Lucia only let out a dry chuckle at Dempsey's talk of rubbing boobs, certainly boobs was a little inappropriate, but how long ad Lucia been petting people's heads for? Incredibly long, particularly those of the felis race were those she petted most often in return. A soft thank you or a cheering up was made so much more easy with a soft pat on the head. She'd gotten pretty good reception too, even from those who weren't felis, so such a sudden refusal was a little jarring for her. "No worries-- I'll try not to again." She answered back, a small smile on her face but it was clear she was lost about it still. Talking about the guild though, Lucia scratched her head in thought. "Well, it has a very asian theme that I like, it's very fun and things are busy. I try not to get too tied up in it though since I'm still a Malefimancy user even if I have Illumancy too. I guess I'm nore of the silent supporter type for them. We have two nice craftsmen who make magic tools and gear, we'll be pretty welcoming for mages because of it, but we don't have many fighters just yet." Lucia said with a small smile, among her group in the guild everyone was a mage, it was a place where magical prowess permeated the air, but they were always looking for anyone who was ready to join in. "The theme is also neat, all of the dragons and tigers in the decor is really fun. All in all, it's a peaceful place to be." She answered with a small nod. The talk of benefits was silly though, what did Lucia have to gain? She was far too self-sufficient after all, she had to be. Revival medicines and such were pricey, things she could afford but at the same time didn't need with her skill set. Though when the topic of a newb hanging around came up, the image of a dark skinned woman came to Lucia's head. Her smile grew just a little sweeter and stronger at the thought. "Mm, I also have newbs that follow me around. I think it's a little endearing though. I set out to play this game to try and be a pro gamer after all, having a little fan is pretty nice." She admitted finding it flattering. Though she still had that sense of isolation, there were still people out there who would at least talk to her and spend time with her. She perked up a little thinking of that. Though hearing Dempsey talk about sleeping outside getting old, that perkiness drained out slowly. Thinking of a small group, maybe two or three gathered around the fire with her, smiles on their faces, maybe some leaning out of the tent to reach the fire and food. Tossing drinks back and forth-- talking about what their home they were working so hard for would be like when they finally got it, maybe even playful arguing over what to put where. It was a dream she'd have often-- once it was her only motivation for the game. Now she struggles to motivate herself to at least be strong enough to thank Synra for her support during the Raid. A lonely smile came to her face, shaking her head with a gentle but unshakable resolution. "Maybe someday I'll have a home, but when I do I want it to be one I make with those closest to me. It wouldn't be a home if I just make it for myself... Right?" Lucia spoke, her smile was weak, she wasn't confident any more, but she would wait, she would stay homeless and live out doors until there were others who wanted to make a home with her. It was a deep passion filled determination that became bittersweet when spoken of.
Dempsey let out a heavy sigh, and decided it was time to be honest. Maybe she was shooting herself in the foot here, but at this point, she figured she'd have to clear the air sooner or later. She'd rather deal with the consequences of her admittedly ill intended actions now rather than harbor a secret from someone thatwas likely as not fated to be a big part of her in-game life. she took a breath and braced herself for what might happen next. "Ok, so look. You seem alright, and I figured it was time I come clean. I followed you out here to get a feel for what kind of person you were, and decide whether or not you were trying to kill me on purpose back there during the raid.... And... If I decided I didn't like what I saw, I was going to kill you.... BUT, I didn't! So! here we are!" Realizing just then that she didn't know the appropriate demeanor for a person whom had just admitted they were considering murdering the other, she simply stood with her hands folded behind her back and a hopeful smile on her face. She could only imagine what was going through Lucias mind at the time. She'd clearly been a bit too harsh on her initially, and the woman seemed like a genuinely good person. most people she'd met so far that used Malefiemancy were either assholes or cunts, the specific designation dependent on gender appropriateness and her own appraisal of how they smelled at the time she met them. "So yeah. For what it's worth, I AM sorry I was deciding whether or not to kill you up until just now, but these things happen. So how about... we... uh... just pretend that never happened, and maybe find somewhere more comfy to talk. I noticed that you very subtly declined my offer to see my new place earlier. Her nerves inspired her to talk faster and less cohesively than usual, and she wrung her hands behind her back, partially from nerves, and partially because she was well aware that if Lucia didn't react well to her confession, she may well be forced to defend herself. @Lucia Mierz
