Pull up a Chair by the Hearth

[Isolde]

Today had probably been the most... exciting day in her life, in the literal definition of the word. It wasn't every day that you found yourself in a body that wasn't your own and drawn into a virtual world. There hadn't been any in-game announcements or anything else to explain what was going on, but at least now she'd gotten over the initial shock of it. It was still weird to have fox ears and a tail, but she wasn't crying any more. Mostly. She'd have to properly thank those people who had helped her out earlier today. They'd given her confidence when she was too distraught to properly think. After they separated she made an effort to learn more about the world of Elder Tale. It seemed like all the players were stuck, just like herself, but there were also the NPCs, or People of the Land as they were called. All of them seemed so lifelike, like actual people. Michiko... or perhaps it was Isolde now... didn't play too many games, but she knew for sure that there was no game that was like this. Perhaps whatever had affected her had changed them as well?

Regardless, as night began to fall, she found herself wondering what she was going to do for food and shelter. She hadn't eaten since she'd arrived, and she was starting to feel hungry. It was typical English weather as well, so it wasn't like she could just sleep outside, even if she wanted to. I wonder how much this is going to cost... The girl only had the small amount of starting gold that everyone started with, and she was sure that it'd run out fast. After that... would she have to go out and fight monsters for a living? She knew some martial arts, sure, but it was completely different from fighting with your life on the line. The thought of it was terrifying, and a tear trickled down her cheek. 

She almost angrily wiped the tear away with her sleeve. No, I can't just keep crying. What would Kohaku say in a time like this... oh! I wonder if she's in here, too! It was possible... although she wasn't sure which alternative was worse. Regardless, she had to do something about dinner. After getting directions from a housewife, she soon found herself at what looked like an Irish pub. Apparently it was safe and had good prices for people looking to stay the night. The interior was warmly lit by torches and candles, and a big blazing fireplace by the wall. There were a few people here already, some Adventurers, some People of the Land. It wasn't hard to tell the difference between them.

"Ahh, good evenin', missie! Are ye here for a room for the night?" A large, balding man with a beard greeted her enthusiastically as she entered. She was a little taken aback, but at least he seemed to be friendly. "Ah... y... yes. Yes I am." The girl said nervously, but managed to compose herself. "I thought so, you Adventurers've been comin' out of the woodwork, you 'ave. I believe that's my last room. That'll be 15 gold per night, or 25 if you'd like food mornin' and night." Ah... she could afford it, but at that rate she'd be broke within the week. Perhaps she could find some place cheaper, but for now this would have to do. "That last one sounds good. I haven't eaten all day." Her stomach growled at that moment, and the owner laughed at the blushing Fox Tail. "Haha, no problem, missie, I'll get you fixed up with some supper. Won't be a minute, just sit by the hearth." The man's good nature seemed to fade a little at the mention of food. "I hope that it'll be suiting your taste." He said as he departed. Are the other Adventurers picky eaters? The girl wondered as she took a seat near the fire. "Ow!" She yelped quietly as she accidentally sat on her tail. That was something that she was going to have to get used to. It looked nice, sure, but having a tail introduced other issues...


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Word Count: 697

[vixi]

A scowl held on Vixi's face, she had though she would never find herself in a place such as this tavern but her small traces of gold had finely run out after completing her ball outfit, though she knew that Nisha would have gladly helped her out if she were to ask of it Vixi wanted to keep some of her dependence. The days where she did, no had to depend on others were over, for a long time even before she met Nisha she had been on her own, though it wasn't an easy life for her. Often Vixi spent sleepless nights curled into a small fuzzy ball beyond the wide stretch of the cities walls, mixed within the elements of nature. At first when the weather was warmer she found it to be somewhat enjoyable, fresh air, the solitude of it all gave her time to think, but it had not all be fun and games. By nature she was small and frail, with little in the ways of survival skills, having to save off hunger by eating whatever she could find... nothing of which would ever been served on proper menu. Tis what her life had been reduced to, little bathing, eating as if on rations and finding new places to sleep every night and with winter dead set on coming for her Vixi needed to find a way to sleep warmly... even if it was only for a short time.

Shitting on a lone stool against the wall a small stage was raised off the floor, little more than the distance of a few of the Inn table slammed together it did little to inspire those looking upon Vixi. Already her face was red though not with rage, embarrassment filled her veins at the thought of being up in the spot light but actually being caught in the light was even worse than she could have ever imagined. With as much disgust that she held in her heart for doing what she was about to, she really didn't have much choice in the matter, she needed gold, and she really didn't have talents that could produce how much she needed; luckily she was a skilled bard, one with a flute. The shinning sliver etched flute lay still in Vixi's lap, her legs pressed tightly against one another, awhile her dark skirt dropped right over the top of her knees.

