Syn confirmed her suspicion, admitted his slight aversion to the limelight. She imagine it was tiresome, constantly being acknowledged and regarded with the kind of formalities that were impersonal and obligatory. Though just and ultimately desiring the best for his people, she could see how his position could wear on him. A smile lit her features as he went on to explain that his need for normalcy was, in fact, the reason he enjoyed her company. It filled her with a sense of pride, the kind that she wore like a badge of honor on her lips as they moved down the street. She could only credit her own ignorance. Had she been more knowledgeable and studious, she might have treated him different, not so unlike the passersby who bowed dutifully. When Syn first appeared in the summoning circle, she only knew that he was powerful, able to feel it like a current as the pressure of his energy settled on her. Mina was drawn to him then, and while it was an attraction of intrigue, it was slowly developing into something more . . . Something she hadn't anticipated until recently.<br/><br/>"I wasn't jealous, I was just surprised." She deflected as he wrapped his arms around her, causing her cheeks to flush. “I thought you might have mentioned something if you two were a thing, or do things together. I mean, none of my business, of course. I just . . . Wasn’t really aware of how things worked around here.” Mina tried to explain, a bit flustered by the way he seemed to enjoy making her squirm and stutter. With the open invitation to his lap, it was difficult not to be flattered and much to her own surprise,<i>aroused</i>. It was much different than the gentle, teasing pleasures Terra had tempted her with. It was abrupt, like having her skin set on fire. It was<i>lust—</i>something she rarely felt for another.<br/><br/>She saved herself by asking the purpose of the festival. What she learned was that it was held in honor of those who lost their lives fighting for equality and freedom. She stared up at the statue Syn had indicated to, finding it odd that it was one of wood rather than stone. In the mortal realm, monuments were sculpted out of the finest materials, meant to withstand the harshest of elements. Human beings would have been outraged to have their symbols burned, but for the demons it represented something beautiful. A weak smile appeared on her lips as she listened, remembering how the streets were lit beautifully the night before. She believed it decorative then, but there was meaning. “It’s a lovely tradition.” She remarked, noting the traces of sorrow he tried to hide. Mina let him continue to compose himself while they walked together.<br/><br/>She moved from one vendor to the next, seeing how they delighted in sharing their craft. One demon in particular made the most stunning masks, capable of transforming the wearer into the face they wore over their own. Another made the most potent and fragrant potions, glimmering on the shelves as though they contained entire galaxies. Mina was enthralled as the demoness explained how she procured exotic plants and rare flowers and infused them with ancient magic to concoct elixirs with dangerous and magnificent effects. If only school were so interesting. She felt as though she learned more from walking around for an hour, than she had all year at Kennewick—not to imply that it wasn’t a great learning institution. Mina just responded better to certain teaching styles when she was willing to open her ears.<br/><br/>“So,” She began, lifting a potion to her eyes to inspect the little tag with all the foreign ingredients listed. “Why the sudden change?” She asked finally. Mina was never one to beat around the bush, but she did spend quite a bit of time trying to understand the suddenness of the Demon Lord’s advances. “I’m not complaining, obviously. I like the attention,” she admitted finally. “But, we’ve been alone countless times before. Is it just that we’re in your home and not mine?”