Private - Sacred Blight 2

Lucia waited with a mellow smile at the coordinates she gave Savannah, whether or not the girl would show was another story, but if she did she'd find something a little peculiar. Rather then the territory one might expect to find, Lucia's was practically an empty wasteland, barren plains, an occasional small hill out there but the trees seemed as if they had long since been dead and fallen. Lucia waited at the very edge of this region where Savannah would meet her, wondering if the girl would show. Her cheongsam dress was as it was during the event, a dark ash grey color with black accents of shimmering peacock feathers. She waited patiently, Grimoire in hand, as if studying or researching, idly passing her time to see if she'd have a real knight from the player base.

Within her territory, at least as far as the eye could see there were only two structures. One was a large tent, as if it were a few tents sewn together without any real handicraft skills, the stitch job was poorly done but enough to make it weather proof at least. It was at least trying to pass for a noble's residence even as it flapped in the faint breeze. The other structure wasn't built in the least, merely a foundation built in preparation for a small building. Made from stone, a portion of it had already been built up hinting that it might become a small two story pyramid when completed, but it was only built up as high as a normal human's waist on one side, while the other side reached the shoulder.

Beyond that the territory seemed devoid of life, black dust was occasionally blown about by the faint breeze. When blown into the boarder of the territory it seemed to cause some problems in the trees at the boarder line. The trees the wind brushed against withered or cracked briefly as if aging or drying out. The blight stretched out harming the nature in the area, but as if restricted to a certain area didn't allow the taint of the soil to spread. Only the tainted dust on the wind being blown seemed able to reach the trees in the distant.

Checking the time idly, she wondered if the girl would come straight here or bring supplies. Curiosity piquing, it wasn't the first time someone offered to join her after all, Lucia had been betrayed and turned away by the player base time and again which was why she'd grown to put her faith in her subordinates instead. She didn't turn Savannah away though, opting to be optimistic, she hopped that more people would support her dream and join her in her endeavors.

 

“Last stop ma’am.”

Savannah had been paying attention to her map this entire time. Her eyes were glued to the tiny arrow that represented her on this little…carriage thing. She hadn’t paid attention to the passing landscape, to the people who got on and got off, nor, most importantly, just where the hell she was. When the carriage driver stopped his horses and turned to look at her under the brim of a dusty cowboy hat, she blinked owlishly at him and looked around.

Lady Lucia’s lands were out here?! But…but there was nothing out here. Nothing but dust and creepy dying trees and barren landscape. Had someone cheated Lady Lucia out of all the fertile lands and that’s why she wanted – no, needed! – a knight? So Savannah could be involved in a revenge plot to acquire her real lands while she sat and stewed and plotted here in this desolate wasteland?!

That had to be it!

Thanks kindly! she said as she cancelled out of her map and stood up. The trip had been long and her legs had fallen asleep...or so she thought. There were tingles running up and down her thighs and butterflies in her belly and this odd prickling on the back of her neck. She was probably just nervous. It was the reasoning she repeated to herself as she exited the carriage and looked around, a peek at her compass directing her toward the coordinates she was still following from the PM.

She had asked for this, after all. The overwhelming pressure of the looming war had gotten to her. It had been on her mind all day out in the real world and as soon as she logged in, she immediately exited the city. She had to find something to occupy her time with, some way to help and be a real impact in the fight(s) to come. What better way than swearing fealty to a house and fighting for them and their people in the carnage.

Swallowing the nerves that bottled in her throat, she walked on and repressed the urge to look around. She just didn’t understand why anyone would willing pick lands such as these. Miss Lucia had to have been cheated and the more Savannah thought about it, the higher her steps became and the taller she seemed to stand. She walked with purpose, as if these dismal surroundings didn’t scare her or make her contemplate if she was doing the right thing. Of course she wondered if she was doing the right thing! But there was an explanation for everything.

Miss – er, Lady Lucia! she called once the seemingly older woman came within view. She looked the same from the meeting…outside of that odd book in her hands. A spellcaster then, the Faerin reasoned with a stout nod of her head.

You…ah, your lands are so far removed from everything! I’m sorry it took so long for me to get out here. Heh, I don’t have a mount or anything so…

@Lucia Mierz ​

 

Lucia glanced to Savannah when she arrived, a mellow and warm smile on her face. Lucia had a gentle atmosphere as usual about her, a kind and welcoming grace to her that one might expect from someone with a title. This kind of baring came from practice, as a player, she naturally wasn't someone gifted enough to behave like this in reality, instead it came naturally in the game because she needed it to. "It's alright, if I'd had the ability I would have sent someone to receive you, but it wouldn't have gone well with the locals I'm sure." Lucia admitted knowing that any undead she sent to pick someone up would have likely been attacked and mistaken for invaders. For that reason Lucia could only wait for Savannah to make her way here on her own instead.

"Unfortunately it doesn't look like much right now, we're still missing a few very important pieces before we can proceed. It must be pretty unsightly at this stage mm?" She asked glancing back to Savannah after gesturing to her plot of land she'd earned. It was truly desolate, but the end product in Lucia's mind was worth it, to cultivate a place where death thrived like the living she would have to naturally uproot everything and start over from the beginning. The undead had their own natural habitat and atmosphere, one that was needed for them to thrive, sadly the transition process wasn't much different from trying to terraform a planet, one had to wipe everything off of the playing field to start over.

