Clia sighs and tries to think of a way to explain this to a mortal, then a thought comes to her. She looks up to you and smiles, saying, "A choice between water or earth. A starfish is of the water. Choosing this is choosing a life of the waves- with us." She holds the starfish out to you for a moment and you wait for the rest of the explanation, thinking you know what she will say.
When you don't take it, she frowns forlornly, expecting you to prefer the life you have always known over a life below the surface of the sea. As much as she does not want to go on, she looks into your eyes. Seeing the expectant look, she continues, "The rock is of the earth. Choosing this is turning away, back to the life you know all too well. The life of a mortal is the life of the earth." She holds the rock to you, sadly waiting for you to take it.
Thinking for a moment, you reach for the rock, but she pulls it away. You wonder what she is doing now, not letting you choose to return to your life. "If you choose the earth, you will not remember that we ever met. You will never have this chance again, think of what I offer you." Her look hardens and you feel the cold that comes from that look.
Shivering instinctively, you swallow, considering her words. She again offers you the rock, holding the starfish to her breast, knowing you have no desire to be with her for eternity.
Several moments pass as you fight an inner battle, deciding which you shall choose. And then, you reach forward and take the-