The Walled Garden

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The morning sun peaked over the walls of the Vroman estate, a familiar sight to Gwen as she sat in her chair drinking her morning coffee and reading the book that Lumi had loaned her. Her work had kept her from reading too much further into it and so she took every opportunity that she could to inch her way through the pages. Even the short amount of time it would take Lumi to join her for breakfast. Yes, Gwen had been truthful when asking Lumi to join her. Something the staff was quite surprised by as she would often spend her mornings wishing for nothing more than to be undisturbed. But they did as she told them, a table and extra chair having been placed on the deck to accommodate her guest. On the table was an assortment of trays carrying breakfast items. Eggs, muffins, scones, sausage links, and several different arrangements of jams and jellies. Coffee and Orange juice being the served beverages of the morning. The wait staff standing at the door in case anything was needed or requested.
Gwen had just finished a page when the sound of the deck door opening alerted her that Lumi had arrived. She hesitated to look up at the girl, not for any fear of what she might see but rather because she did not wish to stop reading for as long as she could manage. After a brief moment, she pried her eyes away and looked up toward her friend with a half-smile on her face. "Pleasant morning to you, Lumi. I trust you slept well?"
Lumi had brushed her hair into proper order as soon as she woke up. She wanted to keep up her good appearance for their time together. Didn't want to keep looking like a lazy fool all the while. Stepping up onto the balcony, a shirt of white and a skirt of blue with peachy stripes that reached to her knees, Lumi sat herself down beside Gwen, a bright look on her face. "Goodmorning, Gwen. I have had a decent night's sleep. Not gonna lie, the idea of heading out today with you and your friend almost kept me up at night." She said as she picked up a scone and bit into it. "Still reading I see. Hpw long have you managed now?"
Gwen nodded, "If you're nervous, I promise we aren't taking you anywhere shady. We'll be heading to the shopping district first. Maybe we can find something that interests you?" She said, reaching over to grab a scone. Taking a bite, she looked down at the book, finishing her bite before turning her attention back to Lumi. " I've made it to chapter six, the Loa seem to be getting along as well as I expected. They're arguing, fighting, second-guessing. It reads quite a bit like a political drama. Everything seems to be kicking into gear and by that, I mean going to shit." She chuckled before taking another bite, this time adding a bit of jam beforehand. "Eddard and Melivan add a more grounded side to the conflict, a much needed on in my opinion. Eddard's blind loyalty concerns me, if only he knew what was going on upstairs. I identify more with Melivan, after all, when war and strife take over your lands and the Gods are doing nothing more than tearing at each other's throats. Well, I understand her reasoning is all I mean." Gwen explained, barely having swallowed her food before she'd continued to speak. Her eagerness to speak was clear but she restrained herself from nerding out over it like she almost had the last time they'd talked about the book.
Lumi was beyond ecstatic over how Gwen seemed to be enjoying herself, even if she insisted on restraining herself in showing it. "Yeah, I figured as much back then. The need for a bit of more relatable characters that is with relatable situations that is. And yes, the Loa's bickering is something one would understand when you learn that most of them were mortals ones, so concepts of greed and jealousy is not lost on them. They are still mortals at heart mostly. They just have bigger and more powerful ways to bicker, so to say." She joked. Lumi followed suit and spread some cream and jamover her scone this time, the food tasting even better than previously. "Also, feel free to call the Loa bastards and other things. That's really what most of them are." She said with a playful wink.
"Hm," Gwen said, a nigh chuckle through closed lips at Lumi's offer to call her God's bastards. "I didn't want to be rude to your faith, but if you say so. Then yes, some of them are indeed right bastards. Like Lunalia, I would be hesitant to say her methods are not strikingly efficient but she is indeed turning out to be quite the bitch." Gwen said with a laugh before taking a sip of her coffee. "Still, it is clear to see that you're skilled in your craft. I know these characters are true beings that exist within your history but you still capture then in a way that makes them feel very human. Like, you have a firm understanding of the personalities and motives of all of these characters. I'm a picky gal, Lumi, and I will not lie when I say that I am honestly enjoying this read." Gwen explained, offering praise to Lumi for not only giving her a history lesson but keeping her genuinely entertained all the while.
Lumi brightened up like the sun. "Thank you, Gwen! You don't understand how glad I am to hear that. I only hope I can keep it up." She said with absolute glee. "Yes, Lunalia was quite frightening in the stories. She used to be fine, but then the conlfict started and she just snapped, as you might well have seen." Pouring herself some yogurt in a bowl, she kept on eating, restoring her strength for the day. "Beyond book readings, what do we have planned for the day? Have you and Olivia made any plans yet? Or will we figure it out as we go along? And while I am on it, should I dress any particular way? Or Olivia would maybe not even mind too much what I come in?"
"Causal should be fine enough, if we dressed like pretty princesses I'm afraid we'd never get any peace walking through these streets." She said before continuing on with the plans, "We plan to head to the shopping district first, mostly to browse and window shop. Though, who knows what might catch our eyes? I know I would like to stop by the magic item's shop, to see if they've gotten anything new in stock and there is also a book signing I would like to attend. Depending on how long we spend there, we may go to lunch right after. We have a place that we enjoyed going after getting out of school, nothing too fancy but it has more or less become our old stomping grounds. Once we have spent our fair share of time there, Olivia wants us to attend a movie she has been wanting to see." Gwen explained the three-quarters of their day. "I'm only going to that because she asked me to as Alysa is busy this weekend. Then we'll head to the garden a little before sundown, I let Olivia know that was where you wanted to go and she was happy to oblige." She continued before hesitating for a moment. "However, once Olivia goes home, I was wondering if we might be able to visit one last place? A surprise before we return home for dinner?" Gwen asked, her cheeks showing a slight flush against the porcelain white of her cheeks.
For once, Lumi wasn't that attentive to the small hints. Mostly because she was still tired, slightly hungover, and also testing different food combinations. Chewing down the food in her mouth, she only turned back to her once the food was gone, and by that point, the blush had already settled. "I would be happy to. I am curious to ask what it is, but as they, bitter revelations spoil the sweet surprise." Lumi replied with excitement. "And casual attire? Should be easy enough. I am glad that she is a bit more easy going, otherwise I would have struggled to find something good. What is the movie about?" She asked curiously as she set down her plate, starting to feel stuffed.
Gwen thought for a moment, trying to remember exactly how Olivia had described it to her over the phone. "I... I think it had something to do with a car... or maybe a machine... that eats people? It's a horror movie, her and her mother are in love with the things. I often find them cheesy, but Olivia is difficult to say no to. Besides, there's no harm in watching a horror movie, right?" Gwen asked, not really having thought before to check if Lumi was okay with scary movies before she'd invited her.
Lumi blinked looking completely dumbfound. "Really now?" She said with a slightly louder tone than intended. Not for any particular reason than her just trying to force the words out of her,thus coming out more hectic than they were meant to be. "I mean... I love a good horror or thriller as much as the next person but this... This doesn't seem to fit the bill..." She said trailing off. She then brightened up considerably. "But then again, I also love myself a good comedy, so this might just be that for me." She joked, feeling very upbeat. "Though... If it is just deceiving, maybe I can bring a plush with me in my purse. Have something to hug if it gets really scary. I doubt it, but no harm in being prepared. When will we meet her? Or will she come here?"
"I agree, it sounds like it'll be a campy, cheesy, horror movie. I mean, what could one expect of a horror movie coming out in late spring?" She said, giving a shrug. "But like I said, Olivia is difficult to say no to. As for when we'll meet her, she'll be arriving here shortly. There were some things she needed to take care of at the Inari estate before coming making her way here." She explained before motioning for the wait staff to come get their plates and the leftovers. "In the meantime, I should go ahead and get changed, meet at the front gate. That's where she'll arrive." Gwen said, giving a slight bow of self dismissal before heading off to get ready for the day.
==Day on the Town==
Gwen stood inside the main gate of the estate, having chosen to wear a white open weave sweater with a light blue undershirt, and a pair of black pants as well as heels. She carried on her, rather than a purse, a small backpack on her back. Olivia arriving just as Gwen saw Lumi walking over toward the gate. Olivia immediately giving Gwen a big hug, not to Gwen's surprise but certainly to her dismay. "Long time, no See!" Olivia spoke warmly before letting go of Gwen. "So, where's your friend?" Olivia asked, having been too focused on Gwen to notice Lumi walking toward them.
Lumi came down the steppes, headed for the gate. Seeing the stranger girl embrace Gwen made her think that maybe she was overall a huger? Not wanting to freeze her pinkies off the moment she touched her in that case, she used her magic to regulate her body temperature, expelling a lot of cold until her skin was a more rosy, slightly radiant, pink rather than icy blue. Her body temperature was now about on par with a regular human, if not a single degree or so cooler. She then approached the two women, waving all the while."Hello! I'm Lumi! You must be Olivia, right?" Lumi asked, feeling excited about today.
Olivia turned to Lumi, surprised to see her appear without her noticing. "Oh, Hi there!" Olivia responded with a bright and beaming smile. "Yep, that's right! I'm Olivia Inari. Gwen was right, you are pretty!" She said, much to Gwen's dismay, "But... she'd said your skin was blue..." She continued before turning toward Gwen. "You must be going colorblind, Gwen if you mistake that with blue." She joked before Gwen interjected.
"It normally is..." She said as she looked Lumi up and down, not sure what to make of the sudden change in appearance.
"Oh? Well, that would be nice to see. Blue is my favorite color! It's the color of my eyes, the color of my magic, the color of my family crest." She explained before turning back to Lumi again and extending her hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you, I hope Gwen hasn't given you too much trouble, has she?"
Lumi grinned at the other girl's enthusiasm and excitement, taking her hand in her own and squeezing lightly rather than shake it. "Not at all! There are some odd comments from time to time, but they only add to her charm, wouldn't you agree? Either way, she is an absolute gem." She said before letting go. I am very excited to be seeing you now. Shall we get going? Three pretty women all at once, maybe we can garner some favors while we are on it." Lumi joked with a wink at Gwen's direction at the mention of the word: pretty.
Gwen was a bit embarrassed that Olivia didn't know how to keep their private conversations private. In fact, part of her expected that she'd done it on purpose. Knowing that there was a scarily intelligent brain beneath the smiles and sunshine that Olivia radiated.
"Yep, I'm ready to go if you both are. The shopping district is a bit far so we'll take the Bifrost at the station down the street." Olivia said, getting a nod from Gwen that she was indeed ready. With all three in agreement, they exited the estate with a tip of the helmet from the guards at the front gate. Walking down the street, Olivia was telling Lumi all about the different shops she could expect to see in the shopping district. Anything from grocery and convenience stores to clothing, book, and game shops of different varieties.
Once they reached the station, having gone down a flight of stairs to reach it. They stood in a room with several pod-like tubes along the walls. being in the noble section of the residential district, it was rather well kept and clean. Olivia approaching the closest tube. "Hold up a second, we should explain how this works to Lumi. She's never used a bifrost before." Gwen explained, halting Olivia in her tracks.
"Oh? Oh! Really?! I've never met someone our age that's never used one before. I know they're fairly new here. Only about thirty or so years old but still... Well, Gwen did say you were from another continent... Yeah, that explains it." She said, motioning for Lumi to come over. She explained how all the buttons works, pointing at the map and showing her how each exit corresponded with a code labeled on the map, how there were books in every terminal that listed the codes for Bifrost in other countries and cities, as well as how private Bifrosts had private codes that the owner could give out or change.
"I... I think I understand it now." Lumi said, pointing to and from various buttons and codes, repeating it a bit to Olivia as to make sure that she wasn't going to make a big mistake during her first Bifrost trip. Once it seemed like everyone was right and ready, they pressed their destination for travel. In a flash of a moment, Lumi and the girls were now in the middle of the shopping district. Not that Lumi were able to see it at first. As soon as she stepped out of the Bifrost she felt dizzy and nauseous. After a couple of moments of recuperation, she got up, slowly, and looked to her two companions. "Forgive me... I didn't expect it to feel like that."
Gwen placed a reassuring hand on Lumi's shoulder, "I apologize, we'd forgotten how odd the experience could feel the first time one uses a Bifrost. But all things considered, you handled it quite well." Gwen said to which Olivia nodded.
"Yeah, we're sorry. We sorta forgot since we got used to them before we were old enough to talk or anything like that." Olivia explained, her too offering her apologies to Lumi for not bringing up how it fight feel to walk through it for the first time.
