Perhaps that was part of the reason she was enjoying the company of the Siyee ambassadors so much. Like her, they loved flying and the gods—or at least Huan. Though they were the first people she had encountered that worshipped one god over the others. That wasn’t surprising, however. Huan had created them.

“I called you here to assure you I haven’t been ignoring you,” she told Leiard. “I’ve been so busy I’ve had no time for unofficial visits. I regret that, because we’ll have few opportunities in the near future to talk.”

Leiard looked at her questioningly.

“I’m going to Si, to negotiate another alliance.”

His eyebrows rose. “Si?” He smiled. “You’ll enjoy that. The Siyee are a gentle and generous people. Honest and practical.”

“What do you know of them?”

“A little.” He lifted Mischief from his shoulder and sat down. The veez immediately curled up in his lap. Sitting opposite, Auraya felt a small pang of jealousy that her own pet seemed to prefer her visitor.

“The Siyee are in my memories,” he told her. “Since you have spoken to them at length, you will know most of what I do. What they may not have mentioned are the taboos of their culture.”

She leaned forward. “Yes?”

“Not all Siyee can fly,” he told her. “Some are born incapable and some lose the ability. Accidents are tragically common. Old age is particularly cruel to them. Be careful how you refer to these Siyee. Never describe them as crippled.”

“How should I refer to them?”

He shook his head. “They have no commonly used term. If you are to meet with any Siyee, let him or her decide where it should take place. If the one you are to meet is capable of flight, he will come to you. If he is not, you must go to him. In that way, you are not insinuating that the former cannot fly, and treating the latter with respect by not drawing attention to his or her inability.”

“I understand. I’ve noticed they tire easily when walking.”

“Yes.” He paused, then chuckled. “They treat landwalkers more like flightless Siyee than not. But you…” He frowned. “You should not allow them to. Otherwise it will seem like you expect favors you do not deserve.”

This is valuable advice, she realized. I would not have thought it odd if the Siyee always arranged to meet me wherever I am staying.

“Anything else?”

He paused, then shrugged. “That is all I can recall now. If I think of anything else before you leave, I will make sure you know of it.”

She nodded. “Thank you. If you remember something after I have left, tell Danjin. He will be taking care of my affairs here while I’m away.”

“I will. When will you be leaving?”

“In a few days.”

“How long do you expect to be in Si?”