Dawn Discoveries (Malaysia's Independence Day Special)

(There are 2 version of narrative in this chapter. The new script format and the traditional one. It is recommended to read the script format.)

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Script format (including extra content)

[EXT. PALACE ROOM - KEDAH - MORNING]

The morning call to prayer echoes, and Hffyl emerges from his bedroom, feeling the comfort of the palace surroundings.

Hffyl: (Stretching) Good morning.

A friendly palace attendant approaches.

Palace Attendant: Good morning, young master. I'll be your attendant today.

Hffyl: Thank you. I'd like to visit the local mosque.

The attendant nods and leads the way. The mosque is a stunning structure with tall minarets and intricate designs on its walls.

After the morning prayer, Hffyl and the attendant walk back to the palace.

Hffyl: The mosque is truly beautiful. How long has it stood?

Palace Attendant: (Smiling) It has been here for about 30 years already.

Hffyl: Really? That long?

Palace Attendant: Indeed

They arrive at the palace for breakfast.

Palace Attendant: Ah, breakfast is served.

Hffyl sits down to enjoy the unique tastes.

Hffyl: These flavors are amazing. What is this dish called?

Palace Attendant: That's coconut rice mixed with fish curry, and some spices add a special touch.

After breakfast, Hffyl's curiosity gets the better of him, and he and the attendant explore the town.

Hffyl: What other places should I visit in the town?

Palace Attendant: Well, there's the market, the artisan workshops, and perhaps a stroll through the coconut groves. 

[EXT. MARKETPLACE - DAY]

Venturing into the local market, Hffyl immerses himself in the vibrant atmosphere.

Trader: Ah, young master! Want to try some rambutans? Freshly picked from the tree!

Hffyl: Thank you, Pakcik. Are these rambutans sweet?

Trader: Jangan risau (don't worry) , they're surely sweet. Take some.

Continuing his exploration, the scent of grilled fish grabs Hffyl's attention.

Cook: Want some grilled fish, adik? Panas-panas, baru bakar! (Hot and freshly grilled!)

Hffyl: Wah, it smells so good! How much is it?

Cook: Only two 'kupang'. Take it and eat while you stroll around!

As Hffyl and the palace attendant explore the town, he clutches the delicious grilled fish from the friendly cook.

Artisan: Ah, young one! I see you're enjoying some grilled fish.

Hffyl: (chewing noises) Yes, it was delicious. And it's nice to see you again.

The artisan gestures to his workbench where an intricate keris is in the making.

Hffyl: I thought you're just an artisan, not a blacksmith. What makes this keris special?

Artisan: A keris is more than just a weapon, young one. It's a symbol of craftsmanship. To create the finest keris, we gather metals from seven different regions. Each metal brings its own unique properties to the blade, and it takes days of meticulous work to forge it. It could be considered an art as well.

Hffyl: (nods in understanding matter) Is there anything else that makes it special?

Artisan: Before crafting a keris, craftsmen often fast for one to three days. This is a spiritual practice, connecting us to our work and infusing the blade with positive energy.

Observing Hffyl's interest, the artisan makes an offer.

Artisan: Would you like to try your hand at crafting? How about making a golok?

Hffyl: Really? I can try making my own?

Artisan: Why not? It's not as intricate as a keris, but it's a good start. Now, you want me to show you or not?

Hffyl: Sure.

Artisan: Now, pay close attention.

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Selection of Metal-: "First, we choose the right metal. For a beginner like you, let's start with this piece of iron."

Heating-: "Now, we place it in the furnace until it turns red-hot, making it malleable." As Hffyl watched, the metal glowed a fiery red.

Forging-: With the red-hot metal ready, the artisan handed Hffyl a hammer. "Now, while it's hot, start hammering to shape it."

Hffyl hesitated for a moment, then took the hammer and began to pound the glowing metal, the rhythmic thuds filling the air.

Shaping-: "Good. Now, use this anvil to bend and shape the blade, giving it the signature curve of a golok."

Sharpening-: "With the basic shape ready, it's time to sharpen it." The artisan demonstrated how to use the grindstone, and Hffyl mimicked his actions, sharpening the blade's edge.

Quenching-: "This step helps in hardening the metal. Dip the heated blade swiftly into this barrel of water." A hissing sound filled the air as steam rose when Hffyl immersed the blade.

Handle Attachment-: "Finally, fit the handle to the blade. It should sit snugly." Hffyl carefully slid the wooden handle onto the blade's tang, securing it in place.

Final Touches-: "Use this oil," said the artisan, handing Hffyl a small bottle, "to give your blade a protective coat."

