In the Land of Foxes

When Ty and Camila appeared, they would find themselves in the outer rim of an enormous forest, Raelo watching them with a smile. "Welcome. I have good news. Lady Akane has said that Camila has already earned the right to travel to the heart of our home. Ty, you get to come by default, as holder of the contract. She told me to remind you that broken trust is not something that is easily repaired." He frowned slightly. "However, she also said that she has calmed down a bit now, so is willing to talk things out with you. She's a reasonable woman. She just was upset... still is. I hope everything is resolved soon. It helps that she's in a... mood."

He grinned, and it was decidedly mischievous. That was never a good thing from a fox. "Anyway, I will escort you both. Please, this way. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, as you are in for a bit of a walk. After this, you can be summoned directly to the heart of our lands if need be, but we need to walk this time."

Somehow, light filtered through the trees, despite the fact that the entire forest was underground, and eyes were watching them with curiousity; some from foxes, and some from foxes in human form. Raelo actually openly laughed when they stumbled across two women, a three-tail and a one-tail, being intimate, only for the two of them to shriek and change to foxes, running off. "Sorry about that. We are a rather open people. Nudity is common here, as are public acts like that, though that's more a spontaneous thing... outsiders, however, are not.... and I think one of them was my friend Alto's younger sister... I believe you met Alto, yes?"

Camila blinked a bit, then shook her head. "Well, its uh, natural right? I mean every race's culture is different. Plus, I've been around the block for a bit traveling. I've seen stuff like this before with the openess thing. And yeah, we met Alto briefly. Don't know him too well yet but Ty only summoned him like once."

Of course that intimate act made her think of something that had been on her mind for a while. Mostly, she wouldn't mind being with Ty like that but it had just never came up(mostly because it was just recent they admitted to liking each other) Camila planned to change that. Sooner or later.

Ty quickly adjusted to the new surroundings while thinking back to Lexington's method of teleportation. He much preferred the ninja arts; they were easier on his stomach. Ty felt quite at home in the new terrain. The Hidden Moon was located within heavy forestry and littered with marsh-like areas. He was grateful Lady Akane was in a better mood. Reasonably apprehensive about approaching her so soon, he had no intention of going MIA for a day without at least telling her.

Noticing Raelo's smile, a moment of heed struck Ty. He wasn't sure what to expect; foxes could be hard to read. The erotic scene they intruded upon threw off his guard entirely. He was quite foreign to such... free-spirited societies. His face was hot in attempts to blush from ear to ear. "Y-Yeah. I met Alto before. I'll see him again once I work my way up." Ty managed to say. His libido was racing at about a mile a minute. He attempted to stay the lewd images of Camila by pushing his curiosities to his forethought.

"Are we still in Demon Realm? It doesn't feel like Earth, but I only knew of summoning lands from there." He only knew of a few, but figured they were not exclusive to Earth.

Raelo simply nodded. "Yes, we are still in the Demon Realm. There is a forest of black pine, called the 'Black Forest'. Hidden beneath it is 'The Buried Grove'. That is where we are. It is the ancestral home of our people and, ever since the purges, it has been our home again. By the way, do you mind if I make myself more comfortable? Most of us... only wear clothes when outside of our lands. We were born naked, we prefer to stay that way."

"..Purge?"

Camila knew asking about such a thing might bring up painful wounds so she stopped herself from asking more about it. "Ah, sorry. That's probably a bit too personal so forget I brought that up. As for the streaking thing uh, we'll.." Camila rubbed the back of her head.

Man. This is different.

"I uh, guess? Up to Ty."

Ty didn't like the sound of "the purge." Either the demon foxes had faced greater hardships than he anticipated or a threat was posed in this area before their arrival. Either way, he wished he had payed more attention in history. His mind had barely a moment's respite before Raelo's request blindsided him.

"Huh? Oh, s-sure! Your home, your customs. Don't let us stop you." Ty felt it wasn't his place to stop him or raise a fuss regardless. Most of them stay naked? Admittedly, Ty was impressed by Camila's cool. Life in the village seems to have cloistered a bit of his adaptability to situations such as these. He wasn't sure if he could stay focused in this atmosphere... Ty pushed back his embarrassment and pressed onward.

"I guess this question is pretty late, but I was wondering about your tails. Are you simply born with different numbers, or do they increase based on longevity?"

