[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[SimbasMate]

Ashur honey... I'm here for you. Mama is here, so is daddy.. It's okay, we love you. Ashur woke with a startle. Only a dream. Everything is okay. Ashur looked around, Rafiki's tree. For he had just awoken from his sleep, which had seemed like forever. It was a new day. The sun was shining bright in the sky, beating down on the African savanna. Ashur studied his leg. It felt much better, and he felt he could walk again. Ashur stood up slowly, and started to prance out of Rafiki's home contently. He never felt better. Ashur doubted at first, that a monkey could fix his leg, but now he thought his second thoughts at Rafiki. Ashur ran around, as a hot breeze blew. He ran off to find Kopa.

[Lodrill]

Rahina yawned silently while she watched Almasi and Kopa. The cub that had moved out of her grip had woken her up and she had observed her with her eyes barely opened for an inch but with Kopa on guard she did not need to chase after her. Instead she rolled on her back with all paws to the roof of the den and stretched stiff muscles with another yawn.

Then she raised to her paws and slowly advanced towards Kopa and Almasi. "Good morning you two!" she greeted her mate and the cub. "How have your sleep been after you fell asleep again this night Almasi?" she nuzzled the cub and then snuggled herself against Kopa. "Thanks for the watch darling. You can now get a good rest. I will take over the watch now."

Rahina thought about letting Kopa rest and then tell him when he awoke again. They would still have some time until the hunting party would depart and so also she would have this awesome sight of her sleeping mate again. He was so cute when he was sleeping. A small grin crossed Rahinas muzzle.

[hr][/hr]

Taraji woke up slowly and looked up to Kiara. Her eyes refused to open for some time until she blinked and opened them a bit. Her muzzle opened wide for a big yawn that was accompanied by a small mewl.
It took the drowsy cub a moment until she shook her head as an answer to Kiaras question. The chilly air made her shiver and she crawled under Kiaras chest fur again and snuggled against her. Taraji closed her crystal eyes again. It was so warm and comfortable that she would not mind going back to sleep. A faint purr emitted from her throat as it was soft and warm at Kiaras chest.

[KiarasMate]

Being as exhausted as he was, Kopa wasn’t aware of Almasi until he felt her little body pouncing upon him, causing the unaware male to snap out of his thoughts and back to reality as he laughed openly from the young lioness’ playful display. Rolling onto his stomach so that both he and Almasi were laying in the grass, Kopa spoke in a gentle voice to the energetic cub.

”Good morning Almasi. I take it you slept okay after that little dream of yours?”

Hearing more movement coming from within the den, Kopa adorned a warm smile as he spotted his beloved mate making her way over to where he and Almasi were positioned at. Purring contently from feeling her soft body snuggling against his, Kopa gave a nod to Rahina before he responded in a loving tone.

”It was a very calm night my precious, aside from Almasi’s little nightmare. I believe that Simba and Nala are gone already though, as I saw the king earlier this morning and seeing how it’s past first light, I’d just assume that they had left by now.”

Nuzzling Rahina’s side in an affectionate manner as in his current state with having Almasi laying on his back, he couldn’t do much of anything else at the moment, Kopa continued speaking with his precious lioness as he reached a fore paw backwards to lightly caress the young lioness atop him.

”Maybe a short nap would be nice for me right now Hina but I don’t want to sleep for too long. It’s a nice day out and I’d hate to waste it away in the den snoozing.”

Carefully maneuvering his body so Almasi’s little frame came rolling softly into his open paws, Kopa gently set the young lioness down upon the lush grass below before he rose to his paws and gave his beloved mate a soft kiss over her cheek before he moved inside the quaint den to settle himself down for a short little nap, still keeping his ears perked and his attention upon his little family just in case either of them still had something to tell him before he would go to sleep.

==========

Seeing Taraji’s crystal eyes finally beginning to open and hearing her daughter’s adorable little sounds, Kiara felt herself melting as she always did whenever she had the pleasure of spending such a precious moment with Taraji. Smiling from the fact that her daughter seemed to have had a good rest, although from the way she insisted on burying herself deeper into the golden furred princess’ chest fur indicated that she was still a bit tired, Kiara wrapped her fore legs a bit tighter around the cute cub to keep her warm as she spoke softly to her.

”Aww, looks like someone’s still sleepy. Well, maybe you can have a little longer to rest Cutie, but then we need to get the day started. It’s going to be a very busy day for Mommy and Daddy, so you’re going to have to be on your best behavior.”

Leaning down to nuzzle Taraji’s sleepy frame, Kiara cooed sweetly as she licked over Taraji’s tired looking face.

