It had been days since Lumikki first arrived to Hosenka and she had grown accustomed to it. At least enough to know where she was going and where to seek her pleasures. Though there were still many things here she didn’t grow used to, bath houses being one.

Lumikki, a creature from Iceberg, was forged within the frost and cold of her homeland. It would even blossom in her magic and only flourish further with her rebirth to becoming a Demon. In terms of tundras, she could bite off more than most could ever chew. Inversely, the heat did not favor her in the slightest. Spiting the Demoness every chance it could get; and in Hosenka it would be no different.

This area was very reminiscent to a land she once wandered off to for war, a place some of her brothers would come from. It was like a little piece of Joya in a place and land she would not expect, and it brought out her curiosity and favor. There were many aspects to Joyan customs and culture she would read upon, hungrily trying to learn the richness her brothers knew. It was a pass time of the raven to read stories and lore of all lands, slowly immersing herself and becoming privy to their cultures. And the closer the ties wrapped around her, the more ravenous she grew. To the point she will study the language and want to partake in the ways.

So the glorious opportunity of Hosenka was a boon for the mage. It was an easy way to dip her toes without traveling all that far. And among one of her curiosities, a bath house would be one. Despite how irritatingly hot it would be, it was a favored practice she wanted to partake on.

With grit and determination, Lumi would repeatedly dip into the water. Throughout the days here, this would be her fourth attempt; and though it was getting easier to find enjoyment it would take its toll over time. Opening the Demoness to vulnerability she would rarely accept, but the moment of weakness was not a bad one. Actually, it would help her soak in more things than water, as the potency of drinks would rise ten-fold. Where it would take the Demoness many cups of liquor concoctions or jugs of wine, the drink would go down more and almost instantly disperse in her blood. As if the heat opened a path for the spirits to do so.

It would be to this mixture she owed her current state on this crisp and chilly night, but the cold could not sober her fast enough as her body would only soak it in hungrily to replenish its strength instead. Lumikki’s usual frigid aura would be dormant for the moment as she burned through the booze and cooled down. And what more, her usual human form which proved hard to maintain, waned to reveal her more demonic visage instead. So as Lumikki stumbled into the night leisurely trying to regain her chill, her skin of night laid bare. Poking through a dark blue floral yukata she purchased prior as the top slid down her shoulders. Her white hair was messily flying about in the breeze as she left it down and her wings tucked into her sides. Her blue tattoos glowing brighter than the half moon. And her dark violet and fuchsia eyes looked ablaze in the night. Her posture was a bit slouched and sluggish, though she held herself high and while each step looked like a chance to stumble. Still, if she were to fall, there was ample darkness to fall into and cushion her on her tumble.

As she journeyed to a favored pound at the edge of town to enjoy the koi and scenery, Lumi lightly sang a folk song from her home, letting the wind carry her notes to the fringes of the night. She had no interest in sleeping just yet, nocturnal as she was, there was still time to play. But until she could pull her mischief, she would tuck herself away.

Lumikki, often aware of the surroundings, didn’t take note of her guest until the woman made herself known. Even then, it would take the raven a moment to collect her wits as the company came by such surprise. All she could do was gracelessly react for the moment until she settled her hazy focus entirely on her company. ” Aye, good evening,” her voice as airy as the howling tundra winds. Just like she could hardly maintain a human form in her current stupor, she failed to manage a human voice as well. ” HOT,” remarked Lumikki with great emphasis for her answer. To her, the waters were indeed hot, and only the hot springs would cross her mind.

The feverish mage would have continued her stumbling if the woman had not planted herself down beside the water so nonchalantly. The lady’s carefree gesture sparked one of her own, and Lumi would simply drop herself beside her. Figuring this would make a decent spot to sit, as good as any really.

