[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[KiarasMate]

Expecting a sarcastic reply from Kivuli, Simba was clearly taken aback by the grey furred male’s sincerity in the way he responded. Staying quiet for a moment, Simba took in everything that Kivuli told him, noting the way the male looked at him, realizing that he was in fact, telling him the truth. Despite the animosity that he felt towards Kivuli, Simba knew he was in the wrong in this situation. Swallowing his pride, at least, for the moment, Simba replied in an apologetic voice.

”Well, it looks like I owe you an apology then Kivuli. I may have jumped to conclusions and for that, I am sorry. I feel as though you are being truthful with me and I appreciate that. It’s nice to hear that you will try and change your ways, and I will try to be less judgmental towards you in return. I humbly welcome you to our Pride and offer you one of the den’s near The Private Waterhole. You may take your pick. I still have to insist that you stay away from Mila though, at least, until I can get to know you a bit better. I’m very protective of her and would never let anything bad happen to her. I hope you can understand that.”

Feeling a bit of his tension beginning to subside, Simba actually managed a smile as he seemingly noticed Kovu, his mate and Taraji for the first time. Looking over at Kovu, Simba addressed his son-in-law in a friendly manner.

”Good afternoon Kovu. Have you met Kivuli?” Simba stated, giving Kivuli a nod as to indicate to Kovu to whom he was speaking of, as if Kovu couldn’t have figured that one out himself by now though.

==========

Unable to help himself, Kopa smiled from the way his beloved lioness was so protective over his wellbeing. Knowing that there was no way to talk her out of coming along with him, at least so she could be in close range, just in case things might get out of paw, Kopa nodded as he leaned in to give his precious mate a loving nuzzle and lick along her soft cheek before speaking.

”Okay Hina, you can come. Let’s just hope things don’t turn out bad for us. I really do think this place could be a nice home for us and I don’t want to ruin this new life that we have started here in these lands.”

Laying down upon the cool earth of the den floor once more, Kopa relaxed as to try and regain his lost strength, all the while, his fore paws were lovingly caressing his beloved mate to show her just how much he truly cared about her. Just being around Rahina was enough to put Kopa’s mind at ease, regardless of the thoughts of just how his upcoming meeting with the king of these lands might go. Reassured in the thought that his mate would never let anything bad happen to him, as he would do the exact same for her in a heartbeat, Kopa slowly drifted off to sleep once more, snuggling his body close to Rahina’s, both for comfort and reassurance, murmuring softly as he dozed off.

”I love you so much my precious Hina.”

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli listened to Simba's words carefully, taking in every word. After Simba was done, Kivuli bowed down and back up. Very well l wil try my best, but theres nothing stoping her coming to me. Thanks for the den, its generous of you. Kivuli then walked out the dak to greet Simba face to face Is there anything I can do for you now? ivuli was interuted by a brown lion however. His face seemed familiar. Then simba said Kovu and it hit home By the great kingsit cant be. Kivuli's face was awash with amazment watching Kovu Kovu? Scars Heir, Zira's puppet. I can hardly believe me eyes. You have grown alot

[Mike]

Kovu had known that he'd be involved in the conversation sooner or later. He had very few memories of Kivuli, being just a cub during Kivuli's stay in the outlands. He rolled his eyes at what was either a clumsy insult or just general obliviousness to the fact that Kovu's time as an outsider was a sensitive subject. Though he resented being addressed like a small cub, Kovu plastered a bland smile on his face.

"Why if it isn't my favorite exile. Kovu replied easily. "You know getting both the pridelanders and the outsiders to kick you out on your tail was quite an achievement. I guess you didn't meet up to Zira's standards for a successor. Then again, I suppose I failed myself when I joined Simba's Pride, but things have worked out well for me. Simba told me you've returned." Kovu turned to Simba then and answered his earlier question. "Yes, we've met once or twice. Kivuli did spend a fair time in the outlands after all. That was a long time ago though."