Performing a show wasn't a good idea to her, the very thought was idiotic... having to be in front of slobbering drunks for hours at a time while they drunk their coins away on woes that where created because they drank. Vixi almost felt bad for those that waited for her to perform, as if they weren't spending enough here tonight to being with, though Vixi earned no actual pay for just playing a song, it was the tips that came her way that she kept. Those that drank, ate, loved to have some type of entertainment, sometimes it was shows, other times it was small plays, but music was easier on the eyes, letting people go about what they are doing but still find a mood lifting sound to their ears.

Wishing she had a cowl in which to cover her face she took a deep breath, preparing herself for the show that was to come, she knew that out their watching her where those that probably had better skills than her, even higher levels but she had chosen bard for a good reason, she knew how work the flute better than most. Placing her lips against the reed end Vixi gently started to blow into the reed, with her fingers sliding up and down the length of the flute the sweet slow notes began to flow through out the room, those that had been looking else where soon had their eyes on her. Under normal conditions Vixi would only ever play for herself, letting the rhythm take her away into a land of notes, each note was a fresh gust of life into her soul. With a few dozen eyes focusing on her it was harder than usual to keep calm ever note felt as though it was going to slip from her finger tips, something that could effect her payment in a negative fashion, the only way she found that would help is if she closed her eyes, focusing only on the notes she was crafting.

Vixi hardly took notice of those that came from the Inn or entered, her mind was else where at the moment having to keep the customers happy less they take their anger out on each other or more specifically herself. Vixi had seen enough of what the drunk could do to a person, not something which she wished to get nearby once more.

With the last note coming from her lips Vixi opened her eyes to look across the room of people, though it wasn't a standing ovation but a few tips of their cups towards her a few claps where more than enough as the small bucket that had been placed on the edge of platform was not completey empty now, a few dull golden coins sat starting back at her. Stepping off from the stool Vixi gave the croward a quick curtsy with the rim of her skirt, stepping off the stage she moved away from the platform as those that had watched her went back to their lives beyond her cares.

Arriving at the edge of the bar she glanced nervously back and forth till her eyes spotted the bald bar keep, flagging him down Vixi placed the coins that she had gotten before him on the counter.

"What can I get ye?" His thick heavy voice came from his mouth, Vixi twitched with the strength of his voice but held her footing well though her eyes never met his as they lingered towards the counter top.

"Whatever is hot... and filling." Her voice was weak but loud enough to be heard over the noises of those that had drunk a little to much.

"Sur, I'll see what we 'hav going for ye. Take ya a seat ther'." Pointing at the nearby chair, it welled placed nearby the licking flames but there seemed to be some else she was going to have to share her area with. Another Fox Tail like herself... though she seemed much more comfortable in this environment than Vixi was, however that wasn't saying much. Notcing that there was little over choice for places to sit without someone within elbows reach Vixi gave a heavy sigh, moving over quickly she plopped down in the chair doing her best to avoid any real eye contact with the girl, she knew that it wasn't her fault to have such a great distaste towards her, its just that Vixi didn't much care for others... though she wouldn't mind if Nisha was nearby.

[Isolde]

The girl sat down just as the song was finishing up, which was unfortunate. From what little she heard, the girl was pretty good. Although, perhaps that was for the best, since the song sounded a little melancholic for her liking right now. Some of the people even gave her some money - that was clever, actually. Even if Adventurers are poor, that didn't mean that the People of the Land were, too. She wasn't sure if it was something she'd be able to do, however. It looked like that girl - a Fox Tail like herself, actually - was a Bard, while she has chosen Shaman for her class. Could she do priest like things for money? Set up some kind of shrine and accept money in exchange for blessings? Although, she supposed that they probably didn't share her beliefs... what was the religion of this world? Christianity? Or maybe something made just for it?

As Michiko stared into the crackling fire - the very real fire - the musician ended up taking a seat next to her. The heavy sigh from the girl was very telling of her state of mind. It wasn't surprising. It seemed almost everyone was suffering from this situation. She'd been in absolute despair when she first arrived. By no means was she completely over it, of course, but at least now she wasn't in tears. Maybe she could help her out in some way? After all, despair was the real enemy right now. Who knows what could happen if they gave in to it?

"Hey, it's going to be alright." She said to the girl in a quiet, reassuring voice. "Things are tough right now, but we're going to make it through this together. Is... is there anything I can help you out with?" Michiko gave her the same offer that she'd received earlier. It wasn't like she knew how she could help, but it was the only right thing to do regardless, right? Dumah would do it, her sister would do it... and she would as well. She genuinely wanted to help her out if she could.

