[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[Lodrill]

Taraji looked up and let Kiara clean her face. Slowly the dizziness went away and the small cub nodded eagerly. "Missed you!" she agreed and snuggled around Kiaras forepaw and leg again. She just was that happy to be with Kiara again that she just snuggled against her trying to get the full attention of Kiara.

"I eat a lot." her small cute voice proudly told Kiara. "Soooo... no..." Taraji tried to show how much with her paws but they seemed to be to small to show and so she spread them as wide as possible and nearly tumbled over the ground again. "... soooooooooo much." with a sweet smile she put her head in her neck and her big crystal orbs looked up to Kiaras eyes.

[Mike]

Kovu narrowed his eyes, not surprised that Kivuli's temper had gotten the better of him, but wary as always of Shani. Shani sure hadn't been making things easy for him in the time that the two lions had known each other, and it was going to take more than Shani's word to convince him that it was as simple as the undersized lion was pretending. Picking up off what Kiara had said, as the queen herself comforted Taraji after her little tumble, Kovu turned to Kivuli and began his questions.

"How about it Shani?" Kovu started off. "Was anyone else around to see what happened?"

"Yes." Shani admitted, not seeing any point in lying. Even if Kivuli or Zina herself didn't set the record straight, it was only a matter of time before someone noticed the professional treatment on Shani's wound. "That lioness Zina that you met this morning was there. She's probably returned to her den if you'd like to speak with her."

Kovu was still a moment, mulling over what had been told to him, and in his silence, Vitani broke in. "So if I understand right, you went up against a lion twice your size, and he gave you a rap on the knuckles, that about sum it up?" There was an unmistakable note of satisfaction in Vitani's voice, she had never quite forgiven the sly stranger for the beating she got in their first meeting.

Shani pulled a face and stood up before answering. Zina's treatment had all but eliminated the pain, and Shani had had quite enough of laying on the ground like a wounded pup. He drew himself up with all the dignity that years leading a pride gave a lion, and met Vitani's gaze. "It was my understanding that the rules of your lands suspended the law of might makes right. If that's not the case then Kovu had better start working out a bit more or Kivuli will take his throne."

"Not on my watch you insolent little-"

It's all right Vitani." Kovu said, slightly touched by his sister's staunch defense, but not wanting to lose track of the big picture here. "Let's just sort this thing out first." Though Kovu hated to interrupt Kiara and Taraji's reunion, he turned to Kiara to let her know of his plans. "Can you take Taraji home?" he said softly to her. "I'm sorry about this, but Vitani and I need to check it out. I'll try not to make this take as long as Daxis did."

[Lodrill]

"Mmmm.... mmm.... Kira.... I am thirsty...." Taraji taped Kiaras paw to get her attention. Taraji knew that the waterhole was nearby but since her experience with this waterhole the last time when she fell in she was a bit afraid of this specific place. Also she did not want to return into the den so fast because she was finally outside with her beloved new parents Kiara and Kovu. Maybe it was also because she was getting tired. This was no surprise judging what she had experienced this day. Also the sun was about to set and was already big and red.

As Kiara did not directly answer her she taped her paw again and her cute crystal eyes looked up to the older lioness.
She had not really followed the conversation of the adults. They had been talking about stuff she did not really undersand and so it had become boring. Also she would have Kovu explain it to her later. She was very curious still even if it was boring for her to listen to the adults conversations. This was what asking was for. But all her curiousity could wait. She was thirsty after the big meal she had and she was deadly tired from her good fill and the exciting day. Taraji already yawned while searching for a response in the face of Kiara.

---

Sushaunna reached the big waterhole in the middle of prideland as the sun was starting to turn red. Her sandy pelt was painted in a deep red by the sun rays and she decended her head to the water.
She already had picked up the marks and scents of a lot of different lions as well male as female. Without a doubt there was a pride nearby but Sushaunna did not want to search for it now. She was pretty tired from her journey and if the pride happened to be aggressive she would need to be good rested to fight and run.
After a quick but refreshing drink she departed from the waterhole and after a short search she found a nice tree in high grass. Even if it would rain - and the clouds at the horizon did look like it would - she would be well protected under the tree. Or at least that was what she hoped for. Purring softly and satisfied with finding such a peaceful looking land to rest she curled up at the bottom of the tree and closed her eyes.

