The streaks of twilight still look like tangled threads that are starting to fade and night falls with the howling of a coyote who calls his cubs to return to their nest behind the rocks. The twinkling stars began to appear in the sky which adorned the night with a captivating veil of light. Likewise, ashar flowers (Mirabilis Jalapa) bloomed on the side of the main road under the shady acacia trees in front of the people's houses.
And the lamps of Tanah Lampung were lit along the colorful streets as if there was a carnival. It's like a carnival, but this one is different. All the inhabitants of Tanah Lampung gathered on the side of the road that evening. The sound of musical instruments sounded to welcome the most important people out of the keraton. They are the family of the Ketua Suku Tanah Lampung who took their princess away to wander to see the wider world outside.
The front elephant carriage stretcher was filled with the Ketua Suku and his wife, behind him was Putri Way Gambas with three foreigners who were well received to accompany him to leave Tanah Lampung. This departure is celebrated by the people of Tanah Lampung.
"Why is everyone getting together and having fun like the new year, even though the new year is tomorrow night," said Sandanu who was amazed by the people of Tanah Lampung who played music and sang happily.
Putri Way Gambas who was sitting at the front alone answered. "They escorted the royal family to leave, so that those who left missed their land and returned home."
"Wow! This is a unique tradition," said Galigo who was sitting in the back with Sandanu with Mutia in the middle of them.
Hearing Galigo's praise of the traditions of Tanah Lampung, Putri Way Gambas smiled but his heart was mourning and she was silent. She was sad because the departure of the person she missed didn't get a delivery ceremony so he didn't come home since three years ago. The reason, too, because run away.
The tradition of releasing the departure of the Keraton family in Tanah Lampung lasted until late at night. the procession of the Ketua Suku's family circled the center of Tanah Lampung through the existing main road.
In addition, in the square, cultural arts performances were also held for the entertainment of the residents who participated in the celebration. Towards midnight, the keraton family camped in the square and mingled with the people of Tanah Lampung.
***
When the dawn broke, the Ketua Suku let go of his embrace and let his princess go on a quest to find what she wanted. In his mind, he felt guilty and let his princess solve all the problems that had happened.
With four elephants, Putri Way Gambas left with the foreigners who had barged into her pavilion. Maybe this meeting had become fate, and maybe this was what she had been waiting for.
The dense forest with all its inhabitants living wild became their travel companion that morning. For others this is normal, but for Putri Way Gambas this is something new.
"Now what do you want to tell me?" Mutia approached Putri Way Gambas with her elephant.
Way Gambas is still amazed and pays attention to the cool forest with the sounds of nature that sound continuously. From the sound of gangsir (Tarbinskiellus Portentosus), birds, monkeys jumping from tree to tree to animals running in the bushes in search of food.
"Mmm… are you used to walking in the forest?" Mutia has not yet received a response from Putri Way Gambas.
"Sorry," Putri Way Gambas turned to her. "I agreed to go with you guys because I was bored and wanted to attend the beach party too. I've heard that the beach party in Negeri Tirta only happens once every three years."
Mutia believes that Putri Way Gambas is hiding something. But the girl didn't want to talk either, even though since the first time Putri Way Gambas came to thwart her sentence, Mutia wanted to know what the princess wanted.
Mutia who felt that it represented Sandanu and Galigo's suspicions looked back, telling her that she did not get a satisfactory answer.
Then, the journey continues. They entered the wilderness, climbed hills, crossed shallow rivers and cleared thickets. Sandanu who walked in the front, with Putri Way Gambas behind him, followed by Mutia and Galigo guarding the back.
For Putri Way Gambas the journey was tiring, but her determination kept her afloat and concealed her grievances. Living in the forest is easy enough to get food because the forest provides them with what they need, even money is completely useless even though the Ketua Suku of Tanah Lampung provides enough provisions for the trip which is stored in a bag slung over the elephant's back.
Until it was late at night and this was the first time Putri Way Gambas had spent the night in the forest. They camped near a river and this time, Sandanu's tented camp was set up because there was a princess from Tanah Lampung who participated.
Galigo looked for firewood while Sandanu and Mutia set up a tent, while Putri Way Gambas washed her feet in the river. She sat looking up at the sky and listening to nature's soothing songs. Finally in the evening a bonfire was lit and they gathered while the elephants ate the grass not far from the campsite.
They stared at each other in silence for a moment until Galigo finally started a conversation. "How can you be this healthy when your batu akik was broken at that time?"
"Yeah, I didn't see you have batu akik either," said Sandanu.
"Okay," Putri Way Gambas would tell. "I am a secret technique user therefore it is unknown how I control the batu akik."
"Secret technique?" Mutia asked.
"Since this is a secret, I won't tell you guys." Putri Way Gambas stood up. "I'm going to bed early." And she went into the tent.
After Putri Way Gambas left. Sandanu glanced at Galigo. "Slanted eyes, I'm still curious about your strength, you want to fight with me?"
Galigo smiled sarcastically. "Yes, I also want to beat you."
That night, Sandanu and Galigo fight. Mutia could only look at them, but Putri Way Gambas who was inside the tent came back out. She was curious about the commotion going on. Finally, she and Mutia sat by the fire watching Sandanu and Galigo fight.
"Batu mustika Siliwangi shines, tiger claw…" Sandanu attacked.
Galigo already knows the sastra elements that Sandanu has. With the calm of nature that night, Galigo managed to dodge his attack. Sandanu's attack turned out to be so strong that the tree wood fell apart from his claw attack.
"Well it's my turn, batu sissi' naga shines, the breath of the sky..." Galigo attacked.
Even though Sandanu knows Galigo's sastra elements, it turns out that he still can't avoid it and he ends up bouncing into the river. "Damn it, you really attacked me, I was just asking you to train."
"Heh, you couldn't dodge my attacks yourself, why did I take the blame?"
"You should take it slow, I don't have to fall into the river."
"How are you? Why am I in the wrong?"
Sandanu didn't accept it until he got into a physical fight with Galigo until they got into a fight in a shallow river. Mutia and Putri Way Gambas laughed at their ridiculous antics.
"Aren't theyso cute?" Mutia is happy to have many friends on her journey.
Putri Way Gambas nodded with a laugh. She is the princess who has been confined for three years, now feels free and sees life for her entire life. A fun and adventurous youth.
Until it was midnight, they danced together around the bonfire. "HAPPY NEW YEAR 665 ZODIARK."
The night sounded pleasant in the middle of a peaceful forest. But they still have a long way to go to Tanah Melayu, and the beach party will be in two weeks on the night of the first full moon of the year, on a purple day when the aquarius stars shine. []