then~

It wasn't the most lively of songs, but it suited the theme of remembering those who had been lost to various disasters throughout the years. And Vina wasn't about to deny her new friend a request either.

With Ruby having produced her instrument Vina would take a deep breath before beginning to sing. The audience quickly realised that this song was less energetic, more deliberate, and that there would be no dancing involved. Instead, they just listened to Vina and Ruby's performance, Vina's voice and Ruby's liuqin.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby's ears perked up slightly at the happiness from the woman, taking one step back and preparing her fingers with a few strums on her liuqin just to test out its tune, feeling the notes coming perfectly. "Yes... Leave it to me." She smiled, very faintly, but she mustered regardless.

Without swift movements like the ones from before, it was Ruby's fingers' turn to dance, strumming and rapidly playing with the strings, with the sounds of the liuqin reverberating and vibrating along with Vina's beautiful voice, accompanying it with care and the emotions she felt for both the message being delivered and the joy of playing it with someone else.

The notes materialized with the Harmonic Magic, becoming ethereal mana waves, dancing and circling the two women while their performance reached the ears and hearts of the crowd.

Her eyes remained closed for a long while, but as the song neared its end, her eyes opened slightly, looking at her music companion.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

This time Vina would leave the instrumentals to Ruby, so she could focus fully on bringing forth the lyrics with her clear voice. The audience was openly enraptured by the performance as well, Ruby's skilled fingers on the liuqin combining flawlessly with Vina's vocals to please their ears and fill their hearts with emotion. The song wasn't a happy one, but it was sweet and filled with affection. Sorrow was a fundamental aspect to life, and while it wasn't enjoyable it didn't have to be an ugly thing.

After all, few things were as beautiful as the sadness one felt for the sake of someone else.

As Ruby produced ephemeral notes which slowly orbited the two of them Vina's winds picked up as well, carrying their music throughout the entire square so everyone could hear it loud and clearly regardless of where they were standing. The combination of Aeromancy and Harmonic Magic meant that Vina had fine-tuned control over sound and vibrations, which she often used to enhance her performance beyond what was possible with one mouth and two hands.

The song was beautiful, and for as long as the performance lasted time seemed to barely pass by, but eventually, the music faded away as the end was reached. As the audience woke up from an almost trance-like state Vina turned back towards Ruby, smiling with affection even if the sorrow that filled the song had also made her azure eyes glisten.

There's a lot of emotion in your notes~ You really put your soul into it when you play~

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby's ears were soothed by the song of the woman, as she became vaguely entranced herself, playing the music with her liuqin nearly in an automatic manner, trying to follow the voice and highlight it with her careful notes that reverberated as the instrument usually did.

As the music slowly faded away, Ruby felt a tingle of sadness along with a comforting warmth. She wished she could play a bit longer, but everything had an end, just as the music they have been playing showed.

She looked at Vina, smiling faintly at her words.

"You as well. Your voice is beautiful like one of an angel." She admitted, holding onto her liuqin for a moment before lowering it, having one of her hands tracing its fingers across it.

"Thank you... For letting me do this with you." Her faint smile grew slightly, with a warm expression taking over her face.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina laughed softly as Ruby compared her voice to that of an angel. It was quite the compliment, and one which the vixen accepted happily.

Thank you~ I try my best~

And that was certainly the truth. Vina was playful by nature, seeking to enjoy life rather than burden herself with excessive stress, but that didn't mean that she wasn't firing on full cylinders when it came to music. Music nurtured the soul and allowed communication beyond what mere words could accomplish.

She wanted to keep talking to Ruby, but first, she had to make it clear to the audience that for the moment she was done performing. Turning towards those who'd been listening to the two of them so intently she bowed deeply, which most of them took as the signal that the performance was at an end. There were some disappointed mutters, of course, but slowly the crowd began to disperse while Vina turned back towards Ruby.

Any time~ It's much more fun to play together than to play with yourself~ (She smirked a little before continuing.) But we've yet to introduce ourselves, have we? My name is Vina Skysong. (Her tail wagged behind her as she smiled brightly at Ruby.) What's yours?

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby glanced at the crowd, feeling a nice tingle in her chest when some were disappointed. To think they liked their small presentation so much.

"It sure is..." The cat girl nodded, reminding herself of her friends, who she mostly left behind for a whole month without looking back. All due to fear. To worries. And to a lack of trust on people she cared so much for.

"My name is Crimson Ruby." She introduced herself, swaying her two tails along before offering a hand to Vina. "It is nice to meet you, Vina." She said, truthfully. The woman had been a relief since they met.