Once Lumi was feeling better, the group headed up the stairs to the shopping district. Crowded with people going about their business, there was an array of shops lining every street with stalls selling everything from snacks and t-shirts to cheap knock off jewelry and knick-knacks. "I think our first stop should be Infinity. With summer approaching, I would like to see if they have any sundresses that fit my liking." Gwen said, looking to the other girls for approval.
"Mhm, I could use a few things from there. Maybe get one of my mom's something too." She said with a nod, agreeing to the location.
"Oh, and Lumi, if you see anything you like that doesn't accommodate your tail our tailor should be capable of adjusting that for you. So don't hesitate to try something new even if it isn't a perfect fit when you try it on." Gwen explained, "Oh, and I don't think money from your homeland will be useable here. If you want anything I'll charge it to the Vroman family. In exchange, I'd like a few different coins from your country to add to my collection, if that is alright with you?"
"I don't have any objections to it. Lets get to it then. Can't stand here wasting sunlight!" Lumi encouraged as they all stepped into the show called inifnity. Underwear, dresses, feminine jeans and shirts, it was an interesting shop. Only sad part for Lumi was how none of it would fit her as it stood. She really wanted to try some of them out, but each and every one of them would be beyond tight if she tried to put it beyond her waist. Bloody tail... She thought to herself. So she made a decision. It wouldn't give a perfect view of it, but it was better than just playing eye witness. She grabbed a dress that she had found herself really liking and walking away to the dressing room. She waved to get the attention of the girls as she headed off. On the way there she had found about two more skirts, one shirt and another dress that seemed like a gown for events. After a bit of redressing, she stepped out from behind the curtains. Her tail was gone, a result of a 'glamour', and on her body she wore a sundress of white, together with a pattern of blue flower petals lining the hems of the dress. "Just the first one,what do you girls think?" She asked, wanting their opinion on it. While it certainly showed off her slender and smooth legs, it was also a bit shy with the parts that some might consider more "attractive". Either way, there were some passing comments by the passerby's, some guys with their girlfriends who passed her more than just a passing glance, and one girl who even muttered; "How did the weirdo do that?" But Lumi pretended like nothing with her. "Is it nice? Maybe a bit much? A bit too little?"
Gwen was not ignorant to the disappearance of Lumi's tail or the comments of some of the passersby, but she would not acknowledge them so long as Lumi did not. Merely hoping that she did not hear their remarks as she showed off her dress. "I think it suits you, admittedly, I never pictured you in a sundress given your taste for the colder months but it looks nice," Gwen commented, not wanting to go overboard with praise lest Lumi think she was only flattering.
The sound of someone falling over did not go unnoticed by Gwen, however, followed by a girl exclaiming "Why is there ice in the middle of a store in spring!" Causing Gwen first to look at Lumi, but seeing as the girl seemed oblivious to what happened, she then went to suspect number two and looked over to Olivia. Despite not showing any sort of guilt, Gwen could feel the faint traces of magic that had come off her hand. Neither of them acknowledged it with any more than a smirk on their faces.
Quickly wanting to draw Lumi's attention to herself and not the commotion that had just occurred, Olivia held none of Gwen's restraint in complimenting Lumi. "Holy Moly! That sundress is gorgeous! It's soooo cute, I love the flower design around it. Blue and white bring out the color of your eyes so well. I don't think its too much at all. It's subtle but it still shows off your legs, perfect!"
"Thank you!" Lumi replied excitedly, barely able to keep her feet to the floor. "One more, and then maybe you can show me something you've found?" Lumi asked as she returned to the changing room. Quickly dressing in and out of her clothes, she was now dressed in a blouse of peachy color that hung just a little bit low as of right now, then a black skirt with some humble and subtle patterns of frosty blue. In her hand she also held another one that looked just like hte one she was wearing, only this skirt had the opposite color pattern of mostly frosty blue and shimmering black patterns. "I don't know which is better. What do you think?"
Gwen looked over the girl, moving from side to side to get a better look at her. "I like it, it comes off as a bit casually formal. As for which skirt, I like that black one better. In my opinion, it really helps to accentuate the peach of the blouse which it turn looks would look great with the blue hue of your skin tone." She gave her the rundown of her thought as she looked over the outfit.
"I think I agree with Gwen, I love blue, but when it comes to that color of blouse I really think that the black brings out the most in the outfit. But with a different top, I think the blue skirt would look really good too. But I'm really biased on that front so you gotta take my opinion on that with a grain of salt," She said, playfully sticking her tongue out at Lumi.
It was then Olivia's turn to try something on, heading into the changing room beside Lumi's and closing the curtain behind her. After about a minute of waiting, Olivia pulled open the curtain with a resounding "Ta-da!" She said as she stood before them in a sleeveless ocean blue sundress that reached down just past her knees. No fancy designs on it or anything, but around her waist at about her navel was a pale yellow belt that wrapped around the dress so that it hugged her waist and hips in a way that showed off her curves. She did a little spin for flair before stopping to face them once more. "How does it look?"
Lumi walked back and forth,trying to get a feel of it. The first impression was clear, but she hoped to give other insights as well. "It looks wonderful! I won't claim to be a fashion expert, but I wonder if there might be another color combination that might fit a bit better than this yellow belt." Lumi said, contemplating. "It looks fantastic either way, I am just wondering if there might be a way to make you look even more fantastic... What do you think, Gwen?"
Gwen stroked her own chin, looking over Olivia's choice. "I don't think yellow is a bad choice. But it honestly depends on what she's trying to do. I would say, if her intention is to draw attention to her waist and hips it would be wise to go with a bright red. Bright red on light blue will draw eyes to the red by default. But if she wasnt to be more subtle, think a pink or gray might be the better option. But those are just my opinions."
"Hm, I have a red belt at home, so I might get this with the yellow belt and a pink one separate just for more options whenever I decide to wear it," Olivia said, looking down at the dress. "Alright, well, you're up Gwen. Dress to impress!" She continued, giving encouragement to Gwen as she closed the curtain to change back into her own clothes.
Gwen was a bit hesitant, for a few reasons. Not being the type to show off her body much, and slightly worried about how Lumi might see her if she did change into something meant for someone with more curves than she had to offer. Taking a deep breath, "I'll just be a moment," She said before stepping up to the curtain with a dress, a hat, and a pair of sunglasses in her arms. Halfway through changing, she heard Olivia exit her own changing room to stand outside and wait for Gwen to be done. After taking a bit longer than it likely should have, Gwen opened the curtain to reveal here in a long white, short-sleeved sundress with several sunflowers adorning the white dress that went down to just before her ankles. Buttons with the same sunflower pattern all the way down the length of the front of the dress. On her head was straw sun hat with a wide brim casting a shadow over the white frame sunglasses on her face. "So...?" She asked, hesitantly.
Lumi looked her over once, twice, thrice, 'cause for but a moment, Lumi couldn't believe her eyes. This... This just didin't seem to be a very "Gweny" style. Not in that she didn't fit in or look good in it, for by the Loa did she, it was more that she did not think Gwen felt that this was her style. Knowing that she couldn't keep quiet forever, she clapped her hands together in front of her face and had a bright look on her face and a brighter one in her eyes. "I love it! You look lovely Gwen!" Lumi exclaimed. Lumi stepped up and stroked the fabric that ran down Gwen's legs, though she made care to not touch the legs directly as that might be interpreted as something particular. "Loa beyond, are you hot!" Lumi said without thinking. Quickly remembering they were squarely in a friendly stage in their relationship, she tried to make it more universally applicable. "You are certainly going to turn some heads!" She said excitedly.
Gwen was a bit embarrassed, this certainly wasn't the sort of thing she would wear out in public but she did enjoy wearing when lounging about in the garden or by the pool during the summertime. Not knowing what to make of it when Lumi ran a hand down the fabric by her legs. "Oh? You think so?" She asked, definitely surprised Lumi hadn't mentioned how different it was from her suit or the more humble clothes she'd gone out in with them that day. "I am glad that you like it..." She said, a bit of hesitance in her voice as she accepted Lumi's compliment.
"Oh! I never expected you'd show off something like that out in public. Maybe you had a little wine with your breakfast? That's the only thing I can think of that might loosen you up enough to pull a stunt like this." Olivia teased, patting Gwen on the back and getting a good look at the dress.
"Don't be ridiculous, I have nothing to hide in the presence of friends and family." Gwen retorted back at Olivia's teasing. "Besides, it is nearly summer and I wanted your opinions on the dress before I bought it." She said with a 'hmpf', crossing her arms in front of herself.
"Relax, I'm only messing. We both said you look great, well, Lumi took it a step further but it was still a compliment all the same." Olivia defended her teasing, playfully hiding behind Lumi as though she expected Gwen to lunge at her.
"Well, if we're all satisfied with our clothing choices then perhaps we should head out?" Gwen asked, letting out a sigh as she uncrossed her arms.
"In just a bit, I want to pick out something for my moms." She said dismissing herself and heading back into the forest of clothing racks.
"I'm sure she'll be back soon. She probably had something in mind before we even got here." Gwen said before she closed the curtain to change. However, that did not stop her from talking. "How were you able to make your tail disappear like that?" She asked with a curious tone in her voice.
Lumi's attention was caught once again by Gwen, and while tempted to pull a sultry joke at her, she figured that it may be pushing it a bit too far, all things considered. "It Is a difficult technique. I hate it so much too." Lumi said, partly joking and partly serious. "My tail is... it is actually still here. You can almost say that it is a case of me fooling my near vicinity into thinking that it just doesn't exist." Lumi explained. "It is just very uncomfortable. I also hate that I sometimes have to hide a bit of myself to manage life and just... be at times."
"Then don't" Gwen spoke curtly, though she knew that she was being a bit hypocritical here. Though it was one thing to act differently and a whole different thing to literally hide a physical part of oneself. "I know it must be difficult at times, especially since tails are not a common enough thing on this continent for anyone to consider them worth compensating for those who do. But I like your tail, Lumi. And no, I do not mean your ass before you get the wrong idea. I like the way it moves unconsciously depending on how you feel, and how it just flicks to and fro during times of relaxation. Besides, it makes you unique. A trait not as common as most seem to think it is," Gwen explained, finishing getting redressed and opening the curtains with the clothes she'd just tried on in her hands. She turned to the side, a white scaled tail of her own hanging down from her lower back. "and you don't have to be alone in the struggle if you don't want to be." Gwen spoke, speaking seriously but also hoping to get a laugh out of the girl.
Her efforts were well rewarded. She already started giggling with her clarification of what she meant by her tail, and now she was barely holding back full laughter as a result of the tail display. "T-th-Thank you, Gwen!" She said between stiffled laughs. "Glad to know that my tail can be appreciated by some!" She giggled out. "I, hm, I didn't know that you could do that. I've heard of such things, but I didn't know you were among those capable. Its related to your Dragon magic, isn't it?"
"Yes, this is only a partial transformation. Unlike the likes of say, Olivia or Alysa's mothers'. My mother was a dragon from birth and thus, I do not simply have the soul of a dragon in my body. But rather, I am a human-dragon hybrid. As are my sisters, but I was the one lucky enough to be born with the ability to tap into those abilities." Gwen explained, wrapping her tail around herself and holding it in her arms the way one would a child. "Thus, I have better natural control over my abilities than simply someone who is the vessel of a Dragon's soul. Perhaps one day I can show you my full transformation, a true and mighty dragon in the flesh." She offered something they could do in the future.
Lumi's eyes were wide as a full moon, filled with awe and wonder. "You could become a dragon?!" She whispered in amazement. "That is something I am gonna have to see... Lets not call it a bargain, not quite, but how about this: You show me a dragon someday, a proper dragon in all of its scaly wonder, and I will, if you want, not only show you the Realm I walk, but also its Loa. Would that be something cool enough to compensate?" She suggested.
Gwen was amused by her wonder, not realizing how foreign a concept it might be for others when the eventual advancement toward such a transformation was a set goal for as long as she could remember in her early childhood. However, it was her offer that made Gwen a bit giddy. The chance to actually travel beyond this realm. The chance to meet one of these Loa was a nice additional part of her offer and while she did wonder what she might learn from such a being. She also worried about what encountering one might mean or cost. Still, she could not agree to the idea quickly enough. "Yes, that sounds like a fair deal. I look forward to the day we can carry out this... arrangement." She said, unsure what else to call it if not a bargain of some kind.
Olivia returned with a few more outfits in hand than what she'd left with. "Alright, I'm ready if you ladies are? Oh! Gwen, your tail is showing!" Olivia pointed out to her as though she didn't already know it was there.
