As they entered Corathal, the city's awe unfolded around them. Buildings made of living coral, fused glass, and deep-sea gemstones reflected the sky and sea. Spirit-koi darted in the air like hummingbirds, suspended by currents of ambient water energy.
Qingsai was stunned. "This entire city feels alive…"
Yuwen nodded. "Because it is. The Tidecallers believe architecture should breathe and grow like the ocean."
As they passed beneath a waterfall arch, two sea-born children ran up to them, eyes wide.
> "Faelthaarin! Virael'soulkin?"
(Is it true? Are you the Flame-Soul?)
Yuwen knelt, smiling, and answered in their tongue:
> "He is Qingsai. Soulkindled of this Age. Come to learn from your tides."
The children laughed and waved. One gave Qingsai a small shell.
> "They gave you a Heartshell," Yuwen explained. "That means you're welcome here."
As they approached the Mistwater Plaza, they were greeted by Mist-Speaker Selari, the woman from the vision—tall and pale, with transparent fins trailing from her arms like sleeves.
She raised a hand in greeting.
> "Vaen selaros, Qingsai. I am Selari, Speaker of the Deep Mists."
(Peace upon your waves, Qingsai.)
Qingsai blinked in surprise. "She's… speaking my language?"
Selari offered a faint smile. "I am bonded to the Mist Archives. They echo every tongue that touches the sea."
She studied him. "But words are only one current. Spirit is the other. Come—you shall walk the Path of Flow."