[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[Lodrill]

Lainis paw raised from Daxis head and she gave him a light pad on the head to remind him what she had told him just a moment ago.
She perked her ears as she heard Almasis response. "See Daxis. Didn't I tell you that you do not need to worry." her soft voice was directed to him. Laini raised to her paws as she saw Rahina heading their way. Laini knew she had to go through this now. She disliked much socializing especially with outlanders and Rahina looked right like one. Even thoug Laini knew that Rahina was new to the land.

[hr][/hr]

Rahina nuzzled Kopa as he prepared to leave. "Okay my dear. I think we will be there pretty soon too."
With this said she raised to her paws as well and directed her steps towards the location of Almasi, Daxis and Laini.

"Is this your friend Almasi?" her warm voice asked the cub. "I hope you are nice to her?" Rahinas muzzle was stretched to a smile and her black eyes observed the red maned cub. Rahina noticed the rebellious glimmering in the eyes of Daxis and a mark on his paw as if he had been gnawed at it. Judging these signs Rahina noticed that the cub was on a foul mood. Ever since her time in the jungle where he had grown up with other cubs she knew the signs of an upset cub very well. Especially of male cubs.

"I am Rahina and I am very new in these lands." Rahina introduced herself to Laini and Daxis. "I volunteered to look after Almasi until the king decided what to do. Well I think this is up to the prince now." Rahina giggled a bit. "I can't blame the king to take a break with so much extra work to do and all the new lions that entered his realm." Rahina was sure that all the new lions and lionesses including her and Kopa would be a lot of stress for the king. She made a mental note to herself to make good efforts with the hunting or helping out so that Kopa and herself would not become an additional burden.

"Are you ready to go back to our den Almasi? Kopa and your friend are already on their way."

[hr][/hr]

Laini looked a bit cautious towards Rahina. She just nodded and silently responded "I am Laini." to Rahinas introduction. As Rahina mentioned that she wanted to go back to her den Laini also grasped the chance of the situation. "This should apply for us too Daxis. It's late and we should head towards the den. Why don't you meet with Almasi tomorrow morning and you can talk about all this?" Laini did not want Daxis to snap in front of Rahina. Laini still sensed a strong danger in making this lioness upset. She would try to talk to Daxis in their den again so that he might calm down a bit and be in a better mood tomorrow..

[hr][/hr]

The trembling of the small redish body increased as Simba's speach continued. At the end of the meeting she was clearly shivering and it was far to much for just her being cold. Also the whimpers of her came more often now even if they were still silent and somewhat cute.

Taraji was captured in her nightmare and did even not wake up with all the lions leaving. Maybe this was also because she was dug into Kiaras chest fur that deadened all the noises.

[NightmareMoon]

Mila smiled lovingly at Kivuli when her cheek was licked by him. His tongue made Mila feel amazing and she knew she was falling for him. The way such a simple act of affection could make her melt... she wondered if she didn't do the same to him?

After the lick, Mila didn't need an answer to start running. She knew what was going to be said and she began running after Kivuli when he suddenly started a sprint. As he ran in front of Mila, the lioness took the time to look around her environment and notice the beautiful night that was above and around her. The way the moonlight gently touched her fur and made it whiten a bit, as well as Kivuli's fur, was a gorgeous sight. She could not but the beauty of the scene into words as she kept running.

After a short run, the pair reached their current destination. Kivuli wasted no time in padding over to the waterhole where he began to drink, until he sprayed water onto her already freezing fur coat. "Hey!" Mila yelled as the water hit her fur. She looked over at Kivuli, who seemed to be enjoying the way Mila had squirmed and smiled mischievously. "Is that the game you want to play?" Her mischievous smile was glued to her face as she slowly advanced on Kivuli, unaware of anything when she hit the water with her paws. Her gaze stared directly into Kivuli's eyes and as she reached the dumbfounded lion, she pushed the lion over with such a force to make him topple over completely into the water. Enjoying the scene of Kivuli being under her and there being not much he could do about it, Mila stood over the lion as he came up from under the water and stared down into his eyes. "I'm sure that little splash was worth that cold dunk.." Mila said quietly, and as she stood over Kivuli with her mischievous little smile still glued to her muzzle she wondered... what was she doing?

