The sun burst up, and so did the drums and chants outside the caves.
Flasks were merrily filled with warming rooibos tea and cooling fruit juices, while the rest were drunk on laughter.
"Ay, ay, ay!" some voices sang, that were definitely zazi, yet joyous tunes were coming from women in harmony, speaking in tribal tongues.
Salīa stepped out, robed by her blanket, and a large smile spread over her.
Before them were several zaza who had been asked to assist.
And after standing on duty and being noted in the register, a proper greeting was in place. One full of music and dance, just as always been the Salazāhn way.
She saw the young zazi with bouncy curls bouncing around like a rabbit with some zazi. They fell into a lean back, sinking their waists lower each time they dropped back in sync, like a rippling wave.
The zaza were sweeping their ankles up and chuckling as they swerved their hips in an infinite loop.
Some dancers engaged in the most vibrant styles, to those flexing their rhythmic flow, and down to those who would only shift slightly side to side.
Even some of the Ogglans were trying to follow and were encouraged by the Salazāhns beside them.
To Salīa's amazement, Bazil was even locking feet and flipping about with a pale but animated zaza. She recognized her as one of Bazil's very distant cousins who always had a boyish way about her and an intimidating but very kind presence, according to most.
"Your highness," the cousin, Mikayla, instantly greeted, her acute eyes spotting Salīa even from the back of the crowd.
Bazil stopped, rubbing the back of his head, flustered. Salīa couldn't help but find this curiously amusing, as he always danced as a child, and only chose to reserve that as he got older out of his own accord.
"They certainly spared no expense in lavishing you with the finest garments in all the land," teased Mikayla at the sight of the blanket on Salīa. "Allow me."
She instantly removed her own coat, finely threaded in black and gold, custom to her own preference for dress more so than the attire permitted in her position, and covered Salīa as she exchanged the blanket around her for it.
"You spoil me, Mikayla. I'll return this to you just now, I'm about to dress."
"Before you do, please eat with me if you have a moment. I know you'll be leaving shortly."
"Cousin, I don't think—"
"Of course," Salīa nodded and followed them to a table.
Many bowed to Salīa as she passed, and she was instantly served. In front of her was a big bowl of pap. Salīa turned her face.
While Salazāhns had long enjoyed maizemeal and could eat it plainly, Salīa had never grown the stomach for it.
Mikayla chuckled at this and pulled the bowl in front of her.
Shortly after, under Bazil's command, a big bowl of sweetened oats with fruit was given to her.
Bazil already knew that both women had insatiable appetites and so was not surprised as they swallowed through their meals before sharing a word.
"It's been long," Salīa said. "Have you been well?"
"Better now upon seeing my cousin and you. I always thought you two paired quite well."
Both Bazil and Salīa averted their gazes, and Mikayla smiled.
"Of course, I wasn't home when all that happened, but I was sad to hear how many friends I lost in my absence."
She sighed.
"I've heard all sorts of stories as to what's been happening, and all I've had to truly rely on is the letter of urgency telling us zaza to move about more intentionally.
I now know why.
I must ask, do you really intend to see to this journey alone, your highness?"
"I understand your concern, but I am not alone."
Mikayla slurped up her tea and nodded, sharing a look with her cousin.
"So, you've sworn him in, have you?"
"Oh," she said. "I mean…"
"She's under no obligation to follow such custom with me," Bazil interjected. "I will protect her no matter what. No merit of recognition will ever be required for something that does not feel like a duty, but an honor."
"Ah, cousin, I didn't know you were a man of such esteemed poetry. All the love letters I've hired others to write for me to woo beauties – I should've commissioned you instead."
They all chuckled at the retort and continued.
"Very well. I cannot advise either of you, for one is most wise, and the other is most knowing. I can only be a fool in comparison."
"You've always been quite astute," Salīa encouraged.
"I'll be sure to boast about all the praises I get from the royal golden beauty of Salazā from now until my last breath," Mikayla winked. "Not even the wealthy King of Amari has ever known such riches as your words."
Bazil cleared his throat, shooting a glare. He was not tolerant of any flirtations with Salīa, even from his most favored cousin. But Mikayla and Salīa just laughed it off.
"What I can say is that I hope you two have a blessed journey. I can only assume your titles will be concealed for humble roles the deeper you go. Take my word on this, it's the best choice you can make.
But disguises are still just that, and masks can easily be detected by mask-makers and mask-wearers alike. Even without detection, many are greedy for even the smallest scraps that the humble carry."
She traced her eyes over Bazil, then Salīa.
"I say this not to discourage you, however.
A journey is still a journey and is meant to be enjoyed regardless of occasion. This realm is called Khī for a reason.
Tigers and lions are meant to be free, but be wary of those who try to cage you. Yet do not be so weary that you cage yourself."
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