Malka, Othello, and Jezebel returned to the Goldlands, hoping to make it to Ivory Tower before the sun rose. Sefu, Khari and Ni stayed behind with Lana in the Jungle; they had gotten her to Ajabu's tree in time, and she would make a full recovery. However, she would need to rest and recuperate for at least a month. In all honesty, Othello and Jezebel had counted her lucky that she had went limp when she did, especially since that meant Cobarte only inflicted a deep flesh wound as opposed to snapping her spine as he intended. For Malka's part, he quite frankly was just happy that Lana's parents didn't lump him into the same category as Iago when he explained the situation.
Malka marveled at the sights of Nyota, Kuendesha and the other lionesses of the Jungle Pride, especially considering that it was the first time seeing them all. It wasn't unexpected, given that her looks had to come from somewhere and Icarus couldn't take all of the credit. If I ever get kicked out of the Goldlands, I know exactly where I'm going. Malka thought. Othello spoke, shaking him from his thoughts.
"Malka, can you believe that Kuendesha lady? She's got a mouth on her." Othello said with a chuckle. Malka had to agree at least on that; if nothing else, Kuendesha certainly talks a good fight. Of course, there is also the fact that Icarus and Nyota were firmly on her side as they had quite a problem with the fact that their daughter came to harm as a result of Iago's machinations. And Icarus almost immediately knew who had been behind yesterday's ordeal, without them even having to say anything. "A mouth that could very well speak predictions, you know. If the way they looked at Khari and Sefu were any indication, then I certainly wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of their wrath. Remember all those animals that showed up to wish her a speedy recovery and presented all of those herbs and medicinal grasses?" Yes, they did. And Othello couldn't help but remember that among them had been snakes, a tiger, a few eagles, a troop of gorillas no doubt headed by that Ajabu guy, and even some hyenas, and high ranking ones at that. "They've definitely got Iago beat in the hiring department, don't they?" Malka taunted, to Jezebel's ire.
"Yes, other animals are dumb enough to be their lackeys for no reward." She shot back, and Malka almost laughs, simply because he expected Jezebel to jump to Iago's defense. "Don't even bother with it, Jezebel. Face it: Iago is a weak fool with no real talent besides screaming pitifully for someone else to do his dirty work. Icarus or a member of his Pride is going to kill him once Lana is nursed back to health. And that's the best-case scenario. Sefu and Khari are going to be back later today, and after that little stunt the dogs pulled you better believe Mato is going to have something to do about this. And honestly, I can't decide which one I'd prefer to get to Iago first." Malka said with a laugh, one that one laughs when they are genuinely happy and anticipating an event. And Jezebel's disgust matched Malka's joviality on the prospect of Iago being murdered.
"Look at you! You're gloating about the possibility of your brother being murdered!" She said, and noticed that Malka rolled his eyes. "You know, ever since Dad died you have done nothing but antagonize and hate Iago, and for what?!" She asked rhetorically, and the sub-adult answered anyway. "Umm… He treats us as poorly as 'Dad' did? He acts like he has some sort of right to constantly interfere with my friendships, and the friendships of you and Othello? And what about the fact that he's always causing problems for others with his selfish, impulsive actions towards animals he knows aren't going to stoop to his level of pettiness and neuroticism? How's that? Making sense yet?" Othello couldn't argue with any of what Malka said, and knew for a fact that his half-brother was one-hundred percent right to dislike Iago for those reasons. Mostly because he himself disliked him for exactly those reasons. However, Jezebel was certainly going to argue.
"Oh, you want to talk about petty and neurotic? This is the same guy who only cares about others to spite his little brother? This is the same guy who thinks he's some sort of hero just because he antagonizes his brother over something he himself would be doing if the situations were reversed? You say all of this about Iago, when you and Othello both are just like him!" And now Othello chimes in.
"Hey, watch it. I am nothing like Iago. I actually have respect for reality, and those around me. I ain't so cocky as to think my bullshit is acceptable. And I actually have a chance with Lana, thank you very much." Now that earned a glance from Malka. He can't honestly think that, especially when she has me as a choice. Can he? Malka thought, and then felt a twinge of pride that he showed more self-control than Iago by not expressing it.
And upon entering Ivory Tower, having just made it back as the lionesses woke up, Malka's pride was further stoked when Mato reminded him that his first solo hunt would be happening this morning.