>>5432876>>5432843>>5432829>Art:Herb Kawainui Kāne>alt-text: Two Hawaain canoes sail in the distance of a vast open ocean with massive clouds.>First Month, Second DayFrom the haze of hangovers and the aftermath of celebrations, the seeds of the New World would be planted. On this day, the four most important conversations in history would take place.
___
???: I was wondering when you'd come to my door.
"The Great Fleet needs you. Nizax is skilled but they'll serve best alongside someone with your leadership skills and affinity for the people.
???: The same people you’re asking me to leave?
"You know they'll be in good hands. And besides, you've already saved a tribe, now you can save a nation."
___
???: Fuck no.
"But---"
???: I'm not screwing off to the ocean for a year just to assuage your guilt.
"I know what you’re going through. It's rough, but I think the Fleet is doing won't just be good for The Island and the Not-Island, but for you."
???: You're not gonna pass off politics as charity.
"*sigh* We both know you're broke right now, and there aren't many sources of income your qualified for right now. You're going on a boat filled with drugs to a place filled with treasure. And also, I know you feel about me. Your power base is gone. Come back a hero and who knows."
A weapon that is not a weapon is raised.
"You might pick this up.”
______
???: I'm here because my honor demands I respect your office, but do not be mistaken boy, you do not command me.
"This isn't a command, it's a request. The Great Fleet is launching and it can't be an extension of my will. It needs a dissident voice, someone to check its authority. With what it is about to do, the actions it is going to take, its power can't go unbalanced."
???: You lack your parents' tact. This is a ruse to take me from The Island so your power can go unchecked.
"I thought you'd say something like that, which is why I brought something I think might change your mind.
___
???: Me? Your Fleet? An odd combination.
“It is still unknown shores and I need someone who can navigate it. We both know you’ll go. I can see it in you.”
Four eyes meet and speak a song of swords with their gaze.
???: You’re itching for a fight.
___
>Third Month, First DayHundreds of ships line Ke Awa, the once dilapidated town transformed to a mountain of industry.
Mau kaena kane pukolu old and new fill the sea so thickly, you could walk across it.
The months to follow would go by many names. The Question of Peace, the Revanchist Cycle, The Last History, but time would mark it down for all eternity as...
THE WAR OF STORMS