[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[KiarasMate]

Smirking to herself as it seemed as though her words had struck the proper chord within her company, Zina pondered over the best way to respond to Vitani’s question without giving too much information away, even though she didn’t exactly have any incriminating evidence against Shani himself, or at least, none that would prove useful to these softhearted Pridelanders. After giving it a little bit of thought, the white furred Shaman spoke up in a reflective tone, her yellow eyes closing as if trying to remember the past events to which she now spoke of, more vividly.

”Indeed, I do Miss Vitani. You see, being a Traveling Shaman, I’ve been far and wide and happened to be summoned to Shani’s former pride on several occasions. Typically, it was just to cure an everyday ailment for some of his pride members, but the last time I saw him there, things weren’t going well at all. His mother was dying and he seemed to be losing his control over his subjects. I tried my hardest to help his dying mother but I was only able to ease her suffering for a little while before she sadly passed away. That’s how I know Shani and that’s why I found it quite intriguing to learn that he joined this pride.”

At this point in her dialog, Zina realized that she could travel down one of two paths. She had already come to the conclusion from their short encounter from earlier, that Shani’s intentions of staying as an insubordinate member of the pride, would surely not be the case, yet if she were to lead onto this fact too early, it probably wouldn’t bode well for her as well. On the other paw, perhaps if she spoke a bit more highly of Shani himself, it might arouse unwanted suspicion about her and Shani’s relationship, which by this point, was non-existent, but still, weighing her options carefully, Zina decided to go with the ladder as she spoke up once more, a genuine expression clearly forged upon her face as she addressed Vitani.

”Shani might come off as being a pompous ass at times Miss Vitani but he really is a loyal lion. You may not see that from the way he acts, but deep down, there’s a born leader inside. Fate just didn’t have his best interest in mind when it came to his last pride but what would usually cripple a weaker lion, has only made Shani stronger.”

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Looking quite happy in the fact that Rahina seemed content with the names he had suggested, Kopa smiled warmly at his beloved lioness as he watched her rising to all fours, her rounded belly drooping quite heavily as she did so. Listening to Rahina’s inquiry, Kopa thought for a moment. Surely by this time, the drama that had taken place around their den would most likely be subsided, or so Kopa assumed. Speaking up to his precious mate in a loving voice, Kopa made his way over to her side before giving her an affectionate nuzzle.

”Why don’t we just head back to our den and get a drink at the waterhole there my precious. That will be shorter and if we’re lucky, we’ll make it inside before the rains start.”

Taking lead now, Kopa made his way slowly back down into The Grasslands, making sure to keep his pace leisurely enough as not to wear out Rahina in her current condition. Even if she didn’t let on to the fact that she had to put a lot more energy into every step she took now, Kopa wasn’t completely oblivious to this fact, as he was quite accustom to watching her movements and the change in her body’s abilities didn’t go unnoticed. Unfortunately, due to the slow travel the two of them were partaking in, the rains were soon upon them before they could even reach The Private Waterhole in time. Still, making light of every situation, Kopa stayed near Rahina to keep her warm while they walked side by side together through the dampening landscape. Tilting his head and opening his muzzle in a peculiar looking fashion, Kopa caught some of the rain drops in his mouth before swallowing them down. Looking over at his beloved lioness with a goofy looking grin, Kopa exclaimed in a cheeky tone.

”Who needs a waterhole when it’s raining Hina.”

[Lodrill]

Rahina returned Kopas grin with a smirk as she nudged him with her head. "That reminded me that soon I will have to look after two cubs." she remarked jokingly. She told Kopa often that he was like a cub but never ment it in a malicious way. Kopa did this sometimes too even though it had been less lately. Maybe this was because Rahina was not like a cub as often as she used to be due to her situation. But even if Kopa was a grown up he still behave like a cub at times. But for Rahina this was perfectly fine. She loved this side of Kopa too. This was what made him Kopa at all.

While walking Rahina put her nose under Kopas chin like she did so many times before to show him her affection. "Say, what would you like better? Having a son or having a daughter?" she whispered as if this was a secret between the two lovers.
Rahina stayed like this until they reached the private waterhole while waiting for Kopas answer. For her it did not matter. A son that would be like Kopa would be as perfect as a little daughter. Rahina tried to imagine a daughter that would be just like Kopa and giggled. It was just too funny to imagine a female Kopa as a cub.

