It was very early into the morning, before the sun had even risen. Most people wouldn't be able to function at the early hour of the sun just starting to peek up over the horizon. Particularly after the familiar frisky nights Lucia had gotten used to with Vivian and Luna. For Lucia though, only three or four hours of sleep was necessary, to maintain her peak condition, to shine brightly, this early time was very important to her. To remember all of the reasons she was trying to change, to remember all of those unique and interesting people that just shined brighter then her. It was a time for brooding and a time she used to firm up her resolve for change. It was also the time she paid the price for her subordinates. She left Vivian alone in the tent, something she did often, coming out to find a quiet place not far to sit down and gaze at the horizon that was just starting to change. "Another day... Another day as me." Lucia spoke to herself, inhaling a breath of air as she gestured with a hand to bring up news and information. Wanting to look through news, articles, happenings in the world, she glanced over them casually while sitting, with a Pipa in hand, her fingers plucked the strings one by one her notes bland and simple as she watched. Her gaze was blank, empty, hollow, that usual warmth had faded as she slept, that enchanting and charming appeal had grown stale. The warm atmosphere she usually had was largely gone, what replaced it was nothing, like a void, one could miss her if they didn't look carefully, she seemed to blend or fade from sight so easily like a statue she just didn't look lively or spirited. Yes, this was Lucia, or more accurately, it was who Lucia had always been somewhere deep down beneath all of the majestic ambitions and deep desires. Lucia kept reading the news, while idly playing notes of the Pipa, practicing, warming up as she scanned the feeds. Though the more she read, the more bitter her stoic expression became, the more hostility seemed to seep and ooze out of her trembling frame. "It's not fair..." She finally murmured as her mechanically moving hands began to quicken their pace, the notes coming out faster as her dead gaze watched the photos flickering as she scrolled through them. "You all get to be so special... It's not fair." She spoke, the hostility was growing sharper and more suffocating as she watched. The bitterness in her expression grew thicker. From her thin frame, blackness began to spread slowly, inky material spilling forth from the space around her lurching forward, crawling across the ground as it throbbed and pulsed with a vigorous nature. "Fate gives you all potential to struggle for and talent to use... It's not fair." She continued as her expression contorted with more despair and frustration, more hate and hostility. That disturbing oily material corrupted plants, tainting them as they washed them away. Some died immediately, withering into dust, but others grew voracious, more vibrant in the face of adversity feeding off of those others around it, growing stronger for it. "Wasted... It's all wasted on all of you. If it had been me-- If it were me, I would have greater ambitions, Bigger dreams!" She complained raising her voice with ire. Her fingers quickening on the strings became faster and more skillful the longer she watched, as that hate peaked, she glanced through the photos faster and faster scrolling more quickly as she bit her lip. "It's not fair... I'm unwilling, I'm begrudged. If you will not give me talent, I will perfect these skills. If you will not give me beauty, I will polish my demeanor. If you will not give me friends, I will raise the dead." The more she spoke, the more she found traits she envied from familiar pictures, people who made her heart twist with disgust and rage. The gentleness in the eyes of a party's healer when someone is wounded, the noble stature of a King sitting down for a peace talk, the passion of a couple fighting impossible odds side by side, the warm demeanor of a parent showing their child the way. With a breath, as if filling an empty cup, Lucia's empty and blank gaze grew more complicated, there was charm and gentleness in them. Elegance and nobility in her stature and frame that continued to tremble. A warm atmosphere that drew the eyes and comforted the heart. "I do not need your worthless destiny of mediocrity and happiness in complacency. I will change, even if I pave my road with the bodies of all of your proud sons of heaven and blessed daughters. I will tare down your skies and rip up your earth and burn everything you've built to the ground until you can ignore me no longer." Though Lucia was still coming back into herself, disgust and resentment was still clear in her normally warm and gentle gaze as she spent her morning cursing and demonizing destiny and fate for it's cruelties. That disapproval roiled and surged within, venting her resentment and despair without restraint. It was a routine she stuck to, one that she didn't dare procrastinate knowing how hard it was to firm up her resolve without an outlet to vent at. The blackness inside was just too fierce, being gentle and supportive for the world, trying to do so much good was so hard while that darkness roiled about like a storm. She had to get it out somehow, and darwinizing her surroundings through the sacred blight had become a way to thoroughly vent her disapproval. So what if she was mediocre? So what if she had no talent? So what if she wasn't beautiful? She would polish and change what she could, change and become something immaculate... And if she couldn't... She would steal. She would destroy them until all that was left were ashes, until those ashes became ashes and then take those loved, adored and cherished things and make them her own. That feeling and darkness raged, almost visible from the sacred blight as she greeted the sun with only darkness.