---

Rahina had a short but very relaxing and refreshing sleep. She saw the sun setting outside already and Kopa still next to her. She raised her head and softly licked over his cheeks. "Thank you my dear. This hit the spot. The short nap was very relaxing thanks to you."

Rahina raised to her paws and streched her body to get the stiffness of the sleep out of her. The sun colored the entrance of their den in red. Rahina looked outside and could faintly hear someone talking.

"What do you think about a small drink Kopa?" she asked and snuggled her full body against him while standing next to him. "We could watch the sunset together and then I may visit Vitani and appologize for not comming earlier. She wanted to talk with me about the hunt. But don't worry..." Rahina licked Kopas muzzle, cheeks and ear. "... I will make it short and return fast so that we can settle for the night together. Due I already have slept well I will take the first watch, okay?" Rahina smiled and looked into Kopas eyes her muzzle softly pressed against his.

[KiarasMate]

Listening intently as Taraji tried her best to show just how much she had eaten, Kiara giggled fondly as she leaned down just in time to catch the wobbly cub upon her muzzle before pulling back and giving her daughter a warm smile. Hearing Kovu’s request that was directed at her now, the golden furred lioness momentarily turned her focus to her beloved mate as she nodded in response before speaking up in an understanding voice.

”Of course Honey. We’ll meet you back at The Main Den. Don’t keep me waiting too long though. It feels like it’s going to be a chilly night tonight.”

While she had been replying to Kovu, Kiara felt Taraji’s little taps upon her fore paw. Once she had finished speaking, the golden furred princess returned her full attention back to the crystal eyed cub as she heard Taraji’s plea. Figuring that perhaps a drink from the regular waterhole would be best, seeing as Kovu had insisted that she take Taraji home and the public waterhole would be only a slight diversion from their initial travel, Kiara leaned down to give Taraji another affectionate nuzzle as she spoke sweetly to her daughter.

”Okay Cutie, let’s go get a drink. Stay close to Mommy though, okay?”

Unlike Kovu, Kiara didn’t offer to give Taraji a ride, as she was still trying to develop her daughter’s independence further. Assuming that Taraji would be a little tired by this point however, Kiara kept her pace slow as she departed from The Private Waterhole, but not before giving her beloved mate a loving nuzzle and lick over his cheek. Once again, keeping her fore legs closer together, forcing Taraji to either walk along side her or in front of her, Kiara casually made her way towards the direction to which the public waterhole was located at, all the while keeping up a quaint conversation with her daughter as the two lionesses walked together.

”So, I see you met Aunty Vitani, hmm Cutie? She’s another very nice lioness and she’s your daddy’s sister. Can you say her name Cutie? Vitani. Vi-Ta-Ni. Like that.”

==========

Kopa had been quite amerced within the conversations that were taking place around him, both at the bank of The Private Waterhole as well as in the den next to him. He had spent the past hour or so trying to follow both conversations, although the one that was taking place within the den next door was much easier to pick up upon. Being lost within what was happening around him, Kopa was startled by Rahina’s voice as it reached his ears, causing him to jump slightly as he turned to face her. This time around, Kopa had nothing to be ashamed of as he was merely trying to determine if there would be any problems with either of the parties around them. Smiling happily to see his beloved mate awake now and feeling her warm body against his own, Kopa purred softly as he nuzzled Rahina tenderly before replying to her inquiry in a gentle tone.

”that sounds nice Hina but I think there might be a little trouble brewing. Nothing that concerns you or I of course but I’ve been listening to what’s been happening outside our den and it sounds like there’s something going on. Maybe we should take a quick walk. There’s another waterhole around here, I think, so we could get a drink there. Is that okay my precious?”

[Lodrill]

Taraji nodded to Kiara and tried to get between her legs but Kiara prevented her from going there. Taraji tried it anyways until she was kicked by Kiaras moving paws a few times. She moved to the side of Kiara but still kept very close to Kiara.