[KingKivuli]

Rolling his eyes back Kivuli just followed Kovu without saying a word. He was lead out the den and around the waterhole towards another one of the private dens. It was smaller then his and a bit darker to, possibly cause it didnt have a skylight like Kivuli's had. Once inside Kivuli saw another one of the pride members, a young male This must be the kid Kovu is on aboutHe thought. Kivuli's stare was directed towards him So is that him? Kivuli inquired

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Having now crossed over into the pridelands, Anga scouted the nearby land to check for food, and for pride members. To the north he spotted some zebra, apart from that the area was clear. Ok Makali I will try and teach you how to hunt, but keep our eyes open these lands are owned. If you see anyone tell me

[Mike]

Vitani had begun to dismiss Zina as a slightly air-headed, but well meaning shaman, and she was therefore surprised, and more than a little suspicious about Zina's eagerness to suddenly start defending Shani. It seemed to her that if Zina had wanted to get involved, it should have been in front of Kovu, as he was the interregnum King after all. Preaching to the hunting party leader about the values and assets of a new member seemed like a somewhat odd choice. Maybe there was more to the traveling shaman than met the eye. Certainly the fact that she was associating with lions like Kivuli and Shani said something about her character, and what it said didn't sit with the lioness sitting in front of her, ostentatiously as pure as her perfectly white coat of fur.

"That right?" Vitani asked, slightly skeptically, "I didn't hear you sticking up for him earlier. If you had any sympathy for him, that would've been the right time to shout it out."

Vitani was still fishing for answers about Shani's earlier behavior, but was mildly surprised to find that Zina herself was becoming the focus of her questions. She maintained her relaxed posture, but began to try and re-evaluate her opinion of the lioness in front of her.

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Kovu and Kivuli made their journey to Laini's den in a chilly silence. Kovu chalked this down to Kivuli's unfailing ego finally taking a hit, and let the lion sulk in his silence. Arriving at the den, Kovu saw Daxis huddled up on the ground, looking slightly pathetic

Kovu nodded to Kivuli. "He's the one." he said with a shrug. Kovu was looking forward to Daxis not being a problem he had to deal with, and poked Daxis gently, but firmly with one forepaw. "Hey Daxis." he said, as the young lion's eyes fluttered open, "I've found you a new guardian. This is Kivuli, and he'll be responsible for you for now."

Figuring that the introductions would be best gotten out of the way before he started on what was expected of the odd couple, Kovu allowed Daxis time to wake himself up, and respond to the greeting.

[KiarasMate]

Grinning happily and giving Rahina’s ear a playful nibble from the way she had jokingly poked fun at him, Kopa purred contently as he walked with his beloved mate, enjoying the feeling of her warm body alongside his as her nose rested gently under his chin, bringing an air of peace and tranquility to come over him like it always did whenever the two of them embraced in such a manner. Perking up his ears from hearing Rahina’s softly posed question, Kopa was forced to think once again as his mind weighed the two options presented to him. While this hadn’t been the first time his beloved lioness had asked him his preference on what gender he had hoped their cub or cubs if the case would prevail, would be, but having had time to think things over ever since he had learned about Rahina being pregnant, had given Kopa ample time to debate the issue amongst himself. Dawning a dreamy looking expression upon his face, Kopa replied in a thoughtful voice as he gently licked over the top of Rahina’s head and muzzle.

”You know I’d be happy either way my precious, just because it will be our cub no matter what, but if I had a say in the matter, I kind of would hope for a daughter, because I know she would be just as sweet and beautiful as her mother is and always will be.” Kopa stated, giving Rahina’s cheek an affectionate nuzzle before he continued. ”I think we’d have our paws full if we had a son, just seeing how I myself am already so much work for you to look after Hina.” Adopting an exaggerated looking grin, Kopa planted a soft kiss over his mate’s muzzle before he finished speaking. ”Again though my precious, just as long as our cub is healthy and happy, that’s all I could ever ask for. I know you’re going to be the world’s best mother and I will try my utmost to be as good of a father to our cub as I possibly can be. And if that fails, at least you can take care of both your cubs then Hina.”