Gwen smirked, "I'm aware. And yes, I think we're good to check out and leave." She said, allowing the tail to shrivel up and disappear back up under her shirt as though it had never been there at all. The girls checked out from the store and headed back out onto the street with their bags in hand, a single bag for each of them. The girls browsed the windows for bit as they made their way down the street, passing many interesting items. A weapons shop displaying spears, curved swords, and even a Warhammer. A model shop displaying a large robot looking thing and a large Cloud Shredder in a bottle big enough to fit an entire barrel of wine into it, a bakery with dozens of different sweats in its window, and a pet shop with several puppies for sale pawing at the window whenever anyone walked by. Which meant they were pawing constantly. Olivia stopped to look at the puppies, motioning for the other girls to stop too. Gwen wasn't very interested in the animals but she knew she couldn't pry Olivia away without allowing her to indulge for a bit.
"Hey, Lumi, how do you feel about dogs? Or maybe you're more of a cat person?" Olivia asked, staring at the different breeds of puppy through the glass and making faces at them.
"Oh, I love both. Though I will admit that I am not a very good keeper of them. I have... One too many things goingon for me to be able to keep up with a pet on my own too. Maybe if I find a partner some day who also wants a pet I can do it. But now, it is a bit too tricky. Just thoughts on them though, they are precious." She said, looking back at the tiny ones, feeling her heart warm like an oven at the sight of the sweet little animals. "Even so, I have a bigger preference towards birds. 'Specially the Pygmy Rocs." She said as she knelt down in front of the window. "I can only assume that you are an animal lover then?"
Olivia nodded at her question, "I love animals, they're such an important part of the Inari side of my family. But not dogs and cats, I mean, I like those too... What I mean to say is the animal that represents my family is the fox. I love all animals, but I can't get anymore because Tomoe gets jealous." She explained before clicking as though calling something before a blue fire appeared over Olivia's shoulder that morphed into a small fox that wrapped itself around her shoulders. "This is Tomoe, she's lovely... but jealous..." She said awkwardly as the fox rubbed its face against hers.
"Only for your protection, Milady." The fox spoke without moving its mouth.
Lumi's eyes brightened up once more, her hand slowly hovering up towards the small fox, wanting to touch the small creature. "I don't know how you did that or how she just talked, but I am amazed and I want to know more about this, and I need a fox of my own now." She said soflty. She looked over to Gwen with a look and tone of humor. "If we reach the point where we get married, I demand a fox as a wedding gift." She said, unable to contain her giggles by the end. "I'm sorry. I just, heh, I just couldn't."
Gwen was taken aback by the suggestion, her eyes widening subtlety at the mention of marriage. She wasn't quite sure what to say in response, joke or otherwise. "I-..." Gwen started before being cut off.
"You two are dating?! Oh, that's wonderful! Gwen just told me that you were a friend. Thinking about marriage already? Even if you're only joking about it is so romantic" Olivia said getting a dreamy look in eyes as she stared at the two. "I guess that would technically make us family. We don't act like it but Gwen and I are like... 3rd cousins or something? My mom is the sister in law of Alice's brother. I don't think Gwen can get you a fox like this though. It's like, a super special coming of age thing in the Inari family." Olivia explained with a joyful tone in her voice at the thought of gaining a new family member.
Lumi's eyes grew wide. "Oh, oh, n-no, I didn't- I just... Damn it. Not another mistake... I'm sorry Gwen. I was just trying to be funny, I wasn't trying to... I was just trying to have some good hearted fun with you, just mess with ya a little..." She excused herself to Gwen before turning over to Olivia. "We aren't dating, Olivia. We are friends, and little more. I was just trying to pull a joke. I wasn't trying to make things awkward for anyone. I have to keep remind myself that I am not that funny of a gal." She said with an awkward smile.
"Well, it appears things have gotten awkward..." The fox said before Olivia dismissed it.
"Not now, Tomoe..." Olivia said before turning back to Lumi, "Oh, then it's my fault for taking it the wrong way. I beg your forgiveness, I hope that I didn't just out Gwen for having a thing for girls. I just thought that maybe she'd finally found someone, you know? I'm sorry for making things weird." Olivia said with several bows, shaking the fox on her shoulders up and down rapidly enough that it seemed the thing was getting dizzy. 
"Milady... Please...stop..." Tomoe said before Olivia realized what she was doing and began to apologize to it as well.
Gwen let out a sigh at the display, wiping off her face with her hand. "No harm was done, it was simply a misunderstanding. No apologies needed from either of you, let us just return to our day before we get off schedule too much." Gwen said, motioning for the two to follow her.
"Oh, okay..." Olivia said before turning her head to the fox. "You can go home, Tomoe," She said before the fox faded away like some sort of spirit. Olivia walked beside Lumi as they followed Gwen. "I really am sorry, I had good intentions. I was just really happy about the idea, ya know? Is there anything I can do to help fix whatever I messed up?" She asked, a near whisper to Lumi as they walked.
"Nothing, because you didn't do anything wrong. It was my mistake. I said things I shouldn't have said and you only rode the hype train. You are without guilt. This mistake is for me to fix..." Lumi said, trailing off as she looked ahead to Gwen. "Olivia, could you keep a few paces behind us for just a bit? I am gonna see if there is anything I need to solve now before things get too tense." Olivia nodded as she fell back just a little bit more before Lumi walked up to Gwen. "I am sorry. I just assumed that maybe she as your friend would have been aware of our situation. And with her remark from earlier, I just assumed that she was and that there would be no harm or foul with pulling a little joke. But I feel that I overstepped. I have hinted towards something you'd maybe rather have had as a secret for a time. I'm really sorry."
"I said there was neither harm nor foul, it was only a joke." Gwen started as they continued walking through the streets. "I didn't keep it from her because I was embarrassed or anything of that nature. Only because, well... You saw how she was. I'm unsure of my feelings and I didn't want to get her hopes up for something that neither you nor I are even sure will blossom. You have done nothing wrong, perhaps I was in the wrong for keeping it from her. She would find out eventually from someone. I was only delaying the inevitable." She explained, her straight lips curving into a barely-there but still present smile. "I do not want you to change who you are or censor yourself to hang out around my friends or... family in this case. If you say something that causes things to become awkward or I say those things, we can fix them together. How does that sound?"
"That-" Lumi cut herself off, realizing that she was about to protest to the suggestion. Not that it was a bad one, but because she was under the belief that since she had made a mistake, she should be trying to make amends. But realizing that such a thing might just make things more tense, she nodded with a smile. "That sounds wonderful. Yeah. Thats an agreement." She said softly up at Gwen. She waved for Olivia that everything was in the clear. "I believe you wanted to take a look at one of those magic stores, Gwen? Are we going to do that first or do we have another destination in mind?"
Lumi's hesitance to accept her words did not go unnoticed by Gwen who let out an internal sigh, she wasn't really sure how to proceed with this conversation. However, Lumi would, perhaps inadvertently save her from having to figure it out at least for now. "Yes, the magical emporium is our current objective. I think you may find the place interesting, there are many odd and strange wonders in such a place." She explained as Olivia caught back up with them. The three walked quite a ways, several blocks away from where they had been before until they reached a shop with a large sign over its door reading 'The Crystal Griffin Magic Emporium'. Walking inside, it was clear that the building was quite a bit bigger on the inside than it was on the outside. A whole second story added on top. The first floor was filled with aisles of different items and glass cases to display to more expensive and rare items for sale. The second floor, which could be seen from the first as it was more like a loft than an entirely separate floor, boasted an array of bookshelves that lined the walls filled with magical tomes that held altogether thousands of spells even among the repeat copies.
The lights that lit up the store appeared to be small flames floating at both levels of the store, the flames trapped in what appeared to be bubbles. The first floor was, of course, the first place they would check out. Gwen went over to the glass cases, stroking her own chin as she looked about the different items. Some of which ranged from a cursed blade whose label said that it was taken from a felled demon, to a book whose label claimed that it could tell the future of anyone who wielded it, and the most expensive item, far too expensive even for Gwen's rather deep pockets was a lamp which claimed to contain a Djinn. She turned her head to Lumi, quite the interesting stock, huh?"
"Quite..." Lumi said as she inspected the items. The lamp was what caught her interest above all else. She had interracted and heard of Djinn in the past. It would be interesting to interract with one in the mortal realm too. And if she got it, then she could keep it for all time. Maybe even... "Gwen, Olivia, come!" She exclaimed to her friends before heading to the store clerk. The two girls followed in her steps, if slightly confused. "Good day, madam!" Said the elder man behind the counter. "What can I do for you on this day?"
"Yes! I was wondering what you could tell me some things about that Djinn lamp? Like, where did you get it and how long has it been in your store?"
"Ah! Yes, my store's greatest treasure. I found it in my youth during one of my adventures. It has been great company over the years, but here now on the autumn of life, I want to pass it on, leave some coin for my children and grand children to use in my passing. It has been standing in my store for sale for over ten years now." He said with a jolly tone.
"Fascinating. Hey, I want to propose a game."
"A game, huh? Certainly, could brighten up my day. What kind of game are we talking about?"
"A game for the lamp."
The elderly man was taken back by that. "You... You want me to risk my most precious item in a game?"
"Absolutely not. I am suggesting a good sport for the chance for a cheaper price."
"I... I am sorry, madam, but I can't just part with it for a cheaper price, no matter the-"
"If you do this and I lose, I will pay you double its price without even buying the thing."
The man's face turned pale and astounded. "You... You cannot be serious."
Lumi pulled out a credit chit that read her current bank status. It would certainly covered the cost she was suggesting, if not putting a serious dent in it. "I am serious. If I fail, I will pay double, if I win, you lower the price by 15 million. I'll even let you choose the game. Lets be honest, would that that money be that bad a gamble? From what you've told me about it, it doesn't seem like you will be able to sell it anytime soon. I am offering a chance to gain it in magnitudes without even losing it, or getting it sold anyway. What do you say?" She said, a confident smirk with a genuine glimmer in her eye.
"I... Deal. I will just... try to figure out a game we can play. A moment?"
"Certainly!" She said as the man walked away to ponder. She turned around to face her friends only to find them almost as shocked as the man himself. "What?"
Olivia looked to Gwen, as though not exactly sure how to say what it is that she wanted to say. "Lumi, I know I told you that I would support you as a friend but I want you to know that offering advice is a part of trying to support you. As in, what I am trying to say is that you're out of your mind." Gwen stated bluntly, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder. She didn't know what was going through Lumi's head as this was the most irrational thing she'd seen the girl do thus far. "I don't want you to have to explain to your family why you spent two hundred and ten million Drasil and got nothing from it. Or just as bad, paying for the damn thing only for the Djinn to destroy your life and reap chaos throughout the world..." Gwen continued on.
"Uh, Yeah, Lumi. I get really wanting the lamp and whatnot, but this is a lotta money to be throwing around... Are you sure you're making the right decision? I mean, is the lamp really worth it? Especially if you might not even get it..." Olivia spoke up, clear anxiety in her tone as she thought about the bet that Lumi had just made.
"Come on Gwen. Don't tell me you aren't the least bit interested in it. And do not worry!" She said as the old man returned, a proud smile on his face. "I will win. I always win." She said confidently as she turned around and faced the man. "So! Figured out the game?"
"I have. Its a guessing game."
"Oh! Should be fun. Tell me more!"
"FOur questions. Answer all of them correctly and I will agree to those terms. Try and use any means you can think of to get the answer, except for mind reading."
"Deal!"
"Very well then! First one: What is the Djinn's name."
Lumi looked down to the name badge on the mans robe, and after a few moments of silence, she answered. "His name is Aochin Dubaal."
The man's eyes widened at the name. Reaching forward quickly and grabbed her hand their connected limbs glowing now. "Did you just read my mind?" He asked.
"Nope." She replied to which their hands eminated a green glow. Silence fell. He looked up at her, shock plastered on his face which then turned into a defeated smile. "I've already lost, haven't I?"
"Sorry, but yes." She said comfortingly.
"Well! I am a man of my word. I won't even ask the rest, because I feel you have the answers. Write them down and I'll see if you are indeed the winner here though, just to be sure."
She did as he asked, and as he read the paper, he sighed in amusement. "Very well! We have a bargain."
"Thank you sir. Mind if we keep looking around for a bit first? You have quite the interesting shop."
"Feel free. Might even gain some more money back that way." he chuckled.
Lumi turned back with a content smile. "Told you." She said as she brushed by, continuing to look through the shop.
