[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[Mike]

Zina's words were beginning to stir a recollection in Shani. He remembered a fiery young shaman with a distinctive coat of fur, this must be the same lioness, once again crossing his path after so long. Here she was, back again and as ready as ever to try to bully her way over obsticles with her wit and words. Shani deliberately took Zina's words at face value, assuming pointedly that they referred to his father's time as leader. Given the slightest opportunity it was sometimes possible to twist the meaning of a sarcastic phrase in one's favor, and this was what Shani attempted now.

"Right you are." Shani said, keeping a bland, matter-of-fact expression on his face. "Of course after I exiled him the pathetic and poisoned atmosphere that was left behind was the pride's eventual downfall. You of course were long gone, off to greener pastures. As you say, I was lucky to escape. Which leads me to my position today." Shani continued almost innocently. "No more cons, no more facades. What you see is what you get. I'm a member of the pride now, albeit an uncommonly clever and cunning one."

Shani knew that his words wouldn't be accepted at face value, certainly not by someone with as many layers of mental armor as Zina, but his claim should go a long way towards keeping Zina off balance, not knowing exactly what to expect from him. If Zina remembered anything about him, she'd know how easily he could blend into pride life if it suited his purposes.

"Besides," Shani continued, "Our king is the accepting type. I doubt that even a misfit like yourself would be turned away if you groveled a little. At the moment though, Simba has left the pridelands with his queen, for discussion and meditation apparently. He's left his son in law Kovu, who's perhaps less impressive, and certainly less experienced. Interesting move don't you think?"

[KiarasMate]

Hearing the reluctancy within Taraji’s reply, yet knowing that there was no other option at the moment, Kiara did her best to try and explain to her daughter, the reasoning’s for why she had to do this, speaking to her in a gentle tone as she smiled over at her.

”Well Cutie, it’s because of these.” Kiara stated, lightly bringing a fore paw over to Taraji’s little muzzle and gently brushing a paw toe over the little cub’s teeth, which were already set firmly in her tiny maw. ”We lions have sharp teeth for a reason Cutie. They are to help us when we eat.”

Moving over to the fallen wildebeest, Kiara skillfully tore off a large chunk of the tasty looking meat, carefully setting it between both herself and the curious cub. Positioning herself so that Taraji could have a clear view of her mouth, Kiara spoke in an encouraging tone to her daughter as she stated.

”Meat is very good for you Cutie. It will help you grow up nice and strong, just like Nala’s milk did. It’s also very yummy too. Watch Mommy and try and do what I do, okay Cutie?”

With this stated, Kiara moved in close and brought her muzzle towards the slab of meat, tilting her head at an angle so that her razor sharp incisors could easily cut through the tough hide of the wildebeest. Working in slow motion so that Taraji could follow her every movement, Kiara demonstrated the power of her jaws as she effortlessly severed off a nice sized piece of the delectable meal, swallowing it quickly and licking over her muzzle lips in a satisfied manner before she turned to watch her daughter to see if she would follow her lead.

==========

A bit puzzled by his mate’s question and still feeling a bit exhausted, it took Kopa’s mind a short while to process just what was being asked of him. Blinking in confusion, Kopa replied in an uncertain tone as he slowly sat up.

”Hmm? What do you mean Hina? Did I do something wrong? I tried to look after Almasi as best I could.”

Looking over at Rahina with a perplexed expression, fearing that he had maybe done something to upset his mate, even though she didn’t seem agitated at all, Kopa quickly reflected over the past events, searching for any flaws that he might have done during the time in which Almasi was under his care. Unable to pin point any specifics however, Kopa found himself at a loss as he stated in a quiet voice.

”If I did mess something up Hina, I’m sorry. I never want to let you down and I always try my hardest to please you my precious. Did Almasi tell you something or what? Please, whatever it is, just tell me and I’ll try not to do it ever again.”

