[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[Mike]

"Don't let me keep you." Vitani said indifferently, thinking that this was just as well. "Shaman's aren't expected to hunt with us, but if you ever get the urge, I'm the one you'll want to talk to." Vitani didn't expect Zina to try her paw at hunting, especially not with the image she was building up around herself as a well-meaning, but slightly empty lioness. Still, it qualified as a parting shot in Vitani's mind. Vitani got up and left the den feeling somewhat conflicted, and there was only one lion that she knew that might be able to clear some things up for her. Fortunately that lion was just now returning from the water's edge and heading off to his own den, probably to turn in for the night.

Vitani put on some speed, and quickly closed the gap between the two lions, meeting Shani a short distance away from the mouth of his own den. Shani of course, had heard her coming, and sat down while turning to face the former outsider in one smooth motion. Vitani opened her mouth, but Shani managed to get the first words in, to her slight annoyance.

"I hope you're not expecting me to invite you inside." Shani said with a smile that set Vitani's teeth slightly on edge.

"No, out here will do just swell." Vitani spat back, her impatience getting the best of her for a moment. She took a moment to settle down, at the same time staring guardedly at the crafty lion. "Were you eavesdropping? she asked.

"I tried to begin with." Shani said, without a trace of embarrassment, "But you lionesses are too quiet when you speak amongst each other."

"Right." Vitani said, now once again in control of her emotions. She wasn't about to start playing Shani's game. "With an ego as big as yours you probably think we were talking about you, but I'm more interested in Zina right now. You didn't tell me the two of you had a history."

Perhaps seeing that Vitani wouldn't be immature enough to fall for any more sarcastic jibs, Shani was silent for a moment. He hadn't expected this from Vitani, and thought that Zina would have had better sense than to give Vitani an interesting tidbit of knowledge like this. He considered how best to either deflect Vitani's interest, or play down Zina's role in his past.

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"And don't you forget it." Kovu said pointedly to Kivuli. "Remember, you're here to work off the debt you owe to the pride. If it doesn't get paid this way we'll find something else." The big old lion was taking things better than Kovu's worst fears, but there was still a decided lack of respect in his voice. It wasn't that Kovu needed to be loved and adored by his subjects, but he wanted to know at least that they would obey him in the end. Noticing Daxis's distraught expression, Kovu took a moment to sit down and address the young lion on his level. "Look Daxis," he said. "I'm sorry things have to be this way. Hang in there and do as your told, even just for a day or two, and then you'll be free without someone having to watch you and you can get on with your new life here in the pridelands."

Finishing his sincere little pep-talk, Kovu straightened up again, and prepared to leave. "I'll let you two get to know each other. Is there anything else you need tonight?" He considered the two lions before him. Kivuli, his large frame seemingly impatient to be out in the thick of the action looked so out of place next to the downtrodden-looking Daxis. Kovu had a moment of doubt, wondering if this situation could possibly work, but he pushed those doubts away, telling himself that they could at least try one day together. There was a lot that Daxis could learn from a lion as experienced as Kivuli, and spending time with someone who's only instincts weren't for blood and hate might even help Kivuli. He'd seen Mila beginning to have an effect on Kivuli at least, and was considering re-evaluating his judgment of the other until Kivuli regressed by attacking Shani. He could only hope that things worked out for the best.

[Lodrill]

Rahina left the den slowly. She had not noticed it so strong on their way back to the den but now she felt the exhaustion and the extra weight she was carrying very strong. She shook it off with a shaking of her head and broke out of the dens mouth. Right at this time Vitani was at the entrance of another den together with a male lione Rahina did not know yet.

Slowly she closed in and she was surprised herself that she breathed harder than usual from just this short walk.

"I am sorry Vitani. I know I should have come earlier for our talk." she appologized to the older lioness. She concentrated to keep her voice usual and not let the other lioness notice her short breath.

Rahina's eyes scanned the strange lion. He was not that interresting though. He did have some unique characterisms like the black tuft and the black fur at the edge of his ear but he was in no terms any comparisation to Kopa. The lion was rather small and even if it was hard to determine the color exactly because the sun just had called the day and just a rest of twilight was left but Rahina guessed that it was a somewhat caramel color. The mane was a bit darker. Rahina just nodded to him as a greeting. It was a friendly nod even though Rahina did not speak to him yet. The main reason for this was that she still caught her breath.

The first drops soaked her pelt. Rahina looked to the sky. The clouds were now hovering over the pride land. It started to rain. It was still a light rain but soon enough Rahina was soaked to the skin. She did not mind though because it was still rather warm and returned her gaze towards Vitani to await her answer.

