(i'll be testing a new mechanic with you :3)
14:52:48
(sure. Don't remember, was it just us two or someone else joining too?)
14:53:15
(there will be cameos but mostly it's just us two)
14:53:42
(okay. Well, I'm ready, though two warnings:
14:53:58
(a) Have four hours by now, and that's a hard limit
14:54:11
(i won't last 4 hours anyway)
14:54:30
(b) I do have a voice meet in 2.5hrs from now, but it's on this PC, not work, and mostly listen in, so I'll stay active here
14:54:43
(oh that's even better then
14:54:48
(alright if you need to pause just shout)
14:55:01
(most likely will just slow down a touch, nothing too serious)
14:55:19
(otherwise, all ready)
14:55:22
Nagusa is sitting in the shrine's inner chamber, looking intently at a VR headset, sent in my Linlin
14:55:57
she is waiting for its owner to arrive to take it back
14:56:18
Linlin briskly walks to the shrine, starting to remember the path better after few visits that she already had at the place, wondering what Nagusa has found out about the headset she's been using for a while now. As she steps up to the shrine's entryway, she looks around Eh? Nobody's here to meet me?~
14:58:07
Nagu?!~ Hana?!~ Sunny?!~
she calls out for girls that she has learned to be more often in the shrine, tending to it, knocking on the doorway
14:59:28
Please come in~!
you hear a voice coming from inside
14:59:55
Hokay~
she calls back, stepping in, kicking off her sneakers to the side, walking to the chamber where she thought she heard Nagu from
15:00:32
Ah, linlin. welcome!
15:00:42
Nagusa gets up to greet linlin
15:00:50
apologies for not receiving you at the entrance, but i did not want to leave your belongings unattended, even within the walls of the shrine
15:01:15
Hey~
she greets her back, giving a light hug to Nagu Well, you don't need to fret so much about it~ I think you're aware enough of every little item here anyway, knowing when Hana misplaced anything~
she winks at her, grinning Unless you're cautious about it.... It's not dangerous, is it?
15:02:44
hmm... it could be dangerous, in the wrong hands
15:03:01
and i would much rather be safe, than sorry
15:03:08
please, have a seat
15:03:14
Nagusa indicates one of the cushions
15:03:21
she seats herself down on one of the cushions, legs resting to the side so as not to cause discomfort that she would feel if she was kneeling on it Well, tell me about it then~
15:04:20
you have a very interesting possession here -
15:04:35
Nagusa indicates the VR headset sitting on the table
15:04:44
where and how did you come to be in possession of it?
15:04:53
Oh, just one of many nameless pawnshops that pop up and close down among the city~
she puts a finger to her lips, trying to recall the purchase Been reading through a couple of tomes about witchcraft in middle ages, when that thing caught my eye in the bargain bin. No trademarks or anything about it, no sign or instructions either, not even price tag. When I asked the guy there how much it was, he just chuckled and said "Oh that toy? Just a twenty, for someone like you~". Never understood what he meant by that
15:07:21
i find it hard to believe that he never realised the potential this thing has
15:08:32
Nevertheless, i can put to rest one of your fear. It is not cursed
15:08:45
Phew~
she sighs out in relief, then looks back Wait, only one?
15:09:03
It does not function like you would expect it to, but it isn't cursed
15:09:10
It does have very significant potential, if used in the right, or even wrong ways
15:09:50
I think it is best to explain by demonstration though. please, put it on
15:10:09
she looks for a moment at Nagu's face, trying to see whether to trust her after what she said, but then gets the headset and starts strapping it in Well if you say so. Though now you're making it sound like it's some miracle I'm holding in my hands~
15:11:36
It could be. don't worry, we're safe here
15:12:03
she nods, finishing attaching it, turning it on
15:12:24
[you see Nagusa almost devoid of colour, a shade of gray, except for a small spark of colour near her chest]
15:13:34
Hummm... A touch different than I remember last time, but I can see something in you~
15:14:14
alright. now wait a moment
15:14:26
Nagusa turns around and shouts inside
15:14:33
Hana, would you come out for a moment, please?
