[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[Mike]

Vitani hastily got up and fully entered the den, before sitting down off to the side. She saw Taraji poke ker head out of Kovu's mane, then hide again like a jack-in-the-box. Vitani turned to see what had startled her and saw none other than Nala in the mouth of the den. Her jaw dropped as Kiara made the wonderful announcement to the den. She was about to offer her congratulations, but Kovu beat her to it.

"Wow!" he exclaimed with a silly surprised look, and spoke very fast, stumbling over his words in excitement."That's amazing! That's just really great news! Simba's got to know about this right away. What d'you think he'll say? What d'you think he'll name it?"

"I'll go," Vitani said, amused by her brother's babbling."You guys don't need me to be here hovering. Be right back." Vitani got up and stopped in front of Nala "Congratulations. I'm sure Simba will be thrilled when he hears."

[KiarasMate]

Before Vitani could take her leave from the den, Nala quickly stepped forward, blocking her path momentarily as she spoke abruptly.

”One second please Tani. Um, much like I told my daughter, I will tell you two as well. Please don’t make any mention of this to Simba yet. I haven’t told him the good news yet and I want him to be in the right mind frame when I do. It’s hard to explain, but what might seem like good news to you two, is sort of a bit more complex when it comes to Simba and I, due to our past history with cubs, so please do me a favor and keep this info a secret for now. I will eventually tell him myself, but only when the time is right. I hope you two will understand.”

With this being said, Nala politely moved aside, allowing Vitani to exit the den if she wished. Giving an understanding nod to her mother’s words, Kiara finally took a moment to try and spot where the little cub had gone off to, as she didn’t see her right away. After a second though, the golden furred lioness spotted the slight rustling movement coming from within Kovu’s jet black mane. Giggling softly, Kiara moved in and gently reached a fore paw into her mate’s thick mane, lightly feeling the unmistakable, small frame of their daughter, giving her a light scratch with her paw toes to try and coax her out from hiding.

Taking a seat near the happy couple, Nala glanced over at Vitani and spoke quietly in a gracious voice.

”Oh, and thank you for the congrats Tani. I really do appreciate it.” Turning to face Kovu, Nala continued. ”As goes for you as well Kovu. Thank you. I haven’t thought of a name yet. I’m not too far along in this pregnancy, thankfully, since I’m sure Simba would have taken notice of my growing belly if I had been.”

Flashing Kovu a smile, Nala lightly massaged her cream colored belly fur with her fore paw as she gazed over to where Kiara had now revealed the young cub’s whereabouts to be. Nala cooed at the sight of Taraji’s sparkling crystal eyes as they peered over at her, bringing that familiar, warm, motherly feeling to her body as she slowly laid herself on the comfortable den floor, situating herself so that Taraji would have easy access to her tummy and more importantly, the rich milk that the cream colored lioness had most recently begun to produce, due to her newly acquired situation.

Seeing that her mother was already prepared to give the little cub some much needed breakfast, Kiara spoke encouragingly towards Taraji.

”It’s okay Taraji, this is Nala. She’s my mommy and she’s very nice. She’s going to give you some yummy breakfast.”

Unsure if Taraji would find the courage to make her way over to where Nala was and hearing the rather noticeable growls that seemed to be constantly coming from the small felines stomach, Kiara decided to take the initiative and gently picked up her daughter by her nape, lightly carrying her over to where Nala was and setting her down ever so gently upon the den floor, right next to Nala’s soft tummy, hoping that the little cub would get the hint. Backing off a few paces, Kiara took a seat next to her beloved mate, giving him a very loving nuzzle and lick as she silently observed the scene before her, unsure if both her and Kovu’s presence were minded by either Nala or Taraji, but for now, she remained seated, happily leaning against her love and swooning over just how adorable their daughter was, as well as the thoughts of her own mother carrying her new brother or sister as only time would tell.

[Lodrill]

Taraji looked with wide open eyes to Kiara as she left. She stand up on her paws and wanted to follow her right away.

