The Fall Out

The sun had barely risen over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the village of Ayedun.

Alake stirred from her sleep, yawned, stretched her arms, and rose to her feet. She lived with her uncle, Ade, and his wife, Yewande, in a modest hut on the outskirts of the village.

As a routine for her, she folded the bed clothes and mat she slept on, and swept the little corner given to her by Yewande to sleep in. She was one neat and organised young woman, despite her living condition.

As she stepped outside, the crisp morning air filled her lungs. The village was already bustling with activity. Farmers were heading out to their fields, while hunters were preparing for their daily expeditions. The sound of hammering echoed from the blacksmith's forge, and the aroma of freshly baked bean cake drifted from the nearby market.

Alake's thoughts went back to her childhood, when life was simpler and happier. Her parents, though not wealthy, had been loving and supportive. Her father, Adedeji, a skilled hunter, would often take her on long walks through the forest, teaching her about the animals and plants. Her mother, Bolatito, an expert weaver, would sit with her for hours, sharing stories and legends of their ancestors, while weaving baskets and mats to be sold in the market. As a child, Alake lacked nothing and was brimming everyday with so much happiness.

Little did she know that her joy would be short-lived. On the eve of her tenth birthday, the village was raided by the soldiers of the neighbouring village, Ilaro. Her father, Adedeji, was attacked on his way to the village from the forest while her mum, Bolatito sacrificed herself to protect her only daughter whom she hid in a pile of clothes.

Many families lost their loved ones, goods, farm produce, and properties to the soldiers of Ilaro Village. The elders of Ayedun village decided to meet with the elders of Ilaro, their oppressor, to offer them produce from their farm every month as a peace offering. This led to a stop to the looting and unnecessary bloodshed that had been inflicted on Ayedun village from time immemorial.

Alake's uncle, Ade, had taken her in, but his wife, Yewande, had never made her feel welcome. Yewande's heart was filled with so much resentment and anger towards her.

"Alake, come help me with the chores!" Yewande's shrill voice pierced the air, causing Alake to jolt back into reality.

Alake sighed and headed back to the hut. She knew better than to disobey Yewande.

As she worked, Alake's mind wandered to the prophecy. She had been so caught up in her daily struggles that she hadn't given it much thought. But now, as she scrubbed the pots and swept the floor, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was stirring, something that would change her life forever.

The day continued, with Alake helping with the farm work and running errands for Yewande. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the village, Alake felt a sense of relief wash over her. She had made it through another day.

As she walked back to the hut, she noticed a commotion near the village square. People were gathered around a tall, imposing figure. Alake's curiosity got the better of her, and she pushed her way through the crowd.

That was when she saw him – Oranmiyan, the god of wisdom and prosperity. His eyes locked onto hers, and Alake felt a jolt run through her entire being. It was as if time had stopped, and all that existed was the two of them.

Oranmiyan's smile was warm and inviting, and Alake found herself smiling back. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the world around them melting away.

Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the moment was over. Oranmiyan turned to the villagers, his voice booming as he spoke. Alake, still dazed, pushed her way back through the crowd and returned to the hut.

As she lay on her mat that night, Alake couldn't shake the feeling of excitement she had earlier. She thought about Oranmiyan, wondering who he was and why he had come to their village.

The next day, Alake went about her chores as usual, but her mind kept wandering back to Oranmiyan. She found herself wondering if she would see him and what might happen if she did.

As the days passed, Alake caught glimpses of Oranmiyan around the village. She saw him talking to the elders, sharing stories and laughter with the children, and offering guidance to the farmers. Everywhere he went, people looked up to him with a mix of reverence and admiration.

Alake couldn't help but feel drawn to Oranmiyan. She sensed a deep kindness and wisdom in him, a sense of compassion and empathy that made her feel seen and heard.

One day, as she was walking through the market, Alake felt a gentle touch on her shoulder. She turned to see Oranmiyan standing behind her, a warm smile on his face.

"Alake, may I have a word with you?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.

Alake's heart skipped a beat as she nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation mixed with excitement. How did he know her name? What did Oranmiyan want to talk to her about?

As they walked through the crowded market, Alake felt a sense of wonder and magic in the air. She knew that she was smitten by this strange yet familiar man, and she was both scared and thrilled at the prospect.