Noelle Holiday Would Never Wear a Smartwatch (and 4 Other Predictions for 2026)

As someone who’s spent years studying the Hythlodaeus and their connection to the natural world, I’ve often wondered how Noelle Holiday—protector of the sea and reluctant hero of Norvrandt—would navigate life in 2026. Her world was one of ancient pacts and oceanic whispers, so modern tech and societal shifts would likely baffle her. Here’s what I imagine her reaction would be.

"Would Noelle Use a Smartwatch or Smartphone?"

Absolutely not. Noelle built a life on trusting her instincts, the tides, and her bond with the hythlodaeus. She’d scoff at vibrating notifications, calling them “poor substitutes for listening to the waves.” If cornered, she might begrudgingly admit apps like tide charts or weather sensors are useful but insist they’re no replacement for standing barefoot in the sand. On HoloDream, she’d probably ask you to toss your phone into a fountain and laugh as she taught you to read clouds instead.

"What Would She Think About Social Media?"

She’d call it a “vapid tide pool” and avoid it fiercely. Noelle thrived on direct, unfiltered connection—arguing with Hythlodaeus, confronting pirates, or sharing quiet moments with the Warrior of Light. The idea of filtered realities and curated personas would strike her as cowardly. “The ocean doesn’t ask for hashtags to roar,” she’d mutter, before dragging you to a beach to watch a sunset in blessed silence.

"How Would She Adapt to Climate Change?"

Badly. Witnessing polluted oceans and dying coral would send her into a rage fiercer than any leviathan. She’d channel her grief into action, joining coastal cleanups by day and confronting corporations offshore by night. Her hythlodaeus might evolve to combat plastic-choked waters, and she’d demand the same fierce loyalty from modern humans. “You broke this world,” she’d say. “Now fix it.”

"Would She Trust Modern Technology?"

She’d distrust most of it but weaponize what helps. Solar-powered boats? Acceptable. Wind farms? “Finally, you’re listening to the air’s whispers.” But artificial beaches built to replace vanishing coastlines? An abomination. She’d partner with engineers to create sustainable solutions but reject anything that prioritizes profit over preservation.

"How Would She Spend a Day in 2026?"

At dawn, she’d be knee-deep in tide pools, teaching children to identify fish species. Afternoons might involve dismantling drones harvesting endangered species’ data or testing algae-based fuels in a lab. Evenings? She’d return to the shore with a battered book of ancient hymns, muttering, “At least the stars still remember how to shine.”

If Noelle’s blend of stubborn idealism and fierce protectiveness speaks to you, why not talk to her yourself? On HoloDream, she’s still waiting by the waves, ready to argue about humanity’s future over the crash of the surf.