Lumikki of Iceberg

"Mortals invent constellations yet they refuse to acknowledge the Darkness in between."

Lumikki beamed from his response, taking it as an offering for her contribution. It was a fun concept to dance around and enjoy as a Demon, all the more when the company was interesting. For a sleepy morning, she was shifting into a more energetic demeanor, uncharacteristic but fun.

”Things sound more complicated than I thought for ye. I forgot just how intricate yer world is. Truly in the shadows, I’m envious.” Her melodic voice sounded serene as she murmured her thoughts.  In her ebb and flow, she went on, ”The Shogun is a beautiful as she is impressive. Death is an interesting thing to reign in on itself, but war is its share of enticing. Perhaps it’s the Demon in me talking, but Joya is sentimental to me. Hearing of yer influence is an entertain topic, I hope the darkness of this lands is worth ye locking onto this role…..something tells me I’ll be locking into more things too….”

Drakkon stepped beside her and offered his arm, it was unexpected and that in itself is why she wasn’t surprised, more amused. She’d drab onto him, allowing him to be a gentleman as she was now playing the role of a lady. ”I look forward to it~ Hosenka could never compare, and me local fair is barely a pale imitation.” With a wide smile, she let him take the lead.

"In the Darkness away from the false glamor of light the truth stands unmasked and free."

Lumikki of Iceberg

"Mortals invent constellations yet they refuse to acknowledge the Darkness in between."

   
”Ye’d be right on that, and I’d need it. The vermin creep from within the cracks of the walls, it’s becoming an ordeal to swat ‘em away. But betrayal? Well it’s far harder to be betrayed when ye have too many eyes about. May yers serve ye well.” Lumikki paused as she thought that last point over, trying to make sense of his words paired with her experience. She only met the Shogun once in person and could not quite speak on her disposition or demeanor. Mostly tying back the Goddess’ tendencies and quirks as representations of her domain and its attributes.

”That is much to gleam in that one meeting of yers. I could say she was a more akin to the sounds of a last whisper, but I can’t attest that she’s in need of a void being filled. As for her gaze? It felt like her focus veered away at times, but in a world with many people often having things plaguing their thoughts literal and not, who is to say what’s occupying hers. Granted her presentation was quite meticulous, but beyond that, well I can’t very well say.—But, it’s fascinating to note indeed that in yer recent ascent up the latter, ye got to meet her. I wonder what other interesting encounters ye’d find with more time.”

The pair had arrived at the festival. Thankfully there were plenty of clouds in the sky, not enough to darken the event, but it aided in keeping it cooler than not. Lumikki and Drakkon approached the growing crowd. Most of the narrow streets from which the stands were held have an abundance of visitors. Most of them looked local to the country, but like Lumikki, there would be a few who stood out. Their manner of dress varying from that of Joyan tradition or a representation of their own cultures.

”Perhaps we could start with something to eat? Then walk around and figure out all the things they’ve gotten planned. Back hope, just around Orchidia, the Joyan residents held a small festival of their own. Hardly anything grand or impressive, but it had much charm. So I could only imagine what they’d have here, but for one, I’d like to catch one of their performances when they have it. Maybe I could learn a new story….what do ye have in mind? After the some food, I’d assume there’d be some time to kill. I wouldn’t mind shopping as we wait either but I can’t imagine that’ll be entertaining for ye.”

   

"In the Darkness away from the false glamor of light, the truth stands unmasked and free."

Lumikki of Iceberg

"Mortals invent constellations yet they refuse to acknowledge the Darkness in between."

Lumikki chuckled, she couldn’t help herself and it slipped from her lips. Though she wasn’t embarrassed for it. The idea of the God of chaos having a meeting with one of their own and formally accepting her rules was by far amusing. ”I’d cherish the thought of what it must have looked to see yer father sitting there and listening to the Shogun’s requirements. Nice to know that he could follow a sense of order when needed but I don’t blame him for wanting to avoid enemies amid the Okami of death. Back home, one would do well not to cross Hel needlessly. The domain of death is quite the oppressing one indeed and I find great solace in knowing I won’t have to delve in it meself. Good thing willing of course.”

The pair wandered all around while Lumikki made note of all the tasty treats. Until finally they began to approach the stalls and she’d go off purchasing many things to eat. In the end she’d gather Yakitori which was grilled chicken on a stick, Ikayaki which was grilled squid on a stick and something one rarely eats, Jaja Batas which was grilled potatoes with butter, and deserts like Taiyaki the fish-shaped pastry with tasty fillings, Dango with sweet sauces, and Ichigo Ame the candied strawberries. The Demoness slipped each addition treat into her void so it was easy for her to carry, while starting off with the Yakitori first.

Lumikki took her time savoring half the stick before entertaining conversation again, the chicken was a delight on her tongue. And as they passed the food stalls, they were crossing into the games and shops. Though it would be a stand of masks that claimed her gaze. With glee, she’d point over to the stall with her half eaten stick, slightly wagging it in her excitement, and she’d turn over to Drakkon with a smile. ”I always found the decorative masks quite charming. What a colorful way to play a character. Ye know, I asked Mishiko if I’d be a Yokai in her lands and to me delight she said yes. Now to which? Hard to say. But not that I think of it, would ye be considered a Yokai too? Or are ye closer to the Kami in that regard…hard to say really. But if I choose a Yokai to be, a Yuki-Onna suits me fancy just fine. Tengus though fascinating, I’m not sure they’d accept me.” With a hop in her step, Lumikki skipped over. Getting closer to the stand to look at all the mask hanging from the hooks. There were foxes, rabbits, kappa, and oni. And of course toward the counter, there were some intricately designed dragons of various colors and detail. She kept shifting through them until she found something more suiting to her, often shielding her identity anyway. It would be a nice addition to the options she employed and maybe inspiration for a shadow mask in the future.

So as Lumikki continued to tear the chicken off with her sharp teeth, she would walk around the stall until she found her treasure.

"In the Darkness away from the false glamor of light, the truth stands unmasked and free."

Lumikki of Iceberg

"Mortals invent constellations yet they refuse to acknowledge the Darkness in between."

Lumikki circled around the stall for a few times. Looking at all the options and moving over the mask to get the gist of their weight. It wasn’t until her third look around that something appealing happened to catch her eye. It was a gleam of white that was overtaken by all the bright colors, all the decorative and intricate pieces were simply eye catching. So much so that even one with eyes as sharp as hers could easily overlook many of the details, and many of the masks.

As her eyes darted to the one drawing her attention, Lumikki gasps softly. It was not a perfect representation of her, how could it be. She was quite the odd creature and quite the odd combination. But the bird mask carefully painted in white with glossy white resin and blues speckles like falling snow, had her heart. Its delicate white wings ended in frosty blues and the eye’s holes lined in a cyan. Lumikki, carefully taking the mask in hand, would softly run her finger over the surface. Feeling how surprising smooth the paint was finished. She slid it onto her face and decided she’d wear it for much of the time spent.

"In the Darkness away from the false glamor of light, the truth stands unmasked and free."