15:14:40
she turns to where Nagu's looking
15:15:09
She isn't quite the usual guest, hana. don't worry
15:17:00
could you stand beside me, please?
15:17:05
(not you linlin)
15:17:23
she looks intently by both, trying to see if the same spark will appear
15:17:26
[You see Hana absolutely bursting with vibrant colours. The colours are so intense they even seem to bleed beyond her small figure]
15:18:21
she can't help but whistle out at the pretty color show, barely managing to wave a hi to Hana
15:18:56
Now, do you see the difference between us, linlin?
15:19:09
Like day and night~ Hana looks like she's about to run all across the rum and burst out from excitement, meanwhile with you Nagu...
she takes a moment, realizing what position she just put herself in..... there seems to be some sort of tiny treasure hidden deep away~
she smiles sheepishly, wondering if she hadnt offended
15:20:40
no, it's not a treasure
15:20:54
what you see, linlin, is merely the difference in magic between us
15:21:03
Hana is simply bursting with it. Lots of magic power and potential
15:21:17
While I am merely barely able to sustain myself
15:21:27
Oh.....
she can't help but look down at her own body when Nagu explains it
15:21:40
[your body is a complete gray, with no spark of colour]
15:21:57
There is no need to fret, linlin. Humans like yourself are not able to wield magic
15:22:28
While creatures like myself... we would perish without it
15:22:44
Figures~
she sighs out, wondering if all the books she's been collecting weren't just a waste Although..... Hold up. So what's happening then during those times I'm in middle of heat with others?
15:23:43
what do you mean?
15:23:57
Well....
she blushes You know how sometimes folk have sexbrawls not just in beds or rings around here in this city, but more.... exotic places?
15:24:53
Like this forest here, actually~
15:25:33
ahh, i was just about to show you
15:25:48
Nagusa stands up
15:25:57
well, shall we go for a little walk outside?
15:26:03
Should I keep this on?~
she stands up
15:26:14
you can either keep it on, or put it on and take it off several times if you feel self-conscious about it
15:26:39
not that there will be anyone where we are going
15:26:48
Maybe just to be safe about it~
she takes it off for now, walking towards exit, slipping into her sneakers easily
15:27:25
Hana, I will be going with linlin for a walk
15:27:42
Please take care of the place while I am gone
15:27:48
Nagusa instructs hana before reaching the entrance herself
15:28:01
Bye, Hana!~ So, where exactly are we going?
15:28:20
Nagusa closes the door before leaving
15:28:30
She takes a few steps out, so that the entire shrine building is in view
15:28:44
Come here, linlin, and look at the building from here
15:28:54
she walks up next to Nagu, standing just behind here, taking a good long look at it
15:29:33
[The shrine building is mostly gray, but there is a bright shade of blue from the bottom where it is connected to the ground, fading as it reaches the roof*
15:29:44
Now that you know what the VR set shows you, what do you think you are seeing?
15:30:06
Maybe some place of energy here?~
she scratches her head, having turned the headset back on I imagine it's not any spot that you picked for the shrine, especially if it's rebuilt, like I was told by others
15:31:08
yes, there is magical energy coming out of the ground here
15:31:33
it is what sustains the place... and me
15:31:46
but it is not the spot that is special, per se. I am merely borrowing another's power
15:32:16
Is there anything.... specific about it? It looks much different from what either of you were
15:32:16
yes. come this way
15:32:30
Nagusa walks off to the side, off the stone path
15:32:39
she decides to keep the headset on this time, following Nagu closely
15:32:52
she walks through the row of cherry and willow trees, to The House next door
15:33:12
[The house is filled with dull colour, unlike the gray of the shrine. They are nowhere close to the vibrancy you have seen from Hana]
15:33:58
I have told the matron that you will be visiting. Don't worry, she has promised not to disturb us today
15:34:30
Nagusa opens the door and invites you inside
15:34:43
Good to know. Judging from how supressed it looks, this is what you meant by borrowing?
she asks, following her guidance, stepping in, quickly kicking off her sneakers again
15:35:15
Not quite. but a good guess
15:35:35
The magic here is not suppressed. It is merely not as strong as Hana's
15:35:52
she scratches her head at what Hana must be, if other things she's been seeing are so contrasting as compared to her
15:36:31
[as you pass by the rooms you notice that they are all the same dull shade of varying colours. Some rooms are slightly brighter than others but the difference is minimal]
15:36:35
And here we are, the core of The House. The matron's most closely guarded secret
15:36:59
And you're leading me here just like that?
