*
Lastia cherished thought. From as far back as she could remember... No, she can remember her entire life as Lastia now, what she meant was that the first days of that curse eating her memories still felt like the first days of her life. That's when 'she' truly began, without memories beyond a single day she greedily devoured information like no other, anything that can be remotely interesting she wanted to learn.
Even abhorring the curse, it still felt like the root of her existence. It was when she truly looked at the world, looked at things for what they were without preconceived notions. Everyone else had culture, norms, expectations that curb their imagination and comprehension. She only needed to experience and love. Looking back, there were numerous moments with Arin and Sariel that she was fondly affectionate of.
Including that time she created Yggdrasil, for the longest time she believed Yggdrasil to be completely of her own creation. She didn't know the curse that stole her memories at midnight was getting some of it siphoned to Yggdrasil, accidentally developing an ego. The curse held memories of times long past, some data from her past life might have been absorbed by Yggdrasil too, or maybe it was her personality from her past life that made up a decent portion of Yggdrasil.
Giselle made her love clear when she fought off The Primordial One from invading their world. Arin and Sariel had taken care of her so much since the early days. It felt like she owed a debt of love, affection that must be returned, but also affection that made the world so beautiful. In that time, her life could have been so much worse, she might not even be able to function as a human being without their presence. She supposed, this debt is what drives her so far.
She didn't care so much if Arin put the curse on her. The concern and care in Arin was real, the companionship of Sariel couldn't be replaced, they were infinitely more important to her than some memories. For the two who gave her that world of kindness, she'd strive to do her best no matter what. Those two might not understand how much those daily interactions meant to Lastia, but that's okay.
"Hey...! The inn isn't this way, where are we going?" (Leslie)
"We're being followed. Best we lead them away from where we stay and take them out." (Lastia)
She navigated through a dense crowd, a hand firmly gripped onto Leslie's, pulling her close so she could be easier to protect. Leslie has some combat capability, Lastia didn't doubt that. But things are still easier if she handled it on her own, and in the end... She subconsciously still saw them as exp for herself to hoard... The noise of town life never ends abruptly, rather it tweeters down and down until it could only be heard from at a distance.
The air away from the centre of town was fresher, but still unduly putrid. The lack of a widespread sanitation system really was the most egregious thing for a modern person, she felt like she couldn't get used to it no matter how long she stayed here, and the capital was no better. Even noble's could barely keep it out of their house, so those who travel had to get used to it immediately.
Reaching a desolate area, they seemed to stop hiding their presence. Even Leslie has begun to pick up on their position, converging around the possible escape routes. They were blocked off, even without much experience in the field, the enemy's presence was downright suffocating for Leslie. A militia? An armed force with an average level of 20, this was the sort of force you'd see from a veteran mercenary group or an old hand at banditry.
"They aren't hiding anymore, I need you to hold them for a moment, think you could do that?" (Lastia)
"I never expected to leave you all the work, I'm still a mage at heart." (Leslie)
With haste, they ran into the alley surrounded by their comrades. Any exit had people waiting, even with a stealth skill it would be difficult to slip through them. If they had a single scout to see through low level stealth at every important choke point, there would be no chance to escape. Fortunately, the plan wasn't to escape. With a thunderous thud, Lastia summoned her great sword, causing the ground under her and Leslie to cave into a severely fragmented crater.
It was like a giant mass of steel, yet it reflected no sheen. The blackness of its surface was so deep that it exceeded coal, it looked like it was even absorbing the light around it, causing some of the enemies observing to rub their eyes in confusion. They sped up their run, undeterred. As long as a group of men distract Lastia, they had plenty of hands to kill Leslie. An approach of sheer numbers, crude but effective when trying to kill select targets. Bodyguards can hold off attackers and keep themselves alive with skills, but they can also get overwhelmed even if unhurt.
Taking a single step, she lifted the great sword with one hand before placing the other onto its handle in a languid manner, as if showing off to the enemy her on arm strength. Leslie was about to question what she was attempting, when Lastia pivot on one foot and took a big swing with both arms. The sword in her arm disappeared at a speed that couldn't be followed. From the perspective of others, the sword disappeared the moment her foot touched the ground.
However, the ones from a certain distance away can clearly see what happen... Much like watching a target get shot by a gun... She threw her great sword and cleaved a group of people in half.
"Soft... Softer than goblins." (Lastia)
The sword dissipated, and that was the end of that. The magic is now gone, and they should be able to regain composure, right? Another sword formed by her side, then another. They flank her like imposing guardians, absorbing light like an unintroduced night.
"I can kill you faster than you can run. Come." (Lastia)