Vivian rolled over in the soft sheets around her. It was a night heavy with intoxicating lust and just intoxication. The taste of that delicious wine was still heavy in her mouth, among the other tastes of a the female still lingered over her as well. The scent of necromancer was always so familiar to her now. There was an earthy scent about that woman that drove her to a maddening frenzy those nights that they lay together. It was simple perfection, Vivian who only knew the warmth of her embrace, even if it was somewhat twisted as it were during some more passionately called upon desires. THe Dark Witch yawned softly, her naked form taking warmth and pulling it closer to her from all the animal skin rugs that were produced within the tent of Lucia the Necromancer. She blinked away sunlight and moaned, flopping a pillow over her messy hair and head while she cursed the sun with a middle finger towards its presence. The soft moan was escaped with long fingers and arms as the Dark Witch clawed for her lover which whom had disappeared. Peaking azure eyes and hair danced out of the warmth of the animal skin rugs and sheets, her messy hair running down the length of her body and spilling over the generous curves of her frame as she sat up with droopy and sleepy eyes. She yawned once more, gorgeous colored nails and fingers sprawled before her mouth as she opened her mouth to take in air and yawned once again. Her mauve lips moving to taste the awkwardness of the night that was heavily mixed with wine and Lucia's sexual remnants on her tongue. She stretched her arms and rolled her head around her neck, getting both knots and stiffness out of her body. Shaking her hair lightly to give it a wild sort of tamed look, Vivian stood up and grabbed the black silk robe from the floor while her toes curled and bent as she stretched, "Lucia?" her voice was dry and croaky as she spoke, her mind and body somewhat wobbly as she felt a little hung over however it was a most pleasing night of two women frolicking in the night. Barefoot and walking through the crystalized Zalra, Vivian kept her arms around her body to hold in the warmth. Had she needed to, she could send a heat wave to expel over her flesh to keep her warm in this otherwise cold atmosphere. It was somewhat bewildering to find Lucia, her lover, gone from the bed so early in the mornings. To even allow her to sleep in was enough to keep Lucia around, she knew very well Vivian was not a very good morning person unless she was being woken up for something else entirely. But those certain mornings where she was found alone, Vivian figured it nothing more than wanting some personal time and space left alone to her own devices. But something was calling Vivian, notes of music perhaps? Hurried and distant. She questioned this and started to explore finding Lucia's pathing along the way. She saw the girl facing towards the horizon, the sun was coming up and it was way too early for anything else but more sleep. The lazy Witch moved closer and closer towards the darkening angel. She hesitated with a hand, her thoughts and her gaze seemed occupied on something and as Vivian sat to tug on the woman, there was an incredibly powerful darkness looming like a dark cloud over her head, "Lucia, my Love. What are you doing out here so early? I called for you several times but you seemed to be lost in your own world again. Come back to bed, honey..."
Lucia was knee deep in trying to become 'herself' again. The amalgamation of everything she endeavored to change about herself. She knew very well how fake she was on the surface at least, but she still wanted to shine, those foreign feelings and atmospheres that didn't penetrate the surface of her skin didn't belong to her, but she still gripped them tightly. Like a fabulous and dazzling outfit she wore for the public, it was merely the surface layer that cracked and bubbled from time to time. Picking and choosing what would make her shine the brightest she dressed the pieces and built her facade like an ensemble. Yes, she would be majestic. Yes, she would be dazzling. With all of these fantastic and coveted traits, how could she not be alluring? The voice made her head jerk though, mid-consideration, she turned her head to glance at Vivian. Her gaze half lidded, eyes dead and soul-less, a harsh and hostile blackness in her empty gaze. It was a harrowing gaze, one that could make a person's hair stand on end, but very few had seen the nihilism in Lucia's heart of hearts. The bitter and indiscriminate rejection of all without exception. Even though she was mid-way through adjusting her exterior, that half that remained was still darker then black. For a moment there was silence, Lucia's empty and lifeless gaze met Vivian's for a short moment. Vivian would be able to see the girl's gaze droop briefly, sizing Vivian up before a change began occurring. From her perch, Lucia turned, her movements fluid, limber and measured. With a casual slip of one leg over the other giving her a deep feminine appeal, her dangling foot idly and coaxingly waving a few toes at the air. Her body leaned faintly to one side, as her lips began to curve into a sultry grin, that emptiness in her eyes began to fill with a familiar color as she looked back at Vivian with a hooded gaze. A hand idly coming to rest under her chin, slender fingers playing at her jawline briefly as she inspected the other woman who called out to her closely. It was subtle initially, but overtime became more and more disturbing, like looking into a mirror, that emptiness was slowly being filled, but by something different then the usual 'Lucia'. "Vivian~" She spoke, her voice a sultry and alluring purr, one unusual for the woman who's voice was usually so sweet and warm. Her gaze grew heated rather then lifeless, patient rather then empty, as if there were a myriad of schemes and desires whirling around inside of her head behind those eyes. She gestured to Vivian, beckoning, urging. "Why not join me instead dear. There's more then enough room for two." She offered with a flash of tongue moistening her lips from expectations. It wasn't exactly an unusual scene, in their time together Lucia had certainly had moments where she'd been sultry and tempting, but whether or not Vivian would feel the difference, it was certainly there. While Vivian looked at her, Lucia gazed back like a mirror. Slowly but surely assimilating those things she found special about Vivian, those things that she felt made the woman shine brightly, that made her unique. Everything from the woman's sultry tone of voice to the alluring body language. Yes, her desires would be sated. Yes, her lust will be fulfilled-- "W-Wait." Lucia couldn't help hesitating briefly. Bringing a hand up over her face before she could go any further. The surprise of being called out to had made her lose track-- where did she leave off? These weren't the normal pieces she wore like a mask. It took her a few moments to realize the difference before sitting upright, trying to turn back through what she'd been thinking last, using soft delicate hands to smooth out her face and rub her eyes.