Raelo answered, even as he stopped walking so he could shrug off his clothes. He simply tossed them aside once he was naked, since their fox magic could easily be used to make more. "Most are born with one tail, and it increases as we age and as we gain power. Some, however, are born with more tails. Usually the children of two powerful people. Nine-tailed foxes, the rarest, ruling clan, are always born with four or five. Lady Akane was born with seven, so she was rather powerful even from a young age. Also, thank you for allowing me to make myself comfortable." A pause.

"You two are welcome to do the same. We don't mind either way. Well, that's not true, we prefer the whole 'nudity' thing, as it's sort of a sign of trust as well, since we are leaving ourselves 'unprotected' around each other, showing faith in each other. However, that is within our culture. We are fully aware that outsiders are not the same, so we actually expect you'd remain clothed. I simply offer in case you felt the desire or need to do so." Of course, he didn't mention that doing so would actually improve the perception the rest of the clans had of them, for taking the effort to follow their customs. He didn't want them to feel pressured.

(In case you are wondering, I'm not making this up as I go, nor is this a bid to get Ty and Camila naked. I try to go a bit in-depth with the culture of races and such, and this is how the fox clans turned out.)

Camila wasn't too sure about the stripping part. There were countless cultures out there, each with their own ways of doing or looking at things. What might of been perfectly 'normal' behavior would have been repulsing to another and visa versa. Sometimes these changes were minor, and other times they were bigger things in store. Ignorant people didn't know that the term 'vampire' demon, or even angel was a racial category not the actual race in question. It was similar to someone saying alien but not the actual race. If you took that account, there were more cultures to learn about that a few lifetimes wouldn't be enough to learn them all in depth.

But...You only live once. Besides... She glanced at Ty. Maybe..it wouldn't be a bad idea. Especially if it distracted Ty and caught his attention.

"Okay..I'll do it."

Camila didn't know what possessed her that day, she'd chalk it up as temporary insanity later. The first thing to come off was black tank-top, leaving her in the same colored bra. Steeling her nerves more, she loosened her pants and slid them of; followed by her panties. The last part was actually her bra, which she unhooked from the clasp, letting them go into the mounting pile of clothes on the side.

The Dhampir was now completely bare. Her chest size was wasn't overly big or too small, being around a full C cup. That was unimportant, she was still a very attractive girl with the right amount of curves to her.

Why the hell did I do this again? Camila thought to herself, face turning a bright red color.

"No need to thank us! We're guests." The ninja managed a complete response and was on the verge of recovery until Raelo's offer.

Ty was at a loss. He was sure integrating into the customs here was the polite thing to do. It was similar to assimilating into a foreign country's methods or respecting someone's house rules as a guest. He had never, however, been a guest in a nudist's home. Ty scrambled to find some sort of reason to stay clothed. Deciding on simply declining, Ty was about to refuse when Camila volunteered. It took a moment for his heart to start up again. She was already half undressed when he realized he was frozen in place.

"W-well, when in Rome..." Unsure as to why, his body seemed to take on a mind of its own. With a turn he began to undress in kind (and wiped the blood from his nose). He removed his shirt and pants, along with his knife pouch. Sneaking a peek at the now naked Camila, he hesitated with his shorts. Ok, get a grip. You've meditated a billion times. Body control... After a short reprieve, Ty tossed his boxers. Thanks to his training, his body was toned. He had little to be self conscious of as his 'size' was larger than average, but it was more the culture shock that rattled him. That and the voluptuous Dhampir next to him. "Heh, breezy." Ty joked trying desperately to keep his cool downstairs. He re-fastened the scroll about his hip with care.

"Uh, so. Since tails are proportional to spiritual power, what determines who is summoned the first time?" He remembered when summoning Alto, Lady Akane appeared to be unknowing of whom would be summoned. Despite his historical deficiency, he did enjoy learning of different cultures.

Raelo was quite surprised by the choice of the two of them to strip, but smiled. "It's fairly random. You can only summon specific foxes if you know them, and so can focus on them in your mind." He paused, and quite openly looked Camila and even Ty over. "...You know, I didn't want to tell you, as it would likely pressure you, but doing what you just did... it's a very good thing. In a way, it shows faith in our people. It will go a long way to endearing you toward us. Plus, it makes us more comfortable.... ah, see?"