Hearing the confession at first, there was shock, but soon after bitterness amidst quiet acceptance. Who was she to tell Dempsey what to do and how to think after all? If someone had struck her by coincidence would she be mad? Lucia wasn't sure, it would have to happen for her to know after all, but she only shook her head in response feeling like it wasn't her place to judge either way. She knew what happened, what she tried to do, why it happened the way it did, wasn't that enough? Still, feeling that there was a grudge over it wasn't a good feeling, with a wry chuckle she only nodded along as if it were expected to some extent. "I-I see... It did seem weird, approaching me out of nowhere, I felt someone like you watching too. I thought I had an admirer, isn't that silly?" She spoke, her tone self-mocking. She'd known someone was following her, but had some vague hopes that it wasn't for something bad. Maybe an admirer? Maybe someone who liked her but was shy? If it was true she would have wanted nothing more then to spread her arms wide and shout that it was okay, that she wouldn't turn anyone who liked her away provided everyone beside her agreed. She was alone though, again that realization sank in reminding her that Necromancy-- Malefimancy wasn't such a bad idea. "I guess it was a little clear, it was something ill natured but... I guess I got my hopes up and stuck around trying to be optimistic." She admitted, the signs were there, but she couldn't help some vague hope, even if it was vain and egotistical that it might have been for something else. Though when Dempsey talked about subtle refusals, Lucia shook her head back, it wasn't a refusal to visit, but she thought Dempsey was offering her a home-- one that she wouldn't feel right accepting. "No, I can come visit-- I don't mind." She answered with a heavy sigh, that lost feeling was clear from her gaze that listed back and forth, not knowing why this was happening to her. To suddenly be invited along by someone who tried to kill her? 'Exhausting' was the word she'd used. She would believe she was nearing collapse if it wasn't for the full purple meter assuring her she didn't need the rest. "I guess... lead the way?" Lucia asked, a meek smile on her face, as if laughing at herself. hanging with her own would be assassin, it was an all time low. She didn't think she could fall down farther but she'd managed to go past bedrock at this point. She couldn't help thinking 'whats next' in the back of her mind, maintaining a determination not to be broken by these strange set backs, but finding her hope waning in the face of ridiculous odds.
She knew her confession wasn't going to go over very well at all, but she figured she could either never say anything, or get it out of the way as soon as possible. At the very least, Lucia didn't attack her outright, which was a start. She attempted to smooth things over with further explanation "Look. I know how bad that sounds and all, but I wanted to come clean. I could have just never told you, but I felt that that just wouldn't be fair to you. I know it's a shitty thing to say, but what if I waited a week, or a couple months, or a year... You get the point, right? I was angry, and saw you, and I followed you out here. I know that's all on me, but I can't change the past... Think of it as asking for a fresh start. Nobody was at their best last time we worked together, and it doesn't have to stay... you know.. like that." She slumped over a little, wishing things had gone better, but still well aware that they could have gone much worse as well. She could tell in spite of the other womans attempt to maintain a chipper demeanor that she'd possibly done more harm than good by coming clean, but she knew she'd done the right thing, and that's what was important. She attempted to diffuse the situation by changing the subject. It would give Lucia some time to think and process what she'd just heard, and also offer her the opportunity that it had never happened if she so choose. "But yeah. It's a neat little spot in Stokbon. Kind of out of the way, but that's nice too because it's in a safer neighborhood, and I don't have time to deal with window shoppers anyway. Most people that come are going to know what they want and leave. Also, I'm just not much for crowds. I tolerate them for the sake of living comfortably in the city, but.. I don't know. The chaos of it all is just too much sometimes." Seeing that Lucia intended to follow her in spite of the previous turn of events, she simply nodded in the general direction they would travel and commented simply "Roads this way. It won't take long to find it." @Lucia Mierz
Lucia could only sigh heavily, particularly being told 'nobody was at their best' last time, it was not something she wanted to hear in any way of phrasing. She would flatly agree to disagree on that score, she certainly did make a solid effort and try to put 110% into the raid. Things however didn't turn out positive despite her best efforts. She didn't want to voice those sour thoughts and feelings though, wouldn't it only cause more trouble? With a heavy breath, Lucia only shook her head trying to be understanding. "It's fine. I was just getting my hopes up. You don't have to defend or justify yourself." Lucia tried to stop Dempsey from continuing on about how trying to kill her wasn't so bad. It was discomforting to hear after all, it didn't exactly bug her but she couldn't help sighing heavily. In the end, Lucia nodded back, willing to at least check things out. She'd only had thoughts of killing and practicing more. Her Illumancy was still a little unpolished, she only had a trio of spells she was really qualified to use actively. A nice change of pace would naturally help her, she'd no doubt end up following along just to see things out at the very least. "That's why I tend to avoid the hubbub of the city and live out by the trees. It's nicer and quieter, I get enough of the cities in reality." Lucia admitted knowing that she got plenty of busy streets in Boston, there was no need for her to look for them in the game she was using to escape her reality. Following along with Dempsey, Lucia held her bound book under her arm her pace somewhat leisurely but she'd drag her feet from time to time thinking about how she should adapt to change her skills. She was truly troubled about a myriad of things, none of which she'd be able to solve. "Is it far from here?" She asked with a perked brow wondering just how far Dempsey came to watch her.
