[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[Mike]

Vitani let Santiago speak for both of them. She was thankful for his presence, and that she didn't need to rise to Zina's petty bait while he was with her. She caught Santiago's slightly wary look in regards to Zina, and returned it with a tight grin and a little nod. Zina had certainly dropped her meek little lioness posture at least, and Vitani was already feeling better about the situation. Masks annoyed her and made her feel uncomfortable, but knowing what was underneath them made her confident.

However, she couldn't hold back a snort of laughter at Zina's passive-aggressive tirade. "Are you listening to yourself?" She asked, with a cross between amusement and incredulity. She decided to leave it at that though, considering it beneath herself to get caught up in a catfight like this could turn out to be. Still though, she had to roll her eyes at Zina's insulting Santiago without even acknowledging him, and in her next breath berating him for responding. That took some audacity at least.

"Never mind." she said instead. "What's important right now is helping Kiara. She woke up with some really nasty pain in her midsection, and she's too weak to stand. It doesn't seem to be anything she ate, because the rest of the pride is fine." Vitani considered for a moment, trying to come up with something she'd forgotten, but didn't come up with anything. "Let's hope for Kiara's sake that this isn't your first failure."

[JaguarOne]

"Well, you didn't exactly introduce yourself to me, so I highly doubt you have any room to talk," Santiago said, his tone of voice seeming to be somewhat patient considering that the lion secretly wished she'd learn some manners. "And don't be so sure of yourself. It's as they say: never say never. And it makes me more concerned that you have yet to find a illness you can't cure. Mostly because it means this could possibly be the first." There was a tinge of sincerity in his voice that perhaps made the feline seem wiser than he really was. He DID have a point, however--one never knew when their luck might run out. Eventually deciding that she wasn't worth the time, the feline turned his attention away from Zina and onto the task at hand.

[Complete writer's block.]

[KiarasMate]

Huffing indignantly from both Vitani and Santiago’s remarks, Zina forced herself from retorting to either of them, as she was on the brink of losing her temper from having been awakened so abruptly, only to be chastised by the likes of her current company. Feeling the urge to prove both of them wrong, growing exponentially by this point, the white furred Shaman was overly pleased when they arrived back at the familiar local of Pride Rock. Waiting for both Santiago and Vitani to enter the main den first, Zina quickly repaired her ego as she put on the same façade that she had previously used when in the presence of Kovu, before entering the large abode and glancing about. Spotting Kovu, who seemed to be comforting the patient in question, Zina slowly padded over to where both felines were situated at before performing an overly accented bow to show her respect for the royal couple. Flashing Kovu a sweet looking smile, the crafty Shaman spoke up in an angelic tone, which was quite the contrast to the tone she had used when addressing her former company.

”Good morning King Kovu. I surely hope our little run in last night didn’t leave you too winded. I still feel embarrassed about that but don’t worry, you didn’t hurt me too badly. Only got me nice and wet is all.”

Snickering to herself from the thought of her little planned rendezvous with Kovu the previous night, Zina turned her focus back to the task at paw now as she approached Kiara before giving the distraught looking lioness a once over with her keen yellow eyes. Reaching out a fore paw, Zina made sure to use as much tender loving care as she could as she motioned for the golden furred lioness to roll onto her back. Gently brushing a fore paw over Kiara’s stomach, evoking a not so pleasurable groan to escape from the suffering lioness’ muzzle, Zina quietly inquired as she continued to lightly stroke and press against her patient’s belly.

”When did these pains start Queen Kiara and did you ingest anything in particular before that? When was your last heat cycle and have you and Kovu mated recently?”

Looking slightly embarrassed to be put on the spot so openly, especially in front of her current company, Kiara answered as best she could while trying her best to tolerate her irritated belly region being touched.

”When I woke up this morning. I felt fine last night though. No, nothing unusual. Same thing everyone else ate and they all seem to be fine. Erm, my last heat cycle ended a few days ago and no, sadly, we didn’t. Best I got out of Kovu was a lick over his main last night, because he’s been so busy with everything that’s happened lately.”