” Uuuuh,” Lumi fumbled, looking at the woman at last directly in the face.” Hmmmm ånd galdr, but ye would hardly hear it outside of the towns and cities of Iceberg.” She leaned forward inquisitively to inspect the woman’s face, and it would be then that she finally realized.” Oy—what are the odds, the odds of running to ye here. Me ap-apologies Lady Alisa. Ya probably wouldn’t know me, but ye for sure know of me, uncle. He’s Brone Heavyaxe of da, Da-dawn.” She was too drunk to feel embarrassed from the slurring of her words but it did not temper her displeasure from fumbling all the same. And with her annoyance, she’d lunge toward the water’s surface. Her pale, disheveled hair draped down until it dipped into the pound; coiling along the edge like white and blue serpents as the Demoness inspected herself through the make-shift mirror.

She’d hang there silent for a moment, before eventually giving in and dunking her head inside. The surge of cold was beyond refreshing, almost sobering; but it would still fail to alleviate her intoxication. With the defeat, Lumi would rise; running her fingers through her hair to pull the strands back. ” This lass would admit she drunk her weight in wine….”, she broke into a laugh.

" Could say the same for ye, yer far more fair than the stories care to say. Though Brone isn't one to know how to describe beauty well beyond weaponry and armor. Still, he only told me the more glorious tales of his adventures with ya and his disdain for suits and the like." Lumikki giggled as she spoke of it, giddy to have someone to talk the history over. It never occurred to her prior that there was the possibility of hearing the other side.

She sat back and adjusted herself for a moment before answering further. As Lumi continued speaking, her hands would wring out her hair and fix it in some sloppy and loose braids. " He loves the North, loves the purpose. But really, I worry that he stays holed up in there. I keep insisting he goes out more; and only now do I think he cares to listen to me. Ain't no glory hidden in the North, I think that's found elsewhere." She was twisting her braids together at this point into a messy bun. When she felt it bunched enough, Lumi leaned toward the pond; pulling out an icicle from rapidly freezing some of the water. After sliding it in her hair until it was secure, she returned to face Alisa once more.

" Sure did and it's hot...." Lumi began her whine again," I don't know how people stand it. Even as a human it would of felt like being boiled alive. But...still....there is some charm in it somehow, like it's kinda relaxing. If anything at aaaall.....it makes the drink sit heavy." Without thinking about it, Lumi pulled a piece of the shadow cast upon her chest. It looked like a black ribbon within her fingers; and just as quickly as she took the strand, the Demoness slurped it down. Like a very convenient snack. " Did the hot springs being ye over? Michael always told me of yer pools and beaches, so I suppose those in the South enjoy their water."

" Yea that's what the old bear says but I think it insulting. Ye don't trust the rest of the guild to protect and provide for yer own? He's a warrior! He won't find the glory he seeks in our halls. So I just worry. And well...bully everyone else to get stronger of course. Got to lighten the load on that Dwarf's back somehow...."

Upon Alisa's remark to the heat from the south, Lumi's face would quickly sour; shaking her head without being aware." I could barely stomach the heat of the Luluhawa islands lass, yer hometown would just cook me alive. Ye sure yer from Iceberg? Or maybe there's part Dwarf in ya, them blokes could take a dip in magma and still call it cold. But I agree these baths got a charm in 'em. A bit of a kick too."
she spoke with much enthusiasm, almost too animated but that was the fault of her intoxication. Bringing out every passing passion the Demoness could have; and as she spotted, she'd stop in fascination to the trick in Alisa's hand. The shiny stone now claimed a bulk of her attention.

" How ye did that~" she asked with a giddy tone, " Maybe there's part Dwarf in ye after all." She was far too lightheaded to remember the woman's magic. It was a wonder she recognized her at all but the beauty of Alisa wasn't all that common even if raven hair was. Lumi leaned over, almost toppling into Alisa's lap as she reached for the stone for further inspection. When she realized her actions, she promptly sat back. There was no shame on her part, just the understanding that the stone needed a gift in return. Lumi thought hard about what it could be, eventually settling on a pegasus.

It took her a bit to get the base going, her fingers were sluggish and far from the normal dexterous. But besides the lack of her usual details and flourishes, minus the wings which were done with the most love, the piece was done. " I'd trade ya for that stone pleeeeese," she handed over the figure, hoping that Alisa would be kind enough to comply.