Gwen kept a straight face as she looked at Lumi, but behind her mask of indifference were feelings of caution and worry. She was beginning to feel that there was more to Lumi that she didn't know than even what she already knew she didn't know. In fact, she was beginning to worry that it wasn't a simple case of not knowing, but that the girl was being deliberate in the information that she was making her aware of. In most cases, she would shrug this off. After all, everyone had their secrets and no one wanted to share those with a stranger. But Lumi had been so open and social from the start that she hadn't considered the possibility that she would be hiding something. But now that she thought about it, that should have been the biggest red flag. The man on the street with a boot on his head screaming about the end of the world, that was the type of person with nothing to hide. But the one who dresses neatly, greeting you with a firm handshake and a smile, that was a person with things to hide.
"Wow! That was pretty cool. I mean, really cool. The way you convinced him by just answering the first question. He must have really thought he'd stump you with that one." Olivia said excitedly, the shock from the outcome of the game having passed her rather quickly. "How did you do it? Can you tell us?"
"Yes, Lumi. I'm rather curious as well." Gwen spoke with a friendly tone and a smirk on her face.
"It wasn't that hard really. Gwen, remember what I said about that realm that I travel through? It is a realm of memories and dreams. The most powerful entities have their thoughts pass it through and stored all the time. The people of the faith has that as well. You could say that I simply read through the memories of the Djinn in the lamp. I was just lucky that every question had to do with the Djinn." Lumi explained while looking through the shelves, finding a dragonscale that that had been made into powder to be used for various concoctions. "I hope I didn't give you too much of a fright with that one."
"Oh! I just thought that maybe you were clairvoyant for something. But dream realms are cool too if a little bit more complicated.." Olivia said, her own questions only multiplying at the revelation, But she would not pry further than what Lumi was ready to tell.
Gwen was satisfied with the answer but her suspicions did not fade, rather, being tucked away while she tried to decide if she was right to worry or was simply being paranoid given the girl's mysterious and powerful magical abilities. "That's very interesting indeed. What exactly are your plans for the Djinn by the way? I don't know if Alice will be happy to keep something that dangerous at the estate."
Lumi stiffened at that. "She.... She wouldn't allow it?" Lumi asked. "Damn it." She muttered, straightening her back and looking towards the Djinn lamp. "I, um... Well... I was hoping... That thing can apparently grant wishes, so... I was thinking that I was gonna give you that wish. A little gift from me to you, as a thanks for everything you and your family has done for me these last few days." She said, feeling uncertain of what to do next. "Maybe I can keep it somewhere else? I have solutions to that. Big thing is that I just wanted to give you that wish."
"Well, we can try to talk to Al-" Gwen started before she realized exactly what Lumi had just said, her breath hitching when Lumi offered her the lamp as a gift. Her eyes moved to catch Olivia's who held the same surprised concerned look on her face. She then looked back to Lumi who didn't seem to understand the expensive, let alone, dangerous thing she was trying to give away. "Lumi... I, well, I want to say that I really do appreciate the thought..." She trailed off, not wanting to reject a gift from Lumi and certainly not reject something as powerful as a Djinn. The potential uses for such a creature were endless. She could hold this very realm within the palm of her hand, but it could all just as easily slip through her fingers like sand. "But like I said, Alice might not let us keep it. We should see what she says before we go making any kind of decisions, okay?" She asked, not sure what to hope Alice's answer might be.
"Lumi, you know how dangerous a Djinn is, right? Like, wipe entire civilizations out kind of dangerous..." Olivia spoke cautiously as to not step over Gwen's toes as she knew for a fact that Gwen knew the situation they were in. So, while Gwen seemingly did not want to explain it to her, Olivia felt an obligation to warn her.
The severity of the situation seemed to dawn on Lumi. "They are that powerful here?" She asked with unmasked concern. "I... I... I'm sorry. I didn't realize that there could be such an issue with Djinns here. But then again, with nothing of similar power running around to counter, I should have figured that such might be the case. I... I just wanted to be nice." Lumi explained, a saddened look in her eye. "I could... If lady Alice can't find a safe way of storing it or using it, I suppose I could just call off the deal? Find something else to give you?" Lumi asked, wanting to give Gwen something special, but not at the risk of causing her harm.
Gwen shook her head, "If anyone will know what to do with it then it'll be Alice. That said, are you sure you want to give something like that to someone you only met a few days ago? Like, I appreciate it, I do. But what if I'm a horrible person? Like, I could terrible things with something like this. All I'd have to do is be careful about how I asked for it..." Gwen said, not sure what was running through Lumi's mind. "How about, if Alice finds some way to keep it safe, we try to figure out something we both want from it? You paid enough money to feed a village for a few years, I can't just accept something like that. Especially not as payment for just being courteous..." Gwen said as they continued to slowly walk around the store.
"It isn't about just being courteous though." Lumi retaliated. "I have lived all my life in a position of grandeour, extravagance and honeyed words. You act like actual people and actually treat me as one. With my position everyone goes above and beyond to treat me specially, they try to treat me as if I am more than I am, and I only feel sub-human because of that." Lumi explained, not wanting to look them in the eyes as she was starting to tear up. She walked a bit ahead of them, her tail curling together from feeling nervous. "What you see as just courtesy, I see as a gift not even the Loa could give me. It is priceless to me. And I wanted to try and give a little bit back of that feeling."
Gwen's lips puckered at Lumi's words, she felt a bit of a connection in that regard and had she not had friends and family like her mother and Alysa she might very well react in the same way to being treated like a normal human being. She hadn't thought about it before, how lucky she was not be treated as some special by anyone besides the clients of the Vroman family and Alice. How lucky she was to have been raised in a humble home with her father, mother, and siblings. However, as much as Gwen felt for the girl she did not know how to react the situation. Normally, her response to something like this would be telling them to suck it up. But with it hitting so close to home she didn't feel that response was appropriate.
Her eyes were drawn over to Olivia who seemed to be urging Gwen to say something. Gwen shrugging in a way to tell her that she didn't know what to say. Olivia putting her foot down and pointing to Lumi as though to tell Gwen that she had to be the one to say something to her friend. As always, Gwen knew that she couldn't say no to Olivia when she put her foot down. Though, not because of that this time but rather because she knew that she was the only one among them who could talk to Lumi and have any idea of what to say. Seeing as how Olivia was more or less of an outsider looking into this scenario. 
Gwen let out an internal sigh before stepping forward and placing hand on Lumi's shoulder, hoping it would be a comforting one. "Lumi... Look, I know that I'm not really good with this sort of thing. And I want to say that I understand you, but the truth is that I don't know enough about you to be able to say that. But, even if I don't know exactly what you've gone through... Well, I think I understand the feelings that you have. Were it not for my family, my friends, were it not for them and people like you... I don't think I would feel very human either." Gwen started, hesitating as she tried to think about what to say, Olivia motioning for her to continue. "But... well, I did have them... and now, so do you. If you get what I mean, we're friends and Olivia is your friend and I'm sure the rest of my family likes you too."
And yet... I am hoping for more... Lumi thought to herself, even as she felt her heart warm up from the words. For while they were a bit clunkily and uncertainly delivered, she also knew that Gwen was really trying. Cautiously smiling, she tried to reach a hand up to touch Gwen's, wanting to feel her warmth and touch closer, but in the end, she didn't dare to, afraid that she would take one step too far. She lowered her hand and simply spun around, putting on a brave smile even while her eyes glistened. "Thank you, Gwen. I really appreciate it. The concept of family is a bit lost to me, but thanks to you and the Vromans, I am starting to feel like I am getting a grip on it." She said before turning around and continuing to walk the store, rubbing her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt. "So! What else do you have in mind? Finding anything else you want to get? Or would a lamp be enough shopping for a day?" She tried to joke.
Gwen was relieved, both that Lumi was feeling better and that she hadn't only made things worse with her sorry excuse for a pep talk. She held back a sigh of relief, not wanting Lumi to think that she had somehow burdened her with needing to say those things. Instead, she did her best to let a smile appear on her face. Small as it was, it was indeed there. "I don't see anything different from the last time I was here, I'm afraid. What about you, Olivia? Perhaps you'd like to try to outspend Lumi?" Gwen asked, joking with her friend.
Olivia put her hands up in front of herself, "No thanks, I don't wanna have to explain that to grandpa." She said, partially joking but also knowing she would be in trouble for spending that kind of money all at once.
"Alright then, I think the book signing will have started by the time we get there if we head there now. Let's pay up for the lamp and then we can head out." Gwen said, and that is what they did. Gwen and Lumi carefully placing the lamp into Gwen's backpack for short term safekeeping. Gwen was still hesitant about the object but it was in their possession now and nothing could really change that.
Heading back the way they had come they reached the main hub of the shopping district where a large crowd had gathered outside of the bookstore. At least thirty to forty people waiting to get into the bookstore. Gwen looked back to her friends with an awkward smile on her face, knowing they likely wouldn't be too happy with standing in line with her. "We could always come back later if you all would prefer? I mean, I know the series is popular now but the audience used to be so niche that I didn't think very many people would bother to show up for a book signing..." Gwen spoke with a bit of disappointment in her voice.
Lumi was about to say something until she saw another group of people approaching to take their spot in the line. Quickly and instinctively she grabbed hold of Gwen's wrist before dashing and pulling Gwen with her, quickly snatching that spot in the line for them before the rest arrived. They were not happy with that. "No way! We are sticking together. This is our girls outing. Though, then again, I can't speak for Olivia. But I am cool with waiting with you. We don't have to do so in silence, do we?"
Gwen was rather surprised by the sudden pull in the direction of the store, not having expected to be dragged along and especially not by Lumi. "I-I suppose not..." Gwen said, still coming down from the sudden surprise. "I mean, of course not. Standing here like statues quietly wouldn't any of us very good."
"Right!" Olivia said, having just barely made it in line behind the girls as Lumi's sudden action had left her almost as shocked as Gwen. "Maybe you can tell me a bit about yourself? Gwen told me you liked to write and were quite good at it. Is there anything in a store like this by you? Or maybe your works haven't made it to Ashvattha yet? She says you're rather interested in the Divine." Olivia asked, a genuine curiosity on her face. Eager to hear more about the girl the Vroman family was keeping as a guest.
Lumi shrugged with a smile on her face. "Not so much an interest as much I just want to make sense of some things. I honestly don't care about the bastard gods back home. I don't care much for deities in general, actually, ironic as it may be. I don't hold things against those who revere gods or put faith and reverence in them. I just don't like the thoughts of people submitting to them, you know. As for writing, nothing yet. At least not in Ashvattha. I have considered a few of my poems here though. However, I don't know if they are any good. It is only barely that I considered my book worthwhile of publishing." Lumi explained. "'We surpass the gods every daybreak. When our world shines brighter than their stars. For the power of these gods are just a reflection, an echoing image of thine own'... Just a sample. It is my latest work." She said cautiously, nervous of their opinions on it.
Olivia wondered if perhaps she had Lumi pegged wrong, thinking that they might be able to find some common ground in their faith. But it seemed that she did indeed have more in common with Gwen's view of the world than her own. "That was lovely, I didn't know that poetry was part of your repertoire. I'm not very good at it, but I enjoy Haiku, myself. Still, I hope that get more of your work published. Gwen doesn't compliment people on things often, so I'm sure you must be really good," Olivia said with a smile even if she was a bit disappointed.
Gwen looked to Lumi, "That's an interesting poem. I don't consider myself too into the concept of poetry but I would not mind hearing more. You've yet to go a day without surprising me, perhaps you will do it again." She explained, the line moving a bit faster than she'd expected but still moving slowly all the same.
"Lets hope I can keep that up." Lumi replied to Gwen. "But more than surprise, I hope to impress." Lumi then looked to Olivia, that disappointed glint in her eye not going her unnoticed. "I don't mind talkign religion and such with you though. It is an interest of mine, even if only it is mostly about trying to understand the divine even if I don't agree with the lot of them. Your mother is blessed by a deity, right? Must make for an interesting story. Mind telling me about it later?" She asked softly. "Sorry if I misspoke earlier. It is always fascinating to learn of new faiths and such." She said as the line moved up one more person at a time.
"Oh! No, please, you didn't offend or anything. I was just a bit disappointed that I had gotten the wrong idea. Gwen talked to me a bit about you and I guess that heard what I wanted to hear in some regards." She said with an awkward laugh, not really having been expecting to be caught in her disappointment. "Yes, I would love to share the story eventually. It's one of my favorites, even if it is a bit sad..." She said, hesitating to say more in case it might scare Lumi off. After all, no one wanted to hear a sad story from someone they only just met.
The line moved forward and so did the group, "Careful, Lumi. You saved yourself from the shark tank only to immediately throw yourself back in. She'll talk your ear off if you let her." Gwen said, only half playfully as it was true that Olivia wasn't the type to stop talking once someone gave her the go-ahead to spill her guts. "But I guess my advice comes too little, too late." Gwen giggled as the line moved forward again. Gwen reaching into her backpack and pulling out the book that she'd brought to be signed.
