[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[KiarasMate]

The former conversation and time she had spent with her daughter had really helped bring Nala’s spirits up as she heard the distinct voice belonging to Kovu, echoing into the main den. Rising to her paws from where she had been laying, the cream colored queen called out in her familiar, gentle tone.

”Yes, I’m here Kovu, come on in and bring that adorable cub of yours.”

Offering Kovu a warm smile, Nala felt the need to apologize for her actions from earlier. As she waited for Kovu to encourage Taraji into the den, she spoke softly to him once more.

”Hey, I’m sorry about earlier Kovu. I really wasn’t myself. I’ve been an emotional mess lately and I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate everything you’ve done for both my daughter and our pride. You’ve really come a long way since the day my mate allowed you to join our pride and I’m very proud to be able to call you my son-in-law.”

Eyeing Taraji with a motherly stare, Nala continued to speak as she gently laid herself down upon the den floor, assuming that her services would be needed for Taraji’s meal, not knowing that the little cub had feasted upon some passion fruit earlier.

”You really have done a fine job taking care of Taraji Kovu. From what Kiara tells me, you are a wonderful father and you’ve made this little cub very happy.”

Purring softly, Nala motioned invitingly towards Taraji, a friendly smile still clearly visible on her cream colored muzzle. The sight of the crystal eyed cub helped Nala forget about the unpleasantness of the day as she waited for a reaction either from the timid cub or Kovu himself.

[Mike]

Kovu was relieved to see that Nala was looking like her quietly elegant self again. He made a mental note to compliment Kiara on the seemingly magical power she had with others, whether they be frightened cub or devastated mother.

"Oh don't apologize Nala," Kovu said with a grin; Nala's renewed upbeat attitude was contagious. "I wasn't offended or anything. It's just that, well I'm useless in that sort of situation, so I had to go find someone who understood." Kovu said to reassure her. "She's a wonderful lioness your daughter." He added in a fervent afterthought.

Not wanting to tower over his queen as she lay down, Kovu followed suit so they could continue speaking eye-to-eye. "I don't know if Taraji will want a full meal yet, but I'm sure she could be persuaded to have a snack. Couldn't you little one?" Kovu said, addressing his words to Taraji now. "Nala's a busy queen, and as much as she might like to she can't spend all day with a cute little thing like you."

For the second time in the past few minutes Kovu felt his face warm hearing Nala's compliments. Who would have thought a year ago that he'd be getting compliments on being a good daddy? "I'm sure it's all Kiara's influence... I'm not really... Thank you." he finished sheepishly, trying another grin.

[KiarasMate]

Remaining where she was to allow Taraji to have full access to her milk supply, Nala’s focus stayed upon Kovu as she listened to his response, keeping her warm smile fixated as she replied in a reassuring voice once he had finished speaking.

”Oh don’t be so modest now Kovu. You must know as well as I do that my daughter can see the greater good within every creature she meets and I knew from the moment that she expressed her love for you to both me and Simba, that there had to be something special about you. It might have taken Simba longer to realize this fact as well, but you most certainly have shown that softer side of yours that my daughter knew, was always there, buried under all of the lies and deceit that Zira had instilled within you. That really does prove how strong you truly are. You’ve gone from wanting to end my mate’s life, to caring unconditionally for a cub that’s not even of your flesh and blood and no praise that I could give you, would even do that justice. You really are one amazing lion and don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.”

Flicking her tail in a thoughtful manner, Nala stayed quiet now as she watched Taraji with a caring gaze, many thoughts of the new life developing deep within her own body, flooding her thoughts as she pondered over what the future might hold, as well as what exactly her mate was up to right now. Knowing that he had left her, completely outraged in the fact that she tried to convince him that the Kopa staying with them now, was in fact, their long lost son, Nala’s worries were not all dormant as she tried her best not to dwell on such unsavory matters, keeping her attention upon both Kovu and the charming little crystal eyed cub in front of her now.

[Lodrill]

Taraji took some time until she followed Kovu. She entered the main den with a rather sad expression because Kiara had gone at the moment she united with them again... Taraji did not really understand why she had to go.
For time being she seemed to have be pleased with Kovu. As she saw Nala her face lifted up to a smile. She ran over to finally get something that was her taste. She was still filled with the fruits but there was ever a bit more space for this tasty milk of Nala.

