Complete 18+ Private ✪ Finweald Welcoming Song

[Crimson Ruby]

"I'm honestly unsure... But you seem more like... Someone that would enjoy their time dancing and singing to people. But not exactly partying." Ruby said, swaying her tail and twitching her left ear. "But I was probably just projecting at you, for whatever reason." She shrugged with a sigh, shaking her head in disapproval to herself, for making assumptions like that.

"I will make sure to call you," Ruby said, smiling faintly as she rose her gaze to the vixen before her hand was suddenly taken and she was guided to somewhere else, at least until they were finally by a stall.

Vina was sure energetic, reminding Ruby of herself in a recent past, not even two months ago she was no different from the woman that was cheering up her day, and still...

"Huh? Preferred taste?" She blinked, looking at the options and then at Vina.

"Hm..." She swayed her tails. "Maybe strawberry? But then..." Ruby pondered.

"Maybe we should pick different tastes, this way we can share and taste more options." She suggested.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

The white-haired vixen tilted her head as Ruby explained her expectations, curiosity clear on her face. That said, when the feline began to chastise herself she quickly intervened, shaking her head as she replied.

You're not entirely wrong though~! I enjoy partying, but I also like to sing and dance, both for myself and for others. It just depends on what I'm in the mood for, and the people I'm spending my time with~ (She smiled as Ruby agreed to her suggestion.) Great! Of course, I'll also let you know if I'm in the mood for some fun, in case you want to join~

Her azure eyes flickered towards Ruby's swaying tails as the red-haired female considered her options. A part of Vina really wanted to pet those tails, but for now, she restrained herself. Maybe after they'd gotten their smoothies and a good place to sit down. At the suggestion of choosing different tastes so they could exchange them she nodded happily, her tail wagging behind her.

Sounds good to me~ In that case I'll take a fox grape smoothie~ (She twitched her ears to unsubtly indicate what motivated that decision.) You don't mind grape, do you?

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby's ears perked up, and she nodded at the vixen's reasoning. "It makes sense, being flexible and all... Some people just make you feel like doing different things." She muttered, "Regardless, do let me know and I will let you know if I will join." Ruby nodded, looking at Vina with a small smile.

Shifting her gaze to the stall, she rubbed her chin as she waited patiently for the other girl to choose her smoothie, but soon she noticed Vina's gaze trailing to her swaying tail, making her blink puzzled, and wave it a couple of times and observing her eyes, to confirm if she was actually looking at them.

Consequentially, she noticed Vina's excited tail wagging, making her let out a brief and quiet giggle.

"You really liked the idea, huh? I do not mind grape. I'm not picky about food either." She admitted, being mostly used to eat anything.

Waiting for the smoothies to be ready and done, Ruby would take her strawberry smoothie, moving away from the stall and trying to find a private spot for the two of them to sit, preferably without being interrupted by anyone.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

As Ruby experimentally moved her tail Vina's azure eyes would follow its movements before her gaze snapped back to the feline's face, the vixen not appearing bothered by the fact that her friend had caught her. Instead, she just smiled and winked, a mischievous glint appearing in her eyes for a moment.

It's a good idea, isn't it? It'll allow us both to get a better taste~

She'd quickly grab her fox grape smoothie once it was done, paying the stall owner for both their smoothies before running after Ruby to catch up with her. Noticing that the redhead was looking for a good place for them to sit down Vina took her by the hand once more.

I know a good spot nearby~

Finweald had an interesting design thanks to its varying elevation, which created some opportunities that weren't easily found in other cities. Vina would swiftly move through the street before darting between two buildings, guiding Ruby along until she came to a halt. Behind the buildings they were standing at the edge of the plateau this level of the city was built on, overlooking the street below.

Letting go of Ruby's hand Vina would sit down at the edge, her legs dangling as her tail curled up on the ground behind her. She invited Ruby to join her with a smile over her shoulder and a welcoming gesture with her free hand.

What do you think~?

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

The lack of reaction from Vina when Ruby caught her on act made the crimson cat's ears twitch. Did she want Ruby to notice her gaze? Interesting.

