CHAPTER 13: TEMPLE

continuation...

In the living room of the Molave Residence, the family was bustling with activity in preparation for their departure.

"Is everybody ready? We will leave in 30 minutes," Mr. Carpus announced, his voice carrying a sense of urgency. 

"Kai, did you lock all the doors?" Mr.Carpus

"Yes, Boss," Kai replied promptly, giving a quick nod.

"Good. Presa, Pinya, did you put all the food supplies in the freezer? And Maco, Chico, did you check all the outlets in the house?" Mr. Carpus continued, ensuring every detail was accounted for.

"Yes, Boss!" the four of them chorused, their voices echoing in unison.

Mrs. Dillenia emerged from her clinic, having ensured that her patients had taken their medicines and that everything was in place. She looked at Mr. Carpus and nodded, signaling that she was ready.

Narra gently lifted Lia from her crib, cradling the baby in her arms. Philip followed closely behind her as they made their way downstairs, both carrying their bags. The family gathered in the kitchen, where a sense of anticipation hung in the air.

"Everyone, gather around," Mr. Carpus directed, leading them toward a seemingly ordinary section of the kitchen wall. Mrs. Dillenia joined him, and together they pushed against a hidden door. The wall slid open to reveal a large, empty room.

Mrs. Dillenia took out a piece of chalk and carefully drew a large, simple circle on the floor. The chalk left a faint, white trail as she worked, her hand steady and precise. Once the circle was complete, she stepped back and nodded to Mr. Carpus.

"Alright, everyone, take your badges," Mr. Carpus instructed. Everyone, except for Narra and her siblings, reached into their pockets and pulled out small, golden, round-shaped badges inscribed with intricate symbols. Mr. Carpus handed similar badges to Narra and her siblings.

"Stand inside the circle and do as we do," he instructed his tone firm but reassuring. Lia, being just a baby, was held securely by Mr. Carpus.

The adults spread their arms forward, each holding their badge out in front of them. The Molave siblings mimicked their actions, holding their badges as instructed. The symbols on the badges began to glow faintly, and the circle on the floor responded with a soft, pulsating light.

Suddenly, the circle lit up brightly, and the floor beneath them started to shake gently. The light intensified, casting an ethereal glow around the room. Slowly, the floor within the circle revealed a set of round stairs spiraling downward.

"Everyone, stay close and be careful," Mr. Carpus cautioned as they began their descent.

The family walked down the newly revealed staircase, the air around them humming with energy. The steps were wide enough to accommodate them comfortably, and the light from the circle above illuminated their path.

As they descended deeper, the temperature seemed to drop slightly, and a cool breeze wafted up from below. 

The Molave family found themselves on a balcony overlooking a stunning fjord. The view was breathtaking, and the siblings were mesmerized by the natural beauty before them.

"Wow! It's so beautiful!" Philip exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder.

"It's so beautiful here, Dad!" Narra echoed, unable to take her eyes off the scenery.

Mrs. Dillenia gently interrupted their admiration. 

"Kids! Let's go down. We need to visit the temple before we rest at your grandpa's house."

Reluctantly, the family took the stairs carved into the side of the cliff. At the bottom, a boat awaited them, bobbing gently on the water. They climbed in, and the adults began to row, the oars cutting through the tranquil surface of the fjord.

"Maco, have you been here before?" Narra asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

"Yes, Narra," Maco replied. 

"We all used to live here."

"We were kids when your parents found us in the forest nearby," Presa added, her voice filled with nostalgia.

"And every month, we come back here with the boss to deliver some goods to the house and the temple," Chico explained.

"How come I've never seen you going into the kitchen or heading out here?" Philip asked, puzzled.

"Yeah, me too," Narra said, nodding in agreement.

"We come here when you're at school, and sometimes we leave before sunrise," Mr. Carpus explained with a smile.

"Dad! That's not fair," Philip said, his voice rising in a playful tantrum.

Lia, always eager to mimic her older brother, copied his tone and gestures.

Mr. Carpus chuckled at his children's antics. 

"You can't even wake up early in the morning, Philip. Why would we bring you?" Mrs. Dillenia added with a mischievous grin.

After a few more moments of playful teasing, the family arrived at a large water pavilion in the center of the fjord. It featured stone walkways with side guards, leading them safely across the water.

