Lumikki of Iceberg

   

"My eyes are open."

 

   
   

   
Lumikki was flipping through the pages of her notes, all collected in her time with the libraries of Talaz Laggar. She counted her blessings for staying within those bleak walls, thumbing through their reports and reading over their cases within the long stretched of time between her missions and quest. This was in fact how she spent and wasted her time, all since the point where she was still a Daemon. Fresh and new to all things technological. It was how Lumikki garnered the bulk of information she had about the horrid and illusive island. Hungrily learning what she could about the information regarding technology that was readily available amid the many archives. Though she did not think her hoarding tendencies for knowledge would come in handy so soon. Yet with all the run-ins with the void has been compelling her to see.

Deep within her earliest, were some mentions of the void indeed. With even some notes staying that this was the source of her blessed staff. She didn’t think much of it then, but she was grateful in her tendencies to chase her musings. As there were a few more instances in which the void was referenced. If Lumikki really wanted, she could make use of a special key she came upon to get the noted back in its completion. Have them written in verbatim to their entirely from the island’s library. She was even mulling it over in all seriousness, making a day out of it with Alvis, one of the highest of her Eight Pinions. Yet for now, she’d make do with what she had.

It was the two recent occurrences that had her stipulating. In her curiosity, she very much wanted to understand and confirm this Void-like presence. Study it even and how it faired with that of the Abyss. Lumikki found this concept vexing, but sadly it was the reality.

So as Lumikki read over her notes and wrote even more about the things in recent events, face pursed and hand reaching for her like warm tea, she would hide away in a corner within the library. Her favorite one in fact, besides all the folklores and stories of legends pertaining to many lands. Next to a large window that feed the room a nice and warm stream of sunlight.

So when Lumikki heard the footsteps heading right toward her, she very well had an idea of who it could be, but it did not mean she was pleased.“Sorry to bother you my Lady, but another one of those quests were sent to the guild it seems. I would assume you’d want yer usual companions?”

With a deep sigh, Lumikki sat back in her seat and looked over to Alvis. He could see all the tired frustration in her eyes. “Aye and while yer at it, a new cup of tea….tell Ittindi to meet back up here in the North so we could discuss this new case and leave together.”

“Very well.” He’d mention before stepping back out. Meanwhile Lumikki went back to her notes only to write faster.

Quest Refrence

Requirements <3:

   

 

   

"What they don't know won't hurt them... yet."

 

   

Lumikki of Iceberg

   

"My eyes are open."

 

   
   

New guild hall:

The weather outside the guild was calm, though the wind came and went. The chill hanging in the air, but not enough to suffocate any who lingered outside. The people of Iceberg were a simple folk, long used to the snow and slush of their environment. Now what they weren’t privy to was the sight of a mana car driving along their narrow streets but they assumed it would be the cause of Paradise Dawn bring such absurdity to their lands.

Most roads lead to the massive castle like structure that acted as the new guild hall. It would be in this direction that Ittindi went as he answered the Demoness’ call to quell the void once more. And soon after he parked just before their main entrance, he’d find one of Lumikki’s Eight Pinions waiting amid the guards awaiting his arrival. ”Greetings sir, are you the one I believe to be call Ittindi?” He would be met with a tall woman with long black hair tied back in intricate braids. She wore a deep green, layered dress that presented a variety of traditional Iceberg patterns and motifs. There was fur trim along her collar and sleeves and gold detailing along the hems. Aside from her dress, she also wore an assortment of accessories that accentuated her pleasant beauty. A particular detail, one could miss if they didn’t pay her mind beyond her face, was the small pair of black wings folded by her waist. They almost came together like a belt, as if intended for fashion. And a few strands of her hair would morph into feathers that were carefully placed. ”I applaud you for coming so quickly to my Lady’s request. She will brief you on the details herself, but I believe she is in the library now. So if you would follow me, I can take you to her.” The woman give a slight bow before turning to the end of the hall, from which she will escort Ittindi from there.

Brone was the first to find her, as to be expected, for Hugin and Munin were often privy on important matters and keen to assist. He came in with the tinkering sound of clanking metal, and his armor added a pleasant chill onto the air. It was fair to say that despite how tucked into the library the Guild Master was, she could tell he was coming from a mile away.”Glad to hear it Uncle, shouldn’t be long now. Me ravens tell me they saw a strange carriage in the distance, to which I infer is probably a mana car. Should mean Ittindi is not that far and we could get going from here.” Lumikki with eyes still along her pages and a finger to mark her place, did not look up properly to greet him. She was trying not to lose her train of thought just yet, not until she sorted a few more details out. And when she did, she’d lean back in her seat with a sigh and look at Brone properly. ”Sadly it would be the same nonsense as always Brone. The void, if it were, is opening another portal with the country of Pregrande. Hardly me jurisdiction mind ya, but I ain’t planing on doing it for ‘em. I simply need to collect more notes on the matter to assure out safety is all. Can’t have more riffs opening in Iceberg can I?”

