Rama Sends Hanuman to Sita

The monkey host was assembled at the southern shore, the ocean stretching endlessly before them. None knew if Lanka was real or merely legend. And none except one had the power to cross.

Rama drew Hanuman aside, away from the others. "Hanuman, you have volunteered for what seems impossible. The ocean lies before you, Lanka lies beyond, and an army of demons guards Sita. Do you understand what I am asking?"

"I understand, Lord. And I am not afraid."

"I know you are not afraid. That is partly why I am afraid for you. Courage without caution can be as dangerous as cowardice. Listen to me carefully."

Hanuman sat at Rama's feet, giving him complete attention.

"First: your mission is to find Sita, not to rescue her. I know your strength - you could fight your way through an army. But if you try to bring her back alone, Ravana may kill her rather than lose her. Find her, confirm she lives, give her hope, and return. The rescue comes later, with the full army."

"I understand. Reconnaissance, not battle."

"Second: when you find her - and I believe you will find her - she may not trust you. She has been surrounded by demons who take many forms. She may think you are another trick to torment her. You must prove yourself somehow."

Rama removed a ring from his finger. "Give her this. She will recognize it. And tell her..."

His voice broke. He turned away for a moment, composing himself.

"Tell her that I think of her with every breath. Tell her that no day passes when I do not see her face in my mind. Tell her that I have gathered an army of thousands, that I am coming for her, that nothing in all the three worlds will stop me. Tell her that my love has not wavered by a hair's breadth, and it never will."

"I will tell her, Lord. Every word."

"Tell her also to be patient, to endure, to stay alive. Whatever she must do to survive, she should do. There is no shame in survival. The shame belongs to those who put her in this position."

Hanuman saw tears on Rama's cheeks - a sight that would have shocked those who saw only the stoic prince.

"Finally, Hanuman: you are not just my messenger. You are my friend. If something happens to you, I lose more than a soldier. I lose one of the few beings in this world who truly understands me. Be careful. Be wise. And come back."

Hanuman touched Rama's feet. "Lord, I carry more than your ring. I carry your love for Sita in my heart. With that fuel, I could leap across a hundred oceans. I will find her. I will return. And then we will bring her home together."

Rama embraced him. "Go, Hanuman. Carry my heart across the sea."

Hanuman walked to the shore, began to grow in size, and with a roar that shook the mountains, leaped into the sky. Rama watched until he disappeared into the southern clouds, carrying hope across the impossible waters.