"Eh, I am sure I can handle it!" She replied jokingly. "You should know the levels of restraint I am showing you during our daily conversations, Gwen. I am quite the prattlemouth myself." She said with just a hint of seriousness behind her humor. One step closer to the signing, and Lumi could almost feel the anticipation in Gwen, with her already having brough up her book when there was still a somewhat considerable bit of the line left. "So what is the book about? Is the Author particularly famous?"
Gwen looked down at the red covered book, golden letters reading "Warlock" in a fancy font on the front. "The author was an amateur for a few years. This was the first book that he put out that was able to gain an audience. Sure, it was a small and niche one at first but when he got a deal to turn his book into a movie it really exploded into popularity. His name is Alexander Motif, I've never seen him in person but I've read his interviews. He's very humble and down to earth." Gwen spoke about the author, holding some degree of respect for the man. As for the book itself, it's a tragic story about a young but powerful mage who leaves his home to find himself. But throughout his journey, he is slowly corrupted by the cruelty of the world until he comes a shadow of his former self. It's truly a wonderfully tragic tale of grief and loss, how easily a good person can fall in the right circumstances. It's an excellent story, but the sequels kinda ruined it for me. But that's why I pretend they don't exist..." She said, gushing over the book until the anti-climactic end where she admitted she hated the sequels.
Lumi could barely keep herself from laughing. "Oh really? Well, if it brings you comfort and joy to ignore what followed, then sure, who are we to stop you." She giggled as she looked behind her. Indeed, it seemed like most of them were coming with different copies of teh series, only a few of them actually holding the Warlock book she was holding. "Seems like not everyone holds it in the same esteem you do. I've been keeping watch and it seems like the most popular book looks like an almost complete opposite in the scheme to yours. Are they perhaps where he started to go more 'general public' rather than the niche market you enjoyed? Or is there some other factor to it?"
Gwen seemed to hesitate, "I'm not really sure. I can only imagine, I haven't read his most recent works. But I know he's moved away from the darker writing of his earlier stories. I mean, I don't mind the idea of an author branching out to new ideas but I'd only wished that he hadn't completely forgotten his original fans. Like, I haven't read his newer books but I have heard of them and they seem like the same stuff he's been doing. It's like, the first couple were as good as they were on accident. But I don't know..." Gwen did her best to explain despite not being fully sure or familiar with how writing worked.
"Accident or not, a masterpiece is a masterpiece." Lumi tried to encourage. "And I am sure he didn't forget about the old fans as much as he just tried to expand on the universe of the book. Sometimes certain developments can drive others away from the works, but it isn't really anyones fault. Oh! Look! It is your turn!" Lumi said excitedly as they noticed that the line were all but finished, a single man in front of them before they would have the chance to speak to her author.
Gwen felt a bit nervous, but she wasn't really sure why. It was just an odd feeling in her stomach. A feeling that only grew as the man in front of her moved out of the way to reveal the author of the books. He was not bad looking, a little on the young side. No more than a year or two older than herself. A pair of large rimmed glasses over his eyes, short but slicked back black hair and a devilish jawline. She stepped forward when the assistant told her to. "Oh, uh, yes! It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Motif," Gwen said as she extended the book. The man seemed somewhat uninterested until he saw the book that he was being handed. "Oh, wow, I haven't seen this one all day..." He said, a glint of interest showing in what had been unamused and frankly tired looking eyes. 
"Yes, I'm a big fan of your earlier works. I read them long before you got your movie deal," She responded, feeling a bit giddy to be having a conversation with the man.
"That's great, always good to meet an original fan. Wouldn't be here without you. Who should I make this out to?" He asked, a charming smile on his face.
"Gwen, Please."
"Right, nice,' He said before he began to write, taking a minute before handing the book back to her. "Pleasure to meet you, Gwen. Hope to see you around," He said with a playful wink before the assistant ushered them away.
Gwen let out a sigh of relief as they exited the line, "That wasn't so bad. I was worried, I don't know why but I was kinda nervous." She explained to Lumi and Olivia as they stood in front of the book store.
Lumi smiled, happy for Gwen all throughout the signing, all towards the end of it. Her look turned sour and smile faltered in response to his playful wink. What was he getting at? They had just met?! Once they were closing towards the exit, she returned to her happy self, trying to mask her annoyance. "It is always a bit nerve wracking to meet someone you admire or appreciate." She said, cheerfully. "I know it was a bit of a short meeting, but I hope that you enjoyed it!"
Thye began to walk away from the bookstore, not wanting to stick around too much with the large crowd only getting larger. "Yes, It was once. He seemed as down to earth and humble as the interviews showed him to be. Maybe I was wrong about him making the first few on accident. I met its just a bad editor or something..." She said, a warm smile on her face as she held the book in her hand.
"Maybe, a bad editor can really ruin an author's career if they aren't careful. Let's hope that doesn't happen to him."Olivia said as Gwen opened the book to look at the signature. She read over it, her face moving from the warm smile she did have to one of indifference. The warmth in her eyes seeming to fade back to the murky cold red they were when she was trying to hide her feelings. She closed the book and threw it into a trashcan as they walked by without giving rhyme or reason.
Lumi was caught off guard by her sudden action, dismissing the book like it was nothing. "Hey!" Lumi called out as she ran back to the trashcan to excavate the book, now slightly dirtied and gooey. "You can't just throw away a gift like that!" She said as she opened up the book herself. "He gave you the time to day to-" She caught her words in her throat as she looked at the first page. It all made sense now. A name and a number. Her hands trembling slightly as she held the book in her furious hands. Slamming it together, she turned around with a devious smile on her face. "You know! You still can't just throw it away." She said as her magic began to freeze the book to the point where it would start to break apart from any touch. "You gotta have some fun with this little stunt." She said as she threw the book forward, it gliding across the ground before Lumi jumped up on it, skateboarding down the street with it, the book slowly breaking apart as she did. Cover to cover, page by page it crumbled until there was nothing more and Lumi came to a stop. "Now that was a worthwhile use of it, I'd say."
Gwen wasn't sure how to feel about Lumi's little stunt but part of it did make her feel a bit better to see it destroyed and to see Lumi going out of her way to do it. She let ut a sigh, "Part of me wants to go back and destroy that book signing too. I doubt I'm the first or only girl he did this too, but even if he deserves it, we'd probably get in trouble. Besides, it's better to just be the bigger person, right?" Gwen asked no one in particular, Olivia still a bit confused about what was going on until Gwen explained.
"How awful, what a pig!" Olivia said as they reached the spot where Lumi had ended up.
"Now that was impressive, Lumi. I-I appreciate the sentiment, thank you. I just feel disappointed, but I suppose what they say is true. About never meeting your idols.."
"I can definitely understand that saying. I'm sorry that it didn't end up the way you wanted, Gwen." Lumi replied, saddened for Gwen's sake, feeling a bit frustrated with how her meeting with her idol had turned out. "Doesn't mean that it has to ruin our day out though, right?" Lumi asked, trying to turn a bit cheerful, while also restrained as to not overwhelm Gwen with her and Olivias united energy. "So, what is next on the Agenda?"
"I suppose not," Gwen said, indeed not wanting a single bad experience to ruin their day out. "As for where we go next..." Gwen trailed off as though trying to remember.
"To the Golden Tiger-lily!" Olivia stated in Gwen's stead. "It's this restaurant we used to hang out at after school. "I think you'll enjoy it, Lumi. The chef cooks the food right in front of you, but kids weren't allowed to sit up at the bar so we couldn't watch when we were in school." Olivia explained, motioning for them to follow.
Gwen looked down at her watch, not sure if it was time for lunch quite yet. However, she was surprised that it was quite a bit later in the day than she'd expected. "Oh my, it is a bit past when I'd expected us to head to lunch. I suppose we should go before the movie." Gwen said taking Lumi by the wrist, "I apologize," She said in reference to the action before trying to catch up with Olivia who had decided to go on with or without them.
They arrived at the restaurant after a short walk over to the district that housed many of the cities restaurants. It was crowded there, just as it was everywhere in the city but luckily, the lunch rush was already over and so the restaurant was not as crowded as it might have been only an hour earlier. As such, they were able to get their seats at the bar in front of the grill. A waitress handed them a menu and took their drink orders. The menu consisted of all different types of food, from duck to shrimp and lobster. "I think I'll go with the Phoenix and the dragon," she said in reference to the duck and jumbo shrimp combo. "What about you two?"
"I'm going to go with the grilled tofu and vegetables," Olivia said, wanting to try something she'd never had before. "Lumi?" Olivia asked for the girl's choice of dish.
"I don't believe Lumi is on the menu, Olivia," Gwen stated dryly, a joke, but a poorly delivered one that it took Olivia a moment to get and even then only got a slight 'heh' out of her.
"I don't think we'd find Lumi in a grill place like this. I think she'd belong in one of those bakeries where they decorate all the food to look super cute. Of course, then they charge a whole bunch for them... but, uh, I digress." Olivia chuckled as they teased Lumi as though she wasn't there.
Lumi blushed a bit more than she should have when Gwen grabbed hold of her wrist and pulled her along. After some running after the energetic lady, they found themselves before the resturant in question, however, she didn't even have the time to read the sign or welcome board before she was pulled into its confines and the bar. Sitting down she ordered a green drink that apparently tasted like apple candy, and found herself stumped by the alternatives of food. Her gaze lingered on the fish and vegetable section, but with such a variety of fish which she didn't recognize, she looked to Gwen. "I can't find the Dreadmare on the menu... How about you surprise me?" She said with a smile and sweet voice.
Gwen looked at the menu, she honestly didn't know that Dredmare were edible. However, if Lumi enjoyed sort of food, she'd try to get her the next best thing. She looked over the menu's fish section and scanned it for something that might fit the bill. "We'll take the tofu and vegetables, the Phoenix and the Dragon, and a Muckraker." Gwen explained to the chef who gave her a thumb's up before going to work. The chef set several objects down onto the stove which popped and sizzled as the meat and meat substitute were placed onto it. However, that was only part of it as he began to add vegetables and spices as he cooked, putting on a show as he tossed the meats, the vegetables, and the rice around without causing a mess or even mixing up the completely different orders. Pouring on some oil, the griddle seemed to explode in a burst of flames but the chef was unphased, even taking the flames into his hand as though they were cold as ice before juggling the balls of fire before returning them to the griddle to continue to heat the food. He tossed a lemon into the air before letting it fall onto his cleaver, cutting it mostly in half before he pulled it apart and spread it over both Gwen and Lumi's orders. When all was said and done, the orders were scooped onto plates and handed to each of the girls with a bow from the chef who went back to unamusedly cleaning up behind the counter as if he didn't just put on a fantastic show. But one would suppose that doing it multiple times a day would see it lose its whimsy eventually.
"That... That was incredible!" Lumi exclaimed, beyond exstatic by the display. Looking down on her food she noticed the exquisit arrangement of grilled colors and placements of it that while still a more commoner arrangement made it seem all the more delicious. "Thank you!" She said out loud to no one in particular as she began to dig in. She knew a crustacean when she saw one, but she had never tasted one like this before. It was slightly sweet, with a hint of saltiness. Tangy and with a tint of a mineral-like taste. "This is delicious! Why have I never gotten to eat something like this before?! How do you enjoy yours, girls?"
"Mine's great! I was worried that tofu would taste bland but it tastes like chicken to me!>" Olivia said after swallowing her first bite and washing it down with her water. 
Gwen held her first bite in her mouth as though trying to decide how she felt about it, swallowing it, and turning to Lumi to answer her question. "It tastes about how I remember it tasting..." she said turning back to her food before realizing that likely wasn't a very satisfying answer. "Sorry, I should probably explain what I mean by that." she said with an awkward smile, "It's great, the clash between the sweet and sour chicken and the salty, fishy taste of the shrimp compliments the rice well to balance out the two opposing flavors. That said, it's probably not good for me." She said, her smile becoming a little more genuine than her awkward one had been. "I'm glad you like your food by the way, I worried about picking something for you. That was the closest to a Dreadmare as I could think of."
"Well! You picked a wonderful alternative!"Lumi exclaimed before going back to digging into her food. She wasn't surprised or annoyed with her initial response, for she knew what she was like, and frankly, she hadn't expected anything else, causing her to smile. "Well, not good for you or no, I think we can afford ourselves something less healthy once in a while." She said happily. "It is also nice to see you smile like that, Gwen. Olivia! Would you like to meet sometime? I think it could be a bit interesting to talk to you about some heavier topics than trinkets and food choices. What do you think?"
