Animation Source Forums

VI. In memoriam

Nala commended a hunt.
One hunting was already done that day and pride had some food, surely enough for twenty four hours. But queen-mother gave her orders anyway. To make sure lionesses obey – and they obeyed. Old ruler barely repressed smile of pride and contentment. That not a reason for joy. “Just a mean of helping Tanabi.” Thought lioness.
“Who is team leader?” asked Bidii.
“Umeme.” Said Nala instinctively. Then she noticed that goldenfurred was still not there. “So you will, Bidii.” She corrected. “I will stay here, to watch over king, prince and Anasa. Go now.”
Eight lionesses set of on savannah, asking no additional questions. The second hunt that day maybe wasn’t too pleasant thing to do, but pride preferred to be far from rock when conflict between present and once queen was about to be settled. Just to be sure they don’t chose bad side, they decided not to choose. There was no fear nor opportunism in that. Lionesses just knew that they – as subjects – weren’t meant to decide about royal family’s business. And besides almost all they were cheering with all heart to Nala and not participating in translatio imperii also freed them from hard necessity of disobeying queen.
“Dhahabu, Anasa.” Called Nala to cubs, watching procession of hunting team, marching through savannah. “Don’t go away too far. While lionesses are not here, stay at range of sight.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Said female cub.
“This time we have to be really careful.” Murmured Dhahabu.
Both cubs went on the slope to back cave, once taken by Scar and Zira as private chamber. In time it became Vitani’s private chamber – new queen went there each time she sought a moment of peace and relax. Dhahabu hoped there he could wait for mother.
“You think that is the best idea?” asked Anasi, when they entered backcave.
“Mom will be here soon.” Replied price. “But before that, we must think about few things… are you still with me, in cleaning all this mess up?” She nodded her head. “I must go with mom on the Outlands. You know… just to show mom is… still mom. Somehow I’m a guaranty that pride treats her proper.” Goldenfurred kitty nodded her head and Dhahabu continued. “But you will stay with your mother… and you have to watch her and keep her… prevent her from doing stupid things. You know what I mean?”
“And I will tell everything to your father, when he wake up.” Added Anasa.
“Yes, good point.” Agreed prince. Then asked with uncertain voice. “How do you think… will we stop them?”
“I’m sure of that, my prince.” Smiled Anasa and bowed her head, faking courtesy homage.
Then to chamber came Vitani. In the first moment she even didn’t notice cubs – she just walked to her brushy bedding and laid down hardly, coughing loud. But then saw two kitties and tried to stand up and hide her weakness. She failed.
“Mom!” called Dhahabu. “You are sick…”
“No, that’s not a sickness.” Replied queen. “Just a little price for a great blessing… It will be gone in few days.” When Dhahabu came to her, she hugged him gently then laid herself in more comfortable position. “Anasa, could you leave us alone for a while?” asked Outlandress with gently however decisive voice.
“Mom, she knows what is happening.” Said Dhahabu. “She knows we have to go to grandma’s keep.”
“You told her?” sighed amazed Vitani, but then added with calmer voice. “Anasa… my son trusts you, and I hope you won’t overuse that. You can’t tell about our plans to no one, even mother.”
“I know it, my queen.” Said cub and bowed with respect. “I promise to help you as I can.”
“All right, I’m very glad you keep more reason than most of lionesses here.” Replied Vitani. Then she turned her head to Dhahabu. “My dear… rest now, because tomorrow we have to go.” Prince nodded. “And I must take a nap. Wake me, if Simba gets here.”
*
But Simba had his own problems. He was lying on ledge of Priderock, feeling as if reality was flowing round him, with no need to interact with former king. Nala went away somewhere with Umeme, Zazu and Tiko were still arguing aloud, paying little attention that Simba was listening. Absurd of whole situation was striking. Brownmaned was alone in keep of his old kingdom.
So he stood up and entered royal chamber. Next to Tanabi was waiting Thamath. Monkey painted some sketch on the wall, but seeing old king entering, stopped instantly.
“No, I don’t want to interrupt.” Said Simba. “*****! I didn’t want to interrupt anything.” He thought with sarcasm, then added aloud. “If you are doing something important, I will leave.”
“No… sir.” Replied shaman. “You could be here as you wish… But there is nothing to do. King is still away.”
“I want just to be with him.” Said Simba.
“It definitely won’t hurt.” Judged money and returned to painting.
Ex-king followed his hands (he always was curious of such shaman’s stuff) to see ordinary picture of lion. But soon after Thamath started to add some traits of Tanabi. Blind eye was marked with red dot. Over his head was painted something resembling spiral.
“It’s sign he was blessed by two lines of ancestors.” Explained shaman, almost reading Simba’s mind. “Those from Mufasa and Scar.”
“What meant that dark aura over him?” asked ex-king.
“That he disobeyed his father.” Said Thamath and seeing Simba’s amaze, added. “We both know it wasn’t crime… however it also isn’t reason to be proud.”
“But what says that picture?” inquired lion.
“Nothing.” Said monkey and seeing confused stare of old ruler, added. “But that’s also a sign. It means no Ancient Ones would help him. Someone from downhere could.”
Simba didn’t respond, just stroked mane of unconsciousness son. He hoped that helping creature’s plan was already in motion. However he was somehow convinced that wasn’t Nala’s.
*
Umeme was listening to Nala’s words and with every minute she felt happier and more terrible. What queen-mother was saying tasted like a honey, but lioness was swallowing it sensing some bitterness in it. It was much too beautiful to be real… and safe.
“In those special circumstances, you as hunter team leaderess, should act like queen should have.” Concluded Nala.
“I’m given much too much credit.” Replied lioness. “When king is awake…”
“…he will appreciate your… our concern.” Finished queen-mother. “Vitani doesn’t know our laws… She shouldn’t be queen… nor mate of my son.”
“I shouldn’t listen to such things.” Said embarrassed Umeme.
“Yeah, you shouldn’t.” agreed Nala. “You should make them happen.” Goldenfurred wanted to reply something, but queen-mother added instantly. “Don’t say anything. Just show how you love him.”
“Affirmative, ma’am.” Replied Umeme, however inside she was scared to death. “Am I a traitor?” she asked herself.
Nala stood up and walked away, leaving lioness alone in cluster. But soon after flew there Zazu and with very embarrassed expression, said.
“Umeme, I was asked by queen-mother to tell you about few things around king’s marriage.”
She nodded her head and started to listen sweet words of hope. But she wasn’t sole listener of that.
“Not good.” Murmured Nuka, hearing that. “Your mother is much better prepared that we expected.”
“I can’t believe it!” gasped Tanabi. “How she could assume I would leave Vitani?”
“You won’t?” asked Outlander with inquiring voice.
“Of course, I won’t!” snorted king. “Is so hard to believe I really love girl for whom I enflamed my family, got into fight with father and lost my eye in progress.”
“Just checking, bro.” Smiled Nuka. “Don’t be upset.”
*
On evening in royal chamber was no one but Nala and Thamath. In doorstep were guarding Sorphi and Vinia, the rest of pride laid in main cave. Vitani entered keep, greeted by whispers of subjects. She sensed a slight shadow of hostility. Instinctively she showered down and let Maitha and Kucha catch her up. Then she felt a little surer.
A little.
Just after them was also walking Dhahabu. Procession came to Royal Cave and two guardians stopped on doorstep, next to Sorphi and Vinia, put there by Nala. Four lionesses measured themselves carefully, saying nothing. Vitani just went further and with Dhahabu came to Tanabi’s bedding.
“What are you doing?” asked surprised Nala, seeing daughter-in-law laying next to unconsciousness king.
“I’m living here.” Replied Outlandress. “You was not here for some time. You could have missed it.” Added with poisonous voice. Then ask Sorphi. “I guess you are best huntress here. Tomorrow you won’t chase another big game, because we are full. You must catch some smaller animals that you could bring here alive. Only thing that king could eat in this state… is blood. He must drink blood in order to eat anything.”
“Yes, I know that!” almost gasped lioness. There was little of respect in her words.
“So dismiss. Go rest.” Finished queen.
Sorphi wanted to reply some harsh reply but look on Nala appeased her. If queen-mother nodded her head, it meant she could do it. She wagged her tail, to give a sign to Vinia. Old guard left its post.
“Are they guarding king from his mother?” asked Nala, pointing on Maitha and Kucha.
“From every trouble.” Replied Vitani and laid her head down, nestling it to Tanabi’s side. He wished to cast away Nala, but she felt that another wave of sickness was coming. “I can’t show my weakness to her.” Thought Outlandress.
“Sleep, my son.” She said to Dhahabu. “Tomorrow there be a hard day.”
This one think she was sure.
*
Vitani wanted to set of on morning, before hunting team go on savannah. But sickness got her again and kept her on bedding to wake up of whole pride. Nala started to organise Pridelanders day already.
“We overslept.” Murmured queen to Dhahabu.
“No, it’s nothing.” Said prince. “I talked with grandpa Simba.” Vitani looked on him with a bit angry stare. “He just promised they will take care of dad.”
“I guess that is his responsibility.” Murmured Vitani, standing up slowly. “What else said your grandfather?”
“He suspect you… are blessed with my brother or sister.” Said Dhahabu. “And advise you not to go.”
“And what you replied to him?” asked queen, a bit surprised that Dhahabu already knew about her pregnancy.
“I said that I would have advise you the same, but we must go there.”
“So… are you ready?” asked Vitani. “Have you eaten?”
“Yes, mom. Maitha and Kucha fed me.” Nodded cub. “But you…”
“I’m not hungry right now. Let’s go.” She set off to exit of chamber.
Two lionesses loyal to queen slept on the doorstep of chamber. Vitani felt terrible, seeing that she forced them to such a constant effort and discomfort. “But it’s necessary.” She thought. “I will queen as long I could act like queen… and be treated like queen. Girls have to be attentive… And I have to think how reward them.”
“Ma’am, are we going?” asked Kucha with sleepy voice.
“If you are ready…” said Vitani and without slowing down came across main cave.
Rest of pride watched it initially in silence. But then first whispers started. “Outlands!” gasped someone. “She is returning to Outlands… and there is her place.” Murmured some other lioness, Vitani was even too scared to check with one. “Daughter of Scar!” sounded another whisper, as if that was an insult. Maybe that day it was.
Nala was standing on the doorstep of cave, waiting for Vitani to pass by. All lionesses raised their ear to hear what queen-mother would say. Current queen forced herself not to look on mother-in-law, pretending that nothing is happening.
“Where are you going?” asked Nala. “Are you leaving your mate in distress.” Vitani didn’t respond, walking next to older lioness. Dhahabu just put a quick and apologising stare on grandmother, but didn’t stopped also. “Is that a acting of queen… or Outlander?” asked Nala with loud voice, calling after leaving lioness.
In Vitani something cracked. She was tired of constant shaking, hiding her emotions and staying silent. “I’m a queen!” she thought. “I’m queen as a Scar’s heir. They have nothing to do with that.” She stopped, still not turning back.
“Where are going?” asked again Nala with inquiring voice.
“To salute…” said Vitani with growling whisper. “…king and queen of Prideland. In memoriam of Zira and Scar!” Then she set of again, leaving shocked lionesses inside.
Nala was shocked too. In her boldest expectations she didn’t predict that queen could do such an enormous mistake. “She just had declared to be Outlander!” laughed inside queen-mother.
“Don’t take there Dhahabu!” called older lioness after leaving rival.
“Prince will do what princes have to.” Replied Vitani. “Loyal to his mother in everything. Just like my brother was.” Then she vanished after corner of rocks and started to go downslope. When she was sure no one from cave saw her, she turned to Dhahabu. “I’m sorry, my dear… But I need you at my side.” Cub nodded his head, however he wished to disagree with queen.
Whole procession: Vitani, Dhahabu, Kucha and Maitha came down to foot of Priderock. Two accompanying lionesses were looking on each other, uncertain how to start quite obvious rebuke. Finally Maitha said.
“My queen, it was very unwise, to mention about Zira and Nuka. Very unwise. I guess you couldn’t do more to enrage our pride.” Vitani stopped and turned right to Maitha.
“No, you’re wrong.” Said still with burning anger in her voice. She touched with front paw to her belly. “If that is a boy, I will call him Taka!”
“Yes…” nodded Maitha, gasping with a shocked voice. “You right. You still could do it better.” Finished with irony.
“You could always go back to them.” Said queen and in that second imagined how pitiful she would be if lioness left her.
“No, my queen.” Huntress shook her head. “I fully disagree with you, but it doesn’t change fact… you are my queen.”
“So let’s go.” Hastened them Vitani. “We will discuss it when we get to our destination. I’m not in mood to talk.”
“How lucky we are…” thought lioness, trying to imagine what would happened if Vitani really wanted to argue with Nala.
All four walked slowly north to Elephant Ford. They had to stop four times to take a break. Queen was still weak and anger didn’t help her in that effort. Finally also Dhahabu felt that his strong yet short paws failed to maintain proper tempo. Kucha grabbed prince and put on Maitha’s back. Then that strange retinue climbed on River Hills. Hobbling queen, exhausted prince-cub and two unwilling supporters of monarchess were fleeing from their home.
*
Anasa tried to listen with all her might to everything was told on Priderock.
It was embarrassing and very shameful to eavesdrop on own pride, even on own mother, but kitty believed she was doing good. Bidii told her almost nothing what happened, just saying that <queen needed a break>. So cub decided to believe in first place in what Dhahabu told her. “I must keep mom from doing something we all could regret.” Repeated Anasa still keeping her ears erected. She caught some words of lionesses and those were very disturbing ones.
“Sir!” Vinia called to Simba, who was lying on ledge of Priderock. “We all are waiting for you to make some decisions.”
“What decisions I should take?” asked surprised Simba.
“What we should do with… ma’am Vitani.” Explained lioness. She wanted to say just <Vitani> and only force of habit made her express more respect she actually felt.
“She went on the Outlands.” Replied Simba. “Why should we do anything about that?”
“Because she will be back here…” added Sorphi, standing next to friend. Ex-king for a moment lost his temper and replied with angry gasp.
“So what? Should we don’t let her in?”
“That is an order, my lord?” Asked Bidii, who passed next to ledge.
“Stars dammit!” gasped Simba, hitting his paw into rock. “Are you mad? You are going much too far!”
“You are in charge now, my lord.” Said Bidii. “Command us how you think is proper, sir.”
”Nala!” called ex-king, turning to cave and entering it. “Where are you?” Nala was in Royal chamber, so lion had to cross all caves of Priderock to get there. Stares of curious lionesses accompanied him there. “Nala, what you are going…” he started to see that his mate wasn’t alone.
Next to Tanabi, on his sides were two lionesses – ex-queen and Umeme, talking about something with a little muffled voices. Simba stopped on doorstep, they cease their talk, but then Nala said louder.
“No, don’t stop. Simba should know all about it. It’s after all his son… and from now on we are like a family to each other.” Umeme nodded hear head.
“I don’t know what you are talking about, but what is happening around is out of control!” said Simba with decisive voice.
“What happened, my dear?” asked Nala.
“We are here to keep order and cake care about Tanabi.” Explained Simba. “But I took an impression we are just kicked righteous queen out of her kingdom.”
“If she let us to do that, I would have some doubts about her righteousness.” Replied Nala with half-smile.
“Vitani went away according to her own will.” Added Umeme with growing anger in her voice. “She scorned tradition of our pride and chose to hail Outlanders heroes. That is not how Prideland Queen should act!”
“Don’t say anything like that about Vitani!” replied Simba quickly. “She is queen and Tanabi’s mate.”
Unwillingly ex-ruler hit the spot he shouldn’t. If anything would put her out of patience was a reminder about Vitani as her rival. Lioness replied hastly. “Sir, if anyone gave us example about leaving the throne, you did!” But then she stopped and turned her stare down to the ground. “I’m… terribly sorry, my lord!” she sobbed. “I didn’t mean to… I mean… for me, you are still king, my… king.”
“Nala, why you encouraging her to say those things?” yelled terrified Simba. “We are not backing on the throne.”
“No, sir!” said Umeme, still in deep bow. “You are just slowly understanding you have never left it!” Then Nala said with decisive voice.
“By leaving our land and her mate - our son, Vitani broke her oaths to Prideland and Tanabi. She went to Outlands to celebrate Outlanders. That’s is a treason, she can be no longer considered as a queen… and mate to our son.” She pointed on Umeme. “She, as once chosen as Tanabi’s spouse, should be a new monarchess.”
Simba was so shocked by sudden turn of situation that he even didn’t feel able to argue. He just looked on unconsciousness son and asked himself, if Tanabi would let that madness last even for minute. One-eyed king would stand up and with one decisive sentence choose between given possibilities. Whatever he decide – to agree with mother, or ask her to be silent, he would do it. “But I can’t.” thought Simba. “Since day I hurt you, my son, I’m sure of any of my decision. But if I stay silent now, someone will be hurt again.”
“Why do you assume that Tanabi would agree on that?” asked ex-king.
“That is not point of decision, but of law.” Replied Nala. “Vitani left Prideland. We can’t let her return here.”
In that moment Anasa barely repressed yell of fear. She waited about five heart-clatters and started to crawl back to main chamber. She had been listening to that talk since very beginning, but then understood that there was no time to loose. Queen and Dhahabu had to be warned, whatever it would took.
Kitty got of safe distance, then stood up and started to sneak out from cave, carefully not to be spotted by any lioness, even own mother. That why she didn’t hear rest of talk with king.
“I don’t want to have anything to do with that.” Said Simba harshly.
“You won’t.” said Umeme with much calmer voice. “Just let us act and soon pride will proclaim you as our king again.”
“Tanabi is alive and he is king.”
“She meant <regent>, my love.” Explained Nala. “We will just take the upbringing of Dhahabu in our paws, until Tanabi is sick.” Then she turned back to Umeme. “My child, you must take prince back on Priderock. He is in danger, wandering on that desert soil.”
“But if Vitani doesn’t let him back?” asked goldenfurred.
“Just tell her that we decided he should be here.” Replied Nala. “We, regents of Prideland.”
Umeme nodded her head and Simba nudged Nala in side. He whispered something with angry voice to his mate’s ear, so queen-mother added. “Excuse us, my child, we must discuss some matters alone.” They both turned to exit. “So say good by to king and go for prince.” Added Nala, exiting royal chamber.
Goldenfurred stayed over motionless body Tanabi. After about minute of silence in both air and mind, Umeme bended down to lion and gently licked his lips. Then she laid down and nestled to his side.
“I’m terribly sorry, my lord.” She whispered. “I’m doing it for you. Vitani is not proper queen at your side. I’m still not worthy of you, but at least I’m Pridelander and I could hide my pride in order to serve… pride. I would have never left you.” She stroked red mane of king. “I wish you were here and order me what to do. But if you can’t… I believe your mother is right. That way will be better for all of us.” She raised up and turned to exit. “I’m going for prince Dhahabu.” She said to unhearing king. “I will make sure he is safe.” Then she went away, leaving incapacitated ruler in his sleep.
*
About midnight Vitani, Dhahabu, Kucha and Maitha reached the Golden Hall. Queen was exhausted and first thing she did inside was to laid down under Golden Throne and just fall asleep. Her companions just put already sleeping prince at her side and took places near to queen.
They still weren’t sure if place where they were was a memorial shrine or a permanent keep of exiled monarchess.

