[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[JaguarOne]

"Fine by me, beautiful," The lion replied with a smirk before he turned and walked towards the set of dens on the other side of the private water hole. The very same water hole that he had encountered Kovu at not too long ago. It looked the same as it had when he got there earlier, the water glistening under the sunlight and a breeze blowing through his fur once more, giving him a slight relief from the oppressive heat. He then turned his attention to Vitani once more.

"So what are my options?"

---------

Caine just idly walked through the grasslands, the blades of grass giving way beneath his paws once more as he took each step. His final destination would be Pride Rock, but he didn't mind taking a more indirect route to appreciate the scenery of the Pride Lands, the views of the expanse of territory both beautiful and awesome at the same time. Once he finally made it back to the base of Pride Rock, the lion slowly made his way to the top in time to hear the tail end of Shani and Nala's conversation with each other.

"Yeah," The lion agreed in a quiet, awkward tone before turning and walking to the promontory, stopping to look out at the breathtaking view of the Pride Lands below. He loved the view, his mother's voice telling him that Simba ruled over everything the light touched. That being said, the dark shadowy place on the northern rise of the territory was off-limits.

[KiarasMate]

Simba had tracked Rahina’s scent all the way to the outskirts of his lands and upon reaching the boarder to The Outlands, the puzzled king paused for a moment, debating amongst himself if Rahina would have actually gone out this far on her own. Knowing that he had put himself in this situation however, and knowing that while The Outlands were relatively abandoned, there was still trouble that could be found for those individuals who weren’t careful within the barren terrain. Taking one last glance over his shoulder towards his kingdom, Simba crossed the boundary line, leading him into the dry and desolate lands to which Zira once ruled over. Trying to distinguish Rahina’s scent so he could figure out where she had gone off to, Simba’s ears picked up on slight movement not too far off. Hoping that it was Rahina, Simba called out in a friendly voice as he approached the noise.

”Rahina, it’s me, Simba. Can I talk to…”

Simba’s voice faded away as his eyes fell upon the cause of the sounds he was hearing. Instead of seeing Rahina, Simba’s eyes fell upon a cub and a particularly intriguing one at that. Caught up in the cubs unique looks, it took Simba a moment to even speak as he tried to gauge just exactly why this cub was out on his own in such a forsaken place. Finally bringing himself to address the youngster, Simba asked in a curious, yet unthreatening manner.

”Well, hello there. And just who might you be and what exactly are you doing out here in The Outlands and all by yourself?”

==========

Kopa listened to what Kovu was telling him, beginning to slowly feel a bit better as Kovu’s encouraging tone, as well as his suggestions were really helping. Once the black maned male had finished speaking, Kopa replied in a thankful fashion.

”I really do appreciate what you’ve told me Kovu and it helps to know that your friends would be so kind enough to help me and Rahina out if we happen to stay here as permanent members of your pride, erm, well, that is, once Simba and Nala step down, of course. I just hope that Rahina will give me another chance to prove to her that I’m not a screw up and that I do have what it takes to look after and raise cubs.”

Rising to his paws, Kopa performed a gracious bow to Kovu to show his respect towards him as he thanked him once more.

”Thank you again Kovu but I shouldn’t keep you from your own mate and cub any longer. I’m sure they’re waiting for you by now. I will most likely see you later tonight for that meeting thing that Simba informed me about.” Starting to make his way back towards The Private Waterhole, Kopa paused quickly, turning back to Kovu as he asked. ”If you happen to see Rahina Kovu, could you tell her that I’m at our den and I’m sorry for letting her down again?”

Returning his focus ahead of him once more, Kopa wandered off, back to the seclusion of his and his mate’s den to be alone with his thoughts. Usually, Kopa would have gone after Rahina, just to smooth things over but the verbal lashing he had endured from her, kept him from doing so, afraid in the fact that she might explode at him again if she felt like it. Hoping that she would calm down and come looking for him, Kopa disappeared within the small den, laying himself upon the lone sleeping pelt that lay on the ground, Rahina’s scent still lingering within it as he shut his eyes, melding over what all had happened. Even in his oblivious state, Kopa still noticed Vitani and Santiago’s presence near The Private Waterhole, but he was in no mood for formal introductions.

==========

Sighing softly, Nala nodded as she gave Shani an appreciative smile, replying in a warm tone.

”Well, thank you for trying anyways Shani. Caine is, well, he’ll be okay. He always is but we all could use a helping paw every now and then and sometimes, just being there for someone, even when you feel as though you shouldn’t be, is sometimes the right thing to do.”

Leaving the situation at that, as Nala had spotted Caine returning as well, the cream colored queen went back to eating as she wanted to be nice and full so she could prepare the main den for the upcoming meeting.

[SinChei]

Daxis couldn't find Almsi and after an hour looking after her he got bored and was a bit mad at her. She said she would meet him after dinner. He wanted to search this strangers who the grey furred male was talking from with Almasi. But now it looks like she didn't like him or playing with him. Daxis didn't care he would find another cub to play with. The red maned cub went towards the big rock.
After a short walk he reached his place to relax in front of the main den and layed down with a dissappointed gaze.
Daxis looked around to find something new to play.

[Lodrill]

Taraji tried to stay close to Kiara even if her foster motehr nudged her from time to time. As they got into the main den she got even more nervous and directly snuggled between Kiaras paws as the older lioness stopped.

As Nala lowered her head and looked at Taraji the small cub did not wince back. She new Nala already and also she knew that this was her source of food. To the question Taraji opened her muzzle but a loud growl of her stomach answered the question by itself while Taraji looked on her own paws embarrassed that her stomach once more was faster than she was.

