The city of Corathal Reef-Court shimmered beneath rising tides and hovering mist. Grand coral spires stretched into the sky like inverted stalagmites, and songwhales drifted lazily in the distance. The landing platform pulsed with living light under Ruisu's claws.
As Qingsai and Sandora stepped down, they were met by a procession of Tidecallers—mystic emissaries clad in robes of rippling aquasilk. They bore no weapons, but their presence was felt like the gravity of the moon pulling at the sea.
Qingsai glanced sideways at Sandora. "I can't understand anything they're saying."
She sighed. "Me neither… everything sounds like the sea singing in riddles."
Yuwen bowed slightly and stepped forward.
The lead Tidecaller, an elegant woman with dark sapphire hair tied in shellpins, spoke first:
> "Haelen veraeth sulara, en'dar liraen vaer'thos?"
(Who comes riding the dragon's breath, upon waves unbidden?)
Yuwen responded in graceful, flowing Iskynian:
> "Thalos, maen'varin. En'del kairas yul'soulkindled—Qingsai, heir to the living flame."
(Peace, respected one. We bring Qingsai, the Soulkindled of this cycle—he who carries the flame reborn.)
The Tidecaller narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. "The Soulkindled? We had heard whispers in the currents..."
She turned to her attendants and said softly:
> "Luen'thael vithen, seira daelven naerel."
(Prepare the welcome ritual, summon the Mist-Speaker.)
Yuwen turned back to Qingsai and translated calmly. "She's preparing the ceremonial passage. We'll be escorted into the city shortly. Don't bow—it's considered an insult in Iskyn unless you're apologizing."
Sandora blinked. "Oh! Then I take back the three bows I just gave."