Totally missing the point of Rahina’s inquiry, Kopa felt himself becoming quite nervous as his fore paws shuffled upon the den floor, averting his gaze from his mate’s, just in case she would become cross with him for doing whatever it was that he couldn’t figure out that he had done in regards to caring for Almasi.

==========

Listening intently to Shani’s reply, Zina’s suspicions were confirmed as she distinctly recalled just where she had seen this lion’s face from before. Building up a bit of confidence in the fact that she actually knew Shani to some degree, which put her typical fear of males aside, or at least, partially anyways, Zina picked up the pace so she was now walking along side Shani before she responded in an intrigued voice.

”Oh, is that so hmm? Funny, I never pegged you as the type to just blend into the background Shani. You always came off as the type that demanded respect, so call me naive, but what’s the catch? Why are you really here?”

Hearing Shani’s statement about the current king of the lands and knowing how opportunistic her current company was, Zina couldn’t resist a sly smirk as she thought for a moment before turning to Shani and addressing the male in a sly tone.

”Well, isn’t that just perfect. Do you remember why I came to your old pride way back when Shani? If not, let me refresh your memory and do forgive me if I stir up some painful memories.” Zina stated, a hint of sarcasm in her voice as she continued. ”think back to the day when several of your prized lionesses fell ill and your half wit of a father summoned a supposed amateur Shaman to cure what was ailing them. If I remember correctly, wasn’t one of those sick little lionesses your mate?”

[Lodrill]

Taraji watched Kiaras action and her belly growled again. Hungry she tried to follow the example but on the one hand she was too hasty and so did not get the right angle and also her teath were not used to such solid food and started to hurt a bit as she sank them into the hid. She still tried to chew it but because she only got the hide in her mouth she did not manage at all and finally let it go.

The small cub smeled at the wildebeast and licked over the place Kiara had ripped of her part. Her jaw hurt from her hasty action because it was not used to having something this hard between it and chewing. After a while she gave up and with a hungry and disappointed look she looked up to Kiara.

[hr][/hr]

Rahina licked over Kopas cheeks and caressed his flank. "No, no... you did not do anything bad. You are just perfect. It is just... " again she took a while before continueing. "I know we never really talked about it but seeing you with Almasi I thought maybe you would like having our own cub?" Rahina changed the strategy. She wanted to check out what he would think of the basic idea of having cubs.

[KiarasMate]

Watching attentively as Taraji tried to bite off some of the wildebeest but with no luck, Kiara did her best to stay supportive as she spoke softly to her daughter in a reassuring tone.

”That was a good try Cutie. When you go to bite though, try and tilt your head so that your teeth can get a good grip upon the meat. Like this.”

Demonstrating once more, Kiara angled her head so that her scissor like teeth could grip the wildebeest firmly. Locking her jaws around the hide, in one quick motion, the golden furred princess had torn off another sizable chunk of the wildebeest, which she hastily swallowed down before looking over at Taraji with another encouraging stare as she stated.

”Give it another try Cutie. Practice makes perfect.”

Moving her body so that she could be in a better position to assist her little daughter when and if she’d try again, Kiara waited patiently for the crystal eyed cub to give it another shot, knowing that this was just another life lesson that she would have to learn and the sooner, the better.

==========

Feeling his mate’s loving ministrations and hearing her inquiry, Kopa’s mind interpreted her words incorrectly as a familiar gleam in his eyes became apparent as the intrigued male rose to his paws and began to nuzzle his mate very affectionately, his fore paws beginning to caress the full length of her supple body as Kopa stated in an aroused manner.

”Mmm, is that an invitation my precious? I didn’t sense that you were in heat but who would I be to pass up such a polite offer.”

Thinking back to their days of being alone within their paradise of an oasis home, Kopa seemed to resort back to his old ways as the playful male tried nudging Rahina onto her belly as he smothered her with loving licks and light nibbles, murmuring softly to her as one of his fore paws came in contact with her belly.

”Having a family with you Hina is something I always look forward to. Even though we haven’t really discussed this matter much, I know when the time comes in the future, we’ll both be ready for it.”