As Kiara asked her to say the name of Vitani she looked up to her mother. "I...ida...ni?" Taraji tried the name. Not only that she had problems with pronouncing the name of Vitani she also got really tired with any minute and her eyes went shut while she was walking a few times. She kept really close to Kiara now because the went into a direction Taraji had not been before. She never had been this far away from pride rock since she was taken in by Kiara and Kovu.

[CelyonHana]

Celyons white fur gleamed in the sunlight. Her cold blue eyes looked up to the sky. The lioness sighed. She walked alone, searching for something interesting. She stretched, lay down and yawned. She was bored, but she doesn’t likes to be with other lions. Since her parents died, she was a loner - for her own opinion. But she was very eased that she has found the pride lands and a little family, even if it’s not her own. The lions here where always friendly, but all of them doesn’t know her. Celyon keeps her secret save.
She has lost. She lost against the murderer of her parents and her old pride. She was young, yes, but she HAD to fight against him. And she lost.
Celyon shivered.
She runs away from her past. From all of her friends! She was the one who really left the other ones alone - with the hateful and scary king, who has nearby killed her and who has murdered her parents.
Celyon jumped off. She just runs, wanted to run away from everything she was thinking over. She couldn’t go back, even if it’s just one of her memories. Celyon gasped and started to cry. She lay down again and curled up. Her heart feels empty, her body shivered.
What has happened? She loved her parents. Her father: a white lion with a powerful body and a sense for justice, like Celyon herself. He was so powerful. But he lost against the old king too.
Her mother… She was beautiful as the sunlight.
Celyon tried to look at the sun and had to close her eyes. It makes her blind. She could see mothers face - with a warm smile. Celyons eyes filled with tears. She growled angrily and pushed them away.
Tears are a sign of weakness.
She sighed.
The lioness was walking around for a long time, after the old king killed her parents. She was nearby dead. But she fought against it. She never wants to lose again.
Celyon looked at the sun again and decided to walk back to the pride rock. She shivered. Don’t know why.
"It's getting cold." She sighed.
Slowly she started to walk and smiled while she looked at the ground. Sometimes, when she had a dream about her parents, she felt better.
Celyons heart was frozen to ice after the story which has happened. She tried to forget about the past. But it seems impossible.
The white lioness saw the other lions from a distance. She takes an eyebrow and smiled. She found a new home, with an amazing king. Sometimes, Celyon felt happy again.

[KiarasMate]

Swiveling her ears to pick up the response from Taraji as they walked along through the lush grasslands, Kiara had to stifle a giggle from her daughter’s pronunciation of Vitani’s name. It was obvious that the crystal eyed cub needed a bit more tutoring when it came to speaking proficiently but Kiara figured that there was plenty of time for this and taking things one little step at a time would probably work best. Always being the supportive type, especially when it came to the younger members of the pride, Kiara encouraged Taraji to try again as she praised her for a good first attempt at least.

”Almost Cutie. Why don’t you try it again. Vi-Ta-Ni. Like that Cutie.”

Smiling fondly down at her daughter, Kiara continued to meander along, still keeping her pace nice and slow as she noticed that Taraji seemed to be quite exhausted already, yet still not wanting to over pamper her daughter, the golden furred princess opted not to carry her, but to simply slow her strides down even more so to accommodate Taraji’s energy level. Traveling at such a leisurely pace, it took the pair of lionesses a little while to reach The Public Waterhole but fortunately, thanks to the time of day it was, the typically crowded waterhole was relatively empty aside from a few grazing creatures who seemed to be more skittish than Taraji herself was as the pair of felines approached the waters edge. Remembering what had happened to Taraji a few days back, Kiara finally allowed the crystal eyed cub to work her way in between her fore legs as she neared the bank of the waterhole. Dipping her head down momentarily, Kiara took a quick drink from the water to quench her own thirst before lightly caressing a fore paw over Taraji’s back and speaking to her in a reassuring tone while she coaxed her towards the refreshing pool.

”Go ahead Cutie, you’re safe. I’m right here and I won’t let you fall in. Just don’t drink too much or you might upset your tummy.”