It was then that she remembered the question from prior. " Oh--Micheal, aye-aye yes. We met during his time in Orchidia, and something bout Christina being kind enough to drop him off. Funny lad but he looks out of place in a suit. We got along like wolves and ravens though."

It was with a great sigh of relief that Lumikki accepted Alisa’s help with steadying. For a bird like her, balance was one of the first things over drinking destroyed. Leaving Lumi hardly able to walk a proper line let alone take off into the air.” Thanks love…I’m heavier than I remember.” She’d mumble as she gave the woman’s words some thought.

” The chances of it are in yer faaavor. I belong to a clan of seven Dwarven familiess, one being the Lerformare clan. Those fools practiced magic, which was already a tough buy back home; but managed to get themselvess exiled when their magic began corrupting the earth of the mountains. The lads practiced magic of the stone, but crystals should be a whim for ‘em. Where they’ve gone…hard to say but if they found homes elsewhere then I’m happy for them…Now if yer tied to that bloodline of course is another story, but I always love seeing the family growing bigger.” Lumikki spoke the tale of her family as she prepared the Pegasus figure. She was quite preoccupied with telling her tale and managing the ice of her magic.

It was like she zoned out in that moment, only to be tugged back a forced to crash to the ground by Alisa’s bashful reaction. For all the shades of red the lady turned, Lumi would flush with blues. She was both cued and nervous by Alisa’s reaction. Feeling even more sentimental by her work. ” Oh…ummm….hmmmmm….” She’d held her hand out for the crystal while looking away.

With it in hand, Lumikki brought it to the sky. Letting the light of the moon dance on her new treasure.” Can….can ye really sculpt this? I’ve never seen someone…..” she tucked the cold stone in between her cleavage for safe keeping, as the Demoness didn’t want to part with her pretty stone; and she’d lean over purposefully by the water and get to work.

” Agreed, I could respect a man who could move pass is comfort. His rough nature made him entertaining company.” As she mumbled the words, she’d look over to Alisa and then back to her work. This piece more meticulous than the one before, it burned all Lumi’s focus and capacities as she labored to get it done nicely. The wings that adorned her head would twitch in excitement.” Aaaaah, visit….the……south?” Lumikki bite into her finger and tugged at the wound with her teeth, letting her dark blue blood pour on top of her project. Then licking the wound clean when she was done.

” Ye know, Brone always told me of his roots in the south…….How ye were kind enough to take him and the Angel under yer wing. He even keeps the mark……But I always worried I’d stand out like a fool there….” Lumikki pulled back from her slumped posture to properly face Alisa once more, this time with another figure in hand.

Lumikki had to work with what was around, but with her impulsive desire she sculpted Alisa. The pale skin was made from normal water turned almost while from the intense cold, while the raven dark hair hanging loose like ribbons in the air were craft from Lumi’s own frost. For the dress, Lumi settled on a kimono and simple pose; using her blood as another contrast to the colors available. It added a rich blue that was almost mat compared to the ice’s shine and a black obi to finish the look. ” There, that should pay for a sculpture proper,” she’d reach down for her stone to play with it in her fingers.” If ye’d have me, I’d love to come. I even think I have a dress for the occasion.” A smile pulled at her lips revealing her fangs framed by a cheeky smirk. But it was playful as the Demoness simply enjoyed her jesting.

” Do the southerner’s even get snow down there? Can’t bring a white wonderland, but I can deliver a small storm.” She chuckled from her audacity, content to enjoy the passing breeze; and so she bobbed in then excitement her drink and company granted her.

" Very well could. Would be funny to know ye were cousins to Brone all this time." Lumi remarked on her proclamation; she was too engrossed in her desires to express it at the time, but the thought of finding a distant relative left her quite elated.

The pair would discuss more while pouring into their work. Both are handicapped by their intoxication but too skilled and stubborn to be halted." Funny black crystal allude ye lass, I could say white snow is no longer a given for me either. Finding the inverse in another is an....interesting thing..." When Lumikki finally revealed hers to Alisa, she was overjoyed by the reception. It almost rivaled the harsh desires for the new treasure gifted to her. A raven on the cusp of taking flight, made her brain tingle knowing it would be hers.