Bursting out laughing next to Rahina as they reached The private Waterhole, Kopa tenderly nuzzled his mate once more before attending himself to getting a drink. Thankful, Kopa had been right in his assumption, as there was no apparent sign of any of the former pride members who had previously been present around the local when they had left. After quenching his thirst, Kopa took several deep breaths, filling his lungs with the crisp evening air before following his mate back into their den, his eyes catching a quick glance inside the neighboring den and spotting both Vitani and the white furred lioness from earlier, who seemed deep in conversation with one another. Paying this fact very little mind by this point however, Kopa kept his main focus centered upon his adorable mate as he trailed after her and vanished within the confines of their den, giving his body a thorough shake outside their quaint abode’s perimeters to clear out as much of the rain water that had rudely attached itself to his pelt and mane by this time. Forgetting that Rahina still needed to meet with Vitani and feeling safely enveloped within the warmth and comfort of their living quarters once again and being away from prying eyes, Kopa couldn’t resist but to playfully attack Rahina’s hind quarters with light bites and licks from his muzzle before gently pulling her down to the ground with him atop the softness of the sleeping pelt below, being extra careful as not to upset her belly region in the process. Wrapping all four of his legs around Rahina in a loving fashion, Kopa spooned her affectionately as he cooed quietly in her ear.

”I love you so much Hina and I can’t wait until our cub is born. Our little Mano or Minshasa.” Kopa said softly as he delicately ran a fore paw over the length of Rahina’s furry tummy.

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Realizing from Vitani’s tone of voice, that the observant lioness hadn’t bitten onto the bait Zina had strung in front of her from her former reply, in the manner to which Zina had expected, the white furred Shaman knew that she would have to rethink her approach if she was going to eliminate her company’s suspicions. Being no stranger to having to think quickly and decisively, Zina thought back over what Shani had told her about Vitani, as well as the situation she had witnessed mere moments ago. Scrutinizing the details of both situations, the crafty Shaman found the means necessary to turn the tables as she quaintly responded to Vitani’s inquiry in a confident tone.

”If I had felt the need to defend Shani’s actions towards Kivuli to King Kovu, I most certainly would have Miss Vitani, but much like you it seems, I thought Shani got what he deserved from the way he acted. Besides, I doubt my words would have made much of a difference seeing as I’m rather new to your lands and you, as well as your brother, barely know me. The reason why I told you what I did, was because I can tell that you seem to have your own doubts about your brother’s abilities as being King, or so it would appear. Forgive me for saying so, but I wouldn’t have expected King Kovu to need your assistance for dealing with such a matter, unless you yourself, felt the need to tag along. Your brother seems confident and capable enough to do whatever duties are required of him as being ruler of these lands, so perhaps I was jus trying to quell your own doubts about him by giving you a little insight into who he’s dealing with. Please don’t take my words the wrong way as I don’t wish to overstep my bounds but that’s my impression of things.”

While she might have misgauged Vitani’s character to some degree, Zina wasn’t about to let herself be outfoxed by Vitani herself. From her initial impression of Kovu and the rest of The pride Landers thus far, Zina felt that she could match wits with the best of them and having the advantage of Shani’s lecture from when she had first arrived in the lands, gave the white furred Shaman a slight edge to some degree. Still, hoping not to step on any unwanted toes in the process of trying to worm her way into the heart of this pride, Zina refrained from saying anything further, instead opting to let Vitani reply with whatever she would feel necessary. Keeping up her suave demeanor, the white furred lioness awaited her company’s response as her tail swished casually, Zina’s mind already beginning to calculate her next move if Vitani pressed the matter further.

[SinChei]

Daxis was asleep as the two pride members entered his den and just wokeup as kovu poked him slightly with one paw. Laini's scent slowly was fading slowly from the den. He dryed his face with one paw and sniffed sadly while looking at kovu and kivuli. Daxis had seen the grey furred male several times but never really talked to him. The red maned cub didn't want a new guardian like kovu called it. He wanted Laini and thought about telling Kovu that she left the pride. A male guardian in contrast to Laini and espacially such an overmuscled warrior who isn't really carring and understands fun. It was a nightmare in the small iceblue eyes of Daxis. He opened his muzzle and hid his wounded paw before kovu or kivuli could see it. He ignored Kovus words and kivuli completely. Kovu... have you seen Laini...? or anyone else? Please say you have Daxis had to struggle to hold back his tears, and sniffed again.


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Makali watched angas moves carefully and followed him close. He looked around after every second step they did. Yes Anga I will Makali hoped someone would see them and would bring him away from merementa but he never would try it alone. Merementa would kill him or even worse he wouldn't kill him and torture him until the rest of his life.

[Mike]

Vitani wasn't really one for speeches like the one that had just sprung forth from Zina's pearly white teeth, and had no intention of getting either lead around by the nose or drawn into a dull and excruciatingly polite verbal sniping match. Her talents and inclinations didn't lie in either of those directions, but one thing that did come naturally to Vitani was smelling a rat, and her rat-detectors were tingling subtly.

