Merzan, the Destiny of an Artist

by Marc Blake

  Matahina now steps into the procession escorted by her attendants along with four Tahitian men that come forward.

  As they get to the altar, Geneviève steps off to the side to make way for Matahina to take center position. Matahina gets to the front and approaches Geneviève. She takes her by the arm and gently brings her to center position. Matahina delivers a Royal nod to Geneviève and steps off to the side.

  All the other attendants step aside leaving Geneviève alone in front of the King and Queen.

  Matahina glances over at Merzan, who is as confused as anyone as to what is going on. Just behind Merzan are his parents. They are standing there with no expression at all, unless you might call the look on their face frozen amazement.

  A shot of Philippe Sopoko shows him paying more attention to his “tropical adult beverage” and feeling “very happy” about that compared to anything else.

  Merzan looks at Matahina and tries to ask her what’s going on with his curious expressions. Matahina nods her head slightly and she closes her eyes, only to reopen them in reply to Merzan’s curiosity with a polite, “shh.”

  The song that is heard continues and without us ever noticing, it has segued into Matahina’s Lullaby. The music fades back for the King and Queen to speak their Throne of Destiny and Throne of Palms.

  Temaru speaks first, “Tonight we welcome another new member into the Royal family.”

  Geneviève’s eyes grow wide and her jaw drops, mouthing, “What?”

  Élise continues, “It is a tradition of honor for Mo’ore’a’s Royal family to spread the seeds of our Island’s abundance.”

  Temaru, in Tahitian says, “’Ia ora na ’oe ’orua ’aava’e”

  TRANSLATION: On this good night of the moon...

  Temaru lifts his hands, “... the light will shine on our new Daughter of the Island.”

  Élise announces, “A new Princess will be born.” Eeva turns to Matahina, “Matahina?”

  Matahina steps forward. Attendants meet her with a beautiful garland that Geneviève had not seen in the dressing room. The colorful floral garland is supported on a bed of palms creating a natural soft pillow.

  Matahina speaks to the congregation, “Until this night of the crescent moon the Princess of Mo’ore’a has had no brother and no sister.”

  Matahina glances to a nearby window to see her lizard friend watching and hopes her words provide no ill feelings for her adopted reptile brother she named Mo’ore’a.

  She continues, “Tonight this will change. Tonight, Geneviève will become my sister. She is born not of this Island but from a land far away. The Gods have sent her to me. She has been delivered by Tauarii.”

  Matahina looks at Merzan. The entire room looks at Merzan. Merzan’s parents look at Merzan, Philippe, while sipping his drink, looks up at Merzan. Geneviève turns her head slowly and looks at Merzan. Her facial expression turns from surprise to innocence and dignity. Geneviève seems to have blossomed into an amazing, beautiful young woman at this very moment.

  Matahina sees all this happening – nothing escapes her. Matahina, without missing a beat, reaches for the garland which she’ll soon place on Geneviève’s head. Matahina looks into Geneviève’s eyes and continues to speak.

  “Because you now become the sister of the Princess of Mo’ore’a, you also now become a Princess of my Island. You now become a beautiful princess...”

  Matahina, looking at Geneviève, sees how radiant she looks. This pleases her very much.

  Matahina continues, “... and will carry the blessings of this Island with you everywhere you go. You now carry our Island of Mo’ore’a with you and will be guided and protected by the Gods of the Island.”

  The entire roomful of villagers drop to their knees and bow in perfect unison – demonstrating complete honor.

  The King and Queen bow their heads to honor the new Princess.

  The music comes to a complete stop. All is silent.

  Matahina guides Geneviève to a kneeling position.

  Matahina says ceremoniously, “You will be called Mohea, the Princess of Mo’ore’a.

  TRANSLATION: Beautiful Princess

  “I will call you Anuja, my sister.”

