[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[Mike]

"We're safe now." Kovu replied, wondering where to start. "But there's someone outside you need to meet. Between the two of us we'll try to explain what happened on Vitani's adventure. Vitani needs to rest before she explains everything I think. We've been on the move for hours and as you can see, she's not in the best of shape."

Vitani nodded weakly, still out of breath from the long trek. She could feel her body shutting down as it tried to repair her injuries. Before the eyes of Simba and Kovu, her head drooped and lay still against the ground, and her breathing steadied to that of a healing sleep.

"Come with me. Outside is a lion named Shani that invited himself here after what happened. He can help me tell the story though."

Kovu stood aside, waiting for his king to either lead him outside or continue questioning him.

[SinChei]

Daxis was still dreaming but he stopped paddling with his paws cause he dreamed he was laying between Lainis Forelegs what he really did. The dark brown furred cub rolled on his belly again and licked lainis Right Paw. Her soft fur carressed his tongue what made him purr.

[KiarasMate]

Hanging on every word that Kovu spoke, shifting his gaze from his son-in-law, to Vitani, and back again, Simba nodded as he could sense the slight urgency within Kovu’s tone of voice. Leaning over, Simba gently nudged Nala awake with a fore paw, speaking softly to her as not to alarm her too badly about what was going on.

”Wake up Love. Something’s come up and I need you to help Vitani.”

Looking up with a sleepy gaze, it took the cream colored queen a few moments to actually register what was being asked of her. As she fought back the sleep that insisted on trying to reclaim her, Nala nodded as she let out a yawn, looking about the main den for Vitani’s presence. Upon spotting her, Nala’s attitude quickly shifted as she rolled to her paws and made her way over to where her injured friend was laying. Speaking in a calm, yet obviously worried voice, Nala addressed the exhausted lioness.

”Oh by the King’s, what happened to you Tani? Is there anything I can do for you. Let me see that paw of yours please.”

Seeing that Vitani was now in good paws, Simba’s full focus fell upon Kovu as he rose to his paws and started to make his way outside the main den, waiting momentarily for Kovu to join him before he completely disappeared from within the confines of Pride Rock. Entering the cool morning atmosphere, Simba’s eyes quickly adjusted to the bright contrast of the morning sunlight, picking up the sight of this new lion to which Kovu spoke of. Keeping his manners about him, Simba spoke in a strong, yet inviting tone to the stranger.

”Good morning Shani, was it? I am Simba, the ruler of these lands here. To what pleasure do I owe this visit of yours might I ask?”

While he waited for a response from Shani, Simba’s eyes gazed over the lone male’s frame, taking note of the injuries he had sustained, perhaps at the paws and claws of some unknown threat, or so Simba assumed, little did he know that the threat to which he thought of, was actually Vitani herself. It being too early in the morning and with his mind barely active as it was, due to being woken up in such an abrupt manner, Simba didn’t even think about this possibility, instead, opting to let Shani and Kovu fill him in on the specifics of the matter at paw.

[Mike]

"Good morning Simba, King of the Pridelands." Shani said smoothly. "I was invited here by your friend Vitani."

"Yea, after you broke her paws and tried to kill her" Kovu threw in spitefully.

"Yes, I'm afraid Vitani and I had a disagreement about the way I rule my kingdom," Shani said serenely, completely unruffled by Kovu's interruption. "but let's start at the beginning. I, as you know, am Shani. I ruled a pride in lands beyond yours not long ago, but over a year ago our herds deserted our lands. I suspect, having seen the splendor of these pridelands, and having heard a little about this pride's history from your subjects, that they moved here when Scar was cast down. However, your windfall was our death sentence." Shani still spoke with a perfectly calm matter of fact tone, as though he were describing a mild change in the weather. "Eventually my pride died out, and I was forced to leave them to survive. I have lived in solitude for a long time, but yesterday your Vitani trespassed on what was left of my land and flouted my authority. As a king yourself you know that I couldn't let this pass. I confess, as Kovu said I attacked her."

"I arrived in time to save Vitani," Kovu said, taking up the story from there. "but it was a near thing. It's lucky that you sent me to find her when you did Simba, or I'd have returned alone." Kovu's voice cracked slightly. "Vitani asked that I show this lion mercy, and I did, against my better judgment. Oh and one other thing, Vitani didn't invite him here. He sort of invited himself."

"I have nowhere else to go Simba." Shani said. "Things have gone from bad to worse in my old kingdom. And as odd as it is for me to berate you for your successful running of these lands, you did destroy my kingdom and murder my pride in doing so. I'd venture to say that you owe me shelter." Despite the contents of his speech, Shani's voice was pleasant, almost friendly. One king discussing his difficulties with another.

