It must be my lucky day because Bri didn’t hear the comment. I don’t think her confidence needs another boost, even though they are right.
More wood is added to the fire and the waterskin comesaround again. I’m prepared this time and take a long pull before handing it off to Bri.
This reminds me of the night back at the muraDome when Bri dragged me into her room. All those months ago, I would never have guessed I would find myself here on Sabaak with her.
When everyone clears out for the night, Bri and I stumble up the stairs to our room and pass out face-first on the bed.
THIRTY-SEVEN
Bri
Our gracious hosts, the kind and helpful locals that Iknewwere here somewhere, insist on a visit to the underground gardens before we leave to track down the Boraei. My palms get clammy every time someone says the ominous word. Boraei, Dangerous One. Why couldn’t they be called the Friendly Ones or Helpful Ones? I would even be satisfied with the Chaotically Neutral.
Just beyond the cliffside city, they lead us down a sloping ramp into the ground.
“Not this again,” I groan as we descend. I remind myself these are different circumstances. This is not the brethren. No weird sex ceremonies, no controlling Boss—just a few kind aliens wanting to send us on our way with some food.
“Took the words right out of my mouth,” Tai says, nudging my arm with his. We both have a little unresolved religious trauma.
The ramp doesn’t go very far. Unlike the brethren’s dark and creepy colony, it’s bright here. It’s obvious they went to great lengthsto let as much light in as possible. Stone archways are colorfully painted in bright golds and reds. It’s as cheerful as the other colony was dreary. Tucked into the walls are small plants with vines climbing up to the sunlight. Small purple berries cluster along the way. A Sabaaki gently pulls fruit off the tree and tucks it into the bag strapped around his narrow waist.
I mirror their careful movements, gently picking the fruit, not wanting to damage the delicate berries and vines.
“Come this way.” Another Sabaaki motions for me to follow.
Through the pathways, intricate murals of flowers, sunsets, and Sabaaki embracing cover the walls. The artwork is impressive, but it’s the sentiment behind the paintings that brings a tear to my eye. These lovely, peaceful people don’t deserve to be harassed by the Boraei, and the brethren don’t deserve to even share the same air as the Sabaaki.
My thoughts are interrupted when I step into an open courtyard. In the middle is a tree that looks hundreds of years old. Its green canopy covers the expanse above, protecting us from the harsh sun like a mother bird taking us under its wing. Bright yellow fruits hang down out of my reach, but my guide has no trouble collecting them one by one, storing them in his pouch.
I spin in circles. Speechless from the beauty in every direction.
“Our ancestors built this garden. It has fed us for generations.”
“Thank you for bringing me here. I’ll never forget your kindness and generosity,” I tell them. I’m feeling extra emotional today. Being here with the Sabaaki is a dream come true. A place and people so different from Earth. I do my best to lock each detail securely in my mind. Sometimes I need to be reminded that it’s not all brethren and Boraei out there. Goodness and beauty has a place in this universe as well.
“I believe we have enough for your journey,” they say, patting the satchel.
I look back at the group of Sabaaki behind me. My eyes are drawn to the big blue guy picking berries along the wall. I stand nextto him and pluck a few berries and pop them into my mouth. Tai opens his mouth expectantly and I toss one in.
“Oh hey, I’ve got something for you.” Tai reaches into his bag of berries. He’s making me nervous. I’m not ready to be in a gift-giving arms race.
He pulls out a small white blossom and hands it to me. The smell of citrus and honey fills the air while I braid the flower into my hair. “It’s beautiful,” I tell him.
I’ve learned to identify the differences in Tai’s facial expressions. Some are feisty, some suggestive. This one is warm.
I like him. And it’s terrifying.
I clear my throat. “Oh shoot. I got some dust in my eye.” I pull at my eyelid, faking the injury. “I’ll catch up with you later.”
I run for the exit, like a coward, but I can’t outrun the scent of the flower tucked into my hair.
THIRTY-EIGHT
Tai
The city is quiet. All the merchants close their stalls during the hottest part of the day. Everyone is inside the mountain, taking shelter from the heat. The occasional Sabaaki hurries from one shadow to another. One smiles kindly when he walks by and gestures for me to follow him into a dark doorway.
Laughter and the dull murmur of conversation greet us when we step into a large room with a high ceiling painted with vibrant colors.
