[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[KiarasMate]

Now that Taraji had had her fill of the nourishing milk, watching as the little cub scampered back to where Kiara was, Nala slowly rose to her paws, lightly brushing her paw toes over the area of her belly where the small cub had been nursing from previously as to hide the fact that she was producing milk to anyone who might take notice before the cream colored lioness spoke quietly.

”Well, it seems like little Taraji there is full and happy now Hun. I think I will head out. I have to get The Hunting Party gathered and go fetch something for the rest of us to eat, unless we all want milk?”

Laughing from her mother’s comment, Kiara nodded and replied in a gracious voice.

”Hmm, I think I’ll pass on that one Mom, eww. Are you sure you’re still okay to be on The Hunting Party though, you know, now that you’re carrying cubs?” Kiara asked curiously.

Nodding and smiling reassuringly, Nala retorted.

”Of course Hun. I’ll be fine. Once I talk to your father and we find a suitable replacement for me in the mean time, I’ll still do what’s needed of me.”

Kiara acknowledged her mother’s response as she waved a fore paw after her, watching as she left the den, calling after her as she did so.

”Thanks again Mom. I’ll come get you if we need more milk.”

All that could be heard was a light giggle from Nala as she disappeared out of sight. Once she was gone, Kiara turned her focus back to Taraji, leaning down to clean the excess of milk that still adorned the small cub’s muzzle before she snuggled up against her precious cub, looking over at her mate who seemed to be lost in his own thoughts, speaking in a gentle tone to him as she lovingly cuddled with their special little cub.

”Guess it’s just us three again Honey. Want to come lay with us?”

==========

A bit disappointed from how Laini refused his offer but still being understanding of her wishes, Simba nodded politely as he replied.

”As you wish Laini Sweetie. Just remember that the offer is always open for you, just in case you change your mind.” Keeping quiet for a second as he thought over his next inquiry for the young lioness, Simba kept his stare upon her as he spoke once again. ”Well, I was also hoping that perhaps you might have some interest in joining The Hunting Party in the future Laini? I’m sure there would be a spot open for you if you decided to join, although you would have to do a solo hunt, as is the tradition here in the pride, but we can discuss that in greater detail when the time comes. Just think it over Laini. I’m not trying to overwhelm you with new things today. I just wanted to spend a bit of time with you is all. If you feel uncomfortable, you may take your leave if you want.” Before the young lioness could speak up however, Simba thought of one last question to pose to the young lioness. ”Before you go though Laini, may I ask you one last thing? Why did you lie to me back at The Private Waterhole? Was it to save Daxis or was it because you were scared of him, or perhaps me?”

Simba had hatched somewhat of a plan in his mind, depending on what the young lioness’ response might be in regards to Daxis. The king knew full well of how powerful love could be and perhaps Laini was the key to changing Daxis’s arrogant ways.

[Mike]

Kovu was brought back to the present by Kiara's loving voice. He had been thinking about the future of his family, about what a cub of their own would mean to him and Kiara. And also of Simba and Nala's relationship. It seemed odd that Nala was being so secretive. Now though he looked at Kiara and smiled, loving how peaceful and wonderful she looked with Taraji cuddled alongside her.

"Yea." Kovu said lovingly. "I'd really like that."

With those words he snuggled up against Kiara, with little Taraji in between them. He was careful not to squish her at all as he settled in for the first of his usual naps of the day.

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

Vitani was feeling rather aimless, having been told not to tell Simba about Nala's condition. She figured that since Kovu was tied up in his den with Taraji, Simba was probably out scouting in his place. She headed to the den, idly wondering if Gumu would be there. She enjoyed his company and found his views on pride life intriguing. Under the bright, yet calm light of the mid morning sun she covered the distance between her brother's den and Pride Rock. She climbed swiftly up Pride Rock's front path and entered the main den.

There she stopped short in confusion and embarrassment. Not only was Simba in the den, but he was in a private conversation with Laini. Vitani had only really seen Laini from a distance, and didn't know much more about her than that she was a peculiar and solitary lioness. Vitani cast her mind around quickly for a subject that wouldn't betray Nala's trust, which was very difficult because it was such big news.

"Oh hi Simba, Laini." She started to gain some time. "Um, I was just coming up here to..." Vitani almost trailed off, but then continued. "To congratulate you Simba, um, on admitting three new members to the pride I mean! It's not every day that you get a new cub. Uh, I'm talking about Taraji of course. Though I guess she's more of Kiara and Kovu's cub at this point."

Vitani ran out of words and fell silent, staring at the two pride members.

[Lodrill]

Laini raised to her paws and answered with her soft silent voice "I think it was a bit of both..." she interrupted herself as Vitani entered the den. Laini froze in her words and stared at Vitani. As she saw any opening to the entrance of the den she was out of the main den faster than anyone could say something. With a hard beating heart Laini ran down pride rock until she reached her den.

This had been a shock. The presence of Vitani still was somewhat suffocating to her due she remembered her mothers death anytime she saw her.