Well this was a pleasant chapter. Nala has really snapped and Simba wants to try to help his cousin but not for her sake but for that of his son's. He was right. He would return and rule as a regent until Tanabi awakens but Nala wants her title reinstated and Vitani off the throne. Simba wants no part but he knows he must keep everyone together. As for Vitani, her leaving the Pridelands is rather needed. To not honor her family's memory is wrong and she knows that but she also knows that leaving the lands and Tanabi, even though he's not going anywhere, it gives Nala the chance to dispose of her.

Um, out of curiousity, not that I'm not enjoying the drama and the ex Queen wanting to be rid of the current Queen and put a 'true Queen on the throne' experience here but when is Tanabi gonna awaken or is this something Vitani has to solve on her own in her new present condition? Just curious of course. LOL!

Anyway, great chapter! Update soon!

Well, judging from Simba's talk with the shaman, who said a creature down on earth would provide Tanabi a helping paw, it's either up to Vitani or Simba (or a yet unknown third party) to take action before Tanabi will wake up. Taking into consideration Vitani's precarious position, the burden will thus rest on Simba (or a third party), since the all other lion(esses) lack the authority to turn things around themselves.

Well, due to some obvious biological reasons, Tanabi can’t be unconsciousness too long... So the solution will be displayed soon.
And from prologue of TNR We know he died by natural means <lol>.
But know let’s focus on some character who is confused and misguided as well – Umeme…

