Kasumi Fujikawa

Kasumi Fujikawa
Gender	Female
Race	Au Ra
Clan	Unknown
Citizenship	Ul'dah
Age	30
Nameday	10th Sun of the 5th Umbral Moon
Occupation	Artist for hire, currently in Gridania
Guardian	Menphina, the Lover
Alignment	Shifting from Neutral Evil
Relationship Status	Recently single

Kasumi in Eorzea

Checking in at a staggering 4 fulm 10 ilm and 100 ponze soaking wet, Kasumi is a self-admitted refugee currently earning her way across Eorzea by way of her art trade. She was baffled to go without notice in Ul'dah for several days despite having traits that would have normally earned her harsh glances at best. Namely, the features bestowed upon her at birth from the Dawn Father and foreign to the greater part of her current surroundings.

Arrival in Ul'dah

Her first few weeks in Ul'dah lead to the opening of a small "booth" comprised from stacked shipping crates in a corner of the Sapphire Exchange where she tended stall and sold her art for any reasonable offer of coin. All while taking down the sights and people of the grand city in the large art tome almost always on her person. She managed to make a few friends and even earn a bit of notoriety for herself among the local populace for her craft work. However, her new relationships also brought their own troubles and she was forced to reveal her own combat prowess and relating history long before she desired to; leaving her with a sense of guilt towards the people she cares for.

Journey to Gridania

After a hard-won battle and its immediate aftermath, Kasumi found herself moments from bleeding out on the doorstep of the Carline Canopy, but was saved by a serendipitous encounter with a passing practitioner of the healing arts. Grateful and duty bound, she immediately set to acting as liaison between comrades while they recovered in Ishgard on top of paying back the good deeds to the Conjurer's Guild by volunteering for menial tasks. Within days, she fell in love with the area and joined the Botanist Guild in hopes to further her knowledge of floral tonics and tinctures so that she might be more of an asset to those around herself. Her comrades soon returned from Ishgard with larger issues than before and opted Kasumi act as main support to her free company's leader while he sorted through his memories. However, Kasumi's equally growing fondness and guilt for her co-founder left her struggling with an approach to his care they could both live with. She resolved to confess her feelings, but swore not to act on them until his current issues were handled and pledged her blades to him once more; the only act she could see fit to channel her emotions into. Together, they departed for Limsa Lominsa and what promised to be a long road to recovery.

Upheaval in Limsa Lominsa

Upon arrival in Limsa Lominsa, Kasumi familiarized herself with the city and assisted Alciel whenever possible; finding her pledge not to act on her feelings hard to maintain at moments. After a morning's slip-up, the two opted to ease into courtship in an effort to regain and build upon their memories together, despite Kasumi's heavy hesitance on the matter. She was then introduced to his friends from before the accident, widening her own networks once more. However, that net has finally grown wide enough to catch the attention of unwanted sources that are quickly catching up to Kasumi and despite her efforts to bring it to attention, it goes unheeded by her partner; serving only to spurn the sense of guilt and wariness growing within her.

One of her possessions, a blood-stained worn tome, was in need of researching and together with Alciel they left for Ishgard. She took on the alias Chotan Drakareus, a recently reunited fellow tribeskin of Aiswynd's while within the walls, proving her a shield to stand behind as they went about business. The trip provided no insight into the book, leaving Kasumi to deal with it once more by herself. After an uneasy night between the two, she set off for Ishgard fully intending to find the answers to her questions on her own terms.

Ishgard - The Arrival

The second fateful trip to Ishgard brought Kasumi further troubles beyond the matter of being an outsider. Without a guide, she quickly found herself lost and huddled in the Forgotten Knight, unsure of the city's layout. A local, one Garrett Vinland, became acquainted with her as Chotan and personally escorted her to the steps of her destination - Saint Endalim's Scholasticate.

She found the doors slammed in her face upon arrival and none inside willing to listen to her. Disparaged, Kasumi wandered the streets of Ishgard, finally ending back at the Forgotten Knight for another round of conversation with Garrett. The topics quickly fell upon work, specifically his being a bounty hunter. Through a peculiar gesture of openness, he shared his current collection of bounties for Kasumi to look over only to find one issued in her own name and at a younger age. The day had come where she found herself actively hunted by the past she had been running from all along.