Purring happily, Kopa continued to try and coax his mate into the proper position as he stayed blissfully unaware of the true reason for her asking such a question, his own one sided male instincts taking hold of his thoughts as his fore paws continued to travel along the length of her soft body until they reached her tail base.

[Lodrill]

Rahina threw a bit annoyed look at Kopa. Kopa ever did only think about one think. She wondered if all males were like that.
"Please do not push my belly too hard because... even though it was not visible due her fur was over her cheeks she blushed. "... well I wanted to tell you since we fled out of the jungle but... well a cub is already growing in there..."

Rahina's voice was very silent and faded away. She was still unsure how Kopa would take this news and observed his expression with a very keen eye.

[KiarasMate]

Almost instantly, Kopa’s actions ceased as his mate’s words slowly registered through his mind. Looking a bit perplexed, yet trying to be as understanding as possible, Kopa had to search for the right thing to say. Sitting there, dumfounded for a moment, the shocked male finally spoke up in a nervous tone.

”You mean, you’re pregnant Hina? Um, how long have you known about this?”

Thinking back now that his mate had revealed this information to him, Kopa’s mind slowly started to piece together every odd behavior that Rahina had displayed ever since they had came to these lands. From her unusual exhaustion, to her wild mood swings, to the way she wanted to look after Almasi. It all started to make sense now. Feeling rather uneasy, as he honestly didn’t know what else to say, Kopa mustered up a bit of courage as he moved in closer to his mate, gently placing a fore paw over her soft belly as he spoke lovingly towards her.

”Was looking after Almasi, sort of a test for me Hina? Did you think I wouldn’t be a good father to our cub or something? You know I’d do my best for our cub and I’d love it with all my heart, because it is a part of you and I love you more than anything my precious.”

Leaning in close, Kopa planted a soft kiss upon his beloved lioness’ muzzle as his fore paw ever so lightly massaged her full belly. Despite his own reassuring words however, Kopa felt a bit confused and betrayed in the fact that his mate hadn’t told him about this news earlier, or perhaps he was just upset at himself for not noticing what seemed so blatantly obvious now.

[LionPrincess]

Penda hung her head "im sorry for easdropping your highness" she said as she bowed to Kovu and she then made her way back over to Mosi as she thought it may be time for him to eat somthing

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Almasi continued on her way to priderock and made her way to the main den, as she got their she spotted Mosi who was still asleep, she walked over to him and shook him "wake up sleepy" she said to encourage him to wake

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Mosi woke as Almasi shook him "im up...im up" he said as he opened his eyes, he looked up to see Almasi standing over him and Penda making her way over, he got to his paws and looked over to Penda "thank you for looking after me" he said as he cracked a smile

[Mike]

Shani stopped dead for a split second, before continuing on, a shade faster than before. There were very few things that could have thrown Shani for this kind of a loop, but he hated the though of first of all being in this lionesses debt, and second of all his mother's death was still fresh in his mind after his reflections the night before. "It was my mother." Shani said shortly. "What, are you looking for more praise and adoration? You were thanked enough at the time, and it's not like it helped anyone in the long run."

Shani did his best to calm himself, and forced his typical sardonic grin back into place. "Though if you're really so insecure that you think you need a good word from me, good luck in surviving here." Shani felt a fair amount of chagrin in flying off like that. He was usually so good at keeping his emotions under control, and he didn't quite understand why he had reacted so strongly.

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

Vitani left Pride Rock still chuckling to herself. She was supremely pleased that despite Kovu's recent promotion, she was still able to lay down the law with her little brother just like always. He was so adorable when he tucked his tail between his legs for her.

Fun and games aside, she did have a responsibility today, and she intended to take it seriously. Now, usually Vitani was a very independant lioness, but even she recognized that hunting for a pride of lions wasn't something to do all by your lonesome. Of course she had the hunting party at her disposal, and she planned to use them, but Vitani remembered her earlier meetings with Rahina, and their promise to get together at some time in the future seeing as she, Vitani, had been injured during Rahina's first hunt.

