[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[Mike]

Kovu had hung to the side slightly as Kiara and Taraji went through a cleaning ritual that would probably become a routine in future days and months. Noting that the process had drawn to a close however, he moved in to be with his family. With one paw he rubbed Taraji's head smiling.

"No little one, We'll ask Nala if she would oblige us by giving you lunch later today. But she might be out hunting at this time of day. Do you want to come with mom and dad to get a drink in the meantime?"

With these words Kovu stepped out into the sunny outdoors and sparkling green grass. There was a slight breeze that freshened the air around their den, and Kovu could only imagine what these gentle sensations would mean to such a young cub, even one that had been through as much as Taraji in her short time on the planet.

[Lodrill]

Taraji giggled and followed Kovu with her eyes. "But after my bath, okay?"

Taraji really enjoyed this firth bath in a very long time. She remembered the baths her mother had given her. Just like Kiara was doing it now. Even if the sadness again wanted to swell up Taraji did not let her memory take over. At least not in this moment where she felt so happy.

[KingKivuli]

Behind a rock that sat next to the waterhole a dark lion was resting. His fur was grey, neat and tidy, not a hair out of place. It as accompanied by a black mane as dark as the midnight sky, which had line lines running through like a trail off a falling star. This lion, Kivuli, had traveled along way. The pridelands used to be his home before Simba exiled him. Now Kivuli was back but he himself was not sure what he would do when come face to face with the king. Would he attack? Ask to rejoin the pride? like or hate Simba? Only time could tell this untold answers

The animals of the pridelands were gathered round to drink from the waterhole. All the noise that was made in process disturbed Kivuli and woke him form his slumber. He let out a large yawn which turned into a roar. This did not frighten the animals however as they were used to lions yawns. The dark lion rose up from the dirt that had covered his underbelly to stretch his body and wake himself up. His body was sleek and smooth, yet he had a strong muscular build. He had a good balance of both speed and strength. Kivuli had to. He was alone for nearly 2 years fending for himself. It had clearly done his body good

After stretching and shaking off the dirt from his body, Kivuli came round from the rock to drink from the waterhole. As he bent down to drink from the crystal waters that, shone in the daylight, he was thinking about his past and all he had been through. Now he was back where it all started and was unsure what to make of it. He lifted his head for a moment to catch the sight of Priderock in the view of his deep red eyes. As the breeze gently blew past his body, Kivuli took a deep breath and sighed before returning to his drink

[KiarasMate]

Spotting her mate already beginning to make his way outside their quaint abode but not wanting to rush the bath that Taraji seemed to be thoroughly enjoying, Kiara continued to groom the smooth, reddish fur along her daughter’s back as she made sure that her precious little cub looked her best before she gave her a light nudge with her nose as to indicate that bath time was over and that she should catch up to her foster father.

”Come on Taraji, let’s go follow Daddy. Do you want to walk on your own Cutie, or do you want to ride on Daddy’s back? I’m sure he wouldn’t mind carrying you.” Kiara inquired as she rose to her paws and waited for her beloved cub to respond while giving her mate, who was waiting right outside the den, a warm smile.

==========

As luck would have it, Nala happened upon a small group of gazelle which proved to be just what she was looking for. With the skill of a seasoned hunter, she had easily dispatched of one of the younger creatures, not wishing to try for something larger seeing as she was on her own. Knowing that this small meal would probably not suffice for the entire Pride, Nala decided to take her kill somewhere private. Along the way to her desired destination however, the cream colored queen happened to pass near the local watering hole to which the royal family rarely ever frequented due to the Private Waterhole being much more convenient for them to use. Seeing as she had burned off quite a bit of energy though, a cool drink sounded like a good idea for her. Dragging her kill along with her, knowing that no creature within the vicinity of The Pride Lands would even dare try to steal her prize, Nala slowly made her way towards the edge of the large waterhole, pausing near the bank as she deposited her kill and leaned in to lap thirstily at the refreshing fluid. Seconds after her tongue had dipped into the crystal clear water, Nala’s ears perked and swiveled from the sudden sound of a lion roaring, or at least to her, it sounded that way. Glancing around for any signs of trouble, the observant queen spotted a familiar looking figure positioned near a large rock. Feeling as though there was nothing to fear from this former Pridelander, Nala slowly made her way towards the lone male, forgetting about her kill for the mean time as she addressed him in a particularly friendly tone.

”My my, a bit far from home are we now Kivuli?” Nala stated as she paused a couple of paces away from the grey furred male, knowing full well that her mate had banished him many seasons back but still, recalling the way he was before he had been exiled kept a sense of calmness within the cream colored queen as she waited for him to notice her presence.

[Mike]

Kovu laughed and lay down on his front paws in a mock-fighting pose, keeping his hindquarders up in the air in the way that he and Kiara used to play. His smile invited Taraji to either run up and pounce on him or else scale his forearms to ride on the back of his neck.

"Let's go little one, you'll be able to see more from up here. I can show you Pride Rock on the way, and you'll get your first look at your new home."

Seeing Taraji in such a comparatively energetic mood pleased Kovu to no end. He felt that the hours of vigil (and sleep) at her side were finally paying off in smiles and enthusiasm from his adopted cub.

