[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[KiarasMate]

Spotting Taraji coming out from the tall grass and hearing her daughter’s voice, confirming that she was ready to press on, Kiara smiled fondly as she took lead again. Keeping her slow and steady pace going as it looked as though Taraji was barely able to stay awake in her current state, it took the two lionesses a little while longer before they reached the base of Pride Rock. Figuring that Taraji had worked enough by this point, Kiara gave in as she leaned her head down and gently picked up the crystal eyed cub by her nape, carrying her gently up the slope of Pride Rock and into The Main Den. Upon entering the large abode, Kiara made her way over to the comfortable looking sleeping pelts that were typically used by her mother and father. Setting Taraji down upon the soft pelt, Kiara lightly settled herself down alongside her sleepy looking daughter, this time allowing her to snuggle in as close as she wanted to, the golden furred lioness’ fore legs acting as a cozy bed for Taraji to lay upon. Glancing down at her daughter with a loving expression upon her face, Kiara spoke in a quiet voice as she leaned in to nuzzle Taraji gently.

”You look so tired Cutie. How about Mommy gives you a quick bath then you can get some rest, okay?”

Knowing that Taraji never passed up an opportunity for a bath, Kiara wasted no time as she started to groom Taraji’s small frame, starting at her adorable face and working her way over and down the length of her red pelt. Seeing how exhausted Taraji truly was, Kiara did most of the work, even going as far as to reposition her daughter with her fore legs in order to clean her belly and underside as thoroughly as she could. Once Taraji was bathed from head to tail, Kiara drew her adorable daughter in nice and close to her warm chest as her fore legs gently cradled the tired cub. Purring soothingly as she rested her head down over her fore paws, creating a furry little sanctuary for Taraji to doze in, Kiara kept a watchful eye over the entrance of the den, longing for Kovu’s return as she tried her best to stay awake as the day wore on.

[CelyonHana]

The young Lioness yawned and stretched. She walked around for some time and tried to forget about the memories which came to her mind everytime. She shook her head and closed her eyes for one moment.
Suddenly she smelled two lions in distance. Celyon walked closer. Oh, Kiara and the little cub. Celyon smiled. She sat down and watched them from a distance.
It came like a flash in her mind. Her mother who watched her father totally shocked when he was fighting against the old king. And another flash, when her father died.
Celyon growled and lay down shivering.

[Lodrill]

As Kiara picked Taraji up the cub started to doze off already. She was waken up as Kiara put her down at the main den.
She just nodded half asleep ans let Kiara bath her. Normally Taraji enjoyed this to the fullest but she was too tired to do so. She just lay there and slightly liftet her head for Kiara to reach under her chin one time.

As soon as Kiara finished and had Taraji tucked at her chest the small cub already was off to dreamland again and slept deep and peacefully.

---

Rahina advanced towards the mouth of the den. "Sounds good for me darling. But if we want to see the sunset we should hurry I think." With this said she threw a grin over her shoulder and dashed outside. She did not run far but soon fell into a lite jog and waited for Kopa to catch up. She took a deep breath of the cold evening air. She started to like this land. Not as much as their jungle though but she could get familiar with the thought of raising her cub here. This land seemed to be a nice environment for the grown of her cub and the pride seemed to be very friendly. For her it did not matter if Kopa was or was not the son of the King of this land.
In one sense she would be happy for him if it were to be true due then he would finally have found his parents.
Also this might make it easier for them to be able to stay in this lands. She liked Nala and also Vitani. They were very different but she liked them both. She also liked any other of the lions and lionesses they have met so far except the one white lioness. It was not really that she disliked her but something about her rang alarm bells inside Rahina even though she did not know why. Maybe it was just because he had mood swings or maybe a very deep instinct was not trusting Zina.

But Rahina did not think about her at this moment. She just giggled and enjoyed the evening sun and sharing it with the one lion she loved more than any other in this world.

[Mike]

Kovu spared a moment to watch Kiara's receding figure before he brought his mind to the task at hadn. Unfortunately the task at hand soured Kovu's mood, and when he motioned to Shani to start moving it was with a slight snarl. Shani bore this behavior without acknowledging it, which increased Kovu's minor irritability if anything. Vitani, for her part, was watching Shani closely. Something about what had happened didn't seem to fit with the insufferable little king's attitude of generally laying low when there was trouble. She tried to think, wondering what Shani might be up to below the surface.

Arriving at Zina's borrowed den Kovu lost no time, stalking into the den, eager to get the job over with so he could return with Kiara for the evening. He stopped short as Zina's seductive pose caught his attention, giving the other two lions time to file into the den after him. Vitani took up a position standing tall and proud at her brother's shoulder while Shani slinked off to the side where he could face either party head-on. He quickly made himself at home, guessing that the process would take some time, and lay down comfortably, ready to begin.

