SCENE START
SETTING: The village of Ilé-Irin. The rhythmic clink-clank of a blacksmith's hammer echoes. The air smells of charcoal and heated iron.
CHARACTERS:
OGUNLANA: A master blacksmith, aging but sturdy.
OGUNSHOLA: The eldest; beauty like a sharpened blade.
OGUNWEMI: The second; beauty like a calm river hiding crocodiles.
OGUNWUMI: The youngest; humble, wearing a simple wrap.
AJAKA: A stranger (The War God in disguise), imposing and radiating heat.
BABA JIDE: A local drunkard (Comic Relief).
[ACT 1]
(The scene opens with OGUNLANA at his forge. His daughters are nearby, sorting finished farm tools.)
OGUNSHOLA: (Admiring her reflection in a polished bronze shield) Look at this,Ogunwemi. If the sun saw my face today, it would hide in shame for being so dull.
OGUNWEMI: (Smirking) The sun isn't your rival, sister. It's the men of this village. Did you see the woodcarver's son today? He tripped over a log just trying to catch your scent.
OGUNSHOLA: (Laughs) Let him trip. A woodcarver? My feet are meant for palace floors, not sawdust.
OGUNWUMI: (Quietly, while sharpening a hoe) Perhaps if you spent less time looking at your face and more time helping Father, he wouldn't have to work through the night.
OGUNSHOLA: (Hissing) Keep your mouth shut, little charcoal girl. You are only Ogunwumi because Father felt sorry for his youngest. You smell of soot; we smell of jasmine.
BABA JIDE: (Staggers onto the stage, holding a gourd of palm wine) Ah! The three flowers of Ogunlana! One is a rose, one is a lily, and the last one... well, the last one looks like she actually knows how to cook a decent pot of egusi!
OGUNWEMI: Go away, Baba Jide! Your breath could melt the iron in Father's forge!
BABA JIDE: (Winking at Ogunwumi) Be careful, little one. When the gods want a bride, they don't look for the one with the shiniest beads. They look for the one whose heart beats like a drum. (He stumbles off, singing a ribald song about a goat).