Charlie followed her annoyed captor out of the room. The small house was lined with wooden walls decorated with painted paw prints of different sizes. Sun glared off the small windows to provide light for the hallway. Once they entered a large room with couches and a little table, Charlie gasped.
A beautiful, busty woman sprawled out in the couch and flipped through a small book. The flowing brown hair framed her nicely and was the only covering on her otherwise sleek, fur-lined body. Charlie thought she looked like a model wearing a furry bodysuit. Bright blue, feline eyes happily looked up to her. Unlike Davon, she was much more human than lioness.
“Hello! I’m happy you’re awake. I see my son has gotten you some coverings. Did you require that?”
“Yes. You must be Davon’s mom?”
“Davonathan, yes,” The woman narrowed her eyes at the lion man, “I see he’s already trying to convince you to call him that silly nickname.”
“Mom, I go by Davon now!” He crossed his arms, “Why are you in your visage form?”
“Given the screaming, I assumed our guest may have been terrified of your appearance,” The woman smiled, “Please, excuse my son. I hope he at least didn’t lock you in the time out kennel.”
“Oh, he did,” She laughed, “I have to say, I have no idea where I am. But, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Charlotte. My friends call me Charlie.”
“A pleasure to meet you. My name is Navara. May I dare assume we are friends?” She smiled brightly, “If so, you may call me Navi.”
“Mother—!”
“Please, come sit. Son, get our guest something to eat and drink,” The woman waved a hand, “Can you not see she’s starving?”
Charlie’s stomach growled in agreement.
“Bring some of the human food we save for the merchants,” She smiled, “She and I have much to discuss.”
“I don’t think it is wise to –”
“If she is the ward of one of our cousins, then we will treat her as such,” Navi narrowed her crystal blue eyes at her son, “Now, food and water for the lady.”
“Yes, Mother,” He frowned.
Navi sat her book down on the coffee table and motioned for Charlie to join her on the couch. She sat down and placed her hands in her lap. The doting mother looked at the different tattoos on her with a concerned face.
“I apologize. I’m sure you can feel my silent investigation spell, but I cannot tell anything about you. Will you indulge me by answering a few questions?”
“Spell?” Charlie’s face twitched.
“Yes. I am blessed by the gods with some magical talents. It’s very difficult to—”
“Wait. Magic is real here?”
“Yes…?” She furrowed her brow, “I’m not sure why you wouldn’t know that.”
She took a deep breath, “I feel like I’m missing something.”
“As am I.”
Charlie rubbed her temples and motioned to the woman.
“Okay, last night I was drunk. I don’t remember exactly what happened, but I just woke up in a cage in your son’s room. I’m as lost as ever.”
“Let’s start off with the basics,” Navi nodded, “Where are you from?”
“Born in a small town in Arkansas. Moved around a bit before I landed in a suburb outside of Detroit.”
“I have never heard of that place,” She placed her clawed hands over her face and whimsically repeated the words, “Arkansas. Detroit. Fascinating. Is that in the human territories of Sarorr?”
Charlie felt like they would get nowhere just speaking. She needed something tangible to compare what she knew to.
“Miss Navi, I would love it if you could show me a map. I think it’d clear up a lot for me.”
“Of course. Follow me to my office.”
The humanoid Leonie escorted her through the house again. They passed a few small doors no bigger than Charlie’s hips until they reached an archway into a sunny room. She gasped as the floral decorations abundantly covered most of the glass.
“This is beautiful! I always wanted a greenhouse.”
“I am a priestess of a lesser water goddess. It is my duty to provide life to our oasis,” Navi’s smile showed her enlarged canines, “I take great joy in caring for plants.”
Charlie held a pink-purple leaf between her fingers and felt the silky plant. Flowers in all shades of colors sprouted from everywhere. Crawling vines weaved across the glass and held hanging baskets in place.
“Priestess of a lesser water goddess?” She raised an eyebrow.
“I’m honored to be one, especially here in our oasis,” Navara pulled out a large roll of paper and moved to a nearby table, “Here we are.”
As she rolled out the map, Charlie realized her worst fears had come true. Nothing about the map made sense. There were no Americas. No Asia or Europe. What she saw was a completely different world. The left most landmass looked like a shark tooth. The bottom most reminded her of a more egg-shaped Australia. The largest landmass looked like a ran over rabbit with large lakes of water throughout.
