Merzan, the Destiny of an Artist

by Marc Blake

  The flower is now in place. Face to face, Matahina leans in a few inches closer and kisses Merzan’s cheek with her delicate affection. She whispers to him as she takes him by the arm, “Haere ma mi mai motu, Tauarii.”

  TRANSLATION: Walk with me on my Island, my Prince.

  The Queen is now hugging the King. Together they both find themselves hypnotized by what they are watching. They are seeing how perfectly their daughter fits with her found Prince. The King and Queen completely understand that their daughter’s destiny is on track. They feel comfort seeing her with Merzan and they know this is right.

  There is music and native drumming playing in the hall. Everyone is there. The many conversations, eating and dancing fill the room. The doors open and everything stops in honor of the Royal Family’s appearance. They enter the hall.

  Immediately, Amura approaches the family and greets them while others observe respectfully. Amura says to the King, “Temaru, everyone is excited to meet your guest.”

  Élise responds to Amura’s greeting in place of Temaru. She speaks loudly to the room.

  “My family has the honor of introducing to you, from north of Paris, the photographic artist Merzan, who our daughter, her Royal Highness, Matahina, the Princess of Mo’ore’a calls Tauarii.”

  People react with mixed emotions to hear that Princess Matahina calls him Tauarii (my prince). You can see one woman mouthing out, “my prince,” repeating what she’s just heard to the woman next to her. Subtle gossip consumes many parts of the room.

  Merzan is brought forward by Matahina. She locks her arm in his. Merzan, unsure of what to do, kind of bows to the roomful of people while his eyes scan the room.

  Everyone in the room drops to a knee and bows. Merzan whispers to Matahina, “Why do they bow to me Matahina?”

  Matahina whispers back without compromising her royal diplomacy, “It is I to whom they bow.”

  Matahina squeezes her arm around Merzan’s enough to assure him that she is in control and all is well. Merzan slowly releases a breath of air demonstrating some relief. He’s feeling mixed with excitement and awkwardness.

  Greetings and handshakes are exchanged by many guests while the young couple are navigating throughout the room. Some of the younger women feel compelled to hug Merzan. He is not sure how to react to their warm affection. Matahina enjoys seeing him trying not to squirm from all this attention. Merzan is more overwhelmed by seeing, first hand, how much the people of the Island love Matahina and are drawn to her. Matahina is clearly aware that her Island family is pleased to see Merzan by her side. It’s the first time and very unusual that Matahina would have a man by her side. Even more unusual is the fact of this man being from another country and much different culture. All in all, Merzan is accepted with genuine warmth by everyone he has met, so far.

  Their various greetings are powered by the room’s Tahitian music, Merzan’s introductions to seemingly everyone in the room continues, hosted my Her Highness, the Princess Matahina.

  Matahina sees Toanui across the room. She draws in a breath of confidence, adjusts her posture to an absolute royal diplomacy and takes Merzan over to make one final introduction.

  The Princess speaks, “Toanui. I want you to meet Merzan. He is responsible for all the wonderful photographs from Paris that your father has used to help Mo’ore’a.”

  Toanui stands still without changing his expression. Toanui is a strongly built young man, which could easily intimidate some.

  Matahina stands slightly taller lifting herself more and continues, “Merzan, meet Toanui, the son of Amura, our Minister of Culture.”

  Merzan half prepares for a friendly handshake.

  It appears that Toanui is about to speak. Instead, in too strong of an aggressive manner, he reaches toward the flower in Matahina’s hair – taking great issue with it being in place, yet not by his hand.

  This behavior is not appropriate and it’s seems to be clearly instigated by some inner feelings Toanui is holding – feelings of which Merzan is not privy.

  For the first time, we see Merzan display a personality trait that we have yet to know about him. He quickly takes his readied welcoming-positioned hand and grabs Toanui’s arm abruptly stopping him from reaching any closer to Matahina’s hair.

  There is great tension. Some, in the room, observe what could become a volatile situation. Even Amura watches from across the room, but we’re uncertain whom he is rooting for. Toanui’s movement and arm are frozen still by the firm, controlling grip that Merzan has in place. Toanui tries to pull away, but cannot break free.

  Looking at Merzan, caught in this standoff, Toanui speaks. “You are no prince,” with a very sarcastic tone, “Tauarii.”

  Merzan remains humble and poised, “It is so. I am but a simple farmer with a camera from a foreign land. I thank you for your hospitality Toanui. I hope I can bring value to your father and your Island while I am here.”

  Toanui feels that Merzan’s stay is temporary from what he heard said and eases down the tension some.

  Merzan lets go of Toanui’s arm. Amura smiles and gives a slight indication that he enjoyed seeing his son put in his place by the Island’s guest.

  Matahina attempts to keep her reaction to this uncomfortable situation hidden. Matahina is trying her best not to show how much she loves Merzan’s completely unexpected protective chivalry. Then Matahina’s expression becomes one of control and displeasure, like she has shown Toanui many times before.

