The Hybrid

The Bread of Knowledge

The Bread of Knowledge

"My name is Lief by the way," The lion said, taking Raven's arm and wrapping it around his shoulders. He had to bend low to her height. "What is yours?"

"...Raven," She said emotionlessly.

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Raven. And what kind of animal are you?" Lief asked.

"I'm a... human."

"Hmm, I'm afraid I don't know what kind of animal that is," the lion said. "Hmm, Raven? Do you mind if I carry you, it will probably be better for my back since you're... ah... small in stature." Raven narrowed her eyes at the lion, but she had to agree. The height difference was really affecting his back.

"Fine," Raven begrudgingly said. Raven's eyes jumped open when she was scooped up by the lion. She never knew that lions' fur could be this soft and warm. She took the chance to examine the marking on his chest. Red paint symmetrically funneling down to his lower abdominal from his shoulders. "Thank you," She muttered quite stubbornly. Lief smirked knowingly.

"You remind me of my wife. She doesn't like to be picked up as well," Lief retold. "Where are you from if I may ask?"

"Another... world."

"Oh, a person from the cosmos beyond. Well, I am truly humbled and honored to be in your presence," Lief respectfully answered. Raven stared at him.

"What time period am I in?" Raven asked herself as they neared a small mud hut. This threw Raven off for a loop. Lions usually stay in groups. Why were this lion and his wife alone?

"Honey! We have a guest!" Lief called his wife as he entered the open doorway.

"Oh! Lief! You should have told me first! I could have cooked more. Now, what am I going to serve them?!" The wife complained from a different room in the house. Lief chuckled.

"Then what do I smell that's so delightful?" Lief asked.

"I baked some bread for you when you came back from your patrol. Now I have to make extra," The wife cried in a highly worried voice. The female lion finally came out. She had two red lines going straight down her forehead to her eyes and down her cheeks. Her chest was wrapped with a green cloth that matched her skirt. A colorful rope of blue, pink, and white colors wrapped around her skirt. The wife jumped with joy seeing Raven.

"Oh! It's so good to see you! I'm sorry that I didn't make enough food, I hope you'll be satisfied with what we have," The lioness frantically bowed.

"It's okay," Raven stated, raising her hand in hope to calm the excitable woman.

"Oh, where are my manners? I'm Ada, wife of Lief. What is your name?" the lioness asked.

"Raven."

"Oh! But... you don't look like a raven," Ada commented naively. Lief laughed.

"You'll have to excuse my wife. She can be a bit sporadic when she's excited," Lief smiled, walking over to his wife and kissing her on the head, making her hum in delight. "But I love her all the same." Raven winced at the reminder of pain on her leg.

"Oh dear, you're hurt. Let's get you healed up," The shorter female lion walked Raven over to a mat on the floor right next to a low window looking outside. Raven peered out. No sign of other animals or people for miles. "And there, you should feel better after a few days," said Ada, fixing her foot up in a matter of seconds.

"Um... thanks."

"Please stay for dinner. I just made some of the freshest bread you'll ever get," Ada perked up cheerfully. Raven sat down at the table across from Lief while Ada brought the food. It was a mix of steamed vegetables, bread, and fruits. As Lief began eating, Raven carefully nibbled on bits and pieces.