The next morning arrives with the light of day, and the ship resumes its journey, the sailors returning to their work under the captain's command. The lessons begin again, but Mero knows that he still has to adjust to this new life, which, although full of constraints, opens doors to new perspectives.
After a quick but nourishing breakfast, Mero prepares for another day of exploration. The port is still bustling, the merchants setting up their stalls, and the city seems to slowly wake under the morning light.
Master Antonin, still as calm and methodical as ever, gathers the students and gives his instructions for the day. Today is the time to explore the different cultures that coexist in this cosmopolitan city. Mero feels excited at the thought of learning more about the inhabitants of this city, which does not belong to any empire but thrives thanks to international trade.
They leave the port and head toward the heart of the city, where the streets are wide, lined with buildings with multicolored facades. Mero immediately notices the influence of many foreign cultures. Merchants from overseas sell fabrics with exotic patterns, pottery with new shapes, and spices that fill the air with fragrance.
The group first heads toward the Ponj district, where pagoda-roofed temples rise between wooden houses. Here, the streets are narrower, but the activity is palpable. Women in kimonos sell embroidery while elderly men play chess on worn wooden tables. Mero is captivated by the atmosphere of this place. The languages he hears are foreign, but each word seems to be a particular melody.
He asks Master Antonin to tell him more about these cultures and how they influence the city. He observes the people, listening to their voices, and mentally takes notes on everything he sees and hears. He realizes that each culture has its own way of living, of trading, and that despite their differences, they all coexist here in relative harmony.
They then move on to the Kaz district, where the market is even more lively. Colorful carpets spread across the stalls, and sparks of shiny metal reflect on handmade jewelry. The scent of leather, dates, and cinnamon mixes with the smell of spices and coffee. An elderly man with gray hair, wearing traditional attire, invites them to taste mint tea. Mero accepts, curious to learn more about the customs of the locals.
There is something intriguing in the way these people have managed to preserve their traditions while integrating into a global trade system. Mero thinks about what this could mean for his own kingdom, if he were ever to rule or govern within the Empire.
They continue their exploration, passing through the Loriwirien district, where drums echo in the air, and people sing and dance joyfully. Mero stops for a moment, watching the fluid movements of the dancers and listening to the hypnotic rhythms that seem to be an integral part of the city's soul.
At the end of the day, Mero is exhausted but satisfied. He has discovered aspects of culture that are not taught in history textbooks, details that enrich his understanding of the world. While talking with Master Antonin and Leila, he realizes that these cultural differences, far from being an obstacle, could actually be a source of strength and prosperity in such a vast and diverse world.
Master Antonin gestures to enter a local restaurant. They sit on the floor on carpets.
The restaurant is overflowing with life and color. The walls are adorned with vibrant tapestries depicting scenes of the sea and moments of everyday life. Small lanterns hang from the ceiling, casting a soft and warm light, creating an enveloping atmosphere. The air is saturated with spicy aromas, an intoxicating mix of curry, freshly baked bread, and mysterious herbs. Around them, the patrons seem relaxed, their lively conversations resonating like a warm symphony. The servers, efficient and elegant, weave between the tables, carrying dishes laden with exotic foods.
They sit on thick carpets, in the tradition of the establishment. Master Antonin, unfazed and always dignified, takes the place of honor. Yet, a curious gleam shines in his eyes, as though there is a subtle opening to this new culture. Beside him, Leila also seems captivated by the atmosphere, though her legendary calm remains unshaken.
A server approaches, balancing a large tray in his hands. Steaming dishes, adorned with vibrant colors, release complex scents. He offers them a wide smile and places the plates in front of them with graceful elegance.
"Take this opportunity to observe, Mero," says Master Antonin gravely. "Every place, every culture, has something to teach. The customs, the cuisine, even the service—all of this is a lesson."
Mero nods, captivated by the olfactory and visual spectacle before him. Each dish seems like a work of art, skillfully composed of spices and unknown ingredients, just like the city itself—complex and fascinating.