  Matahina places the garland crown on Geneviève’s head. She then lifts her up from her kneeling position and slowly kisses her forehead. The new Princess is so taken by all of this that she loses her composure, grabs and hugs Matahina completely. While they are rocking left and right during the embrace, the young Tahitian that had eyes for Geneviève is seen with tears falling down his cheeks. All are enamored and taken in by the entire ceremony.

  Lily and Vincent have tears rolling down their cheeks. Philippe is sipping his drink with tears rolling down his cheek and into his drink.

  The King and Queen are taking in everything before them.

  The Queen, without anyone noticing, winces slightly and touches her stomach. She is feeling pain but chooses to accept it and continue on with the evening’s festivities.

  The hall explodes with music and dance and happy commotion.

  Over the next few days there are a number of joyous and entertaining activities with what time Merzan’s family and Philippe have left on the Island.

  The L’Granaré family and Philippe are staying in tropical bungalows along the water.

  Philippe is enjoying the pleasures of the easy lifestyle. It’s a well-deserved vacation.

  Vincent shows Temaru some farming techniques.

  Temaru shows Vincent (tropical) fruit that is three times the size of things that grow in France.

  Geneviève is on the beach spending time in innocent courtship with the young Tahitian boy.

  After some time, the L’Granaré family and Philippe are at the airport in Pape’ete returning to France.

  There are good-byes and hugs at the airport and tourists are taking photographs. This is to be expected since the Royal family is causing attention that is extraordinary.

  Even Captain Bell is with them providing his cameo grand announcements of being blessed by the Gods in the presence of Island Royalty.

  49 Life’s Biggest Blessing

  Another year passes.

  A letter is delivered to the L’Granaré farm addressed to Geneviève. Geneviève sees it is from Merzan and brings Mama and Papa together to the table to read it out loud for the family.

  She opens the envelope and pulls out the letter. She begins reading.

  “My beautiful Princess Mohea.”

  Geneviève puts the letter down for a moment and reminds her mother and father...

  “I am a Princess you know!”

  Mama agrees, “Of course you are Geneviève. Of course you are.”

  Vincent lets out under his breath, “Here we go again with the princesses.”

  Lily scolds Papa!

  Papa tries to shake it off, but rolls his eyes trying to accept all this storybook madness that seems to have become a reality.

  Geneviève demands, “Let me read the letter.”

  Lily agrees, “Yes, be quiet Vincent!”

  Papa rolls his eyes again – he’s said very little but now takes the blame for the interruption!

  Geneviève reads, “My beautiful Princess Mohea.”

  Vincent helps, “Yes! My beautiful Princess. Geneviève.... does it say anything more OR is that all Merzan has written in this month’s letter?”

  Geneviève lifts her head and her eyebrows to say to Papa, “If you will be quiet now,” without actually saying it.

  Geneviève starts over, “My beautiful Princess Mohea. I have been very busy with many projects since the last Festival of Abundance. My work has taken me to Pape’ete to produce large murals for a new hotel. This hotel will attract many tourists. There are more than 500 rooms and many bungalows along the water. Each will have my photographs hanging to provide decoration. There is nothing to spend the money on here in Mo’ore’a. The Island provides Matahina and I with everything we need. She sends her love and her prayers to M
ama and Papa. I think that is about everything for me to tell you for now.”

  Breaking away from the letter Geneviève asks, “Mama? Why does Matahina send no prayers for me?”

  Curious Geneviève starts to put the letter down on the table. She snarls.

  Lily points out, “Geneviève! There is more. Continue.”

  Geneviève regroups, “I think that is about everything for me to tell you for now.”

  They feel like they can clearly hear Merzan’s voice as they continue to read.

  Merzan writes, “Oh, wait. There is one more thing. The Princess Matahina wants her sister, Anuja, to know that she is preparing something very special for her. “

  Looking at her parents, Geneviève proudly reminds them, “That’s me. I am Anuja.”

  Geneviève keeps reading, “She asks that you are patient Geneviève since it will take maybe six months more before this gift is ready.”

  Lily already knows what this news means and is so delighted, but keeps her suspicions hidden. Papa is still listening, curiously.

