Most people never realized how often they don’t look up, leaving those of the sky to usually go unnoticed. Her ravens were evident of that fact, proven time and time again how those often in their company rarely acknowledged them. So when a fairly large unkindness proceeds to take over a territory, perched along the roofs and high structures as they observed those who resided below, hardly anyone ever bats an eye. Their growing presence was almost as mundane as a passing cloud, until that is, when they’re finally noticed.

Astrid would be one of said beings, hung in her anguish as she perched atop the balcony lost in thought. There would be quite a few ravens that had sat along the rails and the crevices. Overlooking the coming morning, but more interestingly the view down below. As shrines and statues were bring brought back to life on the spur of human interest and the call for festivities.

The ravens of Oak were as curious as any other. So word among them spread like the gossip among wives, eventually trailing onto the North where a particular woman resided. Her birds, often whispering in her ear and this time they brought news of celebration. Rumors of an old tradition long stomped out by the insufferable Illumin church, their efforts to be the only prominent influence had receded even if for but a moment; and this would be enough to spark the interest for such and event within the Demoness. Who didn’t very well like their kind, nor the rigidity of their veneration. Coming from a large pantheon just to the north-east, Lumikki was not pleased with the efforts of the Seraphim, nor did her nature allow any friendliness within her to resonate with them, at least if they weren’t of this realm. The same could be extended to her kin of the Abyss and any other beings who wish to meddle in this world without ever truly subjecting themselves to life within the Earthrealm. How irksome were timeless when their arrogance proceeded their skill. Their lofty manipulations were doomed to be retaliated by the monsters of their making; but that was a different matter. For now, it was a time of joy. A time to remember the colors of life when not bleached with an obnoxiously blinding light.

And so Lumikki sorted some matters, assuring that the guild can hold just fine while she was away from home. Most of her paperwork was already answered, the rest could be looked over by Alvis, her trusted servant and the one she was training to shadow her when needed. Upon the back of Asger, her Leviat and flying serpent, she’d travel west for the first time. Only hearing it in passing prior by old friends and recent sister. Lumikki took to the skies sometime early morning, so as she approached the town of Oak, the golden streaks of morning began to span the skies. Lumikki held a certain distaste for light, one that was exasperated in recent times; but despite her displeasure to be awake so early in the morning, she did find a lot of beauty in the rising sun. What more, the light sprung from behind her, sparing her of the insufferable shine.

Lumikki was at Oak town within the hour. Gliding down from Asger as she left him among the sea of clouds. He would head to the nearby sea to pass the time until she called for him. Meanwhile, Lumikki would begin to walk around and study the view. The Demoness was in her human facade, her skin a cool brown and arms, hands, and talon-like nails stained an inky black. Her pale white hair hung loose, but a few locks were braided with red ribbon and connected in the back like ribs of a rib cage. She wore a long black gown with dark blue accents, that left her arms and back exposed. Covering her legs that were wrapped around in nothing but moving shadow. Her citrine and sapphire eyes were lined with darkness, as were her lips which were painted in shadow; but one could not see her face through the black veil with which she wore, made from the final bits of fleeting night that receded within the morning. For the moment, Lumikki wanted to remain in obscurity, tired was she that her reputation grew to proceed her. Though she never really stepped foot within these lands, most would probably make her out on sight alone.

Lumikki knew very little of this town, only that her old friend created his guild not too far from here. Or that her sister could be found nearby. But anymore than that was a blur as she lacked any personal or impactful ties. Whether this worked in Oak’s favor, all considering, she wouldn’t know. All human places seemed to be held in the same regard to her after the rebirth into Demon. They were places to be observe and meddled with, but the need to “look down” was something Lumikki long concluded wouldn’t serve her. She was a curious and ravenous being, consuming all there was to know and any tales baked deeply within. To be particular on statuses robbed her of pleasing new lore. So the Festival of the Crimson Moon was a particularly tasty curiosity for her, and the introduction of the Blood Goddess into her world view. She knew nothing of this deity, not even if the Goddess was real. Nor did Lumikki know if she’d like her presence, but the ideation of mortals was still interesting to note.