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli smiled as Mila advanced on him. Her sapphire eyes shined in the moonlight, drawing Kivuli to her. As the pair stood in the water, Kivuli started to go for a kiss, when Mila pounced him and forced his body into the water, soaking his fur. For a while Kivuli was stunned. For two reasons. The first being that Mila caught him by surprise. The second, the fact that never before had he seen such a beautiful sight. The lioness he loved standing over him and looking at him with those eyes of hers

Recovering from shock Kivuli answered her question Whats a little water, compared to being with you? Kivuli then pulled her head to his and kissed her, while his other paw rubbed her sides and underbelly. After a few minutes of this Kivuli broke of and looked deep into her eyes Do you want to keep going or make this more private? My den is just over there Kivuli gave Mila a subtle wink

[NightmareMoon]

As Mila's head hovered above Kivuli's, she knew something was going to happen. The way Kivuli's eyes burned with passion just lit up the darkness in her own eyes. Mila listened to Kivulis words, hanging on to each and every one of them as they were whispered. Upon saying this Mila felt Kivulis paw touch the back of her head and slowly bring her down upon his muzzle. She wasn't prepared for it, but it came so swiftly that she had no time to prepare.

Kivuli's lips locked with Mila's in a passionate kiss. She was so surprised, so taken back by it... but there was that spark that Mila couldn't give up. Mila felt Kivuli's other paws caress her in different places, and Mila's body slumped onto Kivuli's. The scene was very romantic. Mila could not let go until Kivuli did so himself, and asked Mila a question.

When Kivuli asked Mila this question, she had to think. His subtle wink and what they had just done was overwhelming to her and she was intoxicated enough by his presence to continue the kiss, but Mila wasn't prepared for anything more.

Mila stepped off of Kivuli without a word. She wanted to be with Kivuli and she wanted to go to his den. On the other paw, a side of her was completely against it. Mila walked away from the pond and sat at the shore of the waterhole. She wasn't completely sure what to say to Kivuli, and because of it, didn't say anything. She laid down and waited for him to come over to her. While she waited Mila began to have a feeling of uncertainty and butterflies formed in her stomach. What had she just done?

[KiarasMate]

Spotting Kivuli’s subtle nod, Simba returned the gesture to the grey furred male as he made a mental note to speak with him once his business with Kovu was wrapped up. Turning his focus back to Vitani now, pleased in the fact that he had seemed to put Vitani’s worries at ease, Simba followed her back into the warmth of the main den before parting ways with the former Outlander as he made his way towards Kovu, who seemed to have just finished speaking with Kivuli about some matter or another. Taking up the spot where Kivuli had stood moments ago, Simba addressed his son-in-law in a friendly fashion as he spoke.

”Looks like I’m next in line here Kovu. So, what did you wish to speak with me about?”

==========

Now that her head was a bit closer to where her daughter laid, Kiara’s ears swiveled as she picked up the faint sounds of Taraji’s whimpers, causing the golden furred princess to lift her head slightly as she gazed over the little bundle of sleeping cub between her fore legs. Spotting the small convulses that vibrated through her little frame, Kiara leaned in close to lick softly over Taraji’s back as she murmured quietly to her.

”Cutie? Are you okay?”

Continuing to lick and nuzzle her adopted daughter in an affectionate manner, Kiara tried her best to comfort the slumbering cub, hoping that she would relax from her loving ministrations, keeping her head lowered to pick up any more sounds that might emanate from her.