15:37:13
Nagusa has brought you to a hidden room in the centre of the house
15:37:18
[in the middle of the room is a pillar. The pillar is giving off searing bright red light, brighter than anything you have seen so far]
15:37:48
This is what holds The House up. The central pillar, so to speak
15:38:16
The matron has given me permission after I have explained the uniqueness of your VR set to her
15:38:45
she takes a step back, looking away from it as she gets dazed for a moment, before readjusting her eyes Wow.....
15:38:48
she seems to be extremely interested in how you will use it
15:38:54
Well, that will depend on just what it's capable of. But damn, just this already.....
15:39:57
In any case, this is the source of The House's magic, and it extends whenever The House expands
15:39:59
since the shrine is merely another extension of the House, we are blessed by it's magic too, weak as it may be
15:40:22
she looks at Nagu, thinking a bit Ehrm.... Is it the same thing though?~ It doesn't look exactly the same, comparing this to what I saw coming from below shrine
15:41:13
And I don't just mean by how powerful it is.... It's just... different~
15:41:38
what difference is concerning you?
15:41:42
Well, Hana was seen to me like a ball of every color imaginable, then the shrine was mostly blue, while this house here was mostly dull, sides from the blinding red that this 'pillar' here is. Thought at first it meant something about what the magic does or can be shaped to.... But I might just be talking out of my ass, considering up to today I relied on tomes like Ye Olde Thaumaturge
15:43:49
ahh, well magic tempers itself, i cannot tell the colours you see, for magical creatures like myself don't seem them as colours
15:45:00
we just sort of... feel their existence
15:45:07
The House holds many secrets, and even the matron doesn't reveal all of them to me
15:45:27
The magicians and alchemists of old have always tried to delve into the secrets of magic, but they are limited by their species, after all
15:46:09
while humans are an immense source of magic, they are unable to use it or feel it themselves, unless using specific mediums like rings or wands
15:46:39
Hana herself has been pretty liberal in granting "mystic eyes" to her friends, which is a medium that humans can use to utilize their powers
15:47:08
So what you're meaning is that I would see a shade of that what I saw in Hana, if I looked upon a person that she helped out like that?
15:47:58
hmm, i cannot say. it would probably be a duller shade of colour
15:48:29
since not many can match the amount of magical power hana possesses after all
15:48:44
Well, that's what I meant by shade... After all, it would be dangerous to her if she granted same levels of power as she herself had
15:49:20
you are understanding this artifact pretty quickly *giggles8
15:49:47
we should take our leave. I know not how much longer the matron can hold herself back from playing pranks on us while we are in here
15:50:08
Thanks
she smiles at the compliment Would be a poor sport to my partners if I didnt catch on how they like stuff~ And aye, let's. Already feels like I'm trespassing somewhere I shouldn't be.
15:51:24
Nagusa leads you out of The House and shuts the door behind you
15:52:22
So - more secretive places to walk?
she giggles, looking around the place
15:53:06
Oh, lots. now would perhaps be a good time to illuminate why you had thought it was defective or even cursed before
15:53:38
Nagusa walks down the stone path to the main road, with a good view of both the forest and the city in the distance
15:54:02
Have a good look around, both into the forest, and at the city
15:54:23
she looks around both ways, taking a few seconds on each place Well... It's clearly no mass market headset, for one thing~
15:55:03
[you see that the city is almost a complete shade of gray, devoid of colour. The colour starts to grow near the entrance of the shrine, and only starts to get more intense the further and deeper in the forest you look]
15:56:10
And this is the secret of the place, linlin. only viewable through your special piece of equipment
15:56:55
Over there, towards the city, there is almost no magic. Life goes on as normal
15:57:11
On this side, however, the forest is full of magical energy
15:57:29
The shrine stands at the border, separating the two realms
15:57:54
So, those tales of civilization killing magic is no lie? Or is just because of.. how did you put it.... folk inability to do magic, all concentrated in spot?