VII. In Her Majesty Service

Let’s say it clearly and decisively – Bidii wasn’t a bad mother. She loved Anasa deeply and would do anything for her daughter. But events on Priderock wrapped up focus of all lionesses, including greyfurred. That why she missed the absence of Anasa, thinking that cub was still in main cave under protection of Simba.
And let’s add one thing more – Simba wasn’t considered as a baby-sitter. Just lionesses were thinking that ex-king and regent-to-be had nothing particular to do, but waiting for pride to secure his authority. All rush around Simba was done because of Simba and for Simba. And due to obvious technical reasons, lionesses assumed that ruler could take care about only cub then present in pride.
However Simba just missed kind ask of Bidii, or thought Anasa would play on her own all the time. After quite strange talk with Nala and Umeme – where both lionesses were flattering him and assuring him about his authority, but none of them allowed him to say a word – he just called for Zazu and heard his version of events. After clear and cogent arguments of majordomo, he was even more confused than before. Then he decided to climb on Priderock Plateau to think all it over alone. It took several hours for him and he went down about sunset. Meanwhile Anasa got to the river.
It was very fortunate for kitty that she didn’t meet Umeme. Lioness set off to find queen and prince, but started her search from nearest ford. Knowing nothing about Vitani’s weakness, she assumed that queen decided to cross river in nearest possible place. She was wrong.
So goldenfurred went to Mighty Waterfall, checking if queen’s retinue came there to walk on rock of waterfall’s bluff. But seeing no trail of them, she finally got to conclusion that Elephant Ford was a place she was looking for.
So Anasa stopped before river when Umeme was still going there. What for mature lioness was just few hours of walk on plain, for cub seemed to be life-trip. Kitty was tired, heated and that somehow muffled her reason and carefulness. She just entered the river and swam ahead.
As You might remember, Anasa liked water and playing in it. She also could swim, although she used to check that skill in still water. She even didn’t notice as current took her. With every metre she was going ahead, she floated over ten due to stream. She learn that about in half a way.
“Ups…” she murmured but then shut her mouth, after some water deluged it.
From that moment her swimming was a desperate struggle with power of nature. Sun set already, so kitty barely saw another shore, however she noticed shapes of bank, speeding left quickly. “That means I’m going right.” Thought cub.
She sensed she was loosing her battle. With every move of paws her progress was slower and slower. Finally she started to try only stay on surface, and call for any help. But it wasn’t easy – opening of mouth would cause flood of water in it. When Anasa finally try to scream, it sounded as quiet gulping.
Tail of crocodile stopped her in place, but also took away her awareness.
*
Next thing cub felt was overwhelming cold. She was lying in some wet place, on sand, but wet sand – most likely on beach. She opened her eyes to see giant body of reptile, lying next to her. She scream with fear, spitting rest of water from her throat.
“That’s was I call warm welcome. I didn’t understand your name, but mine is Msaka.” Murmured crocodile with sleepy voice. “By the way, could you tune yourself down? I’m cold-blooded that doesn’t make me too communicative at night. We may talk tomorrow.”
“E… won’t you eat me?” asked kitty.
“In this time my ectothermed body is not ready to receive any food.” Explained reptile and closed the only eye he bothered to open.
“So if I wait to morning, you could change your mind?” asked cub.
“Well, yes.” Nodded reptile, not moving his jaws more that it was necessary to say that.
“So it’s highly reasonable for me to leave before you could eat me?”
“Well, actually you’re right…” replied predator. Then seeing Anasa fleeing with all her speed, added to himself. “*****! I guess that low temperature affects also my basic logic.” Fortunately his sleeping family didn’t hear that talk.
*
It was a pure coincidence that Fortuna shone of Anasa once again. Cub was taken by current about four kilometres east and that meant she was put away from water just on longitude of Cubs Sanctuary on southern side and Golden Hall on Northern bank. So going straight north – and kitty turned straight due north – she went exactly to her destination.
Of course it didn’t come easily. To enter main part of Outlands she had to cross range of cliffs, what was difficult task for a cub, especially at night. Bur some friendly spirits had to keep an eye on her – she climbed on bluff thanks to narrow path and walked down safely on the northern side. There she felt lost – hearing much about Outlands, she always imagined that place is creepy, scary and mysterious, but also a bit smaller. On that night she learned that land of ghost tales was an area seemingly as big as Prideland savannah known to her and also much to harder to travel, due to hills and rocks.
After few hours of wandering at random, she climbed on hill she estimated on the highest on vicinity and looked down. There she saw the Golden Hall.
Let me explain – she couldn’t recognise Golden Hall, because in all stories that keep was much more impressive. But she recognise a lion’s silhouette in front of it. It was queen Vitani, who was spueing near to the entrance.
“My lady!” called scarred cub and started to quickly go down hill.
Vitani raised her tired stare on kitty and yelled with fear. “Anasa? What the heck you are doing here?”
“I… came after you.” Said cub, running to and standing before monarchess. “Are you sick, my lady?”
“No, it’s just too much effort today.” Replied lioness. “But I feel those are last of my problems. Soon all will be right, or even better.” But some malicious voice added in her mind. “Under condition you will survive and your cub will have some home to grow up.”
“Where is Dhahabu?” asked Anasa.
“Inside.” Vitani pointed on termite mound behind her. “But tell me how on Stars you got here. Your mother is here too?”
“No, I came alone.” Said Anasa with pride, but then she realised how in fact stupid is was.
“You crossed Border River alone?” voice of Vitani turned to reaproachful growl.
“Ma’am?” asked Maitha from inside. In next second lionesses exited the mound and froze, seeing Anasa. “What she…”
“I’m trying to find it out now.” Replied queen. “But anyway, child, come inside.” She let Anasa go first then murmured. “Great, we have to take care about you too. I guess there could be worse.”
“I’m terribly sorry to say that, but I will be, my queen.” Replied cub.
They entered the keep. Kitty noticed Kucha lying on ground in centre part of chamber and Dhahabu on dead tree trunk nearby. Just when new creature came in, lioness opened her eyes and quickly awoke up prince with touch of tail. Then looked on Vitani with question in her eyes.
“I have no idea too.” Replied blue-eyed. “So, Anasa, could you tell us, what happened?”
“Anasa!” called Dhahabu with sleepy yet happy voice. “You are here!”
“Yes… I had to find you.” Said cub. “I heard as lionesses are plotting with lady Nala. They want…” she cleared her throat and said with quieter voice. “They want stop you on border and not let back on Prideland… unless you agree to give Dhahabu for education to lady Nala and sir Simba. Umeme was send to propose you that.”
Vitani shook her head with disbelief. “It sounds as they already consider Tanabi is dead…” the she yelled with sudden fear. “King…”
“King is alive, last time I checked.” Assure her Anasa.
“So, they want to stop us on border?” asked Maitha without emotion. She was already thinking with war-logic. “Funny thing.” She whispered in mind. “Year back I was defending Prideland from Outlanders. It seems that this year I have an opportunity to become an Outlander myself!”
“I think that’s true.” Replied Anasa. “And they know that lady Vitani will be back day after tomorrow. All remember when is the anniversary.”
“Not surprisingly, that’s also a reason for great triumph for Nala.” Murmured Vitani with sarcastic grin. Then she added. “We are extremely grateful that you told us about it…” Anasa smiled. “However you left home without asking for permission. You mother is most likely dying from fear about you.” Cub suddenly narrowed her eyes and turned her stare to the ground.
“I know, my lady. I just had no other choice.”
“You should be punished anyway.” Said queen.
“Mom!” gasped Dhahabu.
„I’m serious.“ Nodded Vitani. “She disobeyed parent and cause many her nerves. When all it is finished, we will talk with Bidii how punish you.” Surprisingly Anasa nodded her head with understanding. “But now, let he hug you.” Said Vitani and licked kitty’s forehead. “You are really brave girl.”
“Following my queen’s pawprints.” Said Vitani a bit too officially, what sounded really funny and odd. All gathered in mound burst in laughter. Blue-eyed laughed too, sensing that was a maybe last time she could do it without fear.
“Oh no…” said Vitani. “You could not watch all my track and avoid errors I’ve made.” She hugged kitty, then guided her to bedding. “But know, sleep. Tomorrow we will think how get away from this swamp.”
“Ma’am… I think you have a hostage now.” Said Anasa. “I mean: me.” Vitani looked on cub with amaze and replied.
“Don’t you even think like that! We are one pride, a family! We are not running any new war, understood?”
“Come Anasa.” Threw Dhahabu in. “You will tell me what happened to you.”
Seeing Anasa’a nod Outlandress was in the same time praying that hew words were right. Also she wondered that cub’s somehow had right. Presence of both Anasa and Dhahabu was definitely good thing for exiled monarchess.
“After all it’s scary, how cynical I became.” Thought lioness, lying on her brushy bedding. “My mate is half-dead, I’m on the edge of war with my parent’s-in-law, but now I’m calculating eventual profits of kidnapping tiny cub. Well, yes… technically she kidnapped herself but…” She even stopped to think for several seconds, not knowing how express all fears inside. “Crap!” she called silently. “In the times of that Stars-dammed war it was much easier. Kovu, you got the ten times easier share!”
*
Umeme came to Golden Hall about two hours before dawn. She was as confused as Anasa few hours earlier – she had never been on Outlands before – only “war-expedition” made in that vicinity, was Simba’s raid on Elephant Graveyard, that finished with serious wounds of ruler and death of Sarafina. But Umeme was too young to participate in that. The northern side or Border River she knew only from tales.
However Golden Hall was hard to miss. Lioness went path different from Anasa’s, going more from west, but came to the same pan, to see giant termite mound. Keep was barely seen – moon had already set down and sun was still far below horizon. Umeme was tired of walking and searching on unknown area. That why her sharp senses were dimmed that time. Only because of that Kucha sneaked to her so easily.
“Ugh!” managed to gasp Umeme, when Kucha pounced on her and overturned on the ground.
Both lionesses rolled aside for several metres, meanwhile sandymaned roared to alert those in mound.
Umeme managed to threw sentry away, and stood up on four paws. But then vigilant Maitha ran out from keep and pounced on newcomer. Goldenfurred managed to shield from that charge, but in the same time Kucha attacked as well. After a moment of wrestling, Umeme was immobilised.
“Lay low!” gasped Kucha, holding goldenfurred’s head on the ground.
“Kucha… let me go!” yelled Umeme. “What are you doing…”
“What you should do as well.” Replied Maitha. “Defending my queen.”
“Girls, you don’t understand…”
“Thank you, girls.” Sounded voice from entrance of cave. Vitani exited mound and came closer to caught trespasser. She looked in eyes of Umeme – lioness noticed weariness but also a decisiveness in queen’s stare. “But you may let her go.”
“Are you sure, ma’am?” asked Maitha. Vitani nodded her head. From Golden Hall came Anasa and Dhahabu.
“You may go back.” Said Vitani. “That is nothing of your concern.”
“That’s Umeme.” Said Anasa. “It’s her, whom lady Nala sent for Dhahabu.”
“I just came here to take prince in safe place.” Gasped goldenfurred, still pressed to the ground. “There is no need to mix Dhahabu to our…”
“Coup d’etat…” proposed Vitani.
“Argument…” corrected Umeme with uncertain voice. “Ma’am, let me explain everything… Anasa!” she called, as if she just then noticed kitty at side of queen. “Why are you here?”
“Why they aren’t here.” Snorted cub, pointing with paw on south. She sounded as if she tried to copy Maitha’s decisive voice.
“Let her go.” Replied queen and Umeme was released. “Stand up!” ordered monarchess and goldenfurred instantly obeyed that order.
“Queen.” Thought goldenfurred. And her mind was flooded with thought. She didn’t want to be there. In sudden scene of night approach, fight with two guards, when two of her friends treated her as enemy, she sensed she really wasn’t on side she seemed to be. “I swore her!” thought lioness, looking on Vitani. “And they swore too. They kept their oaths, I betrayed.” Then a recollection of Tanabi came to her mind. “I love him and I hope to be with him. But what is a use of that? He is almost death and I’m just avenging on his mate… Tanabi, my king… I didn’t want do that way!”
“So, you decide to throw your masks away?” asked Vitani, looking with freezing stare of her blue eyes on goldenfurred. “But what made you think I would give you my child without fight.”
“Lady Nala wants just safety…” started Umeme, then heard as hollow sounded words in her mouth. “I believe she really wants Dhahabu’s safety.” She continued with more resigned voice. “But if you let me take prince back home, she won’t let you in, until you announce your deposition.” Vitani smiled with bitter smile, hearing that.
“Ow, I would never take that conclusion myself…” snorted queen with irony. “But your tactic of selling me that proposition is far from perfection.”
“I’m not Nala’s follower anymore.” Said Umeme silently.
“What does it mean?” asked ruler. “You take over that vengeful lot?”
“No… I want to assure you about my loyalty, towards king, prince and you, as current head of kingdom.” Umeme bowed, feeling two opposite feelings. Somehow she sensed she just had lost her chance on everything she dreamed. But in the same time she felt she did what she had to.
“I don’t want to be rude…” started Kucha with malicious tone. “But if she was loyal to Nala, when Nala had advantage, now is loyal to you, ma’am, but after she was beaten up by us, I might suspect that is not her last loyalty-shift this week.”
“My friend!” thought Umeme. “You don’t trust me and you have right. You shouldn’t, because I failed in moment of trial. But the most funny thing is that I really want to make it up!” Then she replied aloud. “You don’t have to trust my words. Just let me prove it with my deeds.”
“What we should do with her?” asked Maitha and Umeme shivered inside. Her best friend told no word directly to her. Just to all around, as if she didn’t consider goldenfurred as worthy to speak with.
“Let her in.” decided Vitani. “Alone she won’t hurt us and if she is honest, she might be helpful.”
“Ma’am, I have to say something to you. In private.” Hearing that Kucha and Maitha growled uneasy. Vitani nodded hear head.
“My queen!” gasped Kucha. “We won’t let you alone with that…”
“Go inside.” ordered monarchess. “Do you doubt I could defend myself?” smiled and showed her teeth. Uncertain lioness looked on friends and when Maitha nodded, she turned to mound.
“Come on prince, come on Anasa. Let’s rest.” Said and stepped ahead. After a moment queen and goldenfurred stayed alone in front of Golden Hall. Both lionesses were looking on each other in silence, while Vitani tried to read stare of goldenfurred. But in her eyes were so many emotions, questions and calls that it was impossible to describe that chaos. Also Umeme had problem with starting.
“Just say it, why did you came here?” hastened her queen.
“I love Tanabi.” Said finally goldenfurred.
“I guess that Rule of Challenge is valid only with males.” Replied Vitani, trying to sound ironical. In fact she discreetly stepped a step back and extended her claws.
“I don’t want to kill you.” Explained Umeme fast. “Or some part of me would like to, but I can’t.”
“I figured it out already.” Snorted monarchess. “If you wanted to, you would ask me to go in some more remote place…” Then she understood that playing with lioness was pointless, so she asked, trying to sound nice. “But… why do you tell me that?”
“Just to be honest.” Replied huntress. “I loved him since always and there was a time I hoped I would be his mate.”
“But you are still here, not with Nala.” Murmured Vitani. “Stars, at least you have some reason to disobey me, that I would understand.”
“They have their reasons too.” Said Umeme seriously. “Whatever you would do, you are Outlander. Golden Lioness and daughter of Scar.”
“My father was Prideland King!” gaped blue-eyed, but then repressed her irritation. Arguing about past was useful thing only in case that future was secured. “All right, speak on. I understand Nala’s acting.”
“And I support her with all my might.” Said Umeme to surprised queen. “I still believe that heir of Scar shouldn’t rule this… that.” She pointed on south. “…land. And moreover I think Simba was great king. But… I promised.” She turned her stare to the ground. “To you I promised my loyalty… But also I promised Tanabi I will take care of you, be your guide here. I failed it.”
“You right!” gasped Vitani. “They kicked me out, and you do nothing about it. How the hell I could know that was so terrible!?” Then she snorted and added to herself. “But I guess that queens should sense such things.” She paused for a moment and whispered even quieter. “Kovu got ten times…”
“Ma’am.” Interrupted Umeme. “Irritating me even more won’t make be return to Nala, but it is also not the best way to secure my allegiance.”
“Yeah, I know.” Nodded Vitani. “But staying with me requires few things.” Pupils of golden furred extended with amaze. “I want you to recognise Scar as your once king and swear to defend his memory.”
“You lay down any conditions!?”
“Yes.” Replied Vitani with blunt voice. “I prefer to have sworn enemy than uncertain ally.”
Umeme clenched her jaws and stayed silent for long minutes. The other way was as hard as path she had been walking earlier. Queen just asked her for say words she didn’t want to say ever. But Tanabi… “Tanabi, my love, I’m doing it for you.” Thought and said with slow voice. “All right, I swear to protect honour of Scar and Zira as once rulers of Prideland.”
“Raise your paw to the Stars!” ordered queen.
“I swear to protect honour of Scar and Zira as once rulers of Prideland.” Repeated Umeme, barely hiding her irritation. Then suddenly Vitani stepped ahead and hugged lioness tight.
“Stars!” she gasped to ear of huntress. “You even don’t know how I’m glad to have you on side.”
“I really wish to say the same.” Murmured Umeme, freeing herself from hug. “However for now I can’t.”
“Only thing I could assure you, is that Tanabi will get know of this.” Assured queen, then turned to inquiring and coldly logical tone. “But now tell me where Nala expects he to return and where she wants to intercept me.”
Two silhouettes were looking on that scene from slope of nearby mound. Those weren’t living creatures, just spectres of dead and half-dead lion. Nuka finally nudged side of Tanabi. He did it without laughter, what meant he was really surprised and serious.
“I guess that is some surprise for you.”
“I could only thank Stars that Umeme did it that way.” He replied. “After all she’s another jaw in Vitani’s party…” Then he shook his head and added with terrified voice. “Stars! Even I am talking about that split as about war!” He turned to brother-in-law. “Could you start your magic?”
“That’s not a magic, just brotherly love.” Said Outlander, but in his eyes ignited a spark of malicious laughter, that Tanabi wasn’t sure if Vitani was really safe. But then she assumed that it was just Nuka’s was to express his emotions. “But not tonight. The anniversary is tomorrow. Until then, I can’t speak with her.”
“But maybe I could…” murmured Tanabi and stepped down to Golden Hall. Nuka just shook his head with disbelief, but didn’t interfere.
Before morning Vitani dreamt about nothing in particular. But in slumber of Dhahabu came some strange vision to his mind. “My boy, you can’t let our family fight each other.” Said nightly voice. “I’m just a cub” replied Dhahabu. “But a prince.” Added voice. “You must use your privileges to carry your burden properly.”

Umeme has really surprised me in this chapter. First she's loyal to Nala, wanting to help her former queen take down Vitani and now she's sorta bowing before the new monarchess, swearing her allegiance to Scar and Zira, former rulers. But I'm wondering now, did what Umeme say was true. Would she swear her loyalties to Vitani and not to Nala or is this some elaborate scheme to gain her trust then steal Dhahabu in the middle of the night, or kill Vitani in her sleep? I don't trust her but that's just me.