> Map acquired. Location known: Ferigor Dessert, Healing Oasis. See location on Map?
“I—I think—” Charlie’s hand flew over her mouth as she turned.
She grabbed an empty pot and lost her stomach contents. Navi patted her back as she vomited a second time. She sat on the ground and her mind swirled in chaotic panic. Her breaths shallowed as she tried to grasp her situation.
“Are you okay?”
“No,” She laughed sarcastically, “No. I think I’m far from okay.”
“Are you far from your pride?” The motherly woman grabbed a strand of string to tie Charlie’s hair back, “Is that making you nervous?”
“You could say that,” She rubbed her face.
“Let’s take a few deep breaths,” Navi hand her a plant, “Put your face in this and take in the smell.”
She did as instructed, and the soothing aroma of mint filled her lungs. Though, this wasn’t a mint plant. It was a red, barbed leaf monstrosity that almost moved on its own to tickle her nose. After she sneezed, she felt much better.
“What is this?” She looked up to the doting lioness.
> Nauseamatic (noun): A type of desert plant commonly grown near springs. This breed of succulent is used to settle any adverse nauseous reactions.
“It helps sooth upset stomachs,” Navara nodded, “Now, let’s talk about what’s bothering you. I have a feeling I may know what it is.”
“I—I—” Charlie shook as she sat on the ground.
“You’re not from around here, are you?” She raised an eyebrow, “Do you know how to get home?”
“No. I have no idea.”
“I see,” She nodded, “Well, there’s not much we can do about that right now. Let’s get you fed, watered, and prepared to meet my goddess. She’ll know what to do.”
“Miss Navi, can I hug you? I need a mom at the moment.”
The sleek, sandy lioness wrapped her arms around the shaky woman and hugged her tightly. The furry hands brushed her tangled hair as the lioness comforted her.
“As long as you’re here, I’ll be your guardian,” A soothing purr started in her chest, “There’s no need to worry. We’ll figure out what’s wrong and help you find your pride.”
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Charlie felt a warm sense of relief wash over her. She leaned her head on the woman’s shoulder and pushed the plant back in her face. Davon walked into the sunroom and gave them both a surprised look.
“Am I—”
“Davonathan, please set the food on my desk.”
“Mother, do you think it’s wise to –”
“I’m not arguing with you right now. I’m taking her to see the goddess. If you don’t want to come, then stay here with your siblings,” She growled.
Charlie reached for the bread and glass of water on the table. She nibbled and sipped mindlessly as the two spoke. The blue translucent array appeared again. She looked over the odd map and the cheerful robot in her mind spoke.
> Quest started: Exploring the Oasis.
>
> Exploring the Oasis: You have awoken in the Healing Oasis of the Ferigor Desert. Priestess Navara and her son will show you around their home.
>
> Main Objective: Meet the spring’s lesser water goddess.
>
> Lesser Objective: Purchase supplies
>
> Reward: Knowledge, Friendship, and Experience
“That’s helpful,” Charlie mumbled, “What do I need to know before we leave?”
“It will be a short walk,” He said, “We will cut through the springs to help deal with your brightness.”
“You mean my sunburn?”
“Can we discuss some of your attributes before we meet with the goddess?” Navi pulled out a quill and piece of paper, “I want to understand as much as possible before we speak with her.”
“Okay, ask me any questions.”
“Would you mind if I cast a spell on you?”
“Will it hurt?” Charlie studied the lioness.
“Only if you fight against it.”
“Sure. Why not?”
The lioness held out a hand and said simply, “Identify.”
Charlie blinked as an odd chill ran across her. It wasn’t as terrifying as the face the lioness made.
“Now, the spell,” Navi’s crystal blue eyes glowed a sickly white and she raised a hand, “By the light of the sun and shadow of the moon, I compel you to speak only truth!”
A white light swirled around the confused woman and the increasing familiar chime toned in. The blue screen appeared again with large exclamation points as if to warn her of the circumstances.
> Status altered by Spell of Truth.
>
> Spell of Truth: Under the effects of this spell, you will only be able to tell the truth without an immense pain affecting your health, stamina, and mana. The caster of this spell can release it at any time. Average duration: one hour.
“What is your name?” Navara watched her.
“Charlotte, but my friends call me Charlie,” She winced as a slight burning sensation stabbed through her, “Charlotte Leah Watkins.”
“What is your race?”