Alvis would be the next to step through the aisles and find her, this time with a fresh cup of tea in hand and a small treat. Lumikki took both things hungrily with a look of relief on her face. She didn’t think that in the time of her reign, there would be so many matters to overlook, but she was grateful for the work all the same if it left her far more experienced in its completion.

”Lavender to calm the nerves my Lady. By the way, I spotted Erica in the distance. She will be here soon with your guest.” He understood how tried out she was and let her take the snack in before overloading her with more. ”Greetings Brone, ready for battle I take it? Do you need a meal before you and the Lady take off?”

Just a few minutes later, Erica would enter Lumikki’s corner as well with Ittindi not far behind her. Surprisingly, Zeno would appear as well but his presence didn’t bother her. That is of course, if he didn’t intend to join the bunch in their work.

”Ye have no idea,” Lumikki sighed but happily, a smile extended along her lips with concealed glee. She was more than happy to be home and enjoy the boons of her land once more. The comforts in Iceberg were simply unrivaled. ”I couldn’t shake off the feeling that Fiore was becoming far too small. What more, the North was always the Warden’s domain. If I was gonna amass a headache for it, I should at least invest into me own. And of course, I’ve heard whispers that he might have plans for the people of the North himself. So if ye ask me, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.” Lumikki took another sip as she looked over Zeno. There was no arrogance in her gaze, only the fondness she usually possessed, but it would be this very fondness that propelled her to assure he stayed within the guild.

”Been a while hasn’t it Zeno. How are ye taking to yer room? The decor far exceeds the last, that I know, but I am aware that the change in environment could prove a lot for most. Especially one that I assume to align most with summer, least judging by those wings of yers.” Lumikki waved over her tea in a gesture of invitation. ”Of course, ye just got here me friend. Perhaps we could take a moment to rest before the three of us head off. Alvis was offering Brone a meal, if ye’d like, the offer extends to ya as well. What have ye, there is no particular rush as the riff won’t leave without us having the say about it. And in the meantime Ittindi, I could go over me notes. Perhaps ye have some as well considering the Rune Knights also fair well in information.”

”If you take my Lady’s word, we can have a meal ready in a half an hour. That is of course, if Erica sees to it.” Alvis looked expectantly for answers. He was fairly posed in his feathery like shawl that mimicked Lumikki’s plumage. Ends of his long and loose hair came to feathers themselves that hung atop of small pair of black wings, in loose locks and carefully made braids. And just like Erica, he was dressed quite nicely in a formal blouse and trousers that were lined intricately in golden thread and avian designs. ”You know quite well that I’d be the one to see it through Alvis. For now it’s best that Eirunn practices her skills with the Dwarfs…least they have a hardier stomach than both and the fire and ale to keep it down.” An answer Erica returned rather hushed as she didn’t want to alarm the guests, but she couldn’t hold off a cheeky response to Alvis either.

The pair were Lumikki’s more accountable Pinions and the ones that oversaw most matters directly involving the Demoness. They were two of eight peculiar servants that originated from an odd key Lumikki got hold of when at the market. One that match her previous Guild Master for that matter. The people it sprung were of homunculi origin, though Lumikki regarded them as her own all the same; and in a way that she wouldn’t say, she liked them better than most people. Each of the eight have their own personalities, appearances, strengths, and way of dress but something interesting that they all share is their unanimous transition to acquiring bird like features. It was as if their very nature was set to become extensions of their masters and as such, take on the traits most prominent to the owner of the key. Of course in the end this only served to make Lumikki fond of them even more, already privy to put them in the best Icebergain dress to their liking but now she only spoiled them more. And so one can say the relationship between servant and master has been quite the amicable one.


   

 

   

"What they don't know won't hurt them... yet."

 

   

Lumikki of Iceberg

   

"My eyes are open."

 

   
   

Lumikki upon noticing her Uncle’s reaction, raised a brow in confusion. And knowing all too well how subtlety was a lofty thing that often went over his head, she’d simply blurt it out. ”What have ye Brone? It’s not like ya to hold back to that degree. I mean, I know they look fragile, but they ain’t made of air. Ye ain’t as fun when yer not in high spirits ya know.” This was all partly for a tease to have some fun, but also to burst the bubbles now so that things could settle in faster. A lot of things have changed all at once, even for—especially for her; but she couldn’t patiently wait until all things were sorted and people took their ages to find comfort in their new home.