  Matahina takes Merzan’s hand with one of her hands, then Toanui’s hand with her other and puts them together holding them in place with her hands on the outside above and below. She is forcing the two men to exchange this handshake. Looking at Toanui with an expression of royal demand. “Merzan has the heart of a prince and the artistic talent of a great master. He brings this to my Island and he walks by my side.”

  Toanui realizes that the Princess has not only made her mandate, but also speaks from her heart. It’s clear that by Matahina’s own admission, Merzan is her chosen prince.

  Looking at Matahina, Toanui nods his head in respect for her Highness indicating that he yields to the truth of the matter.

  Then, Toanui looks at Merzan and gives him half as much respect with a slightly lesser nod.

  Toanui looks at the Princess’s hands, still holding theirs in a clutch as if to beg permission to now be released. He slightly peeks back up at Matahina, then his eyes return to the clinched hands. Toanui keeps his head down and makes no further eye contact.

  Toanui, with humility, gently says, “Your Highness!”

  Matahina lifts her top hand to free Toanui’s hand. He is now able to let go. His eyes stay focussed on her hands, now holding only Merzan’s hand.

  Matahina starts to pull Merzan’s hand toward her to what will obviously be a kiss on his open palm, but Merzan stops her momentum and pulls her hand to him and kisses it for the longest time, never taking his eyes off of her face.

  Toanui sees the love, so strong and undeniable between them. Toanui privately displays his held-back pain.

  The Princess turns Merzan around and they walk away from Toanui, now left standing alone quietly reflecting.

  Amura, still watching, smiles as if to say, “well how do you like that?”

  Merzan and the Princess continue working the room, speaking with everyone, interacting and greeting people one after another. It’s a very happy occasion. The women in the hall begin to form a circle. This cues Matahina and her Mother that one of their traditional Island ceremonies is about to take place. The men gather outside the circle. Two young Tahitian girls accompany the Queen and Princess. The girls carry baskets of flowers. The flower baskets contain a bed of color topped with many amazing orchids.

  Matahina’s Lullaby begins to play and all the women are singing her song – soft and beautifully. It sounds like a heavenly choir.

  Matahina and Eeva are going around the circle of women placing orchids in each one’s hair. The women seem to come
to life with the placement of their orchid – blessed by Her Majesty and Her Highnesses. Matahina and Eeva are equally beautiful. The room is in awe of them both. It’s a very sacred ceremony and everyone is very respectful. There is grandeur and beauty.

  When a woman receives her orchid, she leaves the circle greeted by one of the Tahitian men.

  Temaru and Merzan are standing, side by side, watching. Amura walks up and stands next to them. While the ceremony continues we see Merzan, Amura and the King in the background. Amura’s body language is showing Merzan much respect and appreciation for his artistic help.

  Toanui is seen standing alone in another part of the hall.

  The focus returns to the ceremony.

  Temaru is watching the ceremony and from his vantage point it’s a nice pleasant event. What Merzan is seeing is much different. Merzan sees the presentation with his artistic eye and it becomes a beautiful rendering with magical light illuminating from every angle, with every view. This gives a hint as to how Merzan is about to explode with his artistic photographic talent as the story progresses.

  46 Merzan, Artiste de la Photographie

  Merzan’s photographic adventures on the Island of Mo’ore’a begins. He starts building an overwhelming collection of work, the likes of which have never been created.

  Merzan, often with Matahina, are seen taking the most amazing photographs of the most beautiful parts of the island. Each image creates on a visual journey of paradise – a journey of fantasy and wonder that none would ever want to have end.

  Everything he photographs from the landscapes to the native activities generates a prolific portfolio of work. Merzan produces countless spectacular images of Mo’ore’a. There are scenes shot on the island. Plus, there are photographs taken from boats on the water in the bay and out to sea. Much time passes and things are very pleasant. The Gods are pleased. Merzan and Matahina are pleased. As a young couple, they are patient with what each day brings and don’t think abut pushing their relationship, enjoying its natural flow and growth.

  Philippe Sopoko is writing a letters to Merzan and getting back replies with amazing photos and loving messages from both Merzan and Matahina. He feels as if he is there with them and the amazing photos support this.

  Geneviève is writing and receiving letters – which always have great photos in the package. Geneviève keeps her parents in the loop sharing everything with much enthusiasm and awe. Matahina writes to Geneviève and they build a virtual relationship from across the world that seems to bond them closely.

  Geneviève is getting older. She is becoming a young lady.

  Merzan begins signing his photographic art. Merzan’s work is seen on sale in galleries in Pape’ete and in Paris Philippe becomes an ambassador and promoter of Merzan’s fine art photography. Tourists and others are buying his art. Merzan is generating a strong income and begins to develop a large following. There’s some talk of him in Paris. His popularity and recognition increase. He is becoming a household name, especially amongst other photographers and in the art circles

  An art show of Merzan’s work takes place in Paris. His parents attend with Geneviève. Merzan, being in Mo’ore’a, is not at the show. However, Merzan’s family gets to meet Philippe Sopoko for the first time, who has promoted the exhibit.