Kovu did just that, exasperation present, but under control in his voice. "What the heck did you do this to Shani for Kivuli?" he asked without preamble. "So much for your words last night of starting fresh. How can I trust you to stay here if you can't control your own over-muscled body enough to avoid beating up a lion that has no chance in a straight fight against you. Lots of honor in that isn't there?" Vitani grinned at her brother's rapid-fire accusations, but focused on Zina to begin with, trying to read the unfamiliar lioness.

[KiarasMate]

Smiling happily at Rahina as he watched her prance by him, Kopa followed suit as he made his way out into the cool evening, trailing after his beloved lioness as his regal looking mane blew carelessly within the air around him. Taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Kopa padded over to where Rahina was waiting for him before the two felines started to make their way off towards Pride Rock. Recalling just how awe inspiring the view had been from atop the majestic structure, Kopa figured that sitting on the promontory would be the choice spot to watch the sun set with Rahina. Being able to finally stretch his legs after being confined in their den for as long as they had been, Kopa took full advantage of their time outside as he trotted alongside Rahina, his large body gently nuzzling up against hers occasionally as they jogged through the lush grasslands together. Watching As Rahina’s belly swayed with each step she took, Kopa couldn’t help himself but to inquire softly as he stole a kiss from his beloved mate upon passing her adorable muzzle.

”Are you still feeling alright my precious? Is our cub behaving itself inside your belly?”

Looking quite the proud lion as he lightly caressed a fore paw under Rahina’s tummy as he walked, Kopa felt his pride swelling from the thought of being a father. Ever since he had learned of his mate’s pregnancy, the thought had always been prominent in his mind and despite how nervous he was about the actual responsibilities of being a parent, the joy of bringing new life into the world was rapidly outweighing his worries. Taking lead by this point, Kopa guided the way back towards Pride Rock while keeping close to his precious lioness. As the smitten pair arrived at the base of the looming landmark, Kopa politely waited for Rahina to go first before he followed her up and onto the jutting promontory. Taking a seat near the edge of the ledge in order to have the best view possible, Kopa waited for his beloved mate to snuggle next to him before speaking up in a relaxed tone.

”It’s such a beautiful view from up here Hina. Almost as beautiful as you my precious. Almost.” Kopa stated, turning his head to face Rahina as he leaned in close and softly pressed his muzzle lips against hers in a loving display of affection.

==========

Quickly scrambling to her paws as the den around her was unexpectedly infiltrated by Kovu, Vitani and Shani, Zina felt her heart rate picking up as she pulled back a few paces, still trying to maintain her dignity as she listened to Kovu’s dialog which was directed towards Kivuli. Hoping not to get involved in the given situation, even though she had witnessed the entire event, Zina acted as though she were a neutral party as she casually padded over to where she had left her herb pouch upon the den floor, hurriedly repositioning it securely around her neck to hide her scar before turning back and taking a seat near the far wall of the den. Flashing a quick glance over to Shani, who appeared to be unfazed by what was going on by the way he had leisurely laid himself down upon the den floor, Zina kept her stare averted away from the lion king until she would be addressed, which she secretly hoped, wouldn’t happen.

Seemingly noticing the presence of another lioness for the first time, Zina’s focus shifted over to Vitani as her yellow orbs sized up the new face. Unlike Kovu, who had easily been fooled by her false facade, Zina got the distinct feeling that this lioness wouldn’t be so easily swayed. There was something about her demeanor and mere appearance that triggered Zina’s defense mechanisms and kept her on edge. Still, not wanting to come off as looking as if she knew anything about what had transpired between Kivuli and Shani, Zina simply sat idly by, a look of innocence running through her facial expression and body language, hoping that if anything, this whole ordeal would end just as quickly as it had begun.

[Lodrill]

Rahina chuckeled as Kopa was caressing her belly and stated his question about the newborn life. "It is it's fathers cub so it is rambling around a lot but at the moment it seems to be sleeping." she answered with a joking tone in her voice. Kopa got even more clingy as before since he knew from her pregnancy. Rahina did not mind it at this moment but this had maybe been one reason for her to keep silent up to now. But there was no reason to worry about the past now. As they reached the top Rahina looked around. The sun was just setting at the horizon. A few clouds already hoved in and were visible as dark areas before the half sunken sun.

The pregnant lioness lay down next to Kopa. She needed some time to lay right. Due to her big tummy she lay down with her hind legs sideways so that her belly was facing away from Kopa and allowed her to snuggle up against him.
As he mentioned the beautiness of the view and her she looked in his eyes with a soft gaze. "You are such a sweettalk...." her words were muffled by Kopas Muzzle pressing against hers. She returned the kiss with love.

