Luna jolted as Lucia's fingers began trailing at her sides and thighs, giggling heavily as Lucia tickled her for only a short amount of time, which Luna was definitely grateful for. It was so strange, hearing such mature, almost sultry giggling coming from herself, considering she wasn't the most adult sounding person in reality. She giggled, legs kicking out gently as she tried to playfully bat the woman's hands away, though she put nowhere near enough force into her arms to actually stop the woman from doing whatever she wanted, though it was a sort of subconscious reminder that she was in fact, completely nude. She was too busy giggling and having fun to actually care at the moment though. There was something about Lucia that brought forth this fun side of life that she wanted to see more of. She wanted to see more of life alongside the woman. Lucia giving her the talk about not letting herself freeze up did a lot for her confidence, it really did, though part of the speech was covered by Luna's own muffled giggling as Lucia continued to torture her with her fingers, playing with her and tickling mercilessly at her sides and thighs, where the woman seemed to pay a lot of attention. Luna didn't mind too much though, giggling away to herself. "Eheeehee s-sto-ho-hop! L-Lucia pleaaaase~" She giggled still, waiting for the woman to finish with her session of tickle torture, though still enjoying the closeness that she had with the woman. She never thought she'd be this close to another woman, so this was actually a rather incredible experience. The entire week with Lucia had been an incredible experience. She smiled as the woman stopped and instead took her hands and started weaving them through a few simple gestures and getting her to repeat simple phrases, enjoying the feeling of her hands entwined with the necromancer's, occasionally taking the tiny risk of running her fingers across Lucia's. "U-u-umm, s-s-s-so d-d-do you w-w-want me t-t-to try that e-exercise a-a-again w-whilst you f-f-finish cooking?" She looked to the fire, then down at herself. "I-I um, I-I t-think I w-w-want another c-chance to i-impress you..."
Getting her fill of tickling and teasing Luna, Lucia nodded back firmly before moving on. Every little risk Luna took to rub her fingers, made her smile, noticeably, visibly, a tactile approval given through silence. Hearing her comment on the exercise again, Lucia's gaze softened as she nodded back. "Good girl... You're getting it now-- The point isn't to be perfect, just to keep trying." She spoke, stroking and petting the girl's head, once more sliding her nails through Luna's hair with a kind nod. After all, she wanted Luna to feel the desire to keep trying on her own after all, to keep improving not just with these safety exercise but also to take chances outside and try on her own without her help. Slowly, Lucia began to use her rounded nails, scratching Luna's scalp as if trying to scratch behind the ears of a pet. She affectionately mixed up Luna's hair sweetly scratching her scalp as she spoke. "I'm already very impressed Luna. Seeing you try so hard definitely makes me proud. Be sure to give them your best~" She urged gently encouraging Luna with a soft hug as her arms settled around the girl after the gentle scratching. Though while embracing her, she hesitated briefly, looking Luna up and down, at her bare skin in thought. "It might be best to start without clothes though... After getting wet in the river, you'll definitely catch a cold if you put them back on. This time we'll keep going until you get tired or want to give up okay? Who knows, maybe you can last until dinner too." She offered with a sweet expression, trying to stroke Luna's head a few more times before letting her begin her training again. The make up of the undead wasn't any different from before. The first unorganized mob returned, not much different from before, Lucia didn't weaken the difficulty or try anything special or out of the ordinary. She wanted Luna to feel her own improvement, so she tried her best to make every phase the same. Immediately after that wave of mindlessly chasing targets, the group began working better together then before. In tandem they tried advancing and retreating to and from Luna as a cohesive unit. It wasn't the most difficult scenario, purely because they all only had melee weapons still, only so many swords and spears could be swung at the same time after being surrounded. The latter stage though was just as fierce and difficult as before, with arrows, spears and shields working together to try and drive Luna into a corner. Though after experiencing it once, a second time might not be as frightening, but Lucia watched her from the simple boiling stew, cheering and encouraging Luna from the sidelines.