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With the golok in hand, Hffyl wears a tired expression.

Artisan: Not bad for a first-timer. With practice, you could become quite skilled.

As Hffyl hands over the golok for the sheath, his eyes catch an unusual object in the workshop.

Hffyl: What's that, sir? It looks different from anything I've seen before.

Artisan: (retrieves the object) Ah, this, young one, is a 'terakol.' It hails from Istanbul, a distant land. It's a remarkable piece of weaponry, a product of the latest wheel lock technology.

Hffyl: Wheel lock technology? What does it do?

Artisan: You see, this 'terakol' doesn't rely on a matchlock to ignite the powder. Instead, it employs a small wheel mechanism. When you pull the trigger, it rotates the wheel against a piece of iron pyrite, creating a spark that ignites the powder in the barrel.

Hffyl: So, it's more reliable and faster than matchlocks?

Artisan: Indeed, it's more reliable and faster to fire. But it's also more complex to manufacture, which makes it a prized possession for those who can afford it. Here, I finish making the sheath.

Hffyl: (Take the machete) Thank you, sir. I'll treasure this golok.

Artisan: Remember, young one, you can always add your own decorations to it in your free time. Make it truly yours.

Artisan: Have you done any crafting before, perhaps under the guidance of your family?

Hffyl: Well, my grandfather used to show me how to repair things around the house, like tools and appliances. He was quite handy.

Artisan: Ah, a young handyman in the making. Perhaps, in the future, I'll craft something special for you. A custom-made wheel-lock pistol, perhaps, or something even more remarkable.

As they stroll through the market, encountering street performers, they pause to watch some musicians.

Palace Attendant: Tuan hamba, this is our local wayang kulit. It's a traditional form of shadow puppetry that tells tales of heroes and legends. Would you like to watch?

Hffyl nods eagerly, and they join the growing crowd gathered around the screen. The intricate shadow puppets come to life, dancing and battling in the light of an oil lamp.

Palace Attendant: Our cultural heritage is deeply woven into these performances.

The day continues with a boat ride along the River Muda. Passing houses on stilts, Hffyl learns about their unique architecture and community role.

Palace Attendant: These houses withstand floods very well, especially those three

Hffyl: And how's that?

Palace Attendant: Strong support beams, digging deep into the ground. The floor has a high enough elevation that most floodwater couldn't reach.

Hffyl: But it's probably got long stairs

Palace Attendant: Indeed, a bit tiring to get inside for the elderly.

They explore rural communities, witnessing traditional rice farming. Hffyl observes farmers plowing fields and harvesting crops, learning about the challenges they face.

Palace Attendant: This is the backbone of our community.

Hffyl: So, the field is under the government?

Palace Attendant: No, most of the people here own the field.

Hffyl: So, they work for themselves?

Palace Attendant: Not everyone could afford slaves.

Hffyl: Of course, slavery. Could you tell me more?

Palace Attendant: Well, having a slave isn't that easy. They are viewed as members of the household and are expected to serve their masters and their families. Once you have a slave, you need to treat them with kindness, respect, and dignity. You need to provide them with a place to stay and so on. That's why only the rich usually have it.

Hffyl: Or not?

Palace Attendant: Well, if you couldn't treat the slaves well, that's considered corruption and abuse, and we might need to pay a visit to the owner.

They stumble upon a Silat martial arts demonstration in a village.

Palace Attendant: Silat is more than a martial art. It's a way of life, reflecting our values and teachings of Islam.

Hffyl: Maybe I would like to learn that too, soon.

[EXT. PALACE - DUSK]

Hffyl: Every moment has been enriching.

Palace Attendant: It's been a pleasure accompanying you.

Hffyl: I am grateful for this experience.

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Original version (a bit outdated. recommended to not read)

Hffyl's day began with the haunting melody of the morning's call to prayer, a sweet reminder of the ancient traditions that shaped the lives of the people in this town. With the sun rising slowly outside, Hffyl emerged from his bedroom, feeling the comfort of his palace surroundings.

As he stretched and prepared for the day, a friendly palace attendant approached him, offering to be his guide for the day. "Good morning, young master. I'll be your attendant today."

Hffyl smiled, grateful for the assistance, "Good morning. I'd like to visit the local mosque."

The attendant nodded and led the way. The mosque was a stunning structure, with tall minarets reaching towards the heavens, and walls adorned with intricate designs bearing witness to the deep devotion of the people.

After the morning prayer, Hffyl returned to the palace for breakfast, where he was greeted by a feast of local flavor and fragrance. "Ah, breakfast is served," the attendant announced.

