The Architects had confirmed that they were on their way following Shui's request. Though it would take them a little while to gather their bearings, it wouldn't be long before they were on his doorstep. Alas, as he waited patiently for his arrival the thunderous roar from the nearby border had not been lost on him... Nor had the arrival of one of those who deemed him less favourably than he would have preferred.
...If it was enough to drive one of those with views that did not match his own to enter his company then it must be intriguing.
His brow lifted as he regarded his visitor and then lifted his paw. It was an invitation to speak, an opportunity for the lion in question to say his piece without being chased out. After all, he had a reputation to uphold and while the more liberal individuals may have shrieked at him like harpies, he would continue to remain receptive to conversation provided it was respectful. Whatever had driven the lion here was exceedingly important and he would do well to listen; particularly when his eyes were as wide as that.
"The Kizingo'zaa..." The lion breathed, causing Shui's expression to cloud slightly. Had they decided to do something so soon, before he'd even had a chance to reinforce the border? He wouldn't put it past the worthless lion who called himself their leader there, disastrous and disrespectful, Puzzle would never be forgotten for attempting to dictate how this pride should present itself. The 'King' could barely run his own drug riddled pride, he had no place here...Nevertheless, Shui tempered himself.
Let him finish... His mind warned.
"The ground has sliced open, it's been torn asunder..."
"What...?" Shui blinked in surprise, his brow furrowing has he processed the remarks and then glanced towards his own advisors. If they hadn't been interested before, they were certainly intrigued now. Surely the lion was exagerating, but then again, that thunder had been unnatural and with not a cloud in the sky it appeared that on this occasion there might be something to the shocked lion's declaration.
"It's...the ground is gone, it ripped open. It's getting bigger, someone could get hurt."
How fortuitous...
Shui shook the musings away, though they would remain, not only would he be able to reinforce that side with traps but it seemed that on this occasion the divine might very well be in his favour. The Kizi had declared war, soon after they had brewed their plague of a drink and not long after this plan had been set in motion, he had received a visitor warning of their intentions. Now it seemed that rather than permit these foolish drug addicts access to a pride who had yet to take any offensive measures against them, the gods themselves had simply torn their border apart.
Ah, but how things began to work in the favour of a legitimate leader when they followed and enforced tradition.
...The Bahari'mtoto would be safe, he'd just need to ensure that any Kizingo'zaa that tried to get through encountered further misery. He'd let them enter, but not before ensuring that they were absolutely clear that they wouldn't be able to so much as sniff without being watched. What they did in their own home was entirely their business.
"Has anyone fallen in?" Shui queried as he rose to his paws and nodded for those behind him to fall into line.
"Not yet, but I think some of the guards already ran that way to make sure..." the lion admitted. Shui offered a nod and raised his paw to place it on the other's shoulder, it was a motion that startled the poor lion quite a bit.
"Then I would ask that you pass on to others that where possible they avoid the area while we secure it and ensure others don't get hurt," he glanced at his own advisors and cleared his throat. "Summon the rest of the guard, ensure the other borders are protected, but I would prefer a curious soul didn't fall to their death in light of these events," he remarked.
He was content to place additional manpower in that region for now, until it stabilised someone could get hurt, and the colateral damage that the Bahari'mtoto had experienced up until this point had been too much. They didn't need their families falling to their deaths simply because they got to near the edge. Quite frankly, the only beings that should be slipping into the abyss were the Kizingo'zaa and he certainly wouldn't weep for them. Let them wallow in the destruction they had invited upon themselves, the Bahari'mtoto were his only concern.
He glanced back towards the visiting lion as he released his hold.
"You have done well and have most likely saved several lives today, but once you have passed along the message, you would be wise to have a deserved rest. We will ensure no one goes so close as to meet their fate in the abyss," he uttered reassuringly as his advisors fanned out to perform their duties.
His visitor soon took their leave as well, assuring that only Shui and his most trusted advisor were left to await the arrival of the Architects.
"It seems all is going in your favour," the black lion remarked from the depths of the shadows, his red eyes gazing after the Bahari lion who had come to inform them of this latest turn of events.
"Apparently so," Shui glanced over his shoulder and shook his head. "But escalating at an extraordinary pace," he added, a hint of his father's more shrewd demeanour breaking through.
"You have your concerns?"
"Not yet," Shui murmured. "Not while these divine occurrences continue to protect us," he sighed. "But should those winds change..."
"They will not," Lucivar raised his paw and shook his head dismissively. "You have done as the ocean asks, you have given it the respect it deserves and reminded your kin of how it should be regarded. Until it is given reason to question your intentions, it will tend to you as it sees fit."
Shui grimaced.
"Is this not further proof?" Lucivar chuckled softly. "Your former allies humiliate themselves, display their inability to respect boundaries and the sovereignty of other prides. You acquire new allies that your kin overlooked for generations. Your neighbours declare war and are exposed by a defector... And now, the very ocean itself has torn the border apart to ensure their way in is removed."
The black lion paused, if only to led this series of coincidental events settle in and take the desired effect in the young ruler's mind.
"The ocean has shielded the pride with its own strength and this is in such a short time that one would be remiss to look at it unfavourably." he pointed out. "All signs point to the fact that your actions are approved of and as you continue to do so, you can only be blessed further..."
Shui remained silent for a moment but it seemed Lucivar's words had taken affect and he gave a small not. Things had been going in his favour and it had all started with his decision to stand before his kin and remind them of their traditions. He had taken the abuse and anger of those who had forgotten who they were and in turn, the pride had been rewarded.
"Your observations are valid," he said finally.
"Thank you," Lucivar gave a bow of his head. "Now perhaps you should prepare your presentation for the Architects before they arrive no? What have we in mind to ensure that our neighbours are reminded of their place?"
Shui pursed his lips and turned to Lucivar, it might not be a bad idea to get his thoughts straight before he made his request. That, and Lucivar often had other intriguing (and useful) ideas. Perhaps his advisor might have something else to add to the equation to ensure the security of the bay and its denizens. With that in mind he settled himself and began to lay his plans out to his shrouded advisor...
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