"Mmm..." Luna grumbled as Lucia started to work her nails and fingers over her scalp, leaning into the relaxing feeling slightly. She'd always liked it when people played with her hair, it made her feel like she had somebody important and nice with her, so sitting there with one of the nicest people she'd ever met running her hands through her hair was one of the better feelings she'd ever experienced in her life. And yet again, being called a good girl was less demeaning than it should be and felt far more like the compliment that she was positive that Lucia meant it as. The woman had said something about not being too great at social situations, though Luna honestly found that at least somewhat difficult to believe, though maybe it was tied to that nasty bitter smile that the woman sometimes wore? The one that made her heart twist whenever she saw it. Smiles like that weren't something she liked to see. As for making the woman proud, Luna blushed and smiled at the thought that Lucia wasn't disappointed in her or her attempts. It seemed that the woman appreciated the fact that she wanted to get back up and throw herself back at the grinder again, though the reward hug or whatever it was made her feel nice and warm, like she really was being cherished by somebody. It was a rare, yet incredible feeling that she found herself wanting to bottle and carry around with her forever, to relive it over and over again. The whole thing about having to remain nude was kind've embarrassing, but Luna nodded and stood up when Lucia let her, too amped up with energy to bother covering herself from Lucia's view. It wasn't like the woman hadn't had a decent view already. Before long, the first set of creatures began to crawl from the ground, but this time Luna was prepared and wasn't going to stop to ask questions. She closed her eyes for a moment, before opening them again, shifting her body so that she was standing with her arms outstretched to each side, hands curled in slightly claw-like shapes as purple-ish blue energy began to collect in orbs on either palm. "Westward bridge burning, eastern shore collapses." This was one of the first spells she'd taught herself, a special, if fairly basic spell that simply collected arcane energy and blasted the enemy with it. Nothing too special. "Arcane Ridge!" With a cry, she slammed her arms together, the twin orbs of energy meeting in the middle and unleashing a column of power, parallel to the ground, that slammed into one of the creatures and exploded. She didn't have time to assess the damage she'd done, rolling backwards and avoiding a slash from one of the creatures that had approached her mid-spell. Arcane Ridge was fairly slow to cast, but did good damage when compared to other Arcanamancy spells, which honestly said a lot. Almost immediately after her spell, the creatures had switched into working as units, though the fact that they only had melee weapons made it a little bit easier to keep her head metaphorically above the water. She ducked, swinging an arm out wildly to push away a zombie that had gotten too close, before a tentacle wrapped around her left ankle and dragged her to the floor. She gasped, lurching upright and pressing her palms together in a position that looked similar to prayer, before ripping them apart violently, bathing herself and the creatures surrounding her in that same purple blue light. She emerged relatively unscathed, though her arms felt very sore, rolling forward to escape the first volley of arrows as the next phase began. This was where she began to struggle more, keeping an eye on the projectiles and the creatures that were closing into melee at the same time, her opponents landing a number of hits on her during this phase whilst she struggled to find an opening to attack. Eventually however, she found one, sprinting towards the melee fighters to keep them from cornering her, she found that with her wet body, it was hard to keep traction on the muddy ground, the tentacled creatures having tugged her off of her feet multiple times thanks to that. That did give her one, last ditch advantage, having selected the archers as her biggest obstacle to victory. She sprinted forward, waiting for a the melee creatures to swing, before she dropped to her hips and behind, sliding beneath the creatures and leaping up, a spinning orb of energy clutched in her right palm, which she slammed into the lead archer, pushing it into the cracking ribcage. Most of her spells hadn't actually destroyed the enemies. This one however, was packed with as much power as she'd been able to pack it with. There was a pause, as the glowing orb seemed to have no effect, before Luna sighed. "Purple flower bloom onward, white orchard grow towards the future." She grit her teeth, pushing further, before the orb detonated, destroying the skeleton archer and the rest of the archers around it. Luna stumbled backwards, a small smile on her face. That was the spell that she'd been most worried about and she'd pulled it off perfectly. Almost perfectly. Her palm had slight bruising and her HP had taken a slight blow. So too had her energy. She was resting at a solid 40%, if that. She prepared to turn, breathing heavily, before a stick slammed into the side of her head and her feet were yanked from beneath her. Before she could even attempt to get back up, tentacles had wrapped around her thighs and wrists, trapping her. She struggled for a moment, trying to cast a spell, before another stick was slapped into her face. Well, she'd done better at least. "I-I um, I give up!" She called out, hoping that the attacks would stop. And stop they did, though she still laid there, pinned by the smaller abominations with tentacles, blushing madly when she realized exactly how such a situation must look. She couldn't even cover herself. "U-u-umm, c-c-c-c-c-can I g-g-g-g-get u-up n-n-n-now...p-please...?"
