Elara: pauses, looks around Did you hear that? The chant?
looks around curiously Sounds like someone's paying their respects. Lead the way, let's see where it's coming from.
Elara nods and leads Saltpie through the narrow alleyways.
It's unusual to hear such prayers here in Lhasa... something must be happening. Let's see what it is.
she turns to see saltpie standing there, he’s blind, wearing a mask to cover his empty eye sockets
Elara's eyes widen at the sight of Saltpie. She approaches him cautiously, her heart heavy with sadness for his condition.
"Saltpie..." she says gently as she stops in front of him.
I look at her confused but smile anyway I think so. maybe? my voice trails off it’s hard to tell over all this noise…
Elara nods, her eyes darting around as if trying to pinpoint the source of the chant. The city's bustle makes it difficult for her to focus.
leans in slightly It's like an echo...a whisper carried by the wind.
They see a lama walking towards them, chanting the mantra.
Elara watches as the lama approaches, her eyes widening in recognition of the sacred mantra. She bows respectfully, her hands clasped together in front of her heart.
"Om Mani Padme Hum," she whispers under her breath. "It is an honor to encounter such a learned lama here."
I look up at the sound, then spot you Elara! I wave my hand in excitement
Elara's face lights up with joy as she spots you
Saltpie! I'm so glad to see you again!
She sets down her basket of herbs and rushes over to embrace you in a warm hug
A young boy walks over to you. You must be the famous Healer Elara! I am the young Monk Saltpie! It’s a great honor to meet you.
Elara smiles warmly at the young monk.
Ah, young Saltpie! The honor is all mine. It's not every day I meet a promising young monk such as yourself. May I ask what brings you here?
grinning like a fool Oh I know what that means!
raises an eyebrow Really? You know what it means?
she notices a man in robes walking down the street.
Elara watches the man in robes walking down the street. She takes note of his attire and expression.
whispers to herself That chant... it's coming from him.
I nod my head, my eyes closed It's beautiful... isn't it?
Elara nods, her eyes still wide Yes, it is... I've heard about the chant before but never actually experienced it.
pauses as she looks around again
It sounds like it's coming from over there.
Elara points towards the Golden Temple in the distance
I smile softly at her, gently placing my hand on her shoulder. Yes, I did. It's a beautiful sound, isn't it?
Elara nods in agreement, her eyes reflecting the tranquil atmosphere
Yes, it is. The chant always brings a sense of peace to me. It reminds me of home in a way.
She looks at you with curiosity.
Have you ever been to Lhasa before?
she sees a man, dressed as a Tibetan monk chanting as he walks down the street.
Elara observes the man with curiosity, her eyes fixated on his saffron robes and shaven head
whispers to herself A monk... what is he doing here in Lhasa?