You have to know; you are always in my heart.
But it hates me to act this way, the guilt is striking me, dear.
I have spent a lot of effort into deep thinking.
This is the only way to give you a chance, and I think even if you fail...
We can still be together.
Casting a glance towards the roar of the crowd, I held my nose high.
My back is straight, my posture is kept.
I am a Saman, after all.
Although, I have received a bad reputation for being so willful and haughty,
I am a Saman, after all!
And with that, I forced a smile which made the tribesmen roar in delight.
In the crowd I heard some men whisper:
"Is that our dearest Saman?"
"She was ever pretty!"
"Like that Goddess Assalah, truly a magnificent piece of work!"
"I agree! If I can marry her, then consider my life fulfilled, I can die peacefully hehe"
"Well, you have to fight these warriors gathered today if you truly think so."
"And she is the product of the Lumin's and Bulan's blood!"
Yes, My father is the son of the previous Datu of Lumin's tribe and my mother came from the Bulan's tribe.
From a young age, I have to be kept inside like a caged bird.
Never allowed to set foot on the dirty ground, I have to be always carried around.
I don't know which fool ever thought of this kind of rule.
And then I have to be forced to marry a boy I never knew.
Someone I don't even like.
So this is the only way!
Argus...
I hope that you can do something...
This is your chance!
But remember, even if you fail, we would always be together.
From that day I said you are mine, you are mine.
That's why although I have hurt your pride If that can save your life, I have to do it!
A slave, an Alipin!
How great you have fallen.
But at least we can be together.
While thinking of that hateful guy, Argus I busily prepared myself.
Then I heard an elder shouting loudly,
"Today is a special day, proud warriors!"
"Glad that you have gathered in anticipation today..." the elder added.
"For today, whoever is the strongest will be chosen to marry the Saman herself!"
And after that shout, my mother came close to me.
"Let's go"
Dressed in an intricate woven dress, my mother wore colorful woven clothes, but the topaz color that looked like the clear sky dominated her whole attire.
She had golden ornaments all over her body which accentuated her brown skin.
Likewise, I almost had the same color dress but unlike my mother, my dress is dominated by the color of the sun.
We greeted each column of tribesmen with a smile along our way.
Holding my hands my mother Dayang Haya, supported me as we walked together in the path which is specially prepared for us as part of the ceremony.
The clouds uncovered the sky and the sun shined as the morning light came.
Such a warm greeting, almost as if to pat me in my back saying that my decision is right.
Hand in hand, my mother and I walked together in a small parade with the assistance of four warriors beside us.
One is responsible for giving us shade, while the two warriors at the front firmly erected the Lumin's and Bulan's tribal flag and a warrior beside us is supervising some Alipins that followed behind us.
Each of them is carrying the sacred Anitos of our tribe. The avatar of Liadlao the sun God of our tribe and Libulan the moon God of Bulan's tribe.
As my mother and I reached the platform where a huge table and a seat is carefully prepared, the crowd rang with cheers and applause.
Then the elder yelled "Everyone! Her Ladyship, Dayang Haya! and our Dearest Saman Talia!"
With that, the flock of people slowly knelt to the ground.
The women in particular courtly bowed themselves while holding their skirts.
And all the proud warriors raised their voice.
They all formed a fist, placing them on their left chest as they beat it once.
"Pagtimbaya!"
Some warriors that caught my eye had their hairs, white as the white clouds similar to wool.
Their eyes were like a flame of fire, their feet were like burnished bronze, refined as in a furnace...
Why would even the old warriors join the fray?
But it is gradually replaced by a feeling of superiority.
As they all knelt before us.
Pride and honored at the same time,
My lips curled upwards as I saw them doing this.
Perhaps this is what my Father, the Datu had always received.
Then I saw the Babaylan together with the Shamans, walking towards the platform and was headed towards their own prepared seats.
As the elder again yells "Proud Warriors, our Saman made a specially added clause on this event..."
"Even the slaves may join and anyone among our Banwa or our neighboring Tribes may join as long as they are an ally to our tribe."
And with that, the crowd stood up and cheered.
"Since this is about who will become the next Datu... you proud warriors are subjected to an arduous trial!"
"Of which your lives may be at risk!"
And when these words of the elder rang, all the warriors I saw burned with determination and fiery at their eyes.
"DO YOU DARE? OH! PROUD WARRIORS! DO YOU ACCEPT THIS CHALLENGE?!!!"
Then all the warriors shouted in unison,
"AWOOO!" as each of them held a dark gooey ink and spreads it on their faces, each having unique marks of their own.
"Glory and the Saman! This is your price!" The elder shouted, ever more loudly than before.
"OH! PROUD WARRIORS! ARE YOU WILLING TO TAKE IT?!!!"
Then like the crackling of thunder, a roar of a lion had descended.
The whole place was engulfed with the warrior's roars.
"AWOOO!"
"I WILL!" each of them shouted in unison.
At the distance, I saw the figure of the boy I liked.
Where I have placed my hope to...
Argus.
This is your only chance.
Holding my tongue and biting my lips, I tried to stop myself from having bitter feelings.
I am Talia!
I already made my decision.
Even if you fail, we can always be together.
My eyes darted as the strong blow of the wind came, even the leaves were carried in a breeze upon the sky which is gradually being covered by the sky.
I could not help but feel an ominous feeling.
May the Highest Gods and the Great Father, Bathala bless you...
Argus.
Solemnly wishing upon the sun along with the other Gods.
I wish that Argus could win.
I desperately wished that it should be him!
Remember our promise, Argus.
.
.
.
...
And with that, the start of an event on whoever is the strongest can marry the Saman began.
The strongest shall take the Glory!
The Saman and the title of Datu!
Argus sweated in beads, as he felt nervous and unconfident,
drowned in the pool of roars by the other warriors.