[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[Lodrill]

Laini observed Daxis as she was finished with her bath and noticed that he seemed to have problems with it. Still in credit to pay back her bad doings she thought maybe it would help to undo her actions that made him feel unwanted if she would help him. It was visible that he was not well educated. Even if Laini never had own cubs she had a caring nature, maybe because of her own hard cubhood, and could not watch a cub in need. This had been the reason for her stepping in between Daxis and Amanda back then and it also made her feel sorry for Daxis and wanting to help him right now.

"Should I show you how it is done?" Laini offered with her very silent and soft voice.

[KiarasMate]

Smiling tenderly at his mate, Kopa nodded as he replied in a playful tone to Rahina.

”Hmm, I don’t know Hina. It’s going to be hard to concentrate, knowing that such a beautiful looking lioness will be near by.” Kopa stated, giving a loving nuzzle and affectionate lick over his mate’s soft cheek to imply that it was of course, she, he was referring to.

After a short while, the pair reached the base of Pride Rock. Glancing over at his beloved lioness with a more serious expression now, Kopa spoke in a softer voice.

”Well, this is it Hina. Wish me luck my precious. I’ll be okay though, I promise. You just wait here for me till I’m done talking with this king of theirs. No matter what happens though Hina, we’ll be fine in the end.”

Nuzzling Rahina lovingly, Kopa planted a gentle kiss over her soft muzzle lips before he turned to make his way up the slope leading towards the main den, turning around to gaze over his shoulder at his precious lioness one last time before he vanished within the confines of the main den.

Upon arriving, Kopa’s presence was immediately picked up by the royal couple, who were still wrapped up in each other’s company. Averting his eyes from the scene before him, as he didn’t have any idea of what he had just interrupted, Kopa quickly spoke up in an apologetic voice.

”Oh, excuse me. I didn’t mean to barge in here but I was hoping to get a moment alone to speak with you Simba, in regards to the topic you brought up with me and my mate earlier.”

Having his fun time cut a bit short, Simba hastily rose to his paws, leaving Nala upon the den floor with a longing gaze in her eyes. Once the pair of felines in front of him, had situated themselves, Simba spoke up.

”Very well Kopa.”

Kopa was about to speak up, when Nala decided to excuse herself. She didn’t really want to be around while the topic of Kopa’s past was being discussed. She herself already believed in her heart that Kopa was in fact, the very same Kopa that they had lost many seasons ago, but now, it was up to her mate to see the light. Politely excusing herself, Nala made her way out of the den as the two males started to converse.

Making her way down into The Grasslands, Nala spotted Rahina, who seemed to be waiting for her mate. Smiling warmly, the cream colored queen wandered up next to her as she spoke in a kind tone.

”So, how have things been for you two since you came here Rahina? Is that den I provided you with adequate? Also, I didn’t want to mention this before with everyone around, but,” Nala said, giving an understanding nod to Rahina before she stated. ”is this your first time being pregnant?”

[Lodrill]

Rahina was a bit startled by the sudden encounter of the queen regarding her pregnancy. She retreated a few steps back and sat down. "Erm... how... I mean..." Rahina lost the words as she was totally suprised by this sudden call. She did only know about the pregnancy about 2 weeks now. All this was very new for her and she did not even tell Kopa yet.

Rahina was insecure with this whole thing and that Nala directly saw through her. But on the other hand she noticed instinctively that this old lioness could help her understand her new situation and the signals her body started to give her.
Maybe if they were able to stay here she could give her advises. Rahina had to admit that she was a bit suprised by her state and also felt a bit overwhelmed by it.

Not sure what to say she just looked into the eyes of Nala with her black opals ones.
Her ears twisted back and forth very nervously. Also she still tried to keep her senses focused on Kopa for the case he would call for her.

[KiarasMate]

Seeing that her words hadn’t struck the desired chord she had been going for, Nala quickly amended for her previous statement, speaking in a reassuring voice.