So as Lumikki followed the people making their way to their place of worship, at least that is what she thought it to be with all the shrines and statues erected, her eyes traced over every one with much fascination. Stopping at the one in the shape of a bird. Many of Lumikki’s ravens were perched atop places left untouched. Their eyes studying the people as much as her’s were on the shrines. And one of the local ravens would come to join her, gliding toward her arm and shoulder. To which Lumikki would welcome with excitement. ”Curious, they’re all oddly in blatant disrepair. Do the humans here not know how to maintain their shrines love?” Her voice was low and soft as her silent steps took her through the aisles until she stopped in front of the bird shaped one. Its wings were magnificent, one could notice the love and detail that had once went into its making, but now the poor thing stood eroded as if forgotten and it pained the Demoness so. It was like looking at herself, a being as timeless as the stone that formed it, yet she could easily fall to pieces as well if left alone and unregarded. The pain of being forgotten was prominent in her still, but she suppose seeing a massive raven in ruin didn’t help.

”I wouldn’t know my Revna, this is the first time I’ve seen them handle any. They’ve went untouched for who knows how many generations, but I hear there’s been a change in leadership here. This is just one of the new requests redeemed, I think. They hope to throw some kinda celebration, but it all sounds like nonsense to me, so I hardly know what more to tell you sadly.” His voice was low and gruff as he spoke words only Lumikki could comprehend. His age was apparent, but so was the wisdom within him. So if he truly didn’t know, then a lot of this was quite new to him and more complicated than he could manage to understand. She’d have to ask around if she wanted to hear more of the story, but it would so happen that a woman’s voice would break her of the speculative trance. The pale one, to which Lumikki didn’t notice upon her arrival, was also tending to the bird-like statue. The tone in which she spoke, sounded almost remorseful. Lumikki would glance at Astrid from the corner of her eye, trying to gleam who she was before butting in herself; but she’d step forward and delicately slide her talons along the stone of the opposite wing. ”I hear good omens find those that make offerings to ravens. They’re the like ta see to it, that they’ve taken care of their own. One should consider it if they see the bird around, even if it’s one of stone. They remember more than one thinks, ye know.” Her voice was soft but stern, hidden in her human vestige yet some of the timeless tundra nearly spilt through. And as the words left her lips, her black frost would creep along the stone. Encasing it in ice that would never yield until she does. The cracks and crevices were promptly filled, the feathers given a new sheen, and it was almost like in its new vigor, the raven would spring to life. Even the eyes almost looked like it now held the spark of the living.

Lumikki pulled back, moving about so that she could inspect her work. When she was sure that she was pleased, the Demoness would entertain her company once more. ”Consider it me offering to the festivities. Granted, I don’t come from here but I can’t overlook a wounded raven can I? The magic should hold better than anything these folk could muster but I’m curious. What inspired it to be made in the first place?”

”Typical of those in Fiore, so enamored in the ivory wings of Seraphim that many other prospects are overshadowed. Pity such interesting things such as the small stories of ravens, often get denounced. But I jest, I know all too well that there lacks a sense of spiritism here…it’s for that reason I paid a visit. I’m curious of the deviation within the norm, as I find more comfort in the pantheons meself.” Her voice was almost playful as she spoke, it was sing-song in tone. Reminiscent of a raven poking their victim in a harmless tease.

Lumikki observed the woman as she finished inspecting her work. It had seem that the odd gesture took Astrid by awe, enough to test her fingers on the ice and sure enough, recede her hand as quick as she set it upon the statue. Sometimes the ice mage forgot how painful the nipping bite of frost was, sometimes she forgot one’s normal reactions to touching something cold; but the wince from how the lass reacted allowed a small giggle to escape her lips. The playful melody met with a stifling hand and a tilt of her head. ”Aye, nor was I expecting a lovely statue on me morning visit. Pleasing when life could be amusing, isn’t it?”

