Post by Elimnyama on Apr 9, 2007 12:03:20 GMT -5
Summary: Queen Waset and King Elimnyama encounter King Mizuka for the first time. They discuss relations between the prides, the Tyne royals express their heartfelt gratitude to Kivuli and request an escort back to Tyne.
[Kivuli] Mountain Cavern
[IC ] Kijana
[IC ] Mizuka
[IC ] Amahl
[IC ] Elimnyama
[IC ] Stara, little princess
[IC ] Waset, The Barbary Queen
The dark king of Tyne is lying off to the side in the main cavern, looking weary and on edge. He looks to have aged several years since his arrival in Kivuli only a few nights ago. His black mane hangs in tatters about his face which, in spite of obvious physical and mental misery, is still rapt with attention that's focused on the sleeping Waset and cubs. The dead cub has been removed from the corner where Tumbuiza placed it to be close to the family - presumably by Elim', although who knows where he might have taken it. After a few long minutes of silently watching his mate, the tall lion raises his head and cracks a few kinks from his neck with a low groan of discomfort.
Stara has connected.
She's been in and out of consciousness. Here and there. And once Waset came close - very very close - to slipping away from the mortal world into what lies after, to join with the Great Kings high above. But she didn't. Elimnyama has been correct in knowing that his barbary mate is strong.. and strong willed. In the end, she refused to give in to the temptation that death whispered in her ear. Waset comes to once more and for the first time in.. well, she's not sure how long it's been since she birthed her litter.. she does not feel that deep down exhaustion, the lack of all strength. Instead, she feels /sore/. All over. But the lioness takes that as a good sign, welcoming soreness over lack of strength. Eyelids lift to reveal steel blue eyes, she blink several times - despite being in the cavern, after being /out/ for so long, it seems oddly bright - and then struggles to push herself into a lounging position, head up and stretched out on her side. Groan. Why the heck does she feel like she's been run over by a herd of buffalo? Her surroundings are, for the moment, ignored in favor of.. trying to kick her brain into a state of better function.
Stara's deep sleep is interrupted by her mother's movements. The little ball of light mahogany fluff begins to sqirm from around her surviving siblings. Her eyes refuse to really open for the time being and her limbs still feel like jelly. What the heck is going on? What was that terrible draft for? Stara mewls as loud as she can muster and her head bobs around for a familiar scent and warmth.
Mizuka's entrance into the cavern is silent, but more than likely the scraping of something heavy being dragged behind him gives his presence away; he's not the one doing the dragging, but the source of the noise is close behind him. He doesn't hesitate to come in--wouldn't think to, not in the middle of his own lands--but his eyes are on the Tyne rulers as he enters, assessing. He's aware that the previous royalty had some friction with his own parents, and while he's also aware that this fact could have an impact on their relations now, he pushes that aside. Tyne came to them for help; surely they wouldn't have done so unless they at least trusted Tumbuiza's abilities. "King Elimnyama?" The lion's voice is quiet, although that proves unnecessary, since as he draws closer Waset begins to stir, and finally struggles to push herself up.
Almasi has connected.
Kijana comes, following king Mizuka, into the cavern, dragging her kill. It is an adult, healthy looking Gazelle. Sha pauses for a moment and takes the scent in. She glances around seing the other lions in here, noticing the new mother thus understanding that this is what the king must have meant. She drags the prey close to both Waset and Elimnyama, seing she is the one that probably needs some nurishment but she doesn't want to deprive the lion with his right of eating first. This placement of the food lets them decide the order amongst themselves. She drops the animal and gives a friendly nod to the two lions, then bows to king Mizuka and backs away from the meat.