[KiarasMate]

Noticing the slight hesitation from the small cub, Nala leaned in close to Taraji, speaking in a soft voice as she tried to assure the little feline that everything was okay.

”Don’t worry little Taraji, Kiara isn’t going anywhere. She’s right there.”

Signaling a fore paw to her daughter, Kiara quickly got the hint and moved back towards her mother and adopted daughter, laying down next to Taraji as she spoke in an equally warm tone.

”Yes, I’m here Cutie, there’s nothing to be scared of. Don’t you want some yummy milk?”

Playing off of what her daughter had just stated, Nala lightly tapped her soft, tummy to invite the small cub to help herself to a refreshing drink. Watching intently, Kiara spoke quietly to her mother in a concerned voice.

”Do you think this is too much for her to handle right now Mom?”

Nala thought for a moment but shook her head as she replied in a confident voice.

”Hmm, I think she just needs to feel secure before she’ll start exploring me. I’m sure she’s already had an exciting day, what with meeting up with Vitani and myself, as well as adjusting to both you and Kovu’s presence. Why don’t we just give her a little time. Stay close to her Hun to make sure she knows she’s safe. I’m sure she’ll relax soon.

Looking up at Kovu, Nala smiled as she playfully stated as not to keep the male out of the conversation.

”You’re more than welcome to come over too Kovu. I don’t bite.”
Nala stated, giving an amused grin as she continued. ”You’ll have to get used to this sight soon too I’m sure Kovu, as I bet you and my daughter have already thought about having a cub of your own in the future?”

[Mike]

Vitani expected a simple thanks for her message of congratulation, and so she was surprised when Nala asked her not to mention the pregnancy to Simba. Why would Nala feel the need to break the news to her mate with such delicacy? That pointed to troubles in their relationship, which Vitani previously thought would be impossible because of the strong and obvious love they had for each other. She respected Nala's wishes though.

"Ah, All right, I won't tell him." in a slightly taken aback way. "Anytime Nala." she said a moment later, with a big grin in response to Nala's warm thanks.

With that Vitani slipped out of the den, not quite sure where she was going. She figured she'd see someone on the way, or else head up to Pride Rock to sunbathe.

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

Kovu watched the process of coaxing Taraji our of his mane from the closest seat in the house, and then listened to Nala and Kiara's encouragement. All the motherly energy in the den was very relaxing, and he was caught totally by surprise by Nala's question.

"Huh?" He said with the look of being bowled over by an elephant "Oh! Uh, um, well, I guess you could say we talked about it, but we didn't really talk about it if you know what I mean. I mean, I guess I would like a little guy around to play with. He finished lamely.

[Lodrill]

Taraji was a bit confused but as Kiara encouraged her and talked about milk she remembered that she always got milk from her mother. As Kiara being her mother figure at this moment her instinct did kick in but to the wrong direction.

She moved over to Kiara and searched for the dugs on her belly. As she found them she started suckling but nothing came out.

[hr][/hr]

Meanwhile Laini did invade the main den without being noticed. She searched for Simba. Didn't he tell her to come here?
Unsure what to do Laini steped further into the den.

[KiarasMate]

Letting out a playful giggle as she felt Taraji searching for her supper against her own body, Kiara gently detached the small cub from herself as she lovingly guided her towards Nala’s underbelly, placing her daughter at the appropriate place as to indicate to the bewildered cub that this was where her milk could be found at as she spoke tenderly to her.

”Aww, you’re so cute Taraji. Nala’s the one who has your milk for you though Cutie.”

Staying within close proximity of both her mother and Taraji, Kiara gazed back at her mate with a warm smile as she stated.

”Did you see that Honey? She must really see me as being her mother. I feel so special.”

Hearing her daughter’s words, Nala spoke in response.

”Well, you should Hun. You’ve always had a caring heart for others and I’m sure little Taraji here has already discovered that for herself. From the way she was hiding out in your mane Kovu,” Nala said, glancing over at Kovu who still seemed to be observing the new scene. ”I think she’s also taken a liking to you as well. You both should be proud as I know you two will raise her to be a polite and caring lioness. She couldn’t have asked for better foster parents.”

