Private - Nightmare Creatures

The tent was familiar, and Savannah was glad for that.

She was glad to wake up in her own bed, under the white polar bear fur she had draped over the mattress, the soft pillow beneath her head, and the equally gentle indentation of her raptor snoozing next to her. She had to blink at the damned thing, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. It was still small, barely even two feet high, but the damned thing was fast…and stubborn. How many times had she told it—no, him—not to sleep on her bed? And, of course, he didn’t listen…

An entire day had come and gone and now, Savannah had returned. Well, more like two days if she was counting time correctly. She had left her life in New York the previous day, taken the bus all the wall to Boston Massachusetts, met three women whom needed a roommate and then looked for a job all day. Her getting her shit together had left little time for TerraSphere…and she didn’t want those three girls catching her with her VR helmet on. She could tell, just from their singular meeting, that they were the kind of girls she envied in high school.

And now she was living with them. The thought made her sigh as she allowed her hands to coast up and down her bare arms. Beggars couldn’t be choosers and while Savannah had her own place to sleep, her own chest of drawers and clothes and weapons, Addison hardly had herself together to such a degree. She was living on dregs of kindness and good luck.

The disconnect she currently felt was…startling. She often fled into the game to ease her mind and find a way to relax, but now, sitting here in her bed, Savannah didn’t…feel any of those things. There was a sullen anger inside of her, one she had no words for. There was no reason to be mad; everything was in its correct place and the citizens hadn’t visited to give her more gifts. She clicked her tongue, quiet enough not to disturb her new pet.

Savannah forced herself to move, to get up and do something rather than sit and sulk. She donned simple clothes, fur lined boots and a warm tunic with matching breeches as well as her favorite black bear fur cloak. There was a light dusting of snow still falling outside so it was better to be careful than brazen. She had only just returned, and many things could happen in the span of a day—er, two days.

The minute she walked outside and opened her palm menu, the world chat tab was filled with people talking excitedly back and forth. Savannah changed the setting from text to speech and began to walk, thankful that Lucia hadn’t moved the hoard of undead in the interim. Yet, the further she walked, the more anger she felt. Apparently, there had been a World Boss that spawned while she was gone. The gentle pings of people linking gear and achievements was enough to make her haul off and punch something, but she forced the emotion back, again wondering here this sudden rage had come from.

It was rage that tempted her to turn off the chat channel entirely and she was prepared to do so, her finger hovering over the button, when a new voice popped in and got her attention.

My friend says she can’t log out. She doesn’t have a UI anymore. Anyone else know people going through this problem?

Savannah paused and looked down at her open palm, the scrolling chat face that was there in her hand. Other voices chimed in, none addressing the problem, and the Death Knight turned off everything, closing the chat channel as well. She seemingly had missed a lot.

Clearing her throat, she stepped to the flap of Lucia’s tent and composed herself. Might as well let the Dark Lady know she had returned…again. However, there was no way to knock so Savannah exhaled, steeled her nerves, and swept into the dark interior with nary a sound.

Miss Lucia?

@Lucia Mierz ​

 

Lucia panted softly, her chest rising and falling under her blankets as she tossed and turned through the night. Her dreams were typical, ones she didn't enjoy... Others likely wouldn't know, whenever she had company in bed with her, her dreams were so sweet, so pleasant as she clutched her partner close. Alone though, left with her own thoughts, her own harrowing beliefs and tragic feelings she was haunted quite regularly. She thrashed occasionally, her body twisting in discomfort and disapproval, her bed looked a little messy to the eye, Savannah would no doubt hear her occasional thrashing before anything else as she struggled against her own blankets.

If Savannah got closer, she'd see Lucia's brow covered in a cold sweat, her panting was rough and ragged. Clearly she was having a tough time, whatever she was dreaming of was clearly terrible for her. As if trying to wake herself up, she struggled persistently still against her sheets and bed. Her night gown getting a little disheveled in the process, her hair matted against her face and head as she writhed. An occasional low murmur could be heard, soft names being said every once in a while, Savannah would notice her own was among those murmured, she might even recognize a few others, like Vivian's or Luna's, but some were strangely foreign. As if they belonged to others who had long left Lucia's side, or betrayed her for some reason or another. In the end, the content of her murmurs weren't as important as the tense expression on her sleeping face as she slept.

