Halali's shoulders slumped momentarily as Baka accepted the inevitable and retreated. That had not been the blissful celebration he'd been anticipating spending with his cubs. It was always an unnerving experience to see the sister that had turned on him and abandoned her birthright. Although it had been difficult to come to terms with her betrayal, Halali was usually able to see past their connection and do what needed to be done.
With the threat gone, it was okay for everyone to relax a bit. Halali turned from Baka's departing figure to his family in the cave. "We've got to be careful my love" he said to Bakira. "Baka clearly wants to hurt our babies. I think you should stay in the den where it's safe for a while. I'll go scouting more often from now on, and if I see Baka in the waterlands again, well may the Great Kings watch over her, because she'll need all of their help."