[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[Mike]

Vitani put her nose squarely between Daxis and her king, and showed her teeth while moving forward, forcing Daxis to take a step away or bump into her nightmare of a face. Vitani snarled, having had just about enough of Daxis' attitude. It was time to show him that they were serious, and would not be pushed around.

"Here's a question: 'Can you give us one reason why we shouldn't chase you straight out of the pridelands and rip your arrogant tongue right out of your-'"

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

Kovu heard a loud male voice, and figured it must be the strange red-maned lion that he'd seen earlier. He nodded to Mila, who was just passing him on the way to the den, and jumped quickly down Pride Rock. He saw Simba and Vitani facing off against the stranger and ran the rest of the way to join them as Vitani yelled out a challenge.

"Woah sister," he cut her off before she could say anything that would get them all into a fight. Not that he was worried about who would win; it was three against one, and Simba and Vitani were some of the most powerful lions in the pride. The poor stranger wouldn't stand a chance. He just didn't want any violence for no better reason than a hasty insult. Kovu spoke then to the new lion. "Hey friend, I wouldn't make her angry. She's more than tough enough to deliver on that threat."

Kovu took up a position on Simba's left as Vitani drew back to his right side. Together they flanked their ruler, forming an arrowhead of menacing muscle and teeth. "Now, Let's let our king do the talking." Kovu said.

[Lodrill]

[OOC: I am sorry but I have to freeze this situation (RP) for a second.
The actions of Sarabi do not really make sense here so I have to get the situation figured out. (I already sent PMs to Kovu131 for this.)

Amanda is (I suppose) still outside the den. She was not asleep. So wasn't Kiara so I daubt she would allow anyone to steal the cub away. I guess you meant Taraji not Kiara.

I really do not like to overturn posts of other players but there was to much "playing other peoples characters" in these posts. If you meant Taraji (who is sleeping next to Kiara) she did not yet wake up. (I never said something about this.) So it is impossible to let her drink something. (Unless you force it into her while she is sleeping...)
Maybe we can imagine that Sarabi tried to take Taraji away from Kiara. (Here KiarasMate should do his actions, allow her or not to take Taraji.)

Sarabi is with Simba and the others now (we can take this as fact now) but I guess we will just go over the part with the water and the cub.

Sorry for the interruption... I cast the freeze off now so please resume role playing. Sorry for my rambling.]

[SinChei]

Daxis was a bit feared as the third lion joined Simba and Vitani went angry and he stepped back
step by step untill his paw touched the face of Pride Rock
It was difficult affect strong and evil but he tryed it and extended his claws he thought he could fear them

[KiarasMate]

Simba's eyes narrowed as he listened to the arrogant young male answering his question, refusing to give any ground as the smaller male advanced upon him, slowly unsheathing his razor sharp claws just in case the situation might turn physical. Before Simba could react, he spotted Vitani stepping in, sending a proud sense of being to course through his body, admiring just how brave and selfless his fellow Pride Member was in the face of this potential threat. Lucky for Simba, Kovu arrived on the scene in the nick of time. Having two of his most valued Pride Members on either side of him now, Simba addressed the brazen adolescent in a judgmental voice.

"You come into my lands, strike an innocent cub and then ask to be welcomed into my Pride? I honestly don't know where you came from Daxis, but here in The Pride Lands, manners are a must have and you have shown nothing but disrespect towards me and my fellow Pride Members. Now, I'm a very forgiving king, so I'll give you one more chance to redeem yourself. Tell me, why do you wish to join my Pride and what happened to your last Pride you were in, and spare me the tough front because it's not going to get you anywhere in my lands."

==========

Kiara watched as Sarabi approached her, knowing that she herself, had been a good mother for Simba and she trusted her fully, but seeing how shaken the young cub was already, she whispered to the older lioness before she could take the cub from within her gentle grasp.

"I don't think it's a good idea to be picking her up right now Sarabi. She's very weak and the less stress her body goes through right now, the better. Sorry, I'm not trying to hog all the fun here, but my father did say that Kovu and I would be taking care of her."

Kiara felt bad by saying this to a lioness to whom she held such respect for within the ranks of her father's pride, but she knew that the poor cub's condition would only grow worse if she were to be moved about more than she had to be.