Lucia chuckled, giggling at Luna who was so amped and energetic. It was nice to see the girl so spirited, there was hardly any down side at least, and the view of the girl doing her best in this shape was as delightful as one might expect. She fought hard, enough for Lucia to be proud of her for sure, but seeing the abominations grabbing her, she smiled, playfully as the monsters began tugging her limbs in 4 different directions. That feeling of the reeds and branches whipping her as she was held down, that sharp lash from the plants. That bite and sting of their attacks leaving red lines across Luna's body. Knowing the girl wasn't in danger, Lucia approached her from her feet, stepping around her to look down at her from above with a warm melodious laugh. "It looks like you're in quite the pickle~" She'd tease. But if Luna showed no signs of disapproval or hate, Lucia would just let them continue swinging and hitting the girl while she was tied down. Lucia would crouch down over her head, looking down at her with a gentle smile even as the vicious training continued. After all, if Luna came to understood what it was like to be attacked and oppressed, it wouldn't be a thoughtless lesson. Though, Lucia reached a hand out to begin stroking her hair even as the flogging occurred. "Of course, if you like this kind of training I can think of some other ways to make this happen." She teased with a gentle smile, petting the girl sweetly. If Luna didn't protest, Lucia would let it go on until Luna asked for her to stop genuinely or until Lucia started to feel like she'd begin getting bruised or experience lasting pain that wouldn't start to fade after the event ended. Letting the undead dissolve away, Lucia tried once more to pull Luna in close, with a soft sigh. "You did really well that time, I mean it. The difference is very noticeable when you put your mind to it see?" She spoke gazing into Luna's eyes, trying to make sure she was okay, feeling that the training might have been a bit vicious with how long things had ended up lasting after all.
Luna struggled under her bindings as the creatures began to writhe and move again, whipping and lashing at her defenseless form, causing her to cry out in shock and slight pain. And yet, beneath the shock and slight pain was a tingle that raced through her body, down her spine and across her chest with each lash. Each whip made her nerves feel like they'd been electrified, as if she were constantly about to be struck by lightning that only got stronger with each subsequent attack. They lashed everywhere, from across her stomach to her thighs and her chest. And though they really weren't doing much damage with their attacks, they left red marks that marred her otherwise pale and untouched body. She couldn't help but breathe heavier. The sound of footsteps drew her eyes to Lucia, who had made her way over but had made no attempt to stop the creatures from whipping her. Why wasn't she calling off the undead? Was she enjoying this? Or was this another lesson, like how to deal with pain? Because every blow had made her flinch and maybe the woman had decided that sort of reaction would only slow her down in battle? Yeah, that sounded pretty good as the answer, though the idea that there were other ways to receive this type of training was interesting? Lucia could set this sort of training up in other ways? As the lashes continued, she focused on crying out less, trying to find something to focus on. Sometimes her mind would tune in only to Lucia's hand through her hair, other times she found herself saying "thank you" to the woman, if only to have something else to focus on besides the pain and the tingly feeling all over her body. Everywhere felt like it was burning, her chest, her stomach, between her legs, even her neck and the tips of her fingers felt like they were alight by the time that she was let free, sitting up and leaning into Lucia's embrace. The woman was warm, in contrast to the cold she'd felt. "W-w-w-wow, y-y-y-you were r-r-right. I-I-I t-t-t-think I d-d-did okay t-that time..." She'd still been captured and whipped. Which had lead into the final training. "S-s-s-s-so t-t-t-that f-f-f-final t-t-training. W-w-w-was it to g-g-get me used to, y'know, pain? B-because it h-h-hurt but, um, i-in a g-g-g-good way, i-i-if that makes s-sense...?" Maybe it didn't and the woman would just think she was strange? She'd already told Lucia that she wasn't scared of pain and actually thought it helped people know that they were alive.
Lucia smiled, nodding a little when Luna thanked her, the girl was just too earnest, trying so hard for so little, all Lucia did was encourage and believe in her after all. Trying once more to pull the girl into her lap, she lifted a hand to stroke her hair, tenderly tracing the red lines across her body. "As long as you're certain, I was a little worried you'd be upset. After all you have such beautiful skin." Lucia commented with a hum of understanding, learning a bit more about Luna. She pulled her into her lap, stroking the girl's hair as she always did, looking into her eyes giving her a soft head shake in thought. "I see~ Well, you did so good, you deserve a little bit of a reward. After all, even if it's only been a week, I really want you to understand how special you are..." She spoke, slowly leaning in, her eyes closed to a half lid as she gazed deeply at Luna. Closing the distance, Lucia smiled sweetly at her, She got close enough for Luna to feel the warmth of her breath, to see the moist sheen of her lips. "I think I know the best way... But I wonder if you'll be upset?~" Lucia asked, pouting a lip gently, brow furrowed with worry. After all, she was far from adept at taking social cues, of understanding people. Even so though she did want to reward this cute girl who was trying her hardest. In the end, her tongue slid across her lips, moistening them further before leaning in closer to Luna. After a brief hesitation, Lucia finally pressed her soft lips to Luna's, kissing her sweetly with a tilted head. Slowly trying to deepen it, giving the girl's lip a gentle suckle as she hugged her affectionately into her lap. If the girl tried to escape or panicked, she'd just hug her tighter and deepen the kiss more, a flash of tongue slipping out trying to taste Luna's lips tenderly, sliding further clearly trying to capture the other girl's tongue to taste it as the kiss continued to deepen. Lucia would hold the kiss for a long time, deepening, softening, soothing. The hand stroking her hair wouldn't stop, the one hugging her would gently claw at her back from the base of her neck to her lower back as Lucia tried to get out all of her appreciation, pour all of her care into this one action and display. Taking the time to gingerly suck on Luna's lower lip one last time, letting it slide from between her lips as she sat back once more to look Luna over with a gentle smile. There was a look of anticipation on her face, of something deeper then simple friendship or kindness, but before trying to put those feelings into words, she couldn't help a faint feeling of concern after the kiss broke. "Luna? Are you okay?" She'd ask, seeing the girl silent when she expected her to be flustered beyond belief.
