33

(Previous Post 31)

You follow the man to the large ziggurat at the end of the street, and up the many steps to the top. Your body is sore from exertion, and you wonder several times if your knees will allow you to continue. As you reach the top of the ziggurat, there is a temple surrounded by satin drapery. Far below, you can see the bustling city. Far above, you can see the tower that reaches to the heavens. But beyond all this, there is the winding river Ai, it's green waters snaking through the trees further than your eyes can see.

Kihawahine sits on a throne in the center of the temple. She is again in her human form, but her flesh is lighter, her body longer, and her eyes now an emerald green. She is covered in a pale blue robe. A horned, silver diadem sits on her head, golden slippers on her feet. Three pillars stand beside her—the white pillar to her left marked with the word, “arauka”; the black pillar to her right marked with the word, “beleg”; the cracked and yellowed pillar behind her marked with the word, “amarth.” At her feet, offerings of white flowers and pomegranates sit on a bed of palm leaves.

“Mae govannen, Laitaino.” Kihawahine speaks, “Cormamin lindua ele lle. Have you brought my Koa with you?”

“Yes, your grace." The man replies. "He accompanies me.”

“And, is he well, Laitaino?”

“He cannot speak, Great One, but he is uninjured.”

“Koa, approach.” She looks at you with confusion. “What has become of your voice?”

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