A sigh of relief escaped Kiara's muzzle as she spotted Mila making her way into the main den, carrying the small container of water within her muzzle. Giving the younger lioness a warm smile as she watched her set the water next to where she and the slumbering cub were laying, Kiara spoke softly in response to Mila's comment.

"Well, I'm just doing what I know my mom always did for me whenever I didn't feel good Mila. I honestly don't have any experience within the field of cub raising but being around the various lionesses in our pride, I have picked up a few things here and there I suppose."

Kiara's eyes shifted downwards, spotting the young cub's partially opened muzzle, taking note of the way her little teeth were not yet fully visible. Thinking back upon the times she had witnessed the lionesses of her pride caring for the cubs, it struck the young lioness that perhaps Taraji might not yet be weaned. Returning her gaze back to Mila briefly, Kiara spoke up softly once more to the blue eyed lioness.

"Thanks for bringing the water for Cutie here Mila. It's so nice to have such helpful members of our pride around like you. You wouldn't happen to know if any other lionesses within our pride are having or have had any cubs recently, do you? Sorry for asking such an odd question, but it seems to me that this young cub here isn't quite ready to eat meat yet, by the looks of her teeth." Kiara stated, lightly brushing a paw toe along the base of the small cub's muzzle to indicate what she was talking about. "I can't exactly provide her with any milk myself and I know you're a bit too young for that sort of thing too Mila, but I was hoping that maybe you knew of any lionesses within the pride that might be able to help here."

[NightmareMoon]

Mila listened carefully to Kiara, taking every word in fully. She hadn't known that Nala would sing to Kiara as a cub. Nobody had ever really heard Nala sing before. But seeing as Kiara's tune was very melodic and soothing, she guessed that Nala would be the same way.

Mila would take note of things that mothers did from now on towards their cubs. Since Kiara said she had no real experience being a mother, she was shocked that she was able to handle the cub so well. Mila planned on being a mother one day, so it wouldn't hurt to take notes like Kiara did. She just hoped she would be able to do such an amazing job.

Mila stayed quiet and patiently listened to Kiara once more. Once her golden furred lioness friend and finished speaking, Mila respectfully replied.

"Since when haven't I helped out around here?" Mila sarcastically said. It was true, she was always willing to lend a paw to anyone who needed anything.

Mila paused and thought for a second, and continued to speak, trying to answer the lioness' question.

"No, I don't believe I know any lionesses who have had any cubs recently.... I'm sorry!" Mila replied, a bit down that she wasn't able to help. She frowned at Kiara, hoping they could think of anyone that could help together.

Mila then suddenly looked at the cub that was so delicately handled by Kiara. She hadn't really had the time to catch a glimpse at the cub earlier, as she was in a rush to help it survive. The cub was obviously a girl. Mila had to admire it for a second, adoring the innocence of such a little thing that was struggling to live. It was saddening to Mila. She knew what it felt like to be a baby cub alone with nobody to help. She had been in that situation a mere two years prior.

"I know what this cub is going through. I'm not sure you remember Kiara, but I was in the exact same state when I came here... your father accepted me and helped me live my life here as an accepted member of your pride. For it I'm eternally grateful. I'm sure she will be the same way. If she needs ANYTHING, and I mean anything, you can always count on me to help. I know more then anything how it is to be helpless." Mila's words were very heartfelt. This cubs story touched her, because she could obviously relate. She smiled towards the cub and just adored the little stranger that was so beautifully held by her wonderful friend.

[KiarasMate]

Kiara smirked from Mila's sarcastic tone as she listened to what the younger lioness was telling her. Kiara still could recall the day that Mila joined her father's pride and how he had grown quite attached to her as well. This often made Kiara jealous at times but she never showed it since her parents always taught her to be respectful above all to any creature she happened to meet. Nevertheless, Kiara could see a glimpse of her own cub-hood antics within Mila's bold personality, leading the older lioness to smile and nod as she gave her response to what her fellow lioness had just spoken to her.

"Ahh, I see Mila. Well, you've always helped out whenever we've needed it and you know that I'm very grateful towards you for that. I know my father is very proud of the way you've grown up and I still remember him telling me when I was younger, why can't you behave like Mila does, whenever I'd act up."