Hffyl sat down to enjoy the unique tastes of the time and place, savoring the experience. After breakfast, Hffyl's curiosity got the better of him, and he and the attendant embarked on an exploration of the town. Its streets and alleys were like a living history book, telling stories of life in bygone times.

Venturing out, Hffyl found himself amidst the hustle and bustle of the local market. The rich aromas of spices and fresh produce filled the air as traders and customers haggled over goods.

"Ah, young master," greeted a trader, displaying his array of fruits, "Want to try some rambutans? Freshly picked from the tree!"

Hffyl, intrigued, replied, "Thank you, pakcik. Are these rambutans sweet?"

The trader chuckled, "Jangan risau, they're surely sweet. Take some."

As he continued his exploration, a scent of grilled fish caught his attention. "Want some grilled fish, adik (young man)? Panas-panas, baru bakar!" (Hot and freshly grilled!)

Hffyl grinned, "Wah, it smells so good! How much is it?"

The cook replied, "Only two 'kupang'. Take it and eat while you stroll around!"

Throughout his market adventure, Hffyl's interactions painted a vivid picture of the vibrant community and its lively traditions.

As Hffyl and the palace attendant continued their exploration of the town, Hffyl clutched the delicious grilled fish he had acquired from a friendly cook. The savory aroma filled the air around him.

"Ah, young one!" the artisan greeted Hffyl warmly. "I see you're enjoying some grilled fish."

Hffyl nodded, a hint of the delicious aroma still lingering in the air. "Yes, it was delicious. And it's nice to see you again."

The artisan's eyes gleamed with pride as he gestured to his workspace. On his workbench lay an intricate blade in the making, a keris. "I'm in the midst of creating this keris. It's a demanding craft, you see."

"I thought you are just an artisan, not a blacksmith. Anyways, what makes a keris special?" Hffyl asked.

The artisan's eyes twinkled with enthusiasm. "Ah, a keris is more than just a weapon, young one. It's a symbol of our culture and craftsmanship. To create the finest keris, we gather metals from seven different regions. Each metal brings its own unique properties to the blade, and it takes days of meticulous work to forge it. It's could be considered an art as well."

Hffyl listened intently, absorbing the artisan's wisdom. "Is there anything else that makes it special?"

The artisan nodded solemnly. "Before crafting a keris, the craftsmen often fast for one to three days. This is a spiritual practice, connecting us to our work and infusing the blade with positive energy."

The artisan observed Hffyl's keen interest and offered, "Would you like to try your hand at crafting? How about making a golok?"

Hffyl's eyes widened. "Really? I can try making my own?"

With a chuckling nod, the artisan replied, "Why not? It's not as intricate as a keris, but it's a good start. Now, pay close attention."

Selection of Metal-: "First, we choose the right metal. For a beginner like you, let's start with this piece of iron."

Heating-: "Now, we place it in the furnace until it turns red-hot, making it malleable." As Hffyl watched, the metal glowed a fiery red.

Forging-: With the red-hot metal ready, the artisan handed Hffyl a hammer. "Now, while it's hot, start hammering to shape it."

Hffyl hesitated for a moment, then took the hammer and began to pound the glowing metal, the rhythmic thuds filling the air.

Shaping-: "Good. Now, use this anvil to bend and shape the blade, giving it the signature curve of a golok."

Sharpening-: "With the basic shape ready, it's time to sharpen it." The artisan demonstrated how to use the grindstone, and Hffyl mimicked his actions, sharpening the blade's edge.

Quenching-: "This step helps in hardening the metal. Dip the heated blade swiftly into this barrel of water." A hissing sound filled the air as steam rose when Hffyl immersed the blade.

Handle Attachment-: "Finally, fit the handle to the blade. It should sit snugly." Hffyl carefully slid the wooden handle onto the blade's tang, securing it in place.

Final Touches-: "Use this oil," said the artisan, handing Hffyl a small bottle, "to give your blade a protective coat."

With the process complete, Hffyl held up his handcrafted golok, a tired expression on his face. The artisan smiled approvingly, "Not bad for a first-timer. With practice, you could become quite skilled."

As Hffyl handed over the golok to the artisan for the sheath, his curious eyes caught sight of an unusual object tucked away at the back of the workshop. It looked like a slender barrel with a wooden stock attached.

Hffyl pointed to it and inquired, "What's that, sir? It looks different from anything I've seen before."