Making sure to keep a watchful eye on Taraji while she attended to her thirst, Kiara stole a glance around her every now and then, just to ensure that things were still calm. Off in the distance however, underneath an acacia tree, slight movement caught the golden furred lioness’ eye. Having to ensure Taraji’s safety and having her daughter’s well-being at the top of her priorities, Kiara ignored this fact however, even though it looked as though there was another lioness there, yet being alone with her daughter, Kiara wasn’t about to risk Taraji’s safety if she could help it. Returning her full focus back to her daughter now, Kiara noticed that Taraji had finished drinking and looked to be a little more refreshed now. Leaning down to lick away the little amount of water that adorned Taraji’s muzzle and face, Kiara spoke up in a motherly voice as she addressed her daughter softly.

”All done Cutie? Are you ready to head back home or is there something else you’d like to do instead, hmm? It’s going to be dark soon enough though and it feels like it might rain tonight so I think it’d be best if we head back to The Main Den. If you have to go to the bathroom Cutie, you just let Mommy know. Trust me, you won’t want to go out once it starts raining though.”

[Lodrill]

Taraji tried to speak the name of Vitani a few times but she nearly stumbled over her own feeds because she concentrated so hard on doing it right. Just as they arrived at the water hole she got it right. "Vi-ta-ni?" Taraji smiled uncertain up to Kiara and as she let her slip between her legs Taraji was in as fast as could be.

She drank a few gulps before she looked up to Kiara and noticed that she was gazing into one directions. Due to the high gras Taraji did not see the figure under the tree. Or maybe because she was too tired to even hold her eyes open.
With small eyes and a big yawn she leaned against Kiara's paw. "Okay Mommy!" the tired cub answered. She was so tired already that she did not think about how to call Kiara. Also Kiara was so close to her mother except for the fur that Taraji's tired mind mistook Kiara for her mother.

As she had eaten a lot earlier and now had a good drink her natural needs sure called for attention. With half opened eyes she looked up to Kiara and her hind legs pressed together as a clear sign that she had to ease herself up.
"Erm... I..." another yaws broke her sentence but her signs were clear what she needed.

[KiarasMate]

Giving Taraji an understanding nod as she knew exactly what her daughter needed to do even without her saying it specifically, Kiara gently motioned Taraji away from the waters edge as she took lead once again, keeping her fore legs close together once more to ensure that the crystal eyed cub would stay by her side. Walking along slowly towards the direction of Pride Rock, Kiara kept a sharp eye out for a suitable spot for Taraji to relieve herself at. A small patch of exceptionally high grass seemed to fit the bill as the golden furred lioness motioned towards the lush patch of greenery with a fore paw before speaking up to Taraji in a caring voice.

”There you go Cutie. You do your business and Mommy will wait here.”

Turning her back towards Taraji’s makeshift bathroom in order to give her daughter as much privacy as she could allow without compromising her daughter’s safety, Kiara waited for nature to take its course while her ears and eyes continued to drift back towards where she had seen the lone lioness under the acacia tree. Kiara had purposefully avoided taking the trail that lead past the tree to which the lioness had been resting under, yet she had made a mental note to inform Kovu immediately about what she had thought she had seen once he would return home after dealing with the business involving Shani and Kivuli.

[Lodrill]

Taraji slowly went into the high grass Kiara was showing her and after a while she came out relieved but even more tired than before. She looked up to Kiara with half open eyes with a tired smile. If this would have been Kovu she was sure he would have carried her back and she could have slept in his mane... but Kiara seemed to not pamper her as much as Kovu did.

Taraji moved as close as possible to Kiara but did not manage to get her favorite protected spot between her legs. She started to walk alongside Kiara as her new mother started to walk. The pace was very slow but the correct pace for the tired, exhausted cub.

Even if Taraji would have liked to play a bit before going to bed her mind now was only filled with being able to finally snuggle up against Kiara and sleep safe and warm.

The way Taraji was toddling alongside Kiara with half opened eyes and more led by Kiaras paw that Taraji touched now and then the small cub looked extremely cute. The crystal eyes just barely looking through the gap under her eyelashes, the red fur that was like fire in the already half set sun and the toddling steps her paws did. All this was just something that made her look even more cute then she was naturaly.
In the distance dark clouds were rushing towards the pridelands. They seemed to group together like a big wave of clouds. But Taraji did not see them. She could barely see the paw of Kiara and the ground in front of her because she already was half asleep.