[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[KiarasMate]

While it was true that Kopa did feel a bit cross towards Rahina, the feeling of being betrayed in a way, seemed to outweigh this fact. They had always been honest with one another for the longest time and now that his beloved lioness had kept such an important detail from him for so long, and for reasons that he either couldn’t or would not admit to, Kopa didn’t know what else to say at this point. Feeling his mate slipping out from his warm embrace, seeing her expression upon her face, Kopa started to feel a mix of emotions swelling up within him. Fortunately for the couple, Vitani’s presence seemed to break the tension between the pair, if only momentarily as Kopa watched his precious mate moving in for one last departing nuzzle and lick before she started to make her way outside of their little den to join up with Vitani.

A small part of Kopa wanted Rahina to stay, as the fact that she was now carrying his cub seemed to indicate that hunting should be the last of her activities that she should be partaking in however, being a bit too preoccupied with his own confusing thoughts and emotions, Kopa made no mention of this as he sighed softly and watched his precious lioness as she moved off into the distance. Alone and utterly lost at this point, Kopa flopped onto his back and gazed up towards the ceiling of the quaint den, a flurry of thoughts coursing through his mind as he tried to make sense of what had just happened. Did Rahina think that he wouldn’t have been happy that she was carrying his cub? Did she herself, maybe not even want to have cubs with him? Did she think that he was too incapable of caring for a cub? All these questions and more loomed in Kopa’s head as the lone male grunted and rolled to his paws, quickly exiting the den as he left to take a walk to try and clear his mind.

[Mike]

Kovu was jut watching Penda slink away, and was thinking about calling after her. He hadn't asked her to leave, and Penda didn't even answer his question. Before he could call after Penda though, he noticed Shani and a strange lioness at the mouth of the den. Shani saw him and started over, with a stunningly white lioness at his side. Still slightly disgruntled by Penda's snub, Kvu's greeting words slipped out a little less hospitably than he might have liked.

"Who's this?" Kovu asked, slightly wary of the newcomer. As much as he was tolerant towards strangers, he didn't trust them right off the bat either.

"No need to be so hostile my King," Shani said with a subtle, but pronounced edge of sarcasm. "This is an old acquaintance of mine. Her name is Zina. I'm not quite sure what she wants with us, but she's asked to see you, so helpful little subject I am, I took her up here."

Thoroughly irked by Shani's behavior, Kovu did his best not to show it. "Well I'm sorry you had to strain yourself climbing up Pride Rock." Kovu said, making good use of sarcasm himself before settling his eyes on Zina. "So what does bring you here? If you knew Shani from beforehand I'm surprised you didn't turn around the minute you saw him and walk the other way."

---------------

Vitani shot a sidelong glance at Rahina. This was not the fiery lioness she had been expecting on the hunt. Vitani wasn't an expert in behaviors, but it was obvious to her that Rahina and Kopa hadn't parted on the best of terms just there. "Yea..." she said slowly in response to Rahina's slightly shaky determination. She couldn't stop herself from going on though. She stopped and faced her fellow lioness for a moment.

"Look, you can call this off if you want." She said seriously. "It seems to me like you and your mate have some things to work out, and I don't want a partner who's mind isn't focused on the hunt. Distractions are costly in this business." Vitani called the distraction card into play not because she thought that Rahina was incompetent, but because she didn't think that Rahina's pride would let her back out for anything less. Vitani felt like she was in a bit of a sticky situation. She was starting to regret coming to pick up Rahina at all.

[Lodrill]

Rahina felt even worse as Vitani had noticed her argument with Kopa. "I appreciate your concern... erm Vitani right? But I can't make a mistake just to do the next one. Do not worry about me. I can focus on hunting even after this. I am a professional huntress for no reason." It was true that Rahina could forget everything while hunting and her concentration would not lose because of her argument with Kopa but it disturbed her a bit that Vitani thought of her being affected by it.

"I can understand your concern. Well maybe I should at least tell you why we got into a fight as you got involved in it already. You see it was my own stupid behaviour that lead to this. I know it now. I did not tell him that I am pregnant until just a few moments ago and... well I think he is cross with me now because I kept it secret from him. I think I will have to make up with him after the hunt but I think he needs some time to think about what I just told him. I guess it was a shock for him so suddenly. I do not even know if he really wants cubs." Rahina let a mirthless chuckle out of her muzzle. "I think I know nearly everything about him... or at least most but still I don't know what he thinks now. But on the other side it was not like me to keep this secret from him... well... what's done is done. I can regret it now but it won't change my mistake."