“Human—” She screamed as it felt like she was being ripped apart by the rapidly swirling white light.
> Race: Terrestrial Anomaly
“Terrestrial Anomaly,” She spat blood from her mouth, “I don’t understand why it doesn’t say human.”
Davon’s eyes grew wide, “What?”
“It?” Navi asked, “Explain.”
“There’s this thing in my head that explains stuff,” She pointed to the map, “It’s why I wanted to see that.”
“Interesting. What are your abilities?”
“I don’t know.”
She blinked, “You don’t even—”
“It just says error or unknown,” Charlie grunted, “Can I be done now?”
“Final question, the attunements on your skin, do you not know what they mean?” Davon asked, “How do you not know what your powers are if—”
“They’re just tattoos. Artwork. I have two,” She shivered as the spell burned her, “The lion on my left shoulder and the flowers on my right hip. Nothing magical.”
“I release my spell,” Navi spoke and the white light evaporated.
> Spell of Truth released.
Charlie dropped to her knees and vomited again. The lioness dropped to her side and patted her back.
“I’m sorry, Charlie,” The woman whispered, “I hoped it wouldn’t hurt too much.”
“I just need a moment,” She waved, “I need something in my stomach. I’m too hung over for this right now.”
“Would you like to get food from the market before we meet the goddess?” Navi grinned, “My treat for being so relaxed about the situation.”
“Relaxed? I’m three minutes shy of a panic attack,” She laughed airlessly, “But, yeah. Food would be nice. Let’s do that.”
“Son, grab your siblings. We’re going to the market!” She clapped, “It will be nice to get out of the house. Plus, people have been asking about Charlie all morning.”
She remembered that most of whatever village she was in saw her completely naked. Davon chuckled at how her face immediately fell.
“You’re fine, furless. Nobody cares about nudity here.”
Charlie sighed deeply, “You keep saying that, yet I still care.”
“I will have to drop my visage form,” Navi stood, “I’ll wear something as well, so you stand out less.”
“Thank you. You’re so sweet, Miss Navi.”
“Anything. You know,” The humanoid Leonie blushed lightly, “You don’t need to call me Miss Navi. Just Navi is fine.”
“I could never disrespect you like that,” Charlie grinned.
> Passive ability unlocked: Southern Charm
>
> Southern Charm: You have the uncanny ability to insight hospitable feelings from those around you. All under the effects of this passive ability will be friendlier towards you.
>
> Ability ends if you attack, steal, or otherwise anger the target.
“Oh, neat. I unlocked an ability!”
“Really? What?”
“Southern Charm,” Charlie shrugged, “Something I always figured I had.”
“I’m assuming it has something to do with your delightful personality,” Davon rolled his eyes.
“Davonathan! Be nice. She is a guest,” His mother growled, “Now, go get your siblings ready.”
He grunted and walked from the sunroom. Charlie looked back at the map and tried to take in her bewilderment. She heard a swishing sound and saw the lioness standing behind her in her Leonie form.
She was as tall as Davon, without a mane. Her fur was silkier and appeared healthier than her son’s. Her piercing blue eyes examined Charlie as the woman took in her natural form.
“Are you still scared of Leonies?”
“No. I mean, I never saw one and Davon was just plain terrifying after I woke up in a locked cage,” She laughed nervously, “How did you get the other form?”
“I was blessed with a visage form after I was gifted magic.”
“How did you get magic?”
“There are three different ways to get magic in this world,” Navi rolled up the map and put it away, “You are born with it, blessed with it, or gain it through attunements.”
“Attunements?”
“Some gods hold trials that grant blessings. Many appear as your… tattoos?... do on your skin,” Her clawed hand motioned, “Though, it may suit you to claim non-combative power. If I could not identify you, then others won’t be able to either and you will appear far more powerful.”
“So, lie about it? Can do.”
“You appear very human but with a certain twist most wouldn’t be able to expect. You can blame your attunements for that.”
The lioness played with her whiskers and cleaned her face. Charlie looked around the small garden room and through the bare spots of windows to an ocean of sand.
“Miss Navi,” She raised an eyebrow, “If you’re a water goddess priestess—”
“Head priestess of a lesser water goddess, yes—”
“Okay… why out here in the desert? Shouldn’t you be somewhere more… tropical?”
“This area is the hub of the desert because of the Healing Oasis,” She chuckled, “Besides, I am from these parts. After I finished my schooling, I returned willingly to rejoin my pride.”