Nigh paralyzing relief surges into Elim's heart the second his mate's eyelashes begin to stir. Cricks and cracks and sore muscles forgotten, he lunges to her side and after assessing that YES she is ALIVE (and not like.. flopping around once or twice right before she keels over and dies), a grin bursts across his muscle and he drenches her face and neck in a shower of lion-y kisses. "Thank the gods," he mutters hoarsely several times throughout the process. Elim' desists only when an unfamiliar voice calls his name. He blinks and looks up, focusing curious eyes on Mizuka. Wordlessly he observes the lioness dragging her meat, his expression slow to give any reaction.. his brain's puttering around in his head, trying to figure out what's going on. Looking back at the other male, Elim' uses his Magical Powers of Deduction and deftly attaches a name to the face and carriage. "King Mizuka?" There's no shred of ill-temper on the Tyne king's face, no sign at all that he is irritated or in the least distressed that his moment with Waset was interrupted. With a last lick to the new mother's brow, Elim' steps away from her and toward the Kivulian King and bows his chin respectfully. "It's an honor to make your acquaintance." .. Shoot. Elim's even pulling out the big words now. "I can't tell you how much your hospitality has meant to us."
Recollection comes to Waset just a few brief seconds before her mate descends upon her to cover her with kisses. A weak purr rumbles in the barbary's chest and she chuckles faintly, but leans her muzzle into Elimnyama's in a nuzzle. "I'm sorry.. for frightening you.." She murmurs. She can only imagine how he's felt and what's been going through his mind, knowing only that if their roles had been reversed, she would have gone crazy waiting. She blinks as Elimnyama pulls away, glancing only briefly beyond him to Mizuka and Kijana before her attention is diverted elsewhere. Movement is sensed at her belly and Waset's gaze shifts, falling upon her children for the first time. Giving birth, Waset only really saw the first male.. after that, her strength left her so quickly that she was left unable to lift her head to even spare the cubs a brief glance. And now.. now she finally gets to see them. Everyone and everything else instantly fades away, her world pinpointing to the six tiny - look how /small/ they are! - balls of fluff at her stomach. And like every mother in all of history, Waset falls instantly in love.. and thinks that hers are the most beautiful children to ever be born. Shifting just slightly, Waset dips her head to sniff, nuzzle and kiss every single one as her mind reels with quiet panic. She hasn't been around for them, being all passed out! She has to make up for all that lost time! They need their mother's attention NOW so that they all know that she loves them and hasn't forgotten them and wasn't ignoring them on purpose!
Okay the arrival of food and more royalty..yea, yea. Stara still has no idea why she's a bit chilly and why there are so many noises. The girl really puts some serious effort into wobbling through the mound of cubs until she's nuzzled by a soft muzzle that has with it a very familiar scent. She's comforted but still feels the need to wail as loud as she can to let everyone know that she requires more attention.
The bow is returned with a nod of thanks, but it's brief; he'd been intending to give the pair a few minutes, since Elimnyama's relief at the awakening of his mate is almost palpable, but the other male addresses him a moment later and effectively eats up the Kivulian King's attention. He dips his head forward as well, low, affording Elimnyama the same amount of respect he'd expect himself to be given; this situation is rather different than it would be if he was addressing one of his subjects or even a rogue. "And it's an honour to make yours. While I can't imagine what the two of you went through getting here, and during the birth, you have my congratulations on the birth of your cubs, and my utmost relief that Tumbuiza was able to help in any capacity that she could. This gazelle was brought to me as an offering; I'd like the two of you to have it, since I'm certain you and your mate need the nourishment." The carcass in question is indicated with a flick of his ear, and then he's continuing on, moving a bit more quickly than he usually would since he's sure that Elimnyama and Waset will want some time to themselves now that she's woken up. "The two--the eight of you," he corrects himself, his face giving a twitch as he conceals a smile, "are welcome to stay as long as you feel is necessary. If you're in need of further attention from our healer, I'll be happy to fetch her myself."
Kijana looks at the new mother with her cubs and smiles. Makes her think of her own mother... and what she had given up for Kijana and her siblings. She would have liked to have stayed, as.. company... but perhaps they would rather have some privacy.. Besides, Kijana is still technically a.. rogue, and doesn't want to annoy anyone with lingering in the pride's private cavern. She carefully makes her way to the exit... still feeling pretty good though as her kill was put to very good use and.. the king has spoken to her.. in a good way.
Kijana has left.