The view sure was wonderful and the wind was chilly but felt nice in her fur. Thanks to the warm body of Kopa she also did not deel cold. Rahina purred and with breaking the kiss she snuggled her head against Kopas head. Her head worked her way towards Kopas ear and she softly nibbled on it. Then she whispered in his ear: "We also have to think about a name for our cub, don't you think so?"

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli was about to to walk into the den and answer Zina, when a familiar voice came behind him, and it was not pleased. As he turned Kovu, Vitani and Shani meet his red eyes, almost surrounding him. Kivuli took a slightly defensive stance. In a three in one he stood no chance if things kicked off but that was a last resort, he wasnt about to spill blood just cause he could

Shani insulted me, my pride and my honour. I could have has his head if I wanted but I restrained myself. If memory serves this pride thrives on respect and honour to all its members. Shani showed no such thing to me and I responded. What do you really care anyway, you have been wanting me out of here since I first arrived. Instead of trying to help me with adapting to my new life you have snapped at my heels every step of the way He fell silent, eyes and ears sharply fixed on the trio just incase

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Anga and Makali had made their way too the edge of the outlands, where a small river crossing gave access to the pridelands. They stopped at the crossing so Anga could answer his companion We are all driven by vengeance. Me Zane and Merementa, but he has become more consumed than normal, its like all we are just tools for him to seek revenge. Im not sure right now, the best we can do is keep our eyes open

[Mike]

Kovu was a little thrown off his stride by Kivuli's self-righteous tirade. Some of his points hit a little too close to home, and he realized that Kivuli might have been right in some of his accusations. Still though, Kovu was determined not to be sidetracked, and pressed his point home, clinging to the undeniable fact that Kivuli had attacked a fellow pridelands guest.

"If I wanted to analyze Shani's actions I would have done it already." Kovu said stubbornly. "I'm talking about your attack on Shani. You knew that I wouldn't just ignore it, but you just waltzed off as though you owned the place, like you thought you were free to beat up anyone who crossed you. That's not good enough Kivuli, and I won't be letting you off so easy." Finishing off, he shifted the weight of his gaze to Shani, who bore the look unflinchingly. "And how about you?" Kovu said. "Did you tick him off?"

"I just introduced him to Zina here," Shani said, radiating a thoroughly unconvincing innocence. "and spoke a bit about his history in the pridelands up to now."

"Translation: He was being a total jerk to Kivuli." Vitani muttered, just loudly enough for Kovu to hear.

Kovu, who had already come to the same conclusion, nodded. "Right, here's how it's going to go." Kovu said, "Shani, you're no longer a pridelands scout. You're obviously not up for interacting with the pride." Kovu's tone made it clear that this went beyond the mere position, and that Shani had also lost whatever had been left of Kovu's trust or respect. "As for you Kivuli, I have a job for you that seems appropriate for you to atone for your actions. You'll be looking after Daxis. He's also hurt someone in the pridelands, and he needs a firm hand to keep him in line. Do this right and you'll be a full member of the pride again before you now it."

"Do it wrong and we kick you out on your rear." Vitani added unnecessarily.

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli stood firm and listened to the boring words spouting from Kovu's mouth. He grinned slightly when Shani was stripped of his position and Vitani stood up against Kovu. The smile was soon wiped off his face however when Kovu planted Kivuli in a job. He didnt like the sound of it. Being bossed round was not Kivuli's strong suit, especially by those with 'borrowed power'. However he shallowed pride and responded

Who's he, some kid? You sure thats wise im not all to good with high strung cubs. He would either come out better or worse, possibly attack marks on both. However if you think that I can do it fair enough, who knows maybe he needs a bit of a beating to snap him into place Kivuli grinned again. He didnt like the idea of babysitting wasnt his style or idea of fun

[SinChei]

Makali didn't know what to say at this moment he opened his tiny muzzle a few times but othing came out and he just nodded with a sad gaze. He tryed to change the subject now because everything wasn't really calming. ...Anga can we hunt now... and quick i think merementa is hungry and waiting for food and ... you can't protect me everytime and i want him pleased... . Makali checked the air if he could smell some prey it was his very first time he was on hunt. His stomach growled loudly and he looked up at anga again.


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Meanwhile Daxis fell asleep in the high grass with his fangs still digged in is foreleg. Everything hurt the sadness more then the physicall pain. He had Lainis smell still in his nose and ´had a few dreams about her. His chest and his forelegst were laying in the very small slop of blood and teras. ((short yeah sry ^^))