She walked through the forest, mindful of her surroundings as she lead Lucia toward the road, jumping on the offered opportunity to change the subject to literally anything else. She pointed ahead in the direction they were traveling in and explained the situation. "The road? Not far. I usually stay on the beaten path when I'm going somewhere though. People are easier to ignore than giant snakes and whatnot, ya know? I can take care of myself as well as any of us can, but I prefer not to be troubled with that when I have things to do. Most of the time I only come out here to gather ingredients and materials anyway." She thought for a moment, wondering if that was what she was actually asking about, but then again, anyone who lived in this area knew where Stokbon was, if nothing else. Even to the more reclusive types, the city was a hub of resources and information that was almost impossible to avoid completely. Even she was reluctant to set up her shop inside teh city walls, but it was a necessary evil; Working out of the country side would make for nicer scenery, but she would miss out on a lot of business that way. "Unless you meant Stokbon. I suppose living out of a tent means you don't need to hit up the big cities very often, but I'll admit to a certain weakness for street vendor food and a cold beer every now and then. We can grab a little of both on the way if you're hungry or thirsty. OH! And there's a great library you might want to have a look at. Tons of information on all kinds of things. Mostly I just look up plants and try to dig for leads on places I can go exploring though." That last bit was exceptionally true. The great library in Stokbon was packed with probably thousands of books, everything from literature to educational topics, and she was often amazed with how elaborately crafted this simulated world was. She found it hard to believe taht such a wealth of knowledge had been created by human hands, and figured there must be some kind of AI at work behind it, but she didn't like poking at the figurative fourth wall of the game, because she was qute content to lose herself in the illusion and forget about the person she really was back in meat space. She pushed through the forest, quite content to lose herself in the beautiful lie that this was her real world now, and the person she was right now was the real manifestation of what fate had intended her to be. She loved being strong, independent, powerful and beautiful. She had nothing back in her old life to look forward to except to live and die miserable and alone. Here, she was so much more. @Lucia Mierz
Hearing about the road, then later about the town, Lucia hummed a little. Despite her best efforts, Lucia wasn't one who knew the roads and towns well, she'd visit certainly but there was little benefit to committing them to memory. A lot of the time she would only find her way around with the senses her magic gave her and the towns themselves offered little to her after she'd come so far. She didn't feel the need to go back to visit often, not while she was alone at least, there was no reason to go back for just her alone. "Once upon a time I used to spend a lot of time there." She admitted, before she could afford her bag tent, she'd lived in town after all. It was long before the raid though, back when she was a 'newb' she lived in town. "I would live in a convent among the sisters of a local church, help them out or do odd jobs for them from time to time." She explained, back before she could afford her own place to stay, rather then struggling for gold she lived like a pious follower of the Elysid Court and made a deep effort to support them which was what originally set her on her current path. Thinking back to it it was a fond moment in this world spending time with the young sisters, spending time bunking with them and curled up with one another. With a heavy sigh, thinking back to how kind those NPCs were to her, she wanted to find something like that for herself, that was special outside of a pious lifestyle. "I didn't spend much time looking through a library, but it does sound pretty fun... Though I can't say Books are really my thing either." She admitted, she could go for a nice read every once in a while but she wasn't exactly a book worm either. Maybe one or two to keep would be nice if she could borrow them. "It sounds a little boring to just spend time coming and going for plants though. Productive maybe but at the same time it seems like it'd be really draining and exhausting. What do you do for fun?... Outside of eating or drinking?" She asked with a musing tone wondering what Dempsey did to pass the time in a more relaxed manner, after all you couldn't just spend a day off drinking and eating right?
