Private Western Brisshal Somewhere between the Fade

[Vivian Cruz]

Four years.
For years.

It had been a long time since Vivian had been in the presence of this world. The surreal feelings, the graphics, the artwork and the amazing variety of avatars that populated the world. Each bit of data was as beautiful as the next. But it had been four years since then, and since any of those feelings had surfaced. Vivian had thought she would simply see it as part of her life to lock up and never see again. So she focused on her work in the real world, made a good name for herself and a good business that was flourishing. She was happy. Content. Contempt. But it wasn't enough. There was a need. An itch. A something! That needed to be unlocked. The surreal world of Terra was her home away from home, spending endless hours enjoying the time in the game and hanging out with her close personal friends. But it had been four years. A lot has changed. But some things don't...

"Son-uva-bitch... Taking away my mount was not a classy thing too. Finding my entire inventory nearly wiped clean was one thing, but I worked hard for that damn whistle."

Vivian was a little bitter it seemed after having to discover that the majority of the things she had worked for had not migrated. However, she was happy to find she was compensated for her mastery in the new version. She was definitely branching out and being a little over ambitious. Having to trek through Western Brisshal via walking was a pain in the ass. She felt her body slug through the terrain and then tried to get her mind off of things as she walked.

"Definitely getting a carriage or something when I am able to... Or I'll build one myself. I hate walking..."

She amused as she trekked across a field, finding a short detour off the beaten path.

"I should be getting closer... Ahh, there it is. Finally."

Vivian sighed as she stood on the boundaries of what she considered Lucia's land, or rather her camp. It had been a long time since the two had seen each other, and there were some things left on the table. It was nice they could reconnect via in game messages, but seeing her face to face now. It seemed like nothing changed after those four years. But indeed they have.

Lifting her chin and strutting with a confident gait, the woman strode into Lucia's Undead Camp. Her legion didn't seem to be on guard, Vivian wasn't a threat. But she did stop when she was motioned to do so. With a right hand extended out and a wild gesture, she flicked the fuchsia hair off her shoulder and smiled with pink coated lips. She wore a rather regal attire befitting some kind of noble aristocrat. White gloved donned her hands and after flicking her long hair off her shoulder, she would jut her hip out and place a hand on her hip.

"I'm here to see Lucia. Tell her Vivian has arrived."

---

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Lucia's camp had been as it usually was, despite the city being nearly overgrown and ruined, needing rebuilding, Lucia's camp only needed some refurnishing to replace some of the rotten furniture. The trees had already been cleared out, teams were working on a new project logging, carving wood, getting the materials together for a large boat, piling wood, resin and for some reason corpses into a large pile. The undead worker skeletons still wandered about mindlessly, with their programmed tasks directing them the low level workers weren't much help.

The paladins however, were weary of sudden strangers but not necessarily on guard. Lucia had always had an open door policy when it comes to players and visitors after all, they had always welcomed people when she was free. The introduction with the name however caused the armored Paladins to both hesitate and grow weary immediately, as if trying to gauge friend or foe. After a short period of scrutiny they would begin their trek inward towards the tent Lucia called home.

Things hadn't changed much, though the furniture was a bit new, she still had a nice table and chair outside, the Wraith King still served at her side as a loyal steward occasionally topping off her coffee or peeling a fruit for her as she sat. Legs crossed elegantly, book in hand casually turning page while occasionally taking a sip from her mug, or a bite of fruit or cheese, she was right at home, finally at home. The 4 years not being much different from torture for the woman who hated reality, it had been a brutal and unforgiving time away during which she considered ending it all multiple times. Yet, here she was though, kept around by obligations and a few people who stuck with her. Finally, full of life, able to be herself again, she could finally relax.

