If I promise to do whatever you want, can’t you - can’t you let her go? The boy's words ring repeatly through his mind as he lurks in the bushes, his mind racing with a million possibilities. He debates as he waits, hidden as he is just out of their view.

He could let her go. He could turn the other way and pretend that he hadn't seen the silver-haired witch emerge and try to hustle Shenzi out like stolen cargo. Reh could feign innocence or fear or cowardice to justify his lack of reaction. Already, the little grullo stallion knew that the Lagoon was no place for Shenzi… nor was it really a place for any mare. Not only would letting the fierce little Barb go fulfill his promise to Azizi, but it would ensure that she would have someone to protect her and would not immediately end up in the Lagoon again.

Then again… it was Nyimara.

Not only did his family have friction with the venomous little mare, but so did the Lagoon itself. Apparently, she'd caused quite a stir in the past and while Rehoboam only knew bits and pieces, he understood enough that she was not welcome here. Plus, even a rude mare like Shenzi deserved someone better than that.

Heart torn, the young stallion had remained hidden while he debated, his face furrowed in anger and frustration. He had raced away from his miniature companion the moment he smelled Nyimara on the breeze, and had bid him to go in hiding until Rehoboam knew what was going on. Whether or not the boy had listened remained to be seen, but he had to trust him. As he debated, he listened… and found himself shocked at what he heard. Nyimara's demand was typical, but Shenzi's reaction had him flabbergasted, and he found himself recalling Azizi's comment about how his mother smiled for him sometimes.

It seemed even the lioness had a heart.

"Again with the separating mother from child, Nyimara," the young stallion snarled as he emerged from the forestry, ears pinned into the tangle of his mane. If Shenzi was not going to go willingly, then Rehoboam would do what he could to honor her wishes… especially considering they aligned with his own. As much as it would be preferable to insert himself between the two of them, he was relatively sure that Nyimara would not be dumb enough to try and take them both on, especially considering he had made sure to pitch his voice loud enough that any nearby bachelors would be alerted to the commotion.

Still, even as he forms the point of a triangle, he is careful not to wade too close to Shenzi. Even if their goals were momentarily aligned, he knew that they were not the least bit of friendly. "She stays here," he says firmly, his tail lashing. "For now." The last two words spill out of him unprompted and he regrets them as soon as they are out. They were, perhaps, holdovers from his aborted attempt to free Shenzi on Salem, and further encouraged by his promise to Azizi. Still, it wouldn't do to have Nyimara thinking that she had an option here, or for the Lagoonies (if they came) to think he was uncommitted.

But he couldn't take them back and so he pretended as though they were nothing but an observation and yanks his gaze from Shenzi back to Nyimara with a sneer curling on his lips. "You can go now."