He inspects the dishes before him, each one more intriguing than the last. Colorful dishes adorned with fresh vegetables, meat stews with appetizing textures, fragrant broths, and spiced breads that fill the air with their scent present themselves as a visual and olfactory symphony. The flavors seem like mysteries to discover, and he finds himself anticipating the taste of each. But he knows that one rule prevails here, as in many places: wait for Master Antonin’s signal to begin. It's a matter of etiquette and respect for local traditions.
Master Antonin sweeps his gaze across the room, taking a moment to appreciate the vibrant atmosphere before turning to them. Leila, focused and composed, also waits for this invisible signal. The atmosphere becomes calm, almost solemn, as if each guest is participating in a ritual ceremony. All eyes converge on the master, the one who holds the order to begin the meal.
After a pause filled with meaning, Master Antonin smiles slightly, his eyes briefly resting on Mero before he finally takes his spoon and starts eating.
"You may begin, Mero. Eat, savor, but always with respect."
The young man accepts this invitation and takes the first bite. The complexity of the flavors explodes in his mouth: the subtle marriage of spices is both sweet and powerful, each dish seeming to tell its own story.
Leila, true to the etiquette, waits patiently for her turn, her gaze gently resting on him. Respecting the rule dictated by the master, she will not start her meal until he has finished, elegantly adhering to this ancient custom.
Master Antonin, enjoying his meal with natural elegance, seems to savor much more than just the flavors of the meal: it is a cultural immersion that he appreciates. His attentive gaze takes in the diversity of colors and textures that make up each dish. After a moment of contemplation, he turns to Mero with a satisfied smile.
"Ah, these dishes are a journey in themselves," he comments. "Look at this rice-based dish, mixed with vegetables and local spices. This dish comes from a mountainous region to the north of this city, where agricultural cultures have been shaped by centuries of traditions. And this one, with fish, is a true reflection of the maritime life in this region."
He gestures for Mero to observe the details of the dishes while appreciating each bite with subtle mastery.
"The diversity of spices, the use of fresh herbs... It’s fascinating," he continues. "These flavors are unlike anything we know in the Empire, but they have their own character, their own secrets. Much like the people of this city, with their many influences yet united in a surprising harmony."
The restaurant’s decor seems to echo the dishes served: embroidered fabrics decorate the walls, while hanging lanterns diffuse a soft, warm light. Everywhere, statues of mythological creatures stand guard, silent but imposing. Every detail tells a story, an invitation to understand this people through aesthetics as much as through flavors.
"Look at the decorations, too," Master Antonin continues in a didactic tone. "Every element here has a deep meaning. These fabrics, for example, come from the Southern Archipelago. They are woven by artisans who use ancestral techniques passed down through generations. The statues, they represent sea gods, revered for their sacred link to the sea."
He takes his time to observe, absorbed by the visual richness of the place, while Master Antonin continues, his tone slightly more serious:
"It is essential, Mero, not only to learn the languages and the etiquette but to understand the culture that surrounds them. The food, the art, the customs... These are essential aspects of any people. They will be invaluable to you in the future when you have to navigate among the nobles of the Empire."
The master pauses, his sharp yet kind gaze resting on Mero, giving him time to digest his words. The young man, both captivated and taught, continues to observe the details of this exchange, aware that he is taking part in a lesson that goes far beyond a simple meal.
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Leila, finally permitted to eat, serves herself carefully and begins to enjoy her meal in silence. While she savors each bite with her usual calm, Mero becomes absorbed in the colorful tapestries adorning the walls of the restaurant. Each piece seems to carry a vibrant story, perhaps a local legend or scenes from the everyday life of these people. The colors are vivid, blending mythological creatures with impressive maritime scenes: raging waves, boats battling furious storms. Some works, more abstract, are adorned with geometric shapes and mysterious symbols, the meaning of which he guesses may have spiritual significance.
Intrigued, he stands up and moves closer to better observe the complex details of the patterns. One tapestry in particular catches his attention. It seems to depict the birth of the sea gods: undulating, almost living shapes intertwining in a harmonious circle around a massive creature emerging from the abyss. The energy emanating from it is captivating, so different from the static and formal representations found in the Empire. Here, the art breathes and tells a story.
Master Antonin, who has been discreetly watching him, eventually approaches.