Anyway this was a good chapter.

Well, as we soon will learn, even Umeme isn’t sure of that;)
Meanwhile time is getting short due to Tanabi’s state getting worse and coming time of anniversary and eventual return of Vitani to Prideland.
One new element – I didn’t resist and wrote a song. I just couldn’t express that event in prose, without getting too elevated and pathetic. I hope You will endure that piece of “almost English poetry”
*
And now something that readers who aren’t interest in political-philosophy in general and political-philosophy in my ffic, could skip.
In dialogue with Dhahabu, Msaka says about “light of reason”. It is taken from st. Thomas Aquinas De Regno (Liber I. Caput I. Light of reason – in original: <rationis lumen>). Do not misinterpret that – st. Thomas is straight empiric and that term is not assuming any a priori knowledge about the world. It’s also a way of observation, not rational cognition. Maybe it’s boosted by some supernatural means, but still it’s empirical.
That is not connected with rational inquiry!
Perhaps including some elements of rational philosophies in my metapolitical model could be justified. I could have derived such ideas from de Maistre, who in model of cognition was in fact late neoplatonic, but I think that straight thomistic views are much more proper. Take notice that in TLK rational cognition is not helping in discovering true Ordo – Scar, as most intelligent protagonist of film fails to do it, but Musafa – the dumbest one - learns it perfectly.
See: Adam Podlewski, “Tyran na Lwiej Skale”, IHUW 2007; p. 53
That’s my magister’s thesis. Because it still isn’t translated, You must believe me that I proved it properly <lol2>.
Sorry for boring interlude.

VIII. Mother’s Girl

Feeding Tanabi was main thing troubling Thamath. Unconsciousness ruler was unable to eat solid food. So shaman tried to give him blood of preys to drink. He felt very uncomfortable about that, because lionesses brought him caught game and he with Simba had to deliver blood to patient. So herbivore monkey became executioner of poor mongooses, fenecs and other creatures capable to become Tanabi’s snacks.
Also that way of feeding monarch was not perfect. Shaman understood that lion had to eat some real meal, to regain lost proteins and vitamins that only solid meat could give. Condition of king was stable… for time being. Thamath prayed that Tanabi wake up in not long than three days.
“Any change?” asked Simba, who just opened his eyes. Strange, but male lion and male mandrill became nurses of king. Lionesses just hunted and guarder Priderock, leaving to bronwmaned and mandrill duties over Tanabi.
“No, sir.” Monkey shook his head. “He is still asleep. Pulse is normal, temperature is normal… He just seems to wait for something.”
“You may go sleep.” Said Simba. “I’m on guard right now.”
Shaman instantly stood up and left royal chamber, to find some place to sleep. Simba went closer to knocked down son and checked pulse himself. Right, nothing changed. But ex-king was also aware that time of his son was limited and every day in come weakened strength of lion.
“Tanabi!” thought Simba. “You just can’t die! You are the king who will prepare our pride for the Second Drought. If you are gone… all will be wrong. And… of course I love you. I wish you rule your kingdom as king and my heir... but if you don’t return to us soon, I must allow your mother to do her job.”
Then, just as if she was summoned by too loud thoughts of her mate, Nala entered royal chamber and without a word came to Tanabi. She kneeled down next to him and for long minutes just laid next motionless ruler. She nuzzled his face with her cheek and Simba noticed a tear slowly coming down from her eye.
“He is strong.” Said ex-king. “He will return to us.”
“I’m doing what I’m doing only because I know it right and necessary.” Replied Nala. Then she looked in eyes of Simba. “You don’t believe me, right?” Brownmaned shook his head, but she continued. “You think I got back only to sting Vitani? To return match for my our exile? I can’t say I have no anger in my mind. But tell me, what is reason of this all if not Tanabi’s good? I’m just paying price he couldn’t – cleaning that last remnant of Scar’s reign. Our son couldn’t stop Vitani from bringing those ghosts back to life. But now, doesn’t matter what he decide when he will be awake – he will be also stronger. Our pride will be stronger. We no longer have to bow in front of murderer’s shadow. I just stopped Scar from winning his war four years after his death.”
“Vitani is not like Scar.” Noticed Simba.
“But she wants to be, aren’t she?” asked Nala. “And yesterday she proved that. I can’t let her in, before she curse memory of Scar and Zira, enemies of your pride.”
In short recollection Simba reminded that Vitani never ordered him to condemn Mufasa. Maybe she knew that was impossible… or maybe she didn’t see any need of that. “After all she never said we are not of her family. But Nala is right, Scar started all misery in our pride and he can’t be salute as a ruler.”
“No, I think you are doing right.” Simba came to Nala and nuzzled her cheek. “Just… I’m afraid how would Tanabi judge our actions.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Replied Nala. “I’m taking all responsibility on me. I’m just doing what good mother should.”
She tried to calm all anger in her heart, but it was too hard. When she recalled face of Vitani, in her eyes appeared also silhouette of Sarabi. Nala never found body of her mother. She also never asked Outlanders what happened near Elephant Fort. But when she imagined dead mother, sight of triumphal queen’s stare also came to her mind.
*
When queen and her retinue woke up, it was already two hours after dawn. All were sleepy and tired after events of night, but Vitani seeing how late it was, cheered them to stand up.
“How are you doing, my lady?” asked Kucha.
“Better, much better.” Replied blue-eyed. “I think I will no longer slow you down nor be the weak spot. However I must ask you to hunt for me. I have a lot to do today.” Lioness nodded her head, then asked.
“But what?”
“Something you can’t help me with.” Queen replied. “To talk every dead Golden Pride left here. Today and only today I will act as Golden One once again. But tomorrow I will be back Pridelander and we will return where we belong.” Unintentionally she raised her voice almost to shout. Even Anasa, still sleeping then opened her eyes. “That is not exactly your matter, so leave me here alone until dusk. At night we all will salute Zira, Queen of Prideland and tomorrow we will reclaim her land.” Both Kucha and Maitha put much effort to hear it with calmness, but made no comments. Vitani noticed that and addressed to lionesses. “Girls, understand me – I’m not leaving tradition of Prideland’s Line. I’m reviving it… in its all complexity.”
“As I said – I step your every pawprint.” Said Maitha. “But do not expect to praise each one.”
“But if we leave you…” asked Kucha. “What will prince and Anasa do?”
“Just…” Vitani looked on cubs. “…play somewhere here.”
“In the Outlands!?” called scarred Kucha and Maitha.
“I grew up here and I’m still alive.” Snorted Outlandress. “They will be fine. Right, my dears?”
“I guess we have no choice.” Smiled Dhahabu.
“But don’t leave paths, don’t climb on too sloppy walls, don’t enter cracks…” Started to specify Vitani.
“…don’t play with avalanches, don’t wrestle on cliffs and don’t talk with strangers if we somehow find any.” Finished prince with laughter. “Mom, I know what you mean.”
“So, now go.” Ordered queen. “I need some time for myself and my old pride.
Dhahabu nudged surprised Anasa in side then both cubs ran path uphill to leave Golden Pan. Kitty followed prince without question, however she sensed that cub had on mind something more than airy games. But she restrain herself, until they climbed on nearest hill, far from lionesses down there.
“What is going on?” asked Anasa. “Why are you in such a rush?”
“Don’t stop!” called Dhahabu, still speeding on south. “We have not so much time and lots of things to do!”
“Things like what?” yelled Anasa, jumping over peak of range and sliding down from sloppy path down. She passed next to prince, but he agile grabbed her neck with jaws and put back on route.
“Like stopping that useless war!” replied Dhahabu. “Mom needs to return home as queen and ruler. There is only way to assure this.”
“I’m afraid to ask: what it is…” murmured Anasa, running down into river direction.
“You mention me something about crocodiles…” started Dhaabu and turned back to kitty. “And said he introduced to you. I guess he is no longer <stranger> to us.”
“But still he could eat us.” Noticed Anasa.
“Yeah.” Agreed prince. “We have to do something with that.”
*
Vitani was wandering on her old home, spiritually returning to times of her cubhood. First walking among mounds, then running, she recalled pictures of old times. Few times she instinctively stopped, to let Kovu catch her. But she was no longer cub, Kovu was not there. Only mounds seemed be still the same.
Finally Vitani stopped in front of small and standing alone termite hive. It was dead inside and almost hollow. Once it served as mausoleum for Outlanders. There was no body inside, but Golden Pride saluted there all deceased ones.
Queen entered the mound and looked on first tomb there. It was just a piece of wood, taken from Border River. On log all living members of Pride made scratch to leave some trace. It was a mean to recall Hawaa, latest victim of was before Battle of Reunion. Just next to were other shrines – bones of antelope, to recall Cheka, who died on hunt. Few steps later – dried bunch of Prideland grass, taken from place where died Rama, fighting Pridelanders. And another piece of wood, found in river – to remind Amini’s death during crossing the border.
Vitani put on the ground in empty cavity. It was small piece of rock that queen kept for that year hiding from everyone, even from Tanabi. It was a shard of stone from slope of Gorge River. She extracted it from place where Zira felt to her death. Then another relic was in its place. Zira had her shrine on the Outlands.
“I hope that Kovu thought he has to somehow celebrate your anniversary in Golden Sands.” Whispered Pridelander queen. “He really wants to make all you up.” Vitani kneeled down and kissed cold piece of rock with love and with respect. Then she stood up and looked back on rest of shrines. “Are you listen to me?” asked, with no hope for answer. “I must ask you for advice. I’m in need now, because I’m again the Outlander. But I can’t leave my throne, even if it could save my life. I can’t let memory of my parents he spoiled by hatred of Nala. I will fight for my land. Please, tell me, I’m doing right thing.”
Relics were silent, but Vitani stayed there for long hours, waiting for any sign. Meanwhile she returned with her memories to every pridemate mentioned there. Recalling every face that was gone, from Vitani’s hear any scruples were disappearing. Maybe it was the real point of visiting there – to awake rage and put any regrets to sleep.
*
“Here!” called Dhahabu, seeing grey shapes lying on bend of Border River.
“Shhh!” gasped Anasa. “They could hear us!”
“I think we basically came here to talk with them.” Noticed prince, slowly going down to the beach.
“You came for that.” Replied kitty. “I’m here to save your tail from being eaten.”
They both went down on sand of river’s shore. In mud of bend they noticed a group of crocodiles, lying after midday meal and resting airily. Half-sunken, motionless reptiles seemed to be harmless and quite friendly. However Anasa knew that even good maners are not a guaranty of not being killed. That why she walked few steps after Dhahabu.
“Ow… sir crocodile…” started prince. “What was his name?” whispered a question to Anasa.”
“Msaka.” Replied scared kitty.
“Mister Msaka!” called Dhahabu again. “May we talk?”
“What?” asked reptile with low bass. He fully emerged and opened his eyes. “You are a lion!” he said with curious tone.
“I noticed that too.” Replied cub. “I’m Dhahabu, son of king Tanabi.”
He came down to level of beach, just several metres from backwater. Anasa followed him carefully and very displeased with that. If crocodile rushed in sudden charge, it was very probable that he could hit one of cubs. Although reptile were awkward outside water, on short distances they could surprise terrestrials. But Msaka looked motionless as usual, just carefully watching two mammals disturbing his nap.
“Well, well, well… I somehow had already known that.” Relied crocodile, smiling and showing his countless teeth. “I guess bravery in your family is comparable only with lack of reason. But come closer – I assure you, I respect my king and his kins.” Dhahabu made a step ahead, then stopped, uncertain. “Come, closer, my prince.” Encouraged him reptile. “Came here and I will pay you homage.”
Cub slowly entered the water and went just to crocodile. If predator wanted to catch him, it was easy and almost certain he succeeded. But Dhahabu prevailed his fear and stopped just before Msaka. He was submerged to water almost to level of back – just head was over surface. He was at crocodile’s mercy.
But despite of funny view of small cub and giant reptile, somehow Anasa sensed that it were standing future ruler and subject in front of her. Dhahabu had to be scared, but he didn’t shiver – or at least water hid that. Prince also was looking right into lazy stare or predator.
“Welcome you, my prince.” Said Msaka with his half-growling voice. “As your subject, I offer you any assistance you need.”
“Thank you, Msaka.” Replied Dhahabu and turned back to exit the water. Reptile suddenly rushed his tail and hit with it surface of water. Anasa yelled, but prince stayed indifferent. Finally crocodile raised his tail, lifting cub on it. “Thank you.” Repeated Dhahabu, when predator put him on beach.
“Now, what for you came, sir?” asked Msaka. His voice didn’t change it’s tone, so there was impossible to determine if he was addressing cub seriously, or it still was an irony. But prince believed… hoped that it was honest. Reptile slowly entered the beach.
“Have you heard about my father’s accident?”
“Yes, some rumours came here too.” Confirmed crocodile, lying himself down on warm sand of rivershore. “But king is still alive, if I understood it properly.”
“Yes, but during his illness… we have some troubles. Pride is not fully disciplined.” Msaka blinked his eyes, what could mean everything from sympathy and interest to disbelief or boredom. Dhahabu took it as encourage to continue. “My mother, Vitani, is not treated properly, as queen of Prideland. I think that some additional subject to her retinue, when she re-enter her domain would be useful.”
“Civil war?” summed Msaka. “You are too young to remember that, but I can recall how it ended last time.”
“No, no more war!” Dhahabu shook his head. “My mother have to show her strength to prevent any struggle.” Crocodile bared his teeth in smile.
“So you want me and my family to threat party of your grandparents?”
“No, I want you to secure my mother enters Prideland.” Then he added with even more decisive voice. “And keep all them calm, whatever it would take.”
“You are gambling with stakes much higher that you expect.” Said some another voice from water. Female crocodile emerged from backwater and came to shore too. “You want us – crocodiles – to interfere in lions business. That is not the way of Circle of Life.”
“Why?” Asked Dhahabu. “I ask you for nothing wrong, just to put tangled things to order.”
“But idea that some creatures other than lions could have influence on the throne is a dangerous precedent.” Noticed she-reptile. “As future ruler, you must think larger than any other.”
“So what you advise me?” asked Dhahabu with resigned voice.
“Hear yourself.” Said Msaka. “You are imbued by nature with the light of reason, and it could direct your actions, according to Circle of Life. But you just must be careful not to take own pride and self-confidence as real wisdom. But I think you could do it. What are you feeling?”
Dhahabu closed his eyes and was silent for longer while. In his mind appeared pictured of home, parents but also grandparents. And he understood that all them was right – at least in their not perfect, partial perception. Even his mother – queen, somehow missed the point of whole conflict. Dhahabu couldn’t see the whole too. But he watched another piece of puzzle. He inhaled deeply, hoping he read his path properly.
“Tomorrow on dawn.” Said cub. Or it was still a cub? Prince sounded very mature. “You will assist my mother in return. But beware – you can’t hurt any lion, except of case of self – or queen’s defence. You also can’t hurt my grandfather and grandmother under any circumstances.” Seeing that Msaka was waiting for something more, he added. “I order you, as prince and future king of Prideland.”
“So that shall be done.” Replied crocodile. “It that all, my liege? Me and my family are a bit hungry. It’s time for a hunt.”
“Good luck then.” Said Dhahabu. “See you tomorrow.” Then he turned to shocked Anasa and said. “We’re done here. Let’s back home.”
After second he sensed that he made involuntary mistake – he meant <go to Golden Hall>. It would be just a misspelling or dangerous prophecy of bad luck. But there was no time to think it over.
“You were great.” Said Anasa, walking next to prince in hall direction. “However I’m still scared.”
“Don’t say it to anyone.” Replied Dhahabu, bending to her ear. “But I am too!”
*
Sun set over Outlands, changing red-flamed landscape to darkness. Kucha and Maitha found cubs on hill and took them to one of small sources nearby, to leave queen alone. Vitani finally finished her memories in shrines and got back to Golden Hall. She entered silent chamber and stopped next to Golden Throne.
She carefully touched the trunk, recalling previous time she was there. “Almost year ago.” She thought. “With Tanabi. He helped me climb there and sit on the pine like on throne… And soon after he said he love Vitani. Ow, Tanabi… You can’t die! He had just one year... It’s much too short time.” Then she shook her head and added in mind. “No, I can’t think about him while thinking about the dead. That’s not true. He is alive and will be.”
She turned her stare up, to chimney of mound, to notice distant stars over her. Initially she hadn’t known if she should do it inside or on slope of Golden Hall. Finally she decide to be inside. She believed that her mother was looking over her all the year around from nightly skies. But that was a special night – Vitani got back to her cubhood, when she and her family was again in keep of exiled pride. Queen calmed herself, hoping to hear any voice from the past.
“Mom, I’m home.” Said with cubbish voice. It was wrong to say that – her home was Priderock, eventually Golden Sands. But she called as always she used to announce she was back from plays on Outlands. She waited for ten heart clatters for Zira’s voice, who would – with joy or anger, it depended – welcomed her in mound. But no one replied.
“I’m here.” Repeated Outlandress. “I want to ask for your forgiveness once again.” She bowed to the ground and continued. “I failed again by letting my power slip out of my paws… But I believe it happened with purpose. To remind me, who I am. I’m daughter of Scar and Zira!” she called to silence of Golden Hall. “I will no longer hide that! I inherited throne after my father, the same as Kovu inherited his title after you, mother. Whatever will happen, I will never disown you! And I will return to take my place!”