Vivian's tired eyes perked somewhat at the sound and mention of her voice. The necromantic vixen seemed to be slightly disturbed by deeper thoughts of the morning. She somehow suspected these thoughts were not of her. Though, like a good girl when beckoned by the raven haired beauty, the Dark Witch moved with fleet of foot towards her Mistress. Smile and gaze, though tired, moved like a swan in the air to reach for Lucia. The Witch moved towards the ground, if there was room for two or just for one, Vivian cared little. But if it was an invitation, she would not refuse her. Her long slender foot slipped through the crack between the legs of the feminine pose that Lucia held. One leg moved together with the other until they were neatly crossed with one another. Vivian shared in the delight of the dark warmth the woman presented in body heat. Her head lay gingerly upon the raven flecked shoulder of the woman as she sat there moving her hands into Lucia's. "You seemed so betrayed when you looked at me earlier, honey. Did I do something to upset you? It is not often I see the color of your eyes fade so. Not that I don't find you any less beautiful, you did seem rather 'far away." Vivian could not help but dip her lips towards the female's shoulder and kiss it, brushing her raven hair away with a few sweeps of her hand. The Dark Witch cuddled with the woman, making sure she was as close as possible to female. She snuggled her head against the woman's chest and smiled at the horizon, "Is this what you woke up for? This light and this morning sun? I prefer the moon and the night time. Or I prefer you in bed keeping me warm. All the world can be seen in light, but it is in darkness that we show our true selves. At least for me it is." Vivian gave Lucia a questionable look, it was something strange and she was confused by the woman. She was helplessly riddled with mystery as the first day she met her. Even now she could not attempt to dig through the mind of the Necromancer. She had talked of her dreams and goals, but she never talked about her nightmares. She held Lucia is the highest light, she was a Goddess to her even if the world did not believe it so. Lucia was her Goddess, she had shown her things this world could not. And Vivian, while she loved and claimed to understand her goals, she would dare not speak to her about knowing her nightmares or her nemesis. All she could do was comfort. She played with the raven hair with her pale fingers, rolling the strands into deep curls with her fingers as she once more laid upon her shoulder, "Well if it is here we are to stay, perhaps you can some insight as to why you looked so spooky earlier. Not that I mind, but you are often seen in such a glow that those sort of things never crash against you. Or maybe its the fact that its morning and you had yet to have a good breakfast yet?"
Lucia rubbed her eyes, as if rubbing the emotion from them until they were blank once more. Letting only that bland lifelessness remain, the soul-lessness from earlier. Starting from scratch once more, the nihilism from inside flickered as she gestured with a hand to open her window to the Zero Channel once more. The talk about 'betrayal' was confusing though, her stoic expression didn't change but there was a question mark in her mind, unsure of exactly what made her seem betrayed. She was largely oblivious to what she looked like while readying herself for the day, as if she were applying make up without knowing how bad she looked without it. "No. That's just how I normally am. Not betrayed, did it really look that badly?" She spoke, perplexed, but there was blankness in her tone, blandness in her words, as if she were talking or speaking math problems, or speaking on things that had nothing to do with her. There was only a flippant curiosity for just how bad her appearance is naturally. It was unsightly, she knew better then most, she hated herself, that reason among many after all. It reassured her, her method was right, her style was right, shining brighter was best, finding things to cover up that dark every morning made all the difference. Vivian certainly seemed to idolize her, it was amusing in some ways, the very reasons Lucia was mysterious was because there was nothing else. One could keep searching and searching and think they'd not found the depths only because there was nothing there from the start. It was like looking for the wind or trying to look at your own brain, there was nothing there, only sadness over how empty things were, frustrated with how bland and uninteresting it was. How could she explain it to Vivian in a way she would understand? That she was a boring and mundane individual, that she was just naturally filled with melancholy and frustration because of it. Considering it for a moment, in the end she spoke with that same bland and thoughtless tone as her distant and empty gaze stretched to the horizon in thought. "I told you before. My power comes from Envy, Envy of others, it might be hard to understand if you're someone who doesn't wallow in it, who hasn't been absorbed in it." Lucia explained for a moment, considering whether or not this was really something Vivian would be interested in knowing. "I Envy those gentle and reassuring eyes that provoke trust in others. That enchanting and sweet smile, that could make someone stare back and capture