[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[KiarasMate]

Keeping her gaze down upon the small cub as she listened to what her mate was saying, Kiara blushed in slight embarrassment from her beloved lion’s kind words. Feeling their adopted daughter settling down once more, Kiara spoke softly in response to her mate’s comments.

”I guess it’s just my motherly instincts kicking in Honey. I’m sure she’ll warm up to you soon enough. Here, come lay by me Honey and get to know her a little more. I haven’t heard her speak a word either, but I was just chalking that up to her condition. I’m sure once she has more strength and energy and feels more comfortable around us all, she’ll tell us her name. Isn’t that right Cutie?” Kiara murmured as she leaned down to give her precious cub a tender nuzzle and gentle lick over the top of her adorable, furry head, noting the way the cub was trying to burry itself within the golden furred lioness’ shallow pelt.

Kiara smiled and held her adopted daughter close to her, reassuring the little cub that everything was okay and that everyone in the den was friendly and meant her no harm. As Simba looked on, he seemed to swell with pride from the way his daughter was handling the task of caring for the young cub. Even though the two of them had only been together for a short while, Simba could tell that his daughter had grown exceptionally attached to the small bundle of reddish fur. Deciding to give his daughter and her newly expanded family some much deserved alone time, the king spoke quietly towards Mila.

”Why don’t we let these three be for now. It will give them a chance to bond with their new cub and might ease the tension of her too with less of us around. Besides, I have to talk to you about your first hunt Mila, seeing as you’re just about ready to take that small step into lioness-hood, but let’s take a walk and speak of those matters outside, okay Sweetie?”

Simba gave a quick smile to Amanda, knowing full well that the young cub would find something to amuse herself with in the meantime and if she decided to stick around, the king knew that she was a lot less intimidating for the small cub than he or Mila would be. Making his way towards the entrance of the den, Simba looked over his shoulder as he waited for the young lioness to follow his lead, spotting Daxis, Vitani and Gumu out of the corner of his eye as he waited.

[Mike]

Vitani didn't come from a place where proper manners and chivalry were very highly appreciated, but even she was pleased and impressed by Gumu's formal dignity. She measured him with a quick glance. He was a startlingly bright golden color, brighter than Simba especially because his mane was also golden. In the right light he seemed blindingly brilliant. Vitani chuckled drily at his opinion of Daxis, and she didn't entirely disagree.

"I've been ordered to take care of him" She replied in the same low voice. "I take my duties to the pride and to my king very seriously."

Then she returned to a normal speaking voice and turned invitingly towards Daxis and the den. As she turned she saw Simba right at the mouth of the den. She started slowly towards him, but sensed that he had left to give the others some privacy. As much as she was curious about the little cub's condition, she didn't want to invade the den with two strange males at such a time. Vitani changed her plans and spoke.

"As to where I come from, that's a long story. Why don't we sit down so I can tell it. Simba would probably be able to help me with it if he's willing." With these words Vitani lowered herself back to the ground in the sun. She beckoned to Simba, inviting him to join them.

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

Kovu was hesitant, but he definitely wanted to gain the little cub's trust. He slowly rose up and took a few steps towards his mate as the others left the den. Feeling a bit more confident, he then curled his body around Kiara's, hoping that the cub would learn to recognize his smell and appearance and associate it with the motherly feelings she clearly had towards Kiara. Kiara's body still separated Kovu from the cub, so he hoped she wouldn't feel threatened by his presence.

"How's that?" Kovu whispered into his mate's ear.

[Lodrill]

Taraji did not notice that Kovu lay down beside Kiara. She was snuggled against Kiara and her shivering finally disappeared. The silent purr of her was the only noice she emitted.

Now that everything around her became silent and she felt safe and warm she started to drift off to sleep again.

[NightmareMoon]

Mila nodded towards her king as he spoke to her, not commenting on Kiara's magnificent job at calming the poor little cub down so easily.

Mila didn't bother to say a word to Kiara and Kovu, as she knew they would understand that Simba needed to talk to her, so she rose from her sitting position, and walked over to Simba.

Mila was hesitant once she reached Simba, not because he taunted her. She actually loved him like a father. It was just the issue they were about to discuss frightened her a bit. Her face showed obvious concern as she waited for Simba to do something.

