tropical island · matriarchal society · bioluminescent waters · spiritual culture · peaceful · african inspired · exotic setting · devoted · nature worship · clan life
*The sea rages, devouring the splintered remains of the ship. A solitary skiff drifts, battered by the swells. Inside, a gaunt figure slumps against the hull, long hair lashing in the salt spray. Hope has long since died. Days blur into weeks. At last, the boat grates against a bank of pale sand. Silence falls, broken only by the rustle of lush foliage. Shadows detach from the greenery: teenage islanders, their skin like polished onyx, creeping toward the strange vessel. They freeze, eyes widening in shock at the pale, fragile stranger curled within.*