[“Inheritance” song. Tune is serious, mysterious and war-march-like. Every step of Vitani sounds as drum beat. She stands up and walks around trunk, still looking up to hole in roof. Light of moon shines on her, then she goes into shade to enter lightened area again. When she is in darkness we see as her blue eyes reflect some of light in aerie way.]
Every breath I’m breathing hard
Feel the grasp on chest and soul
Thing that keeps my thoughts apart
And still whispers mighty call
[She stops and shakes her body, as if she wants to rid of some burden on her back.]
Burden I can’t leave out free
As if my tail weights ten times me
[She moves to old bedding of queen Zira, to see shallow pan in ground with rest of brushing there. With carefulness and honours she grabs few straws of it, squash in paw and rubs it into fur of her head.]
Past that I cannot alter now
Road I’ve shamefully walked through
If I can’t get back somehow
I beg forgiveness them and you
[She bows down to the ground, closes her eyes and stays motionless for several seconds. Then raise up, opens her eyes and turn back to the centre of chamber.]
Raise from falls, don’t walk astray
Mother guide me, let me pay!
[On <mother, guide me…> she raised her right paw up. Then bolt of moonlight shines on it. She open her pawful and let rest of dust from bedding fall to the ground.]
Chorus:
From now on my every step
Will be exact print of your
Guide me now, in every hour
Up to dream that you once kept
[She starts to walk slowly to exit, followed by light from skies.]
Sure as river by its bed
Mother, hear your daughter plead
[Vitani stops in entrance of mound and last time looks inside. Then leaves.]
Second verse:
[Scene switches. Vitani goes on Outlands – still drums accompanies her steps – path uphill. In every natural feature she seems to see Zira’s silhouette. She follows every that shade to learn it’s just an illusion.]
Every dream I dreamed those years
Was a want of please your hopes
I was weak, just stopped my tears
Now dame is gone, I’m flood of those
[But then she reached peak of hill and she looks south on distant Prideland. Moon partially gets covered by clouds and his light shines on the southern side of river, showing fertile land in even more appealing presence.]
But’s not I who’ll be in pain
I won’t let them win again
[Saying <them> she raises her paw to the sky and clenches it. Extended claws cuts her pawpads and few drops of blood fall to the ground.]
For every hour I let you down
Now I will rise above our goals
There is no memory I let drown
Just see your daughter as she scores
[Vitani looks back on some rock. In her sight it turns its shape to resembling Zira’s face. With every words of Vitani’s song “Zira’s face” has more and more clear smile.]
Now I’ll break this spell to free
You’ll be finally proud of me!
[Vitani starts to run down by path to river. She stops on beach. We recognise that is the same place where Amini died. There is piece of trunk purposely dragged there as Amini’s symbolic tombstone. Vitani stops over it and touches it. On her pawpad there is still a little of blood.]
Chorus:
[She “draws” with blood few lines. After several moves we see that picture resembles Nala’s muzzle. Vitani smiles.]
From now on my every step
Is the exact print of your
Guide me now, in every hour
Up to dream that you once kept
[Queen extends her claws and carve deep crack in Nala’s picture. Then turns back to Prideland and finished her song with loud call.]
Watch in me your soul within
Mother, see your daughter win
[She freezes with paw dreadfully pointed south and few last drops of blood drips to the sand under her. Music fades away.]

This was a good chapter. It seems that Simba is trying his hardest to figure out what his son would want in this state but he also knows that he must be on his mate's side on this. Given the fact that he knows Vitani is nothing like Scar makes it all the more harder. He'll find a way. As for Vitani, at least she was able to pay respects to the dead, her friends, mother, brother, even ones she hardly remembers, except for Kovu's father of course. Dhahabu has really gotten down to giving orders but he's doing it with a cause. His mother's in danger of losing the throne and he wants the balance to be restored. But he doesn't want anyone hurt in the process so that's good. As for the song... of course you couldn't resist. Truth be told, I liked it. No, seriously, I did.

Anyway, update soon!

So Vitani will indeed rely on outside muscle to deter Nala. Given her increasingly belligerent attitude, however, she might not just settle for a return to the status quo that existed before Nala's de-facto takeover. Chances are Nala and Simba will have to start looking out for yet another tenement. But hey, that 'd at least mean they'd make it out alive... which might just not happen; Vitani is obviously hungry for blood (up to the point where she's resorted to cutting herself). That's what you get when everyone is running nuts over symbols and tradition.

So both ranks are set, time for battle… Tanabi definitely should to be quick…

Cogitor:
Maybe I’m not any of my characters, but I think that what looks like “running nuts over symbols and tradition” is more a pretext to finish some old business that two of my heroines failed to settle down year earlier…

Song:
Sorry, another song coming in. To make You up for my poor-lyrics, some classics are included;)
I put original, latin version of Dies Irae. It’s easy to find translation on most of languages, for example by wikipedia. English one is on:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dies_irae#The_Poem
(translation used in Catholic mass before NOM-reforms – most likely the best translation)
(to Polish Readers – if there are any: Nasze najlepsze t?umaczenie to te z Msza?u z roku 1931. Niestety, nie mam teksty pod r?k?. Zaczyna si? od: „Dzie? to pomsty, z której chwil?...”)

btw. Again about st. Thomas:
Taking <light of reason> as <rationis lumen> I used R. W. Dydon’s translation. I don’t know others, maybe that term is translated in different way in other versions.