With a musing expression though, Lucia's expression didn't seem like one that was burdened or even sad at the sight of such a desolate home. Instead there was a hopeful and optimistic spark, as if 'everything was according to plan'. "It took a long while for the Sacred Blight to be this strong, but ultimately I'm satisfied with the way it turned out. Once we finish the first structure, we should be well on our way to being able to begin naturally." Lucia mused gesturing for Savannah to follow her into the desolate area.

The trees that seemed as if they were still intact even though they had fallen were no different from sand castles, if one touched them, portions would dissolve or break into black dust. The scenery might be unsettling for someone normally but even so, Lucia stepped through it, onto the occasional stone towards the tent and the pyramid like foundation. "I was thinking I would start from scratch, let my citizens evolve naturally and try to develop their own methods and cultures rather then polluting it with our own techniques and know how. I think it would be more meaningful if I let them figure it out for themselves, don't you?" She asked with a small smile after crouching down to the dusty soil with a hand and brushing her fingers through it. It turned up a faintly unpleasant smell of rot and decomposition for a moment when her fingers broke the surface. After settling once more though that sharp stink faded quickly.

"Until that first piece is done though, I'm afraid there's not much that can be done for the rest of it, it's just far to important to the land. I don't think that anything will grow without it." She spoke with a frown, clearly bothered by her inability to support the construction process. It was just too time consuming, the materials were just too rare and unique. After dwelling on that depressing and harsh reality though, she stood, dusting her hands off with a kind smile as she continued with a more refreshing topic. "Since your here though, I can introduce you to my people though if you want, or did you want to get a better lay of the lands?" She asked, but even so, it was probably pretty easy considering it was practically a wasteland at this point. Still, Lucia made the offer since Savannah was new and likely unaware of what Blight actually looked like.

 

Savannah tried really, really, really hard not to let her face reflect her thoughts, but she must have been shit horrible at it because Lucia’s question did catch her off guard. A quick glance around, a sheepish smile accompanied by a cherry red blush was all she could muster. I mean, it could do with some work! But there’s a lot of opportunities here!

She stepped a little closer to Lady Lucia as she began to speak about the Sacred Blight. It wasn’t anything that Savannah had ever heard of and she wasn’t up to date on the lore of this game, but it sounded important enough to research when the war was over. That is…if there were any libraries left for her to use for research. The thought was sobering enough to remind her what she was doing here and, after widening her stance, she crossed her arms and looked at Lady Lucia as she spoke.

It was…confusing. Savannah didn’t understand what Lucia meant by ‘allowing them to make their own cultures.’ In a way, she sounded a bit like a scientist watching the goings-on of mice or beings in a petri dish. But these were people they were conversing about, right? There was only one culture (that Savannah knew of) in this game and it would end up here when buildings were made and homes built and people migrated. So to Lucia’s question, Savannah could only give a small nod while frowning.

Ah, uhm, I wouldn’t mind meeting your people, Savannah said after a pause. This was ground that she was familiar with and she even offered a smile after her words. I must protect them during the war so it’s proper, I guess, to know who I’m protecting after all! And, after all this is over, I wouldn’t mind helping you build things. I don’t have much in the ways of engineering or architecture, but I can cut and haul like the best of them! She gave a quick look around, noticed the lack of trees, and gave a small shrug.

Or, you know, work with clay or stone. Whatever you need Lady Lucia. I’m your gal!​

 

Lucia couldn't help a bout of sweet laughter at the girl's efforts to try and be kind about something she felt so wronged about. Whether or not she felt wronged from being mislead or wronged on Lucia's behalf, the Necromancer didn't know, but in the end, she found it cute at the very least. "That sort of prejudice is the thing we'll have to change first~ It takes a bit of effort to see it for what it really is, to understand the beauty of a place like this." Lucia commented glancing back to the wasteland with a pleased expression, though there was a chance Savannah might think she was crazy or disturbed for thinking so. It was a wasteland to the naked eye after all, only those weirdos who might preach destruction and pandemonium would find this beautiful, on the other hand, Lucia could simply be mad causing confusion that way. While they were possible and even likely theories, the reality was very different in Lucia's own mind and experience.

"I'll let you see it the way it will be once the construction finishes and the Blight completes. I can only use the incomplete version just relying on my own masteries. It's always a little embaressing though, I've used this spell so many times, no one's seen me use it." Lucia tried to explain with a sheepish expression knowing it might be a little silly. Lucia wasn't a muse, but even so, she felt that something so important to her people should be precious and memorable so she chose a song that could be sung by them in the future-- or at the very least remembered. Opening her grimoire, the Shadowtome, she fanned through a few pages with one hand before finally gesturing with her free hand to one side.

Her gestures were quick and rapid hand signs, clearly practiced, each one precise and chosen as if carefully picked as she spoke the incantation. Her voice melodious despite not being a singer or experienced speaker, one couldn't call the incantation a piece of work, but there was a warmth to it, a sweetness that came from happy thoughts Lucia associated with it. "We all dream to be an envy, but we, end up so lonely-- living life as nothing and fade away. They don't see that we're perfect, they don't understand that each of us is worth it, that our beauty runs deeper then the surface--" Even as the incantation began, the change would spread from Lucia's grimoire in the form of a ethereal ripple. A ghastly green incandescence burning like a flare releasing a gentle simmering glow, black murky fog billowing out from the pages of the books in her hands.