She managed to play it off for only a few moments as another serendipitous encounter quickly shattered her cover, leaving all exposed to Garrett. Flustered and fearing her demise at his hands, Kasumi fled to the Foundation stairwell to speak with the one that claimed to be an ally, Miss Ohki Lyegha. Her bounty had already extended to all city-states, Ohki sent to aid her by one Lady Primrose; a name Kasumi was entirely unfamiliar with. They parted sharing a private linkpearl and uneasy trust for the evening to reconvene the following day. Kasumi wandered the streets until early morning where she finally collapsed against a bench in the markets, exhausted from the flurry of events.

Ishgard - Allies and Betrayal (Current)

After a few hours, Kasumi awoke to the jabbings of an older Elezen and the commonly harsh words of Ishgard. She sent for Alciel in her distress, hoping his company would settle her nerves and she could eventually disclose the matter to him. With a heavy head and heavier heart, she found the familiar path to the Forgotten Knight and came across Ohki once more, huddled and shivering in the corner. Uneasy over Ohki's garb and her uncanny ability to stick out, they made their way to the markets and Kasumi outfitted Ohki before they held their first true discussion with one another. About how nothing lasts, how to approach the bounty, and Alciel's involvement. Upon recollection of Alciel's recent happenings, they both decided that it would be best to spare him from the coming struggle and set into motion a plan to distract him while in town by use of his false wife, Kira Yugari.

They returned to their informal base of operations for a drink and came across Garrett once more. He quickly noticed them both, but paid no mind, having seemingly written them off. Kasumi bid Ohki find a way to get the bounty from him in order to see if it was for death or recapture and ever the tactful one, Ohki saw fit to douse Garrett in ale to steal it away; actions that went noticed and uncared for. Even in her current predicament, Kasumi's urge to be kind left her offering him her chamois to dry with as Ohki inspected the leaflet. Recapture by force and injury permitted, but not death. Armed with new knowledge of what she was up against, Kasumi waited for Alciel's arrival; already feeling the gnaw of guilt working its way into her gut at what was to be done.

Upon his arrival, Alciel immediately picked up on something being amiss, thus forcing Kasumi and Ohki's plan into effect early to leave him with his false wife for a date. Bewildered, but compliant for reasons he knew well, Alciel allowed himself to be entertained by Kira as Ohki and Kasumi went to discuss events further; namely their next step. What she had not accounted for, was her Free Company overhearing the discussion of wives as she and Alciel were openly courting outside of Ishgard, keeping to the lie only within the walls for everyone's safety. Between her free company members berating Alciel and her own suggestion to focus on Kira while she worked, Alciel quickly tired of the his treatment and ended any communication to him.

Thinking well of it, Kasumi headed to the Scholasticate to force them to look over her possession knowing full-well that time was no longer on her side.

Personality, Quirks & Appearance

Personality - Kasumi holds propriety in high regard, keeping it in the forefront of her mind when dealing with others. This sense of not wanting to put others out often makes her appear stand offish or awkward. If caught in a negative situation, she's more likely to withdraw and be silent than run away or become hostile. Her dealings as a wanderer have her meeting different people constantly, each she attempts to remember by name and a few points about them; a tendency that has extended itself towards anyone she comes upon regardless of business or not.

Kasumi keeps most of her acquaintances at a distance and allows for a very small inner circle that usually has to be breached by force in the relationship.

Quirks - She has a habit of smoothing her hair into place often, especially when nervous. Kasumi also veers off her travels to stop and paint the landscape, regardless of pre-existing schedules or appointments.

Appearance - Her hair is best described as “hacked layers that hit just past the nape of her neck and part around her horns.” It fades between a coral-color to a peach at the tips. Tucked away between the clumps of hair are double sets of beaded adornments in a deep red and purple.

She has lightly tanned freckled skin that sports a continuous pink bloom across the ridge of her nose from sun exposure during her recent travels. If one were to look closely enough at her hands, they would see staining across her fingertips in various colors from her mixing floral inks for her art.