Blushing from her mother’s kind words, Kiara smiled and leaned over to give her mom an affectionate nuzzle as she murmured.

”Thanks Mom. That means a lot to me. I just hope Dad will let her stay once she’s well enough, you know?”

Nala nodded and quietly replied.

”I’m sure he will Hun. You know how soft he can be when it comes to a cute face. You’ve already mastered that weakness of his, haven’t you?”

Unable to hold back the fit of laughter brought on by her mother’s comment, Kiara giggled wildly as she responded.

”Guilty as charged Mom. What can I say though, I know Dad pretty well.” Turning her gaze back to her beloved mate, Kiara added in. ”It’s a good tactic to use on Handsome there too Mom.” Kiara exclaimed, flashing a quaint grin to her mate as she once more, returned her attention back to their daughter.

=========

Figuring that both Mila and Gumu would be fine on their own now, Simba courteously took his leave, giving both felines a kind departing gesture before the king turned and started to make his way back towards Pride Rock. It wasn’t long Until Simba was ascending the promontory of the majestic landmark before disappearing into the dark entranceway of the main den. Upon arriving at the main den, Simba took a look around, spotting the lone figure of a young lioness who had her back turned to him at the moment. As the king’s eyes adjusted to the darkness of the den, he quickly realized that it was Laini. Silently moving in a bit closer, the king spoke in a gentle voice as to try and not startle the skittish lioness in front of him.

”I’m glad you decided to show up Laini. I wasn’t too sure if you would or not. Please don’t be nervous though, you aren’t in trouble. I just wanted to talk to you about a few things.” Simba stated, taking up a relaxed position at his favorite spot, laying himself down upon the soft sleeping pelt that he and his mate typically rested upon, casually patting a fore paw next to him as he spoke again. ”Come have a seat here Laini and we can begin, unless you feel more comfortable standing, which in case, I will simply start by asking you this. Now that Daxis isn’t present, do you want to tell me what really happened between you two?”

[Lodrill]

Taraji first was a bit confused by the fact that Kiara did not give any milk and that she now should get the milk from this strange lioness but her loud growling stomach won her conflict and so she finally was suckling happily and satisfied her hunger. She closed her eyes and remembered how it had been with her mother back then. A silent tear ran down her cheeks while thinking about her mother. Where might she be now?

[hr][/hr]

Laini still was very shaken up. She followed the offer of Simba due she knew it was not good to refuse it now.
She lay down in front of the pelt of Simba on the rocky surface and with a shaking voice she reported slowly. "Well... erm... I went to the watering hole for a drink and...." Laini looked around. Her eyes looked like they were panicking and searching for help or fear someone would attack her any time.
... erm this lion came out of nowhere and asked for my name and... well I did not know who he was at all and... I went back without talking to him. Again Laini looked around very uneasy. As if Daxis would jump out and attack her any time.

"This might have insulted and angried him. I don't know but he yelled at me and snarled and extended his claws and I thought he would attack me and.... Laini's voice shivered and it took her a while until she was able to continue. "Well, and then... king Simba came and... Laini looked to the ground and stopped her report abruptly. She did not know what else to tell Simba. She just hoped she would be allowed to return to her den soon. She did not even dare to look up and maybe see the king in anger with her. Would he chase her out of the pride if she angered him?

With all this fears and uncertainties she waited for the king to say something.

[KiarasMate]

Nala remained still, letting her body relax as she felt the small cub starting to nurse, patiently observing her with a warm stare, noticing the tear that dribbled down her little cheek, bringing a slight air of concern to the cream colored queen’s mind. Not wishing to hinder the current mood however, she said nothing about this fact, merely continuing to watch over the young cub with a motherly intent.

Kiara seemed a bit preoccupied with her own thoughts to notice the lone tear that stained her daughter’s face, as she was busy thinking of how nice it was going to be to have a little brother or sister once her mother had her cub, or perhaps even cubs. This excited the golden furred princess to no end as she smiled to herself and finally returned her attention back to the present, watching her mother nurse Taraji, mentally taking notes as the time passed by.