As if that murky black mist was fertilizer though, it spread into the ground below causing little wiggling blades of grass to slowly poke free from the dusty soil. It wasn't greenery, or plant life, instead each blade of grass was like a little ghost or specter, ethereal energy that couldn't be touched and would fade into smoke with poke before coming back together after. That mysterious ghost grass began to spread, foot by foot into meters as it began to blanket the area around them creating a grassy field. Once it began reaching the trees, gnarled roots would begin to sprout from the ground, undead trees slowly twisting themselves up from the ground, each one seemed to have a face and branch like arms that didn't move, some smiling, some confused about their existence but the scene was harmonious as Lucia continued. "--But to all of us that are hurting, let me be our mirror, to reflect it a little bit clearer; Our light that shines within!" She raised her voice, the sound causing a gentle breeze across the barren land as the ground below began to shake and rumble

One by one hands began breaking through the dead soil, one by one bodies began dragging themselves up from beneath the soil, struggling to climb up. Those that made it up from looser soil turned back to help their friends. The collective struggle could be seen on their faces, some only had skulls for heads, others still had some flesh-- Those that were too unsightly, as if afraid people would be scared of them wore bandage or bags over their heads. The signs of their efforts clear as even getting up seemed difficult or hard for them at the moment. Others seemed to have an easier time, those covered in dark armor with knight emblems on their pauldrons, turning back and organizing the other knights to form groups to help the civilians up as best they could as Lucia's incantation continued. "There's a hope that's waiting for you in the dark, you should know we're beautiful just the way we are. We shouldn't have to change a thing, the world should change it's heart-- The scars say we're dutiful, the stars show we're beautiful." She continued on, a fervor and passion in her incantation the longer it went on. Like a preacher trying to motivate a congregation or a missionary raising the hopes of those in need.

The deeper the spell went though, the more aware the civilians became, trying to go about their lives, some dragging stones, some lowering heads to the soil to see what changed about the territory. Others began trying to cut down the undead trees for wood, the smiling trees growing more excited about being chosen trying to beckon the undead civilians to them with high hopes of being made into something different. From the air wisps of ethereal light began to manifest as leg-less wraiths and ghost like specters, some playing music, others engaging in arts trying to do what they could without physical bodies. Those more fortunate to have physical parts like arms or even an upper body joined the civilians but like the armored knights there were some that wore cloaks with insignia joining the knights in keeping peace and securing the boarders as Lucia's incantation continued. "And they don't see, the light that's shining, deeper then the eyes can find and maybe we have made them blind. Others try to cover up the pain and cut the woes away-- But there's a hope that's waiting for us in the dark!" She continued as things seemed to be developing into a festival slowly but surely around Lucia and Savannah.

Amidst the Incantation, a particular Wraith appeared, with a silver mask on it's face and a gentlemanly hat on it's head. With no legs to walk on it floated with no arms or bones to speak of, it's black gloves gestured towards Savannah producing a wine bottle, though it's contents were glowing the same color as the grass maybe making it look a little eerie. "The Matriarch insisted we try to make it on our own. I can't really testify to the taste considering, but the Matriarch enjoys it." The wraith spoke clear words despite it's unmoving mouth. A knight that matched the uniqueness of the wraith began carrying a table out from Lucia's large tent. It was a woman with clean cotton white hair and skin the color of grey ash. Her long ears made it clear she had been an elf once, but the crimson in her eyes that left no other color but red made it clear she was no longer among the living. Unlike the others, this particular undead woman seemed completely 'normal' outside of her bizarre skin and hair color, if she cracked a smile she might seem natural but her expression was filled with a disdain and icy frigidity that seemed to hold the world in contempt. "The Miss's Incantation isn't finished yet Mortimer-- Don't interrupt her at this crucial time." The knight scolded as she set the table down.

It only took a short while longer for Lucia to finish the incantation, her brow drenched in sweat, her original healthy complexion pale from exertion. It was clear this kind of spell took a great deal out of her in a variety of ways. By the time it finished, her legs were clearly a little weak as she took a shaking step. The Elven knight taking her by the arm for support as she approached the table. The wraith Mortimer even set the bottle on the table to try and take Lucia's other arm to sit her down properly. Despite their best efforts to seat her in a way that was dignified, her relaxed posture and panting breaths made her exhaustion apparent. "Haha... Thanks Sylvanas... Mortimer... It never gets any easier." She commented clearing her throat with a cough before turning her gaze on Savannah hoping the girl would understand Lucia's goal and ambitions. She couldn't keep Sacred Blight going long on her own, she was missing the key piece needed for that, but even just this much was something Lucia had pride in. "Well?..."

 

I…I…I…

She was at a loss for words. All around her were specters, ghosts, wraiths; the dead had come back to haunt the world once more. And they were called to do this, to be here, by the woman whom, not even an hour ago, Savannah had believed she wanted to swear fealty to. She thought it was the smart thing to do, that this woman with her title and lands and family (?!?!) might need protecting in the coming war. How stupid she had been, how foolhardy, how naïve.

These were the lands and the people that Lady Lucia would – er, did – govern. She had knights, ones that were indestructible and would die and return within the blink of an eye. Savannah’s eyes roved over the armored ones, their large shields and glimmering black breastplates before she looked to Lady Lucia herself. To have such power to call the dead forward to do your bidding…

This…I…You don’t exactly need protecting, Savannah said in a small voice. Her pallor had lost most of the aqua color that it had held a moment ago and her amethyst eyes were large and showing too much white. She looked, for all intents and purposes, like a rabbit preparing to flee for its life. However, she didn’t move a muscle and, instead, stood her ground while angling her body toward the table that had been set up and the woman she had come seeking.