[KiarasMate]

Having waited long enough and seeing no sign of Laini, Kiara reluctantly left the small den, making her way back towards Pride Rock. She was disappointed that she wasn’t able to do what was bid of her by her mother, but trying to find a lioness that didn’t want to be found didn’t spark Kiara as being more important than spending time with her family, which was what she longed to do right now. Knowing that her mate had been caring so well for Taraji in her short absence, made Kiara feel very confident that he would be a wonderful father to their own cubs in the future, if they ever decided to have cubs of their own. It didn’t take the golden furred princess very long to reach the base of the majestic structure. In a few leaps and bounds, she was already up the slope and at the mouth of the main den. There, she paused for a moment however, noticing the situation from within.

At about this point in time, Simba was busy, listening to Kivuli and Kovu converse amongst themselves. Realizing that there might be a bit too much hostility between the two felines and not wishing to deal with more drama for the day, Simba quickly extinguished the tension between his fellow pride members as he spoke up to Kovu.

”Have you seen your sister lately Kovu? The last time I saw her was back at The Private Waterhole and she left without a word, which doesn’t really seem like her typical self. I know that Mila had been pretty harsh towards her and I wonder if she’s doing okay.”

Outside the den, Kiara could tell that her father had taken control over the situation, although she still had no idea who the new grey furred lion was however, seeing him in the presence of her family reassured her that he was no threat. Deciding that this was as good a time as any to make her entrance, Kiara padded into the den as she spoke indirectly to everyone.

”No one told me there was going to be a party here. What’d I miss?”

Upon seeing their daughter, both Simba and Nala made friendly gestures towards her as she made her way over to her mate’s side, giving him a loving nuzzle and lick over his cheek before speaking once again.

”Sorry that took so long Honey. Did you miss me much?”

Watching his daughter’s actions with a smile of his own, Simba spoke to both Kivuli and his daughter.

”Kiara, this is Kivuli. Kivuli, Kiara. Kivuli will be a new member of our Pride, although he was around longer than that, but that’s another story for another time.”

Giving Kivuli a warm smile, Kiara politely introduced herself to the grey furred male.

”It’s nice to meet you Kivuli. You’ll have to fill me in on that story sometime. I love a good story after all.”

Seeing her father’s look, Kiara instinctively knew that he had more things to speak to Kovu and Kivuli about. Giving her beloved Kovu another tender nuzzle, Kiara made her way over towards where her mother and Taraji were positioned, taking a seat next to them as she fussed over her adorable, little cub, leaving the males to their own accord.

Turning his focus back to Kovu now, Simba resumed where he had left off previously.

”Anyways, I think maybe you should go talk to her. Now that Kiara is back, I think you can slip away for a moment to check up on her. This is just my thoughts though and I know you know your sister a lot better than I do, so you should know what to do.”

Turning his gaze back to Kivuli now, Simba addressed him in an accepting tone.

”Think nothing of the den Kivuli. Perhaps tomorrow, we can discuss your job here in my pride. As of right now, please take your time to get acquainted with everyone and everything in the lands, even though I know you’ve been here before and probably know most of the faces around. At least it will give you something to do for the mean time.”

Overhearing her father’s words to Kovu, Kiara perked up as she called over to her mate in a loving manner.

”I’ll take care of Cutie for now Honey. You go make sure that Vitani is doing okay. Just come back to our den when your done. I’ll miss you while you’re gone though.” Kiara stated in a smitten way, flashing her mate a tender gaze before she returned her focus back to Taraji.