[SinChei]

Daxis felt ignored when he asked king Kovu if he had seen Laini. He felt so helpless. He didn't want to tell him about Lainis plans but he was to scared about her too. What should he do. Daxis knew about Lainis fears of being in a kingdom ruled by an outlander and espacially being in a pride with the murderer of her mother. But the red maned cub knew that kovu and Vitani had changed either even if he never knew them before they joined the pride. But Lainis fears were unjustified. The best solution would be to find Laini on his own and try to convince her. Daxis listened to both other males and looked very desperate at kobu and spoke with a weak voice. Ok Kovu ... but i got to go before i have to do something outside the area of priderock... maybe outside the pridelands either. He walked slowly past both males and became faster after he passed Kovu. He felt Kivulis sight still on his small body. Kivulis shining red eyes burned in Daxis mind and he had kivulis face everytime in front of his ice blue eyes. He didn't look like someone who would listen to him and just wants to come up with his tasks. Thats why he wanted to go away before kivuli would do somehing.


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Makali's eyes were still fixed on angas trained and skilled paws. they were so much bigger as his own paws but they were nearly noisless. The black furred cub was very loud in contrast to angas. As anga stopped Makali went towards one of angas hind legs and shook his head. He was affraight to hunt the big animals and gulped a few times. Well don't you think you can hunt this old animal on your own? Makali was embarassed about his answer. He stretched his legs to see the zebra anga was talking from and gulped one more. The hooves looked deadly for unskilled hunters like Makali. I would feel much better if i could see it a few times before i help you

[Lodrill]

The rain was now pouring in stripes. Laini's fur was soaked wet by the rain and she started to feel cold but the fear of Kovu still drove her towards the border of the pride land. Laini did not look up where she was going ans so she did not notice the herd of zebras before she ran into them. The herd was surprised by her as much as Laini was. Like the zebras she did not notice that other lions were around on the hunt. Laini gasp in shock and jumped backwards what made the zebras burst and starting to flee in panic.

Laini cowered to the ground to wait until the stampede would end. She had been lost in her thoughts so deep that this sudden waking call did surprise her. While she lay there she heard the roar of lions somewhere but she kept ducked in the grass. She doubt that anyone of the pride would be out here at this time and then in this rain. Maybe they were strangers. Outcasted lion like her... even though Laini got an outcast by her own choice.

[KingKivuli]

Daxis got up and had dashed past Kivuli, mumbling something about going out the pridelands. Kivuli didn't know the cub, or what he was doing. All he knew was that he had to stop Daxis, not just to prove himself but to make sure the cub was safe too. With haste Kivuli dashed out after him. Daxis was already a good distance away, but Kivuli was bigger and faster, he caught up no problem

Once Kivuli was in range he pounced, landing on top of Daxis. The older lion rolled the cub over to see he face to face whilst pinning the smaller frame into position so he could not escape. After a momemnt to catch his breath Kivuli spoke Where do you think you going? If you think you are going anywhere without my knowledge your dead wrong, so tell me what your up to

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Anga smiled and laughed at Makali Dont worry about it, you will do fine we need to get food and fast, just follow the plan and you will do fine, and aim for the older ones, I have faith in you With that Anga left Makali's side to begin circling round to the other side of the herd so not to be detected. Anga still wasnt entirely sure about Makali but was sure enough about this

[SinChei]

Daxis felt safe as he already covered a good distance. He was completely lost in thoughts while he was running. He was thinking about what would happen if he would find Laini. Would she come back with him or would he have to join her to not loosing her again. Daxis was looking straight on the ground when something brutally hit him out of his thoughts. Everything happened so fast and the next the red maned cub had seen were the red eyes of his new minder. Daxis struggled hard and growled low. Let me go it is nothing to you! He tried to come free but had no chance and got agressive again. His growling got louder after every failing escape attempt. LET ME GO! . He sounded very despaired, he didn't want to tell them what he wanted to do but it looked like he would not let him go without telling him.



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Makali was not ready for this but he went in his postion as he noticed something cold on his fur. It started to rain heavily and he was soaked of water in already a few seconds. Makali watched in the sky as the rain began to get worse. Makali was scared after he heard the herd moving and thought anga already started but he couldn't see him but another lion... a female one and he layed down in fear as the herd was runnig towards him. AHHHHHH!. After the last few zebras ran past him Makali checked if he is alright and saw Laini as he was looking for Anga but he was to scared to look after her.

[Mike]

Shani's need to reply to Vitani was at least temporarily postponed when Rahina made her slightly laborous way over to where he and Vitani had sat down for the quick chat. As Rahina approached, Shani felt the ran that had been gathering overhead begin to fall. He wondered idly whether either of the lionesses in front of him would accept an invitation into his den, and what it would mean for them if they did. The ran began to patter on Shani's clean, and casually styled fur. Since Rahina didn't seem to remember their last encounter just yet, he was happy to reply after she introduced herself.

"Evening Rahina." Shani said easily, but thinly veiling a small grin. "I hope you didn't hurt yourself walking all the way over to my den from yours. Why don't we all go inside? I wouldn't want either of you lovely lionesses to catch cold."