"Oh?! But here I thought we were meeting right now?" Olivia teased her, "I'd love to. You come off as someone with a lot of stories to tell. I can't wait to hear them!" She spoke with a chipper tone.
Gwen's smile widened a bit at Lumi's compliment but she turned away from the girl and back to her food. It wasn't out of bashfulness or anything of the sort, she'd just not realized she'd been smiling at all at that moment. It wasn't like her to slip up, every emotion she tended to show was one she chose to show. If she'd smiled without meaning to then it was odd to her. she bit into one of the jumbo shrimp to appear as though she was just eating as Olivia and Lumi chatted on either side with her in the middle.
"Maybe you can come over my house some time? One of my mothers is really busy lately but my other mother would be happy to meet you. That's only if you want though, we could always meet back up at Gwen's house to chat out in the garden!" Olivia offered, playfully elbowing Gwen.
"Huh? Oh, right. Yes, the garden would be a superb spot to chat with the both of you. Perhaps with some iced tea if the weather calls for it." she said, showing she had indeed been paying attention to the conversation even if her mind was also occupied.
"Sounds like a plan then!" Lumi said, clapping her hands together and tilting her head. Returning to their meals, Lumi took a sizable piece of Crayfish and feasted on it, the slight crunchiness sending slight shivers down her body from pure enjoyment and taste. "I am fine with either option! The garden would be pretty nice and all, but it would be a bit neat to meet your mom too."
Olivia nodded furiously, “that would be great. I could show you the foxes too!” she said with a giggle, happy that Lumi seemed excited by the idea of visiting her home.
“Ah, yes, I think you’d like that quite a bit, Lumi. The Inari family is well known for its fox familiars, it’s even their family crest. I can’t say I know much about it myself but it seems rather important to them.” Gwen explained, continuing to eat her food. After eating a few bites, she looked back up from her plate, wiping her mouth with a napkin. “I don’t think the Vroman family has anything like that, Alice has an affinity for nature but we don’t have much in the way of big traditions or coming of age things…” Gwen said, more thinking out loud than talking to anyone in particular. I just felt odd to her, but maybe Olivia’s family was actually the odd one out. Gwen didn’t know if any of the other noble households of Ashvattha had any sort of traditions like that.
Lumi nodded with an intrigued look on her face as she listened to the Inart traditions, and also found it rather strange that the Vromans apparently didn't have much in terms of family traditions. "I thought it was typical of noble families to have their own customs to make themselves "special" to the other houses?" Lumi asked, feeling that there must certainly be something special to the Vroman house. "Well, at least you aren't crazy enough to pull off our traditions. I don't think you would have liked it." She said jokingly. 
"No? What kind of traditions do you have?!" Olivia asked, feeling excited to learn about Lumi's customs.
"Oh, they are absolutely crazy! See... It is different for every house of course, but in my family's case, they throw you into a pool of quickly freezing water, and then they excavate you from the frozen pool in a block of ice. If you break out, you are part of the family." She said before taking a sip from her candy drink. Looking over to them, their eyes spoke a world of surprise and more. "Um... Did I say something bad?" She said, shrinking into her body slightly and her tail curling together.
Even the chef dropped his cleaver, hurriedly picking it up and pretending that he hadn’t been listening to the conversation the girl’s were having. “That sounds… Awful.” Gwen said, not even attempting to sugarcoat it, a look boarding on horror as she side eyed the girl with mouth slightly agape. “You must surely be joking, and it wasn’t very funny.”
Olivia looked past Gwen, silent but her face matched Gwen’s with an almost twin-like similarity. Both seemed to be hoping she was making a joke in bad taste.
"I-" She interrupted herself, feeling very self conscious at this point, afraid that she had just ruined their fun. She shrunk further back into herself as she replied. "Well... no. I am not joking. My house drops new members into freezing water and expect them to smash their way out of it..." She trailed off, taking another heavy sip of her drink, hoping that it would steel her nerves. "It... it is not 'as' awful as it may sound... There is a long way of preparations in order to not make it immediately or even particularly lethal, but..." She took another chug of her drink in between. "Some throw them into lava, others to be caught beneath a quickly growing tree... There are... lots of strange traditions for the nobles. They are actually rarely lethal. The nobles can't exactly press out enough babies only to... Well..." She trailed off once more, drinking the rest of her drink before ordering another one.
Gwen’s leg began to bounce, sharing a glance with Olivia as neither of them quite knew what to make of the situation. They wanted to be understanding of different cultures and traditions but at the same time they didn’t agree that putting someone into a citation like that should be taken as a simple ‘difference in culture’. “I- I really don’t know what to say, Lumi… I don’t think I should apologize and I worry it might be rude if I did. But I can’t really imagine such a thing, and I think its something we’ll need to discuss more in private.” She said, shooting a glance at the chef who got the message and went back into the kitchen to get Lumi's drink.
Olivia tried to be a bit nicer, but she stumbled over her words, “I- well, it sounds… interesting! Yes, interesting at the least…” She said with an awkward and forced laugh. “Why? Like, why though? If I might ask?”
Lumi couldn't help but scoff at that. Her tail grew limp and her stance became relaxed as the drink arrived in her hand. "Why? Why else? Because the Loa demand it. They want to test out fortitude and will. If we are lacking, then... Yeah." She trailed off as she took a sip. "Fucking bastards..." She muttered to herself, the bile of contempt making its way up her throat. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get weird or destroy a good moment. I just... Got careless. I'm sorry. I've tried to abolish the practice in my house, but they won't listen... I keep telling them that it is our Loa Spirit's will, but they keep telling me to not 'Confuse the god's will with your own.' If it is so the last thing I do I won't let my decendants go through that idiocy."
Gwen’s demeanor seemed to soften at Lumi’s words, as though they were somewhat close to what she wanted to hear. “We were just caught off guard, but I am glad to hear that you disagree with the practice. I admit, I was rather worried by the prospect…” Gwen spoke, clearly relieved of the worries she’d held before.
“I-I guess if there isn’t really anything you can do about it then… I guess you can’t really do much…” Olivia said, still unsure about how to take the entire idea. The idea that the Gods could demand such a thing shook the foundation of her beliefs. She knew they could be demanding, but even if they’d taken away her mother’s warmth the Snow Goddess never demanded a life in exchange for her gifts.
Lumi rubbed her face and sighed. "I think I can, and that is what is so infuriating. They just won't listen." She grumbled. She reached for her drink, seeing her hand wobble a bit in the movement, grasping her own wrist as she saw it. SHe giggled a bit, seemingly over the previous heavy topic. "Sorry... Seems Iike I've had a bit too much, don't you think? Maybe we should head out soon, lest I be tempted to finish what I started?" She said jokingly with a nod towards her strong drink.
Gwen handed a waitress her card, watching the woman swipe it and give her the card with a receipt wrapped around it. “Yes, it might be best to head out before we have to carry Lumi home.” She said as she checked her watch, “When was your movie supposed to start?” She asked Olivia, turning her head to look over at the girl.
“Uh, about four thirty.” Olivia responded, checking her phone to see they only had about twenty minutes. Barely enough time to get to the theater if they wanted to get drinks or snacks before the movie. “Uh, yeah, we should probably go…”
“You okay to walk there, Ice Cube?” She asked Lumi, wanting to make sure it was just her hands that were shaky.
Her knees were slightly wobbly as she got up, but that was something she got quickly adjusted to, able to walk straight without much issue, if not plenty of focus. "I am fine... I'm good. We can go." She said confidently, smiling warmly at the nickname. As they got to the theatre, she could see Gwen's slight look of indifference to the idea of the movie, probably as uninterested in it as Lumi herself was, even if Lumi did her best to not ruin Olivia's glee.
As they got their snacks and entered the movie theatre, the movie was starting shortly after they took their seats. After some commercials that Lumi honestly couldn't care less for, the movie got started. It was a surprisingly slow begining all things considered, seeing as this was about a killer vehicle. She had thought they would just jump straight into the carnage, but no, there was a surprising amount of character building and set up to this ludicrous concept. After about half an hour of nothing but characters trying to figure out the perpetrator to the slaughters, which in a different movie might have been interesting, instead felt like dead time as the audience already knew who, or rather what, the killer was. There was but one sudden jumpscare that made Lumi clutch to Gwen with her tail in a sudden fit of fear. Realizing her error quickly, she removed her tail and quietly apologized. Bloody cheap trick! She hissed in her thoughts over the stupid jumpscare.
After a bit more than an additional hour of weird low quality effects, they came out of the theatre, Lumi feeling perplexed beyond comprehension. "Well! That was... An experience!" She said, trying to sound enthusiastic despite her confused state of being as she looked to Olivia. "It was kind of fun though. Those cheesy effects were quite something to behold... I don't get the people who were legitimately afraid in the theatre though."
“I thought it was great!” Olivia said excitedly, “It was so cheesy and quirky! I love horror movies like this oh so much!” Olivia explained as they stood out in the lobby, a wide and joyful smile on her face. One might have thought she’d just seen the greatest masterpiece the world had ever known with how glowing she seemed to be.
“Yes… it was indeed an experience…” Gwen said, trying to humor Olivia’s poor taste in movies. However, she acknowledged that it wasn’t all bad. Seeing Lumi scared had been worth the effort to sit through the mindless cliches and cartoony deaths.
“I’m so glad you both liked it! Mom is going to be jealous when she finds out I got to see it before her!” Olivia continued to beam before her phone began to vibrate in her pocket. She picked it up, “Uh huh, mhm, I understand. No, it’s fine, the movie is over…” Olivia spoke, the other two only getting to hear one side of the conversation. She hung up the phone and looked awkwardly at her friends, “I, uh, I hope you two aren’t mad… but mother wants me to come home. Not to the estate, like, where I was born and raised home, grandfather is coming over and my moms what me to help get things ready. Apparently the visit happened on short notice…” She explained, knowing they both had one more destination they had wanted to go to.
“Oh, I guess I understand. He was on a business trip to Ishtar recently, right? He probably wants to see all of you before he heads back to the estate.” Gwen said, summarizing Olivia’s situation so Lumi could better understand why Olivia might want to leave and see her grandfather.
“I promise I’ll make it up to you, Lumi. I know you wanted to see the gardens with us, but to make it up I’ll definitely let you pet the foxes when you visit!” Olivia promised before waving goodbye to the two and leaving with a good bit of pep in her step.
“Olivia is next in line to be head of her family, that’s why she needs to be there. Not that she doesn’t want to be there too, but that’s why she got the call even though she was supposed to be free today.” Gwen explained a bit more about the situation to Lumi. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t still go to the gardens, does it?”
"Yes, the weight of such a title would be a bit demanding of you, regardless of your plans and wants." Lumi said seriously before turning to a brighter mood when Gwen brought up the Garden. "I would love to!" Lumi said, looking up at Gwen, a look of joy on her features. "I don't really know the way from here, so can you show me the way, oh esteemed Lady Vroman?" She said with a exagerated courtsy and a faint giggle, barely able to keep up her mask.
“Of course, Miss Raza. Gwen responded, trying to match her tone. “Only one as refined as yourself will be able to understand the beauty of the gardens for more than just the plants that live there.”
==The Walled Garden==
Gwen guided Lumi through the crowded streets as a red and blue hue blanketed the sky to signify that the soon would soon begin to set over the city and bring about the night. It did not take them more than a half hour of walking and talking to make it to the gardens. Much like the name suggested, they were indeed surrounded by tall walls with a gate as its entrance. Gwen had only been there a few times in her life, mostly in her childhood. It held little meaning to her but she knew that to her mother and father it held a great deal of significance as one of the places they’d visited on their first date together. At least, according to the story her mother told her of the event. If Lumi enjoyed it, she may even have something to chat about with her mother.
They walked through the main gate, immediately seeing many pathways woven between several raised plots of land that held many trees, flowers, and plants of all different shapes and sizes. It was a bit different than Gwen remembered it from her childhood. But memories were a fickle thing in the mind of a child, and so she decided it would be best to enjoy it for what it was rather than analyze it like some kind of case study she wanted to look over. “It looks nice, right?” She asked, definitely a question rather than a statement of her own feelings.
