Chapter 119 - GIFT

Inside, there was also a feast. Kadatuan from the different islands were having their colonial argument. Despite their loud voices, they still went silent every time the Rajah would talk. Beside them, their wives were silently listening to the men's conversation.

Yanarym was bored as stone, listening to these men's intrepid conversation where a woman was only allowed to listen and not to talk. She would rather stay in the room that was given to them than hang around here. Fearing that she might get identified by the female lead and male lead. 

Fortunately, Maki was not inside the balay. Only Tala and Lapil were in the room who was having a cold ambiance between them. Yanarym doesn't care, however, she was guarding them just in case something would happen. That was why she noticed Tala stealing glances at Lapil, while Lapil was grinning and socializing but obviously, his attention was nowhere in this room. 

"I see that the new generation is starting to dominate us." One of the Datu who was keeping an eye on Tala and Yanarym commented as he drank his cup of rice wine. 

"You're right, you are the youngest one here lad. I have not heard about your banwa before." The other old Datu said brushing his beard. Batting his eyes to Achis. 

"Don't be such a debased, he is the neighboring banwa of my brother Pita. Pita recommended him to me, as he is a good Datu who brought back the life of his dead turf." The Raja intercepted and offered a drink to Achis. Achis accepted it and drank the alcohol in one gulp. 

Yanarym squints, seeing how Achis could endure that bitter beverage. "Is this your wife?" Rajah diverted his eyes to the young woman, whose eyes are only shown beside the young man.

"Not yet Rajah," Achis replied instantly, wrapping his arms around Yanarym's waist. "But she will be before the end of the year." 

"That's great, I can only see her eyes but she seems so gorgeous. You are lucky." 

"Thank you, Rajah." 

"Speaking of her Datu Achis, why is she covered like that?" The Datu who was eyeing Yanarym asked. Achis sharpened his eyes but hid the blood lust surging on his veins as he's been getting annoyed with this perverted old man looking at his woman. 

"It's a custom from her religion." He replied in a low-dry tone. 

"Would you mind letting us see her?" The old Datu probe. Achis clutches his fist ready to attack. Yanarym saw this, held his hand and forcefully tried to open his palm, and intertwined their fingers together. Achis diverted his glaring eyes to her and calmed down. 

"Datu Irol stop being so disrespectful to the Bai." The Hara intercepted, "That is their custom and belief, have we not considered not to be disrespectful in this room?" She firmly said. 

The old Datu pressed his lips together and fake coughing. The Rajah laughed loudly, "That's enough, this is my happy day. I don't want any dispute." 

"That's right, that's right." The others agreed.

"Tala, I heard that Pita is not doing well. Is he going to be alright?" The Rajah asked Tala who was silently watching everything. When the Rajah shifted his attention to her, she smiled.

"Baba must still be mourning for my dead sister. That's why he was sick. But the babaylan said if he had proper rest, he could recover."

"Tsk, tsk. My poor brother. His wife died and his daughter followed. We knew how much he treasures both of them." Rajah said in distress. The crowd turns awkward, almost everyone in the room knows and idolizes Datu Pita's heroic past. Even his tale with his wife, Ara was looked up to by them. However, just like a fleeting moment, it ended in a snap. 

Also, the cause of all of his miseries is his second daughter who is in the room, Tala. Tala did not take off the facade of her emotion. 

"I thought you don't want to ruin the mood Rajah? Let's not talk about this depressing matter. It's better to visit Datu Pita once your celebration has ended."

"You're right. I will visit him again." Rajah Basi said with a wide smile and seemed delighted by the idea.

"Anyways, to lighten up the mood, do you have anything to present Tala?" Hara asked Tala. Tala stood up and took the sword she brought with her. Tala had been preparing for this day, this would be the turning point of her life. Creating connections and the favor of the Rajah would be beneficial for her. Everybody in this place wanted to please the Rajah, as did she. Because the more he likes you, the more your social standing would arise. And the difference between her and these suckers, was that she would never credit rejection. 

"As a gift to the Rajah, I will present a ritual for Abba to bless you and your family." She was waiting and practiced night and day for this performance. Impressing the Hara and Rajah was the top priority. Nobody pays close attention to her, she's accustomed to it, it would be surprising if someone keeps an eye on her. 

"That's great. How about you present the next Rym?" The Hara diverted her attention to Yanarym before Tala could even start her dancing. 

Both Achis and Yanarym were startled. Then, Yanarym cursed in her mind. She forgot the plot! This was where the female lead will offer one of her swords dancing to the Rajah and his family. Each one of the wives of the Datu will present something as well. All women have to perform as a sign of gratitude for the Rajah's benevolence. 

"Bu---...y-yes, she will offer something." Achis was about to decline but Yanarym tightens her grasp on holding his hand. Turning down the Hara means humiliating the Rajah and that would not be good for Achis sole purpose on coming here.. Yanarym won't let this young man's dedication go to waste.