Likes ● Sunsets ● Exploring ● Anything with Rolanberries ● Flowers ● Coming up with new color mixtures

Dislikes ● Pushy people ● Cold tea ● Greasy foods ● Thunderstorms

Misc. ● Vice(s): Doubtful towards others

Rumors Please feel free to add your own rumors under PC! ◢ Common Rumors (Easily overheard) ╪ "I couldn't tell you how long she's been here. She just started walking around town one day.” ╪ “Saw her in the markets the other day. Her arms were brimming over with flowers, she couldn't see and kept bumping into things...” ╪ “Did you know she has a small stall in the Sapphire Exchange? It's actually just a couple of crates she sits on...” ◢ Uncommon Rumors (Moderately difficult to overhear) ╪ "I've never actually seen anyone buy art from her. How can she afford to stay in town?” (Ul'dah only.) ╪ "She normally only carries one book for her work, right? Why were there two, then...” ╪ “Saw her head down an alleyway once. Turned the corner and she was gone.” ◢ Rare Rumors (Very difficult or rarely overheard) ╪ "The only time I've seen her show anything other than a smile was when a freak thunderstorm moved in. She made for her room like a hunted rabbit for its burrow.” ╪ "I swear on the Twelve I've seen 'er sittin' on a cliff before... she was jus' hummin' some sad tune.” ◢ PC Rumors ╪ "Her art is something to behold, I've seen other artists do well, but her art...it moves something in the soul, like she captures the essence of life itself" - Alciel Indranil ╪ "Oh Kasumi she is a pretty damn fine artist. For someone to pick it up quickly is pretty amazing." - SwygynWyzn Thosinsyn

Relations ♥ Romantic Interest    ♥ Friends    ● Acquaintances/Neutral      ● Would prefer to avoid ♥ Alciel Indranil - Formerly known as Aiswynd Drakareus, Kasumi chanced upon the charismatic Xaela at the festival pie-eating contest shortly after her arrival in Ul'dah. He quickly became indispensable and they founded their free company Wandering Horizons together as an attempt to give others like themselves a supportive community. After assisting him with a recent battle, Aiswynd sustained severe injuries, leaving his memories shattered. He has since remembered most of their prior relationship and through several discussions have decided to make an attempt at an official relationship. ♥ Trembling Boulder - A Hellsguard Roegadyn healer that stumbled upon a gravely wounded Kasumi at the Carline Canopy. Despite their hesitation, Trembling patched Kasumi up enough for her to survive and recover. Since then, he's taken on the much appreciated role of their main free company cleric. ♥ Serenity P'aika - A Sunseeker Miqo'te and first sponsor to Kasumi's fledgling art business in Ul'dah. Although their first meeting was rife with awkwardness, Serenity's empathetic soul quickly won over Kasumi and she pledged her services to the young mother and her family. ♥ Swygynwyzn Thosinsyn - Originally a client of Kasumi's, Swyg and his wife have made quick work of getting familiar with Kasumi and becoming friends to her during her time in Limsa Lominsa. ● Nicholas Holt - While the origin of their relationship cannot be traced, Kasumi finds herself routing for the enigmatic and ever-changing youth.

---

Story Arcs

Arc 1 - Ul'dah

On the Road –

Show text

The winds blew across Black Brush Station, kicking up veils of sand and dead vegetation into the faces of its inhabitants. For most, this was a common affair and they took little notice in it; other than stopping to offer a consoling smile to passing adventurers not yet accustomed to the weather. One such adventurer stood to the side of a merchant's booth, swinging their arms wildly across their hood as another harsh wind injected sand into their face.

The stall's owner, a brunette Lalafell, turned and gave a small shrug as he handed off coin to a patron. “Be better standing with your back to it,” the Lalafell spoke, their mouth bending upwards into a teasing smirk. The hooded figure swatted at the winds again, letting out a heavy grunt of exasperation and turned to face the merchant.

“I'm trying to do just that...” A female's voice from under the hood retorts, earning a sidelong peek from the Lalafell. A hand raises once more to the hood, tugging it down over her face further. “Every time I do, the winds change again.”