  Geneviève explains to Mama, “the Princess has something for me.”

  Lily clarifies, “I don’t think so Geneviève.”

  “Yes, Mama. She does. Merzan writes this.”

  Mama notices there is still more to the letter.

  Lily instructs her to continue, “Finish Merzan’s letter Geneviève.”

  Geneviève’s reads what is left.

  “... it will take maybe six months more before this gift is ready. So, you might want to prepare yourself to be a new aunt.”

  Geneviève’s mouth drops wide open, her eyes open as big as they can get and she begins to smile with delight. Papa seems to “get it” now as well and acts proud as if to say, “that’s my boy!”

  Geneviève continues the letter, “So, you might want to prepare yourself to be a new aunt. If Matahina gives birth to a boy, he will be called, Taima, born during a storm. This name is only chosen in the most special situation. Tahitian legends speak of a great child who rose from the storm of the volcano and brought everlasting peace and beauty to these islands. I do think about having a brave son. This would make me very proud. Then, when I look at my Matahina, I find myself praying to the Gods that they bring us a little girl, like her Mother, the Princess. I think we would call her, Tautiare. It means, my flower.”

  “Whether our newborn is a boy or a girl, you can be sure that one day we will come to the farm and visit for a long time so our child can know Mama and Papa and La Tante Geneviève, the Anuja Mohea.”

  TRANSLATION: Aunt Geneviève, my sister and beautiful Princess.

  “The Gods of this Island have blessed us, my sister. When you and I were small we would sail the seas, without ever leaving the farm. In my dream a magical light would open up the pathways of the ocean like a great fire on the horizon to help me find my way to fantastic adventure. You were by my side on every voyage mon petit marin.”

  TRANSLATION: my little sailor.

  “Give Mama a kiss for me and make certain Papa gets zee fine wine from zee cow. On this Island, we learn to look at the stars to help us hear the messages of the Gods. One night, not long ago, I heard them speak to me, about you Geneviève. It seems that you, too, will be guided by their divine destiny. Now I have seen that you have great adventure waiting for you. I love you.”

  “Signed Merzan.”

  Geneviève pulls the letter to her chest and turns to her mother bursting into tears. Her mother, also crying – more with joy – holds Geneviève close to her.

  Tears fall onto the letter, moistening it.

  “Oh Mama!”

  50 The Child of the Storm

  Six months pass. There is a severe storm threatening the typical comfort of Island of Mo’ore’a. Coming into the medical facility is Merzan, helping Matahina. She is laboring heavily, wrapped with a blanket and drenched from the torrential wind driven rain.

  Merzan shows signs of concern, but remains responsibly strong and protective.

  Matahina is beaten by the severity of her condition and the weather.

  She looks bad. There are no signs of her amazing beauty. The situation has washed everything away from her unquestionable majestic aura. She is completely defeated. Any sign of her royal air has been vanished.

  Medical staff rush to their side to assist the two of them. Urgently, they get her into a room to get her situated.

  Over on another part of the island, on the beach, the storm is equally powerful. Despite the eminent danger, Toanui is out challenging the weather. Turns out he is securing his boat and a few other things to ready them in order that they survive the storm – which could become more intense before it is over.

  Heading back to his own home, he sees his father outside.

  “Father, why do you leave the house? Quickly, you must get back indoors.”

  Toanui grabs his father’s arm to help him back in. “Come now, quickly.”

  Amura tells him, “Toanui. No. Leave me be. I must go to the hospital.”

  “What is it father?”

  “It’s Matahina.”

  Toanui snaps to attention. Where there was no fear in his face during his battle with the severe weather conditions, he now shows much fear and concern.

  Toanui asks, “What is father? What is wrong?”

  “She is going to have her baby tonight.”

  Toanui is more concerned, “But father the Gods are very angry.”

  Amura looks at Toanui. You can see the fear and worry in Amura’s eyes. He does not respond – refusing to face this possible truth of the angry Gods.