Lumi and Gwen walked through the many streets until they reached the garden, mostly conversing about some details of the book and the movie, free to speak of the nonsense they had seen now that the excited Olivia wasn't anywhere to be seen. Entering through the gates, it took all of Lumi's willpower to not fly off in every direction to inspect the flora and trees. She wanted to inspect all of it, but with her wanting to not embarrass her friend, she showed great restraint, walking away from Gwen to inspect one of the roses in the garden. Taking a whiff of the flower, taking in its sweet scent, she turned to Gwen. "Nice? This is beautiful... Thank you for taking me here. So many exotic flowers and trees... I don't know where to go first." Lumi said, her excitement starting to leak from her being ever so slightly. Walking back up to her friend, Lumi asked: "Have you got any suggestion of your own?"
Gwen stared at an odd-looking yellow flower with blue spots on it. It looked almost like a tiger gecko, but it obviously wasn’t as one was an animal and the other was a plant. She looked down at the label for the plant and saw the skull and crossbones next to its name to label it as a poisonous plant. She moved back from it with a look of distaste. At Lumi’s words, she turned to face the girl, “It’s not any trouble, I promise.” She responded, feeling the need to assure Lumi that she wasn’t being a bother of any kind. However, she realized her words might not have been the appropriate way to respond to Lumi’s thanks. “Anyway, yeah, I think I know a spot you might like.” She explained before offering her hand to Lumi, she wanted to dip her toes into the water of being more forthcoming with one another about their situation. She wanted to like Lumi, and she wanted Lumi to like her. She just wasn't sure of how to go about it the right way.
Lumi hadn't taken notice of the potentially inappropriate way Gwen had expressed herself, for by this point she was more than aware of how Gwen would express herself. She didn't mean harm, it was just how she was. When she thebn extended her hand towards her, Lumi was taken by surprise, wondering what such an action may mean. They had said that they would take things slowly as friends, but this... This seemed... Or maybe she was just putting feelings and thoughts where they didn't belong. Either way, she accepted her hand graciously, wondering where they might be heading, a bright smile on her face.
Gwen led them to a plot of land in the southern portion of the garden, a space beside a small pond in the shade of willow trees that hung down like hair. However, they were not what she had brought Lumi here, rather it was the blue and white hydrangea that surrounded the edge of the pond. When her friend had asked her for a suggestion, this was the first place that came to mind. Though, she fully understood that it was likely because they reminded her of Lumi that this was the place that popped into her head. The small plaque at their feet described the hydrangea as a flower that represented gratitude, grace, and beauty. "Fitting," Gwen thought to herself.
As Lumi was lead to this new spot, she couldn't help but admire its nigh unnatural beauty. The sight alone stole her breath. Hand still entwined in Gwen's own, forgetting that maybe it was befitting to let go, she took in every sight. "Gwen... This is beautiful. I am kind of sad that I didn't see this sooner when I arrived in Ashvattha... But then again, it is even better when in such great and wonderful company." She said, testing the waters a bit too, wanting to see if there was anything to Gwen's hand that was beyond just guiding a friend forward.
Gwen took a moment to think before her face softened and she gave a slight nod of her head to the girl, "Right. All of the most wonderful experiences are shared in good company. At least, that is what father says." She responded, an ever so slight smile on her lips coming through as she held Lumi's hand just the tiniest bit tighter than she had been only a moment ago. "I can't say that I understand. Your fascination with plants, that is. Don't get me wrong, I understand that they are beautiful and that they smell nice most of the time. But beyond that, I don't really get it. Maybe I'm missing something, or maybe it is just beyond me to comprehend it. But I am curious, so if you could explain it to me, I would appreciate it. If you are capable of doing so, is what I mean."
The tighter squeeze did not pass Lumi unnoticed, to which she allowed an equally soft squeeze in return, a way to acknowledge the change in pressure for just a moment. "How does one even begin to explain... I've always been interested in the flora for the sake of what they are... maybe that sounds weird. Let me explain. Every plant serves a purpose to the natural order, and it is fascinating to me to find what that is, on my own that is, not with a book. I've always been curious about how life functions and how it turns out the way it does." Lumi explained. "My favorite aspect of it is to see how nature or other influences can cause different "morphs" of the same flower or tree. It is just such an incredible aspect of life, not just flowers. I just feel less bad about hurting a flower due to improper treatment than if i were to handle an animal poorly. I don't think my heart could handle being the cause of an innocent animal's death."
The practical part of Gwen wanted to point out how consuming meat and the like already caused the death of many innocent animals. However, the more sentimental part of her brain quickly smacked some sense into her before she said something stupid. "Oh, I see. So you're interested in how outside factors can affect the evolution of plant life? Creating things like subspecies and even whole new flora if they split off enough from their original kin... I suppose that I can see how that might be interesting. If not difficult, given the time it takes for evolution to occur. Though, mutations might also be an easier thing to study to the same effect." Gwen explained how she took Lumi's explanation as one of a curious scientific mind.
"Yes, evolution is slow, but that doesn't make its history of how it came to be any less interesting." Lumi replied. "It is also quite fun to hypothize how and where evolution might take them next. I know that it is very far ahead and I won't likely be alive to see the effects, but just stringing up theories is quite the pass time." Lumi explained, getting more and more into the topic until she caught herself. "Forgive me, I might have gotten ahead of myself. If I may ask, Gwen, why this of all places? I don't complain, it is quite the sight, but still? Have you been here before me? If so, no fair." She teased.
Gwen raised an eyebrow, "Why not?" She stated curtly before she caught herself. "Actually, I suppose I did have a reason. Just, not one that I'm fully aware of... if that makes sense?" She said, hesitating as she tried to gather her own thoughts. "When you asked if I had any suggestions, these flowers were the first to pop into my head. I could make up an excuse to charm you, but I would be lying if I did. They sorta remind me of you, of course for the color firstly. But also because I think they're rather pretty. I'm sorry if my reasoning is not to your liking, I wish I could explain it myself." She expressed, letting out a sigh. She wasn't used to things like that, and in any other situation she would try even harder to understand her own thoughts but everything felt foggy and muddled in her head. Nothing was clear to her when it came to Lumi, and that made her both excited and hesitant to spend time with her. "As for if I've been here before, yes, a class trip when I was younger. But my mother once brought me here. I don't remember the reason, or even if my sisters were with me. Only that she held my hand and we walked through this park together."
"Does that make me your daughter?" She tried to joke to still Gwen's turmoiled mind. "I am quite honored and grateful that you thought of me from these beautiful flowers. I am very thankful that you consider me pretty at the very least." Lumi said before turning around to stand before Gwen, looking into her ruby eyes. "But I get the feeling that there is more on your mind than just an appreciation of flowers and reminiscence. I know we aren't meant to push beyond right now as you asked, but I still want to be there and help you, Gwen. Can you try to elaborate for me? I don't want to push, I just want to have at least a slightly better of what is going thourgh your head it you will allow me."
Gwen let go of the girl's hand at her joke, not wanting to give her the wrong idea about things. Gwen put her hands into her own pockets, looking up to the weeping willows as though they might offer some ancient knowledge or guidance as to how to proceed with her own thoughts and feelings. "There's always more on my mind than the moment..." She tried deflecting the question as though that would free her from the burden of answering it. "I would tell you, Lumi, against my better judgment I would. But the fact of the matter is that I cannot, as not even I fully understand the thoughts and feelings that fog my mind when I am around you. I do not mean offense, but there is nothing I could say to you that wouldn't be me simply hypothesizing things that I still don't fully grasp." She did her best to explain to Lumi that she wasn't keeping her out for the sake of putting distance between them but rather because not even Gwen knew for sure herself.
"Sometimes a hypothesis is all you need to make the plunge." Lumi said calmly, though making it clear that she didn't mean to push her furhter. "You have offended no one, Gwen. I care enough to give you the time you need to contemplate and figure things out. Just don't be afraid to talk to me about whatever it is that fogs you if you think you need some extra help. I know you are not shutting me out, at the very least that you do not mean to do so. I want to help, if you will let me. But until you have come to terms with what it going through your head and what your heart and senses tell you, know that I will keep being there for you. I am not giving up yet." She said with a playful wink while walking by her. "So! Anything else you want to show me or talk about?"
Lumi was too kind, far too kind, and Gwen didn't quite understand why. Though, she understood some of it, the fact was that she didn't know why Lumi was so eager to be there for her. Though, Gwen could ask herself the same question but vice versa. Neither of them had any substantial reason beyond their obligations to their respective families. As, while they both were given a choice, she at the very least knew that there was an expectation that they would both make what their families deemed to be the 'right' choice in the matter. Still, Gwen liked Lumi, whether she liked her in the way a friend likes a friend or in the way she was expected to like her remained to be seen and understood by none other than Gwen herself. "I appreciate it, Lumi. It is good to know an ear will always be there should I ever need one lent." Gwen thanked the girl for her offer as she took her hands from her pocket and held them together behind her back. "I would like to think that my mind will become more clear and decisive once I come to better understand both you and myself. As for if there is anything else I might like to show you, yes, a few things. But I believe that one is closer than the other both in distance and time." She explained as she cocked her head as a motion for Lumi to follow her.
She led her a ways through the gardens, away from the hydrangea she'd brought her to and passing several other beds of flowers before they reached their next destination. They stood before a large Cherry blossom try, still in bloom, but it wouldn't be for much longer. So she was a bit glad that she would get to show it to Lumi before it stopped flowering for the year. "This tree is a very popular one in Hylion, they only bloom in the spring before they stop flowering for the rest of the year. They represent a fleeting beauty, and there are entire festivals held to watch them bloom." She explained as she stood under the tree, a brief wind sending some of the petals cascading down around them.
Lumi watched with wide eyes at the sight of the fantastically beautiful tree and its blossoms. "Sounds beautiful... But also a bit sad. I don't believe in fleeting beauty. Beauty is beauty and will forever be that... I hope I am not too crass or rude now, but, you've shown me plenty of wonderful things today. Allow me to show you something i find beautiful." She said before she started to wave her right hand. She elegantly swung her right and left hands back and forth, swiping in the air, and as she did, the petals that fell around them began to obey her wants and motions.
The petals began to flow in great amounts around them, flowing as graciously as a river of blooms until they began to manifest into an image. A city. A city low at the foot of a mountain, its construction out of this world and of grand beauty. Next it began to take form of a big tree, one which didn't register in Gwen's head as anything that she knew of. And lastly, Lumi taking a look over at Gwen to judge her reaction to her display, she accidentally proceeded to will the petals to manifest into the shape of Gwen herself, appearing as an exact replica of petals of her. When Lumi caught this she immediately started to run up and swipe her hands through the image, making the petals fall and blow away. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean for that to... Well... You know."
Gwen watched the fantastical display of petals dancing in the wind and forming different images out of the fallen blossoms. Her eyes widened a bit at them, unsure of what to think of them. They were beautiful as Lumi had described them, but they were unfamiliar and strange all the same. All except for the final image that showed herself but different as it was made from the same petals as the other two. She looked up to Lumi before the girl destroyed it. A small but genuine smile appeared on Gwen's face, barely even registering as a curl of the lips. "It was nice..." Was all she said in response before turning away to look at the cherry blossoms, letting Lumi take it however she would.
Lumi allowed her self to mentally sigh out of relief. Even if it wasn't the ideal response, she also didn't smack her in the face or run away fuming. She took the small victory she could take from her small, barely noticable curl of the lip. She felt content with what she got. She turned to keep looking at the falling blossoms alongside her companion. The sight never really lost its charm to see them fall into a blanket of light pink. "Glad that you didn't hate it." She joked slightly.
Gwen didn't turn to look at her, but she listened as she always did. "I don't think I could bring myself to hate a gift from you, Lumi. Even this... damned lamp that could kill us both and then more." She responded, her humor quite a bit darker than Lumi's. Even so, Gwen chuckled a bit at her own joke. A stifled chuckle that only lasted a few seconds but definitely loud enough for Lumi to have heard. Her chuckle was followed by a quiet sigh, "I didn't know you could do that, the thing with the petals. I think that's what worries me the most. I like you, Lumi, but I worry that I don't know you. Every time I think I'm starting to grasp an idea you show me something new and beyond what I'd originally thought you or this world was capable of. I find that interesting, but equally frightening." Gwen stated as she watched the petals fall around them.
"Wouldn't that be boring in the end? Having everything and everyone in a box like that?" Lumi asked curiously. "I get being afraid of the uncertain, but if we all know everything about eachother form the get go, it won't be any fun. Just the same when you try to hide everything. 'We like people for their virtues, but love them for their flaws.' Ever heard of that one? Besides, isn't it a bit fun, or even thrilling, to find out that there is more to the world than first meets the eye?" Lumi asked with the same curiosity.