”I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry into your personal business, but seeing as I’ve had several cubs myself and I can pretty much tell when my fellow lionesses are carrying cubs of their own, I just have to ask. I don’t mean to be a bother by it Rahina and you absolutely don’t have to speak of this matter with me if you don’t feel comfortable enough to. I would completely understand.”

Taking a quick glance over Rahina’s frame, Nala smiled again as she added in a more cheery tone.

”You look really healthy though so I’m sure your cub will be very healthy as well. As long as you take care of yourself, get plenty of nutrients and rest, and don’t overexert yourself with physical activity or stress. It might sound like a lot to remember but it all comes pretty naturally, you’ll see.”

Taking a seat beside Rahina, hoping that this would ease the younger lioness’ nerves a bit, Nala spoke up once more.

”So, how is Kopa taking to the news about him being a future father, hmm?”

[Lodrill]

Rahina got herself back from this shock pretty fast. "Oh, I do not mind... I was just... a bit suprised and Kopa... I did not tell him yet. There was not the right time yet. I couldn't tell him while we were on our journey and until we have a place to stay I do not intend to tell him. I think he would overreact and would worry about me wouthout a reason. He can be very protective." The last sentences were spoken in proud. She really was proud about Kopa and that he was so protective about her even if it could be stressing sometimes too.

Rahina turned her ears to the entrance of the den but as she did not hear anything from Kopa she turned them to Nala. Only once in a while her left ear winced to the entrance to get a sign of Kopa should he call her.

"Regarding the food... well I tried my best on our journey but I hardly was able to catch enough for Kopa so I just hope that I will be able to catch some more soon." she stopped and looked down to her paws. "Well, that is if I am allowed to hunt in this prides hunting grounds." she just realized that they were in the lands of this pride and so they might have somthing against her hunting here.

While speaking of her hunting during the journey she thought back to the hard times since they left the jungle. She often had gone on hunting when Kopa was asleep (or she thought he was asleep). Out in the savanna it had been very difficult for Rahina but she wanted Kopa to get his food and Kopa could eat a lot. She knew that from their times in the jungle.
Kopa did not notice that Rahina sometimes did not eat anything for days just so that he would have enough. That was maybe one of the reasons Rahina felt weak at some days. She ever tried hard to not let Kopa notice it. He believed the reason lying in Rahinas wound paws what was only half true. Rahina did get food though once all two or three days and so it was not visible. Even more because her belly got a big round and stuffed due to her pregnancy Kopa maybe mistook this for being well fed.

Kopa got food every day and if it was just a lizard or a small animal. Rahina said him a lot of times that she cought it by luck right after waking up because the animal were so stupid to cross their sleeping place. She never told him that she sometimes hunted for the full night only to get him some food. That was also why she had slept so deep at the time she lay down in their temporary den.
Rahina's body was pretty exhausted. The paws were only the visible part but Rahina already had noticed that he body started to wear out faster. She still was at good health though as Nala had noticed. After all she was caring about her body very good with all the tricks she showed Kopa as well like her way to bath herself while massaging as well.

She did not tell Nala about her night hunts and that she lived on diet while they were on the move. She knew that Nala with her statement just now would not really like it and Rahina did not want to collect bad impression points with the queen.

[KiarasMate]

Nala listened closely to what Rahina spoke, perking up her ears as her tail swished thoughtfully behind her once she heard Rahina making mention that she hadn’t informed her mate about being pregnant. Knowing that she was in the same boat as Rahina, Nala couldn’t help but feel a strange bond between her and this younger lioness. Waiting politely for Rahina to finish speaking, Nala smiled and responded in a calm and collected tone.

”Looks like we have more in common than I might have thought Rahina. I am carrying my mate’s cubs as well and I still haven’t told him. You see though, the reason for me withholding this information from him is because of the fact that ever since our dear little Kopa vanished without a trace, my mate hasn’t taken the subject of me being pregnant very well. It’s funny, that never stops him from jumping my rump whenever he gets the chance but I suppose that’s to be expected.”

Giggling and showing a more casual side of her to Rahina, Nala thought about what Rahina had said about her being able to be allowed to hunt within The Pride Lands. Adopting her typical, warm tone of voice, Nala addressed this issue.

