"Whine to me? Whatever for? I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation to all of this." Mrithi cooed silently. A grin spread on his wide muzzle as he entered the conversation, slowing padding his way to Stoker. His amber eyes met with that of the mercenary's.
"You should know, I may be a lion of rule, I would not hold it against you to leave. After all, it only makes sense that these pride landers have far more than I do. Chances are, we might lose...but should we succeed...Vishindo will kill you." Mrithi mused with a smirk.
He needed Stoker to leave, and to strike the seed of distrust within the pridelander's ranks. He knew the mercenary wasn't trustworthy either way, but Mrithi was sure he'd cause so much of a disturbance that it would wear down the spirits of the pride landers. Mrithi continued to stare at Stoker, waiting for his answer.
Mrithi turned and made his way back to his part of the termite den. Just like his father, he held the platform above the rest of the lions, looking down on them. Yes, all these lionesses had as much value as the termites to him. They were all just working to the end of his ascension and revenge. Vishindo approached him from below, a blank look on her face.
"What is it? Anything to report?"
"No. The lionesses are hungry, and these lands are barren. What do we do?"
"Go hunt some food in the pride lands. Not like they'd send their entire force to stop you." Mrithi mused with a chuckle. "Oh, and bring me back a chunk would you?" Mrithi asked in his sly tone.
Vishindo snorted. "Fine." she said simply as she trotted out of the den.
//
"There is no sense in being foolish, even if this lion is telling the truth." Simba murmured silently. "Vitani and Baya will come with me. I'm not going in defenseless." he murmured silently. While Kiara explained the situation, Baya made his way down the stone steps of pride rock. He stood alongside Simba and growled quietly.
"I do not like this at all. None of this seems normal...especially considering we were just threatened with death. You should practice better judgement princess, the world isn't as happy and beautiful as you may think. The fact that you went out on your own is foolish in itself..."
"She is still your princess, Baya. Try to calm down." Vitani pointed out as she had come down as well to get involved the conversation.
"This entire situation could've been avoided. Your honor is going to lose you your lands..." Baya snapped.
"Baya, your daughter will be fine. Calm down." Vitani said sternly, her eyes narrowing. Baya let out a gust of air from his nostrils, and closed his eyes for a moment. What has he been reduced to? He only lived for battle and cared for nothing when he was out in the outlands. Now that he was in the pridelands he was afraid of losing his mate, his daughter, and his sister-like friend. Emotions just got in his way, and here was...submitting to them. They were going to be the death of him.
"Alright. Baya, we must at least try diplomacy...we are not like Zira or Scar. We do not resort to senseless bloodshed if it isn't necessary." Simba pointed out.
"Whatever. Let's just get this over with..." Baya growled silently. Vitani raised an eyebrow and looked back to Simba.
"Well, where and when do we meet this guy again?" she asked.