Lumikki of Iceberg

"Beware of the trickery"

Lumikki sat atop one of the highest roofs, her black kimono loosening as she sat back and enjoyed a third dango snack. She was pulling the last ball off the stick with her teeth while gazing at the clouds. Relishing in the lull of the late afternoon. The music from the festival below kept her entertained as her mind wandered all about. And her flock clung nearby, though with their gaze to the ground in hopes for a small meal if they ever got lucky.

Hulda laid on her lap, nuzzling Lumi’s thighs to reclaim her comfort. Soft purrs left her lips as she lazed about, waiting for when Lumikki plucked the strings of her harp again. The Demoness did it from time to time, mirroring the music below by playing it all from ear. Her talon-like nails pulling at the strings with the least amount of effort, making it easy to prop on the side and play one handed.

”It’s the warrior that joined you.” Lonu uttered matter-a-factly, he was not invested in their appearance but entertained nonetheless. ”The lad who slept you mean.” Gunvald interjected, he was enjoying the respite like the others, but didn’t mind instigating all the same. ”He held out long enough. Those two…uh…those two seemed pretty formidable.” Trygve chimed in as well though he forgot the duo’s name. Not like it mattered now, they too were long gone.

Lumikki took a moment to react while the shadows beneath her hoisted her back up to a straight posture. ”Hmmm…” Lumikki mumbled, as her eyes adjusted enough to see him. Hulda, not pleased by the intrusion, shook herself in place and looked down herself. ”They fight?” Hulda asked, but her focus was more on the being atop his shoulder. Lumi too was curious for the small girl, having never seen one in her size before. ”Ye could say that,” the Demoness caressed her companions head before standing back up. Doing so revealed the small wings that wrapped around her waist just before the orange obi. ”But I wonder if he’s any fun outside the ring…or does he always wrap up too soon…” And with a few silent steps forward, she’d drop down.

In a swift and soft drop, Lumi soundlessly hit the ground. Hulda stayed above for the moment with the ravens as she was not quite in the mood to be surrounded by humans. Though her eyes would never leave the entrance all the same, nor would theirs as they observed all below.

As Lumikki entered the The Drunken Samurai, she brought a cold breeze with her. Almost like a fine mist that dispersed just as quick. And in a sly motion, she’d take the seat beside the man and friend. Leaning onto the counter as she got the bartenders attention with a hand raised.

With Lumikki’s more striking appearance, she got his attention first. Pale hair pulled back in a bun that was a mix of Icebergain braids and loose strands. Orange and red flower pins were tucked into the locks to hold it all in place. Her hands looked stained with ink, from nails to forearms. As if they were like the talons of ravens. And her twilight eyes, one blue, one yellow, locked onto the man veering over to ask her what drink. ”Anata no mottomo amai sake,” she’d reply before finally dropping down into her seat. Her eyes or focus not yet extending to the man beside her as she watched over the bartender handling her request instead.

”Ye won’t get a drink if ya just sit there.” As her eyes finally panned to him, her nails lightly tapping onto the wood, she’d meet him with a cheeky smile. ”Unless of course, it was yer desire to be overlooked?” The bartender returned with a bottle and glass, placing it just before her. Lumikki pulled them in, and as she did, she’d chill the sake further. Before pouring herself the first glass and throwing it back.

"When fire burns cold."

Lumikki of Iceberg

"Beware of the trickery"

  With a nice and satisfied sigh, Lumikki lowered the empty glass. The sake went down far smoother than she’d expect and it was indeed as sweet as she liked. Lips pursed and savoring the last of her drink, the Demoness finally looked back over to Yuuki. His reactions were more charming than her sake proved to be, though she couldn’t yet read what could possibility have him so flustered. ”Chibi suits the occasion fine enough.” Lumikki retorted, the mage simply had no interest in sharing her name just yet and just as she moved to pour herself another, she could catch a bit of moment from the corner of her eye.

Lumikki’s gaze shifted before her face would, to notice a the small partner poking just above the man’s head. She was trying to gleam the Demoness as much as Lumi was her. The pale hair of the winged girl falling onto her face as she made a fuss. Then, faster than Lumikki cared to react, the winged being graciously gave her a hug. Melting some of the coy nature just a little bit as Lumikki smiled sweetly.

Lumikki welcomed the embrace with a small on of her own, pulling back to extend her hand just about the pixie’s head. In an instant, a black frostflower manifested and she’d tuck it into the little one’s head like a small gift. ”Yer very welcome lass. Couldn’t ignore the state of me partner after all.” But as sweet as she was to Yumi, Yuuki would be the one to catch the playful glint in the Demoness’ eyes as her gaze met his once more.