Taking in everything that the golden furred lioness was saying, it took Zina’s sharp mind only a matter of minutes to piece together what had happened, even though she herself was still a little skeptical of the possibilities of it all. Still, it all seemed to make sense to her. Kiara had unknowingly ingested the very same herb mixture that had been intended for Kovu to consume, if it hadn’t been for her clumsy aim the previous night. On one paw, Zina was thrilled to know that she was dealing with something she could easily cure, no questions asked however, her conscience did feel slightly guilty for having put a fellow lioness through the agony of the herbal concoction she had used upon Kovu, as the potency of the substance wasn’t intended for someone of Kiara’s caliber.

Realizing that her sudden knowledge of what precisely was plaguing the golden furred lioness, might come off as looking a bit suspicious if she were to give a diagnosis at such an early stage, Zina made certain to give Kiara a very thorough examination, which involved checking her eyes, muzzle, ears, tail and everything in between before she finally seemed to come to her prognosis. Carefully slipping off her herb pouch from around her neck, Zina rummaged through the supply of plants and flora she had at her disposal before pulling out a specific clump of herbs. Shooting a confident looking gaze towards Kovu, Zina outstretched her fore paw and offered the herbs to the large male, giving him verbal instructions as she did so.

”You needn’t worry about your mate King Kovu. She will be fine. Just give her half of these herbs now and half later on tonight. They will clean out her digestive track, which should cure her of whatever is ailing her. I give you my word as a Shaman that this will help, although it takes a strong paw to administer this medicine, as it doesn’t exactly have the best taste, so that’s why I give them to you. If anyone is able to coax Queen Kiara to take them, it’ll be you. Now then, is there anything else I can do for you Handsome or is that all that’s needed of me?” Zina stated, making sure to flash Kovu an endearing smile, in perfect view with Vitani’s line of sight as well.

[Lodrill]

Rahina was already worn out half way to the main den. Even if she did not want to show it she had to stop now and then and catch her breath. She wondered why she was in such a bad shape today. Just yesterday she did go on a hunt and now...

It took some time for Rahina to realize Kopa had asked a question. "Well...." she answered while stoping again and looking into Kopa's eyes. "This being my first time like for you I have no idea but I think it will not be too long until the cub will be born." Rahina grined at Kopa's second question. "So this is all you think about, right?" with a snort and a silently mumble about males she faced the road up pride rock and began to continue their climb up to the main den.

Rahina had to concentrate on keeping the slow pace and catching breath. She was incredible slow and she knew even Kopa had noticed something. Even this thick head would not miss the clear signs of her weakness this morning and Rahina hated her own unability to run like she usually did.
The last bit of her energy was worn out at the moment they arrived in front of the main den. To catch breath before entering the den that was most probably full of lions and lionesses she lay down on the rocky surface in front of the den to regenerate a bit of her energy.

[KingKivuli]

As soon as Daxis dashed out the den, Kivuli gave chase straight away so not to lose him. They didnt go far, only to another den. When Kivuli saw Daxis stop he held back and carefully walked forward. Kivuli could hear Daxis shouting and the happiness in the cuubs voice as he did. Whoever this Laini was, meant alot to the cub If only he could see Im trying to help him. I wont give up though I will keep trying

Kivuli walked past where Daxis was and spoke clear enough for the cub to hear Shes not there Daxis, open your nose and you will get her scent, she went north. If you want her back then thats where you need to go. Stay here if you want but im going after her Kivuli then picked up the pace a little but not to much that Daxis couldnt catch up if need Why on earth did she go north? Its the outlands that way, she either knows what shes doing or running blind into danger

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

The tension in the outland was high. The comment made by Makali was generally ignored. Merementa was just generally angry, Anga didnt want to provoke a situation and Zane was sitting back enjoying the 'show'. Anga eventually found the words to speak again Merementa your going to far, you just assume we have nothing to offer from out hunt cause we walked in here empty pawed. In anycase you didnt need to hit the cub this time, I as the one in charge so if you want to hit someone then hit me

The den grew quiet waiting to see what would happen. The reaction surprised everyone. Merementa backed off, unwilling to attack his friend Fine whatever he is probably not even worth it anyway. Now do you have something for me or not? Anga eased up and replied whilst walking back out the cave Follow me and you will find out

[Mike]

Kovu watched with interest as Zina examined Kiara. He couldn't tell what she was looking for exactly, but he had never displayed much aptitude for healing or medicine at all, so that didn't surprise him. Zina though, seemed perfectly satisfied with what she'd found, and reached confidently for a certain remedy. Kovu accepted it, and the words offered with it with the best possible grace. No, thank you Zina." he said slightly hastily, feeling Vitani's prickly gaze boring into him, "You've done plenty for now. As soon as Kiara starts to feel better we'll let you know. You've been a great help."

