Quiet Travels

Its was late in the morning by the time Vikki and Bathsheba had awoken in the cave. The Events of the previous day made them more tired than they had first realized. Rejuvenated after the pleasant rest they had it was time to carry on southward but first they needed something to eat. They forfeited the sake of their stomachs and lost the time to find something to eat and the pond in the cave where they slept yielded no fish of any kind. They had to hunt, and Bathsheba's keen sense of smell could find something that would give them something good to eat for their journey.

The Lioness had gone out of the cave and swiftly returned with a couple of rabbits. With a precise toss of her spear, she managed to catch two of them with use. No bigger than Vikki's feet but the meat within them provided supplement for the journey ahead. A Quick roasting on a fire and with barely little fur a sharp rock was all that was needed to cut off the hide and feast upon the meat after it was cooked.

After their light breakfast the two again set off on the journey southward through the jungle. They both remained on alert after the excursion they had before. Killing that sub-human certainly cause them problems in the future. They had no choice at the time and had to kill him when they on the verge of being discovered. It was fortunate that it was only the rear guard that decided to investigate, and the rest of his group were simple minded as they were cursed to be. Dimwitted, arrogant and savage the Sub-Humans were a primordial threat.

With Bathsheba's tale fueling her mind on why those that once were humans but cursed to become what they are now they had to remain on their guard from this point on. First the two back in the ruined village that were there to finish off what remained of its defenders and then the one that was part of a patrol. By now that group must have realized they were short a number of its men and would be attempting to discover why one of their own was missing.

Vikki and Bathsheba continued on through the jungle as the morning sun continued to rise. Dinosaurs were at roam and grazing about. Bathsheba kept her ears up and her nose sniffing making sure nothing predatorial was around or any Sub-Human. The Last they needed was a fight right now. A Large Predator or a group of sub-humans would be difficulty they both don't need. The Lioness was confident both her own skill and that of, Vikki's. Her skill with a bow was absolute but should they encounter any of the threats it would not do any of them good. They both needed to get to Fire Keep alive for the sake of the Son that was awaiting the Lioness and information that Vikki needed to find a way home.

The Pair remained quiet most of the time continuing their walk. Wading across a creek and cautiously stepping around a group of Triceratops where the Alpha caught eye of the two that trekked too close. With a warning snort coming from the one that was the largest among the group, Vikki and Bathsheba quickly disappeared back into the jungle out of sight from the alpha protecting its family group.

After what had to be a couple hours Vikki unfortunately kept her eyes from seeing where she was stepping with Bathsheba leading them on through the thick undergrowth. She stepped on a twig and a few splinters got caught in her soles.

"Ow!" She winced dropping her bow and falling onto a tree holding her foot up. Bathsheba spun around with a growl thinking something just attacked her friend only to see that she had merely hurt herself.

"Vikki are you okay, love?" Bathsheba hurried over kneeling down to the green haired woman seeing her left foot had a few splinters of wood from the twig in it. "Here let me." Reaching over she carefully plucked out the splinters pinching her thumb and index finger on them making, Vikki grind her teeth each time until the last one was out of her.

Right when it did Vikki rubbed the bottom of her sole and the pain subsided in moments. "Thanks Bathsheba. Wish I was exiled with some shoes. That would have been more courteous." Grumbled Vikki picking up her bow and readjusted her quiver.

"I have taken notice how you humans tend to wear protective wrappings, furs and leather around your feet." Nodded Bathsheba understandably. Her kind never needed such things as their feet were meant to always feel the ground beneath them. Their fur and hardened structure protected them a lot more than mere skin.

"It was stupid of me not to look harder back in that village. Cannot believe any of those men we took care of had nothing but what little clothing they had on them. "Vikki said and thought back more on when she and her friend gave the men a proper burial burning them in one of the only standing structures. "Come to think about it that village had nothing of value or of use other than the bow and quiver of arrows I have."

Bathsheba sighed knowing the reason to that. "Roleli not only sends her sub-humans out to conquer they not only slaughter and imprison people to eventually curse them into becoming part of her army they steal anything of use from a village, caravan down to even a family. During my travel after I barely escaped the fortress. If not ruins of a village I heard the cries and deaths of so many. Killed before I could help, and some were dragged off. I wanted to them but there were far too many Sub-Humans. Id only would succeed in endangering myself. Should I die then my child is an orphan. But I am ashamed to have allowed those that were taken to be given a fate crueler than death."

Vikki noticed Bathsheba looking down with remorse. She did feel guilty for what she had allowed to happen. It is cruel allow someone to be taken prisoner, but should the odds be too great one shouldn't take an unnecessary risk. Even the one Vikki called her love who bested armies, raided fortress's and led her father's army to victory was not as reckless. Anything he did was always planned. He took heavy risks but not foolish ones that would have only resulted in capture or sudden death.