Before long she found herself outside Rahina's den. She began speaking just before she was in sight of the lions that were no doubt inside. "Rahina? Are you up yet? I wanted to take you up on that offer to hunt together some time. I could use a right-paw lioness." Vitani finally lay her eyes on the closely cuddling pair and grinned. "If you can be bothered to get up and away from your mate for a few hours to help out the pride."

[KiarasMate]

Seemingly unfazed by Shani’s sudden mood swing, Zina let a raspy laugh escape her muzzle as she put forth a false front, sarcastically replying to the distraught male.

”Aww, did I strike a nerve there Shani? Silly me to think that you of all lions would ACTUALLY have a mate after all.”

Huffing in an irritated manner from Shani’s lack of appreciation for what she had done in the past, Zina did her best to ignore Shani’s remark as she stated in a nonchalant voice.

”I told you, I’m not looking for anything. Whether your king allows me to stay or not is none of my concern. Being on my own is nothing new to me and unlike yourself, I don’t need the pity of others to drown my own self worthlessness.”

Noting that the looming rock structure was growing increasingly larger, the observant Shaman figured that she would soon have to deal with this king of Shani’s. Staying quiet for the remainder of the trip, gathering her thoughts and preparing her introduction in her head, Zina waited for Shani to instruct her on what would be needed of her as the pair reached the base of Pride Rock.

[Lodrill]

Taraji tried again and tilted her head a bit more this time. Even if her baby teeth were not as sharp as Kiaras and her jaws by far weaker she managed to get a very tiny bit of meat out of the carcass. Hungry she chew on the meat and gulped it down. Then she tried to get another one.

It was clear as a day that Taraji would need a lot of practice until she would be able to eat meat like any other lion. She took very long for tiny bits of meat and nearly got even more hungry by eating due it took her so long to get it. In addition to the pain in her jaws from her first too hasty attempt her muskle at her muzzle started to hurt from the unfamiliar work it had to do.

[hr][/hr]

"No, no my dear.... it was nothing like that really..." Rahina was stunned by this reaction of Kopa. She knew him long enough to know that he was hurt. Rahina felt guilty. "It was just... I didn't want you to worry about me. I wanted to tell you about it at the day our home got raided by the rogues and after that we had other problems... I didn't want you to worry about me any more than you already did."

Rahina looked down and rolled to the other side so that her body slipped out of Kopas paws. "I am sorry honney. I wanted to tell you for so long but I never found the right time and then we got here and it was so unsure if we would stay here and... well it got harder for me each day to tell you because I knew that you... would be upset with me."

Right at this moment Vatanis voice broke the uncomfortable situation. Rahina raised to her paws and with a guility look to Kopa she held in for a moment unsure what to do. Confused she looked from Vitani to Kopa back and forth. "Erm..." Rahina remembered that she had promised and also maybe Kopa would forgive her if she brought back something to eat for him. "Yes... I guess I have to keep my promise." with a suffering look to Kopa she sighed and nuzzled him. Then she licked his cheeks and snuggled her head agains his. "I am so sorry darling. If I come back I do anything you want to make up for it." With a last nuzzle and a painful face she turned to the entrance with her head hanging down to the ground. She knew that she had done the wrong thing by not telling him earlier. She knew that he was angry and upset at her and she could not blame him for it. This was exactly the reason why she had not told him yet and why she had been afraid of the day she had to tell him.

"Erm... sorry for the wait. I am ready." Rahina's warm voice was a bit shaky but she forced herself to smile as she continued. "Let's go for a big catch today. There are a lot of muzzles to fill. Please lead the way."
Rahina waited for Vitani to lead the way as she looked back to Kopa in the den with nearly each step and going away now was ripping her heart in two. It had been the worst possible moment for her to leave Kopa. She just hoped that he would understand and was not even more angry with her for that.