Tears of Themis – Romantic Rail Getaway (I) – Luke’s route

Nov 19 – Day 1 Shanya – Shanya Museum – Folk Custom Street – Shanya Artificial Beach (Power Level 22051)

(After returning from the Imana Rainforest with Marius, it’s time for a 5-day getaway with Luke to the Amma Savanna in Tambyani.)

You’re at home browsing through travel brochures with Luke, planning for your vacation since Celestine had given everyone a long break after working endlessly. Luke suggested going somewhere far away to the tropical savanna filled with wide variety of wildlife and brilliant native cultures. The prospect excites you so Luke offers to do all the planning. Not long after you arrive in the plains of Tambyani under the scorching sun, excited to see the animals which would be part of day 2 itinerary. For now, Luke mothers you endlessly with his concern for your health and safety.

You are reminded that Luke is also here on a case. Coincidentally a businessman had approached him to assist him with a missing golden diamond that he had paid a lot of money for. After he had handed over the deposit, the contact person who works for the mining company went missing and he fears that he has been conned.

While waiting to get on the train, Luke suggests either walking around the villages outside the station or checking out the dining and entertainment area. I chose to walk around to which Luke shared that there is a famous local snack made of cassava which you can try. It seems like he has gotten the itinerary planned down to the letter.

The train arrives in Shanya city and you decide to ask the local guide at the tourist information center on the best attraction to visit given your limited time. He suggested checking out the Folk Custom Street where you can experience local cultural activities and shop from traditional souvenir stores, and the Shanya Museum where you can visit a culture and art exhibition and see the ancient fossils that had been dug up from Tambyani. In terms of local cuisine, he suggested the ostrich sausage and chowder stew made from a combination of carbs, meat and vegetables.

After visiting the museum and having your fill of the local cuisine, you headed to Folk Custom Street to shop for souvenirs. It was then that you overheard a local merchant telling a story about the golden diamond. Noting that this sounded like a clue for Luke’s case, you questioned him further about it. Upon clarification, you realised he was talking about the legend of the golden diamond that Amma, the god who created Tambyani, had gifted the people. The locals believed that this diamond was responsible for transforming the land from a desert to a prosperous and fertile one. When you asked about the indigenous people, the merchant added that they are very hospitable people who will put on a special dance for guests, and you would have the opportunity to visit them while on the savanna.

You end your day at Shanya’s artificial beach to cool off after a sun-roasted day, excited to set your eyes on the savanna the next day when the train passes by it. Luke shares that you’ll be able to see the great migration before experiencing a cultural event in a nearby village. You’re thankful to have Luke as your travel buddy – with him you’ll be assured of seeing the best views and have the time of your life.

You suddenly recall Luke’s case and asked if he had seen the diamond and whether it might be linked to the legend you heard from the merchant. Luke suggests speaking more with the villagers the next day to uncover more information.

I have to say Luke’s invitation looks really good, mainly for the scenery and I might be tempted to just buy it.

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Nov 20 – Day 2 Amma Savanna (Power Level 23588)

The next day, you visit the animal reserve to listen to the guide talk about the savanna and the animals that inhabit the place while taking in the natural beauty from the sightseeing car. After witnessing the great migration, you visit the indigenous village nearby. You are warmly greeted by the local guide who addressed your questions about the place. She suggested that you can try out the eco-friendly tours organised by the villagers which include off-road jeep adventures and straw weaving activity. She also advised that you check out the ceramic handicrafts which are highly sought after as souvenirs.

After the off-road jeep experience, both of you decided to try out the straw weaving activity. After an hour, you are rewarded with an authentic looking straw necklace. Just as you were about to wear it, the local handicraftsman asked if you would like to pair the necklace with a locally mined diamond which is both affordable and stunning. Luke took this opportunity to ask about the golden diamond. She expressed disbelief that a diamond of such a size existed. When probed further, she shared that all diamonds are mined from the Kulu Mine north of the Amma Savanna and it is the largest mine in all of Tambyani.

