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(Previous Post: 33)

"It's fine," you reply with an amused grin. "I didn't know what he was saying when he first approached. So, I thought it best to keep quiet in case he wasn't friendly. Sorry about that." You continue, turning to the man and giving him a light, patronizing smile. He returns your smile with an amused grin.

You then I turn to face Kihawahine again. "Any chance I can sit down?" Your tone is one of polite humor, but your legs are on the verge of buckling. "I realize the lake may not be a challenge for you, but it left this mortal pretty worn out."

“Please, Koa, rest.” She motions to the steps before her throne. As you sit, suddenly realizing the amount of strain you have placed on your muscles, Kihawahine turns to Laitaino. “Have you secured us passage?”

“Yes, your grace.” Laitaino responds. “There are few that plan travel northward on the Ai during this season. But, there is a hunting party from the Land of the Golden Key. One among them has given us a place on their vessel for a reasonable cost.”

“Have you shown the Koa this vessel?”

His eyes glance at you, without a movement from his body. He then shifts his view back to the god. “No, your grace.”

“Then, how am I to know if the vessel is acceptable?” Her mouth doesn't move when she speaks, the words entering both of your minds. She turns to you, her head tilted at an odd angle. “Koa, I wish the vessel to be acceptable for you on our journey. Laitaino will take you to it, if you desire. Or, if you require, you may rest first.”

• If you ask to eat and rest before inspecting the vessel, go to 36
• If you do something else, comments below and your story will continue as soon as possible.
  

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(Previous Post: 33)

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.

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(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?”

• If you have the skill “Speak Language: Elvin,” a portion of this post has been translated for you, go to 34
• If you reveal that you are able to speak, and state that you don't understand Elvin, go to 35
• If you do something else, place your next action in comments below and your story will continue as soon as possible.

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(Previous Post: 31)

You watch his motions intently, then nod your head vigorously as he uses words that sound familiar. You raise your hands and mimic the same walking motion, point in the distance, then nod and smile encouragingly at him.

He nods, and seems to give you a patronizing smile.

You struggle into my wet--but no longer dripping--clothing and boots, and he seems instantly ready to walk.