Official Words

[[This will be taking place at the same time as "He Kept a Promise" so Nyima and Sakitu can catch up while the adults talk.]]

The proud mother had watched fondly as daughter and son were reunited, and she would allow them time to bond again. Nyota's attitude was relaxed when Ismahel had finally joined the small family - if they could even be called that. Theirs would never be a traditional family, but they were connected regardless, and she offered a respectful nod to the lion to indicate she wished to speak to him, away from little ears.

It still felt wrong to deprive the siblings of each other, they had seemed so happy to see each other again, and Nyota frowned once the two had disappeared from sight to play in the safety of the jungle. "It is my deepest regret that the cubs cannot see each other more often." Her words were sincere, her mismatched gaze cast downward at the earth below as she shook her head. She had mulled it over every day for months, and it had gnawed away at her conscience. "I do hope you will all forgive me, someday."

Still, it was not the most pressing issue that the two monarchs faced, and she would soon change the subject to more official matter. "We remain safe from Scar's grasp in the Lowlands, for the time being. It is a wonder he does not want these lands, but perhaps he is too proud to leave his own as they fade into obscurity." Here she paused for only a moment to inhale a deep breath. What if this surprise visit was more than just that? What if Ismahel's pride was in danger? The other monarch would not allow this, for the safety of the Coldlands ultimately meant the safety of her own son. "What is the current situation in the Coldlands?"

Part of Nyota was glad that Ismahel seemed already to have forgiven her, but the queen herself had not yet done so. Her lies haunted her, even if the ends justified the means. Even if Ismahel was content with his son, which Nyota assumed he was, for Sakitu was a fine lad, he had been tricked, and the queen held remorse for her actions. "I hold nothing against you for taking our son. He belongs in the Coldlands." But Nyota let the subject drop there, grateful that the two monarchs could at least see eye-to-eye. This was a comfort to the queen's restless mind.

A sigh parted Nyota's lips when she learned that Ismahel's kingdom remained safe. It was far from the Pridelands, so the news was not terribly surprising, but in this day and age, one could never be too careful. "It is my sincerest hope that you will remain safe, as well. If the worst should happen, please send for my assistance. You have the entire jungle pride at your disposal, should it come to that." She wondered what pride was suffering because of Scar. Most likely, it was only his own pride, and she felt a pang of sorrow for the lionesses who remained in the once great lands. Then, something else occurred to her, and she was even more glad that Ismahel had come. "One of your lions has been causing trouble for us. Shinikizo, I believe his name is? He tricked one of my girls into giving him a litter, then came and took two boys by force." Undoubtedly, Ismahel knew of Jabari and Ziko already, and Nyota continued. "There was something about the lion I do not trust. Be wary of him. Keep a close watch on him."

The queen was further relieved to hear that her son enjoyed the kingdom that he would someday inherit, and the smile on her maw was spread practically from ear to ear. Her own memories of the Coldlands were not particularly fond, for the climate there was not agreeable for someone who was accustomed to the tropical sweltering heat of the jungle, but perhaps Nyima would like the snow, as well. It was in her blood, after all, and Nyota would never deny her daughter that. "If you wish for a visit in return, you will have it, Ismahel. Nyima has grown listless in Sakitu's absence. I believe the journey would do her good," she commented with a nod.

Hearing of her only son's progress in the mountains gave Nyota a rare semblance of peace, but she contained her emotions as she had been trained to do. All was well, and that was all that mattered. She was glad to hear that Ismahel would keep a closer eye on Shinikizo, for she was certain the lion could not be trusted. Little did she knew how right she was. "In the end, I suppose I should be grateful for our wandering subjects. Three of their litter are here, and they are lovely cubs. I will not try to predict the future, but Nyima may have a fine mate in the future in the third male, Upendo." Would Jabari and Ziko have fared better in the Lowlands? There was no telling, but their ill-fated parents would both meet a swift end soon, leaving five cubs orphaned.

"I will do my best to bring Nyima to your kingdom. I don't believe she has ever strayed beyond the jungle. We keep a close eye, though it has been years since our war has ended." Protective was an understatement. Nyota had every intention to take Nyima to visit the Coldlands, but none could imagine what would happen next. In light of Shani's impending attack, it would not be likely that the princess would be leaving the jungle any time soon, for fear of safety. But for now, it was a nice enough thought, and Nyota was relieved beyond description for the amicable atmosphere between the two. "Your journey must have been a long one. Would you care to enter the jungle to drink?" Unaccompanied, it would not be wise to enter, but Nyota had no issue with Ismahel being present. He had his own kingdom, his own legacy, and she was confident he had no desire to take hers.