[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[KingKivuli]

All the time as new faces entered the den, Kivuli was snuggling with Mila. Neither said a word. Each new face caught Kivuli's attention, as the gray lion took in the details of each one. Some of them he recognised through either meeting or just general passing, others we complete strangers. As time went by Kivuli was getting restless and wanting to begin.

As Kovu entered the cave, Kivuli gave a strong stern look. There was friction between the two strong and proud males, hopefully something that could be resolved. It wasn't long before Simba spoke. Kivuli made sure his attention was fixed, but kept close to Mila. When Simba mentioned going away and talking with Nala, he had a feeling he knew what about If I didnt know better id say Nala will tell Simba shes pregnant. It wont be long before its defiantly obvious Kivuli thought Mind you the chances are they have more personal things to discuss

Kivuli then turned his attention to the rouges. Zane and Anga, the lions from his past. As the den fell quite Kivuli stood up and stepped forward, and spoke in a very serious tone Forgive me Simba, I don't know a Prides rules for a meeting such as this but there is a matter I feel I must speak of Kivuli's eyes gazed over the rest of the pride The rouges Simba speaks of, are enemies of my past I believed to be dead. I dont know how, but they are back. After they attacked Mila the other day I thought I scared them off but I know them better. They were hunting me. They now know where I am, and will try to attack again.

Kivuli took a short breath before continuing with this apparent warning Mila was in their way last time, so they attacked her to clear their path to me. They may try again. I know I am no figure of authority here, but my advice is stay away from them. You cant miss them. One is tan with redish mane while the other is a mix of black and white. They do not care about your age, your sex, your beliefs. All they care about is getting what they want. Some of you may think I should be cast out right now. That will do you no good. They will still try and attack simply cause you know me. Both of them are sneaky and underhanded. They will do whatever it takes to win and they dont go down easy. I havnt been in the pride long but I know that if we just keep on guard just incase, then, as a pride we can beat them

Kivuli finished. As he turned to sit back down, Kivuli stopped next to Simba and quietly whispered Be careful Simba, they may see that as a chance to kill you and weaken the pride With that Kivuli sat back down and snuggling Mila

[Mike]

Kovu listened to Kivuli's long-winded speech with ever uplifting eyebrows. He inwardly winced at each self important pronouncement and resisted rolling his eyes only with considerable effort. When Kivuli had rum down and returned to his seat Kovu felt that he definitely needed to follow up on what had been said.

"You'll have to excuse me Kivuli, if I don't really take you seriously, but not long ago you were proclaiming as though you were the lord of the universe that the rogues would never return to the pridelands. What's changed? Next thing we know you'll be telling us that they want to be our buddies with the same scary steely tone of voice." Kovu tried to restrain the level of sarcasm in his voice; he knew that Simba didn't appreciate it when a pride meeting got turned into a personal battle, but these objections, andthe issue of Kivuli's reliability, needed to be mentioned.

"And as to your advice, thanks a lot. Kovu continued, and at this point he was unable to keep the scorn out of his voice. "Stay away from the dangerous outsiders that attacked our pride, and who - according to you - may or may not be returning to hunt you down personally. Thanks for that one. I think I got it."

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At this point Vitani broke in, shooting a warning glance at her brother. Come on... and I thought I was going to be the problem member in the meeting. Males. she thought to herself.

"I can see that you still don't understand what it means to be part of a pride Kivuli." Vitani picked up after her brother had fallen into a somewhat penitent silence. "I know you're not used to pride concepts like loyalty and looking out for one another, but if you insult us again by suggesting we banish you I think I'll have some choice words for you. You don't go abandoning your pride just because times are tough."

Her last sentence reminded her of Shani's story and his decision to leave his pride to it's death. Her voice petered out uncharacteristically at the end of her sentence, and she sat back down, feeling troubled. When was it right to look out for yourself, when was it a betrayal to save your own life? Vitani couldn't answer those questions yet.

[KingKivuli]

Just as Kivuli was getting settled he heard Kovus voice question what had been said. Kivuli glared over and sniggered Is that sarcasm I hear in your voice Kovu? Believe me if you invited them round for dinner, you have more chance of actually being the the dinner than sharing a fresh kill with them. They don't know what mercy is. And yes, I did change my mind cause ive had time to think it all over. They are relentless. It took me and my friends a good while to knock both of them out before. If you knock them down they get back up despite injuries. Add the facts that its revenge they want and they know im here and I would be surprised if they DIDNT attack again Kivuli was not taking any bad mouthing from Kovu. Even though it wasnt very 'pride like' he enjoy this tussle against another strong male

Kivuli's was diverted to Vitani, who made it clear that a pride looks out for each other Your right Vitani, I have much to learn, but I mean no offence to anyone. I just don't want anyone else in harms way of those fiends cause of me Once again Kivuli was getting comfy when he remembered Kovus sarcastic thank you. Kivuli responded in kind with his own sarcasm Your most welcome about my advice Kovu. I can see your deeply concerned and taking it straight to heart Kivuli ended the sentene with an almost menacing grin. He was enjoying this

[KiarasMate]

Most unexpected to Simba, Kivuli was the first to step forward to pose his thoughts. Listening to everything he spoke of, Simba was about to reply when Kovu spoke next. Staying quiet, Simba observed the two males exchanging words, only to be interrupted by Vitani. Typically, Simba would have intervened by this point but he remained silent until everyone had finished speaking before he resumed himself, addressing both Kovu and Kivuli as one.