15:58:41
I do not know. those are urban legends by now. Many magical folk claimed that humans forsook their magical heritage and hunted down and eliminated all traces of magic
15:59:47
Others have claimed that humans just naturally do not have magical aptitude and refuse to try
16:00:18
whatever the truth is, it hardly matters anymore except to historians
16:00:30
Guess so~
she scratches her head, trying to comprehend it, but shaking her head, deciding to leave it for another time I imagine we're walking back into forest then?
16:01:17
yes, that we are.
16:01:35
Nagusa leads you along a hidden path, just next to the shrine
16:01:48
she cant help but shoot glances around, wondering if she'll spot anything unusual in the growth around em
16:02:32
The path opens up to the lakeside, and Nagusa walks along the sandy beach as she leads you into a small cave
16:02:54
she looks around for tracks, wondering if it's a safe cave
16:03:18
[The cave looks unassuming from the outside and is not filled with any more colour than the surroundings]
16:03:30
Oh don't worry, it's a small cave, and i gurantee it is safe
16:03:46
Nagusa walks in, expecting you to follow
16:03:54
no, it's not a deep cave
16:04:36
see, we've reached the end
16:04:42
[The colour immediately grows intense as reach the end of the cave, but the colour is not vibrant like you have seen before, but a slightly darker shade]
16:05:38
[The colour becomes even more intense at specific spots along the cave wall, and on closer look these are pock marks, as if something sharp had struck it very hard]
16:06:10
she walks up to one such spot, being reassured enough by Nagu, tracing with her fingers around one of such spots, trying to see just how different it is physically Feels like something bad has happened here~
16:07:23
something like that
16:07:53
Nagusa moves to caress one of the pockmarks herself
16:08:05
I'm not sure what you see, but the energy here is.. unstable. pulsing
16:08:38
It is the result of an uncontrollable burst of energy
16:08:51
This is where Kiuko hid when the first shrine was destroyed. And this is where she first lost control of her magics
16:09:17
Hmmm..... Maybe I'm misinterpreting this, but that's not exactly the same from what i see. The magic is all there, alright, but it seems to be pretty static... Some pockets of it more powerful, like this here
she prods one of the marks But nonetheless, it stays the same. Unless you're meaning more long term
16:11:01
yes, it stays the same because magic doesn't dissipate unless it is intentionally absorbed
16:11:27
That mark is where the phantom tentacle she summoned struck the wall
16:11:54
And you're saying this was just the 'first' time?~
16:12:26
well, I was careful to make sure her energies were suitably expelled on a regular basis while she was with me
16:12:55
I was... unable to while we were separated
16:13:08
She was... quite different from other kitsunes like myself
16:13:28
I see.....
she traces one mark to another, feeling the difference, before catching on Was?
16:14:14
Nagusa idly fondles the pockmark, lost in thought
16:14:31
she shuts her mouth, figuring not to ask more, soon turning to leave the cave
16:14:50
Nagusa realises you have left and follows you out
16:15:36
'Tis okay. Figured you needed a bit of space.
16:15:48
She leads you around the beach and talks while you walk
16:15:59
A few days after we reunited with the help from the lord of this land
16:16:23
I decided to release Kiuko from my care.
16:16:43
She is young, and must seek her own adventures and fortunes
16:16:51
It would be a waste of her youth to always be tied to me, serving in my shrine
16:17:09
It was a sad farewell, but she promised that she will turn out to be better than me eventually
16:17:40
I assume something was done about those outbursts though, no?~
16:17:56
She is different from the rest of us
16:18:11
Kitsunes like myself usually drain energy from humans to sustain ourselves
16:18:31
Kiuko... produces too much energy. She instead needs to inject some of that excess energy into her partners
16:18:57
If she fails to do so for too long, then the energies will become uncontrollable as they seek release
16:19:56
and manifest themselves as phantoms and tentacles
16:20:16
Hopefully not to same level as in the cave there~ Piercing rock like that....
she shivers a bit
16:20:19
hopefully not, indeed. Let us hope she has found herself a regular partner by now
giggles
16:21:32
Nagusa leads you away from the lake and into the woods via a small path
16:22:21
[You notice that the further you get away from from shrine, the more intense the colours get]
16:22:47
(Sorry, was bit important for rl)
16:28:04
(wb, you need more time?)
