IX. Following Well-Known Pawprints
"Saved" song. Music is rather serene, although it has some more serious tones – but it general airy music is making a bit confusing contrast with grave events in sight. Capture of just-before-dawn beach of river. In shades of incoming day lionesses of Green Pride surrounds rogues. They – day before fearless conquerors – now tired and confused outcast, gives themselves to mercy of locals.
When the fight's over, night is gone
We're – alive just to wake up
Sun is raising – day's to be done
On the ride we'll never stop
Chanua and Yakta carry half-stunned Mahiri to main group. Young rogue there stands on paws, looking with disbelief on friends among lionesses. He seems not to believe all that night-drama was real. But them wounded Spotty comes in, calling with terror.
Even if we're hit again, some new scratches on forehead
Even if it hurts this time still we're far from being dead
Lionesses surrounds her, ignoring rogues. However lions shows no inclination to attack or retreat. Spotty talk something fast, although we can't hear it, we suppose that she is asking about Horen and Jino. Then all healthy lionesses (and Yakta and exhausted Spotty) sets off down river, led by Chanua.
Chorus:
We saved – What in us
Dearest, deepest, most is ours
Still, intact its grow and trust
We will keep it with all our power
Shining as a star
We saved whom we are
They go on beach, passing place where – on the other side – wait wounded lionesses. Kwini wants to swim river through and join, but Yakta stops her with decisive wave of paw. Faster tempo – sun is rising up.
Sun is climbing upper still
Shining on the shades downhere
Even if those look so weird
So dark, so deep, they soon will heal
Early morning – conduct gets to place where Jino is. Lion is still unconsciousness, grabbing to stone where Horen put him. Few lionesses come for him and drag him on shore. Spotty with joy hobbles to him and licks his cheek. But soon after she turns with fear on west and calls everybody to move ahead.
Even if we're hit again, some new scar won't ache too much
Even if it hurt this time what's most matters is untouched
They get to edge of water fall to see only sign of Horen: bloodspotted rocks on brink. Chanua and Spotty turn theirs stares down in silence. Yatka seeing that no one orders to unrest lionesses, seems to take over lead and calls them to rank, chooses two scouts in good condition, points on path down... etc.
Chorus:
We saved – What in us
Dearest, deepest, most is ours
Still, intact its grow and trust
We will keep it with all our power
Finding inner bliss
Where it always is
Two scouts go down to find dead Horen's body. When lionesses come closer find that regent has peaceful smile on his lips. Music stops.
Both lionesses – queen and Golden Ones cried in tight hug but they soon calmed down seeing stares of pride. Because eyes of lionesses were full mot only of compassion to monarchess and friend, but also genuine loss of deceased regent somehow the mourning became easier. It was the matter of whole pride. And if even old queen was unable to carry her loss alone, with love of her subjects she could. So she shook off the tears and looked in Spotty's eyes.
"He died standing for us, however he died. I'm proud of him, but it doesn't change how I will miss him. And I see you too... I'm so sorry, we weren't able to save him."
"No, your highness." Replied lioness with firm voice. "We both know we have saved what was the greatest in him."
\/\/\/
Month earlier three lionesses and one lion had departed from Pridelands. On that particular morning no one was specially looking for travellers, however whole pride (or even two prides) was waiting for them with anxiety. Their safe return was a pleasant surprise, however a bit confusing surprise. To Priderock were heading four lionesses and two lions.
"Sir!" called Tiko, landing on Tanabi's shoulder. "They are back... and even more!"
"Huh? There is more?" surprised king. "Or anyway, tell Kiara and Kovu..."
Official welcome-committee waited for newcomers next to waterhole. Because the presence of stranger lionesses and stranger lion, both kings were ready to welcome new guest with old customs, taken from Golden Pride tradition – with gourds full of water as a sing of hospitality.
"Our customs are beautiful and touching." Murmured Vitani, standing next to Tanabi. "However I must admit you look stupid with that gourd in your mouth." Tanabi was unable to reply, due to load in his jaws, but according to moves of his tail, he wanted to answer for than. But Pridelands queen continued. "Oh, look on them! That stranger looks royal indeed... lionesses next tom him too... Stars! Did Yakta just licked that girl or I have a sunstroke."
"We have to bow to kings and queens then drink water they serve." Instructed redmaned. "Just one draught for everyone to get. Instantly then, after welcome, you - ma'am and you - sir have to ask to release Spotty and me from oath of loyalty and let us go away from pride."
"To establish a new one as a king, in your case." Smiled Jino.
"It doesn't matter, sir." Replied redmaned and turned to princess. "Do you remember what you have to say, ma'am?"
"Why are you still 'ma'am'ing me?" asked Kwini. "We are going to be mates, so I think that a little of informality won't hurt..."
"But we still aren't and until then I expect you to expect me a proper treating." Said Yakta with decisive voice.
"As you wish, my love." Nodded princess.
Vitani didn't heard exactly all the dialogue, but she understood that Yakta wouldn't have problem without leaving Kovu, because found someone else to become her indispensable subject. Kovu would still have a problem with redmaned's retirement, but Pridelands queen also knew that Outlanders are born to solve every problem they came across.
"Welcome, you all." Started Kovu with a bit uncertain voice. "I'm Golden King Kovu and you are entering domain of mine and my cousin Tanabi of Priderock..." Then a silent whisper of Yakta sounded.
"Excellent, sir. But step a little closer and give them a bow. They are from royal blood too."
King Kovu, king Tanabi, queen Kiara and queen Vitani instantly obeyed request of lion.