"Do you ever wonder how it feels to be a small, unnoticeable bug in the grass? Living your short and meaningless life when suddenly a giant, far bigger than anything your mind could have ever brought itself to comprehend without first witnessing it, steps upon the grass you call your home? Your life snuffed out in an instant, a freak accident, a horror that the giant will never even know occurred under its feet?" Gwen answered her question with another question, her voice held a tone of solemn fear. "No, Lumi, I don't think you're that giant. But that's how I feel when I think about all the things in this world that I don't know, don't understand, and will never even have the power to comprehend. Even as a dragon, a creature revered in this world, I don't feel like it. Because I know that there are things out there that could squash me like that insignificant little insect I mentioned before..." She explained her thoughts and feelings to Lumi, hoping she would understand and not really sure what to do if she didn't. "I do like you, Lumi. I'm just... worried is all. That the you I like might not be the you that... you are?"
Lumi started to wonder if Gwen was on to her in regards to there maybe being more to her that she wasn't aware of. But realizing that this was just her own paranoia speaking rather than facts, she calmed down and moved to stand before Gwen. "You may not believe me, Gwen, but I want to still assure you that the person you see before you is the same on the inside as she has appeared. Yes, there is more to me than just a pretty face, but that is to be expected, isn't it? We've only known eachother for about a week after all. But even still... I want you to learn more of me. I want you to discover me for who I am. Not what I am. God touched being be damned, I want you to see the person, not some creature." She said with a smile on her face, joking only a slight bit. "But Gwen, I want you to know something. You look at me, a god touched being who wield extraordinary power and insight. And want to know something? To me? I think you are the giant. The ones on high and all those cosmic forces will never compare to you. 'They call themselves gods, but when they die, you cannot hear their cries over the sound of man's victory.' The one you are now is even greater than they can ever hope to be."
"The unknown is scary, tis true... But rising up in spite of that, trying to learn more, aspire to be more, try and tap into that potential you have within you... That is more than any god could ever dare say that they can do." Lumi said with a comforting smile, wanting to reach out and hold Gwen's hand to assure her of her words, but dared not to in fear of intruding on her space.
Gwen's eyes flickered away from her smile, if only just for a moment. She did look back, though, she did not return the smile even as the look of confusion and fright left her eyes to settle back down into one of indifference. A mask slipped back over her face to hide her true feelings from both herself and the world. The sun had begun to set and the lamps in the park had started to come on one at a time. Gwen knew that it would be starting soon and so she turned from Lumi to look up toward a large clocktower no more than a few blocks from their current location. "Lumi, I'd like to take you somewhere if that's alright with you?" She asked as she held out her hand toward the other girl. "There's something I would like you to see."
Lumi accepted Gwen's hand, letting the woman lead her forward, just hoping that her chilled hand didn't cause her any discomfort. It wasn't a substantial cold, but still. Walking with Gwen down the paths she soon enough came to stand before a grand clocktower, she allowed herself to be guided up its steps until they reached the accessible peak. Looking out over the city below, Lumi felt slightly scared from the height, but it was overshadowed by the sheer beauty of the landscape. The setting sun cast a beautiful shade of purplish red over the land, the lamps igniting to light the streets as it became darker and darker. "This is once more fantastic, Gwen. Why did you bring me here? Just for the sights, which, granted, are good enough on their own." she said while leaning back against the wall, not wanting to be too close to the railing. "Or does this place hold some sort of special meaning to you?"
"For a few reasons and it does, just not necessarily to me..." She said as she walked to stand beside Lumi and rested her hand on her shoulder. "But the reason I wanted to bring you up here is that over there." She continued, pointing back toward the garden they'd just come from. A section of the garden they hadn't visited lit up like a Christmas tree despite not a single lamp being in that area, several different beds of bioluminescent plants, flowers, and even some trees lit up that large section of the park in multiple different colors from red to blue to purple. The darkness kept at bay by the beautiful glow from the plants. A glow so bright they could even make out the paths between the different flora. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
Lumi found it slightly condescending to feel her hand on her shoulder, like a parent might their child, but she knew that Gwen didn't mean it as such and most certainly didn't mean harm, so she made no show of it. She looked to where Gwen pointed and found herself dumbstruck. The absolute beauty of the flora made her jaw drop. Oh, what she wouldn't give to be allowed forward and inspect them, to study them. "I... I can't... Yes. It is beyond beautiful. Amazing even. Just like a certain someone." She said, accidentally flirting with the woman. She caught herself and turned to Gwen to apologize, only to catch herself once more and saying: "Sorry. No offense meant."
Gwen exhaled through her nose in a slight laugh, "No, don't worry about it. I'm glad to hear it," She said, gently rubbing her hand against Lumi's but not feeling quite up to taking it of her own volition. "It is very pretty, beautiful even, not unlike myself at all." She jokingly bragged to Lumi about her own looks. "Lumi... there is another reason I asked for you to come here too..." She said, moving forward but then rocking back like she didn't quite know where she wanted to go. "I said this place was special... just not to me. At least, in the sense that nothing special has personally happened to me here..." She explained before letting out a breath. "My father... brought my mother here on their first date... it's where they had their first kiss. Long before I was even a thought in their heads. I brought you here... because, well, I was hoping that maybe... just maybe... It might awaken something in me? Maybe... like, those sorts of feelings. Like the fiery passion that made my mother kiss my father the way she told me she did. I feel like I would be being disingenuous with you if I didn't let you know what my intentions were for coming up here. I only hope that you aren't angered by this. I just... feel like I should feel something."
Lumi's heart fell. Was it over for her chances then? She tried to keep a straight and brave face even as Gwen continued before it was her time. Her breath was slightly ragged as she spoke, but when she stopped, Lumi immediately straightened herself. She looked up at Gwen, slightly sad look in her eye that she couldn't mask. "Well... Maybe you are focusing on mimicing rather than feeling... Or maybe that is just how it is. I am not angry. Not at all. If you don't feel anything for me, then you don't. I want to hold out hope that maybe you will one day, but maybe I am just fooling myself. I don't want to give up, but I can't govern your mind and heart... Even if it will always be so and you can't find it in you to like me like that, then I at least hope that you can keep letting me be your friend if nothing else. If we are going to be honest with eachother, then I should also be honest to say that I really do want something more... but I won't force anything. That wouldn't be right to either of us, no matter what I want."
Gwen turned around to face the railing, slamming her fist down onto it with enough force to dent the metal piece. "No! Gods Damnit! I- I didn't mean it like that..." She said, an anger in her voice, though her anger was not directed at Lumi, but rather herself. "I just... I just meant... something more than this. You've been so kind, so caring, so attentive, and now I feel like I'm failing you by not feeling something more than what I do." She said, not facing Lumi as she spoke. Her eyes glued to the city below them. "You're kind, you're cute, you're funny, and you're intelligent. But every time I think that maybe I should take that leap of faith something stops me. A hesitance, a fear that I just can't overcome. I thought, maybe If I brought you here I could overcome it. That maybe I'd have the strength to admit something to myself but here we are and I'm only making things worse with every word that flies from my mouth." Her angered voice turned to desperation and then settled on a melancholic tone as she looked down at the streets below them. Even so high up, she still felt like that bug in the grass. "You're great... Lumi, you really are. I don't know why I'm like this, why I'm so scared of committing to something. But I am, and I don't know how to fix it..." She continued on, leaning against the railing of the clock tower, her eyes trained on the city below but she didn't see it. None of it, like her thoughts became a blindfold over her eyes. The only thing she could see, even as she looked away from her, was that sad look in Lumi's eyes. She'd done that, she'd caused that, and now her heart felt like it was being ripped from her chest at the thought of having hurt her.
Lumi didn't look happier or sadder by the display of Gwen's outburst. She didn't look as sad, granted, but not happy either. She reached out to Gwen's hand that had bent the railing, now not scared of the act of touching her, but rather feeling encouraged to try and offer her more comfort, just hoping her chill didn't deter her. She wrapped her hands around Gwen's clenched one. "Gwen, you aren't making things worse. You think one session of hurt feelings is going to be that bad? You hurt my feelings a bit, even if not intentional or meaning it in the way you really did. I was still hurt, but do you really think I care so little that it would be damaging anything I feel?" She said, lifting Gwen's fist from the dented railing and holding it up so she could look at it, see if anything was damaged there. She then looked up to Gwen who still didn't quite meet her eyes. She took another dare, feeling that she coudln't play passively if she was to go anywhere. She got up on her toes and placed a chaste kiss to her cheek. "Sorry if I am overstepping. I just want you to know that I still care quite a bit. I will be waiting for your real answer. And if you ever need any help with trying to get over or talk about said hurdle, you can talk to me."
Gwen felt the icy peck on her warm and flustered face, the kiss, while chaste, was comforting in a way. But at the same time it still made Gwen feel all the worse. Lumi wanted something, and Gwen wanted something too, but only one of them had the courage or strength to take a leap forward. What if she was more like her mother? Would she have the courage and strength to pull Lumi in for a kiss like her mother had to her father all those years ago? "I appreciate it, Lumi, as I always. I'm sorry, I'd meant for this trip up here to be more romantic..."
"I don't know..." Lumi trailed off as her hands snaked its fingers through the spaces between Gwen's own in her now unclenched fist. She pressed her palm against hers and left her fingers in the air, leaving it for Gwen to decide if she wanted to hold her hand in turn or not as she leaned forward on the railing, forgetting all about the height to enjoy the moment.. "I think this moment is romantic enough if you ask me, considering your efforts. I only wish that you would look at me to complete it." Lumi jokingly suggested, looking to Gwen with a smile on her face.
Gwen took Lumi's hand into her own, finding comfort in the cold as her blood still ran hot in her veins. She wanted to face Lumi, but she didn't all the same. The act of moving her head was difficult but after a moment of pure will power, she managed to do it. She did not wear a smile on her face. No, but her eyes held a warmth and care that had never been seen before. Gwen had smiled from time to time but her eyes remained ever blank, barely showing even a hint of emotion. However, in this moment, the windows to her soul were open and they were filled with an appreciation, a warmth, and even a hint of sadness. Gwen turned slightly, lifting her other hand to Lumi's face to caress her cheek. Of course, cold to the touch. "I... think I can grant that wish..." She spoke, a choking voice as though she held back tears.
Lumi leaned lightly into the touch, enjoying the warmth of her palm against her cheek. Everything about Gwen's current emotional state was laid bare, and Lumi was happy that she was willing to dare. "I really do appreciate this, Gwen. I know that it probably isn't easy for you, but that is just why I am grateful. I adore this moment, and I adore that I can share it with you." She said comfortingly, wanting to let her know that this was such a great moment to her, and that Gwen's efforts were not for nothing, nor did they pass by without being appreciated.
"It's easier than I imagined, once I stopped thinking about it and just did what feels right. But that's the hard part, not thinking, not worrying, that's the most difficult hing about all of this. I wish I could be impulsive, not think things through, let passion take me where it wishes me to go..." She said before slowly removing her hand from Lumi's cheek. "But I can't, not without immense effort and the lingering feeling in my mind that I might regret my choices. Regret you? That doesn't make sense to me either but it lingers like a shadow in the corner of the room that you know shouldn't be there. Just out of the corner of my eye and I can't convince myself its just a paranoia driven trick of the light." She said, keeping Lumi's hand in her own brining it up to her face and feeling it against her cheek not unlike the way a cat might. "I'm going to try, I swear it on my family name. That's all I can really promise in good conscience."
Lumi smiled at the gesture and her words. "Vows or not, promises or not, I am just happy that at least in this very moment, that you are trying. It brings me joy. It brings me a warm feeling. It brings me hope. Hope that..." Lumi trailed off as she considered it was wise to say this to her, but she, much like how Gwen had done now, took the leap and stepped forward with her one arm and wrapped it around Gwen's frame in a small hug before whispering: "Hope that I can be what you want. What you deserve." She said before walking back away after she felt that enough was probably enough, her hand still held by Gwen. She did not pull it back, she did not say anything. For the time, she just let the moment speak for itself and letting Gwen chose how to proceed with this moment forward.
Gwen's lips were pulled up by her words, forming a smile on her face. Tight-lipped, the kind of smile that one might find on the face of someone trying their best to hide their happiness. They sat in silence like that for a moment, a moment that turned into a minute, then a minute more before Gwen finally spoke up. "D-Do you think we can stay here, like this, a little longer?" She asked, her tone holding a pinch of bashfulness. Like a child asking if they could stay up a little past their bedtime.
Lumi smiled a soft one. Happy, joyful, Exstatic. All of these feelings felt appropriate, but she restrained showing all of it. She made sure to keep it manageble for the woman before her. She took a step forward, letting her still keep her hand and making it known that she is close enough to offer her anything she desires. "For as long as you want." Lumi said with a kind and loving voice.