Episode 018: Oro Dan Tomanurung

Dawn painted the sky with rose and gold. For Batara Guru, this new day held a quiet, profound anticipation. He felt a deep sense of purpose.

Suddenly, a voice broke the morning's stillness. A man named Oro, with humble demeanor, appeared before Batara Guru, bowing deeply. "My Lord," he announced, "Patoto'e sent me to assist you." He presented a sturdy axe, a symbol of his dedication.

Batara Guru smiled. "You have arrived at the right moment, Oro. Together, we shall prepare this earth." They began planning the land. However, Oro, wielding the single axe, soon appeared sluggish. He struggled to fell trees, his efforts proving slow and ineffective.

"Oro, let me show you," Batara Guru said, taking the axe. With a single, powerful swing, a massive tree crashed down, bringing others with it. "Amazing, my Lord!" Oro exclaimed. "That would take me years!" Batara Guru advised, "Do not rely only on muscle; think about effective methods."

Batara Guru, seeing Oro's exhaustion, conceived a new plan. "We can burn these felled tree trunks," he suggested. "The ash will enrich the soil, becoming excellent fertilizer for our future crops."

"How, my Lord?" Oro asked, confused. Batara Guru looked up, noticing dark clouds gathering. Rain began to fall, accompanied by thunder. "Do not worry, Oro," Batara Guru said calmly. "The lightning will help us." Moments later, a powerful bolt struck, igniting the dry wood.

"Look, it has started burning!" Batara Guru said, blowing on the embers. Oro watched, amazed by his master’s cleverness and the ease of the method. Their days were then spent diligently planting various crops in the fertile soil.

All these processes were carefully observed by Patoto'e, a silent, watchful presence. Patoto'e felt profound pride, acknowledging Batara Guru’s worthiness. He was indeed preparing the earth for life.

As evening approached, the earth began to rumble deeply. Unbeknownst to Batara Guru and Oro, who slept soundly, a magnificent palace slowly descended from the heavens. Its grand structure settled majestically upon the newly cultivated land.

The next morning, Batara Guru awoke to an astonishing sight. Before him stood a colossal, gleaming palace. "Oro! Come and see this!" he called out. They stared in awe at the majestic Manurung Ale Luwu.

With wonder, they entered the palace. Its interiors shimmered with an ethereal light, adorned with intricate carvings and precious stones. Batara Guru looked around, a profound sense of satisfaction washing over him. This magnificent dwelling, he realized, was a testament to his efforts, a divine acknowledgment of his diligent work in preparing the earth.

As they explored, they discovered vast tables laden with an unimaginable feast. "Oro," Batara Guru said, gesturing to the bounty, "come, eat your fill. This is for us." Oro, however, bowed low. "My Lord," he replied, his voice filled with reverence, "I am but your humble assistant. Such a feast is not for the likes of me. My place is to serve you, not to dine beside you."

Batara Guru smiled gently. "Nonsense, Oro. You have worked tirelessly alongside me." He then clapped his hands, and immediately, several graceful dayangs, attendants of the palace, appeared. "Serve Oro the finest of these dishes," Batara Guru instructed them. As Oro was led to a smaller, yet still abundant, table, Batara Guru turned towards the heavens, closing his eyes. He performed a silent, heartfelt ritual of gratitude to Patoto'e, acknowledging the divine blessing and the profound recognition of his purpose.

And so, Batara Guru's true journey on Earth had just begun. His wisdom and leadership were now established, ready to guide the world. The palace, Manurung Ale Luwu, stood as a beacon. It symbolized the beginning of his mission to nurture life and bring order.