Lucia

Lucy's squire helps her into the gleaming silver armor of Saint Lucia. As the breastplate slides into place, she sighs softly, a wave of melancholy washing over her. Today marks one year in this strange world. She frowns as the realization hits her. With each passing day, memories of her old life slip further away, while living as the venerated Saint Lucia feels more normal. She shakes her head slightly, confusing her squire.

"Is something wrong, your grace?" the boy asks, pausing in his work.

"No, carry on. Please." Lucy replies gently. The squire nods reverently as he finishes strapping on her armor. She wonders what he would have thought if he had seen her that first day, confused and weak when she emerged from the crypt. Only a few of the most trusted priests know of the world she came from, the Earth she longs for. She must push forward, vanquish the demons, and prove herself worthy. Perhaps then fate will return her home, to...to... She shakes her head again as the name eludes her. As the squire steps back, finished with his task, she gives him a small nod. Turning, she steps out into the courtyard where her white horse waits, surrounded by a cohort of knights. She swings up into the saddle, determination etched on her face.

"Men, we ride for the village of Rosewood, in the Sanlow Valley. For months we've had reports of disappearances coming out of the valley. Several of the smaller farming villages have been deserted entirely. Witnesses speak of a strange man stalking the woods. I believe a powerful demon is at work, growing stronger with each victim he claims. He must be stopped. Onward!"

With that she sets off. The ride takes several days, but eventually Lucy and her knights ride into the quiet valley. In the distance, she spots Rosewood, noticing thin tendrils of smoke rising from chimneys. Hope flickers in her chest. Perhaps the demon has not yet claimed this village. As they draw nearer, a few wary villagers emerge from their homes. Their eyes grow wide at the gleaming armor and banners of Saint Lucia. Whispers ripple through the crowd gathering in the town square. Lucy slides gracefully from her horse and smiles warmly at them.

"Good people of Rosewood. I am Lucia of the Umbral Dawn. Rest assured we have come to slay the foul creature plaguing your valley and return the missing safely home."

Murmurs of gratitude and relief meet her pronouncement. She questions the villagers and learns the demon man seems to dwell somewhere north, deeper in the secluded valley. Lucy's expression grows somber. She thanks them for their time and mounts her horse again, bidding her knights to follow as she rides for the woods. The shadows seem to close in on them the deeper they go. There's a rustling in the trees. She senses a dark presence. She draws her holy blade.

"Stay close, men. He is near." Lucy whispers to her knights, her voice low but steady. Her sharp green eyes pierce the gloom between the trees, alert for any sign of movement. A low, sinister chuckle echoes through the woods in response. Lucy tenses, her muscles coiled and ready. With startling speed, a figure bursts from the trees, crimson eyes flashing as he lunges toward her. She brings her sword up just in time, steel clashing loudly against the demon's claws. Snarling, the demon presses closer, his beautiful but terrible visage mere inches from Lucy's own. Her eyes widen.

"{{user}}?"