IX. Warm Welcome

Day raised over Prideland with complete silence. Most of lionesses were already awaken, but still somehow feared to show awareness. Only active creature in cave – apart of Thamath, keeping guard over Tanabi – was Nala. When sun appeared on horizon, she entered royal chamber and woke up Simba, who was lying next to unconsciousness king.
“My dear…” she whispered, stroking his mane. “I must go.” Seeing he opened his eyes, but was still too sleepy to reply, she added. “Stay here with our son, we will candle ourselves. We will be back soon, I promise.”
Simba had no strength to protest – nightly guarding tired him, he also felt that Nala acted on her own and according to her own plans. If brownmaned wanted to stop those, he should have done it two days earlier. Then was the time of harvest what was planted before.
Nala bended down and kissed motionless Tanabi’s cheek, then turned back and exited chamber. She quickly woke pride and formed tight unit to march north. There wan no time nor need to hunt. That small war was about to be determined even before breakfast.
“Go!” called regentess from ledge of Priderock. Then she joined to silent ranks of lionesses. Eight huntresses of pride, led by ex-queen departed in river direction. They were observed by numerous creatures of savannah. Animals weren’t scared of being hunted, however they feared that day. Even if not everyone knew what was about to happen, every living creature there sensed scent of blood in the air. For the first time since year – another war was near.
Simba told Timon and Pumbaa to stay in Green Den whatever happened. Friends of course disobeyed that and set of on Priderock even before dawn. When they came to pride’s keep they noticed outgoing war party.
“That is not good.” Murmured warthog, looking on Pridelandresses.
“What’s a big deal.” Snorted meerkat. “They beat Outlanders year ago, so they will do the same now.”
“Are you sure those are again <Outlanders>?” asked Pumbaa, then feeling irritation of friend, added. “Right, let’s go to Simba.
Meanwhile Nala was on lead of unit, followed by Bidii and Mto. Seeing anger and slight uncertainness shown in steps of leaderess, greyfurred lioness asked.
“Ma’am, what is wrong?”
“Umeme.” Replied regent. “She should have been here already. Something happened there.”
Mto gasped with fear, following Nala’s premonition. However she couldn’t believe that Kucha and Maitha would raise their paws on lioness of pride. “No!” she thought. “It must have been Vitani herself. Only that Outlandress is capable of this.” But then she speed up, seeing that Bidii a bit outran her.
“Stay sharp!” called Nala. “We will settle it quick.”
So when ex-queen re-ordered her warrioress, Timon and Pumbaa reached Priderock. They entered empty cave to find just shaman, sleeping on doorstep of inner chamber and Simba inside. They came bedding of knocked out ruler and his father.
“Ow… murmured meerkat. “We didn’t know that is so bad…”
“Nice to see you, guys.” Welcomed them lion. “I doubt you could help… but I need just your company anyway.”
“Why Nala and others went so quickly?” asked Pumbaa. “Is that hunt?” Simba shook his head.
“No. It’s… Stars! I even can’t name that absurd… They want to stop Vitani from returning here and make her to step down.”
“Yeah! That’s good!” called Timon, jumping on Pumbaa and clapping his paws in the air. “Does it mean we are back in home for good?”
“Or for bad.” Said brownmaned. “This day could cost us dear.” Then he shook his head, as if he woke up from sleep. “But enough of that. We must do something. Call for Zazu or Tiko.”
Pumbaa (and consequently Timon, still sitting on friend’s neck) exited chamber to search for birds. Meanwhile Simba sat down next to Tanabi and started to stroke his mane, murmuring. “I shouldn’t do it, for I’m no longer king. But if you are away, I must stop that slaughter. However I still hope you suddenly wake and do it yourself.” Then from main cave lion heard loud voice.
“I have no bloody idea where that rascal is. I saw him two days ago, when he flew away…”
“Zazu!” called Simba. “Come here, quick!” Hornbill entered chamber and sat down on ground before brownmaned and his son. “You said there is no Tiko here?” bird shook his beak. “But when you saw him for the last time… Where he was flying?”
“To the Outlands, of course.” Replied majordomo. “I saw him following Vitani and…” Then blue-feathered paused for a moment and added with uncertain voice. “Or no… He was going more on east… Like in direction of Mighty Waterfall.” Simba gasped. “Do you have any idea why, sir?”
“Yakta!” called lion. “Your nephew went for reinforcements! He wants to bring Yakta, maybe even with pride of Green Valley.”
“E… Timon…” murmured Pumbaa. “You said that would be <short, victorious war>, didn’t you?”
“Well…” threw Zazu in. “If Tiko manage to bring eleven lionesses and two lions to aid Vitani, that war still will be most likely short.” And added with whisper. “But not victorious.”
“Zazu, you must fly there and negotiate the peaceful solution.” Ordered Simba. Seeing angry stare of bird, added. “I know you got the worst share, but I – thanks Stars! – haven’t any wings. So tell Yakta – if he in on way – to wait, until we reconcile Nala and Vitani. Returning here, tell Nala about Yakta. Then…” He lost any idea. “*****! Tanabi, I really need you here.”
“I know, dad!” called Tanabi, however he couldn’t be heard. His spirit was floating over his body and looking on gathered creatures. “But I still can’t return. Something is still undone… Some of you have to make decision that will allow me to wake. You must settle this yourselves!”
*
Vitani led her small retinue to the river. No word was said, because everybody knew what had to be done. Next to queen walked Umeme. She was – if that possible – even quieter than rest, however in her head thousands of voices called. She was also repeating in mind simple litany. “I’m doing what I have to. There is no other way.” But in fact she wasn’t sure what she was doing. She deflected, hearing queen ordering her. There was no guaranty that she wouldn’t do it again, seeing Nala. “It’s not right!” she gasped silently. “I’m acting because my emotions, not because of reason. But this is not love story – it’s a matter of kingdom. Stars! Help me… help me, going in whatever path I will go!”
“Dhahabu!” said Vitani with decisive voice. “I want you to stay aside of this. Take Anasa and wait on the shore.” She expected a wave of protests, but her son replied in less expected way.
“I know, mom.” He turned to kitty. “Anasa, let’s go!”
„But Dhahabu...” called queen, seeing him running faster to beach. “I meant…”
“Don’t worry, mom. We will be safe.” Replied prince and added quieter. “All you will be.”
And two cubs took a path in crocodile’s den direction.
“Ma’am?” asked surprised Kucha.
“Leave them.” Ordered Vitani. “I trust his reason.”
“So there will be no <hostage-stuff>?” asked Maitha with tone of irony.
“No, just reclamation of just rights!” snorted monarchess. “We will win only of we enter my kingdom as queen and her guards. If we hurt any of my subjects, we lose anyway, even if back on throne.”
“You can really cheer us up, my lady.” Murmured Kucha. “You will really name your son Taka?” asked with half-smile.
“If I have a son, he will be named like that. If it’s daughter, her name will be Amali.”
“Hope!” translated lioness. “I like this name much more.” Then she paused for few seconds and exclaimed with amaze. “DHAHABU! It’s means <Golden One>!” Funny, none of Pridelandresses never thought over from where than name was from.
Vitani just smiled and replied proudly. “Why did you think that Outlanders haven’t sense of humour? But being honestly – that’s very good name – it served well to my great-grandfather.”
“Whatever will happen today.” Said Maitha, mixing amusement, fear and a slight tone of admire. “You will be remembered as Prideland queen.”
“We all love villains, aren’t we?” asked monarchess and all four females burst in laughter. Maybe it was just a vent of nerves and stress before battle, but maybe something different. Vitani felt as she did something she had neglected before – get genuine contact with her subjects. She laughed with them, shared efforts with them, hoped for the same. “I was so far from them!” she yelled in mind. “Why now? Why I couldn’t understand it earlier!? Now, I know what to do to be good ruler.” She thought. “I hope that will be useful for more than nearest quarter!”
Five kilometres south of there Tanabi opened his eyes and burst with chocking coughs. Simba instantly rushed for prepared coco-shell with water and poured liquid on lips of son. King spat the water mixed with remnants of dirt that stayed in his gullet. But then he inhaled deeply and with moan he call for more to drink.
“Tanabi!” screamed Simba with burning relief. But then king coughed again in the same moment when five kilometres north his mate gasped.
“What the crack!?”
She saw the beach of Border River and then her son Dhahabu being carried by giant crocodile. Just after that pair was stomping second reptile with Anasa on its back. Six more predators walked in rearguard.
Vitani rushed without word into crocodiles direction. She pounced in the air, aiming on nearest reptile with her son. But in flight she noticed as Dhahabu raised his paw in protesting gesture.
“NO!” he called. “Those are friends!”
Queen hit the sand just before predator, still ready to attack. But <enemy> instantly bowed his head and said with low yet humble tone.
“Good day, my queen! I’m here to hear your commands.”
“Dhahabu!” yelled lioness.
“Take your son, if you want.” Said Msaka. “But he climbed on my back willingly and he’s who asked me to came here. I heard you might need a paw.”
“You…”
“I’m Msaka of Border Bend.” Replied reptile. “And this is my family. We are free creatures, but we are ready to defend out monarchess.”
“Mom, I brought them to stop the war.” Added Dhahabu.
“I’m gladly receiving your assistance, noble Msaka.” Said Vitnai with official voice. “Yes, we need some help with disciplining our disloyal subjects, who plotted against our throne. Could you join our retinue and help us enter our land as we should enter it?”
“Of course, my lady.” Replied crocodile with the same, official tone. Then he added quieter. “But lure them close to river. On savannah we will be much less efficient.” Vitani nodded.
“E… wait a second!” called Dhahabu with surprise. “What is the meaning of this. There will be no fight. You just show yourself and say you support mom!” cub ordered, knocking in Msaka’s skull.
“I suggest to fake a retreat and that way bring them to shore.” Said predator, seeming to ignore prince. “When they reach water, we will join to action.”
“NO!” screamed both Anasa and Dhababu. Male cub added. “Msaka, there will be no fight! I order you to…”
Then crocodile looked on cub and smiled with his usual half-irony.
“Right, my prince.” He said. “But tell me few things. Have you order me to help you because of some particular reason?”
“Because our land is in danger and I must guard it.” Replied Dhahabu with decisive voice. “So I ordered you as a heir of Prideland throne.”
“Well, that makes some sense.” Murmured reptile. “So you order me, because you are – due to your birth – made responsible for your land.” Cub nodded. “And you claimed that you have better knowledge and sense what is right for kingdom, because of your title.” Dhahabu nodded even with more decisiveness. “So tell me, my young lord, if I obeyed you because of that, what would make me disobey the queen of Prideland.”
“Eee…” replied Dhahabu with sudden confusion.
“Believe me – due to the same reason I listened to you, now I’m listening your mother, my prince.” Then he turn back to Vitani. “You son is smart, but you still have to work over him. Now, give your orders.”
“Just follow us, crossing the river.” Instructed queen. “When we enter the beach, stay submerged and wait, until we start. Then strike at random, until they all surrender.”
“Or die.” Replied Msaka with quieter voice. “Anyway, we do as you wish.” Then he wagged his tail to give a sign to his family. Reptiles started to enter the river.
“Mom, please, don’t do this!” yelled Dhahabu, nudging Vitani’s side.
“Why do you assume I have any choice?” replied lioness with question. “I can’t give up. I could do it as myself, but I’m also your father’s mate and your mother. I’m queen of Prideland.”
“So you can’t hurt your subject!” cried cub. “You can’t stand against grandma… You can’t stand against Anasa’s mother!”
“I have no such a dilemma.” Replied monarchess. “They stand against me.” She hugged Tanabi, but then pushed him aside with gentle, yet decisive move. “Stay here, on this shore.” She turned to Kucha, Maitha and Umeme. “Are you still with me?”
“I hate to say that, but I am.” Replied Kucha. Others nodded.
“So there will be no touching speeches.” Said Vitani. “Because of simple reason – what you do is not some feat, but your duty. You are the few who read your duty properly…” she pointed on the other bank. On range of River Hills they all noticed incoming Pridelandresses. “…when most read it wrong. But there is no time to think over what went wrong. We will, but later, when we secure at least basics of order that was broken recently.” Then she added with quieter voice. “Forgive me, I allowed on that. I will sorry you with every day of my life from now on, but we must get back home. We are not the wind of change. We are the wind of constancy, who brings the things on their places. Go, my Windies!”
To her surprise, three lioness roared with conviction, giving sound much louder than one could expect of three throats. In it sounded a tone of decisiveness and loyalty. Something grabbed heart of Vitani. “I didn’t deserve it! Stars! Let me live and make it up!”.
Retinue of queen entered the water.
*
“They are cherishing they betrayal.” Snorted Bidii with distain. She was carefully looking for Anasa, expecting to see her in first line, taken as hostage for usurper. But there was no cub in sight.
The morning was clear and sunny, however not hot. Sun shone from east-northern sky, giving savannah tone of deep green, especially even for rainy season. Air was calm and just few clouds on sky sometimes cover sun to uncover it just after. The weather was almost perfect – much too absurdly nice for day of wrath.
“Don’t worry, we will find her.” Assured friend Nala. “And we will find Dhahabu. Just let’s stop that madlioness and all will be right.”
She believed that, or at least hoped that. She took a last look on her “army”. It was eight lionesses, not counting herself. They went against Vitani and two possible traitors of pride. Ex-queen was very uneasy about that – if Outlandress wanted to fight, she had to hope for success. But how she could hope for it, with almost no force? “There must be some deceit in that.” Thought regent. “She wants to use Anasa.” Concluded and shivered inside, still uncertain how to act in such situation. But then she froze, seeing four silhouettes entering water. Not three. Four.
“Umeme…” whispered Nala.
She closed her eyes to open them again and again scan the landscape. But she was right – goldenfurred lioness was swimming just next to Vitani. In that seconds their stares crossed. In her grey eyes Nala read a fear mixed with guilt. But there was no hesitation. She seemed lost for the cause. Regentess sighed with pain.
Umeme was someone closer for her than other lionesses. Maybe close as daughter, especially after Kiara was gone. Only member of pride who so boldly disobeyed Vitani and for most time stayed with exiled ex-rulers. “She always was <against>.” Thought Nala with tone of motherly tenderness. “But Stars! Why she have to be against me now?”
“Ma’am!” called Mto, probably seeing Umeme too.
“Carry out your orders.” Murmured regent with shivering voice. “Vitani is not allowed to enter our soil.”
Pridelandresses ran thought beach and stopped on the bank of river. Msaka and others crocodiles were waiting - almost totally submerged - for Vitani’s moves.
*
Running after almost four days of coma was not as simple as Tanabi initially thought.
Hurrying, he ignored Thamath suggestion to eat something and he just set of to run, followed by Simba and Pumbaa (carrying Timon). Zazu was already in the air, flying to intercept assumed unit from Mighty Jungle. Shaman tried to run as fast as lions and warthog, but they have to overrun him and leave soon.
King was speeding as fast he could, but with any waterhole he spotted, he stopped to spit out bloody saliva from his mouth and drink. Because in rainy seasons there was many waterholes, you must get the point – generally they weren’t travelling too fast.
“Son, I will carry you.” Called Simba, seeing as Tanabi laid down to pool, coughing with blood and remnants of dirt from his throat.
“I think I’m a bit too old for that!” replied lion and submerged whole muzzle in water. After few draughts he almost jumped up on four paws and set of to farther running.
“Just thinking aloud.” Replied Simba and followed his son and king.
Tanabi that time felt a bit stronger and decided not to search for any excuses for a break. He climbed a hill from where he looked north. He cursed his lost eyes, because his visual imparity really disturbed his ability to estimate distances. So he had no idea, how much more he had to run.
“Go, faster!” hastened Simba and jumped ahead.
He wanted to jump over tree trunk, lying on grass. But as we noticed before, with just one eye he couldn’t judge distanced properly. Despite of almost year of his injure, he often forgot about that. More of those cases were very painful.
“Tanabi!” called scared Simba, coming to lying son.
King opened his eye to learn that he hit with muzzle into trunk and overturned. Bronwmaned helped to stand up and said.
“Maybe we’ll try…”
“Dad, they will see me!” gasped redmaned, but then he turned his stare to the ground. “But… if you take me for a while and we stop before hills.”
“Of course, my boy.” Said Simba and lowered his body. King uncertain climbed on parent’s back.
*
Vitani sensed a bottom under her paws, so she based on it. She was fording ahead, slowly emerging from water. She heard as Umeme at her side also touched the ground. On beach already waited a welcome-party. Nala was on lead.
“You shouldn’t have come here.” She shouted. “You chose our Outlands as a home, so be consistent!”
“I have two homes.” Replied lioness. “Place where I was born and place where I’m queen.”
“Ow, you go straight to the point.” Smiled Nala with bitter smile. “I hoped for little more courtesy. But very well – as a regent of Prideland I forbid you to enter the land, unless you return prince Dhahabu here and promise to drop any action offending our pride.”
“Only action offending pride is disobedience!” growled Vitani.
“Grandma!” called Dhahabu from the other side. Heart of queen froze – she wondered if her son was determined enough to warn Pridelanders about ambush. But no, he tried something different. “Let mom in!”
“Ow, Dhahabu!” replied regentess. “You are all right…” she sighed with genuine relief, then added. “Should I let her exile me again? You know what means if she rule again. But don’t worry, you are my prince anyway.”
“Let her go!”
“Sorry, my boy. I must do what I have to. Let her enter if she is able too.” Said Nala with sad voice. Then she looked on Vitani with anger.
“All pleasure is mine.” Growled blue-eyed.
Let me explain few things. Vitani was pregnant since over a week, but just then her body accustomed to it. Her organism accepted new hormones and started to act like it should to secure another life inside lioness. So what was a weakness just few days back, then become an advantage. She got a natural boost from body who was already working for two beings, but was not exploited as it could. Tiny, unborn daughter of Vitani was much to small to engage much of lifeenergy of mother. However mother was already switched to pregnant mode of additional effort. In those few days female was stronger and more endure than usual. However her psyche was also already prepared for motherhood – she acted in interest of her and her child, ready to do anything to secure her cub proper life. Also mind deluged with hormonal flood was more hasty and erratic than cold-blooded reason of lioness usual. That made Vitani gifted warrioress. With all benefits and consequences of it.
“Stop me, if you could.” She growled even lower. “For I am your queen, I order you to step aside!”
“Mom, no!” yelled Dhahabu from the other bank.