As if making a touch decision in her dream, she was tense, struggling to wake up to avoid whatever it was trying to compel her to chose between. Her dream itself was naturally one that she feared, and regularly worried about, people leaving her behind, not needing her, her own worthless reality, the emptiness she felt in her life, the meaninglessness of it all. It all put pressure on her as she slept alone, with no one to share that burden with. Her hands occasionally groping around, as if expecting to find someone, a pillow, anything at this point she seemed to search.

 

The tent was quiet and dark, which gave Savannah pause. If Lucia wasn’t here, perhaps she should wait outside for her to return? Or, perhaps, inquire with the Citizens where the Dark Lady had ventured off to? Both options were more practical and less intrusive than merely standing there in the dark, silver eyes glowing as she looked around. Everything looked the same, which was a boon for Savannah to hold onto. Things hadn’t changed past the point of her being comfortable, even if she had been offline for a full day—two days.

She did a slow turn, angling herself back towards the door. Waiting for Lucia to return would certainly be better than snooping around in the dark like some creepy trespasser. But her curiosity was piqued and she very rarely ventured in or near Lucia’s tent without a reason. She wanted to stay, to run her fingers along the spines of the tomes that she could just make out or perhaps find that bauble that Lucia drew her summons from. Being trapped in it the last time they had been together hadn’t been an entirely pleasant experience for Savannah.

A quiet sigh passed her lips as she shook her head. Time to go. Before she made her way, however, she caught the quiet groan of what sounded like someone in distress. Brow furrowed, she meandered further into the darkened interior, her eyes wide and catlike as she tried to pick up subtle details here and there. She didn’t feel like she was walking into a trap, but she also wasn’t one-hundred percent certain that she was safe. While Lucia was a very powerful Necromancer, the dark magic that she practiced was still looked down on in “civilized” parts of the country. Why wouldn’t there be assassins around every bend, trying to end her life and put a stop to her growing hoard of spirits, wraiths and monstrosities?

Savannah found herself at the side of Lucia’s bed, her brows softening when she realized that her mentor, friend, and lover was in the throws of a horrid nightmare. The soft sound of her name, of Luna’s name, of Vivian’s name warmed her heart when she heard them. Savannah very often thought herself merely in a single role and fulfilling a singular purpose for The Dark Lady. She didn’t believe she was thought about outside of that. The fact that Lucia dreamed, and dreamed of her, refuted those perilous thoughts that circled her mind.

Lucia? Savannah whispered, kneeling down and pressing a tender hand to the side of the woman’s face. She didn’t really know what she was doing nor if this would work. She had only heard that you weren’t supposed to awaken sleepwalkers when you found them, but Lucia wasn’t sleepwalking, she was having a bad dream.

Grumbling to herself, Savannah took a step back and stripped herself of her cloak, boots, and gloves, allowing them to pile on the floor. Gingerly, she crawled into the plush bed beside the Necromancer, her heart beating a little faster due to her recklessness. She was crossing lines again, but she didn’t think that Lucia would mind too much. Or, at least, she hoped not.

Curling on her side so she was facing Lucia, she reached out a hand again and gently swept her fingers along Lucia’s sweat soaked forehead, wiping free a few beads of sweat. Then, she gently palmed Lucia’s cheek, her voice a delicate whisper as she spoke into the darkness.

Lucia? Lady Lucia? You’re dreaming. We’re okay, everyone’s okay. Please, wake up.​

 

Lucia writhed continuously, no stranger to these night terrors that plagued her. It was for this unique reason that Titanius didn't have much ammunition to use against her. What horrifying visions and terrible things could it show her that she wasn't already living? Seeing those she loved slowly drifting away, slowly losing interest. Losing those few fragile reasons she had to live, being alone and unwanted once more-- Didn't she live that all the time? Wasn't that her natural state of being? What could the creature do outside of show her how she was in the present? It was laughable, pathetic that that was how she dealt wit the creature's illusions and mind games; existence was more painful then anything it could show to her. When Savannah curled up beside her though she slowly calmed herself. Sleeping a bit more peacefully with someone else's warmth near by; she was afraid and sad in her most natural state... but if someone was with her, if someone still cared, what was there for her to fear? As long as someone was there, she would shine as they shine... This was how she survived up until this point at least.

