"Cousin, I think whoever sold you on the thought that you need to hire them to write your letters must have been eager to scam you."
"Truly," Salīa agreed. "You may not be poetic in a common fashion, yet your distinctive style certainly allows for your love to be deeply felt. So, thank you."
Mikayla nodded, and with permission, she hugged them. By then, the music had calmed, and the zazi and zaza were back to their duties and discussions.
Salīa was quick to dress while Bazil prepared the rest, and they ended off with her signing off a few letters.
Greetings were made to thank the guardians and servants, and all that was left was saddling the tigers after they had been groomed.
It was here that two other zazi would guide them close to Oggl before leaving them to travel by foot. This is so that the zazi could return the tiago tigers back to Salazā, since leaving them too far in unclaimed lands was a risk.
Many of these tigers have been hunted for over centuries, which is why they no longer exist in great abundance.
Some use them for skins and fur, and others take their other parts from their tears to their hearts, believing it had medicinal and magical value.
It's known that they sell for quite a lot on the black market due to their rarity, and some history has told stories of them being kept alive and tortured until they are reared to partake in underground tournaments.
So as much as these tigers have protected Salazā, Salazā has taken equal care to protect them.
And since they only accepted riders under evaluation, it meant that the two zazi chosen would have to be chosen by the tigers themselves.
The first zazi was the commander Salīa had dinner with, and he bowed.
"I see you're on time," Bazil noted. "And who's the other the tiger approved of?"
The commander stiffened, pursing his lips tightly.
Before Bazil could repeat himself, a big ball of energy rushed to them, waving with a dopey smile, all while tightening his xira to his back. Bazil's expression harshened.
"Is another of his jokes?" he gritted his teeth.
"No, Commander Guardian. He really was the only of the volunteers who the tigers accepted."
"Greetings," the young zazi arrived, bowing to all. "I'm so happy to be joining you."
"Don't get happy too soon. Is there no other? Ask if there are any other volunteers."
The young zazi's face fell, but he lifted it quickly.
"Is there something that I could do to make you more at ease upon our trip?"
Yeah, not being here, is exactly what Bazil wanted to say, but he could only grit his teeth.
"Bazil," Salīa whispered. "Let's just go. You made a thing of the time, and I am not so perfect at the house of beings, that my patience is yet perfected. Let it be."
Bazil could not find a good enough reason to demand otherwise. Yet he struggled for a while to coordinate who would be on each tiger.
Eventually, he insisted that Salīa be with him while the others were on another tiger, and so that's how it was.
Usually, Bazil might have been more shy about Salīa having to wrap her arms around his waist, but he forgot all about it when he thought of how he successfully prevented her from being touched by another, especially not that young zazi.
They travelled from early morning through to the late afternoon, saving many days of travel. Yet the tigers had run through many mires and stopped so that they could bathe, for they couldn't stand being covered in dirt for too long and were quite fond of bathing.
Once the tigers ran around until they were dry, the four of them were able to get back on and continue.
Many of what they passed were just mountains and trees, streams and hills, and little stops here and there.
Once they reached a marked spot, everything was brought to a halt.
This is where Bazil and Salīa would get off, and feign new identities and wear hooded cloaks to move about unnoticed.
"Blessed journey for your majesty and you, Commander Guardian," greeted the commander, making an x with his arms.
They greeted, and Salīa took even more time to nuzzle into the tigers and give them blessings.
The young zazi stayed silent for a while, then decided to be brave and say, "I would like to accompany you and learn from you, Commander Guardian Bazilani. Also, I'd like to help protect Princess Salīa on your journey."
To this, the young zazi kowtowed and stood, staring resolutely.
"I'd like to do so because—"
"No," Bazil said simply.
"No? But let me show you how I can help. I'm very good at quickly starting and putting out fires, saddling horses in record time. I can cook—"
"No."
"I'm also skilled in several fighting arts, including—"
"You!" Bazil gripped him by the collar and barked, "I said no!"
The young zazi trembled, but held the stubbornness of his stare and pushed his shoulders back.
"I apologize for being so forward."
He took a long pause.
"Then, when you return, please let me prove myself further to you, Commander Guardian Bazilani.
Even if I start off by simply sweeping your home and folding your clothes.
My admiration for you is true, and I'm sorry if my lack of maturity has overshadowed this."
He then looked to Salīa but tried not to stare too long.
"I'm grateful for all you're doing for the realm, Princess Salīa. I wish you both a safe, joyous, and blessed journey."
Salīa stepped forth and touched his shoulder. He looked up with dewy eyes, tears at the rims that he was barely keeping back.
"Thank you for your determination and steadfastness.
While you certainly are amusing in the ways that make you odd, you are also genuine and courageous.
You are a worthy zazi, and if you keep your wits about you, there is no doubt that you, too, can rise above any rank and be respected by all in the land. I'm grateful for your words and wish you the same on your journey."
This young zazi just about burst into tears, but trying to keep a strong face in the presence of Bazil, he sniffled quickly and wiped them away, and just said, "Thank you," hoarsely.
Even Bazil sighed as if softened by Salīa's words and looked to the young zazi.
"What's your name?"
"Tawanda."
"Zazi Tawanda," Bazil nodded. "When I return, come find me."
Just like that, the young zazi was smiling, but his unreleased tears couldn't help but streak down.
Fearful of saying anything his cousin had warned against, he just nodded repeatedly and said, "Yes, yes, yes," and showed an x. And they showed the same.
Yet Bazil didn't look back as they walked away, even though he sighed, knowing that doltish zazi was waving them goodbye the whole way down. Salīa smiled.
"Aww, Commander Guardian Bazilani. That was so sweet of you."
"Shh," Bazil said. "Enough of that."
Salīa chuckled.
He might act all tough and reticent, but Bazil was no different from this young zazi many years ago. And deep down, he knows it.
X