CHAPTER 4


Several days had passed since Panter and Rena had returned with the refugees.
Upon hearing the information they had gathered, she immediately called a meeting with all her elders and her seconds. Panter was pleased when Tera asked her to join them.

Tera motioned Panter off to the side while they waited for the others to show up.

Panter smiled to herself as Tera hand came to rest on her arm.

" Hey, I've missed being able to spend time with you, it seems that everything's been happening lately."

"I've missed it too"

Going with her first instinct Panter leaned closer and brushed her cheek against Tera's. Pulling