=========

Simba was happy that Laini had taken him up on his polite offer to join him however, it was evident that the young lioness was clearly nervous in his midst. Listening closely to what Laini was telling him noting the way her eyes frantically scanned about the den, as if she was expecting something to happen. Once the young feline’s voice had faded, indicating that she was finished answering his inquiry, Simba spoke up quickly, in a gentle and soothing voice.

”I had a feeling you weren’t telling me the entire truth back at The Private Waterhole Laini. You know, you don’t have to be scared around me, or any of your fellow pride members. I assure you that no one will ever lay a paw on you out of anger here. Despite how rough your past has been Laini, here, you have absolutely nothing to fear and I promise you that being your king, I will do everything in my power to protect you and ensure your safety. That’s the benefit of being in a pride you know. We all look out for each other and we all see each other as equals, or at least in this pride we do.”

Gently extending a fore paw, Simba lightly lifted up the young lioness’s head and gazed into her eyes with a loving look as if to try and comfort her and ease the fear that she was obviously sensing around him.

”I know you must feel slightly out of place within the ranks of my pride Laini, but I see you as a very valuable member and I have great hopes for you Sweetie. You just need to be a bit more trusting towards me. Yes, I am your king but that’s merely a title. We stand as equals and you mean just as much to me as every single other pride member. Never forget that.”

Leaning forward, Simba tenderly nuzzled Laini in a friendly manner as he retracted his fore paw now, thinking for a moment before he spoke up once more.

”So tell me Laini, would you like a better den? From what I know, you sleep in one of the distant dens away from the rest of us. I always just assumed that was by choice, since you never asked for a better den, but now that I’ve had a chance to speak with you a bit, I would like to offer you a better one if you’d like. There happens to be a free den just a few paces from where my daughter and her mate stay. I think it would be most suitable for you and my daughter is very willing to help you out if you need anything, so all you’d have to do is ask. How does that sound Sweetie?”

Trying his utmost to calm Laini’s fears, Simba stayed put, smiling happily at the young lioness as he patiently waited for a reply, pondering over the past, recalling the day that the poor lioness’ mother had passed away, making Simba feel a bit downhearted as he tried his best to not think of those unpleasant memories.

[Lodrill]

After a very long while Taraji was full and stoped drinking the milk. It had been the best thing she ever had in the last month. It was something like a piece of her memories.

Taraji opened her eyes as she backed of Nala's belly and looked around searching for Kiara. She felt a lot easier around Nala now due she now knew that there was yummy milk where Nala was. But nontheless she still searched for the protection and motherly warmth of Kiara. Even if she drank from Nala's milk her substitude mother was Kiara. As her eyes found her she rushed to Kiara as fast as her little cub paws were taking her and snuggled against her. Her eyes were sparkling because she felt better now. She was not starving anymore and ready again for a short nap with her new mother.

Taraji felt even comfortable with all the others around. At least as long as her mother was here to protect her. The fur around her muzzle still had some milk on it due Taraji had been drinking so hastily. A last look into the faces of all the adult lions and lionesses around Tarajis crystal white eyes shut again and she snuggled even deeper against Kiara and let out a big deep sigh of satisfaction.

[hr][/hr]

Laini listened to the kings voice. He talked about her as if she would not have been in the pride since she was a cub. Well she never really met him a lot. Then her mother died in the big fight and she moved to the far den to be farther away from the outsiders that she feared.

Laini shook her head uncertain if the king would be angry if she refused this offer. "It is okay king Simba..." her sweet voice whispered. "I feel fine in my den. I don't need another, but thank you very much."

This was kind of right because she was afraid of being so close to the outlanders and even more to Vitani. On the other side it was a great offer from the king that really would have made her thinking about it if she would not have had so much fear about living in the middle of the pride. She was very uncertain about what she wanted and what she should do.