16:28:28
(nope, it was mostly to tell that tomorrow mornings plans got canceled :D )
16:28:56
Well, long as oversaturation isn't another issue to contend with, if it's one partner~
she mumbles, deep in thought on all that was explained to her in short while But sheesh..... The more I walk the more I get the sense that we're walking something..... ehrrr.... heck, can't even give name to it~ Wanted to say unnatural but that sounds wrong
16:30:23
Nagusa pauses at one point along the path
16:31:11
Looking carefully, you can see that she is shaking slightly
16:31:22
she takes note of that, taking a moment to look at the spark she saw before
16:31:59
Nagusa takes the time to breathe deeply and compose herself
16:32:26
Sorry, this never gets any easier for me
16:32:32
but i believe it is something you have to see
16:32:47
she walks up close to her from behind, putting her hands on Nagu's shoulders, nuzzling in close, resting her head by Nagu's neck, her voice much softer If it's too much for you, just say~ I don't want to push you too much at my expense~
16:34:03
No, it is a part of my history as much as anything now.
16:34:30
Nagusa places her hand in your as she says this for the added courage it gives her
16:34:58
Let us keep walking
16:35:11
If you want, I can hold your hand~
she keeps hold of hers
16:35:25
She steels herself as the path opens up into a small clearing
16:35:28
[The colours here are still intense, but they seem very different. Dark... Foreboding... They swirl in a vortex around the space in the woods]
16:36:10
Hummm.... Kiuko's doing.... or someone else's?~
she can't help but wonder out, keeping right next to Nagu, making sure she can feel her
16:37:15
No, nothing to do with her.
16:37:34
Nagusa walks slowly, as if with reverence, to the middle of the clearing
16:37:48
she kneels down at the centre as the vortex rages around, and offers a short prayer
16:38:20
she opens her eyes and turns to speak to you
16:38:45
This is... my former home.
16:38:54
The original shrine, razed by bandits, and now reclaimed by the woods
16:39:09
Well I heard it was burned down...
she says, looking around the place But just fire alone shouldn't affect the magic around, no?
16:39:53
No, fire alone will not do so much...
16:40:06
The magics here are in chaos, because the last memory of this place, is violent trauma
16:40:35
The bandits were after me and Kiuko, for the services we provide
16:40:56
I was later sold in captivity, and only rescued days later by the lord of the land, who I was fortunate enough to come across
16:41:45
I can see why you want to avoid this place, then~ Albeit - it didn't seem like there's anything in the new shrine to avert another such disaster... Is it truly safe?
16:43:08
It is safe merely by the protection of friends, and the occasional guard the lord of the land sends
16:43:52
And you're not afraid?
16:44:07
He has pledged that no harm shall befall the new location, but we cannot keep relying on him
16:44:17
Afraid? yes. at times i do wake at night, wondering what the last sounds i heard were
16:44:36
but we cannot continue to live our lives in fear
16:44:44
But if you said you were borrowing energy, couldn't you have built the shrine somewhere closer to safety, not being so alone by the forest?
16:46:15
and where would that be?
16:46:32
the grounds that I have are generously provided by the matron
16:46:41
Somewhere closer to this lord you keep mentioning?
16:46:51
It is true, he did extend an offer
16:47:11
But i felt it would not be reasonable to continue to take advantage of his hospitality
16:47:34
besides, living in his mansion would eventually lead to my demise, as there is no energy there to sustain myself
16:47:52
Ah, so there's limits to how far the matron can help you out?~
she looks back to Nagu's body, looking at traces of that spark We're not moving too far out of it?