The family walked to the center of the pavilion and continued along a long, straight, floating stone walkway that led into the forest. As they neared the temple, the children noticed the intricately carved stones that decorated the path.

They soon arrived at the temple, a grand and wide structure with beautifully crafted stonework. A temple servant greeted them warmly and guided them inside.

The interior of the temple was just as magnificent as the exterior. The air was filled with the scent of incense, and soft chanting could be heard in the background. The family followed the servant through the halls, taking in the serene atmosphere and the intricate details of the temple's design.

As they walked, Narra couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and reverence. 

"This place is incredible," she whispered to Philip, who nodded in agreement.

The servant led them to a spacious hall where they could see monks and other temple attendants engaged in various activities. 

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," the servant said, gesturing to a seating area. 

"The Temple master will join you shortly."

The family sat down, taking a moment to absorb the peaceful ambiance of the temple. 

"I will inform Sir Jacinto of your visit. Please wait here for a while; someone will also bring you tea," the temple servant said with a bow before leaving the room.

As the family settled in, Philip looked around in awe. 

"Dad, it's so huge and beautiful here. It looks like it came out of a fantasy movie," he exclaimed.

The adults chuckled at his amazement.

"Yes, it is very beautiful, Philip. And it's even more incredible because it is in real life. Tomorrow, you will receive proper blessings here at the temple. You'll also get to see the main temple and experience the glorious festival," Mr. Carpus explained with a smile.

Just then, Jacinto approached them with a wide grin. 

"Carpus, glad to see you arrived safely," he said warmly.

Another temple servant arrived with a tray laden with teacups and a teapot. He began to distribute the teacups and pour tea for each family member.

"Jacinto, it's good to see you again," Mr. Carpus replied, shaking Jacinto's hand. 

"We're here to report to the elders and pay our respects before we go to my wife's father's house."

Jacinto turned his attention to Narra and the other children. 

"You have very blessed and lucky children, Carpus. Eight of them, right?" he chuckled.

"Yes, Dillenia and I are indeed very lucky," Mr. Carpus agreed, smiling at his wife.

Mrs. Dillenia addressed the children, her tone firm but gentle. 

"Finish your tea quickly. We will go to see the elders next. Behave and greet them respectfully when we arrive. Understand?"

"Yes, Mom," the kids replied in unison, sipping their tea.

As they finished their tea, Philip leaned over to Presa. 

"Presa, let's play later, please?" he asked eagerly.

"Okay, but you have to give me your dessert at dinner after," Presa teased, making Philip grin.

Once the tea was finished, the family followed a side pathway of the temple that led to a back house where the room of the elder guardians was located. The stone pathway was lined with intricate carvings and lush greenery, adding to the serene atmosphere of the temple grounds.

Upon reaching the room, the kids greeted the elders with bows and respectful words. The elders, wise and gentle, nodded in acknowledgment. Mr. Carpus, Mrs. Dillenia, and their five adopted teenagers entered the room to speak with the elders, while the younger children were escorted to another room to play.

Mr. Carpus began, "We have come to pay our respects and report on our activities over the past month. Our family has been well, and we continue to honor the traditions and responsibilities passed down to us."

The elders listened intently, their expressions thoughtful and kind. Elder Jacinto spoke first. 

"Carpus, Dillenia, we are pleased to see your family thriving. The bond you share and the respect for our traditions is evident in your children. They are a true blessing."

Mrs. Dillenia added, 

"We are grateful for the guidance and support of the elders. It is because of the teachings and blessings from this temple that we have been able to maintain harmony and prosperity within our family."

The conversation continued, touching on various topics of importance, including upcoming events at the temple, the state of their community, and plans for the festival. The elders offered their wisdom and advice, and the family listened with respect and gratitude.

After the meeting, Mr. Carpus and Mrs. Dillenia gathered their children and began the journey to Mrs. Dillenia's father's house, their hearts full and spirits lifted by the visit to the temple. As they walked, Narra and Philip couldn't stop talking about the day's experiences, their excitement palpable.

"Mom, Dad, this place is amazing! I can't wait for the festival tomorrow," Narra said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Me too! It's going to be so much fun," Philip added, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

Mrs. Dillenia smiled at her children, feeling a deep sense of contentment. 

"Yes, it will be a wonderful experience for all of us. Let's make the most of our time here and cherish every moment."

to be continued...