The artisan, with a twinkle in his eye, carefully retrieved the object. "Ah, this, young one, is a 'terakol.' It hails from Istanbul, a distant land. It's a remarkable piece of weaponry, a product of the latest wheel lock technology."

Hffyl's interest was piqued. "Wheel lock technology? What does it do?"

With a patient smile, the artisan began to explain, "You see, this 'terakol' doesn't rely on a matchlock to ignite the powder. Instead, it employs a small wheel mechanism. When you pull the trigger, it rotates the wheel against a piece of iron pyrite, creating a spark that ignites the powder in the barrel."

Hffyl nodded, trying to grasp the concept. "So, it's more reliable and faster than matchlocks?"

The artisan nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it's more reliable and faster to fire. But it's also more complex to manufacture, which makes it a prized possession for those who can afford it."

Hffyl marveled at the 'terakol,' realizing that even in this era, technology was advancing. The world he had fallen into held wonders and innovations he couldn't have imagined.

Hffyl accepted the golok and its sheath with gratitude. Although it lacked the ornate decorations that often adorned such blades, it was a testament to his newfound skill and the guidance of the artisan. "Thank you, sir," he said sincerely, "I'll treasure this golok."

The artisan smiled warmly, but there was a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Remember, young one, you can always add your own decorations to it in your free time. Make it truly yours."

Hffyl nodded enthusiastically, eager to personalize his new possession.

The artisan's curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, "Have you done any crafting before, perhaps under the guidance of your family?"

Hffyl thought for a moment, memories of his grandfather's teachings coming to mind. "Well, my grandfather used to show me how to repair things around the house, like tools and appliances. He was quite handy."

The artisan's eyes twinkled with interest. "Ah, a young handyman in the making. Perhaps, in the future, I'll craft something special for you. A custom-made wheel-lock pistol, perhaps, or something even more remarkable."

As they strolled through the market, they encountered street performers. Dancers in traditional attire moved gracefully to the beat of drums, telling stories through their movements. Musicians played haunting melodies on instruments that were both familiar and foreign to Hffyl.

"Tuanku, this is our local wayang kulit," the palace attendant explained. "It's a traditional form of shadow puppetry that tells tales of heroes and legends. Would you like to watch?"

Hffyl nodded eagerly, and they joined the growing crowd gathered around a makeshift screen. The intricate shadow puppets came to life, their silhouettes dancing and battling in the flickering light of an oil lamp. Hffyl was captivated by the storytelling and the skill of the puppeteer.

Hffyl's day continued with the discovery of Kedah's bustling waterfront, where he boarded a small boat and cruised along the River Muda, marveling as locals navigated the water with ease. As they passed by traditional houses built on stilts, he learned of their unique architecture and the role they played in the community.

The day took another turn as they explored a nearby traditional mosque, where he witnessed a vibrant display of Islamic art and architecture. The intricate designs on the walls and ceilings left him in awe, and he was moved by the spirituality and reverence apparent in the prayer hall. He learned about the teachings of Islam and the importance of the mosque in the community.

Their journey then took them to the outskirts of the city, where they encountered rural communities and saw how traditional rice farming was practiced. Hffyl observed as farmers plowed the fields with oxen and harvested the rice crops by hand. He learned about the challenges faced by these farmers due to harsh weather conditions and the importance of their work in supporting the local economy.

As the day wore on, they stumbled upon a gathering in a large open space. Villagers had gathered to watch a traditional Silat martial arts demonstration. Hffyl was enthralled by the fluid movements and disciplined techniques of the Silat practitioners. It was a display of both physical prowess and deep cultural heritage.

The palace attendant explained, "Silat is not just a martial art, Tuanku. It's a way of life, a reflection of our people's values and the teaching of Islam."

"I would like to learn that too, soon." Hffyl said.

As the sun began to set, Hffyl felt a profound sense of connection to the people of Kedah. He had experienced their daily life, tasted their food, and witnessed their cultural treasures. It was a day of exploration and entertainment, a day that had enriched his understanding of this remarkable era.

As they returned to the palace, Hffyl couldn't help but reflect on the beauty and depth of the world he had stumbled into. It was a world where tradition and innovation coexisted, where the past and the present intertwined. And he was determined to make the most of his time here, learning, experiencing, and cherishing every moment.

Amidst the bustling market, captivating wayang kulit performances, serene river journeys, and mesmerizing Silat demonstrations, Hffyl had experienced the heart and soul of 1509 Kedah. These vibrant traditions and rich cultural expressions were a testament to the enduring spirit of the people, echoing through the centuries to the recent Independence Day celebrations, a reminder of the unbreakable bond between the past and the present.