[KingKivuli]

At Kovu's words Kivuli laughed threw his head back and laughed So thats what she told you huh? I was never exiled again. I left the Outlands myself. I was gettign sick of constant, training with no rest. I wanted revenge on simba ut on my own terms. So i confronted Zira. She told me to either stay or go, after giving me these 2 scars Kivuli then turned his head to the left revealing two scar marks under his right eye, then back again Zira most likely said she exiled me to show her 'power'. Sh never did i went on my own

Kivuli and Kovu were interrupted by Simba, and then by another beautiful young lioness, Kiara. Not wantign to cause bother Kivuli politily replied to her Hi Kiara, nice to meet you. I guess I could tell you my story sometime. Simba then left the cave giving Kivuli instructions, He nodded in approval before Simab left. Well if you two will kindly excuse me, ive got a den to claim Kvuli then walked out past Kovu and Kiara, to begin walking back to the private waterhole

[NightmareMoon]

Mila hadn't felt an urge to reply again to Simba. Not when he had did what he did. She had just prevented herself from exploding the entire time, and stayed put once the 3 had left. She had no idea what to say or do to any of the three. She had messed up with them all and hadn't realized it until now.

Unable to comprehend anything else because of her lack of sleep, Mila just laid down and slept where she was, in broad daylight next to the private waterhole where anyone could see her. The thought of it being dangerous didn't cross her mind as she fell into a deep sleep.

[KingKivuli]

As Kivuli walked the past 24 hours went through his head. So much had happened. While the thoughs ran through, Kivuli reached the waterhole. He lifted his head, only to find Mila laying in the dirt. At first Kivuli thought only to take Mila into a den that he picked, but Simba's orders were clear. Without wasting a beat Kivuli turned round and darted back to Priderock

When he reached the base, Kivuli jumped up the rocks to get inside. Not looking where he anded a shap rock penitrated his the base of his front right paw, letting the blood run loose. Not waverng from his task, Kivuli pulled the rock out and hobbled into the cave. Kovu was still there. Kivuli stood at the entrance, holding his paw up off the ground as the blood dripped onto the smooth rock below. Kovu I need your help. Mila has collapsed by the waterhole, I fear it is due to lack of sleep. Id help her but im fobidden to go near her.

[Lodrill]

Taraji still was getting her meal. She drank as if she did not get anything before. As Kiara came she stopped for a short moment just to smile with a lot of milk around her muzzle to show how happy she was to see her foster mother but as Kiara started to talk to Kovu and Nala Taraji returned to the milk.

[hr][/hr]

Rahina purred and put her head back on the head of Kopa. She continued her guard over him watching the scenery outside of the den. She could barely see Mila who was lying at the waterhole. Rahina had to agree with Kopa. This was really a very peaceful and beautiful land. She still wished for her jungle but... this was also very nice. The best they could find.

[Mike]

Kovu was disappointed that Simba intervened, he had been having fun, but he reluctantly admitted that it was perhaps not the best idea to pick a fight with Kivuli. Kivuli then left the den, only to return a moment later, injured and looking worried.

Kovu sniggered at Kivuli’s anxiety. “Well gosh Kivuli, the Kings forbid that she fall asleep due to lack of sleep. Is that how you hurt your toe?” Kovu’s voice was laden with a healthy helping of sarcasm. “I can see why Zira kicked you out- Oh, I mean, you left. Yes that sounds much better.” Kovu studied Kivuli’s face for a moment. “You actually believe yourself don’t you?” Kovu grinned mischievously. “Well I won’t argue with you. You’re perfectly free to distort your own memories in whatever way you like. And anyway, we’re a pride together now, so let’s not argue about the past.”

Kovu moved towards Nala and Kiara who were clustered around little Taraji. “Unfortunately I won’t have the pleasure of disturbing Mila from her dangerous nap.” Kovu said as he moved. “Simba’s asked me to track down my sister, I’ll just say goodbye to my family and then I have to leave at once.”

Kovu nuzzled Kiara in a loving goodbye, and he whispered in her ear while their heads were together. Be careful of Kivuli my love. He’s learned a lot from dear old mum, and he’s more dangerous than his pretentious air would suggest.” He gave Nala a grateful nod of respect, saying “Thanks for helping us with Taraji, we’ll make it up to you.” Here he winked with a sly grin. He hesitated for a moment before deciding not to disturb Taraji’s meal. He didn’t plan on being gone for long after all.

With this done, Kovu left the main den and set his sights on the edge of the pridelands where Simba described Vitani wandering off. He broke into a traveling-run, he was off.