Vitani padded casually up past Zina as Kovu turned to bend over Kiara, putting her rear end just slightly closer than necessary to Zina's face as she too looked down at Kiara's unfortunate frame. "You heard her Kovu," she said softly "let's try to get this over with." Vitani didn't want to talk about Zina to her brother while the later was present, and after all, she was genuinely sorry for Kiara's pain and didn't want to distract her brother from tending to it.

Kovu nodded and lay down next to Kiara. He once again cradled the back of her neck in one paw, and held the herbs that Zina had provided in the other. "Hey love..." he said softly, "You feel up to trying to choke this stuff down? It'll be worth it if it makes you feel better."

[Lodrill]

Sushaunna was dragged out of her light slumber by a smell of blood and lions and a loud shout. She opened her eyes quickly just to see a young lion... barely a lion, more a cub, closing in to the den and trying to climb the rocks up to her. Uncertain if this was to attack her and not understanding the words of the lion yet she quickly raised to her paws while noticing another lion that now dashed towards north.

Sushaunna put on a stern face and walked over to the rock the adolescent lion tried to climb. Even though he was nearly still a cub she considered him pretty much adolescent and therefore as a male lion. This alone made her being not so happy about this meeting. At least she did not run or attack Daxis yet because he was so young.
As she reached the rock she looked down on Daxis with her deep blue eyes with a gaze cold as ice. Sushaunna noticed a lot of wounds and areas with no fur on. Either this young lion got picked on or loved to fight a lot. If it would be the first she would feel sorry for him and maybe would want to protect him even if he was nearly out of the age of being a cub. If the latter would be correct she would see him as everything she hated in males. Fighting, killing, destroying her and other lionesses life...
Due Sushaunna did not want to decide yet she just waited there looking down with her icy stare while she let the fur in her neck stand on the edge.

---

Far away, cross the pride lands, at pride rock a small little princess was starting to wake up. All the ruckus around her made Taraji wake up from her slumber and with a big jawn she opened her eyes. The sight of a lot of big males made her jump backwards and hide in only place possible... in Kovus mane. With fearful eyes she peeked through the mane up to all the other lions. Only her crystal eyes were visible between Kovus mane and the skinny cub shivered a bit. This sudden aproach was to fast for her just after waking up. She still was not used to be around so much big lions and in situations like this when she was shocked out of her sleep it was not just her shyness but also fear that made her hide.

[KiarasMate]

Grinning sheepishly from the reaction he had invoked out of Rahina from his playful comment, Kopa continued to walk alongside his beloved mate as the two felines seemingly inched their way towards the far off structure of Pride Rock. As dense of a lion as Kopa could be at times, it soon became blatantly obvious that Rahina was struggling just to keep up the sluggish pace they were traveling at and as they finally arrived at the base of the rock monument, Kopa’s suspicions were only confirmed further by the way his precious lioness collapsed upon the smooth ground several paws length away from the mouth of The Main Den. Looking genuinely worried for her well-being by this point, Kopa knew he had to put his paw down and keep Rahina from expelling any more of her rapidly dwindling energy reserves. Moving over close to her, Kopa leaned down to nuzzle the dark furred lioness’ cheek softly as he spoke to her in a firm, yet loving voice, knowing that his next words would probably bruise Rahina’s pride but given the situation, it was a risk he needed to take.

”Okay Hina, you need to be honest with me now. Are you REALLY feeling alright my precious? I’m not letting you take another step until you tell me the truth. I know you’re strong Hina but even I can tell that something’s wrong. Please, just talk to me. I can’t help you if I don’t know how you’re feeling.”

