Hadama listened to the other opinions, nodding slowly at the reminder that humans weren't always the best swimmers. "Hm. A good point."
But though he tilted his head in respectful acknowledgment of Harper's point about extra time taken to reach battle, it was not perhaps as the man had intended. "However, Haulani is not the only place that may need this guardian's help. Nor the only place there may be fighting. If the Underwater City is attacked, more of my people will be hurt waiting for the guardian to travel all the way from your city." And if attack was expected by the Ascended, they weren't limited by air and manta crystals the way those gathered today were.
His stoic expression furrowed towards a frown as he looked to the south. "Safrin has said this War will involve the gods. Perhaps their places of power will also become targets. I have heard of shrines to the Old Gods at the Rainbow Road and in the Lighthouse as well as Kaiholo. So, a compromise: if the activation mechanism can be separate from the gate itself, I still believe the gate should be placed at the Hale Ka'aila. From there it can respond most quickly to all places within Torchline. And there is less risk of the guardian itself destroying homes or businesses when it emerges. But having the activation at Haulani will be easier for more of your people and council to reach in an emergency... even if it is farther for my people to travel to." He looked up from the water and around to meet the eyes of the drylanders, perhaps hoping for some support for his suggestion... or at least, understanding.
But though he tilted his head in respectful acknowledgment of Harper's point about extra time taken to reach battle, it was not perhaps as the man had intended. "However, Haulani is not the only place that may need this guardian's help. Nor the only place there may be fighting. If the Underwater City is attacked, more of my people will be hurt waiting for the guardian to travel all the way from your city." And if attack was expected by the Ascended, they weren't limited by air and manta crystals the way those gathered today were.
His stoic expression furrowed towards a frown as he looked to the south. "Safrin has said this War will involve the gods. Perhaps their places of power will also become targets. I have heard of shrines to the Old Gods at the Rainbow Road and in the Lighthouse as well as Kaiholo. So, a compromise: if the activation mechanism can be separate from the gate itself, I still believe the gate should be placed at the Hale Ka'aila. From there it can respond most quickly to all places within Torchline. And there is less risk of the guardian itself destroying homes or businesses when it emerges. But having the activation at Haulani will be easier for more of your people and council to reach in an emergency... even if it is farther for my people to travel to." He looked up from the water and around to meet the eyes of the drylanders, perhaps hoping for some support for his suggestion... or at least, understanding.