Slowly, Lucia began to open her eyes after calming. Her gaze was stoic, harsh but blank and bland. There was a natural disdain and indifference that overflowed from her eyes from the moment she woke up, as if disgust overwhelmed her for still being 'her'. Slowly her eyes listed to meet Savannah's, meeting the girl's eyes, she hesitated and almost immediately closed her own eyes as if worried her 'natural state' would bother or frighten Savannah. "Savannah, can you close your eyes for a minute?... Normally I wake up a little earlier so you don't have to see this." She spoke, there was a bit of bitterness in her tone, it was a monotonous drone unlike her usual energetic or warm affectionate tone of voice. It took Lucia a while to get into 'being herself' when she woke up. That dry and boring real self she loathed inside needed to be wrapped up before she could really feel like herself.

When Savannah closed her eyes, Lucia would slowly sit up, rubbing her eyes, the bridge of her nose, slowly up to her forehead and temples. Swallowing back those nightmares she'd suffered through, the sadness and fears she felt, trying to lock them away deep inside where they wouldn't bother her or the people around her, her expression began to brighten up, her smile growing sweeter and more affectionate, her atmosphere more welcoming and warmer. By the time she finished, her enchanting gaze had returned, her sweet and gentle smile, she reached a hand out to Savannah's head to stroke her hair in thanks. "Thank you. Those nightmares aren't exactly uncommon, but it's nice to have someone who'd save me from them from time to time." She spoke with a ginger tone, though there was a self-mocking laugh towards the end. Wasn't she unsightly just now? Hadn't Savannah seen a bad side of her? Everyone was human sure, but she worried Savannah might think differently for it, the unease showed in her face as her gaze listed.

"It's good to have you back again... I missed you." She spoke with a soft tone, still stroking the girl's hair, as if she were still affected by the nightmare. She had her facade up, the mask was fixed, but still fragile as if it didn't have time to set, unease still showed in her face, she was still a little stiff and unnatural.

 

S-Sure thing, L-Lady Lucia.

The expression on Lucia’s face was startling for Savannah to witness. Never before had the woman looked at her Death Knight with anything more than compassion, support, and love. The flat of her irises, the monotone tone that passed her lips; both of these were so off-putting to the other woman that she didn’t hesitate to close her eyes. She felt the bed shift, heard Lucia’s breathing as it evened out in the quiet space of the tent, and still Savannah did not move.

Had she upset the Dark Lady that much? She couldn’t help exterior circumstances that kept her from playing the game. And she couldn’t play on a Megabus as it went from state to state, picking up and dropping off passengers. Not only did the bus not have any WiFi to plug into, she wasn’t about to pull out the single most expensive item she ever owned on a crowded bus full of people she didn’t know or trust. It was like beginning to be mugged.

Savannah tried to push those thoughts away, but they nagged at the back of her mind. As much as she tried to focus on Lucia’s smile, her comforting words, the everlasting support she provided her, that expression of irritation and disgust wouldn’t leave the Knight’s mind eye.

The feel of Lucia’s fingers in her hair startled her enough to immediately open her eyes, the silver of her gaze quickly flitting over the older woman’s face. Her familiar expression had returned, but the niggling hadn’t left Savannah’s chest. Still, she masked her expression, keeping her worry and thoughts to herself and instead presented a small smile to the woman.

A free hand reached up and took Lucia’s hand, her lips meeting the soft flesh of Lucia’s palm with a kiss.

I apologize for my absence, Savannah remarked, her mouth hanging open a moment too long. She was on the fence about explaining what was going on in her real life. It seemed almost taboo to talk about the real world while here, and Savannah was okay with keeping them separate. The Real World didn’t interest her, not as much as TerraSphere did, but it did impact how much she could play.

Difficult circumstances took me away for a few days. But they should mostly be resolved now. She licked her lips, her hand long since letting go of Lucia’s hand. She enjoyed the soft petting she was receiving from the Necromancer.