Looking up from her book, when Vivian began to approach, Lucia was visibly conflicted. The girl had left her after all, it was a harsh and bitter betrayal to the Priestess. She'd thought Vivian had long moved on to whatever her next endeavor would be and hadn't thought the woman would ever wander back into her camp intentionally. "Vivian." She started, drawing the gazes of many undead who'd been working. Most notably was the Wraith King by her side who slowed his peeling in the event something happened. "I hadn't thought you'd ever pay me any mind considering the way we parted before those years ago. What brings you back to my door after everything was said and done dear?" She asked with a small smile.

She was as charming as ever, every action filled with grace and elegance you might expect from someone noble despite her humble surroundings. It was that same mellow and in control demeanor she had back then, as if the world were too simple a goal forcing her to look for something more interesting to do with her time. If Vivian approached, Lucia would set her glass down, standing to her full height. Though still relaxed she still exerted that firm pressure even now.

@Vivian Cruz

 

[Vivian Cruz]

"What? No hug and kiss?"

That was the one thing that made Vivian uncomfortable around the Necromancer, it was her ability to remain cool and calm and exert some kind of dominance in every situation. The cool eyes, the warming presence... Ugh, after four years, she still felt wholly jealous of the woman. It might have been easier to call them something of rivals than former lovers. The woman stood face to face with the woman and nodded. Instead of that hug and kiss, Vivian extended her hand for a mutual handshake and then sat down at the table where she was.

Mirroring the noble across from her, Vivian crossed one leg over the other but leaned back in her chair with a little carelessness.

"Honestly, I just wanted to see you again. I hope after four years, we still don't have a grudge against one another. A lot of time has passed since then, has it not? Wouldn't it be nice if we could just...start from scratch? Perhaps not. I don't know what state you have kept yourself in after all this time, but I have indeed moved on. The game didn't rule my life, so I continued doing what I was good at and growing. Hopefully as a person as well. Mostly."

Vivian chuckled lightly, holding a hand to her mouth before blinking and looking around her camp. They were certainly busy tidying the place up. It had been ages, most of the details needed to be attended to, but Lucia's hardworking servants were quietly working while the others had a leery eye on the multitalented Steam Warrior. She gave a friendly wave to them and chuckled again lightly.

"They would certainly come to attack me if I jumped this table and tried to smother you in kisses, huh? I wouldn't though. I don't want this to be one of those visits. I remember I often came to visit and ended up in your tent the rest of the night. Those were fun times, Lucia. And memories I will always cherish. No. I am here mostly to chat, catch up and possibly something else. Mostly, I just wanted to see you again. It's been a long time. How have you been, Lucia? And tell me the truth. I don't want to hear some garbage how you have been fine."

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Lucia maintained her smile while nursing her coffee, when Vivian sat down she wouldn't hesitate to remain sitting as well. Though mentioning hugs and kisses made Lucia a bit bitter, it certainly wasn't a request she would expect from someone who had betrayed and left her at least. "I'm a very forgiving person Vivian. It's in my nature, and a part of what makes me as powerful as I am. I can smile and sit at the same table as someone who hurt me, who doesn't like me, and still maintain a level of respect and dignity others might not. I'm sure the consequences of betraying me though were quite clear back then, and should still be rather clear even now." Lucia offered with a nod and a gentle gesture. Lucia would never go about hunting someone for betrayal, she would even still offer them advice and kind gestures. That didn't however mean that bygones were bygones.

Rather then shaking she'd reach a hand out to pat the girl's head, for some it was a reassuring gesture, for Lucia it was her method of kindness she was most used to. But getting closer then arm's reach Lucia didn't quite reach that far yet. "You hurt me Vivian, not with my HP, I might not have bled, but the pain was certainly greater. Devastating even, this was how much I trusted you, even until the moment you left, I had faith in you. Maybe my love is difficult to understand, it's value hard to count, but no one will be able to say they cannot feel it's depth." Lucia explained as if feeling Vivian wasn't completely aware. Even while explaining though, she maintained that smile, that charming kindness hadn't faded despite the bitterness. "It must be nice to be able to move on or start from scratch, I can't tell if that means you didn't like me that much or not. Vivian, you were important to me, I liked you a lot, you don't exactly move on from losing something that precious to you." Lucia spoke as if it couldn't be helped.

