Many thoughts were tossed over, but it was Bana who dared to say that the incident may have caused it. She looked almost too amused when seeing Salīa's eyes shift ceaselessly at its mention, so she dug deep.
Salīa, still, stayed quiet.
It's not like Bana was speaking outside the realm of possibility.
If the kin or familiars of the massacred outlanders that resided beside Salazā were still carrying the flame of wrath, it's only natural they'd want to torch the land that lit that wick.
"Sure, it was many years ago when that happened," said Bana. "But it's not like invading Salazā would ever have been successful if attempted thoughtlessly and half-heartedly."
"But then why steal some of the children?" Buhle restrained her crackling voice.
It was a question not even Bana was cruel enough to answer. For too many answers would come to mind.
"What matters is that we'll find the children," Salīa finally spoke, sure to look them all in the eyes with unwavering certainty. "This is what I propose. Feel free to add or take after I finish."
It was here she spoke freely. And the first time that even Bana stayed quiet. They spoke then, and each leaned into that which they knew best.
Salīa thought the talk might end there, but that was not all that needed to be discussed.
For how costs would be appointed were mentioned, what emergency tasks needed to be taken care of, shelters and where they were, the preparations for the festival, and what was expected for zazi and other authorities.
Salazā had a sacred tithing system based off spiritual method and other unique taxing methods which stayed in place, yet there was questions about slightly altering the residency and benefit regulations, especially when it came to foreigners, outlander and refugees.
The state of trade and logs of imports and exports were discussed, as well as many other miscellaneous things Salīa tried her best to stay knowledgeable in.
Yet Chief Raino extended his rope whenever hers didn't quite reach. And finally, when she was at her limit, a bell was rung.
"Thank you all for gathering," said Salīa, standing.
They all greeted with an x formed by their index fingers as their other fingers interlaced and their palms opened downwards, keeping their arms horizontal. It was a more refined way of doing the x on the chest. Yet as all stood, Letu spoke.
"Before we go, I think Bana should apologize for calling your highness a 'stupid bastard child.'"
Bana shot a glare at him.
"I concur," Simo added.
Salīa looked to Chief Raino, who nodded as well. And suddenly, all eyes were staring at Bana.
"Unless you think Queen Saoa would find those words complimentary to her first and favored heir?" Lefu added.
Bana kept fists clenched, bowed, then said, "Your majesty, I apologize for being unwise and unseemly in calling you such slanderous words. Please forgive me for my crude behavior during this unsettling time."
The council shook their head and scoffed. Even Salīa didn't feel any sincerity in her words, yet thought to let it go.
"That's all?" Eli said disdainfully. "Is this how you apologize to our acting ruler? Not even one kowtow and more thought-out words? Is this all the efforts you can muster as an honorable leader of Silio village? I'm sure we'll all remember this by the next meet when Queen Saoa asks for what happened in her absence."
Salīa could tell that Eli was just as proud as Bana and was reveling in shaming her. Whether for her honor or his own, she wasn't too sure.
Bana stared bitterly at him.
None spoke to deny him or claim it was excessive. Not even Chief Raino. Salīa thought it was needless yet knew her mother, as kind as she was, would probably not tolerate such defiance.
Bana scowled, then got on her knees and kowtowed. Three times. And said that she was foolish, unwise, and vain in presuming to speak such ignorant and unforgivable words.
Forgiveness was asked for a few times, and only when Salīa said, "I forgive you," did Bana stop asking for it.
The council members seem satisfied, yet Salīa found no joy in Bana's humiliation. But nor did she find any in her own.
When she was just a princess wandering about in the streets, such words were commonly heard, and she never made any kowtow and beg for forgiveness.
Yet as acting ruler in front of the leaders of the village, she knew she had no choice. It was easy to deduce.
If the leaders under you do not respect you, then why would their people?
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