"I am sure it will be nice." She said, regarding them getting to taste both grapes and strawberries, perhaps with some mix too.

Vina was quick to catch up on Ruby, and her tails swayed as she peeked at the vixen, allowing herself to be guided when her hand was held with te promise of a good spot for them to be. It wasn't hard to keep up the pace with the other girl, rushing past the narrow paths, until they reached the spot where a wonderful sight spreaded.

"It is beautiful." Ruby admitted, with eyes widening slightly, glancing around and feeling secluded enough to tug the hood away from her head.

With the invitation, Ruby nodded with the faintest of smiles, taking a seat right next to Vina, with her feet touching nothing but the air.

The height was considerable, but that didn't bother her.

"I think it is perfect. Despite being an explorer, I usually save it for the outside world." She said, looking at Vina. "... You are great at finding nice things in cities." Ruby admitted.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

From the way Ruby's ears twitched in response to her wink Vina guessed that her feline friend had read something into her brazen acknowledgement of the way her azure eyes had followed the cat's tail. Which made sense, since the vixen hadn't winked for no reason.

Once they reached the secluded spot where they could unwind and relax, enjoying their smoothies without being disturbed, Vina paid close attention to Ruby's body language. It did seem like the feline dancer felt a lot better once she didn't have to deal with a crowded street full of people, although what was more interesting was that she appeared to already be comfortable with Vina despite the two of them having only met that same afternoon. Was that the power of music at work?

I've heard people complain that this city's layout is too dangerous, but there aren't many other places with a view as beautiful as this one~

She readily agreed with Ruby's proclamation, meeting her friend's gaze with a smile. As Ruby complimented her ability to find good spots in the city her smile turned into a smirk.

There's a lot of fun to be had in cities if you know where to look~ But I'm not limited to urban areas~ (Her ears twitched as her tail wagged behind her.) If I listen to the wind I can hear a lot of things~ (She chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eyes before she took a sip from her smoothie.) Hmmm~!

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

"It is only dangerous if you are running around. If anything, it can be tiring for those that aren't used to some hiking." Ruby said, holding her smoothie with both hands and drinking a bit of it, peeking at Vina's wagging tail and then looking up at her eyes, slipping her lips from the straw.

"It sure does. My specialty, even." She admitted, being an explorer that went to see the world and uncover it had its perks. But it didn't seem like she was talking to a domestic vixen, considering her words.

"So you travel as well... and the winds talk to you?" Ruby wondered, leaning a bit closer as she inquired, curious about what the other girl meant by it. "Or do you mean you hear the winds in a metaphorical way?" She added to the question, just in case she was being too naive regarding her interpretation, knowing by the way the other woman acted, that she would certainly tease her if that was the case.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina nodded as Ruby replied that she didn't think the city was dangerous unless you were being careless. It was true that as long as you weren't running around and watched where you were going it would be difficult to actually injure yourself, although from what she'd heard winter could be quite punishing, especially when it was freezing.

Living here definitely is good for your stamina~ It's a good thing that I love wandering or I might have found this city overwhelming. Even the old people living here could outlast many outsiders~

She held her smoothie with one hand, her other resting next to her where it almost touched one of Ruby's tails. She idly kicked the wall they were sitting on top of with the heels of her feet in a rhythmic pattern as she took a sip from her glass, her large tail swishing from side to side.

You like tall places then~?

If Ruby liked these kinds of views then Vina could think of several other places they could visit together. It was always more fun to behold beautiful scenery with a friend, after all. As Ruby leaned closer Vina would smile, twitching one ear as she seemed quite pleased by her new friend's interest.

I travel anywhere the wind goes~ As for whether the wind talks, maybe you should try to listen for yourself~

Raising her free hand she'd point at Ruby's cat ears, putting the straw of her smoothie to her lips to take another sip before continuing.

With those ears you should be able to hear quite a lot. If you want to I could guide you~

@Crimson Ruby

(Apologies for the delay.)

 

[Crimson Ruby]

"As long as they have something worth to see." Ruby nodded, regarding the mention of tall places. Most of the time, it meant having an ample view of beautiful landscapes, so they were usually great spots to be on.