She took it in hand very graciously, her eyes never quite tearing away. " Dazzling," was all Lumi could muster, her demonic voice more airy than usual making it a tad hard to comprehend. With her free hand, Lumi rapidly tapped the floor beneath her. Each strike adding to the pile of growing black snow she'd use to lay back on. It was like a refreshing cushion, a nice aversion to resting on the plain grass.

Eventually, Lumikki would rip her eyes away from her gem and turn over to gaze at Alisa." Do ye mean it? Would ya throw me a party?" The most pleased expression would grace her features. For the Demon she was, it almost portrayed as angelic in her wholesome gratitude. Though she was as tricky and destructive as any of kind were known to be, the humanity at her core had not yet left her. And the deep inebriation over tempered her sentimentalities." Decided from what time that I could visit, and I'll send word by me ravens to confirm. I shall mark me arrival toward yer south with a soft snow storm and merge the joys of north and south if not for a little while. What pleasure it would be to take a break from the ever-present heat for just a moment. May yer people enjoy the spectacle as well." She grinned sincerely, and to hint at her invitation Lumi threw a hand into the air. With the slight instance of her magic, a small flurry of black snow trickled from the sky raining down onto the pair.

Lumi, lying down flat on her back while looking up at her snow crossing with the light of the moon, thought somberly of her gift. " I don't think I could ever part from me frost.....at this point, it's me blood."

Wine that could never run out? Lumikki was already pleased with the idea to head south but that comment would leave her committed. It was not that wine alone was so enticing, but the prospect of such a celebration was hard not to love. Such merriment to be held at the place her Uncle started and grew, with his mentor at her domain? The honor was so delicious that it made her ravenous.

" It goes without saying that yer always welcome in the North. I believe it was the case before and it sure extends to now. I would just need time to prepare something as grand as yer offer....Curious...what would ye favor in a party? Hmmm much to think over indeed. Suppose the North don't through nearly as many parties but I could aim to change that." It never occurred to Lumikki what the North held. It simply became her new home when she left Iceberg and she never gave it much thought beyond it, especially not what it had to offer. This thought now bothered her deeply as it agitated her pride. She wanted the identity of the North to be clear for all who entered, so maybe this would be the motivation she needed to explore the land and help it flourish.

" What....what makes the South so enticing to stay? What makes it....known..?...or hmmm distant to the other places? I guess I have to travel Fiore meself as I'm not sure how anything is. Hosenka is nice because it's like Joya and I've been there but I don't know how anything is. I don't know what makes the North shine but I'd hate to bore ya if ye came. Hmm."

The restless Demoness would shuffle around a lot as she mulled over the many thoughts. Yet this was not a matter that would be solved in one sitting. " Ye have an Uncle in the North?" after all her thoughts she'd finally settled on that one to end with. Liking the prospect of learning more about her company than bogging herself with too many pointless inquires.

A flash of panic washed over the Demoness' face, flushing out her already flushed cheeks further. She never expected that Alisa would turn the question around on her. Assuming that it would be a passing inquiry in the conversation onto something else. This put Lumikki in a tizzy as she worked hard to select the right words. As though this was a simple question, the drink had decimated her inclinations of the answer. Fidgeting profusely, Lumikki propped herself to face Alisa, but would constantly dart her eyes every which way as she fumbled a decent answer." Aye, yes. A party of course. Ummmm ye know....just as, just like....Dwarf! Yea, Dwarf!....I think I like parties just as the Dwarven throw 'em. Merry cheer, much food and drink, and all those involved are relishing in it. Is that how the South can be? I'm not used to pool, actually, I never swam in one. But if ye visit the North, amidst the waterfalls there are plunge pools. Similar enough aye? And if ye visit and want some change, I could freeze 'em for the visitors and create ice rinks for us to enjoy. " Lumikki left satisfied as her answer was far more masterful than she ever thought she'd conceive. Almost puffing at the chest with how well she avoided that embarrassing moment.