Putting a hand on the lioness shoulders Vikki gave her a comforting smile. "You did what you felt was right. You were thinking of your child, and you carry with you the burden of seeing what has befallen the innocent. In truth I feel the same way. I always believed that if I didn't report on the worst of happenings in my world then those that paid a terrible price would never be noticed. My Boyfriend, Sarge had talked to me at times of how he couldn't save his own men in the most desperate of times. But he carried on and fought for them as well as those that still live. Believe me should we get the chance we will avenge the fallen and Roleli will pay for it. Right now, all we can do is head to this sanctuary. Should we find anyone in need we will help them too."

"You speak with wisdom, Vikki. You are a daughter of an honorable leader and this man you speak of sounds just as much. They both have taught you well." Bathsheba smiled wrapping the woman in her arm pulling her into her side hugging her gently.

Vikki hugged her friend back. She was right. Her Father and boyfriend taught her everything she knows. If it wasn't for them not only would she have been a prisoner for the rest of her life, but she wouldn't have any of the skills she had learned to survive for a minute in this world.

After they were finished they continued on following where the sun was rising the opposite way of them. It was past noon when they moved into an open ground outside of the jungle. There were many scattered tree's with tall grass.

Bathsheba understood that those grounds were used often mostly by predators that liked to ambush prey including herself. Her Tribe had often used them to hunt creatures that were large enough to sustain them for a week if not more. It took the combined efforts of many hunters. To corner and trap their prey or ambush them from multiple directions.

Raising her nose, she caught wind of something in the tall grass. It was familiar and, Bathsheba grinned. The Rabbits they had in the morning barely sustained them but if the scent she caught was true then they would eat a lot better this night if she can get, Vikki's help in this.

Looking behind her she whistled lowly to, Vikki calling her forward. Vikki stepped lightly towards her kneeling with the Lioness. Something was amiss and Vikki couldn't tell if it was dire or not.

"There's a stone head in the grass." Bathsheba whispered to Vikki pointing ahead through the grass. Then Vikki heard something crunch the grass deep within followed by a few low grunts.

"Thick head?" Vikki asked not understanding what the lioness meant.

"One of the giant lizards. It stands around the size of me. Its head is hard as stone. Agile and fast and very defensive when threatened. With you armed with your bow I have an idea. Ill lure it out in the open and you shot it in the side." Suggested Bathsheba looking around for a moment until she spotted a tree that stood around a partial open ground that was large enough for, Vikki to have a clear shot of the reptile.

"Climb that tree and await my coming." She pointed towards the tree that had many branch's stretching outwards from it. "May your aim be true for we shall eat well should it be." Bathsheba winked before getting on her hands and crawled with her spear into the bushes before, Vikki could say anything.

Vikki was shocked for a moment. How could her friend just suddenly appoint her as the one who has to take a daring shot. She didn't even allow her a word in. But she was quite hungry. And to have something more filling for dinner did sound appealing. She only wished Bathsheba would have planned this better. With no other choice she went to the tree and hastily climbed it. Thankfully, with so many branches it allowed her to climb it easily than having to attempt to climb up the trunk of it.

Once she made it to the branch that stretched out long enough for her to crawl upon it she laid down her quiver taking an arrow out of it and fastened it into her bow. She kneeled and readied her aim where she and, Bathsheba were keeping her arms up and her arrow pulled back.

For an entire minute Vikki waited with her arrow drawn back to where her arms and legs were starting to become very sore. She couldn't maintain her posture for much longer. What was taking Bathsheba so long? Hunting is a tricky venture she understood but wished it didn't require patience or having to stay in a very uncomfortable position.

Suddenly she heard the sound of crunching grass. An Irritated snort came from the grass. Vikki peered out towards the tall grass and could make out something with big ears was running through it. Undoubtably, it was Bathsheba. Coming short behind her was something that shielded from, Vikki's sight but it was moving fast and breaking through grass more than, Bathsheba was.

"Get ready, Vikki!" The Lioness shouted as she pushed through the last bit of the grass her spear still in hand and, jumped forward turning around and, Snarled with her spear pointed outwards in front of her.

Vikki took a deep breath and narrowed her eyes at the oncoming dinosaur that was on its way. Nearing the edge of the grass she waited for her target while, Bathsheba continued to snarl keeping her spear pointed out.

Storming out from the tall grass was a dome headed dinosaur that, Vikki recognized. It was nearly as big as her. With its head lowered it was going to smash right into, Bathsheba. The Spear wouldn't do much against the skull made with inches of solid bone. Its eyes were on the lioness but unaware of the archer in the tree nearby.

