(The atmosphere shifts. The wind picks up. The fire in the forge flares bright blue. AJAKA enters. He is tall, dressed in deep red silks, with a necklace of iron beads.)
OGUNLANA: (Stopping his work) Stranger, you carry the scent of a distant storm. What brings you to the forge of Ogunlana?
AJAKA: I seek no tools, blacksmith. I seek a treasure you have grown in your own house.
OGUNSHOLA: (Straightening her wrap, whispering) He must be a prince from the North. Look at those shoulders.
OGUNWEMI: (Nudging her) He is looking at me, Shola. Stand back.
AJAKA: (Walks past the two eldest, stopping directly in front of OGUNWUMI) I have watched the way you tend the fire. I have seen how you treat the earth. I am Ajaka. I have seen many worlds, but none with a light like yours.
OGUNWUMI: (Bowing her head) My Lord, I am but a blacksmith's daughter. My sisters are the beauties of this land.
AJAKA: (Voice booming like thunder) Let the world see skin; I see the soul. Ogunlana, I ask for this girl's hand. I will bring wealth that makes the King's treasury look like a beggar's bowl.