chapter 2

## Chapter 2: A Glimpse of Alingat and Her Life as Timawa

(Alingat's Pov)

I woke up before dawn, the darkness of the night still lingering outside my window. As a timawa, my day began early, with chores and responsibilities that needed attending to. I lived in a small village on the outskirts of Tondo, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature awakening. My home was simple, but it was mine, and I took pride in every aspect of it.

As I started my day, I thought about my life as a timawa. We were freemen, not bound by debt or servitude like the alipin. We had the freedom to choose our allegiance to a datu, own property, and participate in various economic activities. My obligations to the datu included providing military service when called upon, accompanying him on journeys, and assisting in large communal tasks.

I spent my days tending to my family's farm, growing crops like rice and taro, and raising animals. I was also skilled in weaving and often spent my evenings working on my latest project. Life as a timawa wasn't without its challenges, but it was fulfilling. I had a sense of purpose and belonging in my community.

(Rajah Gambang pov)

As I sat on my throne, I couldn't help but think of Alingat, the timawa who had caught my eye. I had seen her in the market, and her beauty and poise had left a lasting impression. I wondered about her life, her family, and her aspirations.

From what I knew, timawas like Alingat played a crucial role in our society. They were the backbone of our communities, providing labor, skills, and military service when needed. Their freedom and social mobility set them apart from the alipin, and their loyalty to their datu was unwavering.

I had met many timawas in my years as rajah, but there was something about Alingat that intrigued me. Perhaps it was her intelligence, her wit, or her kindness. Whatever it was, I found myself drawn to her, and I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for us.

(Alingat's Pov)

As the sun rose higher in the sky, I began my daily routine. I tended to my farm, worked on my weaving, and spent time with my family and friends. Life was good, but I knew that as a timawa, I had to be prepared for anything. Whether it was defending our village from threats or participating in community projects, I was ready to serve.

My relationship with the datu was one of mutual obligation and privilege. I provided service and loyalty, and in return, I received protection and support. It was a system that worked well, and I was grateful for the opportunities it afforded me.

As I looked out at the world around me, I felt a sense of pride and purpose. I was a timawa, a freeman living in a complex and dynamic society. I knew that my life would not be easy, but I was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

(rajah Gambang's pov)

As the days passed, I found myself thinking about Alingat more and more. I would catch glimpses of her in the market, her smile lighting up the crowd. I would ask my alipin about her, trying to learn more about her life and her interests.

I decided to take a walk through the market, disguising myself as a commoner. I wanted to blend in and see how my people lived their daily lives. As I walked, I stumbled upon Alingat again, this time haggling with a merchant over the price of some goods.

I watched her with fascination, admiring her intelligence and her spirit. She was a force to be reckoned with, and I found myself drawn to her strength and determination.

As I stood there, Alingat noticed me and smiled. I felt a jolt of surprise, realizing that she had seen through my disguise. She nodded to me, and I nodded back, feeling a sense of connection.

I continued on my way, my mind whirling with thoughts of Alingat. Who was this woman, and why did she fascinate me so? I knew that I had to learn more about her, to understand what drew me to her.

As I walked, I thought about the role of timawas in our society. They were the backbone of our communities, providing labor, skills, and military service when needed. Their freedom and social mobility set them apart from the alipin, and their loyalty to their datu was unwavering.

I wondered what Alingat's life was like as a timawa. Did she enjoy her freedom and independence? Did she feel a sense of purpose and belonging in our community?

As I returned to the palace, I couldn't shake the feeling that Alingat was someone special. I knew that I had to be careful, that I couldn't let my feelings cloud my judgment. But I couldn't help but feel drawn to her, and I knew that I would have to see her again soon.

( Alingat's Pov)

As I haggled with the merchant, I noticed a familiar face in the crowd. It was the rajah, disguised as a commoner. I smiled to myself, wondering what he was doing in the market.

I had seen him before, of course. Who hadn't? But there was something about him that drew me in. Maybe it was his kind eyes, or his gentle smile. Whatever it was, I felt a sense of connection to him, and I couldn't help but wonder what his story was.

As I finished my transaction with the merchant, I nodded to the rajah. He nodded back, and I felt a spark of recognition. I knew that he was interested in me, and I couldn't help but wonder what that meant.

I continued on my way, my mind whirling with thoughts of the rajah. Who was he, really? What did he want from me?

As I walked, I thought about my life as a timawa. I was free to make my own choices, to live my own life. But I knew that I couldn't stay hidden forever. Eventually, I would have to face the world, and see what it had in store for me.

I smiled to myself, feeling a sense of determination. I was ready for whatever came next. Bring it on!