Already, the foxes that, up until now, had been hiding and watching, seemed to relax, going about their business. They smiled warmly at Camila and Ty, however. Some looked them over appreciatively, which caused Raelo to speak up. "I should mention, looking is not considered rude here. Up to a point. Staring and leering is rude, and touching without permission is a very bad idea, but looking is normal." That was when a few actually came over. Two men and three women approached Ty and Camila.

The men went over toward Camila, as did the shorter of the three women, while the other two women went over to Ty. Raelo seemed amused as, one by one, the five arrivals asked Camila and Ty if they might be interested in getting to know one another. The women's blushes and the men's nervous smiles showed exactly what they meant. "We are also a very bold, open people..."

The fact that the two women with Ty were pressing close to him, though not touching him in any 'naughty' places, showed that fact. The woman who had approached Camila seemed too shy to move too close, while the men simply were aware that most women did not like for a strange man to get too close without permission.

Camila didn't like the women so close to Ty. It wouldn't have bothered her As much if not for the fact they were naked. Whether he liked them or not, having a 'reaction' wasn't a voluntary thing and she didn't want anything like that to happen.

"Sorry folks, but we're together." Camila said, wanting to defuse the situation and let them know exactly where they stood. This just made it in her mind they needed to go on a proper date and soon.

Ty took a preemptive step back at the women's approach. Physical contact with any of them was NOT something he could handle right now and still maintain a level head. "Yeah, thanks but we're off-limits." He preferred not to deal with the physical overload. Moreover, he wasn't keen on the other men eyeing Camila. Jealousy was new to him but he pushed it back.

He turned and brought the conversation back Raelo. "I'm happy to hear that. I should be trying to establish better trust with everyone as the new summoner and it's always fun to try new things." Ty snuck a discrete look at Camila before continuing. "The Buried Grove seems like a pretty peaceful place; your race peaceful as well."

Disappointed, but understanding, the five hopeful foxes retreated. Raelo, eager to impart more knowledge, decided to explain. "While 'casual sex' is normal here, our people are very respectful of exclusive relationships. When someone takes a mate, they are, unless said mate gives express permission, not to approach or be approached by another. Betrayal is a crime here... you'd do well to remember that, Ty. This isn't a warning, just... explanation. Had you known how important trust and the like are to us, Lady Akane would have been far harsher on you for what occured." He then crossed his arms, his serious expression becoming a small smile. "And yes, we are peaceful. However, we are very mischievous and sneaky. Now, come. Lady Akane is waiting, and we still have a fair distance to travel."

That was fine with Camila, she'd have a chance to explore more of this place. Though she couldn't help but wonder exactly how things between Akane and Ty would go. She had calmed down, but the trust thing was very important to their people so it wasn't going to be fixed over night.

"I'm game. Lead the way." Ty wasn't the only one. Camila would take some glances at her boyfriend from time to time as well. She was happy to know it did distract him, she caught him looking at least once.

Ty nodded and listened to the fox's words intently. "Of course. I'm not one for betrayal, and I'll do whatever it takes to earn Lady Akane's trust." He was one to get completely set on an objective until its resolution, even if it took years. Ty was beginning to feel shame in knowing so little about their culture and such; he'd make it a point to learn as much as possible with proper timing.

"Alright. Let's get a move on, then."

Raelo smiled, and led the way. They, at one point, passed through a small village. Children were running around, giggling as they seemed to be playing tag. One changed into fox form, and the boy chasing her, who appeared to be her twin, pouted. "No fair, Jana, you're faster like that!" The fox kit in question stuck it's tongue out, only for all the kids to transform, the game now on more equal footing. Women standing nearby, supposedly the mothers, waved to Raelo, Camila, and Ty. It seemed news of Camila and Ty had spread.

Suddenly, the fox kit, Jana, ran over, and hopped up into Raelo's arms, curling up. She was quickly followed by the boy that had originally called out to her. Raelo chuckled. "Hey, you two." Jana transformed to her human form, as did the boy, and Camila and Ty would see that the children, at least, wore light, simple clothing.

"Uncle, play with us!" Raelo shook his head, chuckling.

"Can't, sweety, not right now. I have to escort Ty and Camila here to see Lady Akane." Jana seemed disappointed, but nodded.