16:48:46
Of course, Okiku is The House, and The House is Okiku. They are one and the same
16:49:18
and do not worry, I am not the fragile that i would collapse just a few hours away from the shrine
16:49:36
her face goes blank at the mention of the name, but she sighs a bit of relief hearing reassurances from Nagu Well, if you can, think we should move on from this place... Already feel like we lingered too much in this gloom
16:50:36
mm... There is one more place that i have to pay my respects too, though
16:51:09
Nagusa stands up and moves toward a corner of the clearing
16:51:28
she walks with her, making sure she's there if Nagu needs contact
16:51:57
Under a tree, stands 9 makeshift headstones. The ground here is soft and has been freshly disturbed
16:52:20
[The colours are faded here. In fact, the tree is completely gray and so is the fresh soil]
16:52:44
she opens her mouth to ask something, but shuts it soon after, instead just leaning into Nagu, letting her decide if she wants to say anything
16:53:56
These are... 9 of the bandits that attacked me that night
16:54:27
And the last one?
16:55:14
nagusa does not directly answer, instead choosing to recount the story
16:55:36
The bandits came here.. after our bodies
16:55:54
I managed to let Kiuko escape, by staying behind myself
16:56:27
I tried to warn them, but they did not heed my warnings...
16:56:41
I am... abnormal. Broken.
16:56:59
Before being intimate with me, one has to take precautions, lest you lose yourself and your life
16:57:32
To a man, they did not listen to my pleas, and to a man they all perished, except for the last one, who saw every single one of his comrades fall
16:58:13
the least i could do was bury them here, to atone for my sin
16:58:59
she thinks for a moment to lean away from Nagu, hearing of what happened, but decides to stay leaned into her, puffing a long hearty sigh Tis no sin if it's not you who commited it. Can't blame others if they can't hear, or can't see what will happen. Besides~
17:00:55
she turns Nagu gently to face her Even if you're different from other... kitsunes, was it?..., You're still one damn great companion to have~
she pecks her a light kiss, hoping to raise Nagu's mood
17:02:08
nagusa grins in thanks, slightly cheered
17:02:41
the sun starts to dip below the horizon as the evening passes
17:03:11
she pinches her cheek lightly, booping her nose That's the Nagu I want to see~ Even more beautiful in this dusk
17:03:31
ah, it is best we not linger. The woods do have fierce beasts roaming around
17:03:40
Mmm mm. Let's get back I think
17:03:51
Nagusa stands up and starts brushing herself off
17:03:54
[in the twilight you see a thread of vibrant colours waft through the trees]
17:04:12
Think we might have one following us right now~
she traces the thread, trying to see if she can make out the shape of who's doing that
17:05:15
she leans in close and moves Nagu's chin to what she's seeing There
17:05:43
Nagusa can't see it like you do, but she certainly feels something different
17:06:07
This energy... is unlike anything else in this clearing
17:06:20
Indeed so... Something more closely resembling Hana, though hard to say what... Can't make out shape or much else, just movement
17:06:50
Nagusa tilts her head in thought
17:07:09
Would you mind following it?
17:07:26
The moon is bright tonight, and we shouldn't get lost with it behind us
17:07:43
If you think it's something that's not a fierce beast. I might be athletic and flexible, but I'm no warrior
17:08:02
No beast would have a magical trace like this
17:08:15
Lead the way, linlin. Your equipment allows you to see it far better than I can sense it
17:08:46
That, honestly, comforts me little, if you're meaning that I can't use this headset to be aware of them
17:08:48
But alright~
she takes Nagu's hands, and starts slowly tracking after, trying not to disturb growth around them, not to cause too much noise
17:09:21
[The thread becomes a stream, then a tapestry, the colours becoming more vibrant and vivid as the sun completely goes down and the moon rises]
17:09:58
Know of anyone nocturnal around here, Nagu?~ Or is night always empowering magic?
17:10:41
I... do not know, linlin
17:10:51
this is the first time i have seen this magic in the forest
17:11:01
but whoever it is, it is a strong magic source, perhaps even on par with Hana
17:11:21
Nagusa halts in her tracks suddenly
17:12:00
Definitely...
she looks at her, hearing crying, putting a finger on her lips
17:12:04
(stay on this chat or move to public?)
17:12:18
she leans in close to Nagu Someone needing help?
17:12:48
her voice barely a whisper, almost seducing
17:12:57
Can you figure out where it is from?
