SCENE START
SETTING: A dense part of the forest near a sacred stream. The sun is setting, casting long, skeletal shadows across the path. The sound of crickets is deafening.
CHARACTERS:
OGUNSHOLA: Dressed in her finest lace, despite the terrain.
OGUNWEMI: Carrying a polished brass mirror.
OGUNWUMI: Carrying a heavy water pot.
TWO STRANGERS: Rough-looking men, faces partially obscured by mud and charcoal.
BABA JIDE: Hidden in the bushes nearby, sleeping off a hangover.
[ACT 1]
(The sisters are walking toward the stream. OGUNSHOLA and OGUNWEMI are walking ahead, empty-handed, while OGUNWUMI lags behind, burdened by the weight of the water vessel.)
OGUNSHOLA: Stop dragging your feet, Ogunwumi! If we don't get back before the moon rises, Father will start his usual lecture about "the spirits that roam the night."
OGUNWEMI: (Admiring herself in the brass mirror) Let the spirits roam. If they see us, they'll probably realize they need better tailors. But really, Shola, did you see the way that Ajaka looked at us today? He looked at us as if we were common thorns in his path.
OGUNSHOLA: He is a madman. A handsome madman, perhaps, but a peasant at heart. Why else would he choose the one who smells of charcoal?
OGUNWUMI: (Straining under the pot) He chose me because I listened when he didn't speak. You both were too busy counting your beads to hear the thunder in his voice.
OGUNSHOLA: (Laughing harshly) Thunder? That was just his stomach growling for a decent meal. You are welcome to him, little sister once I have married a King and Ogunwemi has married a General. Until then, you will stay in the kitchen where you belong.