— These scenes are very meaningful to them, he explains in a calm tone. The sea creatures you see are symbols of protection, spiritual guides for those who set sail. They believe that these gods, or spirits, accompany travelers across the oceans, protecting them from the many dangers that await.
Mero turns to him, his gaze lit by sincere curiosity.
— In reality, the master continues, these tapestries do much more than tell stories. They also serve to educate, to transmit valuable lessons to the younger generations. Each scene has a deep meaning. For example, the one you're looking at right now represents the union of humans and maritime forces, a vital alliance that ensures the prosperity of their people.
Mero nods, impressed by this more spiritual vision of the world, so different from the Empire's pragmatic logic. Here, art and culture do not merely reflect reality: they shape it, offering keys to understanding and honoring it. A thought arises in him—perhaps the most important one of the day: every thread of these tapestries also weaves the memory and wisdom of a people.
The light in the restaurant slowly dims, plunging the room into a warm semi-darkness. An intimate, almost mysterious atmosphere envelops the space. The music subtly changes, becoming softer, more enchanting, like a melody from the depths of the ocean. A slight tension floats in the air, electrifying, as if the whole place were preparing for a special event.
Master Antonin, always unruffled, still wears a knowing, amused smile, as if he knew exactly what was about to happen. Mero glances around. The other customers, their faces bathed in a golden glow, are already staring at the center of the room, where silhouettes are beginning to emerge from the shadows. Whispers spread from one table to another, filled with contained excitement.
The Magic of Dance
Then, to Mero's great surprise, dancers appear. Their vibrant costumes capture the flickering reflections of the lanterns, while the light fabrics enveloping them float around them like ethereal waves. They move with hypnotic grace, their movements evoking both peaceful swells and violent storms. Each gesture seems like an invocation to the sea gods or a silent prayer to the spirits of the depths.
The dance is captivating, imbued with controlled sensuality and complete freedom. Nothing like the strict, codified dances of the Empire's salons, where each step follows a precise geometry. Here, the movement is fluid, organic, like an intimate conversation between the body and the universe.
Master Antonin watches the scene with the same calm, but his smile widens slightly as he sees the effect the performance has on Mero.
— This is a traditional dance, he explains in a calm voice. It tells ancient legends, stories of the sea and spirits. These dances are a way of keeping alive the traditions and beliefs of this people. For them, every movement has a meaning, a sacred connection to their history.
The master's words resonate in Mero's mind as he contemplates the dancers. He feels a sincere admiration mixed with a slight confusion. The hidden meanings behind each gesture escape him, but he senses an ancient wisdom embedded in these elegant movements.
He then wonders, almost with a tinge of nostalgia: will he ever understand these choreographed tales that embody a culture so different from his own?
The dancers' bodies seem to float in the air, each movement smoothing the space around them, each gesture depicting a secret story they share with the attentive audience. Their arms undulate like rising and falling waves, while their torsos follow a rhythm that alternates between calm and tumultuous, reminding one of a sea that hesitates between serenity and fury. Their light, almost translucent garments capture the dim light, creating the illusion of colorful waves that rise and vanish according to their graceful movements.
The bright colors of their costumes contrast with the warm, muted light of the restaurant, but instead of clashing with the eye, they integrate harmoniously, like the notes of a visual symphony. The murmur of conversations and the bursts of laughter from the guests persist in the background, but the dancers seem to move on a different frequency, carried by a rhythm they alone perceive.
Mero is overwhelmed by a strange sensation, something deeply captivating, like a sea breeze brushing against his thoughts. Their dance evokes images of distant adventures and forgotten legends — an endless sea, populated by mythical creatures waiting to be discovered. This form of beauty, so free, so vibrant, is unknown to him. It contrasts with the rigid codes of the dances he learned in his homeland and with the discipline he has been enduring since his departure.
Leila, usually calm and composed, also seems entranced. Her gaze is fixed on the dancers, absorbed, as if trying to grasp every subtlety, every gesture laden with meaning.
Master Antonin, always composed, offers an indulgent smile at their fascination.
— The art of dance here, he explains, is not mere entertainment. It is a language in motion, a way to convey stories and emotions. This particular dance tells the eternal cycle of the sea: from storm to tranquility.
