The Endless Ocean

A raindrop trickles downward across a broad leaf. Falling, its trajectory is slightly pulled off course. To many viewers this would be a surprising occurrence, but not to the denizens of Abdulikai’s Garden. Built into the caldera of a long since inactive volcano, this settlement nestles itself into the jungles of the southern island of Trojika. This settlement is unlike any other. Walking up the side of the small mountain on which it’s located, one will likely notice an odd occurrence. Nearing the crest of the caldera, the small rivers running down the mountainside will have dried out. Then suddenly, streams will begin forming, going in the opposite direction, running up the mountainside and over the crest.   Crossing over the crest and passing the settlement walls made of dark obsidian, one finds a lush oasis. At the center of it, there lies a large freshwater lake. Around which, there are colorful gardens interspersed with black stone buildings. On one side of the lake, the buildings begin to cluster, concentrating, forming the heart of Abdulikai’s Garden.   You find yourself surrounded by dark stone, in one of these very buildings…