Alua’s transformation

   In the dense mountains of Talamanca, the Bribri tribe has lived in harmony with nature for centuries. Their deep connection to the land and its spirits is woven into their daily lives. 

    They live in peace, subsisting on what the earth produces, cultivating crops, and gathering fruits and herbs from the forest. 

    The Bribri people cherish their traditions and enjoy sharing stories, passing down their wisdom and legends from one generation to the next.

    Around a crackling fire, the Bribri elders gathered the tribe. One elder cleared his voice and began to speak:

"Long ago," he intoned, "there were the Apë́ se'ie (somos sangre), ancient beings who lived off the blood of the forest creatures. These beings were the guardians of the balance between the natural and supernatural worlds."

   Another elder added, "These guardians ensured that harmony prevailed in our lands, protecting us from dark spirits and chaos." 
   As the elders shared these tales, the children listened with eyes wide open, and even the adults leaned in closer, captivated by the ancient lore. Among these listeners was Alua, a young Bribri warrior known for his bravery.

    One evening, Alua was looking at the full si’wö (moon). The si’wö projected an eerie glow over the treetops, making Alua notice an unusual shadow moving among the trees. Determined to protect his village, he ventured into the forest, armed with his bow, arrows, and a small pouch of sacred cacao beans, a staple in Bribri rituals.

    In the heart of the forest, Alua stumbled upon Maku, a woman he had never seen before. Her eyes were red and glowed with an otherworldly light. Alua felt uneasy at first, but as he approached her, he felt a warm breeze that made him feel good. He remembered the stories of the Apë́ se'ie and demanded to know her purpose.

"Who are you?" Alua asked.

    Maku looked directly into his dark eyes and responded, "I am Maku, one of the Apë́ se'ie. I wander these forests to maintain balance and protect your people from malevolent spirits."

Alua felt intrigued but cautious. "Why do you reveal yourself to me now?"

   Maku sighed. "A dark force has awakened and is corrupting the forest. I can feel it in the di’ulà (river). It turns creatures into monstrous versions of themselves, feeding on fear and chaos. I need your help to restore balance."

 Alua nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "What must we do?"

Maku smiled. "We must perform ancient rituals to repel the dark spirits. I will teach you."

   As they ventured deeper into the forest, Maku taught Alua about the ancient Apë́ se'ie rituals. She showed him how to create protective charms using sacred cacao beans and the red dye from achiote seeds. Alua realized how the Bribri and the Apë́ se'ie were similar, as both considered cacao beans sacred to ward off evil spirits.