Lumikki turned to look upon the statue once again, though pleased, she wondered if she wanted to do more. Though more than likely it was just the normal thoughts of dissatisfaction peeking through the calm, as most artist or craftsmen suffered a impulsion to never enjoy their work; but it would have to do as this was not her’s to alter. A new shell to stand the test of time, whether the humans tended to it or not, was all that could be provided from her and Astrid’s sentiments of the artisans only reinforced her thoughts. Yet what a shame that they were too busy for such matters as these, Lumikki was far too used to the quick work of the Dwarves. Admittedly the comparison of the two was not a fair one.

As Astrid moved about and answered Lumikki’s question to the best of her ability, as there was only so much one could say when the intricacies of fascinating lore gets lost to the test of time, Lumi would follow the woman’s moments with her eyes. Noting all her mannerisms as Astrid woefully recanted the tale of her town. ”Hmmm” was all the Demoness could answer mournfully throughout the rest of Astrid’s musings, as she thought over the frustrations of facing what was lost. ”Certainly vexing indeed…” She’d utter, only to be met with an amusing tangent in the end. Lumikki knew she failed at her task to not be noticed the moment she first opened her mouth, though veil and dark clothes were already a minor cause to stare.

”Heh, suppose it’s obvious that I am but I’m sure it pales in comparison to ye. The way ye speak of the efforts leads me to assume ya run it. Meanwhile, I’m just a wayward lass who finds joy from myth and stories, so I was hoping to learn the one from Oak town as I enjoy a nice stay here—speaking of which, hmmm….I’d need to find an inn. Coming here was a spur of the moment curiosity, as little birdies told me of coming celebrations, but I came straight here without sorting any matters out. Would ye have a recommendation by chance? Might as well inquire while I have yer attention.” Lumikki took on a pondering posture but if Astrid couldn’t offer her a name to an inn, all would be fine as she could still ask the local ravens. ”If most forgot the purpose of these shrines, how is it ye know how to throw the festival? What would I expect, if ye don’t mind me asking? It’s clear I’m out of place as is, I’d hate to stand out anymore than this.”

In Astrid’s notion to quell such things, to negate Lumikki’s assumption of the woman’s standing within the town. She’d weaved the point she had to make with threads of baseless accumulation. Seeding the implication that regardless of what Lumikki would probably hear in passing, they were all nonsensical rumors. Hardly worth confronting the pale woman with to the point that none would speak it to her face. And even with Astrid’s step into the shadow, there was no way to know that Lumikki could see in perfect darkness. The shifts of expression were not lost on her, much like any of pacifying words.

Curious, and curiouser… A passing thought while a mischievous grin overtook her hidden face. ”Is that so?” Her tone was that of one taking in information for what it was, but Lumikki subtly rose her hand in a gesture of acceptance when it was really just a means to signal a raven just past Astrid, that it was addressed to them instead. Her attentive raven would croak the answer in response, ”No my Revna, it would be her that leads the flock.” And with the answer, Lumikki would pull her hands together so that only the finger tips touched.

”Well, I guess I understand. Ye just spoke so assured that I took ye for something more. Figured it would be a ‘foreigner’ to mention it, the like of an outsider tends to speak clearly on what they see even if they’re wrong in the assumption. But I guess one would need power for such matters indeed, an endeavor that is too troublesome to come about when there are likely more important things to pursue.” Lumikki’s tone, so matter-a-factly, that one could infer confidently that the notion was buried entirely. So spoke like someone that believed every word, but yet her “World’s eye” would gleam over all the missing information it could muster. Pulling up such details like the woman’s name and her real seat among those in power.

It would seem Lumikki was not the only Guild Master to not announce their presence, nor the only one to withheld pleasantries like introducing a name. She wondered just how long the pair could play along, she wondered if her company would summon the monster within her instead.