With her free hand, she would tuck her head back into the hood of her cloak, looking at the vixen. If anything, the crimson cat was more lively than before. At the very least, she didn't feel like avoiding any eyes, keeping them locked on Vina's.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

With the crowd accepting that the performance was over the two beastfolk had the privacy needed to talk freely. While the middle of a square wasn't exactly the most secure of places it wasn't like they were discussing any big secrets. Seeing the extended hand Vina shook it happily, her grip gentle but confident.

It's also very nice to meet you Ruby~ You've got a lovely name~

Vina was always happy to make more friends, especially those who could join her in her passion for the arts. The fact that Ruby had two tails rather than one was also rather curious, although the vixen wasn't going to point that out right away. Her azure eyes were also focused on Ruby's, carrying their usual playful light.

Shall we go get something to drink? I know I did all the singing, but it's better to wet your throat after using it~

There were plenty of bars in the city, as well as places where they sold non-alcoholic drinks. Another consequence of the UI-locked Travelers who introduced ideas from Earth in Terrasphere: there were definitely more stalls selling a variety of things than there used to be.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby felt a warmth on her at the compliment to her name. "Thank you, yours is also very nice and fitting for you." She said, swaying her tails and keeping her eyes on the woman, tilting her head and pondering her suggestion. "A drink... It would be nice." Ruby nodded, looking around and already turning to begin walking. She still needed time to think, time to distract herself, and to get used again to this world.

Maybe a nice drink with good company was what she needed to at least clear her mind enough.

"Have any place you would prefer? I think an inn would be good, but I rarely come here." She admitted, being more of the type of staying far from the big capitals. Usually, she was spending more time being in explorations, while the other seemed a bit more familiar with the way of the cities, being a street performer and everything.

At least that was her first impression.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina smiled as Ruby returned the compliment, her wagging tail making it clear she appreciated the gesture. With the crowd gone they could turn their attention to one another, and Vina was quite curious about the catgirl standing before her.

Great!

She quickly followed after Ruby, catching up with the feline and matching step as they left the square behind. The playful vixen was light on her feet as she walked, bringing a finger up to her chin as she thought of a good place to get a drink from.

There's a lot of options, so it depends on what you prefer~ It's a bit early to start partying in a tavern, but the inns should be quiet at this time of day. (She smiled at Ruby.) Of course, we could also buy something to drink as we walk! It's nice weather after all~

A big city like Finweald provided enough variety that it could be a real challenge to come to a decision. If left to herself Vina would have just gone with whatever she felt like at the moment, but she wasn't going to be that selfish unless Ruby made it clear she was fine with doing whatever Vina felt like doing.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby glanced at Vina, with an ear twitching in curiosity as she heard the girl's words. "You didn't strike to me as someone that has time for partying." She admitted, with a tail swaying. There were enough things that Ruby needed to get rid of her mind, or at least distract herself from it, so anything would be welcomed in a certain way.

"Honestly, my day went from pretty bad to a pleasant surprise." She said, looking at Vina, and leaning a bit closer. "So lead the way, I'd be down for anything. Granted, I will admit that we already had plenty of agitation, so I think I will be avoiding some party for now." Ruby said, offering a faint smile.

Her eyes then went up, tugging her hood to partially cover her eyes as she squinted.

"The weather is really nice, indeed. The day is beautiful." Ruby muttered, averting her gaze to look at the sight that the composition of that city created. Being so high already gave the horizon plenty of beauty, and seeing the city spreading all across the sequence of hills it was built on surely gave it an unique landscape.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina laughed as Ruby commented on the vixen's suggestion of partying. She was quite the energetic party girl, always happy to spend time having fun with others and often being in the middle of it all, using her musical talents to help get people in the mood.

Really? I'm a big fan of parties though~ There's so much fun to be had~ (She looked at Ruby with a curious gaze.) How did you expect me to spend my time then?

She let out a pleased whistle as Ruby stated that her day had taken a positive turn. While it could have been something else, the vixen was quite confident that her own performance had helped in improving the red-haired feline's mood.

Understood. No partying for now then~ But if you ever feel like it in the future, don't be afraid to hit me up~

With partying out of the picture Vina pondered their options. It wasn't late enough for a full meal either, which meant they might as well get something to drink as they walked... Which meant they had to visit a stall.

It'll be winter soon, so I'm glad that it's still warm enough for us to walk around outside like this~

Reaching out the druidess grabbed Ruby by the hand, gently guiding her along as the white-haired vixen led the way towards where a man had set up a stall to sell people drinks and snacks. From the looks of it his primary product were various smoothies, with a bunch of fruits stored away inside of the stall.

Got a preferred taste?

@Crimson Ruby