"'Ere you are, ladies, steamin' hot stew fer tha both o' ya!" The bald man was carrying large bowls and set them down in front of them. Still, she couldn't help but think there was something off about them as he set down cutlery and bread for them, as well as a stein each of a frothy, dark amber beverage. Was that... beer? "Oh... ahh..." Michiko tried to protest about her being underage - even her new body was pretty young looking - but he quickly rushed over to another group of Adventurers who were apparently complaining about something. "Well, I'm sure you'll feel better after dinner. It looks really nice, doesn't it?" She broke off a piece of bread and dipped it into the hot stew. The girl was about to take a bite when she realised she forgot something important. "Oh, I'm sorry, my name's... ah... well, I suppose it's Isolde here, isn't it? I hope we can be friends." She gave her a warm, genuine smile as she took a bite of her food.

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Word Count: 532
Total: 1229

[vixi]

Waves of heat rolled over Vixi's body, the source of the heat coming from the nearby fire that burned bright like the shine of the sun that rose in the sky ever day above the city, though being so far away its heat could not campare to the flames that were but a few feet away from her skin. While she often liked to stare into the flames, letting her mind go blank for hours at a time it was hardly the place to do it in. While Vixi had been on stage... what one could call a stage, the room's voulme had decressaed, their attention focused on the slow notes that came from the flute, but now, without a source of entertainment those that sat nearby where once again chatting about mindless ordeals. Pressed with her back against the chair Vixi ears twitched slowly from the conversations around her, always listening, though she wasn't sure quite what for at this point. Vixi hated to admit it, even with her distaste for people she loved to listen in on what people where talking about, sometimes she would come across something that would peak her interest. Times it was just great places to visit, or sales that shops, though she had no coin she never knew when fortune might come her way, it was always good to know things ahead of time.

Tugging on the scarf around her neck Vixi sighed letting the heat from the fire wash over her body, being as close as she was now the strength of the flames was becoming more than she would have liked but it beat standing out in the cold, the winter winds here where much harsher than back home, luckily though the city walls protected people from all but the strongest gusts. Even with the scarf that lay around her neck Vixi was not well suited for winter, her clothes were thin, barley able to keep any of her body heat once she would take the first step outside; buying something to fend off the chilling weather had been on her mind but her stomach was in control of her now. With the slim menu she had at her hands she did not eat very well, even a simple Inn meal that she was about to have was a luxury in her life... she felt a tad bad that she had just spent all her gold for the sake of removing her hunger but life was so much easier whenever her belly was filled.


Having not expect the girl to her side to even speak Vixi flinched in her chair, the worn wood squeaking loudly with such a force of movement. Turning her head slight Vixi glanced over to her, she didn't seem much younger than Vixi herself but it seemed her mind was much more free than Vixi's was.

"Alright? What does she mean?" Vixi questioned herself at the girls comment. While sure Vixi was gloomy... pretty much every day and night she had grown used to the feeling, accepting it as a part of life, there was only one real thing she even looked forward to anymore and right now she wasn't here.

As the girl spoke more her words only continued to confuse Vixi, gloomy or not, she still had no idea what she was speaking of.

"Together? I don't even know her.... oh... she is talking about this world...." Vixi glanced at the girl though her face didn't hold any expression, her eyes mostly locked behind the girl staring at the wall. Going even farther to give help Vixi couldn't believe her ears, they must be malfunction at this point, clearly the world must have broken without her noticing. Vixi was sure she had a million things she could say to the girl about this world, though it wasn't as though any of it mattered, nothing she said would change anything and she didn't much care for long conversations, let alone ones that went into beliefs, those were just long rants about how everyone else was wrong and how they were right.

"I'm... fine... I have nothing to worry about...." Vixi spoke, her words held low even with the loud sounds coming from the rest of the guests in the bar. While Vixi believed in the words she spoke, her life was beyond fine but it wasn't something that anyone person other than herself could fix... though rather than try to repair what she had lost she had decided to move on, looking back... had only shown her more pain that she need be reminded of.

At last, the savior for hungers grip and maybe and end to this conversation; the bartender came over before the two of them with two large wood bowls, though with the height of the man against Vixi's she had little idea what it was that he was bring them though the steam pouring out gave her a good idea, regardless it was food and she wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. With her tail whipping side to side behind her, it was hard to control her emotion at the idea of getting real food for once, even a strip of pink came to her cheeks at the sight though for the most part her expression hadn't changed from before. Setting the two bowls down before them Vixi wasted no time and quickly started to dig into the stew, tearing off large chucks of bread in a seamless fashion, nothing was to go to waste in this meal. Having not even notice the girls pause at the strange beverage Vixi was lacking any idea that it was of an alcoholic nature, gripping the stein from the hand she leaned back and took a few mouth fulls letting the harsh drink flow down her throat. A few skips of her heart passed before she was even aware of what she had exactly been drinking, with a violent up roar Vixi spat the drink from her mouth as she began to cough heavily.