But her merriment would extinguish the moment Zeno invited himself along, forced a deep sigh to escape her lips as her annoyance clearly showed. ”Is that right lad?….Guess ye can’t be worse than the previous fool that tagged along. Yer far more competent. Brone, I assign him to ya. Best to start looking over his training now that ye’ve met. This probably won’t be as bad as the last one but we never know. This is territory we don’t know well after all.” Lumikki sits back in her seat, her eyes still on fae who was having far to much fun showing of his wings. Ittindi now approaches her discuss the information they have.

”Really now?….” She mulled it over as her glowing eyes slowly shifted from the pair to the side and back to Ittindi who stood tall before her. The Demoness’ curiosity knew now bounds but the conversation was best saved for when they had the free time to enjoy it over a walk or some tea. ”I’ve met them both at some point but never at once. Can’t imagine how they’d be like in one room….” She’d flash a playful smile and start packing her stuff away into a neat pile before tucking them into her personal portal. ”Ye could tell me more about it over the meal.”

When the meal was concluded, the party finished their preparations for the journey. Unlike Iceberg, their travels couldn’t possibly get any colder and so they kept it mind. Lumikki decided for the sake of all involve, the best route was to keep to land travel. Knowing Ittindi might not want to part with his mana car nor Brone with the very ground. Lumikki would ride on Hugo.

”Ittindi, would ye mind if Zeno rides with ya? Or perhaps would ya like to ride upon a wolf as well Zeno if Brone could spare one of his?”Once that matter was sorted, they could be off. Hulda, a new companion to the Demoness made sometime in Joya during a beautiful festival, rode on her lap as she mounted her Tempest wolf. The little one was inseparable to the frost mage like a duckling and their mother but it brought Lumikki confront ever since the matter with Tenevi.

The trip took its course, spanning three days worth of travel. The party stopped along inns during the way and for nights when they could not, they simple stayed within the lodge that Lumikki could summon by key. Most of the routes they took we scenic, rarely entering the villages or the towns as their destination was quite the distance from usual populations. The little they could see on the other hand was jarring, almost desolate. The conditions were boarding pitiful, but she could not yet understand the reasons why. Pregrande was a big country, where Iceberg supersedes in height, Pregrande does in pure width. So Lumikki inferred that those among the boarderlands might be suffering the most for it, but of course there was also the matter of the proceeding war.

”Ye’ve been here, aye? Tell me about the state of things if ya would Ittindi.” The party was nearly at the base of the mountain where her reports said to be. In a matter of hours, they will be within the distance of the void disruption. Of course, it wouldn’t help the Guild Master if she was able to learn more, especially about the matters of the world. ”Brone, ye’ve seen yer share of battles and war. What do ye make of this country and its suffering? I’ve made an alliance with the Guild Master of these parts. To aid her in her desire to take over the reigns, but I know not of the details that proceeded her interference, nor the peoples desires.” Lumikki a Demoness, wasn’t entirely heartless. Even if she wanted to be, and she did, she no longer could. She became to intricately tied with fate and the cosmos, she became a Valkyrie. It would be for that reason that she couldn’t overlook the mess entirely, but she would not make this a burden of Iceberg to bear. This was not a kindness her people offered, and she would not impose on them for free. Still, she had others to command and send. So those of her personal order within the Valr Frostguard will have to see to it for her. With a simple message sent by a raven, she’d have that task sorted and more information about the country within a month.

”This felt like it took ages! Uncle, ye really should rethink the need to always travel by land. I swear doing so in the sky is always better.” They were finally at the base of the mountain now, but without a guide, they’d have to fine the direct location on their own. ”This is the edge of me knowledge lads, but me ravens will know more within an hour or so, we’ll just have to wait until they report back what they’ve seen.” And just like the, the mage conjured herself a cushioned seat with the magic of her Roku-bi no Tsukiko, which was six orbiting Joyan beads that circled around her neck. And after a brief moment, she’d take out a book to enjoy as well.




   

 

   

"What they don't know won't hurt them... yet."

 

 

Lumikki of Iceberg

 

"One is an Omen, Eight for a wish"

 
 

An hour passed, and still no word beyond a few reports given by her raven. Lumikki was unbothered as she continued to read her book and now she was half way through. Her party did their best to stay cool in the dry heat of Pergrande, as did the frost mage who chilled the air around her. Yet even though it chased the wicked heat, the air still felt a burden to breathe.