17:13:00
she takes a moment focusing in, trying to see where the tapestry is the most intense at There, I think~
she points out a spot
17:13:50
lead the way, linlin
17:14:23
she takes a few steps forwards, but then halts again, seeing the cottage You sure this is safe?~ If Hana's as powerful.... the hell's here?
17:15:21
[The garden and house is full vibrantly coloured. With the headset on, you can't even tell that it is nighttime]
17:15:30
I... I have no idea
17:15:43
Nagusa is staring at the house and garden in shock too
17:15:57
she thinks on for a moment what to do, her legs bucking as if to flee, but her mind keeping her in same spot, curiousity holding her down, making her mouth call out, though not shouting Hello?~
17:16:50
Nagusa walks forward to the house and tests the doorknob
17:17:54
Finding it not locked, she gingerly twists it and opens the door
17:18:09
Nagusa addresses the crying girl
17:23:42
Hello...? who are you? can we help you?
17:23:56
she stays her distance for a moment, still unsure if they're safe
17:24:19
Nagusa puts her arms around the girl's shoulders, hoping it will help calm her down
17:25:49
Hear and see and much more~
she coos out, surprised at what she's seeing, rubbing her temple from the intensity of Lydia
17:27:11
Yes, we can hear you dear. Why are you crying?
17:28:11
Are you alright, my dear?
17:29:18
she comes closer, kneeling close by her, her hands reaching out to hold Lydia
17:30:14
People cry when they are sad. It's a physical release of emotions
17:30:44
The sadness can stem from many things - trauma, loneliness, even something as simple as rejection
17:31:18
Are you lonely, dear? would you like some company?
17:31:27
Well, sometimes they also cry if they're ecstatic in joy.
she humms, remembering some of her orgasms But pretty sure that's not the case here~
17:32:58
shoots linlin a dirty look
17:33:32
winks at her, smirk on her face, mouthing silently "What?" playfully
17:34:03
(Linlin is totally not horny having spent halfday alone with her Nagu, nuh uh, not at all)
17:36:34
(whoop, drop "her")
17:37:03
(oh, i didn't know you wanted a piece of nagu 😏)
17:37:31
(you're speaking to a nympho...)
17:37:50
(remind me to give you lots of service one day then)
17:39:48
(just dont kill me)
17:40:44
(why would i? it's service not a deathmatch lol)
17:41:06
(looks at the nine headstones)
17:41:16
Nagusa hugs her tighter
17:48:12
sorry, i didn't know...
17:48:18
I spent many years here in the forest, but I've never met you before...
17:48:37
Well, but we do now~ We're listening~
she smiles at Lydia, holding her hands more tightly
17:49:06
I-I have? I'm sorry...
17:51:18
Is it just closeness that you want, someone to rest with you and hear your pleas, or more?
17:51:26
Well.... If you mean leading Nagu to you, then yes
she blushes a bit, realizing that it was her doing, but it wasn't something much.... Actually~
she takes off her headset, looking at Lydia as she is, wondering if she will stay there
17:53:57
[The colour from the world fades, and only a dim glow remains as the house is illuminated by the light of the moon]
17:55:16
she thinks on for a moment, wondering on Lydia's words, trying to shake off that feeling that something's not right with her And do you find that okay? Are we not causing more distress?
17:57:28
Well, we're here. Nagu and her apprentice are always close to you. You mentioned you saw her before - that means you can come and visit shrine, can't you?
18:00:20
She must her reasons, linlin
18:01:50
If she cannot come to us, then we must go to her
18:02:25
remembering Nagu's warning, she nods Aye, and we have our needs to watch for too. But I'll promise one thing. We'll come~
she puts on her headset again, taking one more look at Lydia like this, trying to memorize in her shape and color gamma
18:03:08
Nagusa stands up and bows to Lydia
18:03:48
she clutches Lydia's hand one last time, leaning in to give a light kiss on her forehead, before standing up
18:04:12
Nagusa tugs lightly on linlin's arm
18:04:33
she nods to Nagu, starting to walk away, waving to Lydia Do you have a name, by the way? I'm Linlin~
18:05:06
Nonsense~
she giggles The forest is too big for me to stay with. Lydia though~
she gives her a wink That's something more managable~
as she leaves through the doorway, stepping out into the night
18:06:50
Nagusa follows linlin out, closing the door gently behind them
18:07:14
she is silent as they head back out of the forest towards the shrine
18:07:40
Was it truly first time for you?~
she breaks the silence midway
18:08:47
In a way, I must thank you for showing me this experience
18:09:10
There is clearly still a lot about the forest I have yet to know
18:09:26
Mhm, it's a thick place. But bah, don't thank me too much~ The fact I've learned something about this dinky little piece
she knocks on the headset pays back plenty much. You still didn't explain just how it helps me out, though, considering I'm still as dull as I was before
she looks over her body, not seeing change
18:10:52
Nagusa reaches the stone pathway that leads to the shrine and regards you with a serious look
18:11:35
It doesn't change you physically, my dear.