His ears remain trained on the scene behind him for a moment; curiosity provokes him to make a random guess over which cub it is that's screaming.. He withholds an amused smirk over it though, not wanting Mizuka to think Elim's smirking at his hospitality. He works to keep his face straight until the other lion's words make a grateful smile appropriate. Again Elim' nods, feeling himself surprisingly relaxed in this situation. He's never spoken to another king before -- Aitan, of course, doesn't count -- and it's quite different from dealing with rogues. "Tumbuiza was wonderful.. I'm sure our losses would have been far greater if she'd not been there to help." Elim' hesitates slightly, his gaze falling, but then his attention is called back to the gazelle and he doesn't try to mask his gratitude at all. He hadn't been sure what to do about food.. He couldn't hunt without permission, not to mention he didn't want to leave Waset's side while she was unconscious, so this definitely simplifies things. "Thank you.. from the bottom of my heart. You've given us more than we could ever repay. We may need to ask Tumbuiza to look over our youngest sometime before we depart.." He glances over his shoulder at the brood and Waset, brows knit together in a worried frown. He then turns back to Mizuka, wearing the same frown. "And.. I hate to ask any more, when you and your pride have already given us so much, but.. In the emergency of getting here, we didn't give much thought as to how we would carry so many cubs back to Tyne ourselves.." Elim' watches Mizuka, looking honestly abashed. "If it's not too much to ask, would you be opposed to sending one or two of your lionesses along with us to help carry them? The journey is not a long one, and they would be welcome to eat and rest overnight in Tyne if they wished."
Waset pulls back from the cubs just a bit, a small smile curling across her muzzle at Stara's cries. The barbary purrs softly to the girl, giving her a few extra licks to sooth the small girl. Eventually Waset tunes back in to the conversation being held between the Kivuli King and her mate, lifting her eyes from her cubs to the two males. Nodding her head along to Elimnyama's words, Waset offers up her own words of gratitude to the foreign royal. "Yes.. without your kindness and your healer, I fear..." She trails off, giving the six cubs a quick glance. "Thank you," She finishes after a moment, giving Mizuka a small, but warm smile. "I owe the lives of my cubs to you and your pride."
Stara has disconnected.
Almasi has disconnected.
A shadow flickers across Mizuka's face when the other mentions losses. "Indeed. From what I was told, there wasn't much we could have done...but I regret that we weren't able to help all of them." At least the lastborn didn't die; it had looked quite shaky for awhile, but Amahl is breathing steadily now. He seems rather lethargic--he barely stirred when Waset moved, and hasn't been making much noise--but the boy is still very much alive, and much more stable as well. "I'm glad, however, that we were able to help at all. You needn't worry about repaying us; Tyne's goodwill is thanks enough." And, hopefully, that goodwill will be remembered in the future. It would be much better to have friendly relations between the two prides than frosty tolerance or outright hostility, and who knows? Perhaps Kivuli will need their assistance someday. "I'll make sure to let her know." There's a beat of silence, as he takes in the other King's abashed look and then lets his eyes flicker back to the cubs, counting wordlessly. Mizuka hadn't done the math either, judging by the way his brows shoot up; he's not used to thinking in terms of cubs who can't even walk yet. "I'd be happy to," he says when he returns his gaze to the other male. "I'll select a couple; with your blessing, I may send one of my knights. It may be an unnecessary precaution, but with six newborn cubs, and the two of you worn out from running here so quickly, it couldn't hurt." As he finishes speaking, he glances back towards the cubs again--or at Waset, more accurately, and although smiles are a rare thing for him to give when he's not with his family, he returns it. "As I said to your mate, Queen Waset, I'm only happy that we were able to help. I'm glad to see you're looking better."