  Philippe Sopoko produces an art book of Merzan’s work and sends a copy to Matahina. It’s a successful coffee table book sold in the museum gift shops and bookstores and in the camera shop.

  Merzan continues having financial and artistic success. Money is not something that is of too much use to him and Matahina on Mo’ore’a, but that is neither here nor there.

  47 What was in the Pouch

  Merzan and Matahina’s innocence begins to tease them into becoming more passionate with each other. Even so, they maintain a respectful relationship though a series of romantic sequences are routine to their time together.

  It finally comes to pass that Merzan proposes to Matahina.

  The time is right so he takes out the contents of the velvet pouch given to him from his mother. It’s a beautiful cameo – very rare that has been in their family for generations. Merzan presents it to Matahina. She wears it at the wedding.

  Merzan’s family arrives on Mo’ore’a by ferry (with Captain Bell at the helm) to attend a glamorous wedding ceremony planned for Merzan and Matahina.

  After Merzan and Matahina greet Merzan’s family, Captain Bell surprises Merzan and Matahina by showing them that Philippe Sopoko has made the trip as well.

  There is much rejoicing that overcomes bits of reminiscing.

  Philippe presents Merzan with a document from the Sorbonne that is an open invitation to teach there anytime he should decide to do so. Merzan hands the letter to his mother and says, “Throw this in the trash Mother. I will not go!” They both laugh.

  Geneviève interacts with Matahina. They already knew it would be, but love each other instantly. Matahina enjoys fixing Geneviève up like a Tahitian native. They are happy that they will become family, soon to be sisters through marriage. Matahina feels like she finally has a sibling.

  The wedding takes place. Philippe Sopoko takes the photos.

  Lily and Geneviève see the family cameo necklace around Matahina’s neck. It tickles them. Geneviève touches her own neckline imagining that it would be her that one day would receive the family cameo. It’s obvious that Geneviève feels more pride to see it on Matahina, than any jealously whatsoever not wearing it herself.

  After a Polynesian wedding ceremony that effervesced with island magic, Merzan and Matahina are carried on a flowered thrown, by six strong island men, to a special hut where they will spend their wedding night. The evening is special, filled with countless stars and a romantic moon. Everything is perfect. Nothing could go wrong.

  48 The Ceremony that Changed the World Forever

  The wedding day and the couple days that followed felt like a celebration that never stopped for even a moment. Philippe is enjoying island cocktails. Deservingly he feels very relaxed on his purposeful vacation to the tropics – every Frenchman’s dream.

  A few nights later, the moon now forms a perfect crescent casting its reflections onto the bay. Two birds are on a nearby branch just outside the gathering hall. They are observing the activity. It’s a perfect Polynesian night on Mo’ore’a. The Gods of the Island have everything aligned exactly. Even Toanui has found comfort with the Princess and her Prince. This does not change the deep love he feels for her. He understands that the Gods have a plan and shows Merzan respect.

  Once again the grand hall is rich with activity.

  Everyone is gathered in attendance. It’s another ceremonial celebration that has all the earmarks of being most memorable. The Island’s abundant offerings glorify the event.

  Geneviève and Matahina are in a small room connected to the hall. Attendants in traditional Polynesian costume are preparing both of them. The focus is on Matahina who is having a garland prepared and placed on her head. Geneviève knows that she gets to be a part of her Highness’s select group of royal attendants. Geneviève is very excited to be included.

  Matahina is being attentive to Geneviève. Geneviève feels very special. It’s all heart-warming. The two have grown truly close with many letters back and forth and this short time together on Mo’ore’a.

  Inside the main hall, music of heavy, fast-paced drumbeats play while dancing and gaiety proceed.

  An overpowering drumming stops the party in progress and the room light changes to a centrally lit path of candlelight created from rows of small flower bordered seashell candleholders. Candles are lined up starting from a doorway in the back of the hall and arranged all the way to an altar at the other end.

  The King and Queen are on this altar where two thrones sit side by side. The altar is aglow from so many colors created by an entire wall adorned with natural flower bouquets. The room is truly spectacular in this carefully candlelit hall.

  The way people are breath
ing cause you to believe that you can smell the amazing natural tropical fragrances. Everything is overwhelming with the Island’s abundance.

  Everyone is now quiet and still. With each breath taken they are falling into a trance.

  A gentle drumbeat begins. It’s soft and rhythmic. The women in the hall begin to sing a soft, soothing Tahitian song. It is not Matahina’s Lullaby, but it does sound similar.

  The doors open from the back of the hall. Elaborately costumed Tahitian men step toward the door to escort the royal party. The girls begin a procession down the candlelit path.

  Geneviève, naturally, goes to step in place behind Matahina, but Matahina takes her by the shoulders and repositions her to the front of the procession.

  Geneviève understands that this must be her appropriate place in the precession’s line up.

  Two young Tahitian boys, in colorful costume, and of similar age to Geneviève, step out and surround her as her formal escorts.

  One of the young Tahitian boys gets Geneviève’s attention. He and Geneviève are seen exchanging momentary glances of attraction.

  Geneviève sees Merzan ahead and gives him a secret look, acting slightly embarrassed.