“You went to school to be a priestess? That’s a thing?”
“Yes. As did my sisters, my mother, my mother’s mother, and her mother before her. Each one of the lionesses in my family has branched far from Ferigor in hopes of enlightenment and expanding the Leonie influence,” Navi sighed, “In all honesty, I thought I would be one of Nature’s priestesses.”
Charlie blinked, “Are you—”
“Oh, heavens no! I am not disappointed at all!” She raised her hands defensively, “You will, well, you’ll see what I mean when you meet our goddess.”
“Did you not get to pick?”
“I just enjoy plants. Nature does not thrive out here like it does elsewhere,” Her clawed hand plucked a flower from an overhanging vine, “My people needed a stronger connection to the springs and underground lake. Once we get there, you will see what a priestess can truly do.”
“I look forward to it,” She smiled cheerfully, “You’ve got a lovely little room here, is all.”
A cacophony of screeches and roars raced down the hallway at them. Four young cubs burst into the room and launched themselves at Navara. The lioness laughed and eagerly wrestled her young cubs. All of them continuously interrupted each other to get the most attention.
“Davonathan said—”
“We heard that—”
“Mom! Is it true—”
“When do we—”
The mother simply had to whistle loudly, and the rowdy cubs took a step back. They all looked at Charlie with wide eyes and amazement.”
“I’m terribly sorry. We don’t get much of your kind in the village. It’s mostly Leonies or the little folk. It’s been a while since these tots have apparently used their manners,” She clapped, “Everyone, this is Miss Charlie. She will be staying with us for a little while. I expect each one of you to be on your best behavior. Am I understood?”
A chorus of disappointed “Yes Mommy” echoed from each cub.
Charlie knelt down to be at eye height with each cub. They were adorably cute and fuzzy, just like kittens. The only difference being the large teeth, creepy human eyes, and being the size of toddlers. She tried to figure out any way to distinguish between the four of them but saw nothing.
Charlie held a hand to each and waited for them to shake it, “Aren’t you all so respectable and sweet? I know it’s exciting to meet a new friend. Can you tell me your names?”
“Rogally!”
“Timben!”
“Darrish!”
“Yenner!”
“I’ll have to get you some name tags, so I remember them all,” She chuckled, “I do apologize if I mix you up once or twice. I’m not so good with names.”
“Can you not identify us by our scents?” Rogally titled her head.
“Humans don’t work like that,” Navi cut in, “Now, what do we say to guests?”
Each of the cubs bowed or curtsied in a way she found too cute. Charlie just wanted to pick up the little cubs and squeeze them.
“Welcome to our home, honored guest!”
She squealed and looked to Navara, “I have a question and I hope it doesn’t come off as rude.”
“Children, each of you will join us shopping today. I’ll buy you a toy if you are on your best behavior. Now, go get some bags for Miss Charlie while we finish talking.”
“But Davonathan said—”
“Run along now, the adults are talking.”
She waited until the door closed before she turned back to the giddily bouncing woman.
“What is your question?”
“First, your children are so cute,” She cleared her throat, “Second, here I’m from we have some similar creatures to you all –only on a much smaller scale we call cat. We pet them. Is that something that you guys…?”
Navi laughed, “Yes. Yes. We do pet each other to show affection. Though, it’s more grooming for the little ones and mating behavior between adults.”
“So, I’m just not going to pet them then. Got it.”
“It would be awkward, yes. Perhaps my son wouldn’t mind if you—”
“Mother!” Davon threw the door open, “We don’t even know her! Don’t offer me up like that to the woman.”
Charlie burst into a fit of giggles, “No, no. He’s right. I will just keep all thoughts of petting to myself.”
He sighed, “The rug rats are getting baskets and bags. Are you two about ready to go?”
“I am,” She nodded.
“As am I. We will stop by the temple last to get Charlie some money until she can get a job. She’ll stay with us until she’s got her path forward set.”
“I didn’t even think about that,” Charlie groaned, “What can I even do around here?”
“Well… what was your job back where you are from?”
“I’m a bartender.”
“Hmm. Well, we don’t have much alcohol around here, but Davonathan might know more about that,” His mother raised an eyebrow, “People closer to his age are more about that stuff. He might know someone to help you.”
“Nobody I know would hire a human. Can she even drink the same stuff we can?”
“I’m willing to try it out!”