Elimnyama dips his chin solemnly, not meeting the other king's eyes for a moment. "These things happen. Like I said, if it wasn't for Tumbuiza we may have lost them all." A note of bitterness flares in his tone for just a moment, but then the lion shakes his head and offers Mizuka a weak, apologetic smile. "Kivuli's aid to us in this will be remembered in Tyne for generations. Gods willing, my children's children's /children/ will have your pride to thank for saving their grandparents' lives." Elim' will be sure the cubs know of the circumstances surrounding their birth once they're old enough, as it occurs to him now that an alliance with Kivuli may be an asset to Tyne that Fuadi never obtained. That's something the late king could have been proud of his sons for. Elim' smiles as his request for an escort is met. A look of confusion briefly passes over his face, and he intones curiously, "Knight?" .. apparently unfamiliar with the concept. "Rest assured, any assistance you could give us would be indefinitely appreciated. I'm sorry to impose on your hospitality so long. I'm sure we'll be ready to travel soon. Things are much better than they were." Insert more cub wailing here. Elim' grins both at Mizuka and Waset, though again he addresses the former with his next words. "Tyne's future royals will be indebted to you."
"Nevertheless. I can't comprehend how the two of you must feel, but for what it's worth, you have my deepest condolences. I'm aware that the relations between our parents weren't the best, but I hope that our assistance with the birth of your cubs will allow our prides to open up a friendlier dialogue." Fortunately, it does look that way, and although Mizuka's smile had disappeared when he spoke of the dead cub, it comes back now, faint but genuine. "And hopefully my grandchildren will have this incident, while bittersweet, to thank for strengthening a positive relationship between Kivuli and Tyne." Elimnyama's confused look is met with one of his own; he's so used to having the knights around that he hadn't stopped to consider the fact that /Tyne/ might not have them. "The knights," he says after a pause, "are Kivuli's elite guards. I wouldn't feel safer than if I were travelling with one of them." And, indeed, the knights have effectively served as bodyguards for the pride's royalty; while he doesn't doubt Elimnyama's ability to protect his mate and children, with six cubs to carry they'll no doubt be bogged down the whole way, and it's a definite gesture of goodwill to send one. "Don't feel the need to leave until you're ready. I understand that your mate hasn't been in the best of health, and I'd hate to cause unnecessary strain by forcing you to leave before you're in good shape to travel." Another moment of silence, and then Mizuka's smile widens, unexpectedly, his head dipping down low. "I'm afraid I have business to attend to, but I'm glad that we spoke, although the circumstances of our meeting may not have been the best. I wish you and your family well, King Elimnyama."
[Kivuli] Mountain Cavern
[IC ] Kijana
[IC ] Mizuka
[IC ] Amahl
[IC ] Elimnyama
[IC ] Stara, little princess
[IC ] Waset, The Barbary Queen
The dark king of Tyne is lying off to the side in the main cavern, looking weary and on edge. He looks to have aged several years since his arrival in Kivuli only a few nights ago. His black mane hangs in tatters about his face which, in spite of obvious physical and mental misery, is still rapt with attention that's focused on the sleeping Waset and cubs. The dead cub has been removed from the corner where Tumbuiza placed it to be close to the family - presumably by Elim', although who knows where he might have taken it. After a few long minutes of silently watching his mate, the tall lion raises his head and cracks a few kinks from his neck with a low groan of discomfort.
Stara has connected.
She's been in and out of consciousness. Here and there. And once Waset came close - very very close - to slipping away from the mortal world into what lies after, to join with the Great Kings high above. But she didn't. Elimnyama has been correct in knowing that his barbary mate is strong.. and strong willed. In the end, she refused to give in to the temptation that death whispered in her ear. Waset comes to once more and for the first time in.. well, she's not sure how long it's been since she birthed her litter.. she does not feel that deep down exhaustion, the lack of all strength. Instead, she feels /sore/. All over. But the lioness takes that as a good sign, welcoming soreness over lack of strength. Eyelids lift to reveal steel blue eyes, she blink several times - despite being in the cavern, after being /out/ for so long, it seems oddly bright - and then struggles to push herself into a lounging position, head up and stretched out on her side. Groan. Why the heck does she feel like she's been run over by a herd of buffalo? Her surroundings are, for the moment, ignored in favor of.. trying to kick her brain into a state of better function.