"Oh god! What was that!" She spoke a little louder than need be but only a few chuckles were her response from the on lookers.

Having been so caught up in the suddenness of her explosive drink Vixi had barely heard what Isolde had said other than catching her name, though her thoughts where else where at the moment. Lifting the cup to her nose she sniffed a few times before her face grew sour at the smell of it, she had never drank alcohol before but she knew the smell of it well.

"Is this...mead?" Her voice cracked slightly with the thought of what she had just poured into her body, and with her size alone she knew that it was going to hit her like a semi-truck slamming into a building with a 20-ton cargo behind it. The thought of vomiting crossed her mind but all of what she had eaten would have gone to waste, already there was a few drops of soup left and her bread was over 3/4 of the way gone, had Vixi had more gold she would simply buy more food... but there wasn't a coin to her name now.

"Pleasure... to meet you...Isolde." Vixi voice trembled slightly, as she knew what was going to come next and she was sure that she wasn't going to like much of it. Her eyes wandering to the flagon that rested before her she could see that in her mindless spell to feed her hunger she had downed more than half of the beverage... tonight... was not going to be fun.

[Isolde]

She wasn't sure if the girl was listening. The other Fox Tail had a blank expression on her face, as if she were looking past her. It was more like she wasn't there at all. Is this... what's it called... the Thousand Yard Stare? Michiko remembered that term mentioned in history class, about shell-shocked soldiers in war. There had been a picture in the textbook to accompany it as well - the man's unfocused, blank look there was reflecting in that of they eyes of the girl before her. She was about to ask again when she finally spoke up. Her words and voice were not reassuring at all. There was no way this girl was alright. Had her being brought here affected her so badly? She wasn't sure if it was possible to reach out to her if she was going to be like this.

However, the arrival of food seemed to inject new life into her, and she became a lot more animated... at least compared to before, anyway. She dug in to it straight away, practically inhaling the food she was so fast. Stew, bread, and drink; none were safe from her appetite. Michiko couldn't help but giggle a little at the display. She covered her mouth with her free hand, but chances were the other girl wasn't going to notice anyway. Hopefully the drink wasn't too strong, though - steins were very big, and the girl was quite small. Although, whether alcohol was a thing in this world, she didn't know. It really forced her to think about how many things she'd taken for granted, like being able to expect Outcome A from Action A.

She finally took a bite of her food, and was struck by how... tasteless it was. Given how the girl had wolfed it down, she'd expected something that tasted good, or was at least acceptable. But the bread, the stew... nothing at all. It was like mush in her mouth. It just wasn't right. In that instant, she realised what was 'off' about the food previously - it didn't have any kind of scent whatsoever. Her tail went ramrod straight and her ears drooped. She reached for the tankard instinctively and drank a mouthful of the stuff in the hope that it tasted better. Unfortunately, that was even more tasteless than water, so it didn't help, but it did help her to swallow what was in her mouth. Michiko put it back on the table a bit heavier than she normally would, and her head followed shortly after, along with a loud exhalation of air.

"Ahh... not happy with your meal, missie? I could bring out some salt and sugar for ya." It looked like the man was anticipating this as he already had containers of them in hand and set them down on the table. "But I'll tell ye what I told the others, that's jus' what it tastes like. I'm glad that at least one o' ya seems ta like it!" He left as Michiko sat back up and took a good look at the stew. It looked really good, no question there. However, there was no smell, and no taste, which combined with the texture made for an incredibly unappetising meal. She didn't want to go back to that straight away by any means. "It's... nice to meet you too... Miss..." She left an opening for the other person to offer her name, but if she didn't want to share, that was alright, too. She looked to be in a bad place. "Anyway, if you... aren't worried about anything, that's alright. But if you want to talk, I'll be sure to listen, OK?" Maybe it'd be better to give her the opportunity to make the first move. She'd feel bad if she didn't at least make an attempt to help.