Though when the comment of smothering with kisses came up the one to answer was the Wraith King at the side. Setting down a second coffee for their guest, the noble wraith spoke with the tone of a steward or butler. "If I may, we're not weary of kisses, so much as the potential that our Saintess might be harmed further. I'm afraid all of us are quite protective after all, our miss's suffering is naturally difficult for us to watch. Were it the Knight Commander or Vice Commander, I fear they may have already reached over the table and started shaking you." The man inserted, thinking that Sylvanas and Ezra would surely have had a more volatile reaction then the other undead who merely watched would.

Of course, Lucia only shook her head with a bitter expression. However protective her subordinates were she wasn't sure how their honesty would be taken. Lucia however chuckled at the comment about being 'fine', it was amusing but she certainly wasn't that. "Hardly fine dear. You know me, I hate reality, real life is pain for me, I loath it, I've always loathed it. Being chained there for 4 years, I really envied Ezra who was stuck here you see. Then there were the terms we left on as well, I'm certainly anything but fine... But I'm here." Lucia spoke, her smile warm, softening as she explained. Despite her struggles and problems, she maintained her appearance, her dignity. In the game that would never be taken from her after all, she would be a Queen until the day the game ended.

@Vivian Cruz

 

[Vivian Cruz]

Vivian had remained seated, one leg over the other, if not with a subtle rhythmic bounce every once in a while. As one of her servants came to serve coffee for their guest, Vivian kept her eyes on Lucia ahead of her. All the while that one was speaking, Vivian's smile dropped a little, eyes turned to the Wraith with a slight subtle smirk.

"I would expect nothing less. As future Queen, I would expect my subjects and servants to be obedient little members of my society and do what is necessary to protect their Matriarch. So, I'll take that threat with my coffee. Thank you."

It was clear from Lucia that Vivian may have left a scar on her heart. Her brightly colored eyes remained focused on the raven haired Necromancer. Her hand lifted the cup of coffee to take a sip, the subtle flavors and aroma was quite generous to her taste buds. She had forgotten how enjoyable food and beverage was in virtual reality, all of it from the texture to taste was mirrored perfectly if not a little better than the original. Her brain didn't need to know the difference.

"I had to move on, Lucia. I had a business to run in the real world. I am sorry for how things were left between us. It was not my intention to decimate your heart into ruins, or the fact how you smile and act dignified around me to hide your hurt. I can't control your heart or your feelings, only my own. You were right about something, though. I didn't like you."

Without batting an eye, Vivian had sipped from her coffee. Her nimble tongue dipped over her bottom lip, savoring the sweet heat that touched her lip.

"I loved you more than I ever loved anyone. It hurt me as well to let you go. To let things fall apart as they did. Maybe it was my naive spirit when I was younger, or perhaps it was silly immaturity. But I didn't think I could grow being your lover. Maybe I was caught up too much in the lore of this world, or maybe I was too ambitious for my own good. Who knows. It's been four long years for me and to be honest, I had forgotten much about it. I didn't forget about you, had I, I wouldn't be here trying to reconcile...Or whatever this 'pleasantry' is supposed to be."

Vivian let out a quiet sigh and shook her head. She placed both hands in her lap once more and leaned her head to look out over the horizon.

"We are a bit of the opposites here. Dignified, regal... You have a team of competent undead who knows how to properly guard their Matriarch. Me, on the other, I am striving to put laces through a shoe hole. But on the other hand, I am blossoming as a woman in the real world. I wish to remain on good terms with you. You can hate me for leaving you and hurting you, I am not expecting you to move forward on so easily, not asking you to kick the grudge you have against me. You can smile. You can act dignified, keep that mask on you, if that is what you want. But I'm still going to love you, I just can't show it the same way I used to. Four years for you might have been torture in the real world. But for me, it was an eye-opener. We are just too different, Lucia."

