They have for a thousand years.

[Ming pauses, thoughtful. It must sound so strange, to those not from her world and familiar with its workings.]

I knew the life I was choosing for myself, when I tied my own energy to the land of Numara and stepped up to protect it. My people are true pacifists, Mr. Finevoice. They wield no weapons and rally no army. My power and immortality keep them safe, and keep the islands vibrant and flourishing. They are like my children, in a way, and I could no more leave my throne than a mother could abandon her children.