their eyes." She spoke, as she finished rubbing her own eyes, that soft and gentle look in her eyes she usually had returned. Her lips curved gently, a sweet and kind expression she usually wore. It was Lucia's usual face, but as she spoke, her tone was still bland and indifferent. "I envy those who speak with a noble and elegant tone. I want that radiant and welcoming aura and atmosphere." She spoke, as her facade firmed up, recovering to it's usual as she wiped her face and brushed her robe down. That familiar sweetness in her tone returned, erasing the previous monotonous drone. Even her usual warm and reassuring atmosphere returned, as if everything was normal. Though it was still shake-y, her expression became bitter after a while, knowing there were still cracks she had to fill in. "I envy those with power to wipe away enemies, those with supporters who would die for them without a second thought. I envy strong mages, knowledgeable scholars, ambitious noblemen." Lucia explained, a meek smile on her face as she continued, even that was a part of her facade as she elaborated. "The power of Envy is the power of imitation, of usurpation, of assimilation. As with all dark powers though, there is a price to be paid... Those who can achieve my level of success with this type of power can only do so because they have none of their own. You cannot pour a cup of milk into a cup of juice-- To have this level of ability... You either have to make grave sacrifices... Or be like me." Lucia admitted with a dry and self-mocking laugh. From the start she was nihilistic, there was nothing, no need to empty herself for the power of Envy. Her mediocrity, her simpleness made for an empty glass that could be filled with all manner of traits and skills in this game world. Reaching a hand out, she tried to pull Vivian into her lap, her hands upon the woman's chest as she squeezed for a playful punishment with a flash of nail. This after all, was something Lucia detested, she hated her reality, hated her destiny of being an empty glass, a hollow and lifeless thing in reality. "It takes me a while to become the warm and alluring person I usually am around you. Shutting the darkness out just takes too much effort. Do you understand dear?"
Vivian's hand was ensnared by the raven beauty of the Necromancer's hand. In her lap, the Dark Witch would giggle mildly at her playfulness while feeling the erotic pain course through her bosom just as she felt the nail of the woman cup her flesh. Vivian smoothed the long tendrils of purple hair from her eyes and looked out over the horizon, she had not figured much about Lucia's morning routine, she was rarely around for it in fact. "I guess that is just part of your morning routine then, huh? I can't say I fully understand because I am not the one waking up in your skin. Nor do I claim to understand every part of your life and your Envy." Vivian said with a gesture of her hand, her wrist flicking nonchalantly as she spoke. "I do however, know who Lucia is a fair amount when she had the proper time to wake up and know her in the afternoons. You speak as though you don't have supporters or friends though. There is the cutie, Luna we both know of and she thinks highly of you. I too have a fondness for you as well, and I support your dreams and you above all else. There is nothing in this world that shines brighter than your dreams if you ask me...Of course unless those dreams are my own..." The Dark Witch was always so patient and caring for Lucia, it had been awhile since they solidified their special relationship and as dawns and dusks pass and fade and bring new light and darkness, Vivian continues to grow and learn from the woman, her Mentor. It is because of this fact that Vivian had perched Lucia upon a high pedestal, she demanded perfection from the woman even if she might not want to be at times. No, it was an absolute necessary. Should Lucia fall into the crumbling babble of the world, no doubt Vivian would fall into it with her and this was something that could not be. So, Vivian did what she always did. She planned, she encouraged and she made damn sure everything was aligned for her goals of the future. Tucking raven hair behind Lucia's ear and smiling as sweetly as she could, the Dark Witch twisted raven tresses in her finger as she laid upon the woman's chest, "We both have come far from where we last stood. As you say, it takes too much effort to shut out the darkness. But we both live and dwell in it, some people will just not understand that. That's when we make them understand. Lucia, my Love. This is our world. And these are our hands. We are gonna take everything we need from everyone and everything. Or...maybe that is just me. I'm a greedy bitch, you know this. And I need you in all your resplendence to outshine all the others!" Vivian Cruz was good at working her words just as she was good at working her body. However, with Lucia, sometimes things needs a more gentle push than an outright shove in the right direction. It was her fire and her spirit that made Vivian in the first place believe in her, so to see such dull and lifeless eyes and such a monotonous voice pained her. Hopefully this was only a morning ritual and not something that would flow into more days. If that were the case, Vivian would simply have to break her out of this habit. Envy or not.