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Word Count: 642
Total: 1871

[vixi]

Having been so caught up in what Vixi had been eating she actually hadn't even taken notice of the lack of taste that the food had, tasting more like water than what probably went into making it. Flashing back to her first days in this would she recalled the sudden lack of taste of everything that she shoved into her mouth, alone the looks of the food where enough to make her saviavte, once she took a large chuck from it though it was little more than mushy cardboard, virtually having no taste to it what so ever. Spending so much time in the wilds as she had since then Vixi had long forgotten about that day for more than just the days that had past. Out beyond the great cities walls, past the thick lines of trees where she spent most of her time Vixi hadn't and any issues with taste, though most of what she ate was little more than bugs and mushrooms, some of which, took her mind in other regions time and space, needless to say she tripped more than a few times, though through trail and error she found out which where safe to eat and which where not. Now with the bowl sitting before her she sighed softly, food seemed to have no taste in this world, she picked up from idle conversation that salt or sugar could add some taste though it did little to make an appeasing meal, seeming as their only choices where ever salty mush, or sugar mush. Food was food after all, no matter what it tasted like she knew it would fill her stomach, a full stomach beat an empty one any day of the week even how displeasing the tasteless texture felt on her tongue.

It seemed that Isolde, the Fox Tail that sat next to her was not so welcoming to the meal that had been placed before her, barley taking a few nibbles of the bread before the barkeep came back to adress them, Shying away Vixi placed her spoon back into her mouth to avoid any needless talking between the man and herself. The thought of asking for some salt had passed through her mind but she opted against it... she didn't want to seem ungrateful towards the man after what he spoke, rather she kept quite, slowly sipping on what was left of her quickly dewilling meal. Leaving the two of them to their meals Vixi pouted slightly at the thought of having to eat what was basically water and hard, dry cardboard, she wished it's looks could only relfect that of the tastes... but nothing would ever become fixed by just complaining about it any.

Leaving the end of her sentence open for Vixi to fill in the blank her eye glanced over her eye brow raised a tad higher than it normally would be, this girl seemed well opened to some conversation between the two of them and as long as Vixi was going to be sitting her it seemed as though she had little choice in the matter at had. Sure, she could out right ignore her... but the fire was warm, and the walls outside the Inn where much to cold to her liking... for now... she would oblige to her whims even if she herself wished nothing for them.

"... Vixi...." She muttered as she dunked the remaining chuck of bread into the stew and popped it in her mouth, had she not stopped so abruptly in her dining she would have been able to over pass the tasteless flavor of the meal but now she could feel the lack of flavor in all of it. She could have ordered a bowl of water at this point and it wouldn't have made any of a difference to her taste buds and there would be a few gold still sitting in her pocket, maybe not enough even for a nights stay here but enough to feel like she might be able to get around a little bit easier. How was it that people here hadn't gone insane without the tastes of food? After all the reason people ate was for two reasons, the need to eat to survive and the lust for flavor and without the latter eating only seemed to be for necessity now. Vixi couldn't believe she was thinking this at all but she wished to be outside the walls once again, even if the mushrooms where bitter in taste and often made her see things they still HAD some taste... even the bugs with their many disgusting long legs had more appeal than the steaming dish before her.

"There's...nothing to speak of...." Vixi scowled slightly as she turned her head back to her bowl, looking deep into what was felt of the meal, she wasn't sure at this point that she would even be able to finish it all. It wasn't as though she didn't mind the taste but the idea that she spent good coin on this made her sick, back home she would have complained and have gotten a refund for her goods but here, they were not the same as those whose world they had entered. Vixi was a guest here just like ever adventurer, their lands had their own laws and culture she must follow then just as she would have back home.

Feeling a churning in her stomach Vixi could slowly feel the alchool moving through out her body, it seemed that even though the mead was tasteless in nature it still held the same effects as it would for any other alcoholic beverage. She had thought that eating helped the process some but it looked as though stew and simple bread wasn't going to be enough for what she had consumed not long ago, the half empty stein staring back at her. Tripping on shrooms was one thing but she had never drank alcohol before... she had seen what happens to those that had though and she didn't find herself fond of what might happen soon. As much as she would like to leave as quickly as possible she knew that just wasn't possible any longer, a night like it was outside would nearly freeze her to death, a fate worse than death itself was suffering. For now, it looked that she was settled in for the night at least till she would be free from the clutches of the drink... though for how long... she wasn't quite sure how long that just might be. Turning her head towards the girl, Vixi studied her, she was curious about her, just what made it seem like she needed to offer aid to someone she new nothing of. For all Isolde knew Vixi was a murdering psychopath that lured girls away in the dead of night and then chopped them up for diner, of course none of that was true of herself but still... one could never know enough about someone else.

"Why...bother offering? You don't know me...." She questioned Isolde as her words dropped off in to little more than a whisper.