Vitani was tempted by this offer; she still had a lot to discuss with Shani after all. That little moment of hesitation as Rahina approached was all the confirmation Vitani needed that something interesting was going on between them, and that Zina was a lioness that deserved a watchful eye. However, she decided that her comitments to Rahina, as a fellow huntress, was a good enough reason for Vitani to postpone her interrogation of Shani.

"Thanks for the offer Shani." Vitani said skeptically, "But I think we're going to have some lioness time to ourselves."

With that, Vitani got up, ready to leave, and Shani followed suit, beginning to back towards the entrance to his den with a slightly exaggerated nod of respect.

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Kovu was about to leave the two unruly males to get to know each other when Daxis slinked out of the den, with Kivuli in hot pursuit. Kovu growled in frustration. Why couldn't the two of them just accept their situation and try to make the best of it? Kovu leaped up, in pursuit of the two, and watched as Daxis was roughly pinned before he caught up.

"Let him up Kivuli." Kovu ordered, exasperation in his voice rather than anger. The two of them dragging Kovu out into the open and the rain "Daxis settle down." Kovu paused for a second to let the situation get under control, then continued. "Kivuli, learn to take control with something other than your muscles. Daxis, I just finished telling you to stick to Kivuli like glue. You've lost the right to go running around without supervision." Softening his tone, Kovu continued, wanting to leave the situation with at least the illusion of a peaceful agreement. "Daxis, whatever you wanted, maybe Kivuli can go with you tomorrow. You should wait for morning and this rain to let up."

[Lodrill]

The sarcasm in Shani's voice called back the memory who the lion was in Rahina's mind. She had not really forgotten about their last encounter but in this situation she had have other issues. Now she thought back. This was this lion who came into their den.
Not wanting to lose any time with this lion though she decided to let it slip for the time and also to answer as politely as he had been. "Thank you for the offer. I think I Can mannage to walk all the way back even..." Rahina grined to Shani and then faced Vitani. To tell the truth she did not really know how long she would be able to keep running at the moment but she did not want to let someone notice that. "Where should we take shelter to talk? she asked Vitani. "Our den is just a few steps away but we would not be alone there too due Kopy is in there. Maybe we should go to your den or is there someone in there too? Sorry to ask but I guess you have a mate or not?"

Rahina waited for Vitanis answer. She braced herself for the walk already. In reality all she wanted was to lay down and rest for a while and so she hoped that Vitani and her would get to a good silent place where they could talk as soon as possible.

[Mike]

"Why don't I come back with you and get to know Kopa." Vitani suggested. Not only was Rahina's den much closer than Pride Rock, where Vitani often slept, but she thought that she might as well meet Kopa properly. The two hadn't really gotten to know each other yet. Shani had retreated into his den, and was lying at the entrance, looking out at the rain and the lionesses who were slowly but surely getting soaked. Vitani didn't mind the rain, it'd take more than that to ruin her day, but she didn't like being stared at the way Shani was looking at her. He reminded her almost of an elegant spider, looking at Vitani as though he were wondering if she was too big for him to catch and eat.

Vitani started off towards Rahina's den at a slow jog, not wanting to spend more time in the rain than necessairy, but slowed back to a walk on second thought. She'd picked up on the fact that Rahina was maybe not quite the well-oiled hunting machine that she usually was. It seemed strange that only that morning Rahina had helped her take down a massive wildebeest. It seemed that pregnancy took more of a toll on a lionesses energy reserves than Vitani had imagined.

"No, I don't have a mate." Vitani said as she walked. "I haven't had that opportunity, so I won't know much about what your pregnancy means for you firsthand. Want to tell me about it?"

[Lodrill]

Rahina was happy for the words of Vitani. She would not have to walk as long if it was only their den. She followed Vitani slowly without running and looked to her as Vitanis question was asked. "Well... this is my first time. What can I tell you about this? Well first I have to admit that I can't endure as much as before. The hunt this morning took more energy than I thought and I am pretty exhausted right now but... there are worse things. Most of the time it is a nice feeling and I am enjoying the excitement for the day my cubs are there. Even if I do not know when this will be this being my first time." Rahina smiled while her breath already was faster from the short walk. They arived at their den's entrance and Rahina poked in her head.

"Kopa darling. We decided to have our talk here if you don't mind. Vitani also wanted to meat you." Rahina entered the den and then steped to the side so that Vitani could enter. As the older lioness entered the den Rahina raised her voice again. "This is Vitani. I already told you about her my dear. And this..." Rahina nodded to Kopa and then looked back to Vitani. "Is my lovely Kopa. He can be a cub at times but he is the best lion you could ever find on the whole world." a smile crossed Rahinas muzzle. Her voice was full of love when she introduced Kopa. It was clearly visible that she was head over tail in love with Kopa.