”But you’re always on your best behavior Cutie so Mommy knows she doesn’t have to worry about that, now does she?”

Flashing a glance over at her mate, Kiara couldn’t help but to giggle as he hadn’t made any effort to get a move on either, invoking the golden furred lioness to reach out a fore paw and playfully nudge her lazy companion as she scolded him in a joking fashion.

”Hmm, I don’t know whose lazier around here Honey. You, me or Taraji. Better get a move on though. What’s the first thing on your agenda my king?”

[Mike]

Kovu woke easily to Simba's gentle urging, and he managed to hold off on yawning as he was given a few final councils on the kingdom. He wasn't really surprised that Daxis had gone and gotten himself into trouble, and though he wasn't sure what to do just yet, he was confident that he could think something up, especially with Kiara at his side. He listened closely, felling once again proud that Simba would trust him with the thing that probably meant more to him than anything else, except Nala perhaps; his pride.

After Simba left, Kovu lay back down, not in sleepiness, but in thought. It was hard to feel sleepy when he suddenly had such authority. It was an odd sensation. Kiara's voice was welcome in bringing Kovu back to the den. He realized that he probably looked a bit silly staring off into space. He grinned mischeviously and prodded Kiara back a little.

"Is that a serious question?" he asked with laughter in his eyes. "The same thing that's first on my agenda every day, except for you of course. Food! The only difference is that today I'm responsible for waking up the leader of the hunting party. Now I'm sure that was a pleasant job when Nala held that position, but today I have to wake up Vitani. Do you realize what a dangerous job that is? Then again, she's not one to sleep in too late usually."

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

When the first light of dawn poked it's way into Shani's closed eyes, he opened them with his mind more clear than it had been in a long time. He shifted slightly to see Caine against him, still sleeping peacefully. Shani gently untangled himself and sat for a moment, thinking about what had happened. Not coming to any conclusions, and feeling very awkward looking at Caine while he slept, Shani padded down Pride Rock and off to the waterhole to freshen up.

On his way he felt himself appreciating the beauty of the Pridelands in a different way. The dew on the grass seemed to stand out to him, and the smells of mundane and useless creatures stood out to him, scrubbing his senses and mind and leaving them fresh and open. He felt oddly relaxed, his mind at once empty and buzzing with memories and thoughts. He arrived at the waterhole and plunged his head in.

The shock of the cold water brought his train of thought to a standstill, and as he shook his head water sprayed out from his mane in all directions. When the water had gone, his strange mood had left as well, leaving a haunting and tantalizing memory. Shani took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Wow, he thought I've been missing out... Shani lay down in front of the water, staring at the ripples as he thought about where he would go from here.

[KiarasMate]

Giggling openly from her mate’s comment, Kiara moved her fore paw in and gently took hold of Kovu’s fore paw as he brought it within distance of her grasp. Gently caressing her paw toes over her lover’s soft fur as she replied in a playful voice.

”Well, I’m glad to see that your new found power hasn’t altered your persona at all Honey. Thanks for putting me above your stomach too. I feel honored.”

Managing to scoot her body a bit closer to where Kovu was laying while not disturbing Taraji at the same time, the golden furred princess leaned in close and kissed her mate lovingly before she stated in the same playful tone as before.

”Me on the other paw. I’m going to take full advantage of being queen. You know, have my servant lions beckoning to my every whim.”

Smiling gleefully at her mate, Kiara lightly nipped at Kovu’s neck fur as she softly swatted her mate’s butt with a fore paw and exclaimed.

”Better get a move on though my king. Can’t keep your subjects waiting now can you? Tell Vitani I said good morning too after she’s done ripping your head off from waking her up.”

Giggling once more, Kiara looked about the den to see if she could spot any sign of the former Outlander, but seeing no traces of her mate’s sister, the golden furred lioness turned back to her mate and asked in a curious manner.

”Speaking of her, where is your sister, hmm? You think she eloped in the middle of the night with that Santiago fellow? Maybe eloping runs in your family Honey.” Kiara stated, flashing her mate a cheeky smile.

==========

Consumed in her own need to quench her undying thirst, the young lioness stayed oblivious to the fact that she was no longer alone at the seemingly tranquil waterhole. It wasn’t until a small flurry of water droplets came hurdling her way, did the white furred feline’s focus finally center upon the lone male who had joined her. Taking a quick step backwards to avoid any further unwanted showers from the male’s overly exuberant displays, the young lioness openly vocalized her distain towards his actions as she called over to him in a spiteful tone.