With no more time to spare and Bathsheba seconds from getting hit, Vikki had to make her shot. Aiming just ahead of the dinosaur she released her arrow and it went flying straight down at the giant reptile striking it clear in its left eye.

Immediately the dinosaur ceased its charge and wailed leaping about flaying its tiny arms. Vikki grinned as her aim was true in that moment. The Dinosaur however was still a threat leaping up and moving in circles as it desperately tried to reach for the arrow, but its arms were too short and when it turned about again, Bathsheba threw her spear striking it in its right side and the penetration of the spear deep within its side finally made it fall to the ground dead.

"Yes!" Cheered Vikki from the tree and, Bathsheba looked up at the green haired woman with a satisfied smile.

"Well aimed, love!" The Lioness complimented but groaned holding onto her shoulder. She too close to the dinosaur, and it struck at her with its head right against her shoulder. Vikki took notice of her friends state and climbed down the tree.

"Bathsheba are you okay?" Huffed Vikki making it to her friend and looked to where she was holding her hand.

"Not to worry, Vikki. It managed to collide against me. My mistake for getting too close. Its alright just sore. Nothing is broken." Assured Bathsheba taking Vikki's hand winking at her.

Vikki sighed with relief before looking at their capture. The Dinosaur was called a name that Vikki couldn't remember what it was called scientifically but its name was a meaning of "thick-headed lizard" It laid dead upon the ground with Bathsheba's spear implanted in its side and laying on its left she noticed her arrow was broken into pieces what little remained of it was lodged in its eye that oozed blood from it and from where the spear was lodged.

"Looks like we have our dinner tonight. Your senses are sharper than I realized, Bathsheba." Chuckled Vikki in amazement. Her friend certainly had many perks about her. More than what she could have imagined for someone who was a humanoid lioness in a world such as this.

Bathsheba chuckled lowering her hand from her sore shoulder. "Never underestimate a Felidae, Love. We may look like cats but we're not common kittens. We have existed for ages and have hunted the fiercest and largest of beasts. Our senses are more honed than most would give us credit for. King Jarol and his people are the only humans that ever-shown respect and understanding for us."

"You speak so highly of him. He must be someone worth such admiration and trust." Admitted Vikki as she looked over their catch and pulled the spear of the dead dinosaur handing the spear back the lioness.

Bathsheba nodded. "Yes, he is. His compassion and generosity is rare among humans. Even more for royalty. Its what our alliance between our peoples all the more special. I can only hope for his safety and that of my son." Looking down she worried that her child may be thinking that he had lost everything. His parents and tribe all but slaughtered. She had to get back to him. To embrace her little cub and show him that it was him that kept her alive and that her strength comes from the one who she loves more than anything.

Vikki saw that her friend was going into despair. She put her hands on Bathsheba's arm gently stroking her fur. "Hey. He is okay. From everything you told me and what we discovered your son is alright. He's in the safest place he can be and protected by those willing to do what they can to safeguard all that are at that fortress. We'll make it and I would love to see your son personally. I bet he's cute and full of life and everything his parents are."

The Lioness looked at Vikki giving her an affectionate smile. Taking hold of her hand she purred lightly. "Thank you, Vikki. I would be honored to have my son in your arms the moment we make it there. He will love you. He's a playful, little one. Respectful and full of courage. Already full of fire and a good hunter like his father."

"And like his mother too." Added Vikki making her friend chuckle.

"I only want the best for him. It saddens me he had to have seen so much horror and feel great loss." Moaned Bathsheba taking a deep breath. This World had so much in it that survival is often a challenge but when a tyrannical witch came to power everything had changed for the worst.

"I understand you." Vikki nodded knowing full well that her father once said the same thing. All he wanted was for a world where his daughter could grow up in peace. But war was so constant that it withdrew any real form of happiness. Not even a smile in her presence at times that the troops nicknamed him "Happy Jack" a rather crude name for the man who helped orchestrate their victory over oppression, yet it still did not bring a smile on his face since they still were dealing with a lot after the war was over.

Bathsheba rotated her sore shoulder for a moment before looking at their catch. "Let's take this across this meadow and find a spot to begin cutting the organs and draining the blood out. If we are to make a good meal tonight we have much work to do."

"You got it. Ill find some vines so we can tie and pull it then we can hang it." Vikki said heading back into the jungle.

Bathsheba watched her go and smiled. "She has wits and tenacity. She may survive this world yet."

After a few minutes Vikki returned with adequate vines wrapped around her shoulders and arms. More than enough for their task. They tied the deceased dinosaur right after, Bathsheba disposed of the organs from it and hauled it across the meadow. It was quite heavy but the two of them working as a team made it simple though, Bathsheba was much stronger than, Vikki was, and the woman wondered if her friend was doing most of the work dragging it along.

