There were a lot of reasons to go to Haulani, chief among them the simple truth that he hadn’t been there in a while. But it’s far from the only one. Deepfrost is coming, and Haulani boasts a warm climate even through Longnight. Theres those little fish and fruit things he likes that he can only find in the area, there’s the whorehouse, the bars, the back alleys. It’s a human place, and after so long alone, Jonah needs a human touch.
And it feels like some kind of fate, emerging out of the jungle at the perfect time to witness the crystal cathedral jutting out of wet sand. It’s lovely, in the kind of way that hooks behind his navel and draws him closer.
A reverent muttering reaches outside the walls, Jonah’s heart diving before he can catch it. He’d hoped for a moments more solitude before entering the city properly but... hey, it was a chance to get used to it again, it was a good thing!
And then he rounds the entrance and sees a person he would know anywhere, and all that optimism leaves him in an instant. He considers leaving, before he’s noticed, but... it’s been a while. “Anyone listening?” Jonah asks into the crystal room, his voice hoarse from disuse.