Were, uhm, was there a city here before or…because they all just…rose from the ground so is this a mass burial site or something or did…ah, did you put them here? She stumbled over her words, her voice squeaking and cutting out from time to time, causing her to stop and clear her throat. Her eyes continued to glance around at the many creatures that were around her. She couldn’t exactly trust them…could she?

This…was not what she had been expecting in the least. And now, here she was, in the thick of things with no way out. Just great…​

 

Lucia flashed a gentle smile at Savannah, despite the ghastly surroundings, her warm and welcoming atmosphere didn't fade. To an extent it was even harmonious in it's own ways as the undead worked content and happily silently discussing and talking on a wavelength the living couldn't follow along with. "Sit." A firm harsh voice spoke, the Elven woman pressed a palm down onto Savannah's shoulder to sit her down in a fresh chair. A little heavy handed, but the frigid Elf seemed to at least be making an effort before returning to her post at Lucia's right side. Rather then Lucia answering the question, the gentleman phantom at the side who had been setting the table spoke up instead. "Theoretically... No, the Matriarch has put a lot of thought into her repertoire. Aside from our support, she also has light magic as a Priestess, and connections to the Goddess of Death. Let alone you, in truth, I worry she might not even need our protection." The Phantom commented, his voice very reassuring, upright and dutiful like one might expect from a man of high standing.

"No-- Believe it or not, the Civilians you see here were never actually alive in the first place. These ones were made from materials brought from old battlefields where it was hard to tell one person from the next." Lucia admitted, watching them work with a kind expression. Even if it was all for nothing in the end, she still enjoyed watching them make an effort to learn and grow. "Everything's so mixed up, there's no real semblance of who they might have been. It's very 'fresh' and 'new'." Lucia explained with a bit of pride. She'd researched the building of undead form Sylvanas who was her first project, all in an effort to make undead that had had no attachment to 'life'. "They were all brought in from elsewhere though, some made by me, others wandering mindlessly. Like refugees I gathered them, trying to protect them from he harsh realities they would have faced if they were found." Lucia commented, her expression a bit more sad at the thought.

Noticing Lucia's gaze growing distant with sad thoughts though, the Phantom hesitated briefly before it began pouring glasses from that faintly glowing bottle. Offering one first to Lucia by setting it near her, it poured another for Savannah as it spoke. "This was once a common wooded area, much like the one you passed through. The Matriarch used magic to change the landscape in an effort to make a sanctuary." He asked trying to hand Savannah the glass with a modest gesture and a friendly bow before continuing while giving the bottle a slow steady wipe. "You see, the world is a very dangerous place for the undead. All life views us as a threat and an enemy, whether we are or aren't isn't an issue those of us born from sorrow or hate are hunted without question or reason." Mortimer explained as his gloved hand began to recork the bottle. He at least made a solid effort to comfort the girl who seemed on the verge of a nervous break down.

"Mph-- It's the hypocrisy of the living that's the problem Mortimer, you know it as well as I do." The Elven woman interjected. Sylvanas featured a displeased scowl that made her blade-like brows knit in the process. "You got to live your life away from these sorts of troubles but I was like them them I was alive. Killing the undead to give them rest, thinking it was an affront to nature. They spoon feed us those lies but the truth is we only killed them because they were different-- They were unpleasant." Sylvanas complained, lifting a slender leg onto the table to sit on the corner as she folded her arms over her chest. Her scowl growing sharper the more she thought about it, the icy hate in her gaze only growing more frosty as she spoke. "So smug, thinking that living is better, believing they're the ones that are natural or righteous. Not even trying to think that we were all a part of the same cycle, not caring about who we were when they try to kill us. You tell me Mortimer, who's the villain here-- the ones being hunted through the mud like dogs or the ones living in fancy mansions getting fat while ordering executions." She complained, the frosty fury peaking under that fair and enchanting exterior.

"You know that's not what they're hinting at Sylvanas."
"It doesn't matter..."
"It does matter."

Mortimer watched the pair going back and forth while producing plates. In truth, it was rather mysterious how the Phantom seemed to keep acquiring these things. The moment Savannah glanced away-- Even for a second he'd seem to be holding some new kind of tableware or plate preparing it for the table. "We mustn't reduce ourselves to the monsters they believe us to be. For that reason we must be more Chivalrous, more Refined, more Cultured, even more Forgiving-- If nothing else then to prove that in the end that we could rise above being savage monsters." Mortimer explained, his eloquent speaking style doing little for the frustrated knight, in the end the Phantom could only exhale a soft sigh of regret knowing his efforts weren't getting far.

Finally finding some pep after a drink though, Lucia set the glass down, visibly refreshed as a moist tongue rounded her lips. The dimly glowing liquid was as amusing as ever when she looked into it, but she turned her gaze back to Savannah rather then allowing her subordinates to continue bickering. "You no doubt have some reservations and fears. I can't exactly blame you. I am a Necromancer-- Well known for being the first in this game to raise the dead, I imagine that news probably hasn't reached you yet." She spoke, a faintly bitter smile on her face that had nothing to do with the sweet drink she'd enjoyed earlier.

"This is Mortimer." She spoke, gesturing to the Phantom.
"A pleasure." He replied with a practiced gesture even removing his hat.

"Mortimer leads the Winter's Claw, they were the marked Wraiths you might have noticed with the slash marks on their cloaks. While Mortimer has a very colorful and... well-- extensive past as a famous historical figure he's talented in a variety of things." Lucia started, but the Elf interrupted with a snort. "He's a serial killer." Sylvanas spoke, clearly still irritated from earlier.