She listened to Lucias short explanation of her characters past, then let out a soft humm. she was definately more talkative than the dark haired human woman. Maybe once she relaxed a little she's open up a bit more, but who knew with people. She simply nodded as she listened. She chuckled at the other womans thoughts on the library, and after waiting for her to finish speaking, that's where she choose to begin her next statement. "The library isnt fun, per say, but it is definitely impressive, and there's an unbelievable amount of information stored there. I mean sure, you can't really justify spending all that much time reading up about a game, but there's all sorts of knowledge in there." She looked back to Lucia, wanting to gauge her response before she continued. "All the work I have to do for alchemy isn't all that bad., It gets me outdoors and away from the crowds a lot, and it is hard work, but it's good money, and it gives me a level of self-sufficiency that I wouldn't have otherwise." She paused in her speech to inspect a fallen off to the side, and with a bright smile of satisfaction she popped a cluster of brightly colored mushrooms from the decaying wood. She carefully tucked them away in a small satchel she carried before continuing. "One could say that it's a necessary evil, except I quite enjoy it. more often than not, my little trips always wind up leading me to somewhere new or interesting... and more than once they've marked the start of some interesting adventure or encounter... It's more something I do on the side while exploring and training though." @Lucia Mirez
Lucia flashed a gentle smile thinking about reading, a lot of people definitely wouldn't settle down just to read books in a game. Though that said those books weren't there for nothing that's for sure. Whether it was answers for quests or hints about great and powerful skills or masteries, they're all filled with something useful in one way or another. Someone who had the time to explore those tomes would no doubt have an advantage, but by the time they finished reading them all they would be so far behind in skill level and mastery level that they wouldn't be able to use it. "I wish I could read them all, it would definitely come in handy eventually but it does seem to be a bit of a waste." She murmured with a heavy breath. Hearing about Dempsey liking the outdoors though she couldn't help a gentle snicker. Out doors in a videogame was an interesting concept. Was Dempsey that much of a shut in that outside was hard for her even here? "It's good being self sufficient though, I was lucky enough to make mastery choices that helped me achieve that without having to take a job or career here." She admitted knowing that it was best to be able to keep yourself going without becoming reliant. At the same time though she knew she didn't have a proper home yet that needed taking care of. Seeing Dempsey so enthralled in her own work made Lucia chuckle. She considered lifting her hand to pet her head, a gentle praise for working hard or doing well, but before her hand could touch Dempsey's head she flinched briefly. With a somewhat bitter smile she'd retract her hand and try to force a bit of a more genuine smile as she pushed down that bitterness. "I'm glad you found something else." She spoke her words of praise even though she couldn't bring herself to pat the girl's head for more genuine praise. She restrained herself as she kept walking along the trail letting Dempsey lead the way.
Dempsey was unaware of Lucias display of expression as she was focused on the path ahead, but she was listening. She became aware that the two had very different ideas about what self sufficient meant though. While Lucia seemed to think that self sufficient meant isolation, Dempsey sought the same goal through more convoluted means. Her fledgling business would be steady source of income once it was up and running though, and money was important in this game. She was steadily building a reliable network of friends and followers, earning upgrades to the equipment and weapons that were ultimately her lifeline here in this game, and most importantly, gaining power and influence without the need to hide behind guild banners. Even the fact that she was unaffiliated played to her advantage, because people were always interested in courting an advanced player such as herself toward their cause. Self sufficiency to her was the ability to turn down any and all offers and requests and pick and choose her obligations at her own discretion. Lucia, from what Dempsey could understand had sought a different kind of independence; the ability to completely cut ties with society and exist as a singular entity. If she had wanted that kind of solitary existence, she could have just not played the game at all, and instead remained in her old life, slowly wasting away in a shit efficiency apartment in a no name town that only existed because this highway intersected with that interstate, and someone decided to build a strip mall there. As the two crested a slight rise in the terrain, the path toward Stokbon seemed to magically appear before them at their feet. Dempsey took two strides until she was standing in teh center of the road and stretched, finally glad to have room to stretch and move freely without the constant threat of a stick in the eye or a fallen branch to trip her. She turned to offer a helping hand to Lucia. "I mean in the end, I'm doing what I have to to get a step ahead of everyone else. I don't think that's possible without a little socializing and networking, and the shop is a lot of work right now, but in the end, it'll be worth it. I have this weird girl lined up to run the place for me while I'm out and about. All I'll have to do is check in on her every so often, and empty out the till every few days" @Lucia Mierz
Lucia wasn't too hung up on their differences, in truth she didn't find them all that different, what she wanted wasn't so much isolation but to be in control of her needs and meet them when she fancied. In any time at any place she controlled her own destiny when it came to the things that kept her going. She felt Dempsey was simply doing the same with the only tools she had to work with. It was something to be proud of, going that far without a kit based around survival in any situation was admirable after all, there was no reason to think less or more. Instead she nodded her head, glad that Dempsey was making her own choices and path through the game. Offered a helping hand, she'd take it gently, in her own gripping Dempsey's hand with her own soft palm as she spoke with a musing tone. "There are a lot of ways to socialize though right? Though-- I suppose that socializing and networking are most important when your closest allies are people." She considered with a heavy sigh knowing that she'd been abandoned left and right, her faith in people was dwindling after making all of her best efforts to support and be a team player. It didn't get her very far or very much in return. Ultimately she tried to exhale those sadder thoughts and carry on with Dempsey looking over the town with a mellow smile. It's not as if it had been a long time but every time she returned it was always the same mystical and sweet feeling. As if coming home again she looked upon the distant town fondly with the gaze of a traveler. All in all, while she didn't have a property she didn't doubt those sisters at the church would still accept her if she paid a visit. They were the closest thing to caring NPCs she'd met in the game that supported her actions and goals. "I bet that girl's helped you a lot then. At least it doesn't get lonely right?" She asked with a kind nod.