[KiarasMate]

Feeling completely captivated in both her mate’s and daughter’s presence, Kiara snuggled in nice and close to her precious lion, purring happily as she spoke quietly to him as not to disturb Taraji’s nap.

”These past few days have been really exciting Honey. I mean, who would have thought that our pride would have grown so quickly and with the addition of our cute little cub here, along with the future cub, or maybe even cubs that my mom is going to have, things just seem like their perfect right now, you know? I just hope my dad takes the news well.”

Upon saying this, Kiara’s facial expression melted into a more melancholy appearance as the stories that she had been told in regards to Kopa and how much pain and suffering both her parents had been put through during those previous years. She had never told these stories to Kovu, seeing as it didn’t seem appropriate for her to reveal such personal matters to anyone, even her own mate, but with the upcoming arrival of more cubs, the thoughts of the past seemed to weigh a bit heavier upon the golden furred princess’ mind as she relaxed in the peacefulness of their den.

==========

Simba was about to reply to Laini’s response when his ears picked up Vitani’s voice, causing the king to turn and face her with a friendly smile as he spoke.

”Oh, good morning Vit…” Simba started to say, only to spot Laini bidding a hasty retreat out of the main den. Looking extremely puzzled, Simba continued. ”ani…hmm, don’t know what that was about, but anyways, thank you for the congrats, I suppose.”

A bit perplexed by the way Vitani was congratulating him on such matters, Simba thought about what she had mentioned, trying to figure out why now, of all times, was she saying this. Coming to no certain conclusion however, Simba simply nodded and slightly altered the subject.

”About yesterday Vitani. I would like to apologize for my words that I spoke to you. It wasn’t fair of me to blame you for Daxis and Gumu arguing. I was just having a rough day I guess, with all the new and sudden changes to our pride. I hope you can forgive me. As you can probably tell, I don’t do well with major changes that are unforeseen. I guess things couldn’t get anymore crazy around here though.” Simba stated, adorning a sheepish grin as he flopped back down upon the soft sleeping pelt he was situated upon before addressing the ex-Outlander once again.

”So, how has your morning gone? Was it as exciting as mine? I woke up, got a drink at The Private Waterhole, stopped an argument, spoke with Laini and watched her dash out of here as if her tail was on fire.”

Chuckling lightheartedly, Simba stretched out his frame as he glanced back over at Vitani, awaiting a response from her.

[Mike]

Vitani was nearly bowled over by Laini's sudden charge towards the exit. She hastily moved aside to avoid a collision and exchanged a confused look with Simba. She knew that the two of them weren't exactly on speaking terms, but she didn't expect such a rude response. Vitani wondered what the problem was, she didn't recall ever really interacting with Laini. She was grateful for Simba's words, but didn't consider last night's events to be worth talking about anymore. Nontheless, her King had clearly made it a point to apologise, so she accepted with good grace.

"Always nice to be appreciated. Thanks Simba." She laughed at Simba's humorous account of his morning, but the laugh was tinged with confusion. "Yea Simba... About that, why do you think Laini had to get out? I thought the pride had accepted us former outsiders." Vitani spoke with a combination of sadness and bitterness

[KiarasMate]

Shrugging his shoulders as he wasn’t entirely sure himself, Simba replied to Vitani’s statement in an uncertain tone.

”I’m not sure Vitani. I think I need to do a bit of research on who her mother was and what exactly happened back…well, anyways, I’ll see to that later. For now, I’m still trying to think of a way to shape Daxis up. Gumu had suggested a scare tactic, but I turned him down on that idea. I don’t like to think of any creature being forced into reform by those means. I’m sure there is a better way to deal with his behavior.”

Finally noticing how late it was already starting to be and with no sign of Kovu showing up for his daily scouting duties, Simba decided to take matters into his own paws as he addressed Vitani once more.

”Say, I’m assuming your brother is a bit busy taking care of that little cub he discovered, either that or he’s enjoying himself a bit too much with my daughter, but either way, I might as well fill in for him while he’s distracted. Care to join me on my rounds or do you have other matters to attend to Vitani?”

[Mike]

Surprised by the offer to accompany Simba on his scouting activities, Vitani was nonetheless pleased by his invitation. It was a rare treat to get the King alone, and there were several things she'd like to mention to Simba that she would otherwise not get the opportunity to say. Daxis was of course one of the first subjects in her mind, but there was also Laini, Kovu's new status as a father, her own position in the pride, and the mystery of where Tariji came from that were bouncing about in her mind.

"I'd like that. Maybe we can brainstorm about Daxis on the way. That was the other reason I came up here in the first place by the way." Vitani said, just remembering the fact herself. "Kovu asked me to get permission to spend the morning getting to know his adopted daughter with Kiara. Thanks."

She began to turn to face the exit of the den, then paused.

"Shall we go now? Or is there anything you'd like to do before we leave?"

