Amala's Heritage

Step By Step

Their first big challenge was finding the closest helicopter pad, the starting point for a one-hour helicopter ride to a remote Zenith village. Once they landed, they had to tackle an arduous ten-kilometre trek through a dense and challenging forest, eventually leading them to Zenia.

Zephyr arrived at the airport and waited for Surendra. When Surendra finally arrived, he was carrying an enormous backpack. "Suri, have you forgotten about the hike? How are you going to carry such a heavy backpack?" Zephyr asked, bewildered. Surendra chuckled and unzipped the backpack, revealing various camping gear, including a compact tent, cooking supplies, and a portable water filter. We might need some extra supplies for our journey. I want to be prepared for anything," explained Surendra.

Zephyr and Suri hopped on the helicopter. The one-hour journey offered stunning views of the sea and its crystal-clear waters. As they neared their destination, they spotted herds of elephants trekking across a desolate landscape. Leaning forward in his seat, Zephyr asked the pilot, "Where are the elephants headed? Looks like they're on the move." The pilot glanced out the window and replied, "They are searching for a new home." Zephyr's eyes widened in concern. "A new home? What do you mean?" The pilot explained, "The construction of the new port is encroaching on the elephants' natural habitat. They're trying to find a new safe place to live."

As the helicopter descended towards the landing site, the pilot's voice came over the intercom, "Get ready; we are about to land." The descent was smooth, and as the helicopter touched down, a young lady was already standing there, eagerly waiting for them. "Hello, I'm LaLa," she said with a warm smile, "I've been informed about your visit by the local office, and I'm here to guide you on the hike towards Zenia."

 As they began their trek through the dense forest, their guide, Lala, handed each of them a raincoat. Dark clouds loomed overhead, and the air was heavy with the promise of impending rain. The group continued their hike, the path becoming increasingly treacherous as the rain started falling. The once firm ground turned into a muddy, slippery mess, making each step precarious. The raincoats offered protection from the downpour, but the trio soon became soaked to the bone as they struggled to navigate the slick terrain. To make matters worse, the overgrown vegetation along the path seemed to come alive with the rain, with thorny plants poking through their clothing. Surendra winced as he felt the sharp prick of a thorn piercing through his raincoat while Zephyr struggled to avoid the relentless onslaught of rain and thorns. 

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the group was startled by the sudden appearance of a mother, Mandrill and her baby. The lady in the group calmly gestured for everyone to quiet down, and they patiently waited for the majestic creatures to cross their path. The sight of the Mandrills left Surendra in awe, and he closed his eyes. When the lady finally signalled that it was safe to proceed, Surendra tightly grasped Zephyr's hand as they continued their journey through the dense forest. The path ahead was cloaked in mist, creating an ethereal atmosphere, and the air was filled with the earthy fragrance of the recent rainfall. Every step presented a new challenge as they carefully navigated the slippery terrain, with Surendra relying on Zephyr for support to maintain his balance on the treacherous path.

The forest was alive with the sounds of their heavy breathing and the rhythmic pattern of the rain. As they continued their journey, the thick tangle of vegetation gradually gave way to sparse foliage, allowing a faint glow of light to trickle through the overhead canopy. At the forefront, Lala adeptly navigated them through the remaining challenges, and at last, they emerged from the relentless forest into the open arms of Zenia.

Following the young lady through the dense forest, they soon arrived at a quaint, rounded tent. Stepping inside, they found a cozy interior with a single sleeping bag on the carpeted floor. The small kitchen area was neatly arranged, and a faint aroma of herbs and spices lingered in the air. Noticing their curiosity, the young lady explained, "We use solar power for electricity here." She gestured towards a small solar panel outside the tent. With a warm smile, she said, "Please make yourselves comfortable. Tomorrow, I will guide you to the village office. In the meantime, take some time to rest and settle in."As a gesture of hospitality, she handed each of them traditional attire. The light blue robes, adorned with intricate red designs, starkly contrasted their usual clothing. The soft fabric and detailed embroidery reflected the care and craftsmanship of the local culture.

Surendra hurried to claim the only bed in the shelter as the night fell, leaving Zephyr with no choice but to make do with the complex, carpeted floor. With a sense of weariness from their challenging journey through the forest, the two companions settled in for the night. Zephyr tried to find a comfortable position on the floor, using their backpack as a makeshift pillow. Despite the less-than-ideal sleeping arrangements, they were grateful for the shelter. They engaged in quiet conversation inside the dimly lit tent, sharing their thoughts and observations from the day's events. The soothing sound of rain on the tent's roof provided a comforting backdrop, gradually lulling them into drowsiness. Eventually, one by one, they fell into a deep sleep.