Lucia couldn't help a melodious giggle when Vivian confessed not understanding and began trying to reassure her. Did she seem so frail in her natural state? Was it really so intolerable to see her as she was without her facade? Certainly Lucia would agree, she would concur and complain about how much she hated herself, how much she loathed that monster waiting for her on the other side. But that monster was her motivation, it was the bulk of her power and potential, it was the 'thing' that stared back when people looked at her, like the abyss lurking beneath the surface, at a safe distance where it couldn't cause any harm. As if unable to accept Vivian's kind words, Lucia could only shake her head though when bringing up herself and Luna, even Savannah and her few other friends in the game. It was natural for her to have some after all, Lucia wasn't special enough to be alienated. Instead she had just enough friends to be normal, just enough people who care to be average. That as how things went, unable to hold back completely, she ended up playing devil's advocate with a chuckle. "Oh I know. I do love you both, that's certainly true, down with my heart of hearts, you're all very precious to me. What will throw you for a loop though and make you think though-- Is what exactly about me do you both like? My facade? Or me?" She asked with a coy smile. After all, those things she earned in game could be attributed to the 'fake' mask she wore to conceal that unsightly monster deeper within. It could just be how she looked with that 'thing' was restrained. The poor girl kept trying to reassure her, it made her smile, seeing Vivian so concerned, whether it was for more selfish reasons or not, she certainly adored Vivian's efforts. She understood what the girl was trying to tell her, certainly, but wondered if Vivian understood just how big the world was. "It's funny... The world is just too big dear, soil, rocks, trees and water-- If you want it, I wouldn't mind giving it to you~" Lucia chuckled. Even if given the option, the world was just too messy, too splintered and big. It wasn't that she feared she wouldn't have the power, on the contrary, she worried that she wouldn't have the attention span. It was for this reason she was content to let Vivian have that ambition in her place instead. "I always thought it was silly, so many people who like to play the villain in this game all think about spreading chaos, mayhem or taking over the world. As if they could get their wish if they killed enough people or indoctrinated enough people into obeying them. Everyone forgets the importance of tempering and developing themselves." Lucia couldn't help saying with a brief sigh and shake of her head. There was a measure of concern in Lucia though, who seemed to notice Vivian's concern as well. Lucia wasn't sure if Vivian thought she was walking a knife's edge or losing her grip, trying to search the woman's face for some kind of sign of what she was thinking, Lucia wasn't sure why she was so concerned. In the end, Lucia felt the need to resolve herself to teach the girl a bit more about 'the dark' as well as 'the red' in the future feeling it might be helpful. "It's not like I don't feel dear, all of that intensity is still right in here as it should be. Maybe I've been a little lax in teaching you about the depths of these types of dark magic foundations, you seem so worried like I'm in dangerous territory for something." Lucia admitted her concern with a mellow chuckle. After all, Lucia's power came from a place of darkness, it's core wouldn't be pretty, the abyss that peeks out from within is naturally unsightly as well. Lucia didn't think anything special about it, but then again, she wasn't exactly sure what she looked like from the outside either.
"I enjoy Lucia, whoever you wish her to be. Whether it is the real world or the game world, I care little for such trivial times. If you wish to remake yourself into someone new, be my guest. However, I enjoy you, the girl gamer or the girl character. They are one in the same for me. They are however not one in the same for you, I imagine, if we are having this conversation." Vivian flicked away her violet hair. Lucia was a doll most of the time, but she seemed to have a struggling battle with herself. Sometimes it was nerve wracking, other times she could understand her more mundane real world living it was not something she spoke of often though. The Dark Witch could gather, she enjoyed this world much more than that of the real world. Why else would she spend the majority of her time here? The girl leaned into Lucia and laughed lightly at her comment. She remembered her days as being vehemont on spreading chaos and being a general pain in the ass of other players. Well to a certain degree she was. Vivian was that type of woman that just liked to mess around and see where the flow of the wind would take her. Sometimes she would be a little greedy, sometimes she would be selfless. But she did not think herself as chaotic as much as she used to think of herself. And that was back when the origin of their relationship began, in that tent, on that dark night where they slept together or well...played. Lucia was above all else an intelligent woman, she had a keen sense of eyes, but she and most like all other players could not read the mind's of others. Vivian had her dreams, goals, aspirations and thank to the Necromancer herself, she was able to perform such deeds to her dreams with the least bit of resistance to herself. "Well then, it is a very good thing indeed that I no longer have such lofty ambitions as being a villain. Should people call me as such, that is their problem and not of my own. What I do is all according to my major goal and plan. A little chaos might be necessary here and there, but thanks to you who have saved me from such...simple desires, I have much more lofty plans that include this world." Vivian would not say she was worried for Lucia, she was her Mentor to the highest standards. However, she did think it a bit odd for her to have these odd morning routines, disappearing from her tent and out in the world thinking so...frivolously on her real world self? "It is not that I fear you are in dangerous territory, Love. It is your...desire to contemplate your true self when you wake up. You have told me envy gives you the power. I understand this, but you make a facade for yourself. You envy all those then you make yourself shine brighter than their stars shine upon them. But my sweet Lucia, it does not matter what people think of you. I think it's time you drown your Envy. If you wish or desire never ending light, then we shall go and find it."