This simple traveling shaman was perhaps just a shade too ready to let fly with justifications. Too willing to pass herself off with nothing more than a winning smile. Vitani had never said outright that she disliked Shani, or that she thought he got what he deserved, or even that she had her own doubts deep down inside about Kovu's position on the throne, but Zina was happily throwing Vitani's private thoughts back at her and using them as all the justification she needed. In Vitani's experience (which was admittedly confined mostly to outsiders and Simba's Pride) a lioness rarely had these kinds of soul-searching aptitudes without the cunning and guile to back it up.

"No... I don't think I'll be taking your words the wrong way." Vitani said thoughtfully. "Thanks for sharing your opinion about Shani. It was good to meet you Miss Zina." Vitani was almost itching to go find Shani and either confirm or deny her suspicions, but she tried to avoid making any outer signs of this, waiting to conclude the formalities.

[Lodrill]

Rahina giggled loud at the comment of Kopa. He was so sweet and funny. At the waterhole she drank a few gulps of water and then followed Kopa into their den. It started to rain.
As Kopa dragged her down and carassed her belly she nibbled at his ear and whispered. "I need to look for Vitani darling. I promised her to catch up with her today."
Rahina tried to get up to her paws but due Kopa entangled her with his legs she could not get up yet.

[KiarasMate]

Being more than willing by this point, to allow her company to leave, Zina performed a short, yet respectful bow in front of Vitani, her herb pouch lightly hitting the den floor below her as she did so. Vitani’s presence and clearly unmoving personality had already begun to intimidate the white furred Shaman and the sooner she would be rid of her presence, the better. Dawning a polite smile once again, Zina replied in an appreciative voice as she waited for Vitani to exit her temporary living quarters.

”It was a pleasure making your acquaintance Miss Vitani. You have a good night now. I think I’ll go take a look around the lands if that’s permitted of me of course. Maybe there’s some useful herbs I can find here in The Pride Lands.”

Knowing her place and not wanting to come off as being rude, Zina waited for Vitani to leave before she would set out and explore her new home in greater detail. The nap she had taken earlier by the waterhole seemed to have been sufficient enough to keep her awake now and as the pale moonlight crept into the small abode, hitting Zina’s eyes and causing them to glow that eary yellowish color, the white furred lioness made a mental note to herself to speak with Kovu in private the following day, in order to learn as much as she could about his sister. Knowledge was power in Zina’s mind and from her first encounter with Vitani, Zina knew that she was going to need all the strength she could get in order to keep this formidable lioness in check.

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As Rahina reminded him about the task she still had to do, Kopa smiled and nodded to his beloved mate as he gently released his legs from around her muscular frame. As much as he didn’t want her to go, Kopa knew that it wouldn’t take very long before she would return and then there would be plenty of time to snuggle next to her. Giving his precious mate a departing nuzzle, Kopa spoke up in a soft voice as he watched Rahina rising to all fours, her swollen belly swaying in the process.

”I believe I saw Vitani in the den next to us Hina. I’m sure if you hurry, you can catch her before she leaves. Just don’t be too long, cause you know I’ll miss you every second we’re apart my precious.”

Resting his head down upon his fore paws and looking quite adorable from the way he eyed his beloved lioness, Kopa waited patiently for Rahina to do what was needed of her, his mind reflecting over the thoughts about their cub as that had seemed to be the topic of the day for him anyways. Closing his eyes, yet remaining alert, Kopa rested peacefully as he anticipated Rahina’s return.

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli's eyes were fixed on the cub. It was clear Daxis was upset. Even though Kivuli was not so big on having to babysit an apparent cry baby and trouble maker, but he did want to stay in the Pridelands, so he just went with it. After Daxis spoke Kivuli stepped forward, towering over him I don't know where this Laini is Daxis, but i've been ordered to watch you now so we both got to deal with it if we wish to stay Kivuli glanced over at Kovu, wondering if the 'fake' king had more to say

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Anga and Makali moved closer to the heard, slowly but surely so not to be detected. Soon they were in a good viewing position, and a place where their scent was blown away by the wind. The looked over to check their targets before Anga gave his orders Ok heres the plan. See the Zebra in the middle? The ones with fading stripes? They are old, slow, and weak, yet still a good fill. We are going to to take two down. Im going to head round the other side and scare them towards you. Once that happens try and kill one of the old ones, if you cant kill, then at least try and slow one down by biting and clawing its legs. The fear you cause will bring them my way which is when ill jump up and take another. That sound good to you?