Alisa, to Lumikki's request, would recant the things of her home that built its splendor. Almost painting a picture that made Lumikki feel like she was there. The Demoness plopped back down, giving her descriptions and joys some thought; but it would be the information of her Uncle that made her rise up again. " Small world isn't it. What a dream to know family of another is close. I frequent Orchidia but I indeed don't stray far past the city. I hope when ye come to visit, he agrees it's been nice and peaceful up there. Well...as peaceful as it could be." Lumikki grinned with intensity. It was like she was a bubble of joy. It was in her nature to veer intensely in her emotions, but the drink would plunge her further into their depth; but at least these were of pleasure and elation. To which she savored as much as anyone could savor hatred. Finding the taste of extremes to be delicious.

" From a small town huh?" Lumi dropped down on her back again, her eyes now fixed on the stars." Did ye ever think ye'd end up as ya did now? I sure didn't...."

Lumikki observed Alisa as she expressed her thoughts and memories. Somewhat mesmerized by a women whose seen and done as much as she had. What more, the mentor to her Uncle. She could only ponder the experiences she’s had even in a realm as simple as parties.

But it would be the small line that struck her all the way to her heart. That the man Alisa cared for within the North, her home, would be pleased. Lumikki was not always so sentimental but the drink had a heavy handed way of swaying one to places not usually her norm. So she’d blush the compliment away and heed the next words.

” Oy, I could attest to that. I had no plans, least when I left home that is, to become what I am now. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to be anything great, just entertain childish fancies. And after all of that….I don’t even know how I’ve gotten here.” Lumikki rose from her spot of the grass and adjusted herself so that she would be near the water once again. Peering down onto her reflection and mulling herself over. But it would be this gesture that flustered her like no other. As she slapped the water of her reflection and pulled away. Hands held to her face and hiding her vestige, Lumikki couldn’t help but grumble and curse her carelessness. She never entered human form and hoped that in Alisa’s shared intoxication that maybe she also didn’t notice.

” Hahahaaa……yea, life has its ways aye?” Her hands couldn’t pull away but she wasn’t sure she’d get her human form just right either. She’d settle for waving her arm and urging the night to fall atop her like a black veil, with the mantra “out of sight, out of mind,” playing on repetition on her mind.

" Heh, thanks. I can't say I didn't try hard for it, or that it didn't hurt, but I am content with what I became. If anything....I could say that I finally feel like I matter. There's value to me beyond the sincerity of family bonds. No, I am me own pillar to hold up the Dawn....see.... it was a worry of mind I'd remain useless forever...." All beings had their own inflictions, even as a Daemon insecurity would be the one Lumikki suffered for most. It was like her Obscura sensed it and exploited it. As though Demons were beings of chaos and destruction, they were also afflictions in the most visceral sense. Feeling all there was in its extremes. So for all Lumikki's highs and joys, there were depths of shame, insecurities, and uncertainty within her. And with all her failures and losses to people like Yuurei, it would accumulate to a burden she could hardly bear. When one walks with the greats, it does not mean they'd become one. Sometimes it would instead inflict pain and worry, or a sense of self-doubt as their shadows smothered you. With her Obscura, this worry would only elevate to a point of over-fixation, almost unraveling her mind and sense of self until she was a husk ready to be exploited.

It was the love of her family that saved her from the dread. It would be them who kept her human enough now to entertain compassion still.

Flussted and under her dark blanket, Lumikki would poke out her head enough for her eyes to be seen, one of sapphire, the other citrine. Her tattoos were gone and the hair to poke out was periwinkle shade. It would be the comment that drew her out, but not enough to ease her embarrassment entirely. " Power?..." She had no way to understand just what power Alisa referred to, first thinking that it was aimed toward her transformation. " Huh..... it's just a thing I happen to do."

” They don’t? I figured diamonds very well lasted quite a while at least. More so than ice ever could when out of the frigid cold, but in their element, I’m sure ice could last forever…” Her voice would peak and trough as it went through the motions. Her emotions spilling out freely as she gave it some thought. Not once had she ever thought of the temporary nature of diamonds or stone, like her people she simply thought of them as forever.

