Chapter 6

• The atmosphere at Pura Lempuyang grew increasingly tense. Uncle Made fell silent for a moment, then fixed Daniel with a sharp gaze. "You want to prove yourself? Very well, if that is your wish. This village does not choose its leaders and partners solely based on lineage but also through sacrifice."
• An elder of the village stepped forward. "If you wish to be accepted as one of us, you must undergo a test. You must prove that your heart is sincere and that you can be part of the balance of this village."
• Daniel swallowed uneasily. "What do I have to do?" he asked quickly.
• The elder looked at him deeply. "We will inform you later. This test will not only measure your physical strength but also your heart and intentions."
• Ayu immediately stood up in protest. "Uncle, this isn't fair! Why does Daniel have to be tested? If I am the one rejecting this arranged marriage, then let me take responsibility! Daniel is not at fault in this matter."
• "Ayu," Luh Sri's voice was soft but carried firm meaning. "This is not just about you. Daniel must also understand what is at stake."
• Daniel turned to Ayu, and slowly, a small smile appeared on his face. "I will do it. You don't have to worry about me."
• Ayu wanted to stop him, but Daniel's gaze was so convincing. He didn't just want to be accepted—he wanted to understand Ayu's world.
• The village elder nodded slowly. "Tomorrow morning, before sunrise, your test will begin."
• ***
• The village was still asleep when Daniel stood in the courtyard of the bale banjar, facing the village elders seated in neat rows. A cool breeze blew gently, carrying the scent of incense from the village temple. Ayu stood not far away, her hands trembling slightly as she watched Daniel prepare for his grueling trial. She knew that tonight's decision would determine everything.
• Ayu's uncle, the head of the family, spoke firmly, "If you truly want to be with Ayu, then you must prove that your heart is strong enough to embrace life in our traditional village. You will undergo three trials: ngayah for the village, a spiritual journey to Mount Agung, and a purification ritual at Tirta Empul Temple."
• Daniel answered without hesitation. "I will do it," he said, nodding with determination.
• Ayu bit her lip, imagining the hardships Daniel would endure. He was a foreigner, a bule who had grown up far from Bali's customs and traditions. What if he failed?
• The next day, Daniel began his ngayah—selfless service to the village. At the break of dawn, he joined the young men of the village, helping to build a small shrine in the family temple. The scorching sun burned his back, sweat dripped from his forehead. His hands, accustomed to holding a pen, were now covered in blisters from lifting stones and weaving coconut leaves for ceremonial decorations.
• An elderly man, Mangku Wayan, watched him from a distance before approaching. "You can stop if you can't endure it, son."
• Daniel shook his head. "I want to understand the customs and traditions here. I want my presence to be truly accepted by the people of this village."
• That day, he worked tirelessly. While others rested, he continued hammering, lifting, and weaving. By dusk, his body was nearly collapsing from exhaustion, but a small smile still adorned his face.
• Luh Sri, observing from afar, whispered to Ayu, "He is not just speaking empty words. Look at him—he is proving himself, even if it costs him his fair skin."
• Ayu didn't respond, but her heart slowly softened. She felt fortunate that she was not struggling alone but fighting alongside Daniel. As the night sky signaled the end of the day's work, Daniel returned to Mangku Wayan's home to rest before his next trial—climbing Mount Agung.
• Mount Agung stood majestically in the distance, its peak shrouded in a thin veil of mist that made it look even more imposing. The journey to its summit was not just a climb but a spiritual quest unlike anything Daniel had ever experienced. He started before dawn, accompanied by a village guide. The path was steep and winding, cutting through dense forests and sheer cliffs. His breath grew heavier, his muscles tensed.
• Midway through, his steps began to falter. His legs nearly refused to move, and the weight on his shoulders felt unbearable.
• "Why am I doing this?" he wondered.
• Then he thought of Ayu—the Balinese woman who had stolen his heart. He remembered how she had looked at him with doubt in her eyes, how her village tested his courage, and how he had assured Ayu that they would fight together.
• With renewed determination, he took another step. His breath remained labored, but his heart grew steadier. As he neared the summit, the sky transformed—shades of orange, red, and purple blended in a breathtaking gradient. Captivated, Daniel closed his eyes briefly, letting the wind of Mount Agung wash over him. He prayed—not just for himself, but for Ayu.
• As he descended, the village elders awaited him at the base. Mangku Made nodded as Daniel approached. "You have completed this trial. Now, the final one awaits."
• The next morning, Daniel stood at the sacred pool of Tirta Empul Temple. The crystal-clear water reflected the morning sunlight as sacred chants echoed through the air.
• He clasped his hands together, seeking blessings from the ancestors before stepping beneath the holy fountain. The cold water touched his head, then flowed over his entire body. Each drop felt as though it was washing away the burdens he carried.
• From a distance, Ayu watched him intently. As Daniel bowed his head in silence, she sensed a transformation within him.
• When Daniel completed the ritual, a village elder approached him. "Now, your heart has been tested. Do you still wish to stay here, with Ayu?"
• Daniel looked at Ayu, who stood with tearful eyes. Without hesitation, he answered, "Yes."
• Ayu swallowed hard. This was the moment she had both feared and longed for. Now, the decision rested with her family.
• ***
• The village elders and Ayu's extended family sat in the bale desa, their gazes filled with deliberation. Silence lingered before Ayu's grandfather, the most respected figure, let out a deep sigh.
• "You have proven your determination, Daniel." His voice was heavy with meaning. "You have undergone ngayah, climbed Mount Agung, and purified yourself at Tirta Empul. These are not easy feats for an outsider like you. But…"
• Daniel held his breath. He knew his trials were not yet over; more challenges still lay ahead.
• "Our tradition is not just about passing these trials," the grandfather continued, "but about aligning yourself with the village, with our ancestors, and with Ayu's family. You have done much, but acceptance takes time."
• Some family members nodded in agreement, while others still showed doubt. One of Ayu's uncles added, "We cannot simply erase the arrangements set by our ancestors. Ayu's betrothal is part of the balance in this village. If you wish to take that place, you must prove that your presence brings harmony, not disruption."
• Ayu bit her lip before gathering the courage to speak. "Then… what does this mean?"
• Her mother, who had been silent, finally spoke. "It means we are giving you a chance, Daniel. But that doesn't mean everything is settled. You must stay here, learn more about our traditions and way of life. We need to see if you can truly be part of this village—not just in words, but in your daily actions."
• Daniel looked at each of them, understanding what they expected. Their acceptance was not a mere formality but a journey that had to be lived.
• "I'm not going anywhere," he said firmly. "I will stay and prove that I belong—not just with Ayu, but with this village."
• Ayu's grandfather gave a faint smile, as if seeing something in Daniel that he could finally acknowledge. "Very well then. Let's see how you live your life here."
• Ayu turned to Daniel, her eyes still filled with unease. This was not the end of their struggle, but at least… it was the beginning of hope.
• Yet, could everything truly go this smoothly? Or would more challenges await them?