The master's words linger in the air, but Mero is already swept up by the magic of the moment. The Empire, the school, the discipline… all these realities fade away as this enchanting scene unfolds. Here, everything seems different—vibrant, alive. These bright colors and graceful movements remind him that discovering the world is not just a duty imposed by his position, but an unexpected pleasure, an invitation to embrace the unknown.
The performance slowly ends, the music blending into a final crescendo before fading completely. The dancers bow, their graceful, fluid gestures vanishing in one last movement filled with poetry. The silence that follows is charged with respect and admiration. The glow of the dim lights seems to still vibrate in the air, like a soft embrace that is hard to escape.
Mero remains there, frozen in his thoughts, the images of the dancers and their performance etched in his mind. All around him, the restaurant comes back to life. Conversations pick up again, laughter bursts out once more, but for him, all of it seems distant. His mind has turned to that sea the dancers had evoked, a mysterious and infinite place, like a parallel world he had briefly accessed, if only for a moment.
Leila, too, seems to slowly recover from the magic of the show, her gaze fixed on the floor, her face filled with silent contemplation. Master Antonin, for his part, seems in no rush to leave. He takes his time, observing each of them with an amused expression, as if he guessed the deep reflections that were unfolding at that very moment.
He finally breaks the silence by rising slowly, a smile full of wisdom lighting up his face.
— Dance, Mero, like any true art, opens us to worlds that can only be explored with the heart and mind. Perhaps this discovery will give rise to new questions, new objectives in you. But most importantly, remember this: this culture, just like ours, has its own beauty and rhythm.
Mero nods, feeling both more connected to this place and more determined to understand its essence. Yet, one question lingers in his mind: what role does he play in this vast world of dances, cultures, and rituals?
The group rises slowly, while conversations and laughter still float in the air. It is now time to return to the ship. The sailors, who had continued dancing and singing until now, begin to disperse. The party is gradually fading, and the energy that had filled the restaurant turns into a soft weariness as everyone heads back to their place on board.
On the way back, the atmosphere had changed. The streets were now quieter, the lanterns casting long shadows on the cobblestones. The sounds of the party were slowly dying down, replaced by the gentle lapping of waves against the quays and the distant murmurs of sailors preparing for the next leg.
As they approached the ship, Mero felt a twinge of nostalgia. It wasn’t every day that one witnessed such a fascinating spectacle. He realized that this journey was revealing facets of the world he had never imagined.
The captain and crew were already busy preparing for their imminent departure. Leila, quieter than usual, seemed still deep in thought, digesting what she had seen that evening.
Master Antonin, also silent, had his eyes fixed on the ship waiting for them. Perhaps he, too, had taken a step back from this particular evening. It wasn’t every day that such a vast and colorful world opened up before you.
— It’s time to get back on our course, Mero, he finally declared. We’ve seen many things today, but each new step will bring even more discoveries. Stay focused, and let this city be etched in your memory. It may teach you essential things for the rest of the journey.
Mero nodded, aware of the importance of each step of this journey. The city, its people, and their stories all seemed to play a role in his learning.
Mero went to bed, his mind full of images of the dancers and this mysterious city. He settled into his bed, his thoughts overwhelmed with the memories of the evening—the hypnotic dances, the bright colors, and the energy that still floated in the air. The dancers' movements, the fluidity of their bodies, left him with a strange feeling of awe. The city he had just discovered, with its traditions and contrasts, felt almost unreal, like a dream he didn’t want to wake up from.
He closed his eyes, and despite the fatigue weighing on his shoulders, his mind wandered. The voices and laughter still resonated in his ears, and the calm of the sea seemed from another era. In this foreign bed, thousands of miles from home, he felt the reality of his journey engulf him. This world was vast, complex, and it was up to him to explore it, to make the most of it.
Gradually, his thoughts grew blurry, and sleep wrapped him in a well-deserved rest. Tomorrow would be another day of discoveries, but for now, he let himself be carried away by the calm of the night.
But in the middle of the night, Mero woke up, the urgent need to go to the bathroom pulling him from his sleep. He stretched in the dark, and as he got up, he noticed that his nurse was not there. This was unusual.