”Sure I’m Chiibi as it seems, but seems ye favor the wee company don’t cha. Could only lead one to wonder, but, hardly the conversation for the moment, aye.” Lumikki finished pouring the second drink and threw it back as sudden as the first. By the time the bartender returned with Yuuki’s request, Lumi would ask for another bottle preemptively.

”The kimono suits ye quite nicely lass, I have to say I adore Joyan patterns and colors. So vibrant compared the motifs back in me home, but note, their vibrant in their own right.—Oh but the masks here are such a nice touch as well, and those creature of yers, the Yokai have me fascination. Aye, out of the countries I’ve been, this one I don’t mind making a home in.” The drink and dress put her in a good mood, those she wondered for how much longer would she sit at the counter.

”Oy, sumimasen, non dari kutsuroi dari dekiru heya wa arimasu ka? Shizen no keshiki ga mieru mono ga īdeshou.”(“excuse me, do you have rooms to drink and lounge in? Something with the view of nature would be nice.”) The bartender upon her request signaled to a hostess in the far side of the bar and beckoned her over. Filling her on the demand and instructing her to lead them there. Lumikki looked over to Yuuki with an expectant glance, one the advised him to join her before grabbing her drink and sliding off the seat. ”What’s yer name?” she asked to Yumi, ”What do ye drink or eat? We could share some.”

The room they were lead to was quite spacious and almost empty. With a table in the middles and mats to sit upon. The papers on the sliding doors had old depictions of samurai in noble battles and clashes. And when the hostess opened the doors on the other side, it showed a small garden with a thin trickling stream. The cool breeze was welcoming, especially to the Demoness who already found herself getting hot just by the bar. With a nod, the hostess left, but not before assuring Lumikki that her drink would be brought soon. Lumi the first to walk forward, took a stop that let her see the view, just before turned to Yuuki and tapping the empty mat so that he’d join her. ”We’ll have a more relaxing time now don’t ye think?” She’d turn back to the garden and chill the breeze.
 

"When fire burns cold."

Lumikki of Iceberg

"Beware of the trickery"

Soon as Lumikki folded into her seat, Yumi came and joined her. Surprising the Demoness with take the spot on her lap, but it was hardly a bother. With a curt chuckle, she’d adjust herself enough get more comfortable for the both, before gently combing her fingers through the pixie’s hair.

”Hush Yuuki, yer free to leave if ye’d like but ye’d be missing out on what we’ll order. Sometimes things are rather simple. That being, I didn’t see the need to sit at the bar when I could have more comfort elsewhere.” Lumikki carefully leaned forward and grabbed her bottle, forming a small glass that was a third in size compared to her own. It would look more like the cap to a bottle but for the moment, it would serve as Yumi’s cup. And the Demoness with care, poured a portion that could suit a first taste and nothing more.

”Here lass, if ye’d like it. Me one rule is to sip it rather slow. When the woman comes back with me next bottle, I’ll let ye order as ya like. Yuuki could figure out his own.” The last remark was accompanied by her eyes turned sharp. The slits pointed like daggers receded before filling out rather normally once more. But Lumikki would not linger, her gaze back on the garden she’d give a pleased sigh. Pouring herself another glass and sipping it rather slowly. ”Simple pleasures are indeed a fine way to live life.” Though she uttered this, it was to no one in particular and before any could answer her murmur, the woman returned with another bottle of sake.

With a nod, Lumikki greeted the hostess and accepted the service, leaning over like a mother her child, she’d encourage Yumi once more to order her fill in food alone. Drink was something she’d control herself, but she already instructed the hostess for connivence to simply bring another bottle every fifteen minutes or so.

"When fire burns cold."

Lumikki of Iceberg

"Beware of the trickery"

”Oh, not really,” Lumikki murmured back. Her voice just above a whisper as it carried a slight chill mixed with the scent of lavender. She was slightly hunched over to keep it among them both. ”He was childish when I first met him, but figured he’d be fun to tease. Depending on how he receives me, I’ll change soon enough. Just it seems meaner than it would be if not for me dotting on ye. But yer a cute wee lass, how could I not.” Lumikki then straightened her posture and took another sip from her glass. She was pleased that despite the pixie’s curiosity, she was adhering to her request.

The sun that was already quite close to dipping quite close to the horizon, was now painting the sky in beautiful golden and purple hues. Though she was not privy to the light, she would never lose her love for this. Lumi, leaning back onto one of her arm would leisurely take another sip. Drinking in the view as much as her glass now.

”Thanks for humoring me,” lumikki remarked as if out of nowhere, but she meant it. It was always nice when people simply played along. Of course the curtesy was now usually tied to her power and rank, she missed the days of being a nobody. ”I mean it….when I say sometimes simple is best…..” Though she was just thinking out loud now. ”Yumi…” now blinking back to the present, sluggishly she pulled herself from her fractured thoughts. ”I’ve never met one like ya, could I inquire where ye’ve hailed from? I’d match me question with an answer of me own. I derive from Iceberg, a country not that far.”