[SinChei]

Daxis layed half asleep in his new den and was bored. He thought about it how he could thank amanda she helped him even if he bullied
her again. He had a dry muzzle and decided to take a drink. He raised and strated stretching his legs. He madde a short leap out of the den and continued his way to the waterhole walkig slwoly. On his way to te waterhole he saw another strange lion with black mane and grey fur. The red maned cub thought he was one of simbas Pride members and just went past him without noticing him. he laped up some water and layed down near the stranger. Daxis felt power when he was near the grey furred lion and hi liked it.

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli never noticed the young lion that lay near him. He was too busy drinking from the clear waters. Then suddenly he heard a voice behind him. His many seasons in exile made Kivuli very cautious. Without think he jumped round almost ready to strike, then he saw the lioness that stood before him. Her light tan body with a cream chest and blue eyes.

Kivuli recognized her but not her name and who she was exactly. Then it hit him. 'Nala?' He said. His voice was deep and shaky as he hadn't spoken a word to no one in a long time. Realizing who he was talking to, Kivuli took his left paw and tucked it under himself while he stretched his right leg out in front of him. He bowed to the queen.

'Forgive me for my brutal act of aggression, i have not known who my friends are for a long time' As he spoke he kept his head low, bowing to the queen. 'As for my home i have non. After 1 season with Zira i ran into the wild and wandered the land alone. It was hard and i have the scars to prove it' With those words Kivuli lifted his head to show his face. His left eye had two scar slashes down it. Two more slashes under his right eyes across his right cheek

[Lodrill]

Taraji ran over to Kovu but her movement was a bit sluggish due her legs were still stiff. But her eyes were sparkling in excitement.

Taraji stoped right at Kovu and just looked up to him with big crystal eyes that seemed to wait for him to pick her up and put her atop of him.

[KiarasMate]

Observing Kivuli closely, Nala listened to what the grey furred lion told her, frowning slightly from his tragic sounding tale as well as the scars that adorned his face. Hesitating slightly, Nala responded in a concerned, yet still apprehensive voice.

”I’m sorry to hear that the past seasons haven’t been kind to you Kivuli but you know my mate won’t be as understanding as I am towards your situation. Not after how things were left when you were banished, so that leads me to my next question. Why have you returned?”

There was an air of genuine curiosity within the queen’s tone as she always felt as though every former member of her Pride deserved the best in life and seeing Kivuli in such a state, brought the cream colored queen’s concerned nature to the forefront. Recalling her previously forgotten kill and seeing how Kivuli must have been surviving on his own for who knows how long now, Nala quickly spoke once more.

”Are you hungry Hun? I took down a young gazelle and was going to give it to some of our new members in the pride, but if you’d like it, you’re more than welcome to have it. I probably shouldn’t be doing this for you but I still remember the days when you were a valued member of our pride Kivuli so perhaps this is just a way of thanking you for those times. I would seriously advise you to not cross my mate’s path unless you feel like groveling like crazy to get back into our ranks. He’s really been forgiving as of late,” Nala stated, shooting Daxis a stare as she spoke these words. ”but I don’t know how he will react towards your return.”

Motioning a paw towards the fallen gazelle, Nala took a few paces back as to indicate to the dark maned male that she was sincere with her offer, taking a seat now as she waited for him to reply.

==========

Watching Taraji making her way over towards where Kovu was waiting, Kiara could tell that the little cub was still a bit shaky on her paws. She was happy that her mate was more than willing to let their adorable daughter ride atop him but seeing as Taraji wasn’t quite as nimble on her paws as most cubs, Kiara took the liberty to help the crystal eyed cub, gently leaning down to grasp her by her nape, slowly lifting her as she placed the cute cub squarely upon Kovu’s broad shoulders, making sure she was nice and cushioned by his thick mane.

”She’s still a bit wobbly on the paws Honey.”

Taking her place along side her beloved mate, Kiara waited for him to take lead as she looked over at Taraji, who seemed to be already captivated with the scenery around them. From the lush grasslands that seemed to stretch on as far as the eye could see, to the various creatures that wandered about, to the large, distant figure of Pride Rock. Kiara knew that this was going to be a memorable walk and being alongside the two felines she loved most in life, the golden furred princess felt completely at ease as she spoke in a cheery tone to Taraji.

”Hold on tight Cutie. Can’t have you falling off of Daddy’s back now.”

Glancing at her mate with a warm smile, Kiara awaited for his movement as she enjoyed the company of her new family.

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli rose up from his lowered position to face the queen head on. With gentle words he spoke to her 'I have returned to my home. Although i was not round for long to enjoy its beauty after Scars reign, i remember it clear as day. I missed it. I thought after all this time, maybe your beloved king would accept me back'

Kivuli then listened to the queens words and then looked over at her fresh kill she had just made. With sadness in his eyes he took a breath and sighed before saying 'It is not mine to take. You caught that for your pride. Something i am not part of'

Kivuli then turned his back and went to sit back at the waters edge. The dirt was firm but moist under his body. AS he sat down he looked at hos reflection, the beaten face that stared back at him 'I need to speak to Simba' Kivuli then turned back round to face Nala 'You majesty. I formally request an audience with Simba, so that i may seek forgiveness' Kivuli knew there was nothing to forgive, it was Simba that should be seeking forgiveness after casting Kivuli out with no logical reason