”Kukuku, hardly worth the praise to be an early bird ye know. I simply chase what’s interesting when I can and it leads me to move faster than most in amusing times. I ‘will’ praise meself for getting here before there were no rooms left, I would have had to find a place within the wilds nearby to sleep instead. Hardly pleasing, don’t ye think?” Though Lumikki was dancing along, the joy and amusement of her words were sincere as she enjoyed to take the moment with all its splendor. The Demoness hardly felt the need to fear her company in a long time as she was raised beside Yuurei and Brone, and therefore hardened by the presence of other monsters. It would be the confidence bolstered and her amusement to see where things could go that lead her down such paths. Enjoying the role of one innocent or naive in situations where one thinks they are the beast beside their prey. And so Lumikki often finds joy in inviting danger, so she may meet it with her own like some playful game.

”What kindness, ye really are a gem within a small town. I thank ye for walking me about the streets since clearly I’d be at a loss. I’m also quite curious to see this place ya think I’d like. Aye, quite the pleasing notion.” Joy swelled in her voice to the point it overflowed into her motions and gestures and Lumikki would begin to take the steps until she was beside her company. It was good that Astrid kept her eye to the shadows, as Lumikki moved in utter silence. The passing breeze made more sound than the Demoness who embodied every notion of a shadow. Besides perhaps the quality of going unnoticed. No, there was no pleasure in not being seen for the moment.

”Is everyone here so inviting? Yer the first I began to speak to, everyone so busy in their task so early in the morning. Can’t say I blame ‘em.” All the ravens perched along statue and shrines, would follow the pair with their eyes. Only shifting closer when they became too far along. It did not take the two very long to return to the cobbled streets, a bulk of the stores were still amidst their early preparations for the day and a few men here and there were standing about it passing discussion. Lumikki looked over the buildings and people with the peace granted to her from beneath the veil. ”I kept forgetting to ask, yet I began following ya. What might yer name be, least I know what to call ye? Since yer warming up to be such a charming friend in this new town, ye could call me as me friends do, Raven~ Of course I hope I ain’t imposing, ye owe me no such favors. I was just hoping to pass this celebration in good company. Unless ye want me to pester another?”

”What fool deemed that unimpressive? The Alfather must be laughing at every decision they’ve ever made, as it all could be reduced to something akin to a needless gamble.” Lumikki, only a few steps behind her guide, would keep a wandering eye to all that was around her. Enjoying the shifts in the setting, for better or worse. Nothing really had mettle to inconvenience her easily.

As the pair traversed the Oak Town streets, there were many people settled upon the watch ways. Becoming somewhat of a deterrent as the two were set on reaching their next location. Astrid handled them simple enough, in ways far kinder and more patient than Lumikki would. Probably opting to fly over them if anything at all, as the pain of walking was now wearing her down. Things not only felt longer, but they felt more crowded and busy; but Astrid kept things entertaining enough for the Demoness so that she wouldn’t simply just fly away. Stoping in place to then part the crowd and make a path through the fray. The wary host of people moved away without much word, and after the feat, Astrid would turn around to look directly at her. ”Huh…what would I need campfire for? I both have no need for light or warmth…” Lumikki spoke quite matter-a-factly, as if this was something that should be known. How ever did the Demoness presume this, was beyond her capacity at the moment. Her focus was more toward the absurdity of so many outside so early in the morning.

It felt like ages but they finally passed the fringes of the crowd. Now Lumikki finally had the space to house her thoughts. She was not new to piercing through the rustle and bustle, but it didn’t mean she liked it. Nor did often suffer it anymore, so entertaining it now was taxing. But Astrid’s ability to part the path would sate her ire and soon enough they were free of the hoards. Truly, this Town was more overfill than the Demoness had initially thought.

”The Comodamente? What a curious name, and me dear, ye honor me so.” But as soon as she got to speaking, Lumikki went silent. As her curious company was reading the contents of a letter pinned to the door. In Astrid’s dismay, she’d tear it up. Discarding such a message along the street to scatter about. Lumikki wasn’t in the slightest bit intrigue by what it could say, but Astrid was still kind enough to inform her. A gesture that only made their ceremonious location that more appealing as it was also a point of not just exclusivity, but vexation.