”Ick, watch where you’re shaking Jerk! If I wanted to get wet, I would have jumped in the waterhole myself.”

Casually running a fore paw through the portion of her fur that had been dampened from the male’s innocent behavior, the white furred lioness took a closer look at her company, a thoughtful expression etching its way upon her face as she held her distance from where the lone male was stationed near the water’s edge. Meeting with his gaze for a brief second, she spoke up once more, this time in a more disgusted fashion.

”You look as though you had a pleasant night. I’d recognize that look anywhere. Makes me sick. Think you could make yourself useful and get lost though?”

[SimbasMate]

Ashur finally found Kopa. Ashur ran towards him, feeling great. He smiled big. Kopa, my leg is all better! I can finally walk again. Am I allowed to stay here at the pride? Ashur then remembered that he owed a thanks to the crazy monkey that had fixed his legs. Ashur waited for a reply, as he thought about his parents, even though he knew it brought pain. He didn't care anymore. What were his parents doing right now? And would they ever accept him?

[Mike]

After a moment's surprise at being spoken to by a stranger that he'd failed to pick up on, Shani quickly fell into an air of resigned boredom to demonstrate his complete indifference to the stranger's blunt abuse. As the lioness took the opportunity to spill her thoughts about Shani, Shani himself took the time to size up the new arrival.

He found himself facing a well built lioness who's tongue seemed to be as sharp as her looks. Her shocking white coat of fur almost gave her a glow in the early morning light. Despite this though, she showed clear signs of a troubled life fending for herself. As to why, Shani could only guess: disease, famine, outcast, It was all the same to him really. The fact was that she was here now was what mattered most to him. When she'd finished, Shani was pleased to take the opportunity to return the favor.

"Unfortunately for you, and for me as well I suppose, I can't do that." Shani said lazily, as though this rude stranger were nothing more than a bother to attend to. "Now that you've graced me with your charming presence I have a duty to either chase you out of the lands in my care or else bring you to our noble King for judgment... Although if you'd just turn around and get out of here on your own it'd be much easier on me personally. It's funny that you'd mention my "look," though, because I'd put good money on it being a lack of that very "look" that's made you so cranky this morning. Life as a reject can be so lonely.

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

"I've got to admit" Kovu said, returning the kiss with gentle enthusiasm and a large smile, "You have this planned out pretty well. I'll tell you what, after I get Vitani sent off on her trip and deal with Daxis, you and I treat ourselves like the King and Queen we are." Kovu went in for another loving nuzzle, and when he drew back it was to cast a quick glance around the den for his sister. Like Kiara his eyes didn't find the one lioness that he'd been looking for.

Kovu rewarded Kiara's ribald question with a swat on the rear of his own, and a chuckle to go with it. "Maybe she's already up and just stepped out for some air." He said. "Hang on a sec, I'll go check.". Kovu eased his way reluctantly out of Kiara's embrace and made his way to the mouth of the den. Poking his head outside, it was quickly apparent that he'd made a good guess, though it turned out that his ever sharp mate had part of the answer as well, as Santiago was outside with her.

"Hey sis, good to see you up early." Kovu said airily, then cleared this throat in a more neutral way before greeting Santiago. It wasn't that he disapproved of the other lion, he just meant to remind Santiago that the sister of the interim King of the pridelands wasn't someone to take casually.

Vitani of course, was having none of it. "So have you come out here for a reason other than to make constipated noises at our new guest? No don't tell me: You're hungry and I'm the leader of the hunting party now. Fear not my King, I'm not likely to fall down at the first hurdle. I can do my job, you focus on yours."

"I was also going to ask you about Daxis." Kovu added feebly. "He's gone and gotten himself into trouble again, and it looks like Laini won't be able to be responsible for him anymore. I was wondering if..." Kovu saw the look on Vitani's face and shrugged in defeat. It was a look that told him clearly that he was either mad or joking. "Oh just get going then." he finished, determined to keep at least some imitation of dignity here. He took Vitani's indulgent wink for an agreement and retreated back inside the den and to the area where his mate was happily lying.

"She's on her way." Kovu said, sounding slightly winded. He'd assumed that their conversation hadn't carried inside the den, but now he surreptitiously scanned his mate's face to look for clues that she had indeed caught every word.

[Lodrill]

Rahina stopped Ashur from entering the den as the young lion rushed towards Kopa. "Hey leave Kopa sleep now!" she told Ashur and her black eyes were piercing into the blue eyes of Ashur. She disapproved his way of rushing into a den that was not his own without being invited. Also she did not want anything to disturb Kopas well deserved sleep.