Her head tilted at the theory of this town being good for stamina, making her nod slightly. "Probably... But not for those that had to leave that old, destroyed capital, right?" She could only imagine how hard it was for old people that weren't used to such a place to adapt, granted, they could try to just live on the base of the city, rather than on higher areas.

Twitching her ears, Ruby then pondered about the possibility of 'listening' to the wind, something that made her genuinely curious, albeit skeptical.

"... Are you sure..? I don't think I have the magic necessary for it." She said, pausing for a moment and eventually nodding.

"Well, it wouldn't hurt to try." She took a last sip of her smoothie, laying it next to her.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

The vixen nodded back at Ruby, understanding the feline's sentiment perfectly. She liked high places because she could feel the winds strongly up high, but for most people the most important aspect of high places would be the view.

Luckily most of them do, so that's an easy requirement to meet~ I always find myself awed whenever I look out over the landscape like this. (She indicated the view before them with her free hand.) Even a small part of the world is already this big.

The topic of the people who had to abandon Vintergard when it was overrun by machines was less pleasant, as Ruby correctly pointed out that for those refugees the layout of this city would be less than pleasant. Vina looked down at the streets below, her tail slowing down for a moment.

For them it would be hard, yes. Fortunately as the city was built outwards to accommodate them they could remain on flatter ground. (She turned her gaze back towards Ruby.) But from what I've heard they're getting used to this place~ And now that we're back we can help them return to Vintergard if they still want to.

A tall order, to be sure, but the druidess was determined to do her part if there were still people who wished to return to the old capital. That, and there were many questions left unanswered about this world, and the machine crisis in Vintergard played a pivotal role.

Her eyes lit up as Ruby agreed to try out listening to the wind, her tail wagging faster for several seconds before she regained control of herself and it returned to a level of enthusiasm where it wasn't in danger of knocking over their smoothies. Placing down her smoothie as well she smiled.

I said I would guide you, didn't I~? Don't worry about the magic, I'll take care of that part. The only thing you have to do is give me your hand and close your eyes~

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

"... That's true, this is just a glimpse of what this whole world has to offer." Ruby said, looking at the horizon intently. "Perhaps even a small portion of Astorea, that is a small portion of the world." She could go on with continents, and then go weird by mentioning the galaxies and the universe, but she halted herself before she started exaggerating.

The mention of the villagers hopefully getting used to the conditions in Finweald brought a small smile to Ruby's lips, and she nodded in agreement. "You are right, we can help them out." Even if it wasn't the main reason for Ruby to be in that game. She didn't want to be a hero, or anything in particular, but if she could help, even if a little bit, it would at least be one more point to her escapism.

"You did say it." She nodded, looking at Vina for a moment, before offering her hands and calmly closing her eyes, allowing the vixen to do as she wished.

"Show me then."

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

A world filled with mysteries and stories yet untold, waiting for us to set forth and experience all it has to offer. (She laughed light-heartedly.) For all the comforts offered by Earth the lack of mystery makes this place all the more appealing~

Life on Earth as a lot easier than in Terrasphere, at least for those living in developed regions. Modern technology had reduced scarcity to a minor issue in those regions, but at the same time it had gotten rid of the romanticism of earlier times, when explorers could set forth and discover lands never before seen by their fellows.

Danger comes hand in hand with excitement, as it's uncertainty which stirs the soul and gives rise to legends~ (Her lyrical voice sang out before she chuckled.) Although I'd rather not get hurt, so I'm not quite ready to be a hero~

As the Travelers came to this world with a purpose, even if that purpose was to escape their lives on Earth, they often sought out things to do. Reclaiming Vintergard was definitely one of those things, and Vina was happy to hear that Ruby was willing to be part of that.

But right now she had something much more thrilling to show her friend. With Ruby's assent, Vina took the feline's hands, interweaving her own slender fingers with hers as she closed her eyes as well.

Listen closely, and hear the wind speak~

These words were followed by a soft humming, Vina's voice almost inaudibly escaping her throat. The tune might at first appear erratic and unorganised, but as the songstress kept going a harmony would arise from the chaos. It was playful and unrestrained, gentle and soothing.