Though Lucia's view of herself wasn't as skewed as Vivian thought, it wasn't too far. To put it in simple terms, her in game self was a suit of armor that protected her from her own reality. Keeping the despair she felt from reality from harming her spirit, while at the same time allowing her to safely traverse her reality knowing that she had a place to return to where she could escape it. "Mm, not quite. I'm not so crazy as to think i am somehow becoming a different person when I play here dear. Instead it's more like make-up, change how I look, polish how I feel, tweak how I act, to make myself 'better' and cover up those unsavory places." Lucia explained, even if she felt that those unsavory places were 'every place' to some extent. Though Lucia certainly couldn't read Vivian's mind, she was still a little concerned deep down somewhere that Vivian hadn't deviated from that path completely. It was for that reason she was so intent on trying to spend time supporting the woman. In her own mind, it was far too dangerous a path to go down. "I only hope you don't lose sight of yourself Vivian. In Eastern culture, those that rise up from being simple mortals run the risk of developing inner demons, becoming devils or failing to face the greater tribulations of immortality because they lose sight of their humanity or are consumed by their desires. Desires are things to indulge in, inspire, even motivate, but they shouldn't control us." Lucia tried to lecture playfully while they were on the topic. She had a great deal of faith in Vivian, but the woman walked a knife's edge so well, Lucia wouldn't advise her to stop whether the girl would listen or not, living dangerously just suited and supported her growth so well. Though when Vivian offered to help her achieve a bright shine, talked about drowning her envy, for a moment, Lucia genuinely considered the thought. For a long time she'd understood her nature well, she wanted, desired shine so much and so thoroughly, but she often also inadvertently sabotaged herself. Choosing the dark magic that alienated her from the population despite wanting to be someone the common folk look to. Choosing purely Magic when she knew nothing of lore or magical theory of the game world. Choosing to support a Goddess that most of the player base didn't understand or know about. Did she truly want to shine brightly like she always thought? Or was it the pursuit of shine purely to snuff it out until everyone was equal? In truth, she found both to have it's advantages, unsure which she truly wanted in her heart, in the end, Lucia flashed a vague smile. It was small, delicate curves of her lips, playfulness in her expression, an impishness as she pulled Vivian close, gripping the girl affectionately as she shook her head. Regardless of what her end goal was, she knew the importance of her envy as a motivating factor. "Vivian, could you drown your Lust?" Lucia posed the question, letting the woman think about the prospect of living a life without lewd desires, pleasures of the flesh, those smells and feelings the girl was no doubt familiar with. "Envy is the power of Imitation, Theft and Usurpation. If I am incapable, I'll desire change, desire those skills or talents that will change me, and then make use of them in one way or another. Think about, if I didn't envy, if I didn't have a reason to get better, stronger, smarter to chase the light. If I could settle for less, what would you think?" Lucia proposed with a mellow smile. After all, Lucia's ambitions, lofty goals, her limitless potential all came from that tireless and unyielding Envy. Though, it wasn't as if she was completely oblivious to Vivian's intentions though. As she said, Darker powers could lead to disasters, being consumed, losing her humanity or being controlled. "I know that I'm probably not the greatest in terms of facing my own demons despite warning you about it. There's still time until I have to face the game's Tribulation as a 'mortal', by the time that event starts, hopefully I'll have dealt with my heart devils and not suffer." Lucia mused knowing that that particular struggle, would be difficult. Luna and Vivian hadn't really met her in reality to know just how deep those wounds went. Someday soon though that may change.
"Ha. As if I were to let some feeling control me. I am the maker of my own future. I am not controlled by my actions, they are controlled by me. If I wish excess of something than that is what I want and I will get it. If people wish to stand in my way, then they will be blown over like a house of cards. Not to mention that I adore the darkness in myself, if it wishes to come out- I will let it do so because I don't fear the repercussions of my decisions. We are immortal here, we may die but we continue to exist." Her thin hand had swabbed Lucia's front, her nails raking over her gently as she played with the long raven hair as she spoke to her. Her voice was unchanged as she spoke, she certainly didn't hide anything, or well, she hid what she needed to hide and told the rest in half truths. Even if Lucia, her Lover, her Mentor, was a woman of significance. One does not simply give everything you have in your mind to that person. Yet her warnings were justified, she was the Mentor after all and she would still take those warnings and advice as they were. However Vivian was a case of acting instead of a bright thinker. She would let actions guide her way, but that's what the wonderful Lucia was for. As she spoke of not having list, Vivian spat out a little bit of laughter, "If I had no lust, I'd probably delve into wrath or sloth. There are sins I have yet to explore in this world which I intend to do so thoroughly at one point or another. So if I can't have lust, or should I need to drown in it, then I will pick another to give me the motivation that I need for...whatever it is I wish to do with my time here." Vivian spoke with a few pats of her hand against the woman's heart. She sat up and stretched her arms lightly as she squinted from the rising sun. She still could not believe Lucia did this every morning, at least at home she had black out shades to block out that dirty bastard from blinding her daily. But Vivian was also one to set her own schedule and appointments in the real world. Trivial matters they were though. This was Terra! Once more, she flicked the long strands of purple hair off her creamy shoulder and laid upon the warmth flesh of Lucia's bosom. "We should go and do something fun today. Do you not find it boring just staring at the sun? You've had time to wake up now, yes? Come and play with me! Maybe we can find the others and get the gang together for a fun time or something. Unless you still need to powder your nose or something." Vivian's azure eyes gazed back at Lucia, jesting her with the words she used earlier to cover up her online 'ugliness'. This Envy thing was something Vivian might be able to use or exploit in the future of all things. She was not the type of woman to backstab people, but knowing a weakness in creatures could be worth it in the future. But this was Lucia, she would not do something so horribly to the woman. Not after all the experience, the life, the lessons and the pleasures they shared together. If there was a weakness inside of her; well...Vivian would just have to patch it up somehow.