Many natives work in the mine to earn a living but working conditions aren’t great and they put their lives at risk. There was a recent protest by the workers when the mining company deducted their wages. One of her friends, Gerry was involved in the protest and is currently recuperating in a village near Tambyani National Park. You thanked the local and decided to buy a pendant in exchange for the information she’s given you.

After hearing about the truth of the diamond mining industry in Tambyani, you feel rather disturbed. When you asked about the itinerary for the next day, Luke is torn between wanting to bring you to the elephant orphanage which is to the south of the next wildlife reserve, and going to the village where Gerry lives which lies to the north instead. He apologises for getting you involved in his case instead of helping you to relax. You told him that it’s more important to you that you’re able to help him solve his problem especially since the issue goes beyond just finding a missing diamond now. Luke finally gives in and agrees to go to the village.

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Nov 21 – Day 3 Tambyani National Park (Power Level 24984)

The next day, upon arriving at Tambyani National Park, you make your way to Gerry’s house with the help of one of the villagers. Gerry was initially cautious of you but after you mentioned that you came on behalf of his friend from Amma Village, he became more amiable. He shared that he is recovering well and should be able to return to the work in the mines in a couple of days. Luke asked him what happened at the mine. Gerry shared that some miners got into a fight with the manager over terrible working conditions.

This particular incident was triggered when one of the miners Mark was denied his bonus after he uncovered a huge golden diamond while mining. In his anger, he grabbed the diamond and leapt off the cliff behind the mining facility. Based his description, this was probably the diamond that Luke had been tasked to find.

Just then, a gruff looking man, whom Gerry introduced as his manager, marched up to him to drag him away after hearing him spread rumours about this mining incident. Luke stepped forward to stop him but there was nothing you could do when the manager told Gerry it was time for him to return to work. In the end, Gerry left with his manager in a jeep.

As you stare at the setting sun over the beautiful savanna, the truth you have learnt today made it difficult to appreciate the scenery before you. Luke pieced together the information you have gathered so far. After Mark fell off the cliff with the diamond, he couldn’t be found, hence the deal broke down and the mine manager fled with the deposit. You weren’t able to find out more information from Gerry after the manager took him away. Luke surmised that the manager must have maintained a close watch over the villagers to prevent them from leaking information about the mine to the public, and to stop the miners from colluding with one another to help Mark.

It seemed like the only way to rectify this situation is to report the atrocities taking place at the mine to the local authorities. Coincidentally Luke pointed out that the train will be stopping near the Kulu Mines the next day. Both of you can use the pretext of sightseeing to investigate the mine further and find any evidence that could help you with this case.

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Nov 22 – Day 4 Kulu Mine (Power Level 25964)

After arriving at the train station near Kulu Mine, you and Luke made a detour by going around the mine to arrive at the nearby garden. As Luke studies the map and GPS, he admitted that the trails leading to mine turned out more complicated than expected and it might take you longer to get there. You suggested taking a break first while you figure out the way forward.

Just then, you hear the voice of a little boy who appears to be waiting for his father. You approached him and discover that he is Mark’s son. He told you that his dad hasn’t been home for several days. Though he is used to not seeing his dad for days, today is his birthday and Mark had promised him he would be home. You offered to help look for his father and the boy directed you to a track that would lead you to the back door of the mine. As you leave Mark’s son behind, your heart is heavy with burden and Luke holds your hand to encourage you forward.

When you finally got to the mine, you are greeted by scores of emotionless miners. The few who were willing to talk to you describe terrible working conditions with long hours, low pay and constant monitoring by the mine manager. As more miners speak up about the unfair working conditions, you record these testimony. It wasn’t long before it attracted the attention of the mine manager who stormed over to chase you away. However Luke informed him that the he had already reported matters to the police with statements from the miners. Not too long after, the police arrived and arrested the mine manager and promised the miners that they would help them to get their unpaid wages from their employer.

The miners were jubilant and quickly thanked you for helping them. You decided to ask them for more information about Mark. They described Mark as a very helpful person though he tended to get angry easily. After Mark jumped off the cliff, they organised a search party but could not find him under the cliff. As the cliff wasn’t very high and there was a river below it, they think he would have survived the jump.