----------------------------------

In the den Vitani swam into consciousness, but she was certainly not the alert and confident Vitani the pridelanders knew. The pain of her journey had taken a lot out of her, and it was all she could do to understand Nala's words. She stretched out her badly bruised paw in a jerky motion, gritting her teeth in pain. It was swollen and discolored, but the skin was not broken. "I've ... had worse ..." she said between shallow breaths. "Just ... not used to ... walking on it all night."

[KiarasMate]

Simba stood regally in front of Shani, listening intently to what he and occasionally Kovu, were telling him. From the way Shani explained things, it left Simba in a bit of an indecisive mood. On one side of the spectrum, he could see where Shani was coming from and knowing how Vitani could be in some circumstances, and seeing how Kovu hadn’t denied the fact that Vitani had blatantly disregarded Shani’s wishes, Simba himself could understand why the caramel brown furred male did what he did, however, Simba’s devotion and caring nature towards all of his fellow pride members kept him from completely caving from what the smooth talking male was speaking of.

After both Shani and Kovu had finished explaining what had taken place during the time that Vitani had disappeared, Simba took a moment to think things over. Something in the back of his mind told him that this new lion could spell trouble, but there again, he had had this same feeling about Kovu himself, the first time he had allowed him to join his ranks and things turned out fine for the most part. Debating amongst himself for a short period of time, Simba finally spoke up in response to Shani’s request.

”May I start by apologizing for my pride member’s actions. I’m sure Vitani didn’t mean to trespass on your territory Shani and I know that her strong spirit can get her into trouble sometimes. With this said however, being a king myself, I would grant a bit of tolerance towards a lone lioness at least. It just seems a bit presumptuous of you to attack her for merely accidentally trespassing upon your lands but your law goes there however, here, my law is final. So, with that said, if you would like a place to stay within my ranks, you will have to adjust yourself to my rules. While I don’t ask too much from any of my pride members, I do expect my laws to be followed at all times. Secondly, I have no control over where the herds go and so I cannot take the blame for the destruction of your former pride however, I can sympathize with you on some level. If I were to lose my pride, any one member even, it would affect me greatly so for that reason alone, I am willing to let you stay here, if not, temporarily, just to show you a bit of hospitality, but in regards to you becoming a full fledged member of my pride, I will have to withhold that judgment for a later time, until your actions and behavior can be better viewed, both by myself, as well as my fellow pride members. Although I call the shots around here in the end, it’s a group decision on who stays and who goes. You may not be used to things like that but if you wish to stay within my lands, you will accustom yourself quickly to them.”

Figuring that he was being more than fair to Shani, keeping as friendly of a tone and posture in front of him, Simba gave the brown maned male a bit of time to think it over, glancing momentarily over at Kovu to gauge his reaction to what he had said.

==========

Meanwhile, in the main den while the events were playing out Nala attentively cared for Vitani, watching as her fellow lioness extended her paw, giving the cream colored queen a much better view of just how extensive her injuries were. At first glance, Nala could tell that this was more than just a simple sprain, as she had dealt with such matters on many occasions with several members of The Hunting Party at times. Having to be sure though, the caring queen gently ran her paw toe over the length of Vitani’s wounded paw, applying small amounts of pressure here and there as she spoke in a comforting tone to her.

”It doesn’t look like a minor injury Tani. You probably shouldn’t have walked on it as much as you did. I’m not trying to scold you though. I’m just saying, as a lioness, we depend on our paws being in top shape at all times. Unlike the males, we must keep them…”

Nala’s voice trailed off as she could feel the slight indentation within Vitani’s bone structure from beneath her fur. Having confirmed her suspicions and worries, Nala sighed softly as she spoke once more, this time in a regretful voice.

”I think it might be broken, or fractured at best Tani, but I’m no shaman, so we’ll have to get Rafiki down here to examine your paw as soon as we can. You will have to stay off of it of course until he gives us the final diagnosis of your condition though.”

Pulling back now, allowing Vitani to retract her paw if she so desired, Nala took a seat next to her fellow lioness as she tried her best to reassure her that things would turn out fine in the end.

”It’s nothing to worry yourself over for now though Tani. Why don’t you try and rest. You look utterly exhausted.” Thinking for a split second, Nala rose to her paws, quickly making her way towards the back of the den momentarily before she returned, dragging one of the extra soft sleeping pelts that typically adorned the main den’s floor, plopping it next to Vitani as the cream colored queen motioned for her to roll onto it as she spoke up again. ”This ought to be a bit more comfortable for you to lay on Tani and will give you something much softer to rest your injured paw on top of. Just take it easy and if you need anything, just ask. Don’t you dare get up until we get Rafiki down here to help this matter further. I will do whatever you need done in the mean time.”

Taking a seat again, next to where Vitani would be laying, Nala watched her fellow lioness with an attentive look, feeling very sympathetic for her but knowing that she was a strong lioness and that she’d make a good recovery if she just stayed off her paw for a while.

