Before her was the Freedom Festival.
It had long been a tradition of vibrant music, untamed dance, delectable foods, enchanting style, raw storytelling, endless games, and ceaseless cheer, which banished any evil or demonic forces and was symbolic of freed slaves and brave warriors who made this land.
The stages were constantly changing between songs, tales, and talks galore.
Dancers freely intertwining between them all.
Stalls holding aromatic foods of various spices from back to front, and little stalls of trades and tending peppered in between.
From ala-bala being played by those on the outskirts to those splashing in the manmade lagoon lit by torches to some even sitting calmly for four-player games of the strategic esche, there wasn't a place not filled, whether they were crying in mourning or receptive to better moods.
"The people are here."
"Of course, they are," said Chief Raino.
"No, I mean, the people are here."
Not just bodies filling the spaces, but spirits aligned in one space. Their presence was truly felt. And if the most rebellious did not shy to show up, even if their intention was probably to spit on her face.
But at least they're here, she thought.
That which gave it away first was their hair. Like tigers and lions with their coats of fur, the hair of a Salazāhn is considered their own coat of fur.
It's been long known that hair here, whether shaved, shortly coiled, or long and voluminous, it all mattered. Yet thick hair and that which is grown out often gained more favors, but all had its place.
Styling it was typical of any Salazāhn, which is why the hair stood out first, especially since most had put shimmer spray and golden beads to show it off. For so many took to dressing their hair in locs, twists, and braids.
There was no end to picking it, puffing it, stacking it, and more. Many had cut of their locs or shaved it as was special to some of Salazā to honor those they've lost.
Yet no matter the choice, having hair-makers and loved ones tend to each other's hair was one of the most sacred ways to bond, and so it easily connected the people more, despite their grief.
Of course, some did not put in such efforts or maybe had none to ask, yet they still fit in the same.
Just like those of the celebratory dinner, the people wasted no time in their attire. Salazā was a land of freedom, and so that which its people wore could represent no less.
Most people looked like they were on an island, as the men wore mostly pants with bare chests or something to cover.
Women mostly wore dresses that cinched at the waist or pants and skirts paired with a matching cover that usually served to cover their breasts and to some extent their shoulders and or stomach, often leaving the waist free.
Many of the people's clothes were also quite tactical in nature, often with many pockets, both seen and hidden, to carry decorative or protective weapons or tools of use. That's why hooded clothing was also just as favored.
This all allowed for leisurely walks, free dancing, tree climbing, ocean diving, and more.
While feet were usually bare, there was a popular closed-toe shoe with a firm bottom, which quickly became popular alongside some special boots.
Dressing robes, whether layered or more sheer, were just as common, especially in winter or to represent one's family.
Headwear too, yet often for those to show pride or wealth. Cone hats have become just as common, yet this was adapted from observing other lands like Priea and Timbana dote on them.
It used to be so that Salazāhns were somewhat nude and would just wear loin clothes, if the history was recorded accurately, and some still do, although not in places frequently visited by travellers. Many bare their breasts, whether man, women, or child.
Of course, it had become frowned upon for women and girls to do so due to many offended visitors, yet every Freedom Festival, this right was freely granted.
It seemed all had taken to their best wear, and some wore ceremonial blankets around them, while many wore their most colorful clothing, often reserved for such special occasions.
Yet just as many wore that which was closest to black and gold in honor, while others wore more muted and nude shades.
Their skins all gleaming in creams and lotions, another ritual which loved ones often shared with one another to demonstrate affection and care.
Just as the ritual of many who were covered in tribal painting of black and gold, with the children more decorated in that which was colorful.
Some had added more permanent ritual markings or temporary, red-dyed art to their skin. While some did it decoratively, many used it to demonstrate their role in this land and their bloodline.
All the zazi had some markings inked around them to demonstrate themselves as warriors, yet so did some of the rebel gangs. Some did as a symbol of a loved one, whether passing or present, while others couldn't stand for it.
Yet many added gold skin-safe lacquer around their markings to let it gleam. And just as many had their nails painted, especially the woman who carefully had theirs shaped as soft claws.
The last thing they blended into their bodies to shine as the treasure they were was their jewels. Some wore as many as their bodies could take, while others just a custom piece or two.
Whether black, gold, diamonds, beads, or gems, it was of the people. Whether on the finger, wrist, breast, or ear, each jewel had its place. Even some adorned their teeth with jewels and gold.
This was especially so amongst royals, guardians, and those proud of their bloodlines. For many teeth-shapers were able to create molds that resembled those of their ancestral animal.
And so, it was no surprise that Chief Raino and all his children had molds, whether fully wrapped or only on parts of their teeth resembling lions.
The leopard twins and their family were no different. And so were many who opened their mouths, revealing a glint of who they were.
"Your mother would be proud," said Chief Raino.
"No. Not yet."
But I'll make sure to change that.
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