"When fire burns cold."

Lumikki of Iceberg

"Beware of the trickery"

”—Huh.” Lumikki looked back down and ran her fingers through the pixie’s bangs, gently pulling the pale locks back to somewhat investigate her head. ”Is that right?….Well such shame.” Lumikki never considered who she’d be if she forgot herself. Maybe she’d prove true to be a real Demon underneath it all. Without pleasantries, sentimentality, and the honor, glory, and loyalty instilled into her from the Dwarves. Would she be who she is? Or being another being of pure destruction? Who was to say, all she could to was fight to assure it never happened.

Lost in her musings, it wasn’t until Yuuki uttered Joyan that her attention spurred and now her focus was on him. She didn’t expect such sincerity or awareness, but granted she hardly knew him. Not one to draw out something the kills the fun, Lumikki reached over and pulled him in for a hug. At least as a gesture to show sincerity, but also a means to prove there was no lasting harm. And when she pulled away, a slight smile lined her lips. ”I appreciate it. Consider it dead and buried.” She fully pulled back and leaned upon the table. Her elbow now holding her up as she looked back to him. ”Now, what did ye want to eat?”

The last streaks of gold from the sun painted her skin in an amber glow. Her gloam eyes dazzling in the remaining rays while Lumikki breathed in the fresh air and felt fully at peace again. Her keen ravens, upon it noticing her in passing, now populated the garden in full. Even her own companion was in sight by now, but still far out on top of the roofs.

"When fire burns cold."

Lumikki of Iceberg

"Beware of the trickery"

Pulling away, Lumikki could see his flushed face but chose not to speak on it. The man was flustered as it was, there was no need to double down and tease more. For now that was, who was to say how the future would make her feel with a bit more time.

Lumikki returned her gaze to the garden and not long after, the hostess returned. Yuuki remarked his order, Lumikki herself would request their steaks, however it was they prepared it, she found herself in the mood for beef and something heavy. And just as instructed before, another bottle of sake was delivered. To which she’d take gratefully. Before the lady left to put their orders in, the Demoness would also request another bottle for Yuuki. To drink whatever more he was having. She’d bow slightly and leave the room at last.

Suppose good faith should be met with good faith. Least thats what the Dwarves would have me think, not the De—…” Lumikki sighed deeply, she almost remarked something needlessly. There was no need for them to know too much, yet if she told him her name, that would be the end result all the same. Conflicted, Lumikki bit into her lip to think it over, reaching for her bottle as she did. For the moment, she was tired of the pleasantry of using a glass. And so she’d take a large swig instead.

In truth, she didn’t her nickname one bit. Short, cute, and unaffiliated. What more could she ask for in the moment when she wanted to remain obscure. Even if she was to present an alias or a nickname of sorts, she’d hear his month for it later one when she found her true name. With another deep swig, she passed on this prospect all together, and played it off like the meal was the gift of faith all along.

”Ye two get along well, quite the boon all considering. Truly…it’s a blessing to enjoy one’s company. But the little can’t speak Joyan, so she can’t have been from here…Where did ye happen upon her? If ye don’t mind me asking.—Ah speaking of which,” she’d cut herself off to bring her fingers to her lips. All to blow and sound a piercing whistle, for reasons Yuuki wouldn’t know for a moment. That is, until he saw a black creature with a red feathered crest hop down from the opposite roof and dash across the garden. It headed right for Lumikki and clung to her arm, unamused by the being on her master’s lap.

”Who is she?” Hulda inquired with a cold tone. Lumikki caressed her head and ignored the rudeness. ”Don’t mind Hulda, she’s a literal child. One I made in a place not too far from here. The festivals in Joya have been quite amusing to say the least, but me love here still needs time to mature.”

"When fire burns cold."

Lumikki of Iceberg

"Beware of the trickery"

With a soft but dry chuckle, Lumikki answered. ”Sometimes I forget who I am,” she mused. Part in jest but the sentiment was still there. She forgets what a Demon is to the world too often.

”Caelum eh? Haven’t been meself but I’ve been meaning to wander over….curious then what brought ya so far, heh, but a las that’s not all that important is it? Good on ye to protect the lass.” Lumikki took the bottle to her lips, finishing all that was left before placing it down and taking the other. She looked down to check on Yumi and her small cup and when she was sure the girl was fun, she pulled back to take a sip from her next bottle.

”Hulda dear, are ye hungry? I got us meat to share.” The small creature who was still unamused by the pixie would shift her expression if for a moment. Eager for the meal to come. Lumikki pulled her in and kissed her on her forehead. Pleased with the shift in mood overall.”What about the tournament called to ye? I haven’t seen yer face around them until that day.”

"When fire burns cold."