"Erm... I am... I am..." Taraji looked up to Kiara to get confidence and then faced Nala again. "I am hungry." her small voice finally explained. Loosing her mother really early and being alone with her from the start she did not learn about formalities like saying please or such. Taraji did not even know that this was normally said if you ask for something. Her cubby eyes instead were looking big and crystal white to Nala and they were begging continuously instead. Taraji did come out off her hiding a bit but still so that she was between the two lionesses and out of sight of any other lion in the den.

[LionPrincess]

Mosi saw the lioness walk away not noticing him, he was relived, but then a few minutes later a large male approched him, he put on a brave face pretending he wasnt scared "im Mosi" he told the lion "and i have left my pride and made these lands my home" eh said as he walked around the other lion to inspect him for any scars, he thought that though lions had to have scars "were are you from" he asked again as he sat in front of the lion

=====================

Almasi followed Laini to the waterhole she leaned in and lapped up the cool refreshing water, she finnished the cool drink and looked towards Laini "do you know Daxis, i was looking for him when i got lost" she told the lioness

[KiarasMate]

Smiling down at Taraji, hearing the little cub’s request, Nala looked past the informal way to which Taraji asked for something, knowing that she was still quite young and having confidence in her daughter to instill manners into Taraji over time, Nala spoke in a gentle tone to the crystal eyed cub as she started to make her way into the main den so that they could have a bit of privacy.

”Well, let’s get you fed then Hun. Come on inside.”

Giving Taraji a loving nudge, Kiara leaned down and whispered to Taraji.

”Say, thank you Cutie.”

Following her mother and daughter into the main den, Kiara took a seat near the entranceway, waving a paw to Kivuli as she flashed him a friendly stare, not wanting to actually call out to him as she could see Mila was still sleeping soundly and didn’t want to disturb her.

Nala made herself nice and comfortable upon the den floor, figuring that she would have enough time to nurse Taraji before Simba would return and assuming that Kivuli didn’t mind her actions, Nala waited for Taraji to come to her, the queen’s cream colored belly fully exposed for the little cub. While she waited, Nala struck up a quaint conversation with her daughter.

”So, has Kovu told you that there is going to be a Pride Meeting tonight Kiara?

Shaking her head and looking a bit surprised, Kiara replied in a soft voice.

”No Mom. I haven’t seen him much today. Do you know where he went off to?”

Thinking for a moment, Nala replied.

”I believe I saw him with Kopa last. I’m not too sure on where they were going though.”

Nodding, Kiara responded.

”I see. Well, does Daddy need both me and Kovu to be present at the meeting?”

Nodding in response, Nala answered.

”Yes, both of you need to be there Hun.”

Looking a tad bit concerned, Kiara simply nodded as she fell silent. This might prove to be a bit of a challenge. What were they going to do with Taraji? Could they bring her to the meting? No, she’d be too afraid of being around so many unfamiliar faces, but they couldn’t obviously leave her at the den alone. Knowing that she needed to bring this issue up with her mate, Kiara rose to her paws as she spoke up to her mother and daughter.

”Can you watch Taraji real quick Mom? I need to talk to Kovu for a moment, that is, if I can find him.”

Nala nodded as Kiara addressed Taraji.

”You stay here with Nala, okay Cutie? I’ll be back shortly.”

Hoping that Taraji would be fine, since she had her meal to focus on for the time being, Kiara slipped out of the main den and made her way down Pride Rock, on route towards The Private Waterhole, which she figured would be the first place to look for her mate. Fortunately for the golden furred princess, her judgment would be rewarded as she spotted her mate and Kopa, who seemed to be in conversation not too far off the beaten path. Being patient and not wishing to interrupt their conversation, Kiara stayed where she knew her mate could see her, flashing him a warm smile and subtle signal that she needed to speak with him once his business with Kopa was finished.

==========

Simba observed the brave cub with a curious expression. Playing along with him, as the youngster posed him no threat, Simba replied in an amused tone.

”Oh really? You look a bit young to be a ruler of lands. Tell me, do you really like it out here and where are your parents if I may ask?”

Hearing Mosi’s question, Simba responded in a collected voice.

”My name is Simba and I am the king of the lands that are adjacent to yours, known as The Pride Lands.”

[SinChei]

Darion was looking after his younger brother he found him ... but with a for him unknown adult lion. He lowered down to the ground and growled. The blonde maned lion wanted to defend his brother and now itlooks like he would fail again. But he ddidn't want to fail again and loose his little brother now ... Darion decided to attack the adult lion even if he would kill him. Better him then his little brother he thought while he ran towards the adult lion and tackled his flank. Darion got up after this attack and waited for his reaction.

[LionPrincess]

Mosi replyed to Simba "the King of my former pride wanted all males killed and my mother was loyal to her king so..." he was cut off by his brothers attack on Simba "DARION" the youngster yelled as his older brother "what do you think you are doing" he said as if he was in command

[SinChei]

Darion only pushed his younger behind him and continued growling towards simba. He yelled back to Mosi.
Mosi i'll defend you now run away . He still thought he was defending his little brother and Simba was his Enemy.


((sry for small reply))

[LionPrincess]

Mosi pushed passed Darion, he turned to his older brother "stop it, he isnt our enemy, he was only talking to me" he told his brother as he again tryed to be brave and got into a defencive stance as if he was going to attack Darion, he didnt realize how pathetic he looked as he was half the size of his brother but he didnt care, Simba was the only other lion that had ever took an interest in him other than Darion