Wrap up (Various)

[Ebiris]

"I'd rather you were happier about getting naked with me, but I can't blame you for not wanting to give devils a peek," Afina says, smiling as she tries some light-hearted flirtatious banter. "I'll see if I can find someone else, if not Mirajane and I will manage." Barring objections from Jaela anyway.

[Anastasia]

Bubbles smiles at that, "Well, if you want me to be happy naked with you-"

At this point Mirajane reddens just a tiny bit and looks away.

"-we can go visit my quarters." With a coy smile, she offers her hand out.

"Forward," Mirajane notes dryly, despite her blush.

[Ebiris]

Hey that worked pretty well! Crystal would surely be proud, even if Bubbles is bigger than her tastes usually dictate she does feel a bit more open-minded towards such things lately. "You can warm me up when I come back from Ice, then," she says, seeing no reason to throw away such a good opportunity when it's presented. "Until then Mirajane and I better check in with her mother and see if we can find an alternate third."

[Anastasia]

"Such confidence, not a stutter!" Bubbles giggles into her hand, "You may just be worthy. We'll find out after Ice," she sashays off.

Mirajane turns to you, "I see." is all she says, quite innocently.

[Ebiris]

"I'm allowed a life outside of crafting items and killing devils," Afina says to Mirajane after Bubbles departs. "Although I am out of practice, that has rather consumed all my attention for a long time."

[Anastasia]

"It's hardly assured," Mirajane murmurs, "She's testing you. I'd suggest bringing her something back that impresses her, or going out of your way to protect her if she comes with you."

[Ebiris]

It sounded pretty sure to her, but then she's not the best with subtext. Maybe there's someone out there that considers Afina a catch worth being tested to get the time of day from. "Well, she's close to my type so maybe I'll make the effort," she says. "Thanks for the advice. Now, Elena?" she calls forth the helpful ghost-girl. "Is Jaela around?"

[Anastasia]

"That and maybe you should consider a relationship before jumping ot that," Mirajane points out, "Pleasures of the flesh tempt, but love is eternal."

Meanwhile, Elena appears, "Not right now, she left with Hanna on a personal trip. Do you want me to have Tepen send her a message?"

[Ebiris]

"Not right away, we won't want to leave until tomorrow," Afina says, since she needs to wait for the blessing of Air to leave Bubbles and she wants to be in top shape. "If she comes back let her know I'm looking for her, please?"

"Love isn't for me, lets just leave it at that," she tells Mirajane. Honestly can't a pixie just enjoy a nice tumble now and then?

[Anastasia]

Mirajane lets it go at that. "So..."

Who are you looking to take with you?

[Ebiris]

Ebony's immune to cold, I'll invite her along with Mirajane assuming parental approval is given.

[Anastasia]

Ebony's found in Cresea's eatery. She's sipping a cup of tea, watching people go out beyond the eatery to the various shops. You can spy Adrian and Misalea walking arm in arm, currently looking at the front window of Blazing Fashions. Finnegan and Cresiel are a few tables away, having a quiet conversation. From a few snippets you catch, it seems to be about devil-fighting strategies. Finnegan's advocating overwhelming them, while Cresiel's talking about more measured approaches to steadily overwhelm them.

Ebony sips her tea as you approach, Mirajane off at the moment as you await word from Jaela. "Afina," she greets. "Pleasant day?"

[Ebiris]

Afina agrees with Cresiel, but some are more suited to overwhelming assault. "Hello Ebony," she returns the greeting, taking a seat. "I find myself requiring company for a pilgrimage into Ice, one which you meet the requirements for by being immune to cold. Although now that I'm here I just realised a problem, given your past and the fact that the place I'm aiming for has guardians linked to Mephistopheles. You might be too great a prize to overcome their loyalties to Cryonax, now that I think on it."

[Anastasia]

"Perhaps," Ebony confesses, "My apostasy was noted by Hell and I am in their bad graces. Should they get the chance, I would be taken to Mephisto without question." A sip of tea, "Though I am not nearly so pursued and persecuted as Antenora of Sylica. Mortal worshipers defect, it is...understood, if not accepted. For a devil to defect is a crime far greater in Hell's eyes."

[Ebiris]

"Since the ritual involves travelling through Ice bereft of equipment and clothes, it seems an unconscionable risk to invite you," Afina says as she considers things. "Lacking typical defences and weapons, the temptation would surely prove too much to try and capture you. I'm sorry for disturbing you Ebony, I should have considered the risks better in advance," she says, standing up once more.