"Not a serial killer-- An assassin--"

"A former assassin." Mortimer stepped in with a lifted finger, as if trying to lay debts to rest and calm the situation that might otherwise get out of control. For a brief moment, he went back to setting down plates, in preparation for a meal as he spoke with a hushed tone. "Though I must admit with the things I'd done, I'm afraid the line is rather blurred in truth. For that reason I treasure this new life that much more. The Matriarch has given me a chance to try and right some of the wrongs I'd done in life. I'm content to finally have a role that brings hope rather then spreading sadness-- Now poultry or Fish?" He asked glancing briefly to Savannah for the answer.

 

Sitting heavily in the chair that she was pushed into, Savannah couldn’t believe her ears. Not only could Lady Lucia raise the dead, she had connections to the Goddess of Death herself?! Yet, she was also a Priestess, which meant her soul wasn’t entirely forfeit, right? Her small fingers wrapped around the glass that Mortimer passed her and her eyes whispered up to his features before cutting across to the more elven…undead that shared the table. They bickered back and forth and, from their words alone, Savannah got the impression that they had been together for a very long time.

When her eyes finally found their way back to Lucia, the thought was still turning over in her head. It didn’t seem like Lady Lucia was missing a soul; granted, Savannah didn’t rightly know what one would look like who was soul-less. Would they be zombie-like, shuffling through this life with only the thought of blood and flesh on the brain? Or perhaps they would just lose all want for life and find nothing pleasurable anymore, instead remaining at a window and looking listlessly over the land.

No, Lady Lucia certainly still had her soul.

It was the ice in Sylvanas’s demeanor that captured Savannah’s attention. She wiggled in her chair, as if scooting back would allow her to escape the judgmental gaze that the elven woman seemed to narrow at her. Attention trickled to the glass in her hand and she swirled it experimentally, watching the liquid move within its confines. She didn’t have the balls to take a sip just yet.

However, the longer she sat and listened and absorbed her surroundings, the calmer she felt. Sure, the fact that she was basically having dinner with the devil had crossed her mind, but Lady Lucia hadn’t come across as someone vicious or malicious. She just knew dark magic and used it to her advantage and tried to make a place for people who didn’t have a place to begin with. Savannah could understand that and, to a certain extent, admire it. She didn’t know what she would have done if she had had such power as that. Probably nothing as grandiose as have a haven for the recently departed…

When Lady Lucia began to speak again, Savannah paid very close attention to her words. She nodded in greeting to Mortimer and cleared her throat. Her mouth was, suddenly, very dry.

Please to, ah, make your acquaintance Mortimer. Though scared shitless, she still had some of her manners about her. And, uhm, f-f-fish would be great.

She waited for the elven woman to be introduced before nodding her head in greeting as well. Introductions done, she again turned to Lucia and leaned forward a bit, her hand unclenching the glass to instead fold upon the table in front of her.

I’ll be honest Lady Lucia, this isn’t…at all what I expected. But, it’s not, ya know, terrible or anything, I just, uhm, well, you look like a woman who doesn’t need a knight. She blushed here and gently shook her head before continuing. I feel almost like a fool, really. I…I don’t even know how I could help you see this – that is, your – goal to fruition…​

 

Lucia chuckled a little seeing her stammer at such a simple question. Whether it was from the setting or Mortimer's history Lucia couldn't decipher, but she didn't doubt both were equally frightening. It was probably very off putting to see so much at once, Lucia couldn't deny it, but it was better then finding out later and feeling lied to, that much she knew better. "Fish it is then." Mortimer's reply was quaint and dignified. If Savannah was paying too much attention to the surroundings, she'd notice a fish awkwardly flopping across the ground towards the civilians who were building fires and counter space. If she did spend too much time looking at the no doubt dead fish trying to reach the flames, Mortimer would try to distract her attention with a gentle wave. "It... Might be best if you don't watch it at first. Acclimate yourself little by little. Even the matriarch found our methods a little... 'Unsettling' at first. I'd fear you would judge it before even trying if you saw how it was made." Mortimer tried to explain as kindly as possible without including any unsavory visual descriptions.

Seeing Savannah sitting in silence for a long while though after Mortimer's introduction, she flashed a small knowing smile. As if trying to guess at Savannah's thoughts she spoke up with a shake of her head. "The Elysid Court supported me since I first became a part of this game. Back when I first joined, the temples gave me a place to stay and food to eat-- When I got strong enough to take care of myself, Synra; the Goddess of Death, helped me in the middle of my first raid-- I even got a hug from her." Lucia chuckled at the memory, it was still amusing, she remembered the woman's appearance and choice of clothing, such a revealing sweater on a goddess of death. It still made laughter bubble up from her heart thinking back to it. "She gave me the chance to make this possible, but don't misunderstand, back then I didn't really want 'power', I just didn't want to play this game 'alone'." Lucia explained with a nostalgic expression, in the raid where everyone thought about themselves and worked for their own benefit, she felt discarded and abandoned. It took their 'enemies' to support her, the irony still made her a little bitter.

"From there... I raised my first--" She spoke glancing to the Elven undead with a gentle smile. It was for that brief moment of eye contact that the frosty elf's exterior softened. It lasted only a brief flash but Sylvanas nodded along in understanding. "Sylvanas, was the first I'd ever risen, starting from a simple decrepit zombie, she grew into what she is with hard work and effort. Unlike mortimer her past isn't really flashy, but she's still special." Lucia introduced with a firm nod. Though Mortimer didn't have a response as Sylvanas had for him when he was introduced, Sylvanas still scowled a little.