Meanwhile, back inside The Main Den, Zina performed another lavished bow towards Kovu as she smiled fondly towards him. Grateful in the fact that she had done what was needed of her and that Kovu had appeared to be thankful for her services, the white furred Shaman was about to speak up in response to his remark, when her field of vision was purposefully obscured by Vitani’s rear end. Rolling her eyes in annoyance from the former Outlander’s behavior, Zina casually took a few steps back before speaking up in a respectful tone towards Kovu.

”It was my pleasure Your Majesty. Please feel free to call upon me again if my services are needed, but perhaps you could send more pleasant company to fetch me next time, if at all possible.” Zina stated, giving both Vitani and Santiago a spiteful looking stare before turning to take her leave, calling over her shoulder as she did so in a sardonic voice. ”You and your mate have a lovely day as well Tani.”

With that stated, Zina hastily packed up her herb pouch before slipping it back around her neck. Without even a second glance, the snow white lioness padded out of The Main Den and back into the mid-morning atmosphere. Thinking to herself about what to do next to bide her time in her current location, Zina was surprised to come across another couple, who seemed to be coming for a visit to The Main Den, or so it appeared at first glance. Upon closer inspection however, the observant Shaman noticed the condition of the dark furred lioness who was lying upon the warm rock surface. Figuring that she might as well offer her services to the felines in front of her, since she was already present and helping more of Kovu’s pride members would surely earn her more brownie points in the end. Padding silently up to the pair, Zina addressed the lioness in particular as she spoke up in a supportive voice.

”Excuse me, but is something ailing you Miss? I just happen to be a Traveling Shaman and couldn’t help but to notice your situation. Forgive me if I’m sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong but I’d be more than willing to offer you assistance if there’s anything I could do for you of course.”

Back in The Main Den, Kiara had listened to everything that had been discussed between Zina and her mate. Now that the white furred lioness had departed and she was once again, alone with her usual pride members, the golden furred lioness glanced up at Kovu with a trusting look in her eyes as she seemingly spotted Taraji, who had snuck into her foster father’s thick mane during all the commotion. Hoping not to worry her daughter, Kiara nodded quickly to Kovu as she opened her muzzle and readied herself for her mate to administer half the medicine that Zina had prescribed her to take. Wondering just how awful the herbs in question could taste, as she recalled what Zina had stated previously, Kiara prepared herself for what might come next, although something told her that she wasn’t going to like it.

[Lodrill]

Rahina looked into the eyes of Kopa and smiled. It was naturaly that he would get worried. Her behaviour was more than suspicious. She licked his cheek and her usual warm and soft voice whispered into his ear. "Don't worry my darling. I am just exhausted and feel a bit heavy right now." Rahina guessed that she had overdone it the last day.

As Zina approached them the peace of their twosome moment was gone. Like the last times Rahina still felt an unpleasant aura around this lioness. She would have been honest to the shaman if her instinct would not tell her that this white lioness was trouble. Rahina did not know why she remembered Jelani all the time she met this lioness. But Rahina knew better than to be rude for such a friendly offer.

"Thank you for you concern but I am just a bit exhausted. Carrying a cub with you is not always easy you know." Rahina smiled and leaned against Kopa. She had gained a bit energy already but still wanted to regenerate a bit more before she would raise and enter the main den.

[SinChei]

Daxis was not pleased about kivuli's comment. But as he spottet the unknown lioness he knew what kivuli was trying to tell him. Daxis attached his ears and lowered his body in respect of the lioness who did not look very happy to see him. Her eyes were nearly reading his mind and made the cub lay completely down. Daxis wanted to follow kivuli but could not move. The small cub waited for something to happen. But why was this strange lioness sp angry it is not her den. Daxis got a bit mad because of that.... it was laini's den not hers.



Makali did not believe what was hapenning in te den. And he still did not know why Anga was doing this. Why now and why did he help him so much and rather made merementa angry then let merementa punch him. The white maned cub stopped thinking about it and prayed to the great kings anga would never change. As Anga moved outside the den to show the big evil lion the food Makali catched up to anga and followed him closely. I hope he does not touch the new lioness... she seems so nice... but i swear if she will do it i will help her... and if merementa goes crazy... Anga will help me i guess