Rahina hoped Vitani would not ask about it more. She was pretty down by the reaction of Kopa. Not one bit of happiness had been in his voice or face as she told him. Normally one would be happy if he would hear about his own cubs or not?
It was true that Rahina had not told him but he also never did notice it. Her belly was pretty big for some weeks already. Even on their journey there had been several situations where he should have noticed it as they slept deeply snuggled against each other. Rahina felt guilty for not telling him but at the same time a small bit of her felt like he would put all the blame on her. Why did he not notice it before?

'Maybe I wanted him to notice it by himself and that was why I did not tell him?' Rahina thought. With the shaking of her head she forced away the thoughts and focused on the hunt to come.

"Well, let's go and bring in a big catch. I think a full stomach will help Kopa to forgive me at the end...." Rahina's voice was back to normal and her expression also was like she normally was. Full of concentration and ready to strike at any time. The expression of a fightress and huntress for sure.

[KiarasMate]

Watching proudly as Taraji gave it another go, Kiara was pleased to see her daughter managing to bite off a small piece from the wildebeest carcass. Smiling fondly down at the crystal eyed cub, Kiara showered her with praise as she leaned down to lightly nuzzle her.

”That’s the way Cutie! Good job. Does it taste okay?”

Feeling happy in the fact that Taraji wasn’t complaining about her new eating habits, the golden furred princess settled herself down next to the adorable little cub, beginning to dine upon the left over meal as well. Noting the effort that Taraji was putting forth, just to get a small muzzle full of meat, Kiara took the liberty to help her a bit as she bit deeply into the wildebeest, tearing off a large chunk of the tough hide, to reveal the softer, more delicate flesh below, hoping that Taraji would have an easier time with the more delicate proteins that were now available to her. Chewing her maw full of food before speaking quietly to her daughter, Kiara addressed Taraji in a motherly voice as she motioned towards the spot where she had just been eating at.

”Why don’t you try taking some bites here Cutie. It might be a bit easier for you.”

Taking a quick moment to lean in close, Kiara quickly licked away the small amounts of blood that stained Taraji’s little muzzle before she returned herself back to filling her own belly, knowing that there was still much to be done today and it was never a good idea to attend to matters on an empty stomach.

==========

Waiting silently next to Shani until she was addressed, Zina couldn’t help but to let a sly smirk make its way upon her muzzle from the way Shani and this new lion interacted with one another. It was clear to the white furred Shaman that there was some unspoken tension between the pair but for what reason, Zina wasn’t aware of just yet, nor did she really care though. Upon hearing Kovu addressing her now however, Zina pulled herself together as she performed a quaint little bow towards Kovu, her herb pouch around her neck lightly hitting the solid surface below as she did so. Rising up, Zina met with Kovu’s emerald orbs before she responded in a hospitable manner.

”I see that Shani’s reputation hasn’t changed much over time and believe me King Kovu, I would, had I been given the option, but you see, I had just stopped into your lands for a quick drink, when I ran into my old acquaintance here and he was so polite to offer me the choice of either coming to visit with you or chasing me out on my tail from your lands. Now, as tempting as the ladder option is, I opted to come have a word with you, for what reason, I’m not really quite sure, but if taking a drink from your waterhole without permission is against some ridiculous law of these lands, then I am most certainly guilty of it and you may punish me how you see fit.”

Adorning a sarcastic smile, Zina gave Kovu a quick examination, noting just how young he did appear to look, sparking her curiosity a bit as she found herself addressing him once more in a thoughtful tone.

”Shani has told me a little bit about your current situation King Kovu. I must say, you look quite young to be a ruler of lands but I’ve been around and it’s nothing really new to me. I am not asking for a permanent place to stay, so you need not worry about that, but being a Traveling Shaman is a thankless job and finding any temporary place to rest up is always a welcomed sight, so if you could find it in your heart to allow a tired lioness to stay for a sun or two, I would most certainly make it up to you in whatever way you’d like.” Zina stated, giving a subtle twitch of her ear and flick of her tail to punctuate her final words as she waited eagerly for a response from the young nobility.