---

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

The Wraith King didn't blink at the attempted provocation. Professionalism took priority, it was the specter's own form of dignity as he returned naturally to Lucia's side in the event some intervention was necessary. Likewise it was a provocation that would bounce off of Lucia, she'd yet to name a queen for her undead kingdom, someday she would find one appropriate that would allow her to retire to her role as a spiritual leader. That Queen would also be an undead however, it was a plan Mortimer as well as most of her undead were aware of regardless of their protests.

Vivian's words though seemed to misconstrue her demeanor for something else though. Tilting her head in thought wondering just how the woman saw her. "Come now, you don't remember how I acted before? My atmosphere? My style? I'd hardly say this is an appearance I'm keeping up to hide hurt-- I hardly think I'm hiding my hurt at all. Does it not seem genuine? Am I not being honest about it?" She asked bitterly wondering if the woman really even noticed or remembered.

The woman's long effort to explain or justify her actions was likewise lost on Lucia. For Lucia who believed in things like love to the point that she made it a core part of her power and potential, these types of reasonings were alien. "Mm... 'Business to run', 'Unable to grow'... 'Naive', 'immature'... 'caught up in lore', 'too ambitious'... 'striving to put laces through shoe holes', 'blossoming into a woman'... " Lucia collected her reasons and explanations with a gentle smile. Even shaking her head as she continued, collecting other words Vivian chose to use as she continued. "Vivian, dear, have you really felt love before? True love... Real love." She spoke, still smiling in spite of the potential harshness of her words. If Vivian seemed confused, Lucia would lean back and try her best to explain.

"I love Ezra dear, we're very different in our beliefs. My self serving nature to pursue my ambitions, to build my kingdom with my own hands, my love of showmanship and literature. She was always self-sacrificing, protecting strangers and us even until she died, she was very disciplined, a realist. She waited here for 4 years for me to come back, full of anxiety not knowing if we were alive or dead. I spent 4 years, waiting to come back, and see if she was okay. That, is love dear."

"I love Luna as well, we were probably even more different then Ezra. She was quiet, easy to mold, quick to fold, like a fawn in headlights, she had no idea how to play the game but wanted to have fun. It's really night and day to people like us. She found me, in reality after the game shut down, for 4 years, she helped hold me together and keep me grounded. I spent 4 years trying to change for her. That, is love dear."

With a warm smile, she watched Vivian, she was hurt yes, devastated even, but she still had love, love that gave her strength, and her envy still festered, envy that allowed her to endure. "Love is something that transcends 'difference'; Cleopatra and Mark Anthony. It transcends 'status'; Paris and Helen. It transcends 'distance'; Odysseus and Penelope. And it last through the ages, no matter how brief... 'Romeo and Juliet'." She offered with a small nod as she sited examples, however toxic or volatile some loves might be, true love persists despite adversity was her message. "This is why Love is one of the 7 great virtues, one of the 3 theological virtues that can compete with Sin dear."

Lucia tried to explain, perhaps Vivian had different thoughts, perhaps to her love was different, but Lucia smiled in spite of that. "And I don't hate you. Pity maybe, but not hate Vivian. You made your choice, and while I'm hurt, I accept it. I can only wish that whatever awaits you further down your road dear was worth it. If you want to be on good terms, I forgive you, it doesn't make me hurt less, but forgiveness and acceptance is a part of love. If you want to come visit, no matter how different you think we are, or how open your eyes might be, feel free. I have an open door policy as I always have." Lucia offered with a gentle hand gesture. She wasn't sure how Vivian would take her observations of beliefs on the subject, but it was certainly the reason she was so hurt, it was the reason she could still smile despite being hurt, and it was the reason she could wish Vivian well despite being in pain.