“They do that here.” The merchant, still handling other customers, shrugs once more and goes back to their business; speaking idly to the side between transactions. “You could take the hood down. Let it flow past.”

The figure's motions cease entirely, hands still holding the hood down. A small flick from under the back of the robe pulled at the fabric, the hands finally dropping to press down on the area earning her another glance. “You buying something, lady?”

“O-of course,” The voice fades off as she turns to dig out coin from a large bag at her side. “A skin of water and directions, please.” Metal clinks across her palm as she weighs the amount and sets it forward for the merchant.

“Directions to, miss?” The Lalafell holds out a hand for the coin, looking it over before nodding and pulling the water to the top of the booth.

“Ehm,” A hand brisks across the hood again, holding it still against another burst of wind. “Ul'dah, please.”

“First time to the city, eh.” He props himself up on the booth and reaches across it towards a dusty, sunken in road. “Take that and head south. You leave soon, you'll be there by nightfall.”

Without a thought, the figure pivots to look at the road; earning them a swift burst of hot desert air to the face. The robe's hood flies back, revealing an intricately woven set of braids that wrap around two white horn-like protrusions. The merchant pauses, eyeing the woman with an ever-narrowing gaze.

“Another one, eh.” The tone is flat, unimpressed with the Au Ri as she scrambles to cover herself under hood again. “Don't bother, miss. You'll have to rid yourself of it to get into Ul'dah to begin with.” A hand waves from his side of the booth as he turns back, readily accepting another purchase from another adventurer who doesn't appear phased at all by her.

Blinking, the woman turns round, quickly discovering that aside from a few wary looks, no one seems to care she's there. A hand clutches across her sleeve, pulling at it with an unsteady exhale.

“As I said, miss. Don't bother. Take the road, head south.”

“Y-yes, sir. ...Thank you.” She steps back and offers a deep bow, the formality of it earning a few chuckles from the surrounding sell-swords. They mutter and nudge each other as she heads out to the road, sparing one glance back at the merchant for reassurance she's going in the right direction, but finding none as he's already busy with a swarm of patrons.

“Take the road. Head south.” She repeats, a hand smoothing out the long segments of hair on either side of her face as the wind brisks again. “To Ul'dah, then.”

– – –

After a while, the woman stops and lifts a hand to shield her eyes from the setting sun. The myriad of domes and steeples reach into the sky, showing an outline of the grand desert city just over the horizon. She inhales deeply and releases, lowering the hand back down to her side. “That must be it, then.”

She steps down from the rocks and heads towards the bank of the river just off the side of the road. A small encampment sits on the other side, already bustling with citizens and merchants returning to the city. Taking a seat near the bridge, just out of sight from the camp, a hand lifts towards her hair again as she looks into the water. Her lips thin into an uneasy frown as the coral colored braids are slowly undone and flood over her shoulders with crimped hair. Fingers brush through the strands, smoothing it into one bundle as her free hand brandishes a small dagger from her bag.

Weary eyes stare across her reflection, scanning across all of the details as the knife slips through her hair; slowly carving away at the image she knew for so long. After a few minutes, her hand raises again and tugs as a short length of hair, cleaving away some of the awkward lengths. The dagger sets down next on the shallow embankment, both hands clawing across the top of her head in an attempt to set the hair into a fashion that's presentable. The reflection scrutinizes the new hairstyle with a grimace, looking entirely unsure of the new look. “It'll have to do for now...”

The bag drops to her side with a hefty thump and she disrobes, leaving her clad in an outfit that looks suiting to the area. Standing up, she brushes out the tunic top and straightens it across the arms as the bag is reequipped. The long bundles of hair are gathered into the robe and tied into a parcel using the sleeves to secure it before setting it into the river. The current picks up and sweeps the robe downstream, eventually tossing it from a waterfall out of view. She scratches into the newly cropped hair, ruffling it for a moment as she examines the waterfall and then the remainder of the road into Ul'dah. The bag readjusts to her side with each step towards the bridge, heading atop it this time to cross onto the other side of the river and slowly into Ul'dah's shadow under the setting sun.