Soon enough after they pulled the carcass through the meadow and into the forest across the way. When it appeared that sun was going to set it was time for them to make camp and carry on with the task of emptying the rest of the blood that remained within it.

Hanging the dinosaur by the neck the rest of the fluids eventually emptied out and, Bathsheba with the tip of her spear carved out much meat where, Vikki impaled the bits and pieces upon sticks she gathered and set a fire for them.

When the evening had come that had many pieces of meat roasting over the flames of the fire, Vikki made. The Heat from it kept the insects from bothering the two and any passing Dinosaur was frightened from the burning pit keeping them from coming any closer.

Vikki and Bathsheba ate more than they could have wished for. One after another cooked meat vanished between the hungry mouths of the human and the lioness that were so hungry from the days lack of feasting. This made up for such loss. Their stomachs were becoming quite full, and the last bit of cooked meat disappeared around the fire all that was left were the sticks they once remained on laying in a scattered pile. There was still much left around inside the corpse that hung just outside the vicinity of the camp fire but they were more than sustained now and should it remain there by morning they will have something to eat before their journey continues.

The Two friends sat around the fire moaning from the satisfaction of their day's hard work. Bathsheba however groaned as her sore shoulder still bothered her.

"Bathsheba?" Vikki called over to her feeling bad that her friend still was aching. "Why don't I help you with your shoulder?"

"Uh…sure. But what can you do?" Asked Bathsheba uncertain of how, Vikki would help though it was still kind of her to try anything. The Stone head had rammed her shoulder quite hard. Yet another mistake she had made for letting that happen.

"Why don't you lay on your stomach and let me help." Asked Vikki and, Bathsheba did what was asked. Laying on her front she rested with her arms crossed beneath her and, Vikki crawled over to her and placed her hands gently on both of, Bathsheba's shoulders and rubbed them soothingly.

Vikki kept her slow pace up pressing her hands down softly and moved them over the lioness's shoulders. It didn't take long for Bathsheba to start purring and her the ache in her shoulder began to dissipate.

"Wow this is marvelous, love." Purred the lioness. "What is this form you're doing?"

"Just a massage." Answered Vikki continuing to rub upon her friend keeping her shoulders in a slightly firm hold. "It helps relieve stress and soothes the body. I often did this with my boyfriend after he had returned from a battle."

"How lovely." Chuckled Bathsheba turning her head over to look at, Vikki. "This is really kind of you. I needed this. Your full of surprises."

Vikki giggled. "Well not as full of it as you. I was banished here not knowing what to expect and you are someone I never would have expected to see or meet at all."

"Well as it is said life is full of surprises." Laughed the lioness and once her shoulder no longer felt sore she stood up on her knee's turning around to, Vikki and embraced her.

"Thank you, love." She purred holding the woman close to her chest making, Vikki blush slightly as she was pulled far too close to her friends chest, but she welcomed the embrace.

"Happy help out." Smiled Vikki before the lioness shimmed to a nearby tree laying against it while holding Vikki close.

"Come love its very late now. The Moon is high, and we have much to do tomorrow." Bathsheba suggested before kicking some dirt towards the camp fire and extinguished it. Vikki still in the embrace of the lioness turned over laying against her with, Bathsheba's arms around her waist with her head resting on top of hers.

Vikki relaxed in, Bathsheba's gentle hold. Like before in the cave, she was full of warmth and comfort. She wished she was in the hold of her father or her boyfriend. Never again would she take them for granted or repulse on them due to their need of keeping her safe. Bathsheba in the little amount of time they have been together has shown so much that she is willing to do anything to help her just like the two men who meant more to her than she had ever given any of them credit for.

Laying back Vikki rested upon Bathsheba's chest feeling it rise and lower with her soft breathing. She was so comforting and didn't mind that her hands were wrapped around her belly.

"Good night, Bathsheba." Vikki yawned before shutting her eyes.

"Good night, Vikki. Pleasant dreams." Bathsheba replied softly before looking up into the dim light sky seeing the moon was crescent and lighting the land around them. "I will have you in my arms again, Sahar. I pray you hear my words. Your mother loves you very much."

Sighing the Lioness held Vikki close and soon allowed herself to fall asleep. Vikki overheard what she had said. It had to be so painful for her to not have her son. She knew her father had to feel the same way. She would help the lioness get back to her child and she would get back to her father too. Somehow, someway they both will reunite with their loved ones. And after making her silent promise Vikki fell asleep within the warm embrace of, Bathsheba and the crickets of the forest chirped about with a few low bellows of nearby brachiosaurus herd singing into the night.