May I ask what your nightmares were about?​

 

Lucia flashed a knowing smile, her real self was very unsightly and unsavory right? She couldn't help a soft sigh shaking her head at Savannah's concern. With a soft tug, she tried to pull the girl's hair into her soft lap. Wearing only a night gown there was nothing covering her legs, letting her lay against her soft thighs to experience the warmth directly. "It's okay, didn't I tell you? You don't have to worry, as long as you come back, I'll always be here waiting for you." She spoke reassuringly. Despite saying so though, she knew just how fragile her will was when it game to this sort of thing. She wanted Savannah to feel at ease to feel content.

Though when she mentioned the nightmares, Lucia put some thought into her answer, clearly not quite sure if she was 100% on telling Savannah the whole story. The hesitation showed briefly before finally she revealed a somewhat bitter expression. If Savannah tried to tell her she didn't have to say anything, Lucia would shake her head, even if she didn't have to, Savannah deserved to know a little bit about her right? Luna knew, and to some extent Vivian did too. For Savannah though, Lucia struggled a little with how to open up. "Ah... Well, It's a usual nightmare for me, I have it pretty often at least. It's always a very lonely dream, just me, alone." She explained with a dry chuckle.

For some it might not be too scary of a dream, but for Lucia it was pretty scary, for a moment she moistened her lips before continuing, her voice a bit softer as she went on. "And I just watch my own life, alone like that-- Over and over, just watching myself." She spoke with a dry chuckle. It was because this was her biggest fear that Lucia could endure Titanius's strange abilities, it was for this reason she could ignore a great deal of fear and fright, she just found her life painful. Reality for her was painful. "It's probably a little silly isn't it? But every time I think about you all finding something better to do with your time, something that makes you happier, growing up and forgetting about me. It's chilling to go through that feeling alone." Lucia admitted with a weary expression. For a moment there was exhaustion in her eyes despite just waking up.

Trying to brighten up though, worried that Savannah might be getting the wrong idea she flashed a smile. "What about you? Are you okay? How was your business?" She asked worried that talking about herself might be bad, she was worried about Savannah as well, feeling a little weak and vulnerable didn't help. She was still clearly shaken.

 

There is nothing better, Savannah immediately replied, her head situated in Lucia’s lap. It was comfortable, familiar, and Savannah clung to it like a lifeline. The outside world—nothing is better than TerraSphere. Nothing is better than spending time with you and Luna and…Vivian…here, in the game. I much prefer this world over that one.

Her voice was harsh as she spoke, her words cutting and leaving no room for argument. There was no changing Savannah’s mind on this stance. Nothing in the outside world could compare to the friendships and relationships she had here in this game. She cherished them, valued them more than her outside world by a large margin. However, she couldn’t stay within TerraSphere forever. She needed internet and she needed food and water and the dive clinics had lone since been shut down.

So, hearing that people were stuck in this game without a way to log out? Savannah was quietly jealous. She’d never say it aloud, but it was a fate that she would go rushing toward if possible.

It’s not silly, Savannah said slowly, her tone careful and echoing the supportive quality that Lucia usually used. I’ve been alone for most of my life, so I wouldn’t find it lonely nor scary. But perhaps circumstances are different for you and you do find these things frightening.

The Death Knight clammed up when Lucia turned the conversation to what kept her away. She closed her eyes for a moment, rolling the reason around on her tongue before she gave a tiny shrug and pressed forward. I…got evicted from my place in New York. So, I had to find somewhere else to live. I stumbled across this Craigslist ad and called about it and now I’m in Boston with…three girls I don’t know, but my door works and I have a key to my room and the apartment so…things could be worst. She couldn’t help the embarrassed blush that covered her cheeks. ​

 

Lucia couldn't help chuckling a little. Seeing that Savannah also experienced a similar loneliness, she couldn't help nodding. Savannah though had a hope, she had something to live for, something that shined brightly, it was that that drew Lucia to her, that made her proud of the girl who kept struggling and fighting the best she could no matter her reasons. "I've not been alone, no. I'm not special enough for that type of thing." Lucia explained with a soft chuckle while she played with Savannah's hair. "Instead, how should I say it. It's always been pretty hard for me to get up in the morning. Other people are the only reason I really have left." She explained trying her best not to hint too much at the nihilism she felt at her core. It was often frowned upon to be such a defeatist, to embrace nihilism so completely. Lucia didn't want the girl to think less of her.