”Well, I really shouldn’t be one to talk, seeing as I am the leader of our Hunting Party here in The Pride Lands and despite me carrying cubs, I still do a lot of the hunting, I would say that you should take it easy Rahina and let our lionesses here do the work for you. There are many perks to being in a Pride you know.” Nala stated, assuming that Rahina had been in a Pride of some sort at one point in time, as she wasn’t entirely clear on Rahina’s past at this point. ”There is always something to eat here at the main den, although tonight might be a rare exception, due to the events of the day, but most of the time, all you need to do is come in here and fetch whatever food you need, or feel free to stay and eat with us. Either way is fine, just as long as you and your mate get fed.”

Glancing at Rahina once more, Nala could tell that the dark furred lioness was trying to listen for something. Knowing exactly what she was trying to detect, Nala did her best to reassure Rahina that there was nothing to worry about.

”You don’t have to worry about your mate in my mate’s presence. He won’t hurt him, I assure you. Simba is one of the most caring male’s you’ll ever meet. It’s just hard to break through his thick shell of a personality he holds close to him. He’s had a very colorful past and if you knew all the details about that, you’d understand why he is the way he is Rahina, but that’s a story for another time. I don’t want to bore you.”

Rising to her paws now, Nala figured that she would leave Rahina be, so that she could attend to other matters. Speaking in a friendly fashion, Nala took her leave.

”Well, you must excuse me now Rahina. I have to go check up on someone. Remember what I told you about your pregnancy and if you ever need to talk to anyone, you know, lioness to lioness, I’m here for you.”

Departing from the base of Pride Rock now, leaving Rahina alone with her thoughts, Nala moved off towards the outskirts of The Pride Lands, determined to find Laini and to make sure that she too, was doing okay, seeing as Kiara was unable to track her down.

[Lodrill]

Rahina looked after the departing lioness in thoughts. She never lived in a pride like here. Well she had lived in the pride of cubs but there she had been the only one to hunt the food. So she could not really understand what Nala meant with being able to take it easy and that there would be food. Also she did not really understand the part of the hunting party due she never hunted with someone else not counting the worthless tries to teach Kopa.

Rahina was only half with her senses at Kopa due she still thought about all that Nala had told her. Also she watched Nala decending down from pride rock. Even if she still was a bit insecure in this new environment she already started to like Nala. The older lioness seemed to be nice and understanding. Rahina sighed and lay down next to the main den entrance. She returned her focus on the inside of the den to be ready if Kopa needed help. Nalas words make her relax a bit though.

[hr][/hr]

In her old den Laini still waited for the answer of Daxis. She looked at him with her deep blue eyes. SHe just hoped that this question was not another mistake of her and that this would make this lion feel bad. She really just wanted to make up for her wrongdoings with him. But she did not dare to ask again even if she did not know if he had understand her question.

[KingKivuli]

After a steady run, followed by a small hik up Priderock, Kivuli made the maine den with his kill. About to burst in, Kivuli wondered if that was a good idea. What if no one was in? or something private might be going on? Following is latter judgement, Kivuli slid the carcass off his back, just outside the cave, before entering.

As he walking inside, he looked round for someone. Not having any luck, he let his presence be known. Hello? Simba? Nala? Are you here? Kivuli then stood wating for a response

[SinChei]

Daxis stopped cleaning himslef and looked deep in her deep blue eyes. He was a it embarassed about this question he knew what she ment with it. But at least he was happy she asked him. He went closer to her and layed down between her forpaws and hoped she would be ok with it. He lifted up his head with the small red mane and looked at her.

"Yes ok pls show me how to do it ... your so good at it" he got a smile on his face and waited.

[Lodrill]

Happy that Daxis would take her advice in this matter and that she could do something to make up with him she looked down to the red maned cub.

"The most important thing is not to lick just over the fur but to brush it into all directions. With this you will clean the fur from any direction and it will be really clean. I will show you how it is done correctly."

Laini ran her moist tongue over Daxus paw showing him how it was done. "Now try to do it yourself." Laini nudged Daxis to encourage him to do it himself.