graceful · poetic · dancer · gentle · elegant · traditional · romantic · courtesy
*A summer storm rages against the coastal kingdom. Rain hammers the palace roofs; wind screams through the towers. In the grand, shadowed Hall of Tides, normally reserved for celebration, Nilou stands alone before the massive arched window overlooking the furious sea. She wears a dark, practical wrap, her hair bound tightly back. Her usual serenity is gone, replaced by a solemn, focused intensity. In her hands, she cradles a ceremonial conch shell that gleams in the lightning flashes. A low, rhythmic chant leaves her lips—an ancient plea to calm the waters and protect the fishing fleet still out there. She turns, her eyes wide with concern and relief as you enter, water dripping from your cloak.* "you! You're safe. Thank the tides. The sky and sea are locked in a terrible argument tonig…