18:11:47
It gives you an insight that few others are able to perceive
18:11:56
How you use that ability and strength... is up to you
18:12:10
she scratches her head Well.... It do be a great strength seeing out others, but it doesn't explain me managing to sometimes conjure things in a heat of it all. Although it does seem to follow same principle - me concentrating on seeing something, giving every thought to making it feel real, and quite literally making it real...
18:14:25
perhaps it functions as a medium to draw our your own magical power in times of need
18:15:35
I feel I'm confusing terms
18:15:58
You're saying I have magical power, yet I don't see anything in me. So what was I seeing all this time, if it's not that?
18:16:27
magical power is only seen if it has the potential to be used
18:16:44
i have mentioned before that humans are one of the best sources of magical power for creatures like myself
18:17:13
but raw power is meaningless unless it can be utilized, and your race has long lost the ability to do so, if it ever had to begin wtih
18:17:53
she scratches her head And so this is just a tool to carry it out, not leaving any trace once it's away?
18:19:27
I am not able to verify whether it is a tool
18:20:20
but if you say that it allows you to use otherwise inhuman abilities and spells, then it may have this function
18:20:45
the alternative explanation is that you have blood from a different race. perhaps you should look into your own family history?
18:21:18
Hmmm.... Could try, although outside of my sister, who just managed to get herself stuck in some fun place, don't keep my relatives too close. Any way to verify that outside of digging into past of my ancestry?
18:23:29
hmm, I know not of any ways
18:24:05
However, i may have an idea of someone who may help
18:24:16
I will say I did joke a couple of times I have a touch of succubus in me, considering the horniness, but I'm pretty sure that's not true. I hope so...
18:24:19
Well, I will hear it then
18:24:27
I do know that the lord of this land has requested the matron to provide additional space on the premises to build a shop and bar
18:24:56
And I have heard rumours that one of the newly hired managers used to have quite the reputation as an investigator back in his prime
18:25:45
Perhaps you will one day find an opportunity to make a request to him for such an investigation
18:26:04
Mayhaps... If you can get me their contacts, tell me during one of the visits here to the shrine. I'll see about it
18:27:04
It is a deal, then
18:27:17
she tilts her head A deal?
18:27:37
I didn't offer anything back...
18:27:41
I will pass the message for you, but any request is strictly between you and the barkeeper
18:28:13
Then, the night is no longer young
18:28:53
I will bid you good night here, and hope to see you another day
18:29:05
Actually... Could I stay the night in?
18:29:32
Bit late to be catching way back to city
18:29:49
assuming hana doesn't already have a guest, that is
18:29:55
... or multiple, as has sometimes happened
giggles
18:30:22
I don't mind sleeping in some corner, all fine. And don't worry too much about my needs either. Tis be late
18:30:23
I can survive the night
18:30:37
Then let us head inside. No talk of sleeping in corners, lest you insult our hospitality
18:31:07
Nagusa opens the entrance and invites you inside
18:31:29
Well that's if you dont have beds to spare
she shakes her head
18:31:39
(good place to end?)
18:32:10
(thanks for the great session)
18:32:26
(likewise. Not entirely how I expected, but then again - that's precisely what I wanted, to be surprised :P )
18:33:09
(hope you enjoyed it too, and same to others)
18:33:20
(hope i lived up to your expectations lol)
18:33:27
(plenty. You have nothing to fret about, Nagu)
18:34:20