In truth, Vina was harmonising with the wind itself, using her ability to sense air patterns to weave a melody out of the dancing air around the two of them. Through her contact with Ruby she shared that melody with her friend, and within that melody everything the wind had experienced was laid bare.

A conversation from a wife and husband in the streets below.

The drumming of countless footsteps throughout the city.

Leafs rustling in the forest, held aloft by green giants.

Water rushing through a riverbed, an eternal journey.

The cries and songs of birds, children of the skies.

The whistling of wind against stone, shaping mountains through the ages.

The song didn't last long, but Vina hoped that Ruby was able to understand what the druidess had been talking about. The wind was a record, a traveller eager to tell its story, and Vina did her best to listen... even if it was for something as banal as a good place to sit and drink a smoothie with a friend.

Spoiler: Mood

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby's ears twitched in harmony with the wind that Vina so gently allowed her to hear. It was surely strange, the wind sure had an unique flow, as if it was an invisible dance that one could only feel on their skins or smell them, being unable to see the air.

However, with Vina's touch, Ruby could feel more than just tact on the wind. She could hear it, but not in a muffled and unintelligible way, but rather in a manner that it almost felt like she was being told gossips, albeit more poetic and abstract.

There were no details, after all they were all but echoes.

Ruby's hand squeezed Vina's softly, and her closed eyelids tightened for a moment.

When the 'song' seemed to be done, Ruby hesitated on breaking the silence, unsure if something else would come. But as soon as she mustered the courage, she smiled faintly, finally speaking-

"I understand now..." Ruby opened her eyes, glancing at Vina.

"The wind sure does tell us a lot. It goes everywhere, after all..."

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Once she started singing Vina found herself getting lost in the melody, as was always the case when she reached out to the winds to this extent. Usually she didn't go this far, keeping track of what the winds had to say without getting so immersed as to forget about her surroundings, but as she did her best to share the experience with Ruby she wanted to make sure her feline friend wasn't left wanting for more.

Ruby's gentle squeezing of her hand brought her back to reality, the vixen's tail twitching as she remembered where she was and what she was doing. The song was already nearing its end, and she managed to finish it without any complications. Inside her own ears the whispers of the wind kept flowing, but for Ruby at least it would return to nothing more than a soft breeze.

I'm glad you do~

Ruby's words reassured her that her efforts had borne fruit, the songstress opening her azure eyes to smile back at her red-haired friend.

Not everyone can hear it clearly even when I sing for them. I think it's easier for fellow musicians~

Her long vulpine tail curled up around Ruby's waist, the tip resting on her leg as the vixen chuckled.

Most of the time I use it to listen to my surroundings though~ What I just showed you is the wind's full melody, but I can also hear how the wind weaves its way through the landscape. That's how I know that these kinds of places exist~

Left to its own devices the wind would blow everywhere, only deterred by obstacles and temperature shifts. With her attuned hearing Vina could tell when a wind was blowing because there was a source of heat in the distance, or because of a difference in pressure.

But the reason I say that I go anywhere the wind goes is because I want to see the places the winds talk about~ The stories they tell are enthralling, but it's even better to see them with your own eyes~

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Vina's tail wrapping around her waist poked into Ruby's memories, being an habit that was similar to hers. The cat girl glanced down at the tail on her lap, gently brushing it with her hand as she wrapped her own tail around Vina, locking her gaze on the other.

"Dance and music does seem to be the one common magic we have..." Ruby said, showing a small smile, listening to Vina's explanation in mild awe, enough to keep her heart distracted from the sadness that made the two of them meet this day.

"... But to think what I've heard is only a portion of what you hear..." She hummed, caressing Vina's tail while her own brushed on Vina's lap.

"... You do have the heart of an explorer though, you aren't just content at listening about it, but you would rather go and find it out yourself." Ruby said, wondering how well Vina would fare as a whistler. "But you are probably even more free spirited than an explorer."