”You both have much to learn and this seems as though it will be a very interesting next few moons for everyone. I surely hope the two of you can set aside your animosity towards one another and focus on the greater good for your pride. Both of you have members who I’m sure you’d hate to see any harm befallen upon them and arguing amongst yourselves won’t help matters any. You both should understand that working as a cohesive unit is what keeps a pride united and strong. Perhaps this will be more than just a test for our future king and queen, but for all of you as a whole.”

Making eye contact with every single member of the pride within the confines of the main den, as if to punctuate his statement, Simba fell silent to allow his mate to take the floor as Nala spoke up in a more civil tone as she faced her daughter and Kovu.

”Simba and I thought it would be best if you two stayed in the main den while we’re gone. This way, everyone will be able to find you both easier and won’t have to go out of their way to locate you both if something comes up. Kiara, if you could be sure to inform Kovu of where we’ll be once this meeting is over, I think that would help, just in case.”

Nodding in an understanding fashion, Kiara responded in a soft voice.

”Of course Mom. I don’t think moving into here will be much of a problem. Plenty more leg room to stretch out is never a bad thing.”

Smiling warmly back at her daughter, Nala replied in a joking manner, trying herself to lighten the tension that had formed within the main den from the previous event.

”Yes, such is the life of a queen. All you have to put up with is Tani’s snoring, but don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.”

Flashing Vitani a playful smile, Nala took a seat once more to allow her mate to finish up the meeting. Taking the floor once more, Simba addressed Kivuli first.

”Even after everything you just told me Kivuli, I still feel secure in knowing that my little Mila will be in good paws. I’m entrusting her safety to you and I expect the both of you to be on your best behavior.” Turning to face Kopa, Rahina, Almasi and Mosi, Simba continued. ”Rahina, if Vitani needs some help with The Hunting Party, I assume I can count on you to lend her a paw? From your performance this past day, or at least, from what my mate has told me, you’re quite qualified to help if need be.”

Lastly, turning his focus upon Laini and Daxis, Simba could sense the anxiety coming from both felines, although merely chalking this up to just how long the meeting had taken to begin, Simba hurriedly wrapped things up so everyone could be on their way.

”If there are no further matters that anyone would like to bring up, I here by adjourn this meeting and wish you all a very pleasant night. Nala and myself will be here until first light tomorrow, so if there is anything that needs to be addressed from either of us, please be sure to come talk to us before then. Thank you all for coming and I know you all will be fine in our absence. Just always remember that a pride is only as good as its members so always do your best and treat each other with the utmost respect and love. I know I speak for my mate when I say that we will miss you all while we’re gone and we’ll be sure to return as soon as possible.”

Noticing that there were more cubs present than typically was expected, Simba skipped ending the meeting with the usual united roar that typically accompanied his ending words, instead opting just to perform a quaint bow in everyone’s general direction, signaling that they were free to leave if they wished to.

[JaguarOne]

Santiago had sat silently through the entire pride meeting. Considering it was his first day in the Pride Lands, he didn't feel like he had any place to really offer any concerns seeing as how he hadn't gotten a chance to see how the pride usually functions. If anything, this was providing an opportunity to study how the others reacted to Simba's authority over them and whether or not he truly had command of his pride. Luckily, it seemed like everybody enjoyed hearing their duties over the next few days, excited to see how the acting king would do in light of Simba's absence.

This is gonna get interesting fast, Santiago thought to himself as he began to wonder how much a few days under Kovu's rule would differ than the typical rule most of the Pride Landers have experienced up to now with Simba as the king.

The little exchange between Kivuli, Vitani, and Kovu didn't go unnoticed either, Santiago keeping quiet as he began to make some basic assumptions about Kivuli based on what he said and how the others responded. From what he gathered, it seemed like Kivuli was not only having problems adjusting to life in a pride, but also problems with getting his story straight. The fact that the Pride Landers didn't know who was responsible for the attacks on their lands yesterday didn't help much either. He'd probably have to do some poking around on his own to see what kind of information he could get if necessary. Until then, he decided that Vitani would be the first one he'd talk to about this matter.

