She'd wanted to go through the book that was filled back at Salazā Spirits, but still couldn't bring herself to do it. Instead, she let her mind wander to other trivial things.
Eventually, Bazil appeared before her, having fully bathed and smelling of fresh earth, mint, and sandalwood.
"You're not sleeping?" he asked, offering her chamomile tea.
"Are you not joining me?"
"I can sit with you until our tea is done, but this cave is for women. I'll be a stone's toss away, though, and the zazi I trust most will guard."
"Then sit," she patted down her pillow.
They sipped their tea in silence. Many thoughts came to mind for both, but neither knew which to share.
Eventually, Salīa said, "Will I get to spar the mighty Commander Guardian as well?"
"You've done that many times."
"Yes, but it's been many years since. Don't worry, I'll go easy on you."
"Ha," he chuckled. "How kind of you, Līa. I might just take you up on it then."
Salīa smiled.
"You really have put a lot into becoming the zazi you are today. Your army is no doubt proud to have you lead them. And I'm sure those who got to spar with you will be up all night cherishing the memory."
"You flatter me."
"It's well deserved. Though tell me, did that young zazi eventually get to fight you as he eagerly wanted?"
Bazil's smile dissolved.
"If he truly wanted a fight, he just had to provoke me once more. I wouldn't have sparred with him, though. He's half-outlander."
"So?"
"It's not in my interest to become too friendly with them."
"You must be joking," Salīa's eyes widened. "I'm surprised by your prejudice, considering just how friendly you were with those outlanders we were friends with as children."
"Well, I'm surprised that you're not more prejudiced after everything that happened to you because of outlanders when we were children."
Salīa quieted for a long while, then muttered, "That's not fair. It's not like this young zazi had anything to do with it."
"Maybe not. And I understand that a good part of zazi are outlanders. But outlanders are kind of like eucalyptus.
It's known that they can be great; they provide nectar, healing oils, timber, firewood, and the lot. But while they grow in harmony in some places, they're invasive in others.
In a land like Salazā, they're even known to be the cause of fires igniting."
He emphasized the last words.
While it was no secret that many suspected the black masks that set fire to their land were probably outlanders, she didn't know he felt so strongly about them.
"It's not like I blame them. I just wonder, why would one become a soldier for a land that's not defending them?"
"That's not true. Salazā protects outlanders. We always have, even after everything that happened.
Outlanders are not bad just because they're on the outskirts. Our laws and systems govern so that we can also be their shields, give provisions while also helping them build their shelters, and make their own coin.
Many outlanders have integrated with Salazā, who are of the highest talents and scholars."
She paused, watching Bazil's dubious glance.
"Don't you think your father would be disappointed to hear you dismiss the efforts he put so many years into to unite our people with those on the outlands?"
This stirred an uncomfortable upset within her.
She might've expected this from the incontestably cynical Raki, but even he willingly recruits outlanders and natives alike as per law, as long as they prove themselves to be somewhat worthy of his attention and demonstrate zazi ethics.
"I'm just saying…"
"Then say it fully," Salīa said. "If you judge that zazi because he's half-native and half-outlander, then by the same token, you should also dismiss me.
After all, I'm half-native too, and for all you know, my other parental half could actually be from the outlands, which is probably why everyone calls me a demon. Isn't that right?"
Bazil had no choice but to keep quiet, as he couldn't deny it.
They sipped the rest of their tea, although it had long gone cold. After clicking his jaw, he nodded.
"I'd never dare to deny my Queen's words. I do see my ignorance in the matter. It's not that I hate them; I just struggle with feelings of upset.
I, too, have outlander recruits, and they do work just as hard. I know I should be more filial to my father in honoring that.
Honestly, I feel a bit foolish for speaking so arrogantly on the matter."
His eyes fully merged with hers, his gaze soft.
"It's been centuries, but it's known that the Protector has the power to mend broken links.
Maybe you've returned to this life to help us remember all that we've easily forgotten, so that we stop dividing and unite. As has always been the way of the sxvages."
She nodded cheerfully. All the darkness stirring within her had now dissipated in the lightness of his tone.
"Maybe. But if that's so, it means it's not up to me alone," she held his hand.
He held on too.
"Get some rest, Queen Salīa. We leave early tomorrow."
She closed her eyes as soon as he left, but it was only much later when the two tiago tigers snuck into the cave to snuggle her that she truly fell asleep.
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