They approach the colourful flickering lights of green and yellow lanterns swaying in the sea breeze. The village is comprised of four wooden towers with thatched roofs. They jut out of the sea, each connected to a platform in the centre through boardwalks and rope bridges. The structure extends to the shore via a single boardwalk decorated with more curious lanterns.
"What is this place?" Dakota murmurs in awe, and dismounts her horse. She leads the way onto the boardwalk; the uniform sound of four pairs of boots marching along the wooden planks, breaking the silence of the smooth summer night.
They reach the central platform and stumble upon something even more curious: a pedestal with a single flower painted onto it, surrounded by undecipherable symbols.
"They're runes." Imogen explains as her head follows the spiralling pattern of symbols. "It appears to be some sort of spell…"
"What kind of people live here?" Ningan wonders as he inspects the unusual architecture.
Dakota crosses a bridge towards a door and knocks. She braces herself with a warm smile and an open posture. As Royal Diplomat, she is highly experienced in foreign relations, and has the ability to address strangers with a confident but friendly attitude. During her career, she has encountered royals, elected mayors, military commanders, convicted criminals, and lethal warriors. She could handle anything.
The village stirs, and they sense the glare of a dozen eyes upon them. Suddenly, the door swings open. A tall tree-like figure towers over Dakota…literally tree-like, with branches for arms and a crown of leaves on its head. A Deku.
Its bright yellow eyes stare down at her coldly. "You intrude upon our sacred land." he growls. "What brings you to this far corner of the Earth?"
"We've been travelling across the jungle for four days and nights, without any contact with civilisation." Dakota explains with a smile. "Your village is beautiful."
The Deku's eyes narrow as they scan the dampened faces of the Hylian travellers. "You have reached the coast of Eriva: the very divide between land and sea, and the final border of the continent. I do not know where you come from, but I ask that you leave our peaceful village."
"Please!" Laurel interjects. "We don't want to intrude or ask for your hospitality! All we ask is that you direct us to some clean fresh water!"
The door slams in his face. Dakota's smile vanishes. Laurel's face falls. Ningan and Imogen glance at each other in bewilderment.
"Well, at least we tried…" Dakota sighs.
They are about to turn away when the door reopens with a creak. The Deku reappears, his face a little more relaxed. "I apologise for my rude welcoming. My name is Cinnopo, and I am the Chieftain of this village. If you would kindly remove your boots, you may enter. There is somebody I think you should meet."
Dakota and Laurel glance at one another before turning to Imogen and Ningan. Uncertainly, they remove their sandy boots before entering the Chieftain's home barefoot.