The monkey's bride

Chapter 1: the chief's daughter

~background~
In the 1400s, amidst the picturesque Central Highlands, the kingdom of Chiengpa reigned over the land. This enchanting kingdom was surrounded by majestic mountains and inhabited by various mountain tribes, each with their own unique traditions and way of life. However, tensions began to simmer among these tribes, leading to a series of conflicts and challenges.

One of the pressing issues that arose was the enslavement of several tribes by the ruling kingdom. These unfortunate tribes were forced into labor, contributing to the construction of magnificent temples and other grand structures. Their lives were marked by hardship and servitude, as they toiled under the watchful eye of the kingdom.

Amidst this backdrop of oppression and struggle, one tribe emerged as a beacon of strength and resistance. The Grai people, known as the tribe of the waterfall, lead by a chief who carried an indomitable spirit and a fierce determination. He taught his people refused to succumb to the oppressive rule of the kingdom and instead fought back with all their might. Their aggressive resistance and unwavering courage instilled fear in the hearts of the royal forces, causing them to think twice before challenging the Grai tribe.

As the kingdom of Chiengpa realized the futility of facing off against the formidable Grai tribe, they wisely chose not to provoke them further. Recognizing the strength and unity of the Grai people, the royal authority opted to maintain a fragile peace with the tribe. The Grai tribe, under the leadership of a strong and compassionate chief, flourished in their newfound tranquility.

Chapter 1

In the heart of a quaint village nestled among the rolling hills and lush forests of Central High Land, there lived the Grai Clan chief whose love for his daughter knew no bounds. He was a man of great wisdom and strength, revered by his people for his leadership and kindness. But it was his daughter, Bia Lui, a shining jewel in his eyes, who held his heart in a grip of unconditional love and fierce protection.

From the moment she was born, his daughter was the center of his world. He watched over her with a vigilant eye, shielding her from harm and ensuring her every need was met. Her laughter was music to his ears, her smile a beacon of light in his life.

But as the years passed and Bia Lui blossomed into a young woman of remarkable beauty and grace, the chief's protectiveness grew into a suffocating shadow. Fearful of the dangers that lurked beyond the village boundaries, he forbade his daughter from venturing outside, especially beyond the village border. He knew that there were threats lurking in the shadows – wild animals, treacherous terrain, and rival tribes – and he wanted to keep her safe until the day she would meet a hero worthy of her hand.

As the chief's daughter grew older, her beauty and grace caught the eye of many suitors from neighboring villages, and their own clan. But the chief was discerning and wise, knowing that only a true hero, a warrior of great valor and integrity, would be worthy of marrying his precious daughter. He watched as each suitor came and went, none proving themselves to be the protector and companion he envisioned for her.

Despite her father's love and concern, the chief's daughter yearned for freedom and exploration. She longed to feel the warmth of the sun on her face, to dance in the meadows and run through the forests that whispered tales of adventure and mystery. She refused to conform to the role of a damsel in distress waiting for a hero to save her.

One day, as the sun dipped low on the horizon and painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson, Lui summoned all her courage and approached her father with a plea that had long been buried in her heart.

"Father, please allow me to go out with the youth for a day, just one day please?"

With a voice that quivered with both fear and determination, she spoke of her desire to explore the world beyond the village, to wander through the fields and forests that beckoned to her with whispers of adventure and discovery. Her words carried a weight of longing and hope, a plea for her father to see her not just as his beloved daughter, but as a young woman yearning to spread her wings and taste the sweetness of freedom.