"I worked hard and put in effort while I was alive and only became a useless Lieutenant."
"A respectable military rank."

"NO!" She shouted slamming her fist into the table making it shake. "Don't give me that crap Mortimer, how many green Lieutenants did you skin in your lifetime? The pickings from your teeth alone would've been able to fill my grave-- I don't want to hear about how 'respectable' my dog life was, specially from you." She criticized harshly causing Mortimer to recoil with raised hands. The woman practically shook in agitation for a moment, her sharp glare sliding from Mortimer to Savannah briefly before she began to ease and sit back as she had before. "Forget it... The important part to remember is that I wasn't 'born' special... I was 'made' special... Understand?" The elven knight spoke, glaring from Savannah to Mortimer as if trying to make sure there were no complaints. Sylvanas was the one who had been there with Lucia from her rise after all, she took her current status very seriously because she had spent her life on the bottom. "Good..." She spoke, self-satisfied, glancing back to Lucia as if offering the floor back. The outburst had taken Lucia by surprise a little, clearly surprised, coughing into her hand, she turned her gaze back to Savannah.

She worried the girl was only getting more overwhelmed. The sentiment of not feeling needed was one Lucia at least understood well though. Gesturing with a hand she brought the glass to her lips, the strange flavor of the faintly glowing drink as refreshing as usual. It was a strange sweet and sour taste, one that would make someone think of grapefruit but seemed to lack 'flavor' as if it were simply flavored water. "This all looks pretty dazzling, but you saw what happened to me when I made it appear. No matter how colorful it is, in the end it's my power-- I can't separate it from me." Lucia explained with a mellow smile. "Soon the Civilians won't need me to stand on the soil and live, but when I leave, the knights and rogues won't be able to stay here to protect them. Likewise, I can't send them off on missions without leaving this place with them." Lucia explained patiently. Savannah might think she was unneeded, but Lucia wouldn't agree at all. Someone would have to help teach and raise a militia to protect the territory and lead them. Someone will have to support her in sanctified grounds where her undead couldn't follow. It was a simple answer to a complicated problem in Lucia's mind.

 

The fish was bouncing – no, fish don’t bounce, they normally swim, but when they’re on dry land, they…bounce and this fish was bouncing toward the fire and the people setting up their cutlery and didn’t it know that it was going to die just so Savannah could eat, and it was BOUNCING toward its death –

Mortimer’s gentle coaxing was more than enough to get her to focus on something else. Her head snapped in his direction, her eyes still wide as her brain continued rolling through just what it meant for that fish to be willingly ambling toward the knife that would end its life. Wait, but it was dead already, right? Was she eating dead ghost fish?!

When Lucia started speaking again and explaining the background to her power, Savannah focused all her attention on these words and instead pictured the event in her head. It wasn’t enough to get the fish fully from her mind, but it was enough for the time being. The Faerin girl could understand being left alone – more from out of the game experience than in game – and was surprised to learn that that, more than anything else, seemed to be the reason for her magical…choice. Granted, it seemed fated more than choice, but Savannah kicked herself at that line of thought. This was a game, after all, and nothing was fated to happen to anyone.

She was going to open her mouth to speak when the elven undead had her outburst. Savannah found herself pushing back in the chair, as if she could just melt into the furniture and not suffer the anger and wrath that floated from the undead maiden with the intensity of a blizzard. If anything, this only solidified her opinion that Sylvanas was not someone to cross, even jokingly. She also understood, on an unspoken level, that she would most likely be serving beneath this woman and never above her.

Clearing her throat after Lucia was finished, Savannah felt herself nodding, albeit slowly. Would…would I have to die? she asked, her voice quiet though holding strong even as the words tumbled from her tongue. The question had been the foremost one that she wanted to ask since the Civilians were brought forth, but she hadn’t had a way to ask it politely. Now, she felt that it was better to be frank than polite.

Lady Lucia, I came out here to swear fealty to you tonight and hopefully protect you and yours from the war knocking on our collective front doors. I am a woman of my word and, though circumstances are…mighty strange, I don’t want to go back on that word. I still want to protect you and…your family, if you’ll have me, of course, I just, uh, wanna know if I need to die first…to do it. To…understand better.

After her little speech, Savannah blinked two quick blinks and exhaled slowly, her tiny body seeming to deflate a little. It seemed she had been working herself up for that for a while. ​

 

The group seemed to hesitate at Savannah's question about dying. Not just Lucia, not even just Sylvanas and Mortimer, the civilians and troops even stopped as if stunned by the sudden question. After a few blinks, Lucia finally realized the girl was serious and chuckled, laughter slowly unfolded, starting with Sylvanas and trickling down to the civilians and Mortimer. It was hearty, warm laughter even, though some were more refined and eloquent then others in their efforts, it was a shared laugh, as if it was an adorable question asked by a child or using math to answer vocabulary questions.