” I guess I would sound like that now huh…suppose that’s good on me. I came here part for a vacation from the work. Been sorting the guild for a last few weeks and Brone insisted I’d get away. Couldn’t argue with him on that, I’ve been trying quite hard to sort matters as the Guild Master now and I won’t feel at peace ‘til I get everything just right….but maybe I’m only doing too much.” Lumikki would indeed constitute a burning star, blazing too brightly as most ambitious people do. Hardly noticing the pain of the flames that consume her as the pleasure to keep going overrides all the hurt, until it doesn’t and she temporarily plummets once more and repeats the cycle again. A cycle that could exceed decades and even centuries, until her true burn out occurs and it will look like isolation within the cold of her homeland.. a Demon that no longer wants to participate with the world.

” Aaah that, guess there’s no reason to hide it for the moment, not anymore at least….” She relaxed her features to return to the prior form, making peace with how she presented. The dark of her blanket now merged into her skin.” Ye could consider the Obscura a parting gift from me father. He was a detesible one, marring me siblings one by one with his inclinations for future power, but in the end he was bested. I took all he had to give…and I plan to take more from the lot if I encounter more of ‘em, but those are just gripes I happen to have. This realm is mine and me loyalty is to it or any who expand what I’d call kin…” While she could maintain it, the thought echoed in her mind as a Demon she wasn’t so sure of the extent of her existence. Nor how the loss of her family would treat her over time. Loyalty in itself was also deemed a noble and naive dream, as one could never know where it’ll take you. Maybe one day she’d have to claim someone no matter what they did to prove her bond, or maybe she’d have to cut ties. In a few decades time, would that even be a bother to her?

" Heh, still feels weird saying it. It's something I don't mind not admitting to yet, but yer a Guild Master of yer own, so ye'll know soon enough. It's been lovely meeting ye on pleasant times. I could only hope ye help me learn how to rally a chaotic bunch. Granted I'm a Demon but I like chaos I create for me own purpose. Not to be tied to that of another's." Lumikki sighs deeply and grabs at her knees to pull them toward her chin." It is one thing to seek power and attain it. Simple task really. But becoming the one who sits in a place of responsibility is when things become such a pain. I wonder how the world will see me now knowing the role I play. I can't be the mischief I'm used to cause I'll have to settle matters on the home front. I used to want this, envy this really....but now I wonder if it was what I wished for or did another Demon answered me wish..."

Alisa's hand provided her some comfort, without Yuurei in the North at the moment, the Demoness felt lost. And though she appreciated the advice the fellow Guild Master provided her, it would still make Lumikki chuckle." If I could find a fellow fool capable of helping me. Half of 'em want to fight more than write a report. Ya know how hard it is to sort the piles left on me desk? Brutes the lot of 'em." She sighed deeply but there was a smile on her face. They were her mess to look after now, for better and worse. She just hoped she wouldn't get burned for the challenge she overtook, be in the era of the Demon, and perhaps new things could come.

" Speak ill of him all ye'd like love. He was a needless brute, no honor to the name. Just a desire to maintain things his way." Her eyes glow in a way that betrayed her distaste but she softened up swiftly enough. The grass around her would stiffen in her chill, sharpening from the frost. When Lumikki noticed, she'd pat it down and cause it to go brittle and fall away.

" If the show up again, I'd consume 'em meself!" In the spike of her anger, her form too would loosen to amass plumage in various areas. The wings that adorned her head were fractured into three and her face and arms would fleck with feathers. She'd have to take a few breaths before calming down enough to soothe her temper." But yer right, everything is tools with them. Even if I were to let meself return, there's no place for me in the Abyss. They'd never accept me, nor I them. Why when I can be stronger than 'em all? If this is the realm they wish to inhabit, it is mine to stay for free. I could grow in peace and sever all their remaining threads to grow me own....till I'm strong to devour them meself...sorry...The are...pointless beings...from what I could tell."