[Mike]

As dazed as Vitani was, she was not so far gone as to be ungrateful for Nala's care. She bore the examination in silence and only spoke as Nala invited her to get a good night's, (or day's she supposed foggily) sleep.

"Thanks Nala" she mumbled. "appreciate ... Looks comfy." She slowly rolled over onto the generous sleeping pelt offered, trying her best not to twist or hit her paw. Once there she again lay flat and limp, breathing more softly as her pain faded into blissful unfeeling sleep.

--------------------

Shani knew from Kovu what to expect from Simba's initial greeting, and he took Simba's rather defensive assertion of authority with good grace. It paid to be on good terms with those in power. The more Simba trusted him early on the more leeway he would get later before the inevitable occurred.

"Of course King Simba." Shani agreed with a bow. "As I would expect others to submit to me in my kingdom so will I conduct myself here with diplomacy and graciousness. I'm sure neither you nor your people will find any reason to resent my presence in your lands."

Kovu was grudgingly impressed with Shani's manners, and nodded in approval. He'd known that the regal looking lion was a good talker, but he hadn't expected such a swallowing of pride so quickly. On the other hand, it would be a long time before Kovu forgave Shani for attacking his sister.

[KiarasMate]

Seeing that Vitani had already drifted off to sleep, Nala stayed close to her, observing her breathing and keeping a watchful eye out, just in case her status might take a turn for the worst. Knowing that even the most minor of injuries could fluctuate into life threatening situations, Nala wasn’t about to take any chances. Laying herself next to where Vitani rested now, the cream colored queen had no other option but to wait it out alongside her fellow pride member.

=========

Nodding in approval towards Shani, thankful that the former king had already checked his ego at the door, Simba addressed him in an accepting manner.

”Very well Shani. Then may I show you to your temporary living quarters? Along the way, perhaps you can fill me in on how things were like for you and your pride, that way, I will at least have some idea of where you’re coming from, personality wise.”

Turning to Kovu now, Simba spoke in a slightly more serious tone.

”If I know my mate Kovu, she’s taking good care of your sister, but I have to insist that you please go inform Rafiki of her condition. By the looks of her and that paw of hers, she might require his attention. I’d also suggest that you go see your mate and daughter once you’re finished with that business. I’m sure that the both of them are worried sick about your sudden leave of absence.”

Knowing that Kovu would be fine doing his own thing, Simba started to lead the way down the path from Pride Rock to The Grasslands, giving Shani the abridged version of the layout of the lands as he did so.

”The structure we just departed from is known as Pride Rock and is pretty much the hub of all activity here in my lands. You will always fine me or my mate or some other member of the pride there, so if you ever need anything that requires my assistance Shani, that’s the best place to find me, or my mate, who unfortunately, you didn’t have the pleasure of meeting yet, seeing as she was busy trying to help out the lioness you assaulted.” Simba stated, keeping his tone civil as not to imply that he was belittling the brown maned male’s actions. ”The location we are on route to is known as The Private Waterhole and it is where the higher rank members of my pride come for their drinks and to bathe and what have you. It is also where any new and pending members to our pride stay, as there are a number of dens dotted around the pleasant area. I hope you will find it to your likings as it is the best I can offer you for the time being. Perhaps if you prove to be a worthy addition to our ranks, you will be granted a better den, closer to Pride Rock but let’s not get ahead of ourselves now.”

Thinking for a moment, Simba figured that these two locations were the only ones that Shani needed to know specifically for now. Assuming that this former king had heard stories about the colorful past that entailed these lands as well as his pride, Simba skipped the smaller formalities as he spoke up once more to Shani, who seemed quite interested in everything he had to say.

”If you are hungry, there is almost always something to eat in the main den at Pride Rock. Feel free to help yourself to whatever food you find there Shani. We share and share alike here and thanks to my mate and The Hunting Party, we rarely ever go hungry. Speaking of my mate, her name is Nala and if I am not around and you need anything, please feel free to ask her. She is a cream colored beauty and I’m sure you can’t miss her. Just keep in mind that she’s spoken for.”

Flashing Shani a smirk, as if to try and lift the seriousness of the conversation a tad, Simba fell quiet now, allowing Shani to add in or ask anything of what he had previously mentioned, continuing to make his way towards The Private Waterhole as he did so.

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli had come back to the waterhole from his den. He was covered in dust, small rocks, leafs and parts of old tree root. I was clear that he had somehow started to make the hole in the roof of his den that he had plan the previous day. It was a messer job than Kivuli realized. He had come to the waterhole to bathe and grab a drink. Before stepping into the water, Kivuli looked up and saw Simba, whith another male Morning Simba he yelled How are you?