"Kuu-- It hurts!"
"Ahem, now now, we mustn't-"

The pair of undead struggled to keep their snickers and giggles in, it was just too priceless after all. As if they would string her up and start beating her with a stick until she died just to join them or something. In the end, Lucia was the first to settle, with a mellow smile still glowing from the sweet laughter. "Don't be silly-- I'm not dead right? Why should you have to die? I'm not aiming to build an Autocracy or Totalitarianism regime here. Perhaps a Matriarchy, but most likely a meritocracy." She explained her political views as the others began to slowly calm to the sound of her voice. "I'll not force anything on anyone, good work will be met with good returns, and cruelties will be met with violence and harsh punishments." Lucia explained, though the moment punishment was mentioned, Sylvanas could be seen grinding her fist into her palm with a sinister gaze of anticipation. It was clear though, Lucia wouldn't go out of her way to judge people for their appearance, that was the weakness of the very people she was trying to hide and protect from.

"The Tal'Darim, who are the royal guard here are typically responsible for that. At the moment their knight order is currently fulfilling the role of the territory's knight order, but-- I'd already explained that that can't last if this territory is going to prosper." Lucia added on gesturing to Sylvanas who still seemed to be anticipating the inevitable acts of violence against wrong doers. "Plus, it's best if you come to understand them as you are first, that way you'll feel a bit more inclined to join them one day if the opportunity presents itself. It should be a choice made after taking considerations rather then hastily made on a promise." Lucia spoke firmly though her reassuring voice did little to make it seem forceful. She was very determined to advocate freedoms in her territory and didn't want anyone to feel pressured to make a life or death altering decision.

It was only after reassuring Savannah that the older waddling fish began to approach. It's adorably wobbling figure was perhaps off putting as it's baked meaty body made every attempt not to soil it's white flaky interior. It tried in vain to flop itself onto the table, a combination of it's weight and a lack of feet and knees made it hard to hoist itself up, but with a hand from Mortimer it slid into it's position at the center contently. The fish, still largely whole despite the exposed meat at it's flanks had an eye in sight that would occasionally move from person to person. It was eager, happy even, a spark of anticipation in it's gaze waiting in askance; 'Did I turn out good?' 'Am I tasty?' silently asking with high hopes.

Mortimer, oblivious to how strange this could possibly be began offering slices of lemon, a small dish of butter was slid across the table before using a serving knife and fork to separate portions from the bone. The fish still giddy, as if not feeling pain or discomfort from the knife or fork was still just as energetic and hopeful as before. Seeing the sight, Lucia could only let out a dry laugh knowing just how strange it must be for Savannah. Lucia did want her undead to grow and evolve on their own without her interference or the lessons of the living influencing them. For some reason, meal time ended up like this... Exactly how... Was a mystery she was oblivious to, but seeing how excited and eager her meals were to be received, every time she felt disgust in the past, she felt twice as much guilt preventing her from saying no.

"It's a little bizarre." Lucia commented, a knowing but dry smile on her face, as if her face had cramped briefly thinking about how troubling this must be for the Faerin girl. "I do think that they're trying their best though." She could only sigh, accepting a fork and knife to take the first bite. The fish was just as flake-y as it appeared, buttery, well cooked, a smooth flavor one might expect from a quality restaurant. As if the fish itself knew how to cook itself best, it tried to give 100% to the meal.

 

Perhaps it was a stupid question. The chuckling from the Civilians immediately made Savannah feel smaller than she already was and a faint pink coloration crossed her cheeks. She shifted uncomfortably in her chair until Lucia started to speak. At that, her wide lilac eyes turned to the woman who would become her Lady.

Oh, well, I mean, you mentioned dying and speaking with the Goddess of Death so, I dunno. I thought, maybe, I had to die and visit her to give her my allegiance as well? She gave a half-hearted shrug of her shoulders. She didn’t know how swearing fealty worked and considering this was a game, some part of her brain figured she had to make a quest to the underworld to prove herself or something. It was nice to know that this wasn’t how it worked at all.

The appearance of the same bouncing in her peripheral vision immediately wiped out any questions that she might have wanted to ask. She wanted to keep it there, out of her direct eyesight, but Mortimer lifted the damned thing onto the table between them and began to serve slices of it onto Savannah’s plate. The small Faerin couldn’t help but stare at this all with wide-eyed horror.

Lucia’s words did nothing to ease the terror that gripped her chest and she could only shake her head quickly back and forth before abruptly standing up.

Lady Lucia, I do so pledge my fealty to you as a sworn knight and swear, upon my life and sword, to protect you and your family from all whom would wish to harm you, living or deceased. She moved quickly around the table to the side of where Lucia sat and knelt upon a single knee before bowing her head. ​

 

Lucia shook her head, reassuringly, Lucia's support from the Goddess belonged to her. That was simply how she got to be a necromancer, it was the turning point in her life as a player. In this world, things would have gone much differently for her if she didn't die, she'd probably still be an archer, still using poisons and tricks rather then overwhelming force and cleverness. "No, you don't have to die, you don't have to be a devotee or a follower of Synra or anything. I endeavor to support the goddess in return for the support she's given me, but you're different." She explained with a small smile. "All you have to do is your best, work hard, support the territory however you think you can, protect me however you want to-- Whether my image or my person, both are fine with me." She explained with a small smile.

Seeing Savannah so horrified though, Lucia didn't want to force the matter. With a subtle gesture, Mortimer stopped cutting, though the poor fish on the table seemed devastated. No doubt it would be crying now if it had the ability, as if despair and loneliness filled it's poor being as it laid on the table. With a bitter smile, Lucia pushed her plate towards Mortimer knowing she'd end up eating it all most likely to save it from being abandoned. Truly Lucia felt there was no fate worse then that. Even if she had to wait for Savannah to leave, Lucia would eat that fish until it was happy at least.