Without even asking or a greeting she advanced to the source of the milk and began to drink as if she did not got something to eat this day.
She snuggled close against Nalas belly while she suckled happily.

[hr][/hr]

Rahina sighed. She really did not want to wake up Kopa but as it seems it really could not be helped.

Still keeping one eye on Simba she bend down and licked the cheeks and eyes of Kopa to wake him up softly. "Wake up my dear." she whispered into his ear. "I am sorry but the king of these lands wants to talk to you. I seem not to be worthy enough to be his source of information."
Her voice was very low and not intended to be heard by Simba. She did not really care if he did but it was not that she wanted to tease him with her cynical comment.

Because Kopa was not reacting directly she rubbed his ticklish areas on his back and neck with her paw. She knew that this could wake him up pretty fast.

[KiarasMate]

Relaxing her body as she felt Taraji taking up her familiar position around her belly, purring softly to keep the little cub’s mood at ease, Nala reached a fore paw over and gently caressed Taraji’s side as the crystal eyed cub drank. Knowing that she’d have a cub of her own once again, Nala cherished these moments spent with Taraji, even if she wasn’t her own cub. The way she made her feel, as if a life depended on her nourishment, it made Nala extremely happy as she continued to keep her gaze upon Kovu.

=========

Simba waited for Rahina to stir her mate, not hearing what the dark furred lioness was mumbling to the dozing lion beside her, as the king’s attention was momentarily distracted by the sight of Kivuli, who was obviously waiting to speak with him once his matters here were finished.

Feeling the light licks and gentle rubs in his favorite spots, Kopa slowly came out of sleep’s grip, purring pleasurably as he instinctively started to lick Rahina’s fore leg, which was near enough to his muzzle. It took the groggy lion a short while to comprehend what exactly his mate was telling him. Opening his eyes and yawning in an exhausted fashion, Kopa gradually sat up as he sighted Simba for the first time. There was something strange about this new lion, other than the fact that he really did resemble his own looks in more ways than one. Feeling that odd sense growing once more within his mind, Kopa hesitated as he spoke in a tired voice towards Simba.

”Hello Your Majesty. What can I do for you?”

Simba too, was a bit lost within Kopa’s looks, seeing the striking resemblance to himself, much like Kopa had. Hearing the male speaking to him now however, seemed to snap Simba out of his daze, if not just for a moment, as he replied.

”I’m sorry to have disturbed you, but I have some really important questions that I must ask of you and I insist that you be truthful with your responses.”

Seeing that there was a sense of urgency within this lion’s voice, Kopa forced himself awake as he sat up, leaning lightly against his beloved mate, both for support morally and physically before he spoke again.

”Of course, Simba was it? After how hospitable you and your pride have been towards me and my mate, that would be the least I can do for you. So, what exactly are these questions?”

Happy in the fact that this male didn’t seem to mind the interrogation, Simba had no trouble in speaking what was on his mind.

”Well, you see, my mate Nala, she is pretty insistent that you are our long lost cub of many many seasons ago. We had our first cub way back then, and named him Kopa. We loved him dearly but one moon, he just disappeared seemingly without a trace. We searched for many a moon but weren’t able to find any clues to why he had vanished. I know this must sound really strange to you Kopa, but I need to know what your past was like and if in fact, my mate might be right with her assumptions. Me personally, I feel as though this is just a coincidence, even though you do look a lot like myself. This also leads me to my next question. Are you and your mate here, planning on staying long?”

Taking in everything Simba was saying to him, Kopa tried to think long and hard about his response. As expected though, his memory remained quite fuzzy and uncertain. Knowing that the king of these lands was expecting an answer from him regardless however, Kopa spoke in a honest tone.

”I’m sorry Simba, but I honestly can’t remember my past. The furthest back I can recall are my adolescent times and meeting my precious mate here. Everything before that is too blurry to recall. That is the truth though. As for your second question, well, we were planning on staying here if you would allow us to. My mate seems to think this place would make for a nice home and the more time I spend here, the more I agree with her.”

Simba’s expression had changed gradually from the way Kopa seemed to dodge the main question at paw. Feeling as though the male might be trying to hide something, Simba replied in a concerned voice.

”I see. Well, you will also have to forgive me for saying this Kopa but until I know more about your past, as well as the reason why you and your mate left your former lands, I will be unable to allow you two to stay here as permanent members of my pride. If you wish to reveal this information that you are most likely withholding from me, than maybe we can speak further about this matter later. Until then, I will be keeping a close watch on the both of you. If you’re here to cause trouble, I assure you that I do not tolerate such behavior and your actions will be swiftly reprimanded.”

