[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[SinChei]

Daxis head layed in his neck that he as able to look at Laini. He had a sad gaze and looked at Laini. As Laini nodded he got a big grin on his muzzle and snuggled against her chest. The red maned cub was happy he wasnt alone anymore. Daxis was surprised his las bath was a long time ago and he enjoyed it while he purred loud. He giggled a bit when she licked over his face to clean it. In his bath he got so relaxed that he fell asleep between Lainis forlegs.

[Lodrill]

Laini was to nervous to sleep yet. She just watched the sleeping cub while she thought a lot about her decision being the right one. She was very afraid of doing the wrong thing or making mistakes.

While she watched the sleeping cub she relaxed bit by bit and finall put her head next to his and faded into a light sleep. As always any slight noise made her raising the head and look out for the potential danger.

[hr][/hr]

Rahina in front of the main den also got anxious. No sign of Kopa so far. She tried to relax in the sun that was shining down to the pride rock but she was not able to calm down. She was to worried about Kopa.

[KiarasMate]

Nodding to acknowledge Kivuli’s departing statement, Simba watched as the grey furred male left the main den, his words still hanging in the back of Simba’s mind as the king returned his focus back to Kopa. Quite a while passed before Kopa finally emerged from the main den. Making his way down the slope leading into The Grasslands, Kopa spotted his beloved mate, who was still waiting patiently for his return. Smiling to her to try and assure her that things had gone alright, although no real progress had been made from Kopa’s efforts, he didn’t want to worry his precious lioness with such matters. As he arrived at Rahina’s side, Kopa spoke quietly to her.

”Sorry that took so long my precious. I hope you weren’t too bored out here. Shall we go back to our den now? I’ll tell you what happened once we’re alone again, okay?”

Leaning in to give his mate an affectionate nuzzle, Kopa playfully gave the dark furred lioness’ rump a light nudge with his nose to get her moving before he himself followed. As the pair of felines made their way back to their comfy abode, Kopa’s mind was still going over everything that he and the king of these lands had discussed. Many of the memories and events that Simba had told him about seemed so vaguely familiar to him but his indecisive nature had still kept him from accepting that maybe, just maybe, he was in fact, the son of this king, and her queen, to whom Kopa did feel a strange bond towards. Uncertain of what everything meant though, Kopa refused to jump to any conclusions, opting to let time work things out, much like he often did. Hoping not to seem to preoccupied in his own thoughts however, Kopa still lavished his attention over his special mate, making her feel as loved as she had been the very first night they had spent together so long ago.

==========

Around the same time as Rahina and Kopa had left Pride Rock, Nala came out from the den that belonged to her daughter and Kovu. Assuming that her mate’s business would be concluded by now, Nala started to make her way back to the main den, temporarily distracted by Kivuli, who seemed to be watching over Mila’s den from a distance. Unable to resist, Nala took up a stalking position, trailing the grey furred male from behind as she crept up close enough to almost reach out a paw and touch the distracted male. Instead of doing so however, Nala merely spoke in an amused voice to grab Kivuli’s attention.

”Enjoying the view again, are we Kivuli?”

Giggling lightheartedly, Nala rose from the tall grass that had been concealing her presence before she spoke again.

”You must really care deeply about Mila if you’re this intent on watching her sleep. Either that or you truly haven’t found anything better to do here Kivuli, huh?”

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli's peace was diturbed by Nala. The male turned his head to greet her Oh hi Nala Kivuli listened to the queens voice. It was clear she knew, but was most likly looking for comfirmation. Not wanting to beat aroud the bushes Kivuli let it out If im honest, I might have something for her. Im not sure yet. We were just getting close when Simba commanded me to stay away. Kivuli sighed. Looking at Nala he continued on Your daughter is amazing. She is well raised. Strong, fun to talk to, great attitude... Kivuli then looked back into the cave at Mila ...beautiful....cute. Makes me wonder now if she can she anything in a wild rouge like me

Kivuli's eyes were still fixed on Mila a while longer, before turning back to Nala. I brought dinner back for your family, Simba invited me in. We should best head off Kivuli rose up, shaking the dirt off his underbelly. He started walking and yelled back Are you coming Nala?

[KiarasMate]

Listening to what Kivuli was saying, having an idea of exactly what he was trying to say as she had already heard the same thing from Mila herself, it didn’t come as any surprise to the cream colored queen. Hearing that Kivuli had brought dinner for her and her mate however, did intrigue the queen’s curiosity as she nodded and made her way after Kivuli, speaking in a pleasant manner.

”Oh, you did Kivuli? I guess you’re really taking what I told you to heart. The fastest way to get on Simba’s good side is through his stomach.”

Catching up to Kivuli now, Nala walked alongside the grey furred male as the two approached the main den. Taking lead at this point, Nala was the first to enter the den, finding her mate sitting patiently by the fallen zebra that Kivuli was so kind enough to deliver. Looking back over her shoulder, Nala gave Kivuli an impressed smile. It wasn’t every day that she met a male that had the hunting skills to bring down a large zebra. Taking her usual place next to her mate, giving him a quick, affectionate nuzzle as she did so, Nala stayed quiet to allow her king to speak if he so desired. Taking the opportunity, Simba happily obliged as he spoke to Kivuli.

”Well, while we eat, how about you fill us in on your time outside The Pride Lands Kivuli, only if you want to that is. This is by no means, an interrogation. Just consider it some time for us to get better acquainted over a good meal.”

With this said, Simba settled down to help himself to some of the tasty looking zebra, Nala following his lead shortly there after as the royal pair began feasting upon the fallen creature, both keeping their attention towards Kivuli, listening for him to fill them in on his past if he chose to.