[Mike]

As the two regal lions traveled, Shani decided to answer Simba's interest in his past. Though the story was true, it became infinitely more valuable to Shani as a source of sympathy. He knew that Simba's own past would ensure that the king would take the story personally.

"I'm afraid my past is a rather painful story." Shani began, taking on a nostalgic and bitter voice for Simba's benefit. "I was born and raised as the future king of a land quite as beautiful as yours, but soon after my father died and left the kingdom to me, things began to change. The land became inhospitable, and the herds fled. My lionesses worked themselves half to death trying to keep themselves and us alive, but it was no good. Eventually I was the only one left. My old kingdom was able to support me, as a single lion, but I had no chance of a family, or a pride. I was the last lion in the lands that I'd known since I was a cub."

Shani took a breath, and shook his head, as though returning from a far off and painful memory. He then looked back at Simba, and both his eyes and his voice were steady.

"Your offer of food is much appreciated. May I just ask that I be granted a day or two days to meet your pride before I repay you with my talents?"

At that moment Shani was interrupted by a large and powerful looking lion, though his appearance was quite tarnished by the dirt and debris that coated him. Before Simba replied, or the other lion (Who Shani guessed to be Kivuli from Kovu's descriptions) closed the gap between them, Shani spoke up again.

"It seems you're required by your subject." Shani said "If you permit, I'll take my leave and introduce myself to others of your pride so as not to disturb your conversation with him. Thank you for the accommodations."

Shani gave a slight bow and waited patiently for either a dismissal or some other request.

-------------

Kovu agreed wholeheartedly with Simba's assessment of his sister's needs, and though Rafiki was unpredictable, Kovu could think of nobody better equipped to help Vitani. With a nod of understanding and respect, Kovu left Pride Rock and ran quickly to Rafiki's old tree. Despite having been awake for now more a full day and night, Kovu made excellent time. He knew that he could nap later, but Vitani needed him now.

Fortunately for Kovu, Rafiki was unusually cooperative; he quickly appeared at Kovu's call, and allowed himself to be lead back to Pride Rock without any crazy antics or fantastic detours.

At Pride Rock Kovu leapt up quickly to the main den, with Rafiki following close on his heels, making good use of his stick and natural skill and balance. Kovu peered inside, looking for Nala and Vitani.

[KiarasMate]

Taking a moment to gather in everything Shani was revealing to him about his past, Simba nodded in an understanding fashion, waiting for the former king to finish speaking before he chimed in, a hint of sympathy laced within his tone.

”I’m sorry to hear that Shani. I too, have a colorful past although to tell you that story, would take quite some time, so perhaps we can save that for a later date. As for your request, that sounds fair enough. I always try to give my new and potential pride members a chance to mingle with everyone in the pride before I start assigning tasks, so please, take your time and get to know everyone.”

As the two felines reached The Private Waterhole, Simba’s attention was momentarily captured by Kivuli, who was calling out to him. Simba was about to reply to Kivuli’s greeting, when Shani spoke to him once again. Unsure if Kivuli really did need his assistance for anything, Simba decided to let Shani do his own thing for the time being.

”Very well Shani. Please feel free to pick out any den around here that is not taken and take some time to get to know your fellow pride members. I will come check up on you later.”

Giving Shani a friendly departing gesture, Simba made his way over towards where Kivuli was positioned at, addressing the oddly adorned lion in front of him.

”Good morning Kivuli. Is there something I can help you with?” Eyeing the many leaves and twigs that seemed to be plastered within Kivuli’s grey fur, Simba couldn’t help but add in. ”You look as though you got into a fight with an angry mob of trees there Kivuli, or is this some new ritual you picked up on one of your many travels?”

Flashing a grin to Kivuli to assure the male that he was merely joking, Simba waited for Kivuli’s reply, taking a quick glance back over his shoulder to see if Shani was already looking at the available nearby dens.

==========

Spotting Kovu and Rafiki at the entrance to the main den, Nala quickly rose to her paws and made her way over to the two, giving Rafiki a respectful bow as she spoke in a low tone as not to disturb Vitani’s rest.

”Good morning Rafiki. I take it you’re here to diagnose Tani’s paw, are you not?”

Turning towards Kovu, the cream colored queen showed her appreciation for Kovu’s efforts as she thanked him in a grateful voice.

”Thank you for summoning Rafiki here Kovu. Why don’t you go see Kiara and Taraji now though. I spoke with them last night and Kiara was really worried about you, since you didn’t come back right away. I did my best to console her but don’t blame me if she chews your ear off for making her worry about you so.”

Turning back to the wise old mandrill now, Nala gave a quick nod to Rafiki before she made her way back to where Vitani was situated at, backing up a few extra paces to give the shaman plenty of room to work, hanging nearby though, just in case her assistance would be needed.