[Isolde]

Ahh, so the girl's name was Vixi. "Hehe, like 'vixen', right?" Michiko said with a smile and a bit a laugh, happy that the girl seemed to be sharing something at last. She was also pleased that she got the reference. Maybe it was a little silly, but there were a lot of things like puns that she missed in English simply because it wasn't her native language. Although, she supposed it was less likely they'd notice in an environment like this. Maybe a word here and there, but she'd put an incredible amount of effort into learning properly when she went to England, and living there for a few months also helped out a great deal - even more than the studying.

However, it soon turned out that her enthusiasm was misplaced, as Vixi immediately shut down again. She didn't look like she was too pleased to be talking to her at all. Michiko's face fell slightly. "Ah... alright then..." You couldn't really talk to people when they were like this. She had no idea what to say to make her open up. It appeared that she'd realised that the food wasn't as good as it seemed and was reluctant to partake any more, though. "Um, you can share my salt and sugar if you want." She said as she placed it at the centre of the table. Michiko tried the bread and stew with alternatively salt and sugar, but all it did was make it taste like salty mush or sugary mush. Both were pretty terrible. She ended up sticking mostly with sugar, and occasionally switching up to salt or a drink to wash out the flavour. She drunk the mead like it was water, since that's probably all that it was in this world.

She ate in silence for a while, until finally, Vixi suddenly spoke up. "Huh?" Michiko asked stupidly, before processing what she had asked. She'd been quiet, but the girl thought she heard what she said. "Why am I offering to listen? To help? Well... because it's the right thing to do, isn't it?" Her parents had been big on living a good life, for yourself and for others. Although, it was her sister that she looked up to - she'd always been such a strong figure in her life, and whenever she started to cry, Kohaku was always there to listen and offer a helping hand. Others had been there for her earlier today, too, like Dumah, who made a similar offer, and Strife, who had made her laugh and forget about her troubles. 

"Also... you say I don't know you, but then, I don't know anyone here at all. I'm sure hardly anyone knows each other. If we don't make an effort to talk, then nothing's going to happen to fix this. I... I want to get to know you. What you like. What you don't like. If you don't want to, that's fine, I won't bother you again. But I'd rather be stuck in here with a lot of friends instead of a lot of strangers. Don't you?" She felt a little warm in the face as she said that - it was a little embarrassing, after all. However, Michiko didn't regret what she said. It was what she truly felt. Vixi looked like she needed a friend and a helping hand, and if she didn't take it here, she hoped that the Fox Tail would take it from someone else.

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Word Count: 579
Total: 2450

[vixi]

"Vixen...ya... I guess...." After all the time Vixi had the name she really hadn't though much about it really, it was just a name she pulled out of the air one day, for some reason she really liked it and it stuck with her... though now it did seem a little coincidental being that she herself was a fox... at least some part of her was. Vixi wasn't really sure where she began and the Fox Tail part of her begun, back when she first came to be in this world she there really wasn't a difference, she was just her, nothing more to it, but after some time she noticed a change in her being, the way she thought. Her curiosity was the first change she noticed, things she though so little of before where like a shinning light just beyond her reach, she needed to touch and feel new things with her own hands, to understand them, known what they really were about. Before she did have curiosity just like any other person would but now a days it seemed ten fold of what it once was... at first, she enjoyed it... but now it almost seemed like a weight that dragged her around, every new object, new smell, sight caused her stop and investigate... it had become a burden to her more than anything... and yet... part of her loved it and she didn't know why that was. Vixi felt as though the longer she stayed here the more things that changed about her... she just wasn't sure what to think of it... was she losing herself... or was she becoming who she was supposed to be here? She knew the commment had been a simple one on Isoldes account but it had opened more thoughts into her mind, only making her want to chase the answers more than ever... just a new part of her she supposed.

Vixi could tell that Isolde wasn't very pleased at the way Vixi replied to her, and after who could really blame her any? Vixi liked her privacy, being away from others was almost like paradise to her, people only confused things, making havoc in her mind and only adding more issues than she wished to deal with; she hated to see others displeased though mostly from her own actions, almost like an itch on her back that she just couldn't reach... it bothered her.... At the same time though she wished little more words between the two but it looked as though the fates had different plans for the two of them.

Offering the would be condiments in this world to adventures Vixi glanced at them, not sure whether to take up her offer or not; the food was bland, there was no seeing past that... and yet all she had done was be rude to the girl... she had no right to take the offering... and yet... it would greatly increase her pleasure from what was left of her dinning experience. Raising her hand from the table side slowly she reached out and took the salt from near Isolde, doing her best to keep her eyes low to the table and not make much of a show for it. Vixi could begun to feel the embers in her face glowing softly from the action, even her best attemps to snuff the flames out where going to be useless once the fire kicked to life in her face.