[SinChei]

Daxis was a bit mad of Almasi but he could never be really mad at her. For him it looked like Almasi tryed to defend the new cub. He knew when he would see Mosi maybe with Almasi or when he would say something wrong that Daxis could nor resist to beat him or start a brawl. The red maned cub noticed Laini stood up after he gave him the light pad Daxis knew exactly wht she wanted to say him with it. Daxis didnt want to make her mad or blame her in front of the new lioness who joined them to get Almasi back. As Rahinas eyes anyalised him he hid his gnwed paw behind the other and broke off the eye contact. He didnt really know why but he could not look deep in her eyes. But as she introduced her friendly the situation calmed down and he introduced himself too. I'm Daxis and i am new here too he waited until the lioness finished taling to Almasi. Did you say... this other ..cub is with Almasi in your den ?! Daxis had to concentrate himself so bad to not rush out of the den and attack Mosi. He looked rather on the ground as in her eyes he knew she would notice something. He growled again quitely but stopped instant. Daxis ears twiched as he heard Lainis Voice and his tail flicked quickly. Yes ok we can go now. Night Almasi and Rahina. he said in a enraged tone which he tryed to repress. He left just because of Lainis request and Rahina she lookd so strong and would never tolerate violence against other members of the pride. The dark brown furred cub hoped Mosi wasn't already gone and stood still outside where Rahina could not protect him even if he just slap or bite him a few times until someone would pull Daxis off him.

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli lay in the shallows and watched as Mila made her way to the waters edge. Soon after Kivuli rose from the water with his fur drenched. He began to sake his body to get the cold water off his sleek fur. The drops of waters flew in the air around him and twinkled in the moonlight. Once Kivuli was drier he walked over to Mila

Kivuli wondered why she had left him. Was she not enjoying the evening? Kivuli was going to find out. He came over and gently nuzzled Mila before looking into her eyes and asking Are you ok? You seem really tense Kivuli waited patiently for Mila to respond

[JaguarOne]

Santiago looked up as Vitani returned to the den after having spoken to Simba. He hadn't moved much if at all, choosing only to move over to a spot where he wasn't in the way of the others. The den and the area of Pride Rock which was directly outside of the den was buzzing with activity that wasn't there before.

"Hey. You okay?" The black-maned lion asked as he walked up to the rough, tough lioness after he had noticed the expression on her face. He knew she'd tell him that she was fine. Everybody did that. But what he wanted to know was why she seemed worried. The look on her face certainly betrayed the 'I'm fine' response he was bound to get.

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"Just because you didn't get along with your parents doesn't make you a monster, Shani," Caine said in a gentle tone as he shook his head slowly in response to the lion's suggestion. He knew that there were plenty of lions and lionesses out there who didn't necessarily get along with their parents and, while most still loved their parents, there were the occasional handful who couldn't stand them. He couldn't change their minds and chose to respect how they felt instead of trying to change them.

"You're definitely more comfortable around me," The lion observed as he noticed how the lion's breathing was slow and even, almost like that of a lion who was asleep. With a small chuckle, Caine leaned over and gently nuzzled Shani's cheek before letting out a quiet yawn as he looked back up to the stars.

[Lodrill]

Laini was shocked as Daxis started to speak up in his rage but she sighed in relieve as he accepted to leave for their den. With a last apologizing look to Rahina and Almasi she followed Daxis outside.

[hr][/hr]

Rahina twiched with her eye brow as Daxis snapped. She remembered that back in the days she grew up with only cubs around at the jungle the boys often fought over the girls. But in the end they only had been fights for rank and who was allowed to sleep next to the cute girls.
Rahina had never been the target of these brawls though. Neither someone wanted to brawl with her not over her. Maybe her big scar had made them turn their backs to her or maybe because she had a very bad start with them. Nonetheless it have been in a good time in the jungle. Even if not really nice or affectionate the other cubs at least respected her within their cub pride.

Rahina had seen the look in Daxis eyes and had a wild guess for the reasons of Daxis' rage. He was jealous of the new friend of Almasi as it seemed. Rahina smiled and nudge Almasi. "Should we get going?"

