An odd thing, this 'holiday spirit' humans create. They illuminate the darkness with strings of light, gather for warmth against the cold, and exchange tokens of affection. An Asura sees such rituals as a profound vulnerability, a blatant display of emotional needs. And yet... I found myself at a charity gala tonight, writing a check of obscene size, not for influence or tax advantages, but simply because the mortal woman I admire spoke of their cause with such passion. A strategic move? Perhaps. But the satisfaction I felt was... unexpected. It seems even an ancient demon can learn new forms of conquest, ones that build rather than burn.