@Vivian Cruz

 

[Vivian Cruz]

It wasn't anger. Maybe just a little. But Vivian hated to be lectured by people. She wanted to care for the feelings and words conveyed by her former lover, she wanted to accept them and learn from them. Hell. Four years ago? It might have been all she needed to get through her day in TerraSphere. But it had been four years! Four years of new experiences! Four years of being away from a game in which seemed to be a nightmare for the Saintress.

Pity?! Yes. Perhaps it was pity on both sides. Pity that Lucia didn't have a life outside the game worth living for, didn't find an interest with the world around her. She understood this realm was her comfort zone, her safe space, her place of belonging. For Vivian, it was just another 'sex.' It was great to have around when you needed it, and it felt great right after that pleasure. But after that, things had to move on and continue. You couldn't last in that bliss forever.

Vivian audibly sighed. Scooping the purple hair from her bright eyes and smoothing it behind her ear. She didn't feel like smiling, or being enriched in Lucia's aura. In fact, it was horribly draining. They were just 'too' different. And that was a shame. Lucia was still a powerful and influential person in Vivian's life. She helped the woman with so many aspiring things. Perhaps in the end...perhaps the monster she sees before her was one she invented? No. This was Vivian all along. The layers just had to be peeled away.

"I could have done without the lecture and history lesson, Lucia. Sometimes that brain of yours is far too big for me to comprehend. Even still, perhaps love is something that is absent of me. Or perhaps I view love differently. I thought I loved you-perhaps from your definition, it was not true between us. Or perhaps my heart doesn't have the capacity to know what love is. Have I ever truly been in love? Probably not. Not in real life. I guess not here as well."

This was a rather bitter meeting. But in the end, perhaps she had figured this was the only way things were going to go. She drank down the contents of the warm coffee now, placing it down on the clean table, reached over and took a few handfuls of the small cheese cubes that were provided by her servants for the Necromancer to have and enjoy.

"I came here for another reason as well, Lucia. You probably already knew my reason for being here. You remember me clearly, and my vision of the future. I have conquered the financial world in New York. I own many spas and massage parlors thanks to business tactics and my really soft hands. Clients love me. But that's a high, ya know? I enjoy that. I seek that. I want that here as well."

Both legs extended out before her and Vivian stretched out, all four limbs finding their way reaching up high and low towards the ground while her butt shifted in the seat and then finally she stood. She was careful not to make Lucia's undead become antsy as she stood and followed the table to face Lucia.

"I don't suppose you will get down on bended knee and give your fealty to me as the future Queen of Terra Sphere, hmm? It is rather simple task."

She didn't expect Lucia to be a subservient follower, her will was too strong, but she had to ask. The Queendom in her needed to see if it was at least possible, even though she knew the answer already. But because she asked, she wanted Lucia to understand who she was as well. Perhaps... Lucia didn't know Vivian as well as she thought, or perhaps neither of them really knew the other?

---

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Lucia heard with a bitter nod. It was something she'd suspected, Vivian seemed to leave too easily after all. It was unfortunate, but it was something Lucia'd accepted at least. Though for the history lesson, Lucia couldn't help charming laughter, after all, it was almost Lucia's modus operandi to lecture and talk about complex topics when given the opportunity. "Mm? No history or lectures? Isn't that a shame though dear? It's something I was always rather good at after all. At least I seem to have a knack for teaching and cultivating at least." She spoke with a musing tone, considering how many she'd helped develop themselves at this point.

