bring to life this old volcano

HOTARU

you are such a soft and messy thing
nobody knows how to take care of you

Dusk is already crawling like greedy fingers of mauve and saffron across the high peaks of the House of Midnight’s exterior when the first plume of smoke taints the cloudless sky. There is no fear of fire when the Flood lives here, no need to rely on rain as they coax embers into flames with flagrant disregard for brittle grass and empty skies. 

There aren’t many around the skeletal base of the bonfire yet - the Valkyrie and a few eager workers - but when the size of the inferno has met her requirements, the doors will open and it will become a proper party. 

Her old magic may be gone and useless in this endeavor, but Hotaru’s hands are stronger than those in company, and she gladly transports large bundles of wood and debris to throw onto the sturdy triangular base. One log cracks in half as it falls, sending sparks into the air alongside the sound of her delighted laugh, the modest flames within hungrily consuming the new offering. 

The light casts eerily on the gossamer slip of a thing she wears, gauzy and delightfully transparent, because there’s nothing but bare golden skin underneath. “More wood! Quickly now, I want it twice our height!” How else will they impress their lovely guests waiting inside?

charlie

Having heard more than good things about the House of Midnight that she wanted to see for herself, the little blonde had hopped aboard one of the many wagons heading south from the Grounds toward King's End. After only a few hours she'd got bored of that method of travel, especially as it turned out that none of her companions were particularly keen to chat, and so she'd taken to the air, flying on large draconic wings toward Meadowreach.

Having exhausted herself on the flight, the priestess had slept for the majority of the day, and it was only the sound of things being moved outside that drew her from her slumber. With the day's last light fading from the sky, Charlie slipped into the outfit she'd picked out for this particular event—a gauzy red slip of material that hung like a giant V against her frame, covering her breasts before melding into a long hanging bit of fabric between her legs—and quickly applied a luscious coating of red lipstick and dark eyeliner.

Though guests weren't encouraged to head outside yet, the staff could hardly do much to stop the little blonde as she used her dart! ability to simply appear outside of her window, several floors down. Drawn toward the bonfire like a moth to a flame, the priestess openly gaped at the impressive height that Hotaru had already coaxed into life.

Walked in and dream came trued it for ya
Soft skin and I perfumed it for ya

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

HOTARU

you are such a soft and messy thing
nobody knows how to take care of you

Hotaru prides herself on her facial recognition, and the curtain of descending nightfall can’t hold a candle to a skill so finely honed through proud nosiness and people watching. It’s part of her job really! (Though job duties usually require a title, and that’s still…being workshopped.) So she knows with certainty that the gorgeous gate crasher who appears from seemingly nowhere is a stranger. Intriguing.

Shooing away the frowning employee who’s also taken note, Ru crosses the grass on bare feet to lean in over the blonde’s shoulder.

It’s a thrill to be that small bit taller, but she keeps the triumph out of her smile as her softly glowing hair brushes against the back of Charlie’s bare shoulder. “I’m always happy to provide special treatment for new guests,” she simpers, straightening and stepping around the Ancient’s shoulder to find her eyes, “but it’s not nearly impressive enough to reveal yet, wouldn’t you agree?”

charlie

Starting abruptly as she feels the whisper-soft press of Hotaru's hair against her bare shoulders, the little ancient twists in place and though the smile on her lips is a touch apologetic, her blue eyes sparkle with mischief. Wrinkling her nose a touch and finding herself utterly delighted by the almost predatory grace with which Hotaru revolves around her, the priestess shrugs her slender shoulders. "They did say that we weren't supposed to come out yet." She admits, nodding her horned head slightly over her shoulder to indicate the House itself where all the good little guests were still patiently waiting.

"But..." A halo of fire appears over Charlie's head, and though her spade-tail waves behind her, she affects an expression of pure innocence that's only partially ruined by the way her red lips perfectly match the unrefined ruby devil-horns peeping out from her blonde curls. "...I couldn't help myself. This is absolutely amazing." She gushes, her praise utterly unfettered. "And I thought maybe I could help? I'm very good with fire."

Walked in and dream came trued it for ya
Soft skin and I perfumed it for ya

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

HOTARU

you are such a soft and messy thing
nobody knows how to take care of you

The admission is a delight, cementing the flagrant disregard is an intentional choice instead of lambkin innocence. Not that the lovely thing seems the type but Hotaru may be gleefully projecting right now (insert pointing Spider-Man meme). 

As little curls of flame spawn between the Ancient’s horns, illuminating her hair with ephemeral copper shades, Hotaru matches her innocent smile with a smoky smirk. Flattery - and an offering - is certainly enough to pay the toll, right?

Hotaru’s eyes slide past Charlie’s bare shoulder to judge the rushed improvements the workers have made while they’ve been chatting. It passes muster (in part due to the Ancient’s praise admittedly). 

“I have an idea for your help, if you’d like to star in the show with me?” The Valkyrie extends a hand as a schoolgirl might while reaching to interlock fingers, but it evokes the same feeling of a demon proposing the sealing of a deal. “A dance? You can start the blaze each time I bring you close.” They will start the revolutions that will characterize the dancing, golden twins backlit by fire. Hotaru’s smile turns impish. “Though it’s your choice whether you’ll join me in full nudity. You can always jump into the flames if you get cold - and then you won’t risk ruining your gorgeous dress,” she offers, sweetening the pot as she feels out the woman’s similarities.