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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.

The chief's eyes, filled with a mixture of love and concern, gazed upon his daughter's earnest face. He saw in her eyes a fire that mirrored his own spirit, a spark of independence and curiosity that he had long sought to protect and shield from the harsh realities of the world.

Silence hung heavy in the air, a palpable tension that seemed to stretch between them like an invisible thread. And then, with a sigh that carried the weight of a thousand unspoken fears and hopes, the chief laid down his condition that pierced the air like a sharp blade.

"I let you go under one condition, as the daughter of the chief, don't come back empty hand and bring shame to our clan. If you do not have what it takes to ventures into the forest, just stay."

He demanded that if his daughter were to embark on this day trip beyond the village, she must return with a valuable item, a token of her journey that would prove her worth and ensure her safe return home. By doing this, he hoped to teach her a lesson that a princess like her with no commoners skills would give up and just be the beautiful perfect daughter he wants her to be.

Bia Lui, taken aback by her father's stern decree, felt a surge of defiance and determination rise within her. With her head as strong as steel, she accepted her father's challenge, knowing that her fate hung in the balance of her ability to find something of value in the vast expanse of the forest beyond.

In the bustling village square of the next day, armed with bows, arrows, baskets, and their hand tools, the young villagers set out at the break of dawn, their hearts full of determination and their spirits high.

The young girl with eyes that held a spark of defiance and a spirit yearning for freedom walked amidst a group of youth villagers whose words cut like daggers through the air. The youths were less than welcoming towards the chief's daughter. They mocked her for daring to venture into the woods with them, questioning her abilities and belittling her efforts. They mocked and jeered at her, their voices dripping with disdain and mockery, as they taunted her for being sheltered by her father and living a life of luxury and privilege.

"Look at her, I bet she can't even dress for herself!" one villager sneered, her laughter echoing through the dense forest like a cruel symphony. "She's never had to work a day in her life, always pampered and protected like a delicate flower, there is no way she can catch up with us. What can a princess like her contribute?"

The chief's daughter cheeks flushed with embarrassment and anger, but she held her head high, refusing to let their words break her spirit. Deep down, she knew there was truth in their taunts – her father had shielded her from the harsh realities of the world, cocooning her in a gilded cage of comfort and safety.

But beneath the veneer of luxury and privilege, a fire burned within her, a fierce determination to prove her worth and break free from the confines of her sheltered existence. She longed to show the villagers that she was more than just a princess, that she was capable of carving her own path and making her mark on the world.

And with that silent promise burning in her heart, the girl turned away from the villagers, her steps firm and purposeful as she embarked on finding something to bring home for her father.

In the heart of the lush forest that surrounded the village, their laughter and chatter blending with the rustling of leaves and the gentle murmur of the nearby river. Armed with traditional Ka( back baskets) and eager hearts, they ventured deep into the verdant wilderness, their eyes scanning the undergrowth for treasures hidden among the emerald foliage.

As they wandered through the dense jungle, guided by the lessons and stories passed down from their ancestors about the plants, animals, and terrain they would encounter, their keen eyes searched for something to bring home. The girls searched for yams, berries, bamboo shoots, etc. while the boys started their hunting games.

Nestled beneath the earth, there were yams. With their tools, the girls dug up the tubers, their vang( traditional jarai tool) stained with the rich earth as they gathered the precious bounty, their laughter ringing through the forest like music.

Further downstream, another group of youths cast their fishing grang (baskets made from bamboo used for draining things) into the waters of the river, their skilled hands deftly maneuvering the woven grang to ensnare the darting fish that teemed beneath the surface on the river bank. With each successful lift of the grang, their faces lit up with joy and satisfaction, their camaraderie strengthening with each shared victory.

But as the youths reveled in their success and abundance, a shadow fell across their joyful gathering. It was the chief's daughter, a figure of grace and elegance, her eyes clouded with disappointment as she surveyed the empty baskets and barren fishing grang of her. While the other villagers had found riches in the forest and river, there was nothing left for her to claim as her own. Each time she found berries, other girls would snatch it from her. Because of her calming personality, she let them have it. With gentle strides, she turned away from the gathering, her footsteps light and sure as she made her way down further the stream. Her heart filled not with bitterness or resentment, but with a quiet resolve and inner strength that belied her tender years.

The chief's daughter found herself standing by the riverbank, her reflection shimmering in the clear waters. She had ventured out in search of something valuable to bring back home, eager to prove her worth to her father. Maybe she should fish with the grang.

As she cast her grang into the river, her movements were hesitant and unsure, her hands fumbling with the unfamiliar task since she had not done any of this work before. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't catch any fish or any creature's that crawl or swim in the water, leaving her empty-handed and frustrated. Maybe she wasn't meant to bring any seafood home.

Turning her attention to the lush vegetation that lined beyond the riverbank, the chief's daughter sought to forage for yams and vegetables to supplement the valuable things that she promised her father. However, her attempts were in vain, as she struggled to identify edible plants and distinguish them from the poisonous ones. Her father, a stern and traditional man, had never allowed her to learn the skills of foraging and gathering, deeming them unsuitable for a young woman of her station. He only wishes for her to marry a hero who takes cares of everything for her.

With a heavy heart, the chief's daughter realized the extent of her ignorance and the limitations imposed upon her by her upbringing. She longed to provide for her clan, to show her father that she was capable and resourceful, but she found herself thwarted at every turn by her lack of knowledge and experience.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the river, the chief's daughter sat by the water's edge, her eyes filled with unshed tears of frustration and disappointment. She felt the weight of her father's expectations bearing down upon her. Despite her best efforts, the chief's daughter was empty-handed. The youths, fueled by their own success and the thrill of the hunt, taunted her mercilessly, laughing at her failures and mocking her lack of skill as they all left her.

