12 1.12: The Initiative (1/2)
After the communal shower, I was the first to exit since I am still unaccustomed to the freezing spring water from the well. Even if the water is meant to be refreshing, but I find it a bit too cold for my liking even though it's quite a welcome for a stifling heat from the afternoon. As I stepped out from the communal area, I was abruptly stopped by Cheng and he said, ”I will bring you to meet the Master in the next few days when we are not picking up the 'treasures'. I nodded in reply and quickly headed out of the communal area and made a beeline towards the house.
It was not out of disrespect but it was one of the ways to avoid making an embarrassment of myself by shivering out of my skin!
After putting the wet 'sarong'on the clothesline and while only wearing the earlier 'sarong' that I had with me, I bundled my day clothes into the wicker basket on the corner of the living hall right after cleansed my feet by dousing them at the foot of the staircase using the water from the earthen jar.”Abang's home.....” I exclaimed to Ani as I made myself to the room.
”I'm at the back here Abang, dinner would be served later. I had just finished distributing the ration to the rest of the Sisters and I'd go for a shower right after this.” she called out from the 'dirty kitchen' as she juggled her chores between making steamed rice and cooking the 'ginataan'.
”OK, don't be rush. Take your time.....I'm going to change first and take a short nap since I am still full from earlier's lunch. furthermore, we won't be going to the beach these three days and decided to hang around with Cheng and his brothers.”I exclaimed loudly as I changed into a fresh pair of clothes and intending to being a cold jug of water to relax at the entrance of the house.
”OK Abang, you just relax a bit since there was nothing else at hand,” advised Ani from the back.
After wearing a fresh pair of clothes, I went to the 'clean kitchen' and picked an earthen jug filled with drinking water and three wooden cups. I placed them on a flat tray and went to sit at the entrance while waiting for the brothers. After sighting them exiting from the communal area, I called out over to them. They waved back and made their way towards me.
”So what else do you want to know about?” asked Cheng. ”It's about the Master you were talking about earlier. Is he somewhere in this settlement? Do I need to prepare some special request or something?” I queried as I was about to meet someone with such a vast knowledge or else he won't be called Master for anything.
” Just prepare yourself would be enough. Since there we won't be going out to sea in the next couple of days, we there decided to accompany you. The distance is about two settlements away and it may take up at least half a day travel. Tomorrow morning be sure to be about by the moment the rooster starts to crow.” advised Cheng.
I nodded in agreement and we rested and chatted about other important matters, cracking jokes along the way, breaking the solemn moments into raptures of laughter. Ani heard the chatters and brought a jug of hot coffee instead. All four of us enjoyed the freshly brewed coffee with helpings of honey.
”Would you be staying for dinner?” I asked in a matter-of-fact. ”Nahhh.... Don't bother. Our sisters had also prepared dinner and it's unfair for Ani to serve us food that's meant for the rations of two.” quipped Ding as he slowly stood up and gestured for the rest to follow him.
”Alright, please excuse us. We are taking our leave now. You know its not customary for us to hang about until dinner time. Furthermore, we have our own 'responsibilities' you know,” said Cheng while he winked mischievously at me.
I smiled as I stood up and sent them off from the top of the stairs.” Till tomorrow then, okay? ”I reminded at the trio.
” Yeah, do not forget to bring along your Father's Keris along with you before leaving the house. ”advised Eun.
”Alright, I would surely remember,” I replied as I turned my back and returned inside the house.