Abide With Me

Ratnapura

The next morning Lan Zhan and Wei Ying were ready to leave after breakfast. The Princess handed Wei Ying a pouch saying, "Use these to update me please, I will be waiting anxiously for your news!"  Lan Zhan had taken maps, a compass and his jade token that the Headquarters had stamped with energy from the Aquatic Realm, now the token glowed with a faint blue light like the Princess.

"We will travel by sword, faster and safer, said Lan Zhan. 

"What about SaMi, surely you haven't forgotten her?", said Wei Ying. 

"Master Wei," cried an excited voice and a little whirlwind hurled itself at Wei Ying! 

 "Our Scientist is excited about the trip!" smiled Wei Ying steadying the grinning SaMi. 

"I will be taking a Sea Hawk to Ratnapura. You both go ahead! I will meet you at the Amethyst Inn," she said and grabbing her rucksack, dashed off.

As Bichen touched the ground,  Wei Ying hopped off and held a hand over his growling tummy. Lan Zhan smilingly sheathed Bichen and looked into his map to determine their position. Wei Ying had already started striding towards the east, following his nose, a spicy aroma enticing him. They soon came upon the source of the smell ... the Amethyst Inn! It seemed to be a good place, busy with lunchtime customers walking in and out. A clean and well-maintained front, wafting aromas, with multiple tables laid out invitingly, holding all manner of exotic dishes. Wei Ying grinned and letting go Lan Zhan's hand said "Let's eat! Aish! Forgetting SaMi aren't I? Why don't you go in and place our order while I look out for her?"

Observant as always, Lan Zhan stepped over the entrance threshold as he had seen other guests do. People from various Realms sat at well-lit tables and troughs. Sweet and spicy smells filled the air. There was chatter, laughter, squeals from kids, and voices of concerned mothers.  A family atmosphere. Safe, no overt danger. The soldier in Lan Zhan noted all this in a single glance. He strode towards an empty table and sat down.

At once, a Heron wearing an apron came over with a bowl of warm water scented with Lotus petals. As  Lan Zhan looked at it nonplussed, Wei Ying bustled in holding SaMi by the hand and said, "There you are, come on let's wash our hands!" Mystified, Lan Zhan complied while SaMi sat grinning at them. 

"Have you ordered?" asked Wei Ying and at Lan Zhan's shaken head, he said "Fine, let's see," and beckoned to a hovering Heron. "We will have Lankan  Avial*, Idiyappam*, Pol Sambol*, Kukul Mas Kari* and one jar of Arrack* and Halapa* for SaMi, he grinned brightly as SaMi spontaneously hugged him. Lan Zhan smiled indulgently and raised one eyebrow. "Nothing, I was just chatting with other waiting guests and picked up a few items' names I thought I'd like to try. We are definitely dining here this evening." Lan Zhan's ears caught the unspoken message clearly.

It was a wonderful meal, with SaMi introducing her culture to her guests through their food and customs. People ate with their fingers, and washing hands with scented water was desirable both before and after a meal! Soft white and red rice, vegetables of many kinds simmered gently in coconut milk redolent with fragrant spices tickled the palate. Even Lan Zhan broke a few rules and told SaMi he was enjoying the new dishes. Wei Ying enthusiastically dived into meat and fish, zingy with chillies and tangy with tamarind.

Wei Ying in turn, regaled SaMi with the exploits of Lan SiZhui, Jing Yi, and Jin Ling. Very soon, SaMi felt she had known this warm family from Cloud Recesses for years! Seeing SaMi safely into her room, Lan Zhan returned to find Wei Ying talking to a Heron and an amiable lady in the passage. 

"What do you recommend we see tomorrow?" Wei Ying asked the lady. 

"Definitely the jewelry stores in Ratnapura's main market!" she exclaimed. "We have the best selection of gems in the world! What purpose do you want them for?" she asked looking curiously at Lan Zhan, who came to stand very close behind Wei Ying.