Stara's deep sleep is interrupted by her mother's movements. The little ball of light mahogany fluff begins to sqirm from around her surviving siblings. Her eyes refuse to really open for the time being and her limbs still feel like jelly. What the heck is going on? What was that terrible draft for? Stara mewls as loud as she can muster and her head bobs around for a familiar scent and warmth.
Mizuka's entrance into the cavern is silent, but more than likely the scraping of something heavy being dragged behind him gives his presence away; he's not the one doing the dragging, but the source of the noise is close behind him. He doesn't hesitate to come in--wouldn't think to, not in the middle of his own lands--but his eyes are on the Tyne rulers as he enters, assessing. He's aware that the previous royalty had some friction with his own parents, and while he's also aware that this fact could have an impact on their relations now, he pushes that aside. Tyne came to them for help; surely they wouldn't have done so unless they at least trusted Tumbuiza's abilities. "King Elimnyama?" The lion's voice is quiet, although that proves unnecessary, since as he draws closer Waset begins to stir, and finally struggles to push herself up.
Almasi has connected.
Kijana comes, following king Mizuka, into the cavern, dragging her kill. It is an adult, healthy looking Gazelle. Sha pauses for a moment and takes the scent in. She glances around seing the other lions in here, noticing the new mother thus understanding that this is what the king must have meant. She drags the prey close to both Waset and Elimnyama, seing she is the one that probably needs some nurishment but she doesn't want to deprive the lion with his right of eating first. This placement of the food lets them decide the order amongst themselves. She drops the animal and gives a friendly nod to the two lions, then bows to king Mizuka and backs away from the meat.
Nigh paralyzing relief surges into Elim's heart the second his mate's eyelashes begin to stir. Cricks and cracks and sore muscles forgotten, he lunges to her side and after assessing that YES she is ALIVE (and not like.. flopping around once or twice right before she keels over and dies), a grin bursts across his muscle and he drenches her face and neck in a shower of lion-y kisses. "Thank the gods," he mutters hoarsely several times throughout the process. Elim' desists only when an unfamiliar voice calls his name. He blinks and looks up, focusing curious eyes on Mizuka. Wordlessly he observes the lioness dragging her meat, his expression slow to give any reaction.. his brain's puttering around in his head, trying to figure out what's going on. Looking back at the other male, Elim' uses his Magical Powers of Deduction and deftly attaches a name to the face and carriage. "King Mizuka?" There's no shred of ill-temper on the Tyne king's face, no sign at all that he is irritated or in the least distressed that his moment with Waset was interrupted. With a last lick to the new mother's brow, Elim' steps away from her and toward the Kivulian King and bows his chin respectfully. "It's an honor to make your acquaintance." .. Shoot. Elim's even pulling out the big words now. "I can't tell you how much your hospitality has meant to us."
Recollection comes to Waset just a few brief seconds before her mate descends upon her to cover her with kisses. A weak purr rumbles in the barbary's chest and she chuckles faintly, but leans her muzzle into Elimnyama's in a nuzzle. "I'm sorry.. for frightening you.." She murmurs. She can only imagine how he's felt and what's been going through his mind, knowing only that if their roles had been reversed, she would have gone crazy waiting. She blinks as Elimnyama pulls away, glancing only briefly beyond him to Mizuka and Kijana before her attention is diverted elsewhere. Movement is sensed at her belly and Waset's gaze shifts, falling upon her children for the first time. Giving birth, Waset only really saw the first male.. after that, her strength left her so quickly that she was left unable to lift her head to even spare the cubs a brief glance. And now.. now she finally gets to see them. Everyone and everything else instantly fades away, her world pinpointing to the six tiny - look how /small/ they are! - balls of fluff at her stomach. And like every mother in all of history, Waset falls instantly in love.. and thinks that hers are the most beautiful children to ever be born. Shifting just slightly, Waset dips her head to sniff, nuzzle and kiss every single one as her mind reels with quiet panic. She hasn't been around for them, being all passed out! She has to make up for all that lost time! They need their mother's attention NOW so that they all know that she loves them and hasn't forgotten them and wasn't ignoring them on purpose!
