The Fire Spirit watches Ezi scuttle away for a moment. Sad to see him go, as always.

A few of the other Fires start crowding around him, wanting to know the dance he just performed. Wanting to see it again. Wanting to learn it. Wanting him to teach.

Feeling more than just a little flustered, bright flames start to sprout on Jake's freckled cheeks.

I'm not even that good, go away... he thinks.

Even with his literally burning face, he manages to put on a cocky smirk, winking at no one in particular. Several sighs of disdain echo at the gesture.

"Sorry, my lovelies, but I fear I have other shit to do!" Jake announces.

"That's a lie! We all know you don't have anything to do today, after getting your ass kicked yesterday!" a Spirit named Umut calls out.

Jake watches as the heads facing him bob up and down. He'd be sweating if he could.

He puts his hands up in mock surrender but keeps that lazy smirk on his face.

"Who said I was workin', pretties? Don't you know how popular I am! Everyone's dyin' to get a piece of me!" He chuckles at his own joke. He has to, since no one else does.

"Ah." His voice turns awkward, and he pretends to cough into his hand. "Anyway, I'm leavin' now. Have a gay ol' time attemptin' that dance, loves!"

A few call after him as Jake makes a break for it. He straps on his quiver and bow before he gets out of there, nervous about leaving them out of his sight. Jake's hunting knives are strapped to his legs, even more nervous about letting those get away from him. He wears them even while dancing.

He creates the mental image that will be the base of his portal while running for it, so used to doing so that he doesn't need to concentrate as much as some of the younger Elemental Spirits. It helps that it's a familiar place. The portal opens before him, and he runs on through, stride unbroken.

The air here is colder, but that's only because Jake had just been by an active volcano. Really, this place he's come to is hot. So hot that it can't even rain in this country. Water boils before it can hit the ground, creating a sort of steam that hangs over everything, making most of the country inhabitable. Many of the residents of this land happen to be giant lizards and other reptiles who have adapted to absorb the steam instead of drinking water.

And, of course, humans live here. Because they seem to be able to conquer any habitat, no matter how obviously unwelcome they are.

The humans are exactly what Jake came to see, as he stands here in the Ostenzian capital. The air may be filthy and the steam not as pure as it once was, but he still enjoys his visits here. Jake brought himself into the city center, meaning there are plenty of people wandering around and doing their daily tasks. Some have pet lizards on leashes, others ride the massive creatures. The lizards give Jake sideways looks or subtle dips of the head while the humans ignore him completely.

Jake finds an empty bench in the city center, content to people watch. It's a favourite hobby of his, and the plaza itself is rather nice. It's large but not overcrowded with stalls and shops. Everything feels set out perfectly, everyone minds their own space, everyone seems friendly with each other.

How Jake longs to join in. Even unable to talk to them, however, he at least finds some comfort in humans speaking with the same accent that he has. The same casual mannerisms. The same overt friendliness to all people, regardless if they know each other or not. It's a culture he's always been fond of, but he's willing to admit he may be biased thanks to his personal history.

The plaza itself is colourful and bright, making up for the lack of large vegetation with statutes made of clay and plenty of paint and ribbons. Like the reptiles here, the plants have also adapted to absorb the steam, but they cannot grow too large. Mostly, it's bushes that keep low to the ground with a few trees. But Jake finds even these pleasant.

The Fire Spirit sits on the bench for as long as he's able to. When a couple claims it for themselves, he scrambles to stand up, looking at the two curiously. The couple is flirting with each other, cutesy in their movements and actions. Jake smiles, finding them adorable, but it hurts too. This is another aspect of humanity he wishes he could partake in.