VITANI

Kings, this has been a day. I was finally on my last one on one with one of my lionesses. almost 9 hours later, I can say I survived. I had no idea how helping others could be so mentally taxing on yourself. I knew it was going to be hard, especially for Kijivu. And I could handle that... I was prepared for that. I knew he would have to check out sooner or later, you know and grieve for himself.

I am surprised he was able to last as long as he did before it became overwhelming. Bring strong and the face for others is hard, and little Roho has no idea whats going on. he kept asking us why everyone was so sad...and where his Babu was. I think that's what's really hurting my mate the most right now. We both don't have the heart to tell him, he'll never see him again.

It killed Kijivu, I could tell. but it should have, he loved his father. and he would be allowed to step down off his royal throne and be a sad son. With everyone else... that's a different story, I was not prepared for in the least. Kings, I hope I did my best. I know being the most comforting lioness isn't my strong suit. I figured giving everyone there own one on one would hopefully help them heal faster.

"I'm glad you're feeling a little better Mwenya. " I walked her to the entrance of the den. it was late out, the sun had completely gone down and a cold chill filled the air. " and if you need anything else please, tell me okay?"

"Yes my queen, thank you again for everything."

"No please, you can call me Viatni I don't, mind." I love and appreciate the respect they give me, as a queen. but...it makes me feel a little distance from them, with all the titles and whatnot. i still can see the p[roblem with everyone just being at the same level as one another. but I guess then it wouldn't matter if because anyone could declare themselves as queen.

"Well thank you Vitani, it means so much. I know it must be heard on you, and the king. I'll be keeping you two and little Roho in my thoughts."

"Thank you. Here, I'll walk you back."

"Are you sure, it's late out. besides you need to be with Kijivu he really needs you."

"I know, but I have to make sure you get home safe. and I know he's resting right now, he's had a long day."

"Yes, he has."

The lands were still tonight. I didn't hear noise from our usual night creatures. the only thing that did catch my attention was the moon. It was a full one. We rarely get those." it's beautiful tonight, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is." I looked over to Mwenya, she was older than me, a lot older. In fact, I would say she around my mates' age. I know they grew up together I heard they were close. acting more like brother and sister than normal pride members.

"Mwenya, may I ask you a question?"

"sure, what is it?"

"Did you know Kijivu grandfather?"

"I knew of him, but not very well. my mother was around during that night. why do you ask?"

"With Kijivu father being gone, now it officially the time of our reign together. "

"That is true, when are you all going to have an official ceremony."

"I can't say yet. I don't want to rush things, just yet. however, I know waiting doesn't look good either. whenever Kijivu ready I suppose."

"Yes, that would seem like the best move for now, seeing how everything has changed for us."... I couldn't help but get the feeling she wasn't just talking about the passing of King Kijani.

"Mwenya, be honest with me. How do you feel about this new pride collision? Between us and the pride lands?"

"Well to be honest...i was doubtful, I can't lie and say I'm not still doubtful. Welcoming our home to complete strangers was something to ask us."

"I understand."

"We've had a way of living before they or you got here."

"yes..."

"But if it's what he wants, then we have to abide by it. I know our king, and you are only doing what you think is best." You have no idea, I wake up every morning hoping I don't screw anything up.

"Okay, I just-" I saw a lioness passed by. she was hidden in the shadows, but I could tell who she was by that bright fur pelt. even in the darkness, the moonlight shined bright on her back. "Nala." she turned and paused. she looked my way, I could see confusion in her eyes, it was late...and I can't say I don't exactly blend in with my surroundings. here. "it's me."

"Vitani?...hey." Mwenya and I both walked her way.

"I'm haven't seen you much since you've gotten here. Oh, I'm sorry Nala this is Mwenya, Mwenya Nala. you've probably already met but just doing my introduction duties."

"We have dear, but thank you."

"I'm good." good? for some reason, the hair on the back of my neck was standing up. Something was definitely off. the shadows that cast over her face, made her look mysterious, like she as hiding something. "Just heading home, I went to see Limpo. I know she came and saw you earlier today for a one on one, i wanted to see how she was holding up."

"Yea, she told me you sent her over, thank you."

" You're welcome."

"Hey Mwenya, do you mind if I talk with Nala?"

"Of course not my queen. Besides my stops just around the corner."

"Okay sounds good, Nala comes with me."

"Me...okay." okay, there are perks to being a ruler, they can't object with what you ask them. I took us to a different part of the mountain pride, away from everyone else.

"So give me an update, how is everything?"

"oh, well good." ugh I rolled my eyes to that comment and I made sure she saw me do it too. "What?"

"Don't give me that bs."

"What bs?"

"Oh, well everything fine. Come on here, I'm your friend Nala. You can tell me what's really going on with you."

"Nothing is."

"That's hard to believe nothing, it's been a whole year since we've last seen each other. And you're telling me nothing happening with you. come on." I stopped walking. and sat in a spot under a tree. "Look you're my only real friend here now and besides I thought we were close before I left. I mean I did teach you how to hunt, I took you under my wonderful wings."

"Hmm, well you did do that."

"Yea I did." I pawed the area next to me, so shes get the invitation. what was with her? she seemed so...so distance with me. Has it really been that long, or am I just blind for a friendship that didn't really happen? "Well? please... I really need girl time with someone that's not decades older than, me and makes me feel like a stupid cub."

"Alright. You go first."

RyanSquad - yes, I was feeling bold for sure. I'm trying to finish this fanfic this year after all.

Guest slycooper1- Hmm, I'm not sure about that one yet. It's a possibility.

Guest, I understand your concern and will definitely and will definitely take what you said into consideration for future writing. I don't know if there is a right or wrong way to approach the topic, but it is definitely something that needs to be handled tactfully as you said. That's my part as the writer to be able to show that to my audience in a way that's clear for everyone without having overkill.