Mercutio made it to his destination; Iago and Bocaza weren't lying about what he would see here. And 'here' would be Askoka Crater, if the lush fields and geysers dotting the barren patches of land were any indication. The place took it's name from the massive underground caves that were the inactive main spout, which housed the Pride that ruled this territory. Iago told him he was planning to attempt to tag along with Lana's circle of friends; a risk that the leopard thought was ill-advised given Icarus's warning. And definitely a risk that shouldn't be taken if Lana's circle of friends just happened to include Chumvi or any other member of his Lion Guard. The leopard didn't know much about the Guard, but all he needed to know was that they must all have had some sort of supernatural powers granted to them by Spirits that control the very forces of nature. As far as Mercutio was concerned, this was the only explanation for why a mere cub of any type was able to roar, and why said Roar was able to affect the world around it so heavily.
And if his theory was correct, and Iago was in fact taking his advice, then they were going to need more muscle than Cobarte's pack could provide. And, as the leopard was searching Askoka Crater, the muscle found him. "A leopard, in my fields? You've got guts, I'll say that much." Mercutio almost jumped in fright, but what he did instead was turn around, then the fright crossed his face. For the lion standing in front of him was undeniable. The off-white, yellow-tinted fur was filled to the brim with well-trained muscles that the king would definitely know how to use, and the, full coppery-bronze mane around his head only made him appear that much more intimidating as he was clearly taller and stronger than the lion next to him.
And speaking of the lion next to him, Mercutio couldn't help but think of Iago when he saw him. Not because they looked similar, as the lion next to the king was only about the same size as Blood had been, and his bronze fur and dark-chocolate brown mane looked to be proportional to the body this fighter possessed. However, this fighter was still smaller and weaker than his partner, and as such was not the one in charge.
"Zahir? Jabali?" Mercutio asked, and the larger of the two males answered. "That's King Zahir to you, leopard." The lion with name growled, and Mercutio very nearly lost his courage. The other lion, Jabali, speaking didn't help matters. "And that's Chancellor Jabali. Now state your business, including a reason we shouldn't kill you for trespassing, poacher." I thought Bocaza told them that I'd be a leopard. Mercutio thought as he stammered and stuttered his next words. "I am Mercutio, and I believe Bocaza told you that I would be coming, bearing a message from Caesar's son." He said, and to his relief the two males softened their expressions.
"Oh. Oh, man. Sorry about that." Zahir said. That bird could have told me what this ambassador was going to be. Zahir thought as he attempted to start over. Or rather, Jabali spoke for the both of them. "Anyone who is a friend of Caesar's is a friend to us. Welcome to Askoka Crater. I imagine we have much to discuss." Jabali said, as Zahir lead the way back to the den. Or, rather, the massive subterranean cave that served as the base of operations for this kingdom. And within the cave there were lionesses milling about and socializing; Mercutio counted 10 in all. What was more, he also noticed a younger male, about 2 years old from the length of his mane, watching over the cubs of the pride. And he was very bored, clearly looking for something, or someone, to entertain him. Mercutio was decidedly uncomfortable with the amount of larger, stronger predators all around, but Iago, Bocaza and, by casting his disapproval of Zahir's character, Malka had vouched for their worth, so he kept his courage to continue to follow. When they had reached what Mercutio was sure was the royal den, the discussions began. And he felt that he would need to be the first to speak, if only to dissipate his own fears.
"So, I'm sure Bocaza told you that Iago has been having trouble with a certain lioness and her father." Mercutio started, and to his relief the males in front of him had in fact been well informed. "Yes, and her name is Lana. From what I hear, she was indeed quite the mystery. Well, that is until it became no mystery of what exactly she was." Zahir said, and Jabali licked his lips. "Oh, just wait until you see what she looks like now. She's proof that the Spirits are real, and they are benevolent." He chuckled to himself, with the exact chuckle one would expect from lecherous older male. Mercutio's skin crawled, and he wasn't even a female, let alone a potential target. "That, right there, is why no one was quick to blame Ahadi for not trusting you around his lionesses." Zahir pointed out. Jabali rolled his eyes. "Like you have a leg to stand on. Why don't we ask Habari about your way with lionesses?" Zahir took a deep breath; he honestly couldn't believe Jabali had stooped that low as to bring up his former mate and the son that was never accepted into the Pride he was born to. And making him wonder if he letting said son go to the Pridelands with the white-furred, black maned visitor was such a good idea after all.
"Anyway… I am glad that Iago inherited his father's ability to scheme and plan ahead. I'm sure you've seen my current queen's son around the den." Zahir said, changing the subject. Mercutio was glad this conversation didn't break down. "Yeah. He's a strong boy, and seems like he's pretty smart too. Bocaza wasn't wrong about him." Mercutio attempted to flatter the king's bloodline, but something told him that Zahir wasn't proud of the hulking sub-adult being spoken of. "And he's capable of following orders. If it's reconnaissance of the Pridelanders you need, then Misuli should be able to handle it." Zahir said, with a tone that belied what he was thinking.
The key word there is 'should', the King mentally added.