FINAL - Request Hand in Marriage.

 # Request Hand in Marriage.  

The next day, Popo stood before his family, ready to share his desire to marry Itza. In his culture, family was central to all major decisions. They decided to consult the local priest, or tlamacazque, to ensure the match was perfect. Popo had always trusted the priest's interpretations of future events. So there would be nothing different when considering the marriage to princess Itza. The priest examined their birth signs and found a harmonious match: Popo, born under the day sign "1 Jaguar," symbolizing bravery and strength, and Itza, born under the day sign "4 Serpent," representing wisdom and fertility. Together, these signs balanced strength and wisdom, casting a favorable light on their marriage.  Plus the combination of the numbers unity (1) and order (4) will create a dynamic balance that connects the four cardinal directions and the upward and downward directions.   

With the excellent guidance provided by the priest, Popo now had to ask Itza's father for her hand in marriage. A meeting was arranged with the chief, the council of elders, and his family. In this solemn gathering, held in the chief's council chamber adorned with symbols of power and legacy, they convened to discuss the marriage proposal.

He wisely chose his best friend, Ajusco, an excellent orator, to speak on his behalf.  He begins by saying, "Honored Chief, esteemed members of the council, and revered elders, I stand before you today as the closest friend and humble messenger of Popo, a warrior of valor and conviction. It is with great respect and deep purpose that I bring forth a matter of profound significance, one that intertwines the destinies of two noble souls and seeks to honor the legacy of our people.

Popo, whose heart is steadfast and whose courage knows no bounds, wishes to ask for the hand of your beloved daughter, Itza. He seeks not only her hand in marriage but the blessing of her family and the unity of our clans.

In the spirit of our ancestors and with the guidance of our wise priest, Popo has proven himself through deeds of valor and honor. Today, he stands ready to pledge his life’s strength and his heart’s devotion to Itza, in the hope that their union will bring prosperity and harmony to our people."

Popo learns from the chief that to win Itza's hand, he must first achieve a decisive victory against their enemies. This condition is laid out during a solemn meeting in the chief's council chamber, a room adorned with symbols of power and legacy. The chief, a man of wisdom and experience, looks Popo in the eyes and speaks with a tone that carries both authority and hope for the future.

The chief responds directly to Popo, "Your valor and dedication to our people have not gone unnoticed. You have shown yourself to be a warrior of great skill and heart. However, to prove your worthiness as a protector and leader, you must accomplish one more feat. Our enemies threaten our lands and our people. To win my daughter Itza's hand in marriage, you must lead our warriors to victory against them. Only through such a feat can you demonstrate that you are truly capable of safeguarding our future."

Popo listens intently, his heart swelling with a mix of determination and love. He understands the gravity of the chief's words and the challenge before him. He kneels before the chief, his voice steady and filled with resolve.

"Great Chief," Popo declares, "I accept this challenge with all my heart. I pledge my commitment to both Princess Itza and the well-being of our people. I will lead our warriors into battle, and I vow to return victorious. My love for Itza and my duty to our people will guide my every step. I will not fail."