Hearing of the woman's 'conquest' though, Lucia sighed, certainly this was an ambition she didn't understand. "Does it make you happy Vivian? Is it fulfilling? Conquest that amounts to paper in your pocket and numbers going up and down?" She asked, that same gentle smile on her face as if truly wishing the woman well in her endeavors. If Vivian was happy Lucia'd have no complaints, that was just the nature of some people, but she still asked, as if curious. "If your eyes were opened dear, if you feel those four years have changed you so thoroughly, if you have so much to live for and your life is so rewarding... Why are you here? What value does this have for you? 'Just because'? 'Chasing a high'? Those things could be done anywhere you see, but you chose to come here, where a misjudgment could easily kill you and take away that precious treasure of your's in reality... Is why I ask~" Lucia chuckled as she questioned, but she didn't anticipate any kind of big response. In fact if Lucia had to answer for her she would think the woman had something to prove, but so rarely did those emotions ever bring about a fulfilling end it made her concerned.

Of course, when she revealed her reason for returning though, most of the undead gradually lost interest and went back to working. Even the Wraith King couldn't restrain a sigh as a hand brushed over the forehead of his porcelain mask. Lucia too had dreams of a kingdom, perhaps an empire, but hearing it from Vivian Lucia just smiled warmly and shook her head at the girl's question. "What is a Kingdom to you Vivian. A palace with a fancy chair and people who will do what you say? A war machine? A business?" Lucia asked again, really perplexed by how the woman viewed the world. It was interesting, it was why Lucia liked her because her perspective was so foreign despite the bridge being burned. "And what would your end game be mm? Rule over every inch of land in the game and then... leave?... amuse yourself with the peasant folk?... Gather the world's gold into a pool?" She asked with a sweet smile, beckoning for Vivian to take her time and think if she needed as she advised. "One's resolve and determination can be as deep as an ocean Vivian, but if the foundation their ambitions are built upon are wafer thin, you shouldn't expect to bare much weight let alone dream of achieving some lofty position."

@Vivian Cruz

 

[Vivian Cruz]

Yep. She remembered this all too well from the side of Lucia. The ever present and shining book of knowledge and lecturing like some kind of sexy history professor in college. Vivian gave an absent-minded eye roll, her indigo eyes shifted away from her as she was speaking, also taking a swinging step back. Eye contact was no longer present, and boredom was settling in faster than a wildfire in dry brush.

Her arms swung back behind her back, locked in a loose grip as she meandered in a small pace to and fro from the small patch of lands she was digging the toes of her boot in, finally sighing and shaking her head.

"Haven't you ever enjoyed doing something out of spontaneity or out of whim? Or is everything you do so calculated that there is no room for excitement? Don't call my dreams 'lofty.' That hurts, it stings. Just because I am not like you or every other player who decides to play the game in a mundane fashion doesn't mean I have to as well. Queendom is a hard goal to achieve, I understand that. And my vision of a Kingdom is anywhere I roam. And I will be damned, I WILL BE DAMNED, to allow anyone who thinks it's a lofty desire. Perhaps it is lofty, perhaps it is a pipe dream! Do you see anyone else who has such ambitions as I do? God-damn it. You just know how to piss me off."

Vivian turned her head away, showing her back to the Necromancer, and folded her arms over her chest. Perhaps this was a mistake. No one truly understands Vivian more than Vivian. Perhaps she had to walk alone in this. Perhaps she was too ambitious? But what other point was there to be alive if you couldn't spread your wings and fly?

"If my ambition was wafer thin, why would I constantly announce my Queendom as a future aspect, hm? I don't think that sounds wafer thin, Lucia! In fact, I had this dream four years ago, but it was cut off because I thought the game ended. I moved on, I did my own thing. You-You didn't evolve. You are the same Lucia from four years ago. You pity me? I pity you! Because you live inside a box and play the game inside a closed mind. Pfft! You will never understand my romantic dream!

She shouted. She physically shouted at Lucia, and she didn't care if it garnished unwanted eyes from her Undead Legion to turn at her. Vivian felt frustrated, but didn't know why. She felt foolish and didn't know why! She felt like a little girl when it came to speaking with Lucia because she was made to feel inferior! She turned around, gritting her teeth, indigo eyes full ablaze, hot temper fueling behind seething teeth and her right hand clenched tight, bubbles of disgusting black inky darkness leaking from dripping like a poison against her land.