They paid her no heed, their laughter fading into the distance as they left her alone in the gathering darkness. Abandoned and humiliated, the chief's daughter sat alone in the fading light, the echoes of their mockery ringing in her ears. She had ventured into the wilderness seeking acceptance and validation, only to be met with ridicule and failures. Even though the forest was filled with horror stories of wild beasts, she didn't dare to go home empty handed and shamed her father.

And so, as the last rays of sunlight disappeared beyond the horizon, she sat by the riverbank, her spirits low and her ka empty, feeling defeated. Suddenly, she noticed a peculiar sight in the water before her. A single fruit was floating downstream, bobbing and swirling in the gentle current. It appeared ripe and luscious, the vibrant hues catching the fading light of the setting sun.

Intrigued by this unexpected bounty, the chief's daughter watched as the fruit tumbled and danced in the water, the sweet fragrance wafting towards her like a tantalizing promise. Temptation stirred in her heart, and a spark of excitement lit up her eyes as she considered the possibility of a meal provided by nature itself.

With a mixture of curiosity and hunger, the chief's daughter jumped into the water and dashed towards the fruit, her fingers brushing against the cool surface of the water. She plucked a ripe mango from the stream, its golden sunset skin glistening with droplets of water, and without hesitation, brought it to her lips.

As she took a bite, the juice of the mango burst forth in a sweet, succulent rush, filling her mouth with a burst of flavor. The chief's daughter's eyes widened in delight as she savored the delicious taste, the sweetness of the fruit mingling with the freshness of the river. With a grateful heart and a renewed sense of determination, the chief's daughter continued to feast on the fruit of the river, her hunger sated and her spirit lifted by the unexpected abundance that had come her way.

Determined to find something for her father, she decided to follow the stream in search of more mangoes. As she walked along the banks upstream, the sound of flowing water, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the sounds of crickets filled the air, creating a sense of peace and serenity, soothed her troubled mind.

After walking for some time, the chief's daughter came across a giant mango tree, the branches heavy with ripe fruits that seemed a starlight away from her. Delighted, she put down her ka and tried to climb the tree. This was it she thought. She could bring the fruit home to her father. However, she could not climb up, not even an inch. The tree was too gigantic.

The chief's daughter gazed up at the mangoes that hung just out of her reach, their vibrant colors under the moonlight beckoning to her. What else can she do to get those mango down? With a sigh, she voiced her wish out loud, unaware of something hidden in the trees between the branches.

"Whoever can pick me those mangoes," she declared, "I promise I will do anything in return."

Suddenly, a mischievous monkey leaped from the branch with agile grace. Its intelligent eyes fixed on her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. The monkey's fur shimmered with a hint of magic, and its presence seemed to radiate an air of mystery and wisdom that captivated the girl's attention. In a matter of moments, the monkey plucked the mangoes from the tree and dropped them at the girl's feet.

Amused and intrigued by the monkey's unexpected help, the girl chuckled and marveled at the creature's cleverness. She didn't think that anyone or anything was around or could understand her in this lonely night, so she voiced her wishful joke. However, it happened to be a monkey, but what could it ask for if it needed a favor? The girl brushed the thought away and picked up the mangoes, their sweet fragrance wafting through the air, and soon her Ka was full of delicious mangoes.

"Thank you, little friend," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "You have earned my favor, and I will honor my promise. What can I repay you with?"

"Keep your promise by becoming my bride." The monkey spoke.

The girl's eyes widened in shock and disbelief at the sight of a talking monkey before her. She blinked in astonishment, unable to comprehend the surreal moment unfolding in the heart of the jungle. She was expecting silence or the monkey's noises.

"Did... did you just speak?" She stammered, her voice tinged with disbelief.

The monkey nodded, a knowing smile playing on its lips. "Indeed, I possess the gift of speech, a rare ability granted to me by the spirits of the jungle. I have watched you from afar, young lady, and I sense the courage and kindness that reside within your heart. I like you very much, so I want you to be my bride."

The chief's daughter mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions – astonishment, wonder, and a touch of fear mingling in her thoughts. She took a tentative step back away from the tree, her eyes searching for the mystery. A bride? Her father would be furious if he find out that she made a promise lightly just like that. He demanded her to bring home valuable item, not a monkey for a husband.

"But you're a monkey, and I am a girl. How can there be a unification between us? Isn't this a little too much for a favor as small as picking some fruits for me?" The girl questioned, her voice barely above a murmur.

The monkey's gaze softened, a sense of ancient wisdom shining in its eyes. "You made a wish upon a favor, and I fulfilled your wish, so you should honor your promise, am I wrong?" The monkey asked.

"No, you are not wrong." The girl shook her head.

"I am known as Dam Kra, I have watched over these lands for a long time by myself, so I don't mind having a companion. If you honor your promise, then within three days, I shall come and pick you up for our grand wedding. What will you say?" The monkey asked again.

As the girl absorbed Dam Kra's words, a sense of regretting her careless wish, filled her heart. In that moment, she thought to herself upon the profound truth that we were bound by the sacred duty to uphold our promises, regardless of whether they were made to fellow humans or to beings of a different nature.

"Then I shall meet you in three days." The girl said confidently. She packed up her Ka and their ways departed.