With this spoken, Simba turned to take his leave, giving a quick nod to Kivuli as to indicate that if he wished to speak with him, he’d have to meet him back at the main den.

Watching as Simba took his leave, Kopa turned back to Rahina, a confused look upon his muzzle as he spoke softly to her.

”I don’t think that went very well Hina. I don’t really understand this situation but perhaps I should talk to Simba alone? I mean, I did tell him the truth as you know my precious, but I don’t want us to have to leave these lands if it can be helped. This place really would be a nice home for us and I can tell that you have grown accustom to our little den here, so maybe it would be best if I did speak with Simba in private.”

Gazing into his mate’s onyx eyes for reassurance, knowing that she would always know what to do and would always be supportive of him, Kopa waited quietly for her reply as his fore paw gently caressed the top of Rahina’s in a loving way.

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli rose to his paws when Simba left the cave. As Simba gave a nod at Kivuli, he nodded back. Kvuli knew what to do. Head back to the main den. Without a second to waste he darted off to the main cave. The journey did not take too long. Just a few minutes. Kivuli was eager to get his mess over with

When he entered the cave, the grey lion looked for a place to wait. He dcidd on a dark corner in the back. Kivuli liked the darkness. He blended in well with his fur. As he lay own the small pebbles brushed his underbelly. His red eyes seemed to glow in the dark as they were fixed on the entrance

[KiarasMate]

Upon spotting Kivuli making his way into the main den, Nala was about to addressed the grey furred male but held her tongue as she noticed her mate making his return as well. Staying quiet and keeping a comforting paw atop Taraji so that she wouldn’t get frightened from the new arrivals, Nala watched the situation unfold in front of her.

Making his way back into the main den, Simba saw Kivuli and immediately addressed him in a rushed tone.

”Okay, what smug comment do you have for me now Kivuli and please make it short. I have a lot on my mind right now.”

Gazing at the grey furred male, locking eyes with Kivuli’s fiery orbs, Simba waited for a response from him, not being quite as irritated with Kivuli’s actions as he previously had been, as the subject of Kopa had taken priority in his mind at this point.

[Mike]

"You sure know how to make a lion feel good about himself Nala, I'll tell you that." Kovu said gratefully, before continuing with a more contemplative voice. "Believe me, nobody's more surprised by this change than I am. I can't remember being more confused in my life than those days with Kiara."

At that moment Simba entered the den. Kovu half-rose to greet him, but held back for a moment as he saw Kivuli stalking in right on his tail. He half-heatedly thought about continuing his chat with Nala, but knew he wouldn't be able to regain the easy, thoughtful mood they'd had with Kivuli and Simba not far off. Besides, the subject of their conversation was a bit personal, and not something he'd want to casually share with Kivuli. Instead he watched Taraji nursing and kept his ears open wide for any sign that he'd be needed.

[KingKivuli]

Kvul stood up to greet Simba upon his entry to the ave. However he stayed well withi the darkness of the shadows. Hearing Simba's question, the dark lion replied No smug comments this time. It has become clear to me that the way I act, who I am, is not welcome here. I see only two options for myself. I can either change who I am and stay, or be cast out yet again for being me. I have agreed to obey your rules. Fair enough I was with your daughter, however I didnt discover that until I was in her den and the rain fell. I said I would leave but she didnt seem happy about that, so I stayed. All we did is talk. Morning came. We went for a drink, and she fell in. I was just helping to dry her off and warm her up. She was shaking like a leaf from being cold. I had every intention of leaving her be as soon as I had my own den Thoughout this talk Kivuli's red orb eyes were fixed on Simba's, waiting for his response

[Lodrill]

Rahina sighed. "Okay then go and see him againt and alone this time but...." Rahina looked deep into his eyes, then licked his cheeks and whispered in his ear "... I will come with you and stay in range so that I can rush to you if you would need any help, okay?"

Rahina really did not like the idea of Kopa being alone with this king who seemed to have any grudges against them. "But before you do that you have to have a good rest. And I will not discuss about this. You are totally exhausted and tired!" Rahina looked at her mate with a stern look. Maybe she was a bit more stern, a bit more emotional. A bit more protective than she was anyways.