[KiarasMate]

Once Mila had made her way towards him, Simba took lead and made his way out of the den into the late afternoon sunlight that beamed down upon the various Pridelanders. Noticing the way Vitani was gazing in his direction, Simba flashed her an apologetic stare as to let her know that his attention was claimed for the time being. He needed to talk with Mila about the important subject of her first hunt and the king knew well enough that Vitani could handle any situation that might arise with the two new males. That, and he knew that his daughter and Kovu were a mere few paces away as well, leaving the king’s mind free to focus upon the matter at paw. Making his way slowly down the path leading into the lush grasslands, Simba made sure that Mila followed close as he started to address the anxious lioness in a calm voice.

”Well, as you already know well enough Mila, taking your first solo hunt is the right of passage that all my lionesses must go through at some point in time. It’s nothing to be nervous about though. You should be thrilled about it in fact. I know my mate Nala has probably told you a lot about it but I want you to feel comfortable with the idea too. You don’t have to go through with it right away, but I feel as though you have grown into a strong and intelligent lioness who would make an outstanding addition to our pride’s Hunting Party. You’d be looked after by Nala of course, but before I can let you join them, you just have to prove that your skills during a hunt would be valuable and wouldn’t jeopardize the lives of any of your fellow lionesses, not that I think you would Mila Sweetie, but hunting can be a very dangerous task and I can’t allow any of my lionesses to get injured, especially you Sweetie. I just care too much about you.”

Simba paused for a moment, giving Mila time to take in everything he told her. Despite the fact that Mila could be quite shy and quiet at times, the king sensed a part of her that reminded him of his beloved mate Nala, who always seemed to have a flare for the hunt. Still, he did not wish to pressure the young feline into the matter, trying to keep the atmosphere of the conversation as casual as could be. Once Simba had figured Mila had absorbed everything he told her, he resumed his speech.

”If you need a bit of training, I’m sure Nala could take you under her wing and give you some lessons but if you feel up to the task, I will schedule your first hunt in a few moons. Seeing as we have some new Pride Members, two of whom you probably noticed on our way out of the main den, not to mention that new cub, I want everything to return to normal, or at least as best it can, before we hold any ceremonies. You just let me know Mila Sweetie. I know I probably don’t say this enough, but I am really proud of what a marvelous lioness you’ve grown up to be. I know you’re going to make some lion very happy one of these days, at least, when you meet the right one for you that is.”

Giving Mila his usual, warm, fatherly smile, the king continued to walk along side the young lioness, enjoying the cool breeze that was lightly rustling through his mane as the day slowly drew to an end.

==========

Feeling her mate’s warm, furry body snuggling around her own, Kiara couldn’t help but to let out a pleased purr as she spoke in a hushed tone in response to her mate’s inquiry.

”mmm, that’s perfect Honey. I couldn’t ask for anything better.” Kiara murmured as she leaned her head against her mate’s side, closing her eyes momentarily as she took in his alluring scent which always brought her to a state of peace and tranquility. Enjoying the moment for a bit, the dreamy princess remained quiet for a second before she spoke softly once more.

”Taking care of this little cub makes me really wish we would have had cubs of our own by now Honey. Given, that would have meant we would have had to given up a lot of our free time, but just holding this cute cub here, I just can’t help but feel so attached to her. I still don’t understand how her mother or father for that matter, could just abandon her. It’s so disheartening to think about.” Kiara stated with a soft sigh. Gazing back up into her mate’s emerald eyes, Kiara cooed softly as she leaned up to nuzzle him affectionately, speaking once more. ”You really are the hero of the day Honey. Rescuing Cutie here has to be the bravest thing you’ve ever done. Even more so than rescuing me from the fire during my first hunt.”

Giving her mate a playful stare as the fond memories of their past together danced in her mind, Kiara felt the tug of sleep slowly coaxing her eyes to close as she remained close to her precious mate, lightly licking along his strong neck fur as her fore legs lovingly cradled her special daughter within their loving embrace.

[Mike]

Vitani gave Simba a nod of understanding in return. She knew he was a lion with a lot of responsibility. She moved her attention back to the lions in front of her. She'd never considered herself a story teller, but living with Zira had given her some dramatic flair of her own. Telling the two lions about the pride's history was definitely important, and if Simba wasn't there to do it, well somebody should. With that in mind she started speaking.