After a moment she realized that she had been reacting pretty bold. "Please do not wake him up okay?" she said with a warm and appologizing voice. "He had a long night and needs to rest now. And for your question..." Rahina lay down in front of the den again from where she had jumped up as Ashur had been comming closer. "... I don't think Kopa is the right lion to ask here. The one in Change is Simba... well he is on a vacation now so it will be..." Rahina took some time to remember the name. "... oh right Kovu. I think he is at the main den. Don't you want to show him the way Almasi? You could look for your friend there too!" Rahina smiled to Almasi. In daylight with so much lions of the pride running around she would not have to worry about Almasi. "But please stay around pride rock, okay?" Rahina added to make sure Almasi would not run out of the sight of any other lion of the pride. Also this cub got lost pretty fast several times already after leaving pride rock.

"And you do not need to rush back Almasi. Just go and play with your friends." Rahina winked with an eye to Almasi and nodded towards Kopa in the den to signalize Almasi what Rahina would do if she was gone. Like she promised last night she would use the time to talk to Kopa. "If anything comes up and you need us you can come anytime though." she added to not make Almasi think she could not come to her in case of any need.

[KiarasMate]

Curling her nose in an offended manner, as she hadn’t expected such a bold response from someone who she had already pegged as being the typical standard pride pushover, the white furred lioness was quick to retort as she snapped back verbally at him.

”Yes, easy for some pampered pride prick to look down upon those who don’t have the luxury of such a picture perfect life and to top it all off, you feel as though that no one below you is worth even standing upon the same dirt as your own high and mighty self, hmm? Well, as tempting as your offer is to drive me out on my tail, since I bet you’d just LOVE to lay your paws on me, I’d much rather speak to this king of yours instead. As much as I despise royalty, there’s something that I loathe even more, and that’s hot headed, narrow minded ignoramuses such as yourself.”

Keeping her distance from the quick witted male, the young lionesses yellow eyes continued to scan his frame. The more she looked at him, the more her memory badgered her of some long forgotten image that she couldn’t quite place her paw upon at the given moment. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts for the time being and tapping her fore paw upon the ground in a show of impatience, the white furred feline waited for a second before she groaned and spat out another disparaging remark towards the opposing male.

”Well? You just going to stand there like a hippo in the mud or you going to escort me to your almighty king?”

==========

Watching as her mate exited the den momentarily, Kiara took the brief moment to try and rouse Taraji a bit more, giving her adorable daughter another small bath with her tongue as she purred soothingly, her ears picking up the faint conversation that Kovu and his sister were engaged in outside the main den. Upon spotting her lover’s return, Kiara couldn’t resist sporting an amused grin as she stated in a humorous voice.

”Well, that sounded like it went well…”

Adjusting herself so she was now laying on her side with Taraji still pressed up against her chest, the golden furred lioness gazed up at her mate with a thoughtful stare as she resumed speaking.

”What’s this I hear about Daxis Honey? Did he go and get himself in more trouble?”

[KingKivuli]

Way back in the jungle beyond the Pridelands, the small pack of rouges had gathered in a clearing, waiting for Merementa to show himself. Anga was out in front and growing impatient. He let out a roar to call the gold maned lion out. He didnt have to wait long. Merementa soon appeared through the bushes and stood on his rock to look down upon those that followed him. He glared at Anga with his emerald eyes You know better to have more patience than that Anga. The lion below bowed down in response My apologies, it wont happen again

Merementa turned to face his pack and spoke to them in a strong commanding tone My fellow rouges. Too long we have been living in the barren wilds, outcast from others. Too long we have waited for vengeance!! But now thanks to ANga and Zane we have a place we can conquer and call our own. No longer will we be the outcasts. We will be making those judgements now! The pack roared agreement as Merementa stood with a grin planted across his face

It is within our grasp dont lose it! Now move forward and destroy your enemy!!! Merementa indicated the direction with his paw and without wasting time the pack left with Merementa in the lead, and Anga by his side. After a brief while Anga spoke up What happened to Zane? He inquired He has gone looking for more to join our cause Merementa replied He will meet us in those barren lands you described

Anga nodded then realized there was another issue that needed attention so he spoke again What of Kivuli, he certainly hasnt got weaker since we last saw him. If anything hes stronger Merementa let out a slow deep grumble in his throat That bothersome lion will be destroyed. He believes we all died. Sadly for him we are all alive. We will dispense of him easy The pack then moved on through the jungles thick under bush. Even though it was morning there was still little light as the leaves of the trees above created a shield. The pack did not care. They just kept marching forward to their goal. The Pridelands.