Layers of cloud overlapped in the azure sky, and rippling light shimmered across the blue sea. Fresh emerald green sprouted from the mountain forests along the coast, while long rivers wound around them like jade belts. The scenery of the northern coast was like nature's most magnificent painting, sketching out a many-colored future.
The newly promoted priest Zuwaro gazed at the mountains and sea along the way as they sailed toward the return journey, yet his thoughts drifted leisurely northward.
Not long ago, after their unexpected encounter with the Teopan Tribe, the fleet had stopped for a full day. On first meeting, the two sides had not reached any deep agreement; they had merely confirmed their friendship and expressed closeness. He had given Chief Visaka ten bundles of cotton cloth, ten bags of cacao, and ten long spears as gifts between friends. Chief Visaka had given in return two baskets of unusable goldstone, Silver Ore, and Flash Stone, several bags of furs, and some red mineral dye. As for the Lake Gem that had never failed the kingdom among the southern tribes, Chief Visaka said he had no use for it and would rather exchange it for a bag of grain.
According to tribal tradition, over the next half year, the Teopan Tribe would farm at the estuary and plant a season of corn. If the harvest was good, they might establish the Teopan Estuary as a stable migration site, returning every spring and moving away in autumn.
"Our merchant fleet will regularly come and go to trade, bringing you the goods you need."
Priest Zuwaro's face showed sincerity as he said this to Chief Visaka.
"You can consider building a village right here at the estuary and settling down from now on. Or, at the very least, leaving some