Lumikki of Iceberg

"Beware of the trickery"

Lumikki broke into a soft cackle at the mention of the Joyan war, being quite intimate with the incident herself. ”Aye, I know of the war. I fought in it meself alongside Brone Heavyaxe for most of the conflict. Nearly lost meself to it as well, me life, me sense of self….,” Lumikki pulled back and swiped her finger along the air, opening a dark portal from which to pulled out a flower charm. It looked unchanged from the moment she had seized it, her doing of course as she wanted to hold onto it forever as a reminded.

Lumikki held it in her fingers, letting Yuuki glance upon it for a bit before wrapping it in her palm. ”She wasn’t a friend, but…just before I ended her, it had occurred to me just how much she could have easily been one. How we were so alike, that she was too young to die for this, that if this war didn’t happen…there would be no reason to kill her. That day, as a budding Daemon, I was reminded of how all to easy it was to see others as a monster, especially when ye simply sought a reason to slay yer enemy….It would be this conflict that tethered me to humanity. But thats a warriors battle all the same, no matter how ye color it.” Lumikki’s pulled back in what almost seemed like a sinister smile, the warmth of kindness snuffed away to instead show her malice; but she’d just as soon turn away and take another swig. The flower charm still wrapped tightly in her palm like a small beacon that filled the Demoness with a warmth and energy she herself could not make.

”Humans….People…are a difficult bunch. Theres not reason to think to much into it, especially when ye find yerself among ‘em.” She had pulled her bottle with a sigh, some of her drink spilling from her lips and running down her chin. She’d lick what she could and turn over to Hulda to caress her. Hmm Sleeping Calamity ye say? Hear the guild’s rather new but hardly lacking in purpose. Fitting I met ye first in the pits of a fight, but perhaps later ye’d find me in….Seven was it?” A soft chuckled rolled of her tongue but Lumikki played it off as returning into a better mood. Squishing Hulda’s face playfully as she redirected the companion’s view to the garden outside.

”A self exile is an interesting thing to observe, I’ll say. Shame ye shun this culture now, but it makes the surprise of yer company all the more delicious.—But,” her voice popping in the last word as her bubbly personally shown through, ”I still enjoy it rather fondly. I’ve gotten so much from here, and me brother whom I love dearly hails from these lands some time ago. I couldn’t see meself forsaking it. But what I could understand however, is the blessing of hiding oneself amid those who’d know me. Still, I think yer disguise could use some work, but clearly ye’ve done well thus far, Yuuki?” As if to play that it wasn’t his real name. Something she would confirm for herself later one when he touched upon the world just enough for her perception to shine through him.

"When fire burns cold."

Lumikki of Iceberg

"Beware of the trickery"

”Aye, it’s another thing entirely isn’t it. Me condolences Yuuki,” Her voice was somber and soft. Like mist, it was smooth but shapeless; but the sincerity still held despite the words sounding as if they could fall apart on their delivery. She was simply lost in thought, buried in the memories of the war and what it cost them.

Lumikki held no pity, no despair, nor any sadness. Those aspects of her humanity were eaten by the void long ago. Rather, she was amused by her anchors and attachments and they came into her life. Reminders of the tethers she’s cast to keep hold.

”So that’s the reason of yer distain…A fair conclusion for one so passionate.” Her hand and mind shifted to the drink as he went on. Seems her comment of humans resinated with him as a being who existed amid two. Lumikki somewhat remembered her time in that role as well. A featherless Demi-human, merged with the putrid existence of a Daemon. Should she have a choice in the matter, Lumi wondered if she’d chosen another path. But those thoughts were pointless as she enjoyed who she was now, nasty corruption and all. Or maybe, that is simply the warped mindset of anyone submerged in the Abyss. Regardless the truth, Lumi no longer had need to seek otherwise or care. Even she would pluck her eyes as a human before succumbing to the grace of a Seraphim.

Lumikki nodded to Yuuki on his open ended comment for the future. Holding her glass in the air like a one-sided toast and gulping the contents. ”Salud,” she managed to murmur when the drink went down. It was smoother than most but the burn still clung to her throat.

”—Hmm? Amaforth Academy? It’s always jarring hearing names to places from mouths I didn’t expect to utter them. If ye need help getting her situated, I could offer slight assistance. I just so happen to go there me self to work on things.” Lumikki had taught a few classes and assisted some in their training, but those were details she didn’t see a need to share. The Demoness was not particularly assured that his sister longed for studied in the College of Destruction. As such, Lumikki didn’t offer her tutelage.

”Naive notion, limited by yer own experience and perspective. A thing many fall into, even the timeless. But Yuuki, all places in this realm are covered in death and blood. Ye simply don’t care about things that don’t involve ya.” She poured another cup, her stream a bit exaggerated as she played with how far she could push it. ”But if those are yer boundaries, yer choice in the matter. Then so be it.”

"When fire burns cold."