With a soft chuckle, Lucia's hands slipped a little lower, to Savannah's chest, trying to give her a very gentle and playful surprise squeeze. "You're doing so well though, all things considered. I'm proud of you. You've done well to find something to call your's even if it is just a room." She spoke with a sense of pride in her tone. Savannah had indeed made her proud, struggling to this point. As she gave the woman tender squeezes though, Lucia's brow slowly furrowed, deepening little by little. Thinking of how tough of a spot Savannah was in, thinking about Luna's lot in life, it was hard knowing her friends were suffering, that her lovers were in peril. "If it ever gets to be too tough for you though, you can always come to me... I don't know how much you trust me-- I'm pretty different in reality as well if I'm being honest... but if you need a place you can always come find me if everything else falls through." She offered, supportive and sweet. Savannah was making such an effort to take care of her, there was no reason why she should turn the woman away and just accept her kindness.

Though mentioning that she wasn't much like herself in reality, Lucia turned a head in thought. She'd met Luna before in real life, though the reasons were largely unmentionable, she'd not heard much about Savannah. "What are you like in real life though? Still the same fun bubbly protector you are here?" She teased with a gentle smile, still stroking the woman's hair as well as her chest. Both hands just petting her with a soothing gentle touch.

 

Oh, I’m certainly not a morning person, Savannah told her, a mirthless chuckle tainting her lips. Sometimes I’ll lay in bed and just…wonder if it’s worth it, you know? Getting up, going to work, being yelled at by people who don’t value a damn thing I do just so I can make another paycheck to pay for more stuff I can’t actually afford and play this game when I have time off. She shook her head, her tone souring the more she spoke. Her life was not glorious in any way, shape, or form and her time away from TerraSphere had only reinforced that.

Addison had nothing to show for her years on this Earth. Perhaps she should’ve stayed in school, but she couldn’t pay for college and her grandfather had left her nothing but debt to contend with. She couldn’t find any job that would help her pay for whatever financial aid couldn’t spare so she was without her higher education. She had a smattering of jobs on her resume, nothing concrete and nothing for longer than six months. Savannah snorted at the realization, the fury of her circumstances burning in her stomach.

This was the main reason she kept her life outside of TerraSphere outside of TerraSphere. She hated the taint that it brought, the anger, the frustration, the feeling of failure that hung around her shoulders like a shawl.

Her eyes opened at the feel of Lucia’s hands gently squeezing her breasts, a small sigh passing from her lips. As soon as the anger had come, her touch allowed it to bleed out of her, to disappear with every inhale and exhale of her lungs. She couldn’t agree with her words though and shook her head, one of her hands lifting and rubbing at her eyes.

It’s…It’s not mine though. I mean, I’m renting it so, no, it’s not mine. But I’m not homeless, so that’s an accomplishment, I guess? Her voice was hollow, her silver eyes darting away from Lucia’s features. In this game, Savannah was much more accomplished than her real-life counterpart. She had people who cared about her, who worried about her, and she had a role to fulfill…even if there were thoughts crowding her brain that wondered how honest those feelings were.

She blinked at Lucia’s offer, a bark of laughter forced from her mouth. She immediately covered her mouth before reaching out to the woman, her fingers trailing down Lucia’s arm. Sorry. I don’t mean to laugh. That’s actually very generous of you so I thank you for that. Ah, I just…well…I mean, living with you would probably be less dangerous than living with three girls who I met off Craigslist huh? She sighed, the acid in her tone nearly tactile. If I’m in another fucked up position in a month or so, I’ll take you up on that offer.

The Death Knight nibbled on her bottom lip as Lucia asked her final question. She didn’t want to talk about her real life, her failures, the abandonment of friends and family, and her hopeless situation. She didn’t even know how to make it better and working odd jobs did nothing other than pay the bills. But the larger problem was that Savannah had no plan, no future thought, no ability to see beyond the next day. Sometimes, even that wasn’t good enough.