[KiarasMate]

Watching as her mate left the main den, Kiara’s mind was suddenly filled with the sense that Taraji had been nursing from Nala in the presence of her father. This hadn’t dawned upon her until now as she was relieved to see that he hadn’t noticed it yet, due to being distracted With Kivuli. Taking advantage of her father’s unawareness, more in part to help her mother out, Kiara moved in and gently licked away the excess milk that had gathered around her daughter’s muzzle before she gently picked her up by the nape and made her way past where Simba and Kivuli were now positioned at.

It seemed to have dawned upon Nala at around the same time, that her mate hadn’t noticed the young cub suckling from her either. Quickly picking herself up from the den floor, Nala decided to take the quickest route out of the current situation as she could. Speaking up towards Kivuli, the cream colored queen addressed him as she made her way towards where he was standing.

”Don’t worry yourself over Mila Kivuli. I’ll go check up on her. It’s nothing out of the ordinary for her to doze off in random places but I appreciate your concern. I assure you she will be okay though.” Nala stated as she made her way past both her mate and Kivuli, disappearing out of the mouth of the den, hot on the heels of her daughter and Taraji.

Watching his extended family leaving now, Simba’s mind was clear to focus on other matters. Spotting Kivuli’s injured paw, Simba at least had the decency to ask if the grey furred male needed anything.

”That paw of yours doesn’t look so hot Kivuli. You might want to take it easy on it. Why don’t you go find that new den of yours and relax for the rest of the day.”

Turning to take his leave as well, Simba halted for a second, turning back to give Kivuli a friendly stare as he added.

”…and thank you for letting us know about Mila. Maybe you do have more feelings than I gave you credit for originally.”

Exiting the den now, Simba opted to take a quick nap upon the warm surface of the promontory of Pride Rock, letting the afternoon sun lull him to sleep.

==========

Although she had been in a rush to leave the den, Kiara still made an extra effort to make sure that Taraji was doing okay as she carried her back to their comfy den. Once they had arrived, Kiara gently set her bundle of joy down upon the soft pelt that she typically laid upon, letting a light sigh escape her muzzle as she spoke quietly to her daughter.

”So, you’ve had a pretty exciting day today, haven’t you Cutie? Wanna tell Mommy what you did today and how much fun you had with Daddy, hmm?”

Moving in close, Kiara gave Taraji’s bulging tummy a few light licks as she waited for her little cub to reply.

==========

After parting ways with her daughter, Nala made her way directly towards The Private Waterhole, to which Kivuli had mentioned where Mila had collapsed. Easily spotting the younger lioness, Nala quietly approached her, not wishing to disturb Mila’s slumber as she took a seat next to her. Placing one of her fore paws next to Mila’s muzzle, Nala could feel that Mila was still breathing, as the young lioness’ breath beat lightly against her cream colored paw. This was a good sign at least, although being the caring parent that Nala was and despite being in no condition to actually do such a thing, Nala decided to bring Mila back to her den.

Seeing as Mila was a lot younger than Nala herself was and due to the size difference, Nala found it fairly easy to hoist the sleeping lioness onto her back, feeling her stir momentarily as she spoke in a reassuring tone.

”It’s Just me Hun. Relax. I’m going to bring you back to your den. You fell asleep at The Private Waterhole.”

Knowing that there was no danger around, yet also knowing that she herself would have piece of mind, knowing that Mila was nice and safe in the confines of her own den, Nala wasted no time as she quickly made her way to where Mila’s den was, not too far off from Pride Rock.

Upon arriving, Nala lightly unloaded the drowsy lioness onto her sleeping pelt as she spoke softly to her once more.

”There, safe and sound at home. Are you feeling okay though Hun?”

While she had meant what she had stated to Kivuli previously, it still struck her as a bit peculiar that Mila would just doze off at the bank of The Private Waterhole. Waiting around, just in case Mila was awake enough to talk, Nala sat patiently as she lightly stroked a caring fore paw along the top of Mila’s head in a soothing manner.