  He tells Toanui, “The King and Queen are already headed to the hospital. I must go.”

  “Then I will see that you get their safely father.”

  Amura responds, “I will get there safely. You must gather everyone together to pray to the Gods to bless the Royal Family. Hurry! Hurry Toanui.”

  Running away still yelling above the noise of the storm, Amura repeats, “Hurry Toanui. Everyone must pray together. Hurry!”

  “I will go father. Be safe,” Toanui well-wishes his father challenged by the horrific storm.

  Toanui goes throughout the village pounding on the doors of many huts indicating the need for the community to come together and please the Gods with prayer so they will bless the Royal Family in light of this very angry night.

  Amura is running as fast as possible to get to the hospital. He trips and falls and hits his head on a fallen palm tree. He lies there, still, in the storm, bleeding from his head.

  Villagers are arriving to the front of the hospital.

  Arriving from all directions, some villagers find Amura lying still along the path and they tend to him. They roll him over to see he is lifeless. They react to the tragedy, but just as their faces express how very shocked and saddened they are, Amura opens his eyes and they help him to get to the hospital to be cared for.

  Many villagers have now arrived at the hospital.

  They remain outside, gather and form a vigil. More and more show up and it becomes a very large crowd. They are praying and singing Matahina’s Lullaby. It is being sung cautiously, with fear, worry and sadness.

  The storm, instead of getting worse, begins to subside and the singing becomes more joyous.

  Toanui stands up in front of the gathering and raises his arms as if he is demanding that the Gods let go of their anger and bless this night.

  People look at him and look up to the sky. A bright star appears through the slightly clearing storm clouds.

  Inside the hospital, Amura is in a different room. Nurses are caring for Amura, cleaning his wounds and bandaging him.

  In the room where they brought Matahina, Merzan, along with the King and Queen are together by her beside. Matahina lays still in the hospital bed being wiped dry by the nurses. She has a severe fever.

  Everyone is worried.

  On the window sash is that familiar looking lizard, watching.

  The doctor enters the room
and rushes over to Matahina.

  Merzan is on the other side of the bed, holding Matahina’s hand while the doctor now tends to her.

  Merzan looks toward the window. He sees the lizard, then looks out to see the bright star shining between the storm clouds – which are now clearing in the night sky.

  His view becomes one more of his amazing visual interpretations of light and magic. Merzan’s artistic vision is at work again. We can see from the look in Merzan’s eyes that what he is seeing must be spectacular and uplifting. A moment of the worst fear he’s ever experienced is become a moment of great spirit, faith and hope.

  51 No Storm to be Found on the Farm

  It’s very early morning on the farm and Geneviève wakes up from a nightmare. She’s sweating. She is remembering what happened in the dream.

  Her recollection relives the bad dream that woke her up, fearful. There was a very powerful storm. Her and Merzan are on their ship during one of their great adventures. A loose boom swings around and forces her over the side of the ship so she can avoid being struck.

  Geneviève’s eyes are frozen forward looking at nothing. Her thoughts consume her. Geneviève, sitting up in bed, pulls her blankets up to her chin and begins to cry. In her quietest voice she murmurs, “Merzan?”

  52 The End of the Storm

  On Mo’ore’a everyone in the hospital room is startled by a loud painful scream that comes from Matahina who has been too weak to even open her eyes. Merzan’s artistic vision is jolted back to the real and much less romantic view out the window. Clouds close up the sky and extinguish the light from the star. Merzan looks at Matahina. She is wincing in pain. Her eyes remain closed.

  The Queen is holding her own stomach with one hand as if she can feel everything Matahina feels.

  Merzan looks at the doctor for help. The doctor is expressionless – without options. The doctor struggles, not wanting to make eye contact with Merzan.

  The King and Queen are frozen with fear seeing their daughter lying there in agony. The Queen is moving her hand around on her own stomach as if this could help her find an answer. This only reminds her of their family history of problems with childbirth.