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina had wondered how Ruby would react to the tail, but was pleased to see that her feline friend not only seemed to welcome it but even returned the gesture. The sensation of the dancer's fingers on the soft fur of the vixen's tail made a pleased hum escape her lips, and she answered in kind as one of her hands sought out the slender tail that was now curled around her waist.

Of all the magic types I'd say music is the most important one. Other types allow you to do amazing things, but music connects people~ There's a famous quote from Shakespeare: "If music be the food of love, play on", you know~?

Through her hand, she could feel the elegant shape of Ruby's tail, and the way it contrasted with her own. Long and flexible, with a thick coat of short fur that felt like a soft brush. Vina's own tail, in comparison, was covered in much longer silken hair. The songstress did like her own tail a lot, but she couldn't deny that Ruby's tail was both pleasant to stroke and most likely easier to take care of.

I could keep singing if you want~ The tales told by the winds are endless, but I'll gladly share as much as I can~

She laughed softly as Ruby told her that she was even more free-spirited than an explorer. The feline was not wrong, although she might not be thinking about the same things the vixen was thinking of.

Thank you for the compliment Ruby~ I like to think of myself as free-spirited, but I don't think I'm a true explorer. (She shook her head.) I admire explorers because of their bravery. I'm but a singer and a lover, while they head straight into danger to light the way for the rest of us~ I'm too afraid of pain to be as brave as them.

These words were said without any sadness or regret. Vina wasn't a coward, but she did know that she wasn't a hero. After all, a true hero would have returned to Titanius's belly years ago, fighting to the death with the other heroes.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby instinctively tugged her tail when it was initially brushed, almost as a knee jerk reaction. But as soon as the caresses set on, her tail slowly paused on Vina's lap, with her second tail brushing on the vixen's back as it swayed cheerfully. It was as if the problems that were fogging her mind were completely pushed aside by now, gone from her sight and immediate worry.

"Truly, I did hear something about it once... And well, perhaps music magic is really the most important one..." She said, pondering for a moment as her fingers trailed across Vina's tail.

"But I am biased." Ruby admitted, looking at Vina as she smiled faintly. "We can sing a few more times sometime, yeah. I would like it... We did sing a lot already though, your passion for it is admirable." She nodded as she pondered.

As she mentioned the explorers and their bravery, Ruby's lips curled for a moment. "Sometimes being brave isn't the right choice, Vina." She said, lowering her gaze.

"Sometimes tucking the tail between your legs and running is the right choice... I should've known it." She frowned. "If I knew it, I could've carried Shane out of there, I could've..." Ruby paused, closing her eyes and shaking her head.

"Sorry." She apologized, realizing that the problems, unlike she subconsciously thought a few seconds ago, weren't going to fade so easily.

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

There was something very cute about the way Ruby's tail tried to escape Vina's ministrations at first before the feline realised that the vixen merely wished to return the favour. She'd make sure to showcase her grooming skills, even if she only had her fingers to work with. She'd had many hours of practice with her own tail, after all, so she knew exactly what to do.

The sensation of the tail stroking her back made a small shiver travel up her spine, but it was a pleasant sensation she eagerly accepted. If they weren't already talking about other things she'd have used the opportunity to ask how Ruby had managed to give herself a second tail, but as it was she merely let out a soft purring sound.

I love performing. Even if it's exhausting there's few things I enjoy as much. (Her bright smile turned devious for a moment.) In public, at least...~

Even though they were no longer singing the wind was still blowing, a gentle breeze that stirred Vina's hair as she listened to Ruby's words. From the looks of it she might have touched upon a sensitive topic, as the redhead's more cheerful tone transformed into something else. Her expression became one of gentle concern even as she refrained from interrupting, her azure eyes widening when she realised what Ruby was thinking about.

Vina never had the opportunity to meet Shane before that fateful expedition, but the girl's demise still affected her. She'd only learned the explorer's name afterwards, but she'd made sure to memorise it so she could at least remember the loss of a noble life.

But it wouldn't do anyone any good for Ruby to blame herself. The white-haired vixen shook her head, giving Ruby a smile which had a hint of sadness in it. Lifting her hand from her friend's tail she instead wrapped both arms around the felis, pulling her into an embrace she hoped would offer some comfort as she spoke in a softer tone of voice.