”I could jest that one should dress for the part, and in doing so, they could seem more important than they are. But yer not a daft lass to buy such frivolous glib if ye brought me here despite the hoards of folks along the way, and to introduce me as the first within for that matter. Ye indeed come off as kind, but not too gracious. Ye wouldn’t do me such an honor if ye figured I was not of interest to ya, even if it were but the playful variety. And though I have me charm, I have failed to hide anything of note, so to say. I am indeed an oddity in all its obviousness; but it’s simply so boring to be entirely hidden away during interesting moments like these. Wouldn’t ye say? Ye even did me the honor of speaking a name, really, I’m quite grateful.” Lumikki entertained the dialog as Astrid played up the show of opening the door. The slight performance really building up the impact of the view inside. Just as Astrid finally opened the entrance, Lumikki did a small performance of her own. Shifting the frost and shadows of her dress to something less cumbersome. If Astrid would do her the honor in being honest about something as important as a name, then she could at least reveal more of her nature in turn. After all, there was never any fun to be had with such dances if there was a lack of ebb and flow.

The long black dress that trailed behind her would shorten, the portion covering her neck and upper chest unraveled. The excess diminishing away like fallen snow in the breeze. Now the hem hung just above her knees and the dress hugged her skin, while the veil she wore also fell away until her face was now in perfect view and the Demoness could now appear more emotive than before; revealing her miss matched sapphire and citrine eyes, that like her lips, were painted in darkness. Her cyan guild mark still tucked away just under the last bit of her dress as it was located on her upper left thigh. But to an extent, Lumikki was mostly revealed. Rewarding a kindness with one of her own. ”Indeed, only blessings come from making offerings to ravens~” Lumikki kid, her cheeky expression finally revealed along with her fiery eyes. Not yet glowing but so full of life and playfulness that one could tell it could lead to trouble. As Lumikki entered, she’d smile sweetly, but the corners of her lips would slightly give way to a smirk that’ll soon wash away.

The Comodamente was somewhat dim within, but with enough light to give it a lively glow. The construction outside obscured most of the windows, impeding the fresh daylight but this would prove charming to the Demoness. Various vintage lamps remained aglow, though they were of older age, this did not mean poor quality. As they basked the large empty room with a soft light that gave warmth to all the red fabric about.

Only could say many of the pieces in here were timely, but they felt timeless for it. It was a decor that stood indicative of power and wealth for a certain time, one could see why those Astrid mentioned would hate to see it go. As though the energy of the room felt drenched with power and high society, there was much warm to be found in a well worn and rich space such as this.

Most of the wood that made the chair and desks, were of dark varieties. Their design artistic and simple, save for the flourishes that stood out in certain places like carvings and etchings of various decals; flowers, beasts of status, even winged beings to note a few. There were even details to note among the walls as wallpaper painted it with May intricacies, all complimenting the reds, rich browns, and golden accents of the room, along with small hints of a jade green. And paintings of variable cultures hung the walls like lavish prizes. Things to be of note, like they were gifts of long traveled guests or those who came from far to stay. What more, was there were books still neatly stacked on tables that say right near cushioned chairs, enticing the Demoness to wonder if bookshelves hid themselves further within. There even seemed to be a dormant fireplace with a golden gate before it depicting a folklorist scene of a house in the words, opening one to imagine the companies its seen in times of cold and winter. But this was just the entry, perhaps even the facade, one could not know what more stood within hidden from the prying eyes of wayward guest. Lumikki being just one of many to pass the entry and gleam within.

”Quite cozy indeed.” Lumikki looked over back to Astrid as she followed after opening the door. ”Care to keep entertaining a simple guest?” She’d grin, her fangs nearly poking out from the edges of her smile show Astrid bother to notice. Lumikki turned back to look over the place, her eyes still tracing every detail but her arms lifting to undo the ribbons in her hair so that she may change the style to something else. Tying her hair up in pony tail instead so it would prove less of a bother before wondering over and plopping herself onto one of the couches. She’d poke through the books present, thumbing through their pages. Some were too political for her caring, but one would surmise the history of the town, so she’d skin a few of the words in passing.