Seeing Simba bow, Santiago returned the gesture with a respectful bow of his own before he looked over to Vitani who seemed to be walking away already. "So what was that all about, beautiful?" Santiago asked without missing a beat, taking advantage of every opportunity he could get to flirt with the lovely lioness.

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Caine knitted his brows as he paid careful attention to Shani. Ever since the lion had dropped that comment regarding the trustworthiness of his fellow pride members, the brown-maned lion had been suspicious of the newcomer. The more he studied Shani, the more he realized that the cogs in the lion's brain seemed to be working towards some goal. He also had noted the sour expression on the leonine's face when Simba announced that Kovu would be leading the pride while he was gone. In Caine's opinion, it was only right that Kovu would be the one to lead the pride. He was the future king, after all, and Simba seemed to have a lot of faith in him.

And Caine trusted Simba's judgment.

There was also the matter of how he seemed to react to not only hearing that Vitani had been named the acting head of the hunting party as well as that he and Caine would be working together as scouts. There was little, if any, change in his expression. Most of the others seemed to have offered the trio a smile and encouraging nod, but not Shani.

Something wasn't right.

"You're up to something, Shani," Caine stated in a hushed, yet suspicious tone to the lion as he looked over to him. "And I don't like it." Deciding to leave his commentary at that, Caine turned and headed towards the den where he sleeped, his tail gently flicking against Shani's face as he did so.

[Mike]

"'I don't know," Vitani replied, staring determinedly at Simba. "but I'm going to find out."

Kovu had been slightly taken by surprise by the sudden drawing to a close of the meeting, and was slower than Vitani to reach Simba. Vitani had an intense look on her face, and spoke almost tautly. "Simba can I talk to you? Outside maybe." She turned and looked at Kovu who had just approached. "Need something?" Vitani asked in an almost-aggressive tone. Kovu recognized the look on her face and decided to back off before he got a paw to the face.

"Ah, no, that's okay sis." He said to Vitani, then looked over her shoulder at Simba. "Uh, Simba, maybe you could come sit with me for a while before you go to sleep tonight." Not wanting to take up any more of Vitani's time, or Simba's for that matter, Kovu sat back down next to his beloved mate, resting against her side while careful not to squish or crowd little Taraji. "You knew this was coming?" he asked quietly.

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Shani chuckled derisively to himself at the dramatic language and ridiculous self importance that was clear in Kivuli's speech. It was no surprise to him when Kovu took issue with what had been said. As Shani had noticed earlier, Kivuli seemed almost to pretend that he could read the minds of the rogues - a characteristic that Shani found obscenely annoying and pompous.

Kovu's response contained a few points that Shani would have wanted to make on his own, but the way he made them made him look like a small cubby using clumsy insults to try and get his little brother in trouble with daddy. Apparently the pride in which he found himself didn't have very high standards of decor. That was to be expected though in Shani's experience. His own pride had been a pack of fools as well after all. It was rather a relief when Simba finally broke apart the two squabbling members.

As he'd expected, Vitani was the first to approach Simba, and he strained his ears to catch what was being said. Vitani didn't sound at ease, but it looked like he wouldn't be able to catch any more of their conversation as Vitani invited Simba outside.

Just then, Caine approached him with a piercing sidelong glance. Shani's thoughts of the rest of the pride left him as Caine spoke. He looked at the lion with new eyes, and sudden respect. He was about to answer when Caine simply moved off. Caie's tail flicked up to rub against Shani's muzzle as he passed. Shani allowed the nudge to turn his head to the side and he watched Caine move off. Acting on a sudden and unexpected impulse, Shani followed him and took up a seat that almost had the two lions touching.

"About time I met a lion in this pride that has a brain in their head." He said confidingly Nobody else has really noticed me. You're about the first interesting lion here I've met." As Shani spoke he drifted closer to Cain, feeling almost like an observer in his own body. Even if he were in control though, he wouldn't have stopped what happened next. Their mouths met in a kiss.

[KiarasMate]

Observing as a few of the members took their leave, Simba’s attention was grabbed by Vitani, who seemed as though, she had something important on her mind by the look on her muzzle. Quickly rising to his paws, Simba gave a quick nod to Kovu, as if to answer his request without having to keep Vitani waiting, making his way outside onto the promontory of Pride rock before he focused his full attention upon the former Outlander, addressing her in a genuine voice.

”What’s on your mind Vitani?”

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Happy that the meeting was over and relieved to have her mate back at her side once again, Kiara grinned innocently as she heard Kovu’s inquiry, shaking her head as she replied in a soft voice as not to disturb Taraji.