You don't need to apologise Ruby. It's fine. (She slowly stroked the feline's back.) You can talk to me if there's something on your mind. I was also there when it happened, and while I didn't know her well I also wish I could have done something to help her.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Ruby's ears flattened against her head, mostly averting her gaze from Vina. She knew she was bringing the mood down, she knew they were having a nice time, and still, the memories struck her hard, sinking the thin layer of emotional protection Vina worked so hard to create for her.

Yet, the girl that just a couple hours ago was just a stranger, wrapped her in an reassuring embrace.

Her eyes remained averted, and her lips pursed as her breath was held for a long time before it finally escaped with a weak sigh. "... It is all my fault, Vina." Her eyes squinted, and her fists clenched. "... I was the fastest one there, but I... I saw a friend behind, and... I wanted to keep her safe, I wanted to keep everyone safe, so I stayed behind instead of saving the one person that shouldn't have died, and..." She closed her eyes, tightly to suppress her tears for a moment.

"... It was for nothing, I've tried to save everyone and I didn't save anyone, and I had to be saved on top of it. And after I've done everything wrong... I ran away... And now, I don't even know if the friends that I didn't lose that day are still my friends..." Her head dropped, almost as if her whole body had become limp for a moment.

"A bravado at the wrong time, and cowardice when I shouldn't..."

@Vina Skysong

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina listened carefully as Ruby talked about the memories that were haunting her. The expedition into the Tangleweaves had definitely been nightmarish, with people's very feelings being toyed with on a level that the songstress wasn't able to counter it. She herself had been struck with a near-mindless terror, and to this day those memories still bothered her if she didn't keep herself distracted. Yet Ruby's sorrows were much more significant than magically induced emotions: to be unable to save a loved one.

As the red-haired feline talked the white-haired vixen kept gently stroking her back, holding her close and sharing her warmth with her new friend. Around them the wind calmed down, whirling around the two of them to grant them some additional privacy as Ruby aired her feelings. Once the dancer was finished Vina remained silent for a bit longer, replying in a soft voice.

Five years ago there was a terrible monster that threatened Astorea from the west. It was called Titanius, and its corruptive touch still lingers five years after its demise. Many of us Starcalled gathered to fight it, and while we won it came with a cost: many of us died, and for some that was the third death which left them unable to leave this world. For many of us this was the first time we learned of the significance of the third death: the realisation that this world could become our prison shook us to our cores.

During the battle I had the opportunity to leave, and I took it thinking that I was protecting the people of Astorea. Looking back to it I wonder if I could have saved those who suffered their third death: now and then I am foremost a healer, so maybe I could have changed their fate?

Those were memories she rather didn't relive, but it was necessary sometimes, especially now. Raising her hand she settled it on top of Ruby's head, gently urging the feline to lift it so she could look her in the eyes. Vina's own azure eyes were glistening, the vixen sharing Ruby's pain. She was still smiling, however, a sad and mournful smile, but a genuine smile nonetheless.

I'm not telling you this to compare our stories, but because I want to say that I understand. When we face true trials, with real risks and costs, we can only do our best and wonder afterwards what we could have done better. And when the outcome hurts us we blame ourselves, because that way we can feel like we deserve that pain.

She rested her forehead against Ruby's, but her gaze never wavered. It was never a certainty that you could help someone with words alone, but Vina would still do her best to sympathise with Ruby, to maybe lighten the feline's load.

The truth is that we can only do the best we can, and that includes our ability to make the right call. Not all challenges we face can be overcome, and we all have to live with loss. I have only known you for today Ruby, but I already feel confident in saying that I believe you did what you could, and that no reasonable person would blame you for what happened. You were brave enough to face death to protect others: that is no bravado. As for cowardice... you would understand if someone else needed time to themselves after such an experience, wouldn't you?

It maybe be cliché, but none of us can claim perfection, so we need to be kind to ourselves just as we would be kind towards others.

@Crimson Ruby