[KiarasMate]

Rising to his paws in accordance to Vitani’s eagerness to get things underway, Simba made his way over to where she was awaiting his company at the entranceway to the main den before he replied in a cheery voice to her previous statement.

”Well, looks like I was right. Than it’s a good thing that we’re going to fill in for him, because who knows what could happen with a day of no scouting, right Vitani?”] Simba exclaimed in a joking manner before he took lead and casually meandered down the path leading into The Grasslands, knowing full well that Vitani would follow him with no qualms.

As the two felines started their rounds, Simba continued the conversation to which the two had been speaking of earlier in regards to Daxis, all the while, keeping his eyes pealed for anything out of the ordinary as the pair advanced towards The Elephant Graveyard, as was always the first place that Simba checked out whenever he took the liberty of doing the scouting duties.

”So, the only idea I had to shape Daxis up sort of involved Laini. You see, when I told you that I resolved an argument this morning Vitani, I was speaking of this situation between Laini and Daxis. Without going into too much detail as to respect the wishes of those two and to not look like a gossipy king, I’ll just say that I feel as though there could be chemistry between those two. I mean, they are both young and you know what they say, opposites can attract. I don’t know though Vitani. I never really saw myself as a matchmaker of any kind but there was just this vibe in the air and, well, I suppose we’ll have to see about that, since like I told you, I still want to do a bit of investigating about Laini’s mother. I think I’ll pay Rafiki a visit later on after we’re done with this scouting run.”

Giving his fellow Pride Member a chance to reply to what he had just said, Simba waited until he was sure that she had taken in all he had told her, before he resumed speaking.

”Speaking of matchmaking, what do you think of Gumu?” Simba inquired, giving Vitani a smile as he figured that she would get the subtle hint hidden within his innocently appearing question.

[Mike]

Vitani let Simab lead her down Pride Rock and through the pridelands, as was fitting for their positions as King and lioness. She noted with a detatched interest that they were heading in the general direction of the elephant graveyard. She'd heard a few private jokes about that place between King and Queen, but had never pressed either one for details, content to let them have their fun. Most of her attention however, was focused on Simba's words, which she considered thoughtfully.

When Simba asked his less-than-veiled question about Daxis, Vitani replied casually, but with her head held high. "I admire his attitude, and respect his past. I'm also interested by his philosophy on pride life. I think I'd definitely like to spend more time with him. He's a fine lion." Vitani smiled, having indulged Simba's interest in her love life.

"Now, about Daxis, What you suggested is creative certainly. I'd have said you already paid Rafiki a visit today if I didn't know better. It sounds like the kind of hair brained idea he'd get that just might work. Though in this case you do seem to have a precedent that supports it. Everyone admires Kiara and Kovu for what they've accomplished for us all." Vitani paused, then spoke again. "Though love takes time to grow. I'm worried that the situation may get out of hand before they find each other. Hmmm. The impression I get is that Daxis just feels under attack in this new environment. New rules, new authority imposed on him. He probably spent some time on his own after he was banished. Maybe what we need is to leave him alone for a while, just let him hunt for himself and be alone rather than always crowding him." realizing that she'd been talking for a while she stopped to give Simba a chance to answer.

[KiarasMate]

Absorbing what Vitani had told him about her feelings towards Gumu, Simba nodded and smiled as he kindly replied.

”Well, it’s nice to know that there’s someone whose caught your interest in this pride Vitani, not that I’m saying no one else has, but you know what I mean. I just believe that there is a special someone out there for everyone. Just takes time to find them. Your brother and my daughter are a perfect example of that. I would have never guessed that those two would have connected, but look at them now.”

Pausing for a second as the king discreetly refreshed his scent along the trail to which the two felines had been traveling along, being extra careful as not to offend the lioness in his presence with his actions, even though he knew that she would understand, Simba turned his focus back to Vitani once he had done what was needed, speaking up once again.

”Hmm, with the way Daxis acts around others, I don’t think leaving him alone is going to be much of a problem there Vitani. I think the greater challenge would be to try and get someone to stay near him.” Chuckling from his own words, Simba composed himself as he blatantly cleared his throat as he continued. ”But in all seriousness, I think that might be a good idea, at least for the mean time anyways. I wonder if he’ll even join us for supper later on. Will be interesting to see whether he will come on his own or if he’ll expect us to deliver his meal on a silver platter.”

Arriving at the sharp incline which lead down into the outskirts of the desolate area known as The Elephant Graveyard, Simba wasted no time, effortlessly descending down the slope as he called after Vitani.

”Mind the sharp rocks on your way down.” Flashing the ex-Outlander a sly grin as he waited for her to join him at the bottom. ”Think we’ll do a quick sweep of The Graveyard before we double back. There’s a path that leads back into The Grasslands that we can take once everything has checked out okay here. Has anyone told you the history of this place yet Vitani?” Simba inquired as he slowly started to make his way into the misty surroundings that seemed to give off a rather eary feel as the two felines ventured further inside.