[“Day of wrath” song. Verses sing with dramatic and fast tune. Voices of both Nala and Vitani are angry and determined. In background we hear a mixed choir of “Dies Irae” lines. It’s accompanying verses. It’s not part of song – just we hear it from off-screen.
“Dies Irae” with lyrics of Thomas of Celano. Sing with no specially known interpretation (Verdi’s is too slow, Mozart’s is too fast), juts imagine your own.
Vitani is slowly coming out from water, Kucha, Maitha and Umeme follow her shortly after. We see hidden crocodiles, ready to enter the scene. Nala waits on beach in centre of lionesses line.]

Vitani declaiming, when tune is fading in:
There is no point to talk
The rule's meant to be shown
If they can't see the crown
They have to taste queen's claw!
[“No, mom! Stop!” calls Dhahabu from northern bank.
“Sorry, my dear.” Replies queen with gentle voice, then backs to grave recitation.”]
The majesty is carried
Not only by king’s voice
If they can’t bow to rights
Let bow before the force!

[Actual song starts. Choir in background. Vitani stops in shallow water (reaching her knees), just in front of Nala. They measure each other with sight.]

[Choir:
Dies irae, dies illa
solvet saeclum in favilla
teste David cum Sibylla.]
Vitani:
Is not me, who shows the claws
Is not me, who bares the fangs
But the queen who does the thing that queen should do

[Nala is looking on Vitani. Then – in her mid – scene shifts to some recollection. Year before – Vitani is standing over Nala in heat of Battle of Reunion (Scene from SP: “Where's your pretty daughter, Nala?” then pounces on enemy. But then Nala closes her eyes and when she opens them again, she back see the reality – beautiful morning year after.]
[Choir:
Quantus tremor est futurus,
quando iudex est venturus
cuncta stricte discussurus.]

I’ve no right to let you go
Unless you made homage bow
Is not my will to fight or die, nor to hurt you
[But she made step ahead and again closes her eyes. After a while she looks on queen once again. That is no longer Vitani, but Zira, grinning with hatred on hated Pridelander. Nala growls, but this dispels an illusion.]

[Choir:
Tuba mirum spargens sonum
per sepulchra regionum,
coget omnes ante Thronum..]

It is not private insult
It’s not revenge here about
But you hurt me - as your ruler - to the core

[They both pounce each other and clash in the air. They fall on the sand, rolling aside. We see Dhahabu and Anasa screaming from the other bank, but no one reacts to this. Kucha, Maitha and Umeme exit water too and engage with rest of pride.]

[Choir:
Mors stupebit et natura,
cum resurget creatura,
iudicanti responsura.]

So the duty guides my paw
I’m reclaiming the control
That belongs to me and I have to stand for
[After few blows with pride, three queen’s guardians disengage and form a circle around Vitani and Nala, still wrestling. Pride tires to break it and help regent.]

[Choir:
Iudex ergo cum sedebit,
quidquid latet apparebit,
nil inultum remanebit.]

1st chorus, Vitani:
Stand for what is surely mine
The place where I was assigned
Step away or fight the powers of the law
And they judge as the one who now should bow
[Both lionesses managed to grab each other’s neck but both are holding tight on maximum distance, making impossible the slash of throats. They wrestle, but Nala is get weaker with every seconds – the age shows in her.]

[Choir:
Quid sum miser tunc dicturus?
Quem patronum rogaturus,
cum vix iustus sit securus?]

Second verse, Nala:
[Bidii breaks the circle of Kucha, Maitha and Umeme and with one blow frees Nala]
So you speak about your reign
But I ask you to explain
What have to do with laws your breaking now?
[Bidii is engaged by Umeme and queen again charges on regent. However that time Nala is more self-confident.]

[Choir:
Rex tremendae maiestatis,
qui salvandos salvas gratis,
salva me fons pietatis.]

With no respect to our lore
Spiting on the ones before
Sitting on the place you stole my kins somehow
[They roll down to the river and Nala gets superiority, slashing enemy few times. They entered river.]

[Choir:
Iuste iudex ultionis,
donum fac remissionis
ante diem rationis.]

Stranger, breaker of our peace
Aren’t you enough of this
Bringing ghosts of war and murder’s shame?
[Nala tried to drown queen, but suddenly sees as Vitani just smiles, still wrestling. Regent turns back to see charging crocodile.]

[Choir:
Confutatis maledictis,
flammis acribus addictis,
voca me cum benedictis.]

With a shade of father’s guilt
Only aim - blood to be spilt
You have to be stopped as must be flame
[She avoids reptile’s jaws by centimetres and jumps aside. But then another crocodile charges. Seeing that, all Nala’s party runs to water to help leader.]

[Choir:
Oro supplex et acclinis,
cor contritum quasi cinis,
gere curam mei finis.]

2nd chorus:
Go away from place that’s ours
I will weed you out from flowers
Step away or fight the force
That will judge the bane of yours

[Finally battle turns to stalemate – crocodiles form circle around Nala’s lioness, they form circle around Kucha, Maitha and Umeme, who stand in triangle. Inside triangle are fighting Nala and Vitani.]

[Choir:
Lacrimosa dies illa,
qua resurget ex favilla
iudicandus homo reus.]

[Lionesses raise her paws and in the same time start he fatal blow to each other.]
[Music cuts out.]

A warm welcome?

Well I think Nala gathering eight Pridelanders to make sure Vitani doesn't re enter the lands is bit of an understatement. Or is it an overstatement?

Well anyway, Vitani is returning to the place of her birth, the lands she now rules. Nala is just itching for a fight and she's got it but it seems Umeme has switched sides, something I can tell that Nala is not pleased about.

Good news is Tanabi has woken due to Vitani actually talking with Kucha and Maitha not just as subjects but as lionesses. Talk about something missing! Well he's awake and maybe he can stop the brewing conflict before someone looses their life.

Good chapter, update soon!

Well, there could be only one winner – Nala or Vitani. Or there is some other solution, unexpected by both heroines?
Maybe, it’s not most surprising end, but still…
(last chaper and soon here will be an epilogue)

