She’d kept to herself, for the most part, since she’d arrived.  There was still no part of Tsavo that felt comfortable here.  However, she was not so uncomfortable as to leave either.  She knew she had done very little to try to acclimate herself, but she just couldn’t shake the feeling that the skeletons in her closet just wouldn’t cease grabbing at her ankles with every step she took forward.  All she wanted was to shake them off, move forward, and start anew.  Doing such had proven itself difficult so far.
 
Tembovu’s voice – one of the few she recognized – drew her attention.  One of the many skeletons in her closet.  She still had her reservations about living in a land ruled by Tembovu without any information as to how he’d come to rule this place.  She’d seen the elephant in action before – that was more than enough for Tsavo to question his motives here.  She moved slowly in the direction of the call, with Eshe trailing behind her bonded.  While Tsavo’s mind was filled with questions, Eshe’s was filled with anticipation.  The little cub had yet to meet anyone other than her bonded.
 
Tsavo remained on the outskirts of the meeting, for Tembovu was the only one she recognized among those who had gathered. It wasn’t that she didn’t feel comfortable in front of a crowd – she’d been paraded in front of others her entire life.  Her reservations were not that superficial.  Her eyes were drawn instinctually to the winged woman standing at Tembovu’s side, the very embodiment of winter.  Emotions again hit her like a battering ram – jealousy, curiosity, sympathy – all coming in quick succession.  The surge caused Eshe to grow unnaturally quiet and to step closer to her bonded, looking up at the unicorn mare and nudging one of her forelegs encouragingly.  Had Tembovu seduced his way into power here too?  Who had he dragged down so he could rise?  How many bodies did he have to stand upon to stand before them.  The bitter thoughts came quickly, and she regretted them just as quickly.  She knew that there was more to the elephant than this cynicism allowed her to see, but until she had answers she simply couldn’t rid her minds of the invasive thoughts.
 
She set her mouth in a tight line and looked down at the concerned cub, her expression finally softening.  She breathed out a small sigh and leaned down to nuzzle the lioness once before again drawing herself to her full height and turning her gaze back to Tembovu and his queen.