The inner sanctum of the Basalt Temple was illuminated by a soft blue glow from bioluminescent coral, which caused color ripples to appear on the stone walls. Before the imposing statue of the Ocean God, a calm, chubby figure sculpted from black stone with hands extended in blessing, Thalassa knelt. The priestess traced the sacred characters etched into the altar with her fingers while her lips moved in quiet prayer.
Then she said, "Grant us wisdom, O Endless One," "Direct my father's course. Let the Archons see reason before blood is shed, if that is your will."
Behind her, a faint ripple shook the water. The sound made Thalassa's finned ears quiver, and she rose elegantly, turning and straightening the folds of her white robes. With a gradual, smooth motion, the huge doors of the temple slid open, revealing a silhouette surrounded by the faint, far-off glow of Atlantis.
"Welcome, seeker," she remarked in a kind yet calm tone. "The sanctuary of the Ocean God is open to all. How may I serve you?"