I don’t really wanna talk about real life, Savannah said, her tone low, the anger simmering once more. Lucia’s touch took most of the edge off, but the Death Knight could still feel it beneath her skin, making her clench her hands into fists and tighten the muscles of her thighs.

Ah, I heard there was a World Boss that spawned while I was away. Obviously the world isn’t dead or corrupt, so I’m guessing it died. How was it though?​

 

Lucia smiled, watching Savannah as she vented, trying to reassure, to support, to just be there for the girl. Though the laughter made her concerned, Lucia had really tried with that offer. Her real self was particularly unsightly so offering Savannah a place that would be able to see that took a lot. It was a little hurtful at first, it showed in her wounded expression, but she shook her head in understanding. Savannah didn't mean it that way. There was likely another reason behind it, she might have either thought Lucia was just offering to be nice, or that she was joking. Lucia didn't know the reason, only that Lucia hadn't meant to do anything bad by it.

If Savannah didn't want to talk about it though, Lucia wouldn't force her. Giving the woman another gentle squeeze, she smiled affectionately nodding her head. "Lets see... The world boss. It wasn't like the last ones. It's a good thing you missed it, it would have bothered you." Lucia explained with a dry laugh. She went into detail about the opening ceremony, how she was largely ignored, how Roland seemed to be the established figure. How his announcements about the people without UIs caused panic and hysteria, how irresponsible his actions had been. The dangers of Tertoria, how many problems she felt the nation caused AStorea by forcing them to be the vanguard. About her own adventure int he creature's body and stomach, how the creature was very similar to Alice but no one trusted her to try and use that against it. How Lucia made an effort to protect Astor and the Falderan queen while others just shot them down when they were being manipulated.

Lucia's story was disparaging. She didn't like how things had went obviously, it was all just a huge mess after all. She summed it up at the end, with people being told they should sacrifice themselves for the NPCs to live, that the brother hood didn't have the materials to keep a portal open for everyone. Lucia though clearly showed some doubt and disbelief. After all, the kind of resources needed for a teleportation, how could they skimp out on it? How could they withhold their stockpiles in such an emergency? Even so, Lucia only sighed and shook her head. "I'm not a great politician, but I could have done better. I should have been able to do something but, nobody listened to me, and Astor wasn't around to take my side." Lucia offered with a bitter expression.

 

Sounds dreadful, the Knight replied after Lucia was done explaining what happened. While it did sound fun – fighting an eldritch horror that sucked the magic out of everything was bound to be a good time no matter which way you sliced it – Lucia was right in the fact that it would have bothered the Knight. She would have felt honor bound to stay behind as the creature died, giving up her spot to allow NPCs through the portal.

Hell, she would’ve carried some to the portal and threw them through it if she needed to. And that meant dying, waiting in darkness and absolute silence until the temple appeared, until the scent of incenses clouded her nostrils and the humming chant from the priestess reached her ears. Savannah feared death and respawning and didn’t want to go through the process again…but she would have if it meant the Citizens of this world got another chance to go home to people who loved them and needed them.

Sure, it was just a game and they were just pixels and data and code, but Savannah didn’t see it like that. She also didn’t tell others how she felt on the subject…outside of Lucia.

Is he okay now? Savannah asked, tracing Lucia’s features with her glowing silver eyes. You said he had become possessed, right? He’s not possessed anymore? Or that Queen? They’re both okay?

It was outside of Savannah’s personality to ask about the royals. She didn’t care about them and had learned from the war between Falderen and Astorea not to merely take the King at his word. He couldn’t be trusted. But Lucia did trust him, and Savannah was Lucia’s Death Knight and she trusted her Ladyship’s words. If Lucia commanded it, then she would fight for King Astor…all while gritting her teeth and holding her tongue.

Still, she found herself gently nuzzling at Lucia’s hand, a small sigh whispering from Savannah’s mouth. People are stupid, she said, the comment also outside of her normal personality. They don’t listen until shit hits the fan and then they blame you for not screaming at them to listen to begin with. Sometimes, you just gotta let people fail and fail and fail summore and hope that their good sense kicks in and they allow you to help them before it’s too late.​