"Did you ever know me at all?"

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Lucia shook her head, her smile still present, unflinching. She could tell the woman was trying to be serious, she was passionate sure, but that seemed to be all. It was why Lucia was concerned, why she was lecture, why she was trying to teach, just because Vivian for all of her passion, did not seem to understand the nature of a royal road. "Of course I do, I've done many things on a whim, a lot of my high Tier undead were made on Whims." She glanced towards Mortimer who nodded in reaction, they had hardly been planned out recruits and instead had been spontaneous accidents and chance encounters. "But I will call it lofty dear, because becoming a queen is not a 'Simple Task'." She spoke, this time growing more firm in her speech with a smile as she stood up as well. If Vivian wanted to understand why, Lucia wasn't opposed to teaching her.

"You say 'My Vision of a Kingdom is anywhere I roam'... Explain. You want to rule over people with only that? People to respect that kind of ambition? You would have starving farmers bow down to you because you roam through their fields? You would have ambitious merchants bow down just because you walk through their stores? Cities devastated by disaster just because you're present? Knights fighting and bleeding just because you step onto a battlefield?" Lucia spoke, almost looking down towards Vivian as she asked, her voice calm, but growing more firm and solemn as she continued. "You ask me if I see anyone who has ambitions like you do-- Have you been asleep all this time we've been together? Has my ambition for a kingdom just been blocked out of your memory? I've been creating Undead population, Undead Culture, Undead Music and Food and Drink and Games, Civilization didn't start in a castle it started in the dirt Vivian where I've been toiling to create something unique. What have you done? Made friends with some high level players? Shout at everyone who will listen that you'll be queen?" She asked while shaking her head.

When she referenced her ambition being thin, it made Lucia sigh. "The one who barks the loudest Vivian is not the strongest or the most capable. This is exactly why I call your ambition wafer thin, it has nothing to do with how long you've had this desire or how feverishly you want to preach it's merits or prospects. You speak of it like a pet project, a quick high you're chasing, without a plan, without a process, without care of consequence or end game-- What else could I call it but wafer thin? It's as if you woke up one day and declared yourself a queen, you don't know how it'll happen but hey it's your future-- Does this seem like a firm and steadily built foundation to you?" She asked firmly still even as the girl yelled and shouted, she just spoke calmly but sternly since Vivian seemed to misconstrue some things.

When Vivian asked if she knew her, Lucia only continued to gaze at her unmoved. "I do know you. You're guided by passion and desire dear, it's why a lot of your ambitions are romantic dreams as you said rather then plans and goals. It's because I know you, that I lecture you, it's because your ambition is wafer thin, that I advise you to build a foundation... To make a plan, to have a message, a goal or dream with a reason deeper then 'just because'." Lucia spoke, assertively. Though whether or not Vivian would, Lucia had given her advice, gradually smiling for Vivian after letting that concern out. "You're a good girl Vivian, If you put your mind to it I'm sure you'll make progress, but this isn't how you want to do it. Understand?" She offered, it was a lesson Lucia felt was important, if Vivian wanted it to be the last she'd sit through Lucia would be able to at least say she made an honest effort.

@Vivian Cruz

 

[Vivian Cruz]

There was a large, massive, BEHEMOTH difference between the woman who had actual worldly knowledge. The one who spoke of culture, and history. The one who DID have a Kingdom to raise from the blood on her hands to the depths of the soil at her feet. But Vivian was gone. She had a soul, she had ambition, she didn't have a plan. Lucia, with all her worldly insight, was very much correct in the things she had said. And she was well within her right to lecture the woman and her lofty dreams.

Even if she was right. Even if they spent all night in this debate... Vivian was completely ignorant and deaf to most of the lecture. Only hot white anger throbbed in her chest, the very sight of Lucia didn't fill her with love and admiration. It was a seething chokehold on her heart that increased with every smile, every syllable that fell from her lips. Reasoning was beyond gone at this point. A good girl? Was she some tantrum throwing teenage schoolgirl again? Was that what this was all about!? Was she seriously trying to act paternal, or just an antagonizing fiend?