”An odd place to want conquer,” Lumikki mentioned as she turned the page. The party was not lacking in cold water or snacks as she pulled them from her realm, but they did not satiate the dullness of their environment or ease the distasteful weather. ”Ittindi, would ye say there’s any charm to this country?” Her curiosity was beginning to spill out but it wouldn’t be long until Lonu, one of her more reliable ravens, returned with more word.

”Lady, sorry to keep you. For some time, there was nothing of note to bring back. It was as if nothing was there. It was only by chance that one of the birds caught a shimmer, a glimpse at a portal in a crevice high up on the mountain. We could take you there, but for those of them that can’t fly, it’ll be quite the climb. The stone face seems steep an unstable.“ Lonu perched himself onto the back of her chair as he delivered to her the bulk of the message. All while Lumikki was skimming the page to settle just where she’d leave off as she listened to him at the same time. ”Is that sooo?” Lumikki smirked, she wondered just how the others would take the news. Besides her, she knew Zeno could fly, and though Brone could, he often chose not to. Not like it should prove a problem for the hardy Dwarf anyhow, a man who was one with the stone and raised upon scaling cliffs. Oh, it would be Ittindi that caused her the most wonder.

”Me birds could least up to where we seek, but it would be a harsh climb to get there. Zeno, would ye be a dear and stay along side me to provide them support? As for ya two, ye’ll have to mange the rock face but I’m sure Brone can help ye maintain footing Ittindi. Now let’s get things sorted,” Lumikki rose from her seat the broke into smoke and air. Ceasing to exist the moment she had no need for it. And she’d wonder to the mana car. ”Take anything ye need now as ya won’t be able to take it further toward the mountain.” When they were ready, Lumikki snapped her fingers, causing a gust of wind and smoke to take it to her personal realm. With help from her necklace, the thing was safely tucked away.

”Pete dear,” The wolf that had wrapped itself around her as the Demoness was seated and stayed glued to her side even now, nuzzled into her side quite happily as he awaited her request. Lumikki took his muzzle by hand, pulling his snout to her face so that she could kiss his nose. ”Ittindi will be riding ye to the mountain love, do ye think ya could manage some of the climb with him on yer back?” Pete took a moment to look the man over, having seen him a few times before and for the duration of the three passing days. Once he was assured, he gently pushing into Lumikki with his head and begrudgingly lowered himself by the butler. ”Zeno, we could take flight starting here.” After bending down to pick up Hulda, Lumikki’s wings unfurled. All four pulled back until they were their max length, stretching and folding until she was ready to take off.

”Shall we?” Lumikki remarked with a smirk, taking off with Zeno not to far on her side, the party made their way to their final destination. With the pair just about ten meters above to keep watch as the other pair followed along bellow. ”Will ye be alright Zeno? Ya could still turn back should ye want to.” Lumi assured as she scanned the terrain. Something made her feel uneasy, but she wouldn’t admit that now. ”Well, I told Brone to watch over yer training but I am here for ya as well. The creatures of the void are rather erratic and dangerous and I worry for what could happen to ye, but I suppose I shouldn’t mother a budding hunter like yerself. Ye’ve proved capable….I guess somehow I’ve grown to worry too much.”

The moment pasted nice and calm, only to be interrupted with the sudden appearance of dotted lines. Lumikki tried to trace them as face as she could, her eye revealing the projectiles to come and where, only there were so many to track. ”Brace yerself!” The Guild Master howled, she shifted Hulda in her arms until she was carried by only one, and took the lead toward the incoming onslaught. As soon as the arrows loosed, so did she. Clawing the air to conjure a bulk of her magic into an icy wind that knocked most of them down. A feat that would not prove easy, as they were lengthy arrows shot by long bows, and so some would pierce her gale all the same. Everyone had to be on their toes to dodge all the remained. The party were barely a ten meters from the mountain, but it was clear the presence of the void had already came to meet them.

Better prepared, the party would be able to take on the next slew of arrows, avoiding the volley as they soon began their ascend upward. The wolfs would be able to bring those riding up quickly but it would be up to the riders to protect them on their climb. Lumikki and Zeno however would focus on the centaur like creatures. Their bodies sleek with an otherworldly sheen and a haunting lack of facial features. From what the two could make out, eight voidlings are apparent in the crevices of the mountain side.

Good luck on the first round for climbing.

 

 

"Pity those who hold the gaze of me flock."