"Okay. Later then?" Raelo just nodded, and Jana transformed again, leaping down to rejoin the game. The boy just waved cheerfully, and ran off after Jana. As this was happening, one of the supposed mothers came over, and kissed Raelo lightly.

"So, dear, this is them?"

"Yes. Ty, Camila, this is my mate, Aleta. She's also the mother of the twins, Jana and Havin." Aleta bowed to them.

"A pleasure to meet you both."

(Picture of Raelo's family, but obviously, Aleta is naked.)

Camila had been wondering if the children wore clothing or not. More free spirited or not she simply wasn't comfortable with that sort of thing, that probably was never going to just vanish. The place was pretty peaceful though. When she had some more down time maybe she'd visit again. The nakedkness aside, it wasn't hardly bad.(Camila had put her clothes away in her bag of holding so she didn't have to worry about lugging them around.)

The Dhampir smiled at the woman. "Nice to meet you. You got a beautiful family there. I didn't know Raelo had a family, then again just met him."

Ty bowed in greeting with the introductions. "Hello. You have a beautiful home as well." Ty echoed. "I really like the atmosphere of this village as a whole." If not for work, this would be a relaxing place to visit. The architecture and natural surroundings reminded him of home momentarily. By his memory, however, the people here were quite warm compared to the 'greetings' he received back home.

"Ah, and sorry for stealing your mate, Miss. We'll give him right back after showing us the way." Ty joked after realizing he was likely headed straight home. Their side trip may have been an inconvenience to him.

Aleta just smiled, shaking her head. "It's fine, you don't need to feel bad. Raelo has always been a very helpful person. It's how we ended up together. After Jana and Havin's father passed, Raelo took care of us. After awhile..." She smiled fondly at Raelo, who blushed.

"Ah, yes, well, we really should get going honey..."

"Aw, that's my Raelo. So easily embarrassed. Alright you three, get going." She kissed Raelo again, and bowed to Ty and Camila, but paused. "...Hm. Are you two together? You keep glancing at each other. Reminds me of when me and Raelo were still new to our relationship."

Camila blinked, then slowly gave a half smile. "Yeah. Are we that obvious about things?" She said in slight teasing. The more time she spent here, the more relaxed she got. "Also, just wondering how big exactly is this place put together?"

Ty's breath momentarily hitched in his throat. He hadn't realized he was looking so obviously or frequently. "I can see how it's obvious if you put it like that..." Ty chuckled sheepishly.

Aleta giggled a bit. "To be fair, I'm an observant woman. If I hadn't noticed Raelo was doing it with me, I would have never gotten the courage to just grab him and kiss him senseless, to make sure he knew where I stood. Anyway, if you two are already together, I have a suggestion. Hold hands, stand closer, something. Make it clearer that you two are together, otherwise you'll have people think you are available."

"Already happened. Five younger foxes approached them."

"Five? My my, aren't you two popular, particularly for people new here. Though, I can see why..." She looked them both over, and giggled again. "Anyway, I'll let you three go. Ty, Camila." She bowed to each, then kissed Raelo once more, whilst giving his ass a little squeeze, making him jump. "Remember, I still owe you for this morning, dear."

"Y-yes, Aleta..." She left them then, and Raelo cleared his throat, before leading the way deeper into their lands. He was walking a good deal faster now. "Let's go..."

Camila decided to take the older woman's advice, looking at Ty and then gently grabbed his hand pulling it into hers. It felt nice. She couldn't remember the last time she did this.

Then again, she didn't think she ever did anything like this. "Lead the way."

Ty observed the pair's interaction with amusement. Love and lust were a powerful mixture. He pictured himself and Camila in such a close state and... stopped immediately. Again, he almost triggered a 'reaction'. Too close...

Ty was elated with the gentle contact. His lewd thoughts quickly melted away. This was more than good enough. He was quiet, but happy, as they walked.

Raelo cleared his throat, trying to calm himself. Aleta was able to very easily get his blood pumping. Always had been, though the way she did so had changed over the years. "Sorry for the delay... I'll hurry up and get you to Lady Akane... then I'll have to leave. I have to spend some time with Aleta... and Jana and Havin too, but... ah, well, Aleta did say she owes me...." He blushed a bit, a dreamy look on his face. His more formal attitude thrown to the wayside.