Okay the arrival of food and more royalty..yea, yea. Stara still has no idea why she's a bit chilly and why there are so many noises. The girl really puts some serious effort into wobbling through the mound of cubs until she's nuzzled by a soft muzzle that has with it a very familiar scent. She's comforted but still feels the need to wail as loud as she can to let everyone know that she requires more attention.
The bow is returned with a nod of thanks, but it's brief; he'd been intending to give the pair a few minutes, since Elimnyama's relief at the awakening of his mate is almost palpable, but the other male addresses him a moment later and effectively eats up the Kivulian King's attention. He dips his head forward as well, low, affording Elimnyama the same amount of respect he'd expect himself to be given; this situation is rather different than it would be if he was addressing one of his subjects or even a rogue. "And it's an honour to make yours. While I can't imagine what the two of you went through getting here, and during the birth, you have my congratulations on the birth of your cubs, and my utmost relief that Tumbuiza was able to help in any capacity that she could. This gazelle was brought to me as an offering; I'd like the two of you to have it, since I'm certain you and your mate need the nourishment." The carcass in question is indicated with a flick of his ear, and then he's continuing on, moving a bit more quickly than he usually would since he's sure that Elimnyama and Waset will want some time to themselves now that she's woken up. "The two--the eight of you," he corrects himself, his face giving a twitch as he conceals a smile, "are welcome to stay as long as you feel is necessary. If you're in need of further attention from our healer, I'll be happy to fetch her myself."
Kijana looks at the new mother with her cubs and smiles. Makes her think of her own mother... and what she had given up for Kijana and her siblings. She would have liked to have stayed, as.. company... but perhaps they would rather have some privacy.. Besides, Kijana is still technically a.. rogue, and doesn't want to annoy anyone with lingering in the pride's private cavern. She carefully makes her way to the exit... still feeling pretty good though as her kill was put to very good use and.. the king has spoken to her.. in a good way.
Kijana has left.
His ears remain trained on the scene behind him for a moment; curiosity provokes him to make a random guess over which cub it is that's screaming.. He withholds an amused smirk over it though, not wanting Mizuka to think Elim's smirking at his hospitality. He works to keep his face straight until the other lion's words make a grateful smile appropriate. Again Elim' nods, feeling himself surprisingly relaxed in this situation. He's never spoken to another king before -- Aitan, of course, doesn't count -- and it's quite different from dealing with rogues. "Tumbuiza was wonderful.. I'm sure our losses would have been far greater if she'd not been there to help." Elim' hesitates slightly, his gaze falling, but then his attention is called back to the gazelle and he doesn't try to mask his gratitude at all. He hadn't been sure what to do about food.. He couldn't hunt without permission, not to mention he didn't want to leave Waset's side while she was unconscious, so this definitely simplifies things. "Thank you.. from the bottom of my heart. You've given us more than we could ever repay. We may need to ask Tumbuiza to look over our youngest sometime before we depart.." He glances over his shoulder at the brood and Waset, brows knit together in a worried frown. He then turns back to Mizuka, wearing the same frown. "And.. I hate to ask any more, when you and your pride have already given us so much, but.. In the emergency of getting here, we didn't give much thought as to how we would carry so many cubs back to Tyne ourselves.." Elim' watches Mizuka, looking honestly abashed. "If it's not too much to ask, would you be opposed to sending one or two of your lionesses along with us to help carry them? The journey is not a long one, and they would be welcome to eat and rest overnight in Tyne if they wished."
Waset pulls back from the cubs just a bit, a small smile curling across her muzzle at Stara's cries. The barbary purrs softly to the girl, giving her a few extra licks to sooth the small girl. Eventually Waset tunes back in to the conversation being held between the Kivuli King and her mate, lifting her eyes from her cubs to the two males. Nodding her head along to Elimnyama's words, Waset offers up her own words of gratitude to the foreign royal. "Yes.. without your kindness and your healer, I fear..." She trails off, giving the six cubs a quick glance. "Thank you," She finishes after a moment, giving Mizuka a small, but warm smile. "I owe the lives of my cubs to you and your pride."
Stara has disconnected.
Almasi has disconnected.
