The Savannah was sweltering hot, causing discomfort for everyone. Despite their years in human hybrid form, they were still affected by the weather. Meeku, in response to the heat, crafted wooden ceiling fans for the Makana residence houses. The tribes and clans continued to coexist as they had since Zarda's disappearance. Queen Natia, supported by her loyal subjects including whitemane lions, warthogs, elephants, cheetahs, blackmane lions, and eagles, vowed to protect her forever. Zarda had assigned headship rulers over the clans, with King Tian overseeing the Western kingdoms, King Usian ruling the Eastern kingdoms, and King Shanti leading the Southern kingdoms.
"Come here Tobi, its time for a bath little one." Natia called gently.
A grateful mother beamed with pride for her healthy son. She felt overwhelming love for him every day. His tiny face reminded her of Zarda, filling her with joy and sorrow simultaneously. Natia watched in awe as her son grew up quickly before her eyes, feeling anxious about what Zarda might miss out on. The absence of Zarda had brought many changes.
After he left, she had to take on the role of ruler, but the male kings continued to gather regularly for meetings at Sabyinyo with the creator. Although the creator did not reveal Zardas' well-being, he believed it was not necessary for the others to know. If they did, they might not work as hard and everything would suffer in the four large kingdoms. Therefore, he encouraged them to stay hopeful and diverted their attention to other important matters.
"Mother, am I brave like father. Will I be a king like him one day?" He asked gleefully.
As Natia washed her son's black spiked hair and scrubbed his skin, she smiled at him. Running her fingers over the heart-shaped pattern on his chest, she started to speak.
"You are just as brave as your father, my dear. He left this mark on your chest so you will never forget him. It's a part of him inside you. He loves you and will come back, I promise," she said through tears.
"Do not be sad mother." He replied tenderly.
"Okay, my love, don't worry. These are tears of joy." She replied.
Every time she had to explain or speak with Tobi, it pained her deeply. He was young and naive, and she knew that until Zarda returned, this would be her daily responsibility as a mother. She often dreamt of his return, but also had nightmares of him being tortured to death. She prayed for peace and guidance from Elohim. Natia's mother-in-law, Saharrah, was always by their side, sharing in their hopes and fears. Meeku, Zarda's brother, and his pregnant sister-in-law, Arian, also longed for his return. Meeku wanted Zarda home to meet their upcoming baby, and most importantly, for Zarda to meet his son, Tobi.
Tobi had finished his bath time and was ready to be dried off. Natia wrapped him in a warm, dry cloth, gently rubbing the water droplets off his skin. She picked him up, holding him close as she carried him to his clothing chest made by his uncle Meek. After finding a light garment for him to wear, she dressed him and then let him go. Tobi ran off towards the living quarters, where he gazed out the big window at the bustling streets of the Northern Kingdom of Makana. Inside, it was a peaceful and safe world his mother had created for him, while outside was a lively community filled with noise. As Tobi watched an elephant parade march by, shaking the windows with each heavy step, Natia sat quietly beside him, enjoying his delight of the outside world.
She asked Tobi if he would like to go for a walk and suggested going to the market place for some treats.
Tobi was thrilled with the idea and immediately proposed that they bring Grandma Saharrah along on their outing. Natia agreed without hesitation, as she never went anywhere without her. They quickly put on their shoes and ventured outside into the fresh air. The sweltering heat was almost unbearable, pushing them to hasten their journey to Saharrah's house. From there, they could all make their way to the shaded marketplace in downtown Makana's inner courts. Saharrah soon joined them on their walk, and without delay, they set off to visit their favorite merchants for a treat.
They wandered down a bustling cobblestone street, feeling more relaxed with the heat kept at bay by the vibrant linen canopy draped over the walkway above them. Natia positioned Tobi between herself and Saharrah, each holding one of his little hands. Tobi grinned and chuckled at the exciting sights around him. The street was bustling with animal folk of all walks of life, enjoying the company of various kinds, seeking shade, or indulging in tasty treats. Beyond the first group of animals, they spotted Merchant Silvia, an elderly eagle selling wind chimes and dream catchers made from eagle feathers. She possessed a diverse array of designs, including vibrant bird feathers sourced from exotic locations.
"Hello, family. How are we on this lovely morning? Hey little tobi, would you like to see the new craft I'm working on?" Silvia inquired.
Tobi felt excited to come across something different, anything at all really. He felt anticipation rising as she leaned down to retrieve her newest creation from under the table. She proudly displayed a beautiful handcrafted windmill that resembled a bird in motion. Feathers twirled around the bird's circular body, resting on a medium-sized stick. The wooden bird was painted in an exquisite turquoise and gold tribal pattern, with shiny clear jewels used for its eyes.
Tobis' eyes widened with curiosity as he gazed upon the strange toy.
"It's beautiful, Mrs. Silvia. What is it?" Tobi sweetly inquired.
With a heart full of joy, she smiled warmly at little Tobi.
