You don't have to peek....
One of her younger cousins stepped out, a girl a few years younger than Safiya. Thin but much taller than her, she wore a single wrapper, covering from her chest to her knees. Her hair was braided into four long thread that stood tall.
"The firewood in our house has run out, and I was wondering if I could get some from here," the girl said, sounding a little nervous.
It was as if they weren't really family at all, but neighbors. This had started years ago when they accused Safiya's mother of being responsible for the death of her husband.
Since then, they always found something to talk about, but in public, everyone pretended that they were one big happy family. In reality, however, everyone was just minding their own business.
"Well, just ask Sheby," Safiya waved in reply and the girl left. If it had been her mother, Safiya knew she would have said no.
Mama had almost refused their gifts to Meka, but she knew that it would ruin their reputation if she declined publicly and people knew they were not on good terms.
Safiya left the house in a state of confusion, trying to wrap her head around her mother's sudden insistence on marriage. She usually never thought about getting married herself. She needed some time to think and clear her mind, so she decided to take a walk to the nearby spring.
After a refreshing bath, Safiya changed into her regular attire, which was comfortable. Despite her mother's recent remarks on the matter, she chose to wear what she was most comfortable in, rather than wearing a dress.
As she continued on her walk, she came across Dede, who was training alone in the field. She stood silently, watching him as he moved with agility and strength.
He was completely engrossed in his training and didn't notice her presence. Safiya admired his skill, but she didn't want to interrupt his concentration just yet. She decided to watch him for a while before making herself known.
He slashed the sword through the air, effortlessly wielding it from side to side. Each movement was accompanied by the rasping sound of his breath, his chest rising and falling with each exertion.
The sheer energy emanating from him was unlike anything Safiya had ever witnessed, even during her own training with him. Could this mean that he had finally emerged from his shell? Was he once again embracing his warrior nature?
Safiya couldn't help but wonder if this newfound strength would make it easier for her to persuade him to join her cause.
As he continued his training, his skin glistened with sweat, and his dreadlocks floated freely in the air.
Safiya sat on a fallen palm tree, her chin resting on her hand, as she watched Dede. However, her mother's words kept creeping into her thoughts.
Marriage? That was completely off her agenda. Why would she want to get married just to experience the pain her mother had endured? Love seemed to be synonymous with pain.
While nobody had anticipated her father's death, resulting in no one to blame except the killer and the ancestors, the aftermath however, had been incredibly painful. And though she still felt the lingering ache herself, she realized it must have been even worse for her mother.
Safiya understood the depth of love her parents had shared, even though she was young at then. It was a love that simply existed, a love that one could simply feel in their presence.
However, she couldn't help but be aware of the other kind of pain that love could bring – the pain of heartbreak. What if the person you loved suddenly woke up one day and declared that they no longer loved you? What if the person you loved brought someone else into your home, replacing you as the new woman? Safiya had heard countless stories of such heartaches, not just in Dakar or other kingdoms, but perhaps even in Azu. She fervently prayed that Meka, would never have to go through such pain.
Safiya firmly believed that everyone deserves to find their soulmate – that one person who is meant only for them, just like the love her parents shared.
She shook her head, trying to dismiss these thoughts. She couldn't let her mother's words and expectations affect her. Deep down, Safiya knew that she was not interested in getting married.
After all, who would want to love or be with a girl who refused to conform to society's norms, a girl who preferred swords over traditional feminine pursuits?
Malik's remark about changing her mind flashed through her thoughts, and she couldn't help but let out a small laugh.
If he thought his words would sway her, then he had another thing coming. Safiya eagerly anticipated their upcoming duel, as she was determined to prove her worth and strength. Nothing would change her course, and she looked forward to showing Malik just how steadfast she truly was.
"You're smiling," Dede's deep voice caused Safiya's eyes to widen before it returned to its original form.
"You're lying," her voice became a bit frantic. What could she possibly have to smile about?
Dede sat down next to her, his chest rising up and down. She could already see how stressed he was. "Troubled mind?"
He sighed and looked away. "It feels boring being inside," he said, turning towards her.
Safiya stared back at him. "It wasn't boring eleven years back," her brow raised questioningly.
Dede sighed but remained silent. She knew something was bothering him, but she decided not to push him. It seemed like no one could make him open up, despite her efforts.
"Safiya," he said softly, his gaze fixed on the open field where he had just finished training.
"Yes," she turned to him.
"If your father was killed and didn't die in a war—"
"If?" Safiya cut in. "I know he was killed, and I know you know that too but still won't tell me."
"Safiya," he said sharply, causing her to flinch. "Let me finish."
Safiya looked at him curiously, wondering what he wanted to say. He turned to her and she gave him a nod to go ahead.
"If you come face-to-face with the person who killed your father, will you kill him?"
Safiya's eyes widened. She was about to answer immediately—obviously her response would be a yes; isn't that what she had been training for? However, there was something odd about that question.
"What do you mean, Dede? Do you know who killed him?" If he could just answer that question, then she would easily get this over with and finally live in peace. Although she would be soiling her hands, but...
"I know you have never really killed someone, Safiya. If you have, then it was only to protect yourself. But getting involved in revenge, it will slowly kill you and you won't be happy again."
"I don't care if that's the price I will have to pay, Dede. I must not rest until he is brought to justice. Killing someone, whether it is for protection or self-defense, they are all the same thing, so my hands are already soiled."
Dede held her hand and gripped it tightly. "What if the person that…" His voice trailed off, he cleared his throat and continued, "What if the person that has killed your father is someone you can't even imagine?"
Safiya shook her head and stood up from where she sat, her eyes fierce as she gazed down at Dede. "I don't care who it is, Dede. If that person would even think to hurt my father, then that person doesn't deserve to live."
Without waiting for him to say anything, she quickly left.