In thoughts Rahina brooded about the decision if she should just let Daxis and Mosi fight this out under their own or not. It was normal for boys to brawl and earlier or later they had to clear this. If a cub was protected from everything it would not grow strong. That was at least the thought of Rahina and her own experience. She only ever was on the edge of awareness and her body had been trained to a dangerous weapon not only for hunting but also for fighting because of her hard upcomming and live in the jungle. Maybe she would supervise the fight between them and step in if one of the cubs would cross the border. At least she had taken the responsibility over Mosi at least for now and so she would not let him get harmed badly. Still her duty about watching over him would end at the time she brought him back to his brother the next morning. Then it was the job of Mosi's brother to keep an eye on him. Rahina only had to make sure everyone in the pride including Daxis would not be harmed by this brother because of the fight Mosi would have with Daxis.

'A lot of extra work for me to do.!' Rahina thought and sighed inside her head. She still waited for Almasi to give her an answer or take the lead to the den.

[hr][/hr]

The trembling did not stop by the licks and nuzzle of Kiara but after a while Taraji woke up with a jump backwards. Her big panicing crystal eyes looked around hastily and sweat started to build in her fur. It was clearly visible that she was terrified by whatever she had seen in her dream.

[Mike]

Kovu sighed, letting his body language get into it a bit too. He really didn't like that sort of interaction. For all his wit and cheek, he wasn't a combative lion as he had been in the past. Though he worked well in an adversarial situation, it left him wanting to roll his eyes and just not have to deal with it. As Simba approached though, his mood picked up.

"Thanks Simba" Kovu said, a genuine smile appearing this time on his muzzle. "I appreciate you taking the time. If I'm going to be taking over your duties for a while there's no better lion to get some pointers from than you. I can't help but feel that I have some big paws to fill. One of the first things I was wondering is how on earth you find time off? I mean, without taking your mate to some remote corner of the pridelands." Kovu spoke in jest, giving Simba a wink to let him know that he wasn't bitter or anything about his king's decision. "I've been finding lately that all these darned duties take up time that I'd much rather be spending with the lioness I love. Speaking of whom, I'd like her to hear this too." Kovu stood up, inviting Simba to do the same, and crossed the den to sit back down next to Kiara who was comforting little Taraji.

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Vitani was happy to be brought out of her uneasy thoughts by Santiago's voice. focusing on the lion, and noting his genuinely inquisitive glance. She flopped down beside him and stared at nothing for a moment before she spoke. Vitani supposed that Kovu wouldn't make a bad king, but he just had such a green tinge on him from her perspective. His assertiveness could be misplaced, and she could just see Kovu plowing ahead with a wrongheaded idea because he was too proud and afraid to admit his mistake. She resolved silently that she'd have to be his compass.

"You're a clever lion," she said, sincerely, but more in a pensive mood than a flirtatious one at the moment. "What do you think of Kovu as a King?"

Vitani was looking for second opinions. Although she knew Kovu better than perhaps anyone else in the pride, her perception of him was filtered through years of close contact with him. A relative stranger's first impression might be valuable as well.

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Shani was again surprised by Caine's reaction. He didn't think the other would be so accepting right off the bat. Then he focused his attention on the other lion and had the impression that he was looking into a gently rippling pool of water under the stars. Caine was still and peaceful, yet still in constant drifting movement as he interacted with the night and with Shani. It was a beautiful sight. He now felt silly to believe that Caine would hold any element of his past against him. Shani was moved to gently return the nuzzle, and add a soft kiss.

You have that one right." he said slowly, puzzling it out himself. "There's not a lot of times in my life that I've felt like this." And each time I've been like this before, I was alone." He thought. One of the other times was when he was still very small, sitting on a rock overlooking a waterhole, focusing on the ripples of the water and the sun dancing against it. His mother had just died.