Kiara giggled quietly from the fond memories that flooded her mind as she continued to listen to what Mila was saying, frowning slightly from the slight change of tone from the younger lioness' voice as she spoke of her past. Feeling the need to try and console her friend, Kiara chimed in softly.

"Well, if this young cub can make it through these hard times and turn out half as good as you did Mila, I'll be happy. At least she's going to have a strong role model to look up to, that is, whenever she decides to wake up."

Kiara flashed a smile towards her fellow Pride Member before she returned her focus back to the young cub. Seeing as there was now the prospects of giving the poor creature a much needed drink, Kiara gently leaned down to nuzzle the sleepy cub, speaking sweetly to her in the hopes of coaxing her awake.

"Hey Cutie, do you feel like taking a drink, hmm?"

Moving one of her fore paws towards the near by turtle shell filled with the cool, clear water, Kiara lightly dipped one of her paw toes into the refreshing fluid, moving it back to where the young cub's muzzle was partially ajar, letting a single drop to dribble off the end of her saturated paw toe, finding it's mark as it vanished within the young cub's parched maw. Hoping that that the weakened cub would have enough strength to at least take a drink, Kiara moved the turtle shell closer to where she held the emaciated cub close to her, being careful as not to overwhelm the small creature with her actions.

[Lodrill]

Taraji did not wake up directly as Kiara started talking to her. The humming had vanished and so her lullaby did not keep hear peaceful asleep.

Tarajis muzzle reacted even half asleep and slowly swallowed the waterdrop. Her dry body took in this life fluide that was so much needed by her. Even if Taraji still was not really out of her slumber her muzzle opened again awaiting more of this delicious long awaited fluid. It had been days since she last had a drink. And it had only been some dirty water from a puddle so this was like a miracle for Taraji. Even this one drop already tasted better than everything she ever had tasted. Her eyes still closed, her muzzle open, Taraji's nose trembled a bit as if she tried to get the scent of this good tasting water.

[KiarasMate]

Watching the young cub's muzzle closing and feeling the slight trembling from her small body reacting to the rejuvinating liquid, Kiara felt a bit relieved when she saw the little cub's maw opening once more, instinctively dipping her moist paw toe back into the turtle shell to retrieve some more of the precious water, repeating the same tactic she had used before as she dangled her soaked paw toe above the young cub's muzzle, allowing for a few more drops of the crystal clear fluid to plummet down the young cub's dry gullet. Keeping the turtle shell tucked closely to her body, Kiara gently moved her free fore paw underneath the small feline's head, lightly shifting her position so that the tiny cub could sense where the source of the refreshing substance had came from. Being extra careful not to agitate the small cub, Kiara brought the edge of the turtle shell close to the infant's nose, giving her a chance to take in the scent of the water in the hopes that she'd understand that there was more of the cool liquid for her to drink right in front of her.

[SinChei]

Daxis felt that he got more and more in trouble as he saw simbas razor sharp claws and thought how he could use them so Daxis made himself smaller and looked up to the three angry lions and intended his claws. Daxis knew he went too far he looked fearfull from one face into the other and stopped at Simbas face Daxis had his eyes wide opened and was showing his fear now. Daxis layed down and answered Simba with a fearful voice.

M..M...My Pride banished me I lived in a pride far away from here and in southern direction i never herd of the Pridelands before it seems nice here. I want join your pride

His last sentence sounded a bit arrogating and as he finished he raised again and made himself taller again.

[Lodrill]

Taraji's nose trembled. She got the scent of the water nearby. Her eyes opened a small bit. She was not afraid anymore. She was near this warm motherlike lioness. Taraji did not know her name or who she was but it did not matter to her. It took some time until Taraji noticed the shell with the water in front of her.
Her first attempt was a bit clumsy and she hit the edge of the shell with her muzzle. She neede some time to regain her balance and tried again to reach the shell. This time she managed to get over the edge. But as her body still was very worn out and did not have much strength she dived in the water with her muzzle and nose to far. The water ran inside her nose and her muzzle. Taraji gulped caughed instantly. With her trying to breath some water had run into her lungs. Taraji fell back on the ground and caughed. Her body tried to get rid of the burning feeling in her lungs. It took a lot of the strength she had gained by the water and so she just lay there in the paws of Kiara as her coughing stopped. Sweating and exhausted from coughing.