[KingKivuli]

As the meal began, Kivuli took a place on the opposite side of the zebra to the royal couple, and lay down to begin his tale, recalling the memories After I was exiled, I went with the rest of the outlanders. Straight away Zira forced brutal training on us. Condiitions were only just liveable. We were pushed to te edge. Eventually I had enough and ran off. I was fueled with hatred for you Simba. Zira wanted to take you out as I did but, it was not on the terms I wanted

Kivuli reached over, and torn a juicey tender bit of leg off the carcuss which he brough to his body. While holding it the story continued. I walked across many lands, seen amazing sights, bared harsh conditions. Kivuli closed his eyes and remebered The snowy mountains, scorching desert, dense jungle, calm ocean. I have seen them all, Training in each to push my body to become stronger, hoping one day to return and seek my vengence Kivuli then took a break form his tale. Still having more to tell, he waited to see if the couple were still interested. As the dark lion waited, he began to enjoy the tasty meat he had picked out for his supper

[KiarasMate]

Both Simba and Nala seemed wrapped up in Kivuli’s story, not taking any offense to his mentioning for vengeance, as they both had come to see Kivuli as less of a threat, and more so, of a potential ally of sorts. Once Kivuli had reached a pause in his tale, Nala was the first to speak up as Simba was still wolfing down huge quantities of the delicious zebra meat.

”Sounds like times weren’t all bad for you then outside our lands Kivuli. I’m sorry to hear of what Zira put you through but as you probably know too, we had our own issues with her. It’s good to know though, that despite your past, you are willing to forgive and forget.”

Dipping her head back down to the savory meal below her, Nala continued eating, obviously showing a more ravenous side to her than was typically expected, due to her current condition. It was now Simba’s turn to speak in regards to Kivuli’s travels. Lifting his head, the king spoke in a thoughtful manner.

”I’m sure you’ve seen many wonderful things on your travels Kivuli but I’m sure it’s also nice to be home again. Hopefully, things like what happened in our past, will never happen again here and I am most certainly willing to put our past behind us as well. I’ll admit, perhaps my judgment of you was a bit preemptive but I can see now that you do have a caring heart and for that, I thank you. Please, continue.”

Returning himself to the task at paw, Simba resumed eating as he listened to whatever Kivuli might say next.

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli bowed his head at the kings words. Thank you Simba. Kivuli took a deep breath annd continued For a good few months I was traning alone. Using the land as my entire training ground. The Things changed. I met up with two more travellers, who had chosen to become rouge and see the world. There was much to learn frm each other. So the three of us trained. Learning each others skills, and adapting our own techniques Kivuli's eyes shifted to the floor. This next part was the worst memory Sadly with my friends we had enemies. Three more lions, that were blood thirsty. At first we tried to resist them, but we failed. We ended up in a 6 month war, non stop. I thought it would never end. Until we all agreed on one final battle to the death

Kivuli shuddered. He wished that day never came We started the battle on mid day in the middle of the cold season. We were on the barron wastelands. For 3 days we battled neither side giving up. However eventually we were losing strength. One of our group was the first to fall, then two of them leaving the leader. He lashed out killing my closest friend. Without thought I pounced and ripped him apart. The battle was over. I had won. Yet I was alone again Kivuli took a quick bite for a rest. The blood helped keep his throat mosit so not to dry up with the talking For another year I trained alone. I payed my respects to my comrades every so often.

After a year training I felt ready. So powerful, yet so fast. It was amazing, and I started my long journey back here. On the way i planned what I would do, when I arrived. Of course when I did arrived my plans did not go through. The rest of my story you know Kivuli finished. Without wasting a beat he began to devour his meat

[KiarasMate]

Now that Kivuli had finished his story, both Simba and Nala once more, took turns on commenting upon the grey furred male’s touching, yet tragic tale. Nala was the first to speak up again as she had taken her fill of the tasty meat and was now in the process of grooming her crimson stained muzzle and fore paws.

”Well, it’s good to have you back here Kivuli and you won’t have to worry about making any enemies here. We always look out for one another and I think my mate will agree with me when I say that you have the protection of the pride on your side. May your friends find piece with The Great Kings above.”

Bowing her head in a show of respect towards Kivuli, it was now Simba’s turn to speak. Pausing once more in his meal, the king nodded in response to his mate’s statement as he spoke.

”Yes. While there is still much to be done to repair our friendship Kivuli, I can assure you that you have the full support of my pride, just as long as you stay in my good graces of course.” Smiling to show that he was only being half serious with his remark, Simba resumed speaking. ”Once again, I thank you for bringing us this satisfying meal and if there is anything I can do to show my appreciation, feel free to ask.”

While her mate’s attention was focused upon Kivuli, Nala flashed the grey furred male a look as to indicate not to rush the situation. She knew that Simba wouldn’t probably take too well to Kivuli asking a favor that might involve Mila, despite the kind offering he had brought for him. The cream colored queen just hoped that Kivuli wouldn’t take advantage of her mate’s generosity.

[Lodrill]

Forced out of her own thoughts Rahina needed some time to react. She nuzzled Kopa and purred softly as she headed to their new den. Rahina had decided to not yet tell Kopa about her pregnancy until she was sure that they would stay here.

Before entering the den Rahina first took a good gulp of cold and refreshing water at the water hole. Then she entered the den and curled up on the ground. Now that they had some place to stay and did not need to run all day long she really loved to be able to relax more. Even more in her state. The last week she already had felt that her body was exhausted a bit faster. She had forgotten to ask Nala about it and if this was normal due she was barely past the first month.

Rahinas black eyes looked up to her mate like a question about what was discussed with the king.
"And? Did you find out anything good?" In her voice there was still a bit worry about Kopa and how he felt about the statement that he was the son of this lion.