She stopped in the path and turned back to Lucia with a smile. "Her name is Jenira. I call her Jenny, and she hates it. She's crazy tall, like... taller than you even, and she barely speaks English. I think she's Russian or something. I don't know. Plays all the time, but doesn't really do anything. Never misses a shift at the shop, but I don't think she's ever once left Stokbon. You.. You'll meet her. Maybe. Don't know if she'll be there by the time we make it back." There was a lot more to Jenny than Dempsey was telling, but she figured that her summary was good enough for the time being. The two of them had met some days ago, and the strange girl had simply walked in and asked about work. Assuming she was a low level adventurer seeking out quests or bounties, she patiently explained to Jenira that she usually handled that sort of thing on her own. Jenira persisted, communicating in broken english and thick accent that she wasn't at all interested in that sort of thing, and sought more mundane employment. The conversation stretched on fora bit, but in the end, Dempsey had allowed the girl to work for a modest salary, thus freeing her to return to a somewhat normal state of affairs. She offered Lucia an energetic wave toward the city, indicating that the two should hurry. She was in no particular hurry, but she was excited to spend the afternoon with her potential new friend and ally. Her won goals seemed to be fairly similar to Lucias from what she could tell, and while Amane was nothing if not enthusiastic, it would be nice to have a more capable healer around, for the obvious reasons, as well as to take the less experienced Felix girl under her wing. Obviously, she would propose this in a more humanizing context when she explained the newly formed idea to Lucia, but the effect would remain the same. To pass the time, she asked Lucia a few questions about herself. "So, I've been doing most of the talking so far. Where do you spend most of your time, and what do YOU do for fun when you're not out killing trees?"
Lucia chuckled a little, the description of the girl who mostly just played the game sounded similar to her own desires. She wished she could just immerse herself in this world, but unfortunately she did have a job in reality, one she loathed but kept her alive at least to play more. With a soft breath she followed along with Dempsey, glad the girl was so energetic and lively, it meant she was having fun at least right? Even if she tried to kill her, Lucia wasn't the type to bitterly try to avenge herself or something as silly as that. Instead she followed along patiently only furrowing her brow a little when Lucia was asked about herself. "Let's see... Well the tree killing was largely for spell crafting, it's a pretty complicated process filled with trial and error, so it's to be expected maybe?" She mused with a kind smile but puttig some thought into what she did for fun was a bit more difficult. Lucia enjoyed spell crafting and her research into the game's lore and faiths. She did like learning about this new world. Alternatively she also liked teasing and playing with girls but thus far she'd remained incredibly unlucky in that regard. The girls who met her were often times either uninterested in making even a vague commitment while the others weren't interested at all even. "I don't have a lot of fun here though... sadly it's been pretty hard to get anything fun going at all." Lucia couldn't help a heavy sigh, she did want so much and try so hard, but how things kept seeming to slip through her fingers was disheartening. The only thing that she really had going for her still was her Necronomicon. All she needed now was to learn the details of the magic contained within before she could take that next step. "It's been a struggle to make it this far, but giving up before paying back my debt to an NPC wouldn't be right. I'll probably keep going until I repay them... Or until I find something fun at least." She said with a small smile.