A shadow flickers across Mizuka's face when the other mentions losses. "Indeed. From what I was told, there wasn't much we could have done...but I regret that we weren't able to help all of them." At least the lastborn didn't die; it had looked quite shaky for awhile, but Amahl is breathing steadily now. He seems rather lethargic--he barely stirred when Waset moved, and hasn't been making much noise--but the boy is still very much alive, and much more stable as well. "I'm glad, however, that we were able to help at all. You needn't worry about repaying us; Tyne's goodwill is thanks enough." And, hopefully, that goodwill will be remembered in the future. It would be much better to have friendly relations between the two prides than frosty tolerance or outright hostility, and who knows? Perhaps Kivuli will need their assistance someday. "I'll make sure to let her know." There's a beat of silence, as he takes in the other King's abashed look and then lets his eyes flicker back to the cubs, counting wordlessly. Mizuka hadn't done the math either, judging by the way his brows shoot up; he's not used to thinking in terms of cubs who can't even walk yet. "I'd be happy to," he says when he returns his gaze to the other male. "I'll select a couple; with your blessing, I may send one of my knights. It may be an unnecessary precaution, but with six newborn cubs, and the two of you worn out from running here so quickly, it couldn't hurt." As he finishes speaking, he glances back towards the cubs again--or at Waset, more accurately, and although smiles are a rare thing for him to give when he's not with his family, he returns it. "As I said to your mate, Queen Waset, I'm only happy that we were able to help. I'm glad to see you're looking better."
Elimnyama dips his chin solemnly, not meeting the other king's eyes for a moment. "These things happen. Like I said, if it wasn't for Tumbuiza we may have lost them all." A note of bitterness flares in his tone for just a moment, but then the lion shakes his head and offers Mizuka a weak, apologetic smile. "Kivuli's aid to us in this will be remembered in Tyne for generations. Gods willing, my children's children's /children/ will have your pride to thank for saving their grandparents' lives." Elim' will be sure the cubs know of the circumstances surrounding their birth once they're old enough, as it occurs to him now that an alliance with Kivuli may be an asset to Tyne that Fuadi never obtained. That's something the late king could have been proud of his sons for. Elim' smiles as his request for an escort is met. A look of confusion briefly passes over his face, and he intones curiously, "Knight?" .. apparently unfamiliar with the concept. "Rest assured, any assistance you could give us would be indefinitely appreciated. I'm sorry to impose on your hospitality so long. I'm sure we'll be ready to travel soon. Things are much better than they were." Insert more cub wailing here. Elim' grins both at Mizuka and Waset, though again he addresses the former with his next words. "Tyne's future royals will be indebted to you."
"Nevertheless. I can't comprehend how the two of you must feel, but for what it's worth, you have my deepest condolences. I'm aware that the relations between our parents weren't the best, but I hope that our assistance with the birth of your cubs will allow our prides to open up a friendlier dialogue." Fortunately, it does look that way, and although Mizuka's smile had disappeared when he spoke of the dead cub, it comes back now, faint but genuine. "And hopefully my grandchildren will have this incident, while bittersweet, to thank for strengthening a positive relationship between Kivuli and Tyne." Elimnyama's confused look is met with one of his own; he's so used to having the knights around that he hadn't stopped to consider the fact that /Tyne/ might not have them. "The knights," he says after a pause, "are Kivuli's elite guards. I wouldn't feel safer than if I were travelling with one of them." And, indeed, the knights have effectively served as bodyguards for the pride's royalty; while he doesn't doubt Elimnyama's ability to protect his mate and children, with six cubs to carry they'll no doubt be bogged down the whole way, and it's a definite gesture of goodwill to send one. "Don't feel the need to leave until you're ready. I understand that your mate hasn't been in the best of health, and I'd hate to cause unnecessary strain by forcing you to leave before you're in good shape to travel." Another moment of silence, and then Mizuka's smile widens, unexpectedly, his head dipping down low. "I'm afraid I have business to attend to, but I'm glad that we spoke, although the circumstances of our meeting may not have been the best. I wish you and your family well, King Elimnyama."