With little more than a mutter of a thanks Vixi poured a small portion of the salt into her stew, though it was mostly gone by now it would help to finish off what had been leftover. Vixi was sure that it would taste much more like salt water at this point but it was still better than drinking water, even with the few chucks of potatoes and meat inside it wasn't going to be very pleasing to her taste buds, but food was food... regardless of how it tasted. Continuing her short lived meal Vixi tore another chuck from what was left of the bread, shoving it into her mouth the tasteless soft texture met her mouth, eating as fast as she had been she hadn't taken notice of its lack of flavor but she kept munching away till it went down her throat.

Having brought up the question of why it was that Isolde was offering any help at all Vixi awaited an answer as Isolde thought for a few moments, given the time that it took her Vixi would hoping for an better answer than she was given but she was left with a sigh. She hadn't been expecting someone going out of their way to be a therapist and offer free sugar but her answer left her longing. Vixi couldn't help but think back to Nisha as she spoke, their meeting... wasn't in such a glamorous location at the city, the air had been freezing and both them soaking wet... but now they where friends... well as much as they could have been. Vixi liked her walls kept built high and unbreakable... her mind was fill of woes and secrets but it seemed no war machine could pierce her deepest thoughts.

"Friends?... I have one...." Vixi muttered as her chin rested on her hand as she thought, though it was not because she was going into a deep thought, the fuel of alcohol that she had consumed in mass was finally starting to kick in; earlier she had thought that her face was turning pink because of shame of taking something she did not deserve... but it seemed it was the drink that was doing it to her.

"Sure... tell me about yourself." Something of which Vixi though she would never say but her mind seemed curious and her walls growing smaller than they ever had before. One part of her mind told her to shut up and leave but the voice was growing weaker with every passing second till it was drowned by another voice, it was cheering her on, throwing more questions at Vixi than she possibly knew to do with.

 

[Isolde]

Michiko was pleased that Vixi had accepted her condiments. It was just a small gesture, but at least it meant that the small girl wasn't completely ignoring her. Eating a good meal with someone was meant to be a bonding experience, after all. Not that the food here was any good, but at least there was some interaction. She'd even said that she had a friend. Even if it was only one, it made Michiko smile. Whether it was someone she met here, or someone who had started the game with her on the outside, it was good to hear that there was someone for her. I wonder where they are...

The other girl then expressed an interest in getting to know a bit about her. "Oh, me?" Michiko hadn't expected the tables to turn on her. It felt a bit like she was back in school. "Um, well, alright. Um... my real name is Michiko, and I'm 15 years old. I'm actually Japanese, and that's where my home is. I came to England as an exchange student, and I've been here for a few months, living with a foster family. My dad is the priest at a shrine back home, and I help him out along with my sister. Her name's Kohaku, and she's in her first year of university now. Both of us do martial arts, although different kinds. She does kendo, which is like swordfighting, while I do naginatajutsu. Um, and a naginata is like a stick with a sword on the end." Some people didn't know what that was when she said that that was something she did, so Michiko explained it before she was asked, laughing as she did.

Actually, that was pretty funny. Stick with a sword on the end. Who thought of tying a sword to the end of a stick? She could help but keep laughing at the thought of that. Michiko grasped about for her tankard and took a drink from it. Wait... I remember... this wasn't water, was it? As she'd slowly forced down her dinner, she'd taken drinks from the large stein as she went, and it might have been filled up over the course of the meal. She was feeling warm and a little floaty, too. "So... I think alcohol might be a thing in this world. I wasn't thinking, and now I don't know how much I drank, or how I'm going to feel. Hehe, so you might want to be careful as well, since you were drinking too." Michiko smiled as she gave her a friendly warning. Still, she'd have to apologise to her parents when she got back. She didn't think they'd approve of her drinking when she was underage. Hopefully she didn't do anything stupid, but she didn't feel too different. Just a little lightheaded. Maybe she didn't drink enough, or things worked differently here?

_________________

Word Count: 481
Total: 2931

[vixi]

With Isolde prattling on about her life before coming into this world Vixi rested her face sluggishly on the palm of her hand as her elbow rested on the table, never before had she thought she would ever be so interested in listening to someone speak and yet here she was, leaning in on every words that came from Isoldes mouth as if she was speaking the grace filled words of God itself. Even though her appearance hadn't altered much from before there was a certain twinkle in her eyes as she looked over Isolde, her long hair, Vixi wasn't just sure what color it really was, somewhere between a light brown and orange... it was beautiful from first glance though she would never speak of such a thing to anyone, especially not one she had just met... though Nisha had been the one exception to this... she made a lot of exceptions for Nisha....