Silvia explained, "It's a lucky bird. When you blow on its wings and it spins, you can make a wish and it always comes true."
Tobi gazed up at his mother with a spark of curiosity in his eyes. Natia understood his silent request and suggested he make a wish. Politely, he asked if it was acceptable with Silvia, who happily gave him the go-ahead. Silvia brought the bird closer to Tobi's mouth for him to blow. Tobi took a deep breath and blew with all his strength, watching as the wings spun in circles. With closed eyes, he made a wish for the one thing he wanted most - his father's safe return. When he finished, Tobi opened his eyes and embraced his mother and grandma tightly. Silvia, sensing his joy, handed him the bird in delight.
"Here its yours now, no one else can make a wish on it. Keep it safe so that your wish is safely fufilled." Silvia said.
Tobi was thankful for the special gift. He thanked her over and over and over again several times before leaving to the next merchant.
On his tables sat two sizable copper cooking pans, one filled with piping hot white rice and the other with sizzling, spicy grubs. The aroma of sweet paprika, garlic, and chili sauce wafted through the streets as merchant Nimbo expertly stirred and mixed his food. Grinning at the approaching customers, he watched as Tobi hopped up and down in excitement, holding his bird high to show Mr. Nimbo.
"Hello Tobi, what a great toy you have. Would you like to try my delicious gumbo?" He inquired.
Tobi smiled widely as he twirled his new toy.
"It's a wishing bird, that is specially made and it's all for me." he replied.
"Wow, that sounds very nice. Did you make a big wish? Would you care to try some of my grub gumbo?" Nimbo inquired.
Tobi shook his head up and down excited to try Nimbo's gumbo. It was his number one selling item along with many other things he sold. Off to the side the other table displayed many auromatic spices. Natia and Saharrah browsed the colorful selection before them. Natia had purchased ground tumeric and ginger, while Saharrah bought cinnamon for her special homemade cookies. They paid Nimbo and waited for Tobi to finish eating before leaving to several more merchants along the way. Each one was selling magnificent merchandise from baloons to garments, fine golden jewlery to sweet cakes and more.
Tobi spent the remainder of the morning meeting with familiar faces, sampling new foods, and relishing the outdoor atmosphere. After a busy morning, it was time to bring the tired little king back home.
Natia carried Tobi, who had fallen asleep in her arms, inside their house. His peaceful and calm face, resembling a little lion, contrasted with his childlike body now limp against her.
Saharrah helped Natia prepare Tobi's bed, kissing his forehead before leaving to wait in the living room. Natia gently laid Tobi in bed, kissed his cheek, and then went to meet her mother-in-law. During Tobi's nap, they spent lunchtime talking like they used to before Natia and Zarda were together as a couple.
"I can't stop thinking about Zarda. He's always on my mind, and it feels like the pain will never go away. Even though we have a two-year-old, Zarda isn't here. My heart believes he's alive and will come back, but my head tells me to accept the slim chance of that happening. How do you and meeku seem to have moved on and look so happy, while I'm still in pain? It's hard to numb the pain." Natia expressed.
Saharrah found it difficult, but the one saving grace was that she had already experienced losing him once before, and he had returned. This knowledge kept her sane, as deep within her soul she knows he will always come home.
Saharrah replied, "I have spent what feels like a lifetime being separated from him rather than being his mother. Zarda was lost from me for a significant portion of his early years as a cub. We animals age faster than humans, so his rapid growth seemed like a blink of an eye. It's normal and it appears to be happening the same way with Tobi. Zarda will be here when the time is right."
Natia replied, "I see Zarda in Tobi every day, he is definitely his father's son. I just hope Zarda makes it back in time because time goes by so fast. What if Zarda can't return or what if he has moved on, married someone else, and started a family? My mind is overwhelmed with these thoughts and it's driving me insane."
Saharrah wisely reminded Natia that living in the "what ifs" of life only leads to unhappiness and anxiety. Life is about more than constant worry. Natia cherished her conversations with Saharrah, who always knew the right words to uplift her and improve her spirits. Saharrah found fulfillment in being a maternal figure, especially with her grandcub. She understood Natia's pain, as she had experienced immense loss herself when she lost her spouse and children in one tragic day. Despite the regret and constant guilt of not properly burying her daughters, Saharrah knew she had to embrace new love, opportunities, and experiences in order to move past the negativity. Taking care of her grandcub, Tobi, was a source of healing for Saharrah, allowing her to make up for lost time with her other children, Zarda and Meeku. As she awaited the arrival of Meeku's child, Saharrah found solace and purpose in her role as a grandmother and looked forward to the future with hope, all while surrounded by the beauty of the Savannah.
In time Natia too would have peace. The truth of the matter was everyone's process of healing and growth is unique. This is why things eventually fall into place at the right time and in the right way. Life would be disordered, dull, and chaotic without the natural rhythms of ebbs and flows.