X. Winds of Constancy

In mixed Green and Migthy Prides there was a spontaneous order. Both tribes (if we could count Yakta and Kwini as an actual pride) ordered themselves in two columns – in front was going new rulers of Mighty Jungle, then Greenlanders with Jino and Spotty on front. Group was exhausted, yet still speeded with all its might. It was a fortunate coincidence that whole Green Pride was visiting in Mighty Jungle, where Tiko found them. Only because of that they manage to get to Pridelands so quick.
Spotty was in advanced pregnancy, but she demanded to go anyway. Jino was initially against that, but – let’s tell it honestly – he just couldn’t resist his mate, who seemed to fear more about her once queen and friend that on own and cub’s health. Yakta said that helping Vitani is his duty and Kwini had nothing to do with that. Mighty Queen nodded with serious face, agreed with mate, but went anyway. Maybe it was some shadow of newest tradition of Golden Pride where females had much more influence than it was conventional among other kingdoms.
The real guide of group was Tiko, who decided not to return to Prideland nor Outland, but serve with his abilities to marching unit. Thanks to his flying, he could point the easiest way for lions. In jungle it was crucial for tempo of journey. Jino also asked hornbill to stay ready for recon he would make just before entering Prideland.
“We must be prepared for everything.” Said king. He was entitled <king> since events seven months earlier. When Horen died, standing for Green Pride, in fight with rouges young prince proved his maturity – what confirmed both queen and lionesses. So when he took Spotty as a mate, Chanua decided to step down and let her son rule with new queen at his side. Queen-mother chose her well deserved rest, just helping son with advices and her wisdom.
“In fact you could send him even now.” Noticed Chanua, when they were crossing Border River on rock of Mighty Waterfall.
“Yeah, right…” nodded king, standing of Prideland shore. “But actually he isn’t my subject.” He turned to Yakta. “Ya, ask him to scout for us.”
”I would like to, but it is not my subject as well.” Replied redmaned. “He is advisor of Vitani’s pride.”
“Stars sake!” gasped Tiko, floating over them. “So I will sent myself, hoping I didn’t break any sacred rule.” He landed on Yakta’s back and with sarcasm faked <attention-pose>. “Turn west!” he called with ordering voice to himself. “Fly ahead!” commanded and sprang into air.
“Vitani should discipline that insolent bird.” Murmured a bit confused Yakta.
“Leave him alone, Ya.” Snorted Spotty, jumping from rock to beach of Prideland. “If not him, we even wouldn’t have known about all that mess.” Then she turned back. “Mom?” asked and raised her paw, trying to help Chanua, just making her last jump.
“Easy, my child.” Replied queen-mother, smoothly landing on sand next to daughter-in-law. “I’m not so old… It’s rather you who should be careful.”
“She didn’t mean it, mom.” Said Jino. “She is just worried about…”
“Look!” called Kwini, pointing ahead and a little up.
Both prided turned their stared there, to see two points in the air, performing a strange dance. One of objects was green and in general resembled Tiko, while the other… resembled Tiko too in every feature except of blue feathers. Spotty recognised Zazu in second bird.
“Are they fighting?” asked a bit confused Yakta.
“Some kind of family-disagreement.” Replied Spotty. “I guess now it’s common plague in this land.”
They ran closer to see nephew and uncle falling down, still in wrestle and letting themselves loose just above the ground. Then birds flew away, most likely to gain impetus for another charge.
“Stop!” called Yakta with decisive voice. “What the heck is happening here!?”
“It’s too late!” yelled Tiko. “Pride deposed lady Vitani.”
“Could we talk about that?” asked Zazu, already panting after that short skirmish. “My boy, you seriously misunderstood me and what…”
“Traitor!” screamed Tiko and rushed against uncle. Yakta – with one agile move – grabbed him in paws and press to the grass.
“Wait, Tiko.” He ordered. “Let him speak.”
“It’s all over.” Said Zazu with shivering voice. He landed on Chanua’s shoulder, most likely seeking a save place form rage of Tiko. “Lady Vitani stepped down, leaving all her powers to Simba. She moved to Outlands and…”
“He lies.” Murmured Kwini. “He is playing for time.”
“That is an insult, my lady.” Snorted blue hornbill, but his tone was very uncertain.
“…for our intelligence!” replied queen. “So if that is all already settled down, you most likely have nothing against we run to check it out?”
“That is not necessary, my…” started bird, but in the same time both prides set of to run. Only Chanua stayed with hornbill on her shoulder.
“Whatever it looks, I’m not so old.” Said queen-mother. “I will rush there too. You have ten seconds to take off.”
“That’s not good…” murmured mayordomo. “Simba will not be plea…” In that moment he fell down, overturned by inertia, while old lioness jumped ahead to catch her family.
*
Tanabi call Simba to stop and they both fell on grass. Ex-king was panting heavily. In spite he said nothing (maybe he said nothing due to be winded), he was glad that his effort was over. There was a huge difference between carrying Tanabi as a cub and as mature lion that weighted only slightly less than Simba himself. To ex-king’s mind came an absurdly sounding, however very rational thought. “If not that he is very fasted after his illness, I wouldn’t lift him!”
“Right, dad.” Said redmaned. “Now I will walk… run my own.” Hearing exhausted pants of father, added. “Stay here, I will deal with that.” Then he rushed to the river.
*
The battle cries drowned to sound of slashing water and general chaos. No one knew what was happening, because in rough river they didn’t see enemy. Crocodiles – almost totally submerged – were hidden threat. Lionesses of Nala’s party were hitting surface of water at random, hoping to hit any of foes. Meanwhile the duel of once and current queen was still far from be settled.
Vitani was stronger and better in martial arts. But she also already had taken few heavy blows from her own subjects. Circle, or triangle, made by Kucha, Maitha and Umeme was far from tightness. From time to time one of Pridelandresses breached it and attack at random, sometimes hitting queen.
But Nala was far from perkiness. That fight was different from one year earlier. That year weakened lioness’s strength and abilities. After just few minutes of wrestling she was already on the edge of winding. She understood she had to break out free before it would be too late.
“Not so fast!” cried Vitani and grabbed Nala’s neck.
Nala did the same, in last second hugging enemy tight, preventing her from slashing her arteries. So lionesses started a wrestling, based on rear paws, trying to choke each other. It looked as if they were in intimate and tender hug. In that moment came king.
Tanabi wanted to think, but he understood he had no time. So without hesitation he pounced from cliff to the river. He estimated his jump badly, landing on crocodile’s tail. With incredible dose of luck he managed to maintain balance when Msaka backed his aching tail. Then king rushed ahead, knocking down three fighting lionesses – Bidii and Mto were holding Umeme, but after charge of king they all fell to water.
Tanabi bounced from bottom, flew into air and hit the surface just next to mate and mother. In first impulse he grabbed them both in his grasp. Then cried with all his might.
“PRIDE!”
“TANABI!” called in the same moment Nala and Vitani.
Umeme emerged from underwater, expecting fatal blow from one of her friends. But that hit haven’t come – two lionesses over her froze, looking in king who had returned.
“I’m so happy to see you…” shouted Tanabi, still hugging Nala and Vitani. His grasp was so tight that lionesses had to let each other loose. “…still alive.” Added king with angry murmur. But then called aloud again. “So you’ve done well while I was sick…”
Nala’s lionesses with clear shame on faces stepped back, out from Kucha, Maitha and Umeme. Three queen’s guardians stood up on paws, coughing due to effort. In that moment Tanabi felt that something was wrong. One of his paws was based much higher than the other, however it should be just opposite due to shape of river’s bed.
“Ow, I’m terribly sorry.” Said king, stepping down from head of crocodiless.
“It’s nothing, my lord.” Replied Msaka’s mate, fully emerging.
“So, I’m happy to see you in such a cordial terms!” called king. He was still bended to ears of Nala and Vitani, however he was screaming for whole pride to hear him. Maybe it was good for other lionesses, but once and current queen were on the edge of deafness. “I feared for some arguments during my indisposition, but I was very wrong.”
Meanwhile Simba got to the hill and noticed scene in front of him. He also saw Anasa and Dhahabu on the other side of river.
“Sir!” called kitty with laughter.
“Dad!” cried prince with relief.
“Yes, I’m here.” Replied Tanabi. “Dad!” he addressed Simba. “Come here and join your hearty team.”
“Make formation!” they heard Yakta’s orders. “We break to the king and draw back. Get him away from that.”
“Wait!” called Tanabi, turning his head east. However he was still holding his mother and Vitani, just in case one of them had some stupid idea to use his unawareness. “Nice to see you all, but what for is that rush?”
“Aren’t you dead?” asked Yakta with a little confused stare.
“Guess!” Replied king with broad smile. “Third time luck.”
“Sir!” sighed Spotty with replied, but she put in that much of formality, as if it was still her king. “I mean… Tanabi. Thank Stars you’re all right. But…”
“…what is the meaning of all this?” finished Jino, pointing on Prideland lionesses, standing in water, covered in mud and blood from few scratches.
“A…” started Nala. She quickly estimated force of Vitani’s allies and started to think about some kind of treaty.
“A…” started Vitani. She understood that telling the truth then would put her reign on awful light.
“An old custom.” Said Tanabi. “A ritual of water. According to the old tradition of Golden Pride. Right, my dear?” he looked on Vitani.
“Yes. I mean…”
“You see.” Interrupted king. “I know it looks strange but that ceremony was designed on desert, where is no so many water. It could look weir in river…”
“I heard your queen was deposed, while you was sick.” Said Chanua carefully.
“Who said that?” asked Tanabi, laughing nervously. Greenlanders and Mighters looked on each other with uncertain stares. Then Tanabi let Nala and Vitani loose and stepped few steps to newcomers. However he was still carefully looking on mother and mate. “Ow, you took the official welcome of queen as some disagreement?”
“Welcome?” asked Nala with surprised voice.
“Yes.” Gasped Tanabi quietly that only his mother and Vitani heard him. “Or maybe you want explain it all yourself?”
“No, you’re doing fine.” Said ex-queen carefully.
“So there is no problem at all?” asked Chanua with suspicious voice. King shook his head.
“But Tanabi…” started Yakta. “Aren’t sir Simba and lady Nala were meant to stay in Green Den? I guess they broke the edict.” Vitani wanted to nod, but king instantly extended his tail and put it on mate’s chin. She froze.
“But it was emergency situation. Let me explain.” Replied Tanabi. Then turned to mother and mate and hissed. “Wash away that dirt! Guests are watching.” After signs of leaders – Nala and Vitani, both groups – then already mixed – started to discreetly clean themselves from the mud. Meanwhile king went away from water. “So, as you most likely know, there was an accident on Priderock and I was knocked down for few days. But it’s not the point. My parents had to enter kingdom’s soil in order to get to Outlands.”
“I bet there is some roundabout way.” Murmured Spotty. She added louder. “For what the heck they want get into Outlands?”
“To salute memory of Zira and Nuka.” Said Tanabi with easy and certain voice. Nala and Vitani gasped in confusion, but king’s tail made another wag, gently hitting lips of both. “Yes, they were going to the Outlanders shrine, but they didn’t get on time, because they had to stay and keep watch over me.”
“No coup d’etat?” asked Yakta.
“Sir!” yelled both Zazu and Tiko in the same time.
“It was as I said.” Concluded king. “More or less.” Seeing surprise on faces of Mighters and Greenlanders added. “To make sure you haven’t come in vain, let’s go on Priderock. There you will feast with our pride, I will officially introduce you my heir and we will talk about old, good times.”
“While enjoying new, good times.” Murmured Spotty, still sensing some masquerade in the air. Whatever was playing Tanabi, he was doing it without help of his pride – lionesses and Simba were shocked and lost as newcomers.
King turned back to Pridelandresses and ordered. “All right, you must be quick. Mto, lead the hunting and get some decent game for our gests. All right?” Lioness nodded her head. “So go!” But then he noticed as Nala and Vitani set of to follow the hunting team too. “No, you two will stay at my side.” Murmured with harsh voice, but then finished with softer tone. “My dears… Dad, lead the guests home.” Asked Simba.
“Home?” asked Vitani. “But edict is still valid, so they can’t…”
Tanabi came to her and interrupted her with kiss. Then whispered with decisive voice. “Don’t upset me today. Don’t upset them. Can’t you see mom and dad came here to honour your mother and brother.”
“You let them in?” yelled queen.
“You let them in.” replied Tanabi. “Willingly!” added, stressing that word. “And we won’t exile them again. You already know, that exiling is very nasty acting.”
Queen wanted to say something, but quick look in her mate’s eyes cut every her opposition. “As you wish, my love.” Said with resigned voice.
“Mom! Dad!” Dhahabu – who had been just taken from other side with Anasa on Msaka’s back - ran to parents and pounced on Tanabi. Of course king, due to his partial blindness failed to catch him on time and cub hit monarch with all his weight. Then both fell down and prince instantly jumped aside, with lowered ears and words of apologies locked on lips. But Tanabi just burst with laughter.
“All right, that about warm welcome. But let’s go home. Take Anasa and head back on Priderock.” He stood up and looked on hunting team, just vanishing of range of hills. “They went hunt, so we could set of to our keep. Yakta, Jino, take your prides and follow us!”
So they started south. Tanabi and Simba carrying Dhahabu and Anasa were on lead, then were going lions and lioness from friendly prides. The retinue was closed by Nala and Vitani, walking few steps after them. Initially between them was a space of cold and silent air, but walking in distance about metre from each other and saying nothing for more than few minutes is really hard task to do. So finally Nala said quietly.
“So what now… should we apologise each other?”
“I guess we should.” Nodded Vitani. “But give me some time. I have to order few things in my head.” Nala gladly agreed.
*
Simba and Tanabi did much to guide guests slow and in very roundabout way to give huntning team more time for action. But after about two hours they came to Pride Massif. In that time Nala and Vitani exchanged about ten sentences directly to each other. Fortunately Tanabi noticed problem of mate and mother and sent Dhahabu with Anasa to buffer between them. Young prince managed to do it properly.
On Priderock both lionesses had some work with giving guests places to rest in main cave, so it kept them busy for a time. Then came huntresses and queen with queen mother had to divide meat in portions.
“I see you claws are very sharp.” Said Nala, seeing her daughter-in-law slashing piece of zebra’s haunch. “How have you kept them in that state while wandering on Outland’s rocks?”
“Outlander’s secret.” Replied queen. Then they both burst in laughter. Nervous, very uncertain, however honest. In that moment Vitani sighed inside and concluded she could turn her back on Nala if it was necessary.
Meanwhile Tanabi found Umeme who was serving among guests and delivering meat for two royal couples. He nudged goldenfurred in side. “May we talk, Umeme?” Lioness jumped, scared by that sudden approach.
“Of course, my lord.” Replied, when she turned her head to king. In her voice one could sense fear.
They went to royal cave. Then only Thamath was there, looking on sketch he made on wall. He was painting some additional lines on it and looking on effect with amaze.
“Sir!” he called, not turning his stare from picture. “I found it! The premonition I had was connected with lady Vitani and was about…”
“It’s good to know it on time.” Smiled monarch. “But now, my friend, go with your prophecies to our guests.” Ashamed shaman exited chamber, murmuring something quietly. When he disappeared behind the corner of corridor, Umeme asked with shivering voice.
“So why have called me, my lord.” When king was silent for a while, she added impulsively. “I know! I betrayed you… I joined Vitani only after…”
“You were with her when it was most important.” Interrupted her Tanabi. “But I don’t mean it.” Umeme turned her stare even lower to the ground. “While I was out… I wasn’t totally away.” Explained king awkwardly. “I mean I heard some things… and felt some too.”
“Forgive me, my lord…” cried lioness.
“No, that is you who should forgive me… if you think I deserve for that.” Said Tanabi seriously. “I’ve very sorry, I’m happy with Vitani and I doubt if anything could change it.”
“I never…” started Umeme, but then stopped and added with sobbing voice. “All right, I did have some hope.”
“I also saw that you acted with your best intentions.” Assured her Tanabi. “What why our talk today is even harder for me. You’ve done great thing that proved your nobility. You did it against yourself. Just because…”
“I love you, Tanabi.” Threw lioness in. But then, surprised by own courage, added instantly. “But know my limits and I won’t go any further. I will speak with sir Yakta. I think he will accept me in his newfound pride…”
“No!” called Tanabi. “I never suggested…”
“That will be easier, my lord.” Replied Umeme. “At least for me. If you need me here, I will stay, but if you let me go…”
“I’m very sorry that it came this way.” Said king. “And I’m very sorry that I’m unable to thank you.”
“Just… be happy.” Replied lioness, barely repressing tears. “That’s good for a start.” But then she turned to exit. “Come, my lord, they are waiting for you.”
Indeed, they were.
The meal was over and two – or three, depends who counts – prides was impatiently waiting for official Dhahabu acclamation. Prince was presented as king’s son just after he was born, but that way was an opportunity to introduce him as future ruler. And for something more.
“My dear?” Vitani asked Tanabi, who just was exiting royal chamber with Umeme. She didn’t notice any emotions on faces of mote and subject, but most likely due to own confusion. “Could you say it again, if you are sure?”
“What?” asked surprised king.
“We wont send your parents to Green Den again?” asked queen with curious voice.
“Shhh!” gasped Tanabi. “Not so loud!” he came closer to mate and whispered to her ear. “Of course, we won’t!”
“So let’s sent there Dhahabu.”
“E…?” asked lion in disorientation.
“No, I mean let’s announce that Green Den is his official keep. He won’t be there, of course, but you know… title <Prince of Green Den>…”
“It was <Prince of the Great Green Hole and its Nearest Vicinity> if I recall it properly.” Said king and Vitani smiled.
“So, you’ve got my point. We will make it tradition. Just to give Tiko some aerie sounding title.”
“Sounds good to me.” Nodded king. “So shell we?” he stepped ahead few steps, but then stopped and looked back on mate. “But call my parents too.”
“I was sure you would think about it.” Sighed queen.
Few minutes later king, queen, king-father, queen-mother, prince and Thamath entered the ledge, while prides gathered below it, waiting for the ceremony. Shaman had to improvise some short speech, but no one knew that it was improvised, because lioness and lionesses were sure it was an ancient tradition, taken from Prideland or Golden Sand, not from Thamath’s head. Finally mandrill lifted paw of prince (who was much too heavy to be lifted himself) and called.
“Prince of Green Den!” gathered lioness and lions replied with collective roar.
“Now, they will gave another cheer for us, as a concordant family, as we are!” murmured Tanabi to ears of Nala and Vitani. Then added with even quieter voice. “We won’t talk about it more… But I warn you – if you do me another such a prank, pray I’m dead for good!” Then he hugged mother with one and mote with other paw and roared. A audience’s roar replied to him. So he let his beloved lionesses loose, but make sure they were still hugging each other.
“Good.” Murmured king. “Stay that way for a while and wave. Wave I said! They have to see you as loving daughter and mother in law.” And he left them, going to Dhahabu.
Lionesses – as they were told – stayed in that position, waving with free paws to group below ledge. Finally Nala didn’t resist and asked with whisper.
“Vitani… could we… after all what happened, still be a loving family?”
”I have no idea, mom.” Replied queen. Then they noticed as Tanabi gave them a careful look. “But I guess we have no other option.”