==========

Kopa found himself pacing around The private Waterhole, his thoughts of Rahina and his newly discovered cub being the only topic on his mind. Not wanting to wander off too far from their den, as Kopa didn’t want to run the risk of encountering his mate during her hunt, as that might come off as him looking as though he were spying on her in a way, Kopa merely found a nice spot next to the waterhole, atop one of the flat surfaced rocks that were typically used for sun bathing, to which he reluctantly laid himself down upon as he closed his eyes and thought long and hard about what he was going to do or say once Rahina returned from the hunt.

[Lodrill]

Taraji did as Kiara suggested and tried to get some meat at the softer part. It worked better than before and due she was very hungry she gulped it down as soon as she managed to tear off a small piece. Soon her muzzle was covored with the blood but her fur just looked a bit more red at her muzzle due it was reddish anyway.

Taraji only stopped for a moment to answer Kiaras question. "I like mil.. milk greater." she said said eagerly but directly returned to ripping off small pieces from the softer part of the meat. She still did not speak completely right. Like with her grown and much other matters she was aproximate 2 month behind other cubs in her age. Well dispite her teeth that made Nala suggest to stop giving her milk.
But even if she said that she liked milk better than meat she did not hesitate to fill her little belly with the meat.

It took Taraji far longer than Kiara until she was satisfied. Covered with blood on her muzzle and even on her chest and forelegs, because in her hasty attempts she had spilled some and poked with her paws into the meat, she lay back purring and looked up to Kiara with a big smile.

[SinChei]

Still laying on his side scrred about that what happened to him when Kovu arrived the den of him and Laini daxis thought about spak with Laini. He knew she was scarred and may couldn't sleep the whole night. He felt so sorry for her nd didn't want her balmed for his actions.
Slowly turning on his other side to see Laini who was laying on the other side of the den Daxis stood up and went slowly towards the golden lioness.
Every step he got nearer and nearer he got more and more scarred. The red maned cub sat down and hung his head while speaking with shaking voice.
Laini?... are you awake? Daxis didn't paused even if Laini was stioll sleeping he spoke along. I'm so sorry i didn't want Simba to blame you for this. I don't want to lose you. You mean so much to me. He still didn't look at her and waited for a reply.

[Mike]

"There's the huntress I was waiting for." Vitani said with a slight smile. Feeling more confidant in their venture thanks to Rahina's reassurance Vitani resumed her pace with a bit more spring in her step. As they traveled towards the hunting grounds Vitani couldn't help but remark on Rahina's situation with Kopa. "Don't worry about Kopa." she said easily. "Males are all the same, they need a lioness to keep them in line. Take charge and tell him how you feel, and make sure he knows that he'd better like it. Works with Kovu all the time."

Now approaching the hunting grounds it was time to pick a target. Vitani stopped at the top of a small mound from which they could survey the land. Vitani's keen senses picked out a number of potential prey specimens ranging from a large herd of zebra to powerfully built buffalo to a few warthogs that were milling around the banks of a small river.

"Now I'm sure we could get any number of those lazy warthogs, but where's the fun in that am I right?" Vitani had an excited grin on her face, and her claws flexed and gouged little scratces in the earth as she anticipated a hunt, ready to release the pent up energy that had been building for the last few days with first her injury and then her time spent as Santiago's guide to the pridelands. "I'm thinking we take down a buffalo or two. Now I understand that you were the ambush lioness in your hunt with Nala so I figure we should reverse the roles today. Buffalo are tough prey, and I know you'd be used to hunting in the jungle so let's go over a few things. First, whatever you do, do not get in the way of those horns or you'll be torn inside out. If you think you can get one cut off from the pack, go for it. Otherwise I'll pick one when the herd reaches me. If it looks like I'm in trouble try to distract the ones nearest me and I'll ditch my target so we can regroup. Otherwise all you have to do is get them close to me. Will you have a problem with any of that?"

------------

"Call me young if you like, but I'm the king, and you're gonna have to put up with our ridiculous laws." Kovu said in a cool and matter of fact tone. In fact, Kovu could see no reason why he should reject the lionesses offer for a few days rest and shelter. After all, Simba had taken in much sorrier excuses for rogues than this fine specimen. Zina was clearly a capable lioness, and he didn't doubt that she'd make good on her offer to repay the pride for their hospitality. He was intrigued by a pouch that hung around her neck, and wondered what exotic remedies might lay inside.