”Didn’t have a clue Honey but it’s quite the surprise huh? Didn’t think we’d actually have to face the facts about being king and queen so soon. Even with the perks that are involved…you know, being all alone in this huge den and having the power to have anyone watch Taraji while we…” Smirking playfully to her beloved mate, Kiara quickly adjusted herself as she continued. ”Seriously though, this will definitely be an interesting experience Honey but I know we’ll do fine. I just hope Taraji will be okay with the change of scenery.”

Resting her head upon Kovu’s side, Kiara gently caressed the top of Taraji’s curled up frame with a fore paw as she sighed quietly before asking.

”What do you think of this decision Honey?”

==========

Now that the meeting had adjourned, Kopa glanced down at both Almasi and Mosi as he stated in a happy voice.

”Well, that wasn’t so bad. Are you two ready to go back to our den for the night and maybe get in a bit of play before bedtime?”

Looking over to his precious mate, Kopa rose to his paws as he waited for a reaction from her, hoping that she was ready to call it a night as well.

==========

While everyone was busy conversing amongst themselves, Nala started to clear away the sleeping pelts from those who had begun to leave the main den, staying present just in case anyone wanted to speak with her but making herself useful in the mean time while she waited. Checking up on Ashur, to make sure he was doing alright, Nala passed by Jamelia, flashing her a warm smile before the cream colored queen took a seat at the center of the main den, continuing to watch what everyone else was up to.

[KingKivuli]

After the meeting was over and everyone began departing, Kivuli wanted to have a private word with Simba. He leaned over to Mila and gave a gentle lick on her muzzle Im just going to have a couple of words with your father. I wont be long. Kivuli gently stood up so not to disturb Mila's position too much. As he looked round for Simba, Kivuli saw that Vitani had got to him first. While Kivuli waited he saw Kouv, the temporary king, with his family out the corner of his eye

By tomorrow he is going to be acting king Kivuli thought Although its a pain to do i need to step up and sort out any issues we have. He most likely thinks I am pompous and someone who loves himself too much. I need to learn to put the feelings and actions of the past two years behind me. I am with a pride again, and nothing is more important than working together Kivuli recalled the days of Scar, how the whole pride did work together planning to overthrow him. It would have worked if Simba didnt return, and it was casue of co - operation and teamwork

Kivuli stepped forward towards Kovu and his family but kept a fair distance away. Kovu, i am sorry to interupt your family time but is it possible to have a word with you in private Kivuli was unsure how Kovu would react. It could go well, or horribly wrong. Kivuli was in a vulnerable position. Kovu didnt like him and now Kivuli had disturbed the family time

[JaguarOne]

Santiago just blinked as he heard Vitani's response and attempted to get another word in before she bounded off, but unfortunately that didn't happen. Electing not to interrupt the lioness, Santiago looked around before spotting a place that he could sit down without being in the way of any of the other's. This meeting seems to have generated quite the reaction, He thought to himself as he spotted Kivuli making his way over to speak to Kovu.

Hmmm, let's see what happens this time, The lion thought as he began to observe the interaction between the two, doing his best to listen for any clues that could tip him off as to who these rogues were and why they were really in the Pride Lands.

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Caine wasn't prepared to have Shani bound over and cut off his path so much that he nearly ran into the other feline when he stopped walking. With an eyebrow raised slightly, the brown-maned lion listened curiously to what Shani had to say, wonder just what about his thought process had really impressed Shani. Surely one of the others thought that there was something a bit suspicious about the lion.

Or had some of that blind faith been misplaced?

He had just opened his muzzle to say something, but it seemed like Shani had other plans as their muzzles met in a soft kiss. Caine's eyes widened in surprise at first, but soon slowly closed as he gave in and allowed himself to enjoy the kiss, a soft purr rumbling in his chest.

Despite clearly enjoying the kiss, Cain broke it off after a few more moments and gave Shani a curious look. "Just because you're a good kisser doesn't quite mean you're off the hook," He said with a small smirk as he leaned in and gave Shani another kiss, this one slightly deeper and longer than the last. Once the kiss was broken, Caine chose to turn and head outside to Pride Rock instead of heading to his den, his gut telling him that Shani will be following and trying to get a word in edgewise. Making his way to the summit, the lion lied down and began gazing up at the stars.

[LionPrincess]

Almasi was relived as the meeting came to an end, she lauged as Kopa spoke and she looked round and spotted Daxis "erm well can i catch up with you i think i need to sort something out" she smiled up to the lion who looked alot like te king she had noticed, she then headed over to Daxis "whats up with you, Daxis im not ignoring you and he will never take your place" she told him as she leaned in and nuzzled him "your my best friend" she told him
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Mosi looked to Almasi "i will go back to the den and leave you to do what you need to then" he told her as he noticed that the cub she was going to see didnt look happy, he headed out of the main den were he saw simba speaking to a lioness so he didnt bother interupting him but instead just waited for Kopa and Rahina