Lucia couldn't help a small chuckle at Vivian's imposing nature. Certainly the woman seemed to have herself all figured out. It made her a little warm in her heart to hear the confidence she had inside of her. Despite that though, she couldn't help a soft knowing sigh. Could someone so easily cleave off such an important part of themselves? It would be akin to ripping off an arm or pulling out an organ. To relinquish a part of what made someone themselves, even Lucia was not brave enough to cut her reality from herself and become her facade in completion. Someday, her facade would change, change from armor to a useful tool, but not soon. She still needed the monster to be concealed and restrained until she was strong enough to properly utilize it. "Alright alright, I'll be right there..." She spoke, wiping her face once more with her hand. Firming up her facade thoroughly erasing the finer cracks until her bright and radiant exterior returned. With a refreshed sigh, she gave her wavy hair a gentle shake before slipping off of her small stone perch. "Every Dark Mage has their own Rituals to perform my love, haste can make waste~" She teased with a coy smile, reaching out a hand to take Vivian's, after all, if they were to go out on an adventure, why not do so hand in hand? Though in her heart of hearts, Lucia still worried Vivian didn't understand completely, didn't realize what her power and her sin was truly capable of to the very end. It couldn't be blamed, who would see such a thing as a strength? Perhaps only Lucia truly knew just how powerful the nature of her darkness was at it's core. Had Lucia known the woman's thoughts she would have been stunned and shocked into silence before holding her gut unable to contain her sweet laughter. That other people would believe her greatest strength to be a weakness or vulnerability was so interesting! "What were you thinking then, something bloody? Or something warm and sweet?" Lucia mused, with Vivian's hand in her's she wasn't sure what the woman had in mind for a bit of fun after waking up. Lucia's own obligations were almost nothing. She'd reduced her work time down to the minimal just to play the game and escape for a while, she didn't want to spend a second longer in that real world then she was forced to.
Vivian had forgotten that Lucia was also a harbor of dark magic. She too had rituals to utilize, which made her think for a moment how much more selfish she now sounded to the woman. She sighed lightly, she would have to make it up to her at some point in time. The Dark Mage, it was not exactly a class in the game, but there was not many people who focused on rituals. She had not realized this would be one of them for Lucia, herself. She gnawed at her mauve lips tenderly with her teeth as she allowed that thought to sink in. "Of course. How silly of me. I nearly forgot we share the same Mastery. I just never fully saw you as a ritual sort of woman, but we both have our uses for them and our own ways. I apologize if I hurried you. You are more than welcome to take your time. I know for certain I would not want anyone to rush me." It was the truth, pray to the deity that controls your life should anyone mess with the ritual formalities that Vivian concocted. If there was even a slight bump to her procedures, there would be Hell to pay of the highest kind. She took her art seriously. As Lucia 'fixed' herself, she stood like the awe inspiring Goddess that the Dark Witch knew her as and smiled brightly. Hand in hand was a welcomed pleasure, Vivian could not help but squeeze her fingers and tighten their embrace as they walked back to the campsite of the tent. Vivian wondered what sort of thing they would do for the day though. She had mentioned something sweet or something bloody which made her laugh and shake her head. Azure eyes scanned over Lucia, she seemed in better spirits now, she looked more herself. Perhaps the ritual was just something mandatory for the woman. Or perhaps Vivian was just seeing it too much as something else. In either case, Vivian's light steps followed her mentor, her lover and allowed her bare feet to dance over the crystal garden of the Zalra plane. "I am not quite sure what we can do. My thoughts were just of getting you up and out of whatever funk I thought you were in. Usually moving around gets me to wake up. But I wasn't sure exactly for an adventure." Vivian's voice trailed off with her thoughts. Her hand still twisted into Lucia's as it swung gently side to side, until she brought her body closer to the female to give her a more tender and touching embrace. The hand swung around her body and kept the two at close quarters until they arrived at the tent. There was some hornier thoughts that made up the mind of the Dark Witch, but she enjoyed her plays more along the night time hours. As to what to do right now or for the rest of the day. What had they not done together? Well there were many things they had yet to do together. Perhaps they could go swimming somewhere? Or maybe...they could find some artifacts among the Zalra? "How about skinny dipping somewhere?" Vivian mused to her partner, soft supple lips pressing into that mauve smile of hers as she fancied a dip. "Or we can just go off exploring the Zalra. The crystals here I have been told can store magical energy. Maybe we can do some experimentation or something with our magic?"