"As long as you're okay with that," Kovu continued, his voice warming up into accepting comradeship "we shouldn't have any problems. We'd be happy to give you a place to stay for the time being. Shani, don't go anywhere yet. I want you to take Zina to find a den. You know where they are by now. Go work our your friction, or beat each other up or something." Upon a moment's hasty reflection as Kovu remembered exactly who he was talking to he amended his last sentence. "That last bit was a joke okay? No killing each other is one of those ridiculous laws. By the way, If you're hungry, yesterday's kill has been mostly eaten, but I've got the best huntress in the pride out there right now looking for fresh meat. Come back around here when you've finished checking out your den and there should be something ready."

Kovu could tell that Shani was unhappy with his task, though that had more to do with Shani's exaggerated look of exasperation than Kovu's face-reading skills. "Just do it and then you can go back to skulking around or making clever remarks." Kovu said, making good use of an exasperated expression himself, though his was genuine.

"If I must." Shani said with a mock-sigh of depression. He turned to Zina theatrically. "Anything else to say to our good King, Zina? Or may I show you to your den now?"

[KiarasMate]

Swiveling her ears to pick up Kovu’s every word, Zina couldn’t help but to smile at the prospects of actually having a safe place to rest at, even if it was only temporary. Once the stand in King was finished speaking, the white furred feline performed another respectful bow towards the hospitable lion before she thanked him in a gracious voice.

”Your kindness outweighs your young age Your Majesty. I thank you sincerely for your generous offer and I will do whatever you bid of me in order to repay you for your hospitality.”

Turning to face Shani now, Zina flashed her old acquaintance a cheeky grin before she shook her head, causing the herb pouch to sway around her neck, revealing her scar along the underside of her neck for a brief second before she addressed Shani in a thoughtful manner.

”Nope. Please, lead the way Shani.”

Waiting for the former ruler to take lead, Zina turned to give Kovu one last departing glance, a mischievous sparkle subtly apparent within her yellow eyes as she called over to him before the pair departed.

”Shani’s not so bad you know King Kovu. There’s some good buried under all that fur and hot air of his. Can’t say I’ve found it from the time I’ve known him but I know it’s there.”

Turning her focus back to Shani now, Zina waited for him to show her the way to her new living quarters, eager to get some distance between herself and Kovu before she would speak her mind to her old companion.

[Lodrill]

Laini did not react directly. She was still a bit afraid of Daxis but also her motherly feelings took over once more. She still cared about the lion and felt a bit responsible to bring him to his sense.
As she turned around her red eyes were clear visible and showed that she had cried a lot.
She was unable to speak but she moved a bit to the side to allow him to lay down next to her. She put her head down on her forelegs again and waited for Daxis to decide what he wants to do.

[hr][/hr]

Rahina chuckled at Vitanis words about males. She did not think that Kopa would really react positive if she would be too forcefull. But her mind directly went to the hunt to come. She nodded as Vitani asked if she was capable of the job. "That should be no problem. I hunted down a herd of Buffalo once before with Kopa. Even though we got pretty much in a pinch for a moment due they decided to turn the game around and hunt us." Rahina giggled.
"Well at the end most of them went down a cliff and we had a lot of meat but... well I don't think that we will face such a destiny due Kopa did just not know how to react at that time."
Not saying another word her expression changed again and she was focussed at the buffalos. Only her ears were faced to Vitani tracking down her position while her eyes were pinning down every movement of the buffalos. She had her claws still retracted and silently moved into the high gras. The gras did not move more than from the wind and she was unpossible to spot in it. Rahina went silently to the other side of the buffalos and now finally searched on the other side for a sign of Vitani to know when she was in position. While she was waiting she extracted her claws slowly to have more grip when jumping and accelerating towards the pray.
The buffalos still were unaware of her. The wind came from the side and so her scent was not blown into their direction as it would not be with Vitanis scent. Rahina already looked for weak buffalos. She found one in the middle of the heard that was limbing and a younger male buffalo at the edge that had a wound at the leg.

[SinChei]

Looking now up in Lainis eyes as he saw she movede her head towards Daxis saw Lainis red eyes. It looks like she cried the whole night and daxis felf really bad for that. He was shocked and had to look on the ground again but notced she movd her body so he can lay down besides her. The red maned cub hoped the golden female would forgive him.
Daxis moved himself slowly towards Lainis side and layed down so that his head was right next to Lainis head. He nuzzled her with his muzzle and purred to calm her more down and to apology for his actions.