With the conclusion of the investigation, the police decided to close the diamond mine down and transfer these workers to another mine operated by the local government. With your hard work paid off, you were finally able to relax under the starry skies near the Kulu Mine.

You: The gap between the rich and the poor in Tambyani is huge. There are artificial beaches and the central business districts in Shanya, the capital.. But there are only huts, tribes and the people living in poverty who are worried about their livelihoods all the way out here in the outskirts.

Luke: In Tambyani, resource-based industries such as diamond, coal, gold, and precious stones are very developed…but the local businesses are still developing very slowly. It’s not enough to support the country’s economy. Diamond mining is not a complex process. It can be performed by even young labors. Thus, that’s why the workers’ pay is relatively low while jewelry sales are being controlled by a small group of people. This way, all the benefits gained will always circulate within a controlled circle. Like a circuit covered by a bubble. The rich inside gets richer while the poor outside only gets poorer.

Hoping that your actions today will help to pave the way for some positive development, your only concern is now is locating Mark and the golden diamond. Luke says that the police will help to retrieve the deposit from the mine manager so that resolves his mission. He believes that Mark might have been carried down by the river to the Laide River Canyon which happens to be your stop the next day. As you make a wish that you would be able to find Mark, Luke ties the stem of a flower around your wrist, the Tambyani way of seeking blessing from the Flower God.

The warmth of his hand passes to you and you make a silent wish that you would always be able to spend your days happily with Luke. You replicate his actions and tie a flower around his wrist. When you asked him to make a wish too, he simply wishes that all of yours will come true.

If no one raises a torch to light up the long night, the darkness will always remain.

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Nov 23 – Day 5 Laide River Canyon (Power Level 25964)

Upon arriving at your final stop on this railway trip, you engaged a tour guide to bring you to visit the attractions in the most beautiful spot north of the savanna. He recommended visiting locations like the Blossoms River Valley, a man-made valley brimming with gorgeous plants and fauna on both sides of the river especially now when they are in full bloom, and the Canyon of Lovers where you can canoe as a couple. As for food, he recommended trying the Moissan Roast Chicken (cooked with a blend of lime and coconut) and the Tilapia Bean Soup. After settling your itinerary for the day, Luke pointed out that there is also only one indigenous village along the way where you could stop by to ask about Mark there.

When you asked about Mark in the village, you were surprised to quickly learn about what happened to him. He was rescued by one of the villager who found him in the river and is currently recuperating in the village. He was in a coma for a few days but has just woken up the day before. When Mark saw you, he was initially wary but after you explained all that had transpired over the last few days, he thought that it was a dream. You also told him that his son is still waiting for him to return.

Mark shared that other than some bruises and scratches he got from being washed down the river, he is fine and should be fully recovered in a few days’ time. He plans to observe how things are with the mine now that the local government has taken over before deciding whether to continue working there. Unfortunately Mark lost the diamond in the river when he fell into it. You’re disappointed that you won’t be able to see the legendary diamond for yourself. Nonetheless Mark thanks you sincerely for your aid so that he can finally go home too.

After bidding Mark farewell, you and Luke strolled along the Laide River Canyon to a hill to enjoy the view of the savanna. While you’ve had the opportunity to witness the natural beauty of the Amma Savanna, you’ve also gotten a peek at the darkness hidden underneath the gorgeous scenery. According to a report on the diamond industry in 2020-21, there is increasing awareness by consumers about the sustainability of the value chain from which diamonds are sourced. These have led to more initiatives targeted at reducing the impact of diamond mining on the environment, supporting the local community and increasing diamond traceability.

As you lament that your trip is coming to an end, Luke suggested extending your holiday so you can spend more days here. You told him you’d rather save your leave to go elsewhere with him in future. Just then you saw a group of lion cubs playing under a tree. As Luke watches intensely at their playful antics, you call out to him and took advantage of the moment to capture a photo of him against the setting sun. This time you’re going to make sure you have more photos of him, than him of you.

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There is a pop quiz for this event on Tears of Themis FB page and I’m so happy I aced it. LOL – the benefit that comes with blogging these summaries. And thank you Mihoyo that I finally got the Marius SSR!

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