Seeing Savannah take a knee though, Lucia nodded, standing up, giving her chair a soft push until Sylvanas took it back. "I'm afraid I can only give you an honorary title, I lack the powers to give you official ones that would appear when you search for it." Lucia began to explain, knowing that that might sound displeasing. For all of her wanting, the ability to gift titles still remained with the game. Lucia could only use consideration to gift the girl a suitable title. Reaching down, slender fingertips would touch Savannah's cheeks, smooth and silky like warm jade, her pale palms touched the girl's cheeks to raise her head. Lucia flashed a warm grin, red lips noticeable against her fair complexion she leaned down to give Savannah's forehead a gentle kiss before speaking. Leaning down she was close enough for Savannah to feel her warm breath tickling her ears as she spoke. "I do accept your pledge, and so long as it's within my power, I'll endeavor to give you a status befitting such loyalty~" She spoke, her voice a hushed whisper that could be heard easily from the closeness. Trying to give the girl's cheek one last gentle caress, Lucia stood back up as her hands slid away.

"For starters, it would be best to help you adjust and get acclimated. You likely don't have very much experience in this game, so I'll tell you what I've found out thus far. It's not like your typical MMO, grinding monster kills and forcefully completing quests won't get you very far here. This game seems to pride itself on real world mechanics and thinking, I've found myself achieving a lot purely because I've immersed myself in the world. My strength and power's come from research far more then it has killing random things in he woods. It would be bet for you to consider researching options as well." She spoke with a small smile. Trying her best to inspire the girl. There were a myriad of people who gave up at being simple weapon users like Savannah purely because they didn't find it very special compared to Magic. Lucia knew the silliness of this concept though, martial prowess was every bit as special and unique as magic as long as one researched it well. That was why Lucia spent so much time developing martial specialists like Sylvanas and Mortimer.

 

Savannah repeated Lucia’s words in her head. Do her best, work hard, support the territory, protect Lady Lucia. These were the vows that she had expected to swear when the idea first crossed the grey matter in her brain. The added…surprise of the Citizens, well, they just came with the job. And this was a job that she could do. Hell, she could probably do this job better than the real one she had at the bar down the street.

Lucia’s warm fingers snapped her out of her reverie and back to the present. She expected the touch of the Necromancer to be cool and clammy as that was how Savannah perceived death to be. The end of this life, the culmination of everything that you’ve done boiled down to nothing. She didn’t believe in the afterlife, but, here, having seen the Citizens with her own two eyes, perhaps she should rethink her original stance.

Granted, a videogame was much different than real life.

The Faerin female couldn’t help the blush that comforted her cheeks at Lucia’s kiss. It didn’t mean anything, Savannah totally knew and understood that, but she couldn’t help her bodily reaction to it.

Oh, I don’t need a fancy title, she said after a moment, her voice high and squeaky. Clearing her throat, she slowly stood and tugged at one of her high ponytails atop her head; a nervous habit. Being a knight isn’t able the titles and the land and stuff, it’s about protecting people and upholding your vows. And I completely expect to do both of those things for you.

Listening to her words, Savannah couldn’t help the serious expression that suddenly came upon her. Her brow furrowed, and her eyes narrowed to a point off in the distance as she thought. Immerse myself and research, huh? Okay, I think I can do that. She took another glance around before her attention swayed to her Lady. How…how would I be able to do what you do? To help, ah, the Citizens and help…uhm, raise your lands?​

 

Lucia couldn't help a mellow chuckle when asked about helping her citizens and raising the lands. Rather then giving Savannah the answer, Lucia shook her head patiently wrapping her arms up behind her back as she spoke. "You should know, achieving this sort of thing is difficult-- It might sound like I'm very powerful; Meeting a Goddess to acquire her legacy, sacrificing martial prowess and mastery for holy power. In the end though, they were very difficult and disparaging events; It was hard." She explained with a faintly bitter smile. She knew the reason she could persevere was because Lucia had given up on her reality a long time ago. A lifetime of exclusion and isolation made it easier to find more 'reality' in this game then she could outside of it. While she didn't want to discredit the loyal knight in front of her who seemed determined as well, it was hard to reach the same level as someone who wanted to call the game world home.

"Instead, the best way would be to support them, that's for sure. Malefimancy is the magical power that supports the Undead-- that would surely hope much more then trying to become a Death Knight yourself." Lucia tried to offer with a thought. A hum coming from her as her gaze began to list from Savannah to Sylvanas slowly. As if thinking of something she continued with a voice of hesitation. "Plus, if you want to protect them, that will take something different. They already have me to support the lands and raise them in times of crisis. What they need is a Shield to protect them when that tragedy strikes, a sword to cut down the senseless aggressors who would hunt them for just being alive. A 'Champion'." Lucia explained with a modest expression. As if anticipating what Savannah might think though, Lucia glanced towards Sylvanas briefly once more, the elven knight cracked a frosty grin in anticipation.

"You might think Sylvanas fits such a role better, but I can't have her be their champion."
"I am a soldier, not a hero."


"Sylvanas could fulfill the role if we were lacking... but Sylvanas leads the Tal'Darim. Like Mortimer she can't go without me." She explained reaching down to give Savannah's head a soft reassuring pat, as if expecting her to feel a little pressured by the prospect of rising to the level of 'champion' or 'hero' so quickly. It was a heavy burden to carry, a hard torch to bare at least. Particularly for someone new and naive to the ways of the world. "There's plenty of time to learn though, Sylvanas can give you the experience, while I can give you the theories and know how-- Does that sound okay?" Lucia asked with a reassuring tone.