"Years ago, before I was born, a king named Mufasa ruled the pridelands. He had a son, Simba, and planned to turn over control to him when he died. However, Scar, my mother's mate, plotted with a group of hyenas to overthrow him. Scar killed Mufasa and drove Simba into exile. He then ruled the pridelands for a few years before Nala, Simba's mate, found him and brought him back to face Scar. Simba defeated Scar and chased out the hyenas, but that wasn't the end of it. My mother, Zira, gathered the lionesses loyal to Scar, and from the outlands she plotted to take over by using my brother Kovu. Kovu fell in love with Kiara and it was Kiara who finally made peace between the factions. Only Zira didn't accept the terms, and was killed."

Vitani spoke as dispassionately as possible, and her voice never wavered.

"This was only a short time ago, if you'd arrived earlier your strength and support could have tipped the scales of the war in either direction. Lucky for you, and us we're at peace, and you won't be fought over as mercenaries. There's a lot of history in this pride, but there's surprisingly little tension. Kovu and Kiara set an example for us all. Simba might be the leader of the pride, but their union holds us together. They're both in the den right now, taking care of a young cub who was found in the outlands. She's the third new arrival of the day along with you two."

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

Kovu couldn't help but feel pleased by the flattery. He let his beloved mate go over his face and neck with her tongue, and as she closed his eyes he snuggled his head on her shoulder and closed his own. He didn't go to sleep though, feeling simply peaceful.

"Thanks love." Kovu murmured. "I know what you mean about having a cub. I feel the same way. I think we could handle it though."

Kovu then lay there, on the edge between sleep and wakefulness.

[KiarasMate]

Letting a cute little yawn leave her maw, Kiara snuggled in close to her mate, keeping her precious daughter comfortably situated between her fore legs, feeling the calm movements from the little cub’s body, signifying that she had once more returned to sleep. Lowering her voice to a mere whisper, Kiara spoke lovingly to her beloved mate.

”You’re welcome Honey and I’m sure we would too. At least we have the chance to test our parenting skills with Cutie here. I know we’ll raise her to be the best lioness in the entire Pride Lands. That is, if my father lets her stay that long. I don’t want to worry about that now though.”

Nuzzling her love in life, Kiara’s voice started to trail off as the events of the day started to take their toll upon her.

”Jeez, you’ve been doing all the running around today Honey and I’m the one whose tired. I guess I’m taking after our cub now. I hope you don’t mind if I go to sleep, but you just make the most comfortable pillow Honey.”

Letting a small giggle escape her muzzle, Kiara gradually drifted off to sleep as thoughts of her future with her precious mate and their newly received blessing played in her thoughts, murmuring softly as she dozed off.

”I love you so much Honey…”

[SinChei]

Daxis listened to Vitanis story but felt annoyed and sighed loud. After he stretched all his legs he looked angry at the small
group of Lions and spoke in a angry Voice.

I tryed to rest .... Why you can't shut up

He turned around and snarled quietly. He looked for a new place to rest and found a place and layed down a few steps away from the small group.
He closed his eyes and thought of his old pride but didn't miss it.

[Mike]

Vitani sighed and rolled her eyes. Daxis was trying her nerves. She was slightly miffed too. She didn't think she'd been boring.

"Yea?" She called over in Daxis' direction. "You didn't have a problem spewing insults at Gumu when I was trying to rest."

She turned back to Gumu and shook her head. She was tired of dealing with the adolescent, realizing that he wasn't likely to change. Maybe she'd ask Simba to give someone else the duty of keeping track of him... Vitani smirked, imagining what would happen if Gumu were assigned to that.

"He's been like that for as long as I've known him, which is a couple of hours now. I'd apologize, but he's not my fault. I just have the misfortune to be stuck babysitting him so a real lion like you doesn't rip him to shreds."

[Faolcho]

Gumu arched his eyebrows and lowered his jaw whilst hearing the.. well.. dramatic story, he lowered his body and laid down while keeping his head aimed at Vitani.

"I am sorry to hear such a sad story, Vitani."

The beige maned lion created the most worried expression he ever could, he considered that polite, unlike the other bold teenage feline, that just frowned upon the hardships and commented unknowingly.

He sticked out his head as the lioness shouted some words towards Daxis, and then turned back to face him.

The Southlander smirks at what Vitani said.

"Well, I do not think a lion like him can ever be a wanted asset to a pride, for his own good, he should be tutored as a cub if you ask me."

The blue eyed lion revealed a grin, thinking of teaching Daxis of discipline, honour and respect.

"Maybe I could so something about that.."