Uzuri, having pledged to take care of Elanna, is playing with Makaka when suddenly Makaka says, "We're being watched." They are by the baobab at the time.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Uzuri."
"Where are they?"
"It's a lioness. I don't know her, but she knows you. It's coming from...." He began to scan a small region of brush and trees at the edge of the savanna. As if she knew the jig was up, Elanna came stalking out into the open.
"Lannie! I thought you were dead!" Uzuri started forward.
"Don't hurt me!" Elanna said, starting backward.
"Hon, I won't hurt you. I'm your friend, remember?"
"Well, I was hoping you wouldn't hurt me." She came toward Uzuri and nuzzled her desperately, "Oh Uzuri, I've been so alone!"
"Not any more, dear. Not any more."
"But I can't come back. The others--they hate me. I just know it. They'll never let me stay." She started to cry. "Uzuri, I don't know what to do! I've been alone for the longest time. I can't stand it anymore! I tried to join Mabongo's pride but his wife is insanely jealous. She tried to kill me!"
"Oh honey tree!" Uzuri nuzzled her again.
“It was in the hunt. She said it was an accident, but I know better! I almost ended up like Avina!”
"Poor thing!” She stroked Elanna’s cheek with her paw. “You remember my sons Togo and Kombi, don't you?"
"Yes. How are they?"
"Well Kombi's a king and Togo's his Prince Consort." Uzuri smiled. "Their father died, but his death gave them a new life. Life is like the wind--if you don't like the way it's blowing, wait and it will change." She kissed Elanna's cheek. "They will be glad to take you in, my dear."
"Really?"
"Yes, and you could have a fresh start...." She frowned. "No! Your home is here, and you're going to come home where you belong."
"But they all hate me. They'll never forgive me for marrying Taka."
"I think they will. Don't you want to see your sister Sarabi again?"
"Oh gods, I'd give anything to see her. But it will never work!"
"I don't want you give anything--just the effort to trust me and come back. Give it a try."
"But facing all of them alone...."
"You're not alone. I will be with you."
"Why are you so good to me?"
"Because I love you, and because I promised Taka that I would look after you the way you asked me to look after him."
"How is he? What happened to him?"
"He died like a real lion. You would have been proud of him."
"You are good, Uzuri. So good to me. If it's the two of us, I will give it a try. It can't hurt."
"The three of us," Makaka said.
"The four of us," Rafiki said. Rafiki threw his arms around Elanna's strong neck. "First Simba came back from death. Now my Lannie. God has been generous."
Bravely, hopefully, the four friends headed for Pride Rock.