[center][h3][color=Aquamarine]Umiko Shimizu[/color][/h3][color=silver][i]Atop the Grand Tree.[/i][/color]

| [@Sho Minazuki] |[/center]

Light flickered through the gaps in the thick canopy of the great tree, shining brilliant rays of warmth down onto Umiko's skin while he stood out on its furthest branches. From his vantage point, the young man would have been able to see the entirety of Luna Crescent, from the great waterfalls that sent the water crashing down into the intricate waterway system of the town; the market plaza where merchants exchanged goods with passing traders and talked economics. The Golem's Hand guild hall could also be seen, as well as the crowd of people outside it's doors. The hustle and bustle of the small town was at an all time peak as citizens enjoyed the festival. Of coarse, Umiko wouldn't have been able to notice all of this because he was far too concerned with not falling to his death. The young man stood on one foot, the other raised and folded at the knee. His arms were spread wide and his gaze focused. Beads of sweat slowly trickled down his exposed torso, and if one were observant enough they could even see the young man shaking.

A few birds flew past him, chirping happily as they returned to his nest. Umiko closed his eyes and let the rush of adrenaline flow through him. Even through his eye lids, he was still envisioning the gap between his perch and the roots of the great tree. He grit his teeth in frustration, mentally scolding himself to move past the fear. Slowly, he moved his raised leg back behind him whilst opening his eyes. He stared down the azure sky, his right hand quickly moving back to grasp the hilt of Suijin. As soon as he touched it his skin crawled; Susano'o hungered. He began to slide the blade from the hilt, wisps of sea green magic spreading from the small gap in the saya.

"[color=purple]What's the matter Umi? Broke a nail at the festival and want to cry?[/color]" the dry, monotonous voice shattered the young mans concentration. Umiko released his grip on the blade, turning his head slightly to stare at his companion. He sighed in contempt. Umiko had hoped that his spot would remain free today, although he supposed it wasn't fair to call it that. The Great Tree was home to the Harpy's Wing Guild Hall. Not that the Harpies would mind him being there, having been a former member. He was still on good terms with some of them; the ones who understood the reason why he left. No, Umiko's only real threat was his sister. No doubt if she found him up here there would be hell to pay. He turned his body to face Vega, a gentle breeze cooling him down and brushing his hair away from his face.

"[color=Aquamarine]Not my type of party. Although the company up here leaves much to be desired.[/color]" Umiko retorted with a smirk. When he'd first joined the guild, the young man had found Vega's condescending and smug attitude very offensive. Not being one to stand by and take it, he foolishly challenged Vega and was easily taken down by the more experienced mage. It took some getting used to, but Umiko eventually learnt to just dish it right back at him. There was still a pang of uneasiness in his tone however, since Umiko wasn't yet comfortable with identifying the line of when friendly banter became too personal. Even Vega being considered a friend was still up in the air as far as Umiko was concerned.

Umiko walked towards the thicker part of the branch, where his Oikaze blade and Shimizu family robe lay in a pile. He also had a towel, the novel he was currently reading and a bottle of water. Toweling off, Umiko quickly wrapped himself up in his robe and then downed his water with such gusto that you'd think he'd spent the last week stranded in a desert. He removed the now empty bottle with a refreshing sigh.
"[color=purple]Whatever, just don't be noisy. Sooner this boring day is over the better[/color]" Umiko could practically taste the bitterness laced through his words. He stared at the man for a while before opening up his book.
"[color=Aquamarine]So, who's got you on a leash today?[/color]" He said nonchalantly, even despite the rather insulting implication. Perhaps that had gone too far. Though for some reason, Umiko didn't really feel the need to apologise to Vega. He buried himself in the novel, though he was also watching Vega in the corner of his eye to watch if his statement had garnered a reaction.