Lucia couldn't help a melodious chuckle when Vivian seemed to realize there was a reason she'd go out of her way to infuriate herself. Certainly, it would be silly for Lucia to just frustrate and nag herself every morning needlessly. Instead, it was something useful for her to keep that darkness sealed up, to keep it tightly balled inside and restrain that monster where it couldn't do any harm. It was a ritual, yes, but one meant to restrain and seal rather then unleash or grow. Lucia knew the nature of her ability well, and turning it loose on the world around her was just far too unsettling and dangerous. "It's alright Vivian, who would know just looking at it? These rituals of mine are a bit different though, restraining a power my body isn't ready for, holding back the darkness that would otherwise run rampant like a calamity." For a moment, Lucia hesitated, but flashed a faint smile as she continued, as if deciding to confide in Vivian a little. "I tell people it's unsightly and ugly, but the horrors that 'thing' is capable are very much as alarming as I try to tell people. For that reason I have to be very careful about the cracks in my facade, the integrity of my exterior. These things are the chains and bars that keep that 'monster' docile and complacent. Naturally I'm not as weak as I was during character creation, I can relax my guard with you, and others from time to time... but I'm still not capable of directing that 'thing' with any confidence." Lucia explained. It was something Vivian and the others who knew her in game might not understand. The nihilism she had in real life naturally traveled into this game with her, but that deep seeded and vicious darkness became 'power' in this world. One that Lucia didn't have the confidence to wield. For that reason, the facade she used to shine brightly and majestically acted to repel that side of her until she was more confident that it wouldn't just seize control and rampage. It was for that reason she was so unsure of her own real goal at the end, to shine or to erase the shine and leave everyone equal in darkness. She wanted both, but also knew that both had their own downsides. Unable to decide, she stayed at her current impasse of restraining that power until she came to a proper decision. Though seeing Vivian indecisive about what they should do made Lucia hum, slipping in closer to meet the woman as well, Lucia turned her head up in thought. "Lets see..." She murmured, musing on what to do. As far as the crystals went, Lucia was quite familiar with them already. After all, she created Alice with the thought of understanding them and her own magic as a whole, the little monster was her groups' little scientist and expert in the field of experimentation and testings. It was for that reason that she wondered if Vivian had her own means of looking into the capability of the crystals. The alternative of skinny dipping was also nice. After firming up her facade, it was nice to have someone to cuddle up with and be close to. It was always such a harsh and isolating feeling to envy. "How about both?" She asked, with a sly smile, playfully prodding the girl's side while gripping her hand, smiling contently and brightly. Someday she'd feel confident enough to let go of that dazzling and enchanting exterior. Someday... but not soon. For now, she would keep being majestic and enchanting, until she was good enough to restrain that deep roiling blackness on her own and endure what came with it, she would remain bright and sunny. "I'm sure we can find a nice bit of water where the crystals grow brightly, don't you think?" She teased back contently.
Vivian tilted her head towards the shoulder of the Necromancer, soft hair fluttering about their bodies as she listened to her sealing ritual. The Dark Witch understood this, and as a follower of her Mentor, and apprentice, she would do what was humanly or inhumanly possible to make sure she was happy how she wanted things to be with her life. "Should you need help with your 'makeup,' don't hesitate to ask. I love caking that shit on my face. It makes me feel radiant and splendid and a hot, sexy woman!" she laughed, squeezing her fingers to show more affection towards her Mistress. As the thoughts bubbled from Lucia, Vivian was practically all over that idea. It would be nice to relax and have a soothing bath in the Zalra, surely they could find something there to treat themselves to such a thing. This area was full of magic energy, Vivian could just feel it all around her body stirring up even the slightest hints. Her thoughts were expired when she felt the poking and prodding to her side, causing the woman to laugh and squirm for a moment from her sides being tickled. The light chuckle drifted after she gave her Mistress a stern look, "You know my sides are ticklish like that. How dare you exploit that weakness when I am vulnerable around you. Have you no shame?" she teased with a smile, the lithe arms of the Dark Witch playfully slapped the girl's bottom in regards to the playful nature between the two. Hands moved quickly away from Lucia as her robe began to fade away into the storage of her inventory. In place, the busty young woman was regaled in her finest Witch's gear that she had owned all topped off with that lofty dark witch hat upon her head which completed the magnificent ensemble. Feeling ready to get the day started, Vivian let out one last yawn before raising her arms and stretching out all the muscles in her upper and lower body. With her tippy toes and now curling digits, Vivian flicked her wrist to ignite the fire inside of her body. The Fire Path traveled from her heart to her wrist and gently glowed in the palm of her hand. She squashed it with a clap of her hands, and then ripped the air apart as she separated her hands. The small explosive contact caused the area to get a little warm before cooling off once more with the wind. The scent of smoking embers drifted along the wind as it rolled on by, but it gave Vivian a nice release as she had felt that fire boiling inside for some time. Fire was such an intense energy, sometimes it just wanted to come out and be released. "Well. I am ready!" she declared with a soft spin with her bare feet. A wild wink from the Witch to the Necromancer.