Luna, as was usual by now, let herself be pulled into Lucia's lap without any real resistance, all but cherishing the renewed feeling of closeness that being here brought her. She felt safe here too, like nobody could ever hurt her when Lucia was holding onto her like this. The woman's hand combing through her hair, reminding her of the warmth of family or maybe even more. Lucia truly had become somebody special to her over the week and yet, she still couldn't speak to the woman without breaking into stutters. What would it take to break herself of that habit? She blinked as Lucia began to lean in, shuffling slightly in her seat as the necromancer seemed, for the first time that Luna had ever seen, nervous about something. What could be making Lucia so nervous? They were close enough to feel each other's breath on their lips and for a moment, Luna's mind shut down. And then it was immediately jump started as Lucia closed that final distance, pressing their lips together. All at once, Luna's eyes flew wide open as she stared at the woman incredulously, face already a deep crimson before her eyes began to flutter and close themselves. She could feel the woman sucking on her lip and sliding her tongue across her teeth, Luna's mouth opening almost involuntarily to let it in. She was being kissed! She was being kissed by Lucia! All at once, she felt the need to pull away and push forward at the same time, mind torn between the urge to continue and the absolute terror at what could be in store for her if she did. What if this was all just a heat of the moment thing? What if this affected their friendship? Did Lucia like her too? The kiss, Luna's first ever kiss, lasted for far longer than Luna had known people to kiss for, with Lucia slowly pulling away, seeming almost hesitant to leave now that they had their lips pressed together. It was Luna that eventually leaned backwards, eyes still shut and lips still pursed, as if she were still mid-kiss. Lucia's voice suddenly cut through the haze of her mind and she felt like shrinking into herself. Oh, what if she'd messed it up? Had Lucia not enjoyed the kiss? She tried, desperately tried, to find words, thoughts and feelings besides giddiness and that fluttery feeling. "L-L-L-L-Lucia.....m-m-my f-first...." She mumbled to herself, though with how close they were, Lucia would definitely hear. "I-I lo..." Her eyes rolled, her mind shutting down under stress, Luna slowly pitching forward mid sentence and blacking out, face first in Lucia's chest.
Lucia hesitated a little, seeing Luna stammering, passing out, she inquired about whether or not Luna was okay, but the girl didn't seem to hear her. Instead, she commented on a first and something after that seemed to get lost under the stress. For a moment blinking, but in the end, a content and sweet smile came to her face, a bubbling frothing sweetness in her heart to match. This girl certainly was special, a treasure, Lucia understood that more and more, but for a brief moment, her smile grew bitter despite that. Would Luna like her in reality? Without all of the shine, bells and whistles would she still be interested in her as the epitome of mediocrity? Doubt made her frown, but only for a second. Soon after, kindness returned to her smile, stroking Luna's hair after she leaned forward. "If it's your first I took, then I'll be even more proud. You did so well." She whispered to Luna's unconscious frame. Putting more thought in, a gentle and caring smile came to her face as she continued stroking her hair. "I don't know a lot about people, how to act, and how to empathize, but I do know love. If you would have me, I'll certainly love you lots." She whispered gingerly as she embraced the other girl. Though Lucia felt that after all of the excitement, she might need a change in clothes herself, looking at Luna with a coy giggle. The girl was just far too excited from a kiss, it made her feel warm in her heart that the girl was experiencing so many new things with her help. After a short while of stroking Luna's hair, making sure she slept and slumbered comfortably, Lucia slowly began to lean her back gently. While she thought Luna wouldn't want to let her go just yet, Lucia couldn't simply leave the girl and her things scattered about. Lucia took the time to gather up Luna's things, check on the food, watching the girl curled up, hopefully missing the warmth she provided. It was only once everything was settled that Lucia came back to her with a gentle expression, joining the girl in the blanket, closely to keep her warm once more. She laid against Luna's back, a soft hum as she rested her chin against the girl's shoulder wanting to be closer as she considered a nap herself. That thought only lasted a short while as she glanced downward, a mischievous smile on her face. The nap could wait, at least a little bit, she thought to herself before trying to comfort Luna further hoping to let her have warm dreams before joining her in a nap.
