Hope you don't mind me ambling in to review old stuff—I read this a long while ago and I thought I'd let you know that it's still one of my favorite Nailah fics. Such a tense, vivid moment to find her in—the initial comfort of the cloth-wrapping giving into her doubts, the delightfully-fitting backstory of Nailah challenging for the throne, and details in lovely places (the absurdity of the floral print, etc). Thanks for sharing.

This was just awesome...(:

The way Nailah's situation is written is just amazing... Plus, I love Nailah, but there's hardly any good fandom of her, and this was really good... So yay~!

-Brujita Suniii

Hi there! First time entering, right? Well, this turned out really, really well. I'm very impressed with it. Nailah doesn't get much love in fandom (unfortunately!) but this piece was really great and it gave us a nice glimpse of her.

Great work! I had fun reading this.

Cheers,

-Manna

I really enjoed this read. The strenght conveyed by the narration really fits the Hatari Queen I think. It was masterfully played out.

Wow, this is really, really good! I've always liked Nailah, and I like what position you've put her in too. Her simple actions speak a lot about the culture and standing of power in Hatari, and about her discomfort for the upcoming battle for her position as ruler too.

Your detail is beautiful, just the perfect amount, with this written for the "Woman King" fe_contest and being limited n' all... It came out great! A line that especially stood out to me was: His volatile demanor, so unlike that of his father..." It holds a lot of power to it, and I love lines like that.

Nailah's thoughts are doubtful about how things will play out, with who her opponent is. Her resolve runs deep though, enough that she will do what is neccesary, depite her heavy conscience. I think this says a lot about her character, and shows what a strong and determined woman she is.

This was superb! :3

I felt this needs more love, so I'm going to repost what I told you over on LJ.

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This fic is great speculation - or perhaps commentary - on laguz ruling conventions. Canon tells us that the laguz are ruled by their strongest, and yet in many nations there seems to be some sort of line of succession. Skrimir's position further suggests ruling families, inheritance...

And so I think the way you touch upon this is a fantastic resolution of this apparent contradiction. I also like the power present in Nailah's challenge. In a time when the matter of strength is almost lip service - and corruption creeps in ("the cruel set of his jaw, his eyes flashing in temper ... his volatile demeanor") - this unknown female takes her culture to the task of upholding its own values.

If she can. There's just a hint of insecurity here too, and it really helps this to make this not only a worldbuilding piece, but also a personal story. Nailah's story.

Wonderful concept.