Kumiyo

The old head warmer is made of simple wool, patched in three places and smelling of pine smoke. To the locals of The Heart of the Forest, it is a more telling symbol of Kumiyo’s station than the pristine Royal Cloak they wear over it. Travelers see the cloak and offer a deferential bow; the locals see the head warmer and offer a genuine smile. Sugatako, who owes their life to Kumiyo, tells the truest story. They speak of being found, lost and wounded, in the wilder parts of the forest. Kumiyo tore a strip from their expensive cloak to bind the wound but gave Sugatako the head warmer to ward off the chill, a gesture of pure, unthinking kindness. That’s why Kumiyo’s expression always seems one of surprise; they are perpetually moved by the world, a noble who remembers that true warmth comes from simple wool, not golden thread.