Going it alone is scary. It's trying. Lucia has been put to the test, well and truly, adventuring on her own. That's what it's meant to be... a trial. A test from mother, a test to show that she really could follow orders. That she really could play by their rules, no matter how trying those rules were. Rules that felt like shackles, a punishment that didn't feel fitting for the crime. If she wasn't going to follow the orders given by a commander, then she couldn't be a member of a party. Cast back into the dungeon, forced to do this by herself. A hollow feeling in Lucia's chest, one that grew every time she set out on her own.

Did mother care if she lived or died down here? Didn't feel like it. Didn't feel like she gave a damn, anymore. Not the golden child, not the baby. Not the star of the show. For as much as she tried to cast the bitter feelings about her sisters aside, it was getting harder. Every time Marianna returned from a campaign with the rest of her party, all excitement and ego and accolades, it stung. The anticipation surrounding Natalia's first campaign had been thick in the air around the time Lucia departed, as well. Gathering a party that was destined for success, filled with only the Company's finest.

Dwelling on the memories of her last, ill fated party, Lucia continues deeper within the dungeon. They should have been okay. Their commander had been experienced, but nearing retirement. A gruff, cold man, Emanuele had so many years under his belt. Still among the Company's ranks, one of Mother's trusted informants. Fiero, Lucia's mentor, was supposed to be their ranger on that expedition. Skilled with thrown weapons, and sharp as a tack. His departure still stung, abrupt as it was. Antonia had taken his place, a girl Lucia's age. That made two of them, wet behind the ears in the ways of the dungeon.

That should have been the first red flag. The Company should have known better. Lucia kicked a stone, sending it skidding into the Furnace beyond. Sure, half the party being relatively new to the game wasn't a death sentence, but it wasn't a situation either of her sisters would ever be put in. Pierto had been the last piece of the puzzle, a relative unknown to both Lucia and the Company. It had been a trial for him as well, a new medic. Recently hired on, handsome, sure of himself. As they ventured into the dungeon, Lucia had come to realize just how argumentative and petulant he was.

To cap that off, there was Lucia. Skill monkey. Sixth sense for danger-- a nice way to say she's got anxiety, and she's overly observant. Hyper aware of her surroundings, and good with tasks that require above average finesse. Perhaps a role that requires more trust than most, and it was clear from the outset that they didn't trust her. Pushing down the resounding bitterness, Lucia considers the fact that maybe she's better on her own for now. Longing for companionship, yes, but for now it's better this way. Hopefully she'd find a party that would put their trust in her, with time.