As Isolde went on and on about herself the small part in the back of her mind would have usually wished for the girl to shut up and leave Vixi to her peace but there was no voice, nothing but the words coming from Isoldes mouth that filled her mind... she couldn't reminder a time where her head wasn't constantly filled with words that weren't her own, ideas plaguing her mind like a small town in Europe dying of the Black Death... there wasn't pain in her voice though, each sentence was like cooling wave of water over her body. It seemed as though she had a long lived and well spent life and she was even younger than Vixi was, unlike Vixi, Isolde seemed to have a more stable life before her transfer her and some wealth to travel a far... though she wasn't quite sure how a exchange program really worked. Though Vixi did her best to pay attention as Isolde spoke her thoughts snagged a few times on the foreign sound names she said, she was never very good at other languages, even failing french... twice, words... where not her strong suit, in more ways than one.

"Wow." Was all Vixi could say as she eyed Isolde slowly, there was a lot to take in from what she spoke, basically an out line of every major thing that she had done... in 15 years she had done more than Vixi had in her 17... sure it was only two years... but still, if only she had born into another life. Even though she could no longer see the scar that once used to rest on her hands, a small burning sensation came to her palms, she knew it was just her mind messing with her and just as quickly as it had come to existence the pain faded leaving little more than a grimace on her face but that to faded just as quickly.

Giving off a warning too Vixi about the effects of the drink they had both partaken in Vixi couldn't help but stare at the girl with a blank expression her eyes, blinking slowly as if her mind was trying to process what she had just said, it lasted for a few seconds till Vixi became to sputter with laughter till her hand hit the table with a little more force than she might have intended for it to, the sudden smack from her hand sending her tankard dancing across the table as sprinkles of the dark liquid sprayed about.

"A little late for that, huh!" Vixi laughed with her head coming up showing off the fuzzy glow of pink in her cheeks, with her small size and the amount of the brew she had drank its full effects where taking full swing through her mind and her body was quickly following suit to its commands.

"Well... I think I'll just have to be careful." She giggled soft when she leaned in to speak.

Having to lean off her seat a few inches she grasped at the large tankard, sliding it back to meet her once again. Like an old friend she greeted it happily and placed it to her lips again and took a few large gulps from it, even though it had no taste to it her mind more than made up the difference, smelling what bitter sweet scent that would be there. Breaking the grip from her lips with a gasp she placed the tankard back on the table with another slam as she whipped the froth away from her face with the back of her sleeve.

"I- I know, this doesn't have taste- but its refreshing." Giggling she planted her hand back on the table her stance changing to more a aggressive one though her expression was more bubbly than angry.

"I!- I, for one- grew up, in Ireland! Cold summers, and even colder winters. God I hate the cold!" Vixi paused making a bitter face but it was broken when her laughter started up once again.

"I never traveled, 'cept for school, if you count dat at all. I'm- I'm 17 and one half years old... and my dad is a bastard, me mum's dead- that's about ish!" Her sentences becoming slightly more slurred than normal but still normal enough to understand what she was saying. Even though she spoke of things that one might concerned morbid her face kept the same glowing pinkness that it had been before, not even caring what she said at this point or to who, the damn was cracking, each word sending a quake through it structure, each shudder spouting water through the fissures.

"Anwhodoel! That's- that's enough bout, little, ol' me, I'm boring!" Giggling she bent her head over and then whipped it back with such speeds that it might break a person's neck but she seemed to be fine with the rapid force of it. The fluttering of her shinning orange hair flared about her face giving making her seem to shine even in the dull lighting of the bar, though the nearby fire helped to the effect of it all.

"So...." Vixi paused as her finger rolled around the rim of her tankard as if she was thinking of something else to speak of.

"How- how, do you like... like this?" Vixi's question was very broad given that she really could have been speaking of literally anything in this bar, the food, the people, even the bar itself; having taken a few seconds to think of what she just said she held up her limp index finger before Isolde would have a chance to speak, letting her know to hush before she talked.

"Sor- sorry! I mean! What, wha- what do you think of, this world! Ah see? That- that more senses!" Vixi giggled at her own mistake in her words but there was no need to let the small mistake ruin the conversation between them.

"I!" Her finger pointed back into her chest making the material of her shirt concaved slightly where her finger meshed against it.

"I! For one, like it! So! So- so new, and fresh, you know? Beats back home- back home by, by a loooooooong shot!" Vixi nodded her head, as if she was having the conversation with herself and agreeing to what she had just said.

"Man! I wish- I wish Nisha was here! She! She... loves parties." Vixi giggled slightly her hand covering her face as her cheeks grew into a deeper shade of red, the pink flush almost completely gone now.