Indonesian Folklore (Folklor Indonesia): Tales from Nusantara (Archipelago): Echoes of Majapahit: Chapter 2

Chapter 2: The Royal Commission

Edisi Indoesia: Bab 2: Komisi Kerajaan

Ciptakarsa stood before the grand gates of the royal palace, his heart pounding with anticipation. The invitation from the royal court to create a series of paintings celebrating the empire's achievements was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and he was determined to make the most of it.

As he entered the palace grounds, he was greeted by the sights and sounds of majesty - ornate gardens filled with exotic flowers, elegant pavilions adorned with intricate carvings, and the hustle and bustle of courtiers going about their duties.

At the heart of the palace, Ciptakarsa was ushered into the presence of a wise and gracious king whose love for art and culture was known throughout the empire.

"Greetings, Ciptakarsa," the king said, his voice resonating with warmth. "I have heard much about your talent as a painter, and I am honored to have you undertake this commission for the glory of Majapahit."

Ciptakarsa bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It is my greatest honor to serve the empire in this way."

The king smiled. "I have great faith in your abilities, Ciptakarsa. I trust that you will capture the essence of Majapahit in your paintings, for they will serve as a testament to our greatness for generations to come."

With the king's blessing, Ciptakarsa set to work, immersing himself in the world of the royal court. He spent hours wandering the palace halls, sketching scenes of royal banquets, diplomatic meetings, and ceremonial processions. He sought inspiration in the faces of the courtiers and servants, each one a living testament to the diversity and richness of Majapahit's culture.

But amidst the grandeur of the palace, Ciptakarsa's mind kept returning to the mysteries of the past - the hidden chambers and forgotten ruins that held the key to Majapahit's history. He knew that to truly capture the spirit of the empire, he would need to delve deeper into its secrets.

One day, as he was exploring the palace archives, Ciptakarsa stumbled upon an ancient manuscript that spoke of a lost city hidden deep in the jungle, a city said to be the birthplace of Majapahit itself. Intrigued, he resolved to uncover the truth behind the legend.

With Kadek by his side, Ciptakarsa set out on a journey into the heart of the jungle, where ancient temples and overgrown ruins lay hidden beneath the canopy. Guided by the words of the manuscript, they followed a treacherous path through dense foliage and winding rivers, until at last they came upon a clearing where the lost city stood.

As they explored the ruins, Ciptakarsa felt a sense of awe wash over him. Here, in this forgotten city, lay the true heart of Majapahit - a testament to the empire's origins and the resilience of its people.

With each step, Ciptakarsa's vision for his paintings grew clearer. For in the ruins of the past, he had found not just inspiration, but a deeper understanding of what it meant to be a part of Majapahit - a legacy that would live on through his art for centuries to come.