There was a bitter glare in her eyes, teeth clenched, fist formed in both hands. The corrupt chaos formed even more black bubbles to rise from her clenched fists as she angrily stood there while the woman smiled, acted dignified and superior!

"I can't do this, Lucia! I can't even speak to you without holding back every iota of my being from tearing you to pieces! Everything you say sounds so god-damn condescending! It makes my god-damn skin crawl! I can't even believe we shared the same bed! Ugh! You are so god-damn infuriating! Yeah. I knew this was a mistake to talk to you. I thought we could have a sit down chat and just catch up. I didn't expect this shit show! I came here for what I wanted from you, though. A simple NO would have worked instead of a god-damn lecture. I don't need a lesson plan. I'll do this on my own. Thank you for the coffee, Lucia. I hope you treat yourself well."

The meeting was shortly lived. Vivian didn't understand why Lucia couldn't just support her the right way, instead of going about it like she was one of her undead subjects. Unfortunately, Lucia's advice was pure gold and Vivian didn't have the stomach to adorn such treasure upon her ears. There was an unsavory and distasteful lecture that only rung in her ears, and she shook her head to get her voice out of her head.

She needed a drink. A strong drink. She needed to get completely, and utterly trashed. And there was only one person she knew of off the top of her head that could help with that. Flipping her palm out and sending a message, Vivian removed herself from Lucia's Camp and headed towards the port city.

---

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Lucia couldn't help sighing at the girl's increasing levels of aggression. It made her shake her head wondering if Vivian was even still there in the head and participating in this conversation or if she was just saying the first thing that came to mind. "Vivian dear, you literally told me moments ago you came here to proclaim yourself a queen and asked me to bend a knee and pledge myself to you. You shouldn't try to frame it like you came here just to chat over a coffee, I was content to have a sit down with you if that was the case, we even gave you coffee remember? You were the one who brought up being a queen, you were the one who wanted me to bend a knee, you were the one coming here with an ulterior motive, and you're the one standing there presenting yourself as superior." Lucia clarified with a dry laugh. She was certainly right about something though, something about Vivian certainly did change, the woman she spent time with, the one she shared a bed with, the one she considered a partner and a friend wasn't like this while they were together. Something was clearly different making her tilt her head in wonder.

Hearing her go off farther though, Lucia couldn't help shaking her head, as if finding it terribly amusing. The charming smile on her face spreading, wide and tranquil as ever. That anyone would consider her, who's power came from envy, inferiority and pessimism was being condescending was just too funny. "A 'No' would have been cruel dear, as much as a 'Yes' would have. I'm sure you'll find many people who will smile at your face and call you a queen, or laugh at you and tell you it's impossible Vivian. I just hope you remember, as you're leading your yes men in a war against your nay sayers until you achieve mutually assured destruction, that I once offered to sit at a table and help you build a better way." Lucia offered while shaking her head.

When Vivian left, her vitriol still boiling in her belly, Lucia gave her a small wave, a small smile on her face as she left. Whether Vivian would remember or treasure her words, was anyone's guess, but Lucia still offered a few kind words as she stormed out. "When things fall apart dear, and you find yourself with nothing else, I'll still be here to pick up the pieces... Stay safe." She offered as she exited the camp. Turning back to Mortimer, Lucia would nod, offering her subordinate her own apologies for Vivian's insult, but the Wraith King would simply not accept it. Instead, offering her another warm coffee with both hands, Lucia took a long slow sip. "We should finish our project so we can take to the seas. If things go well, we can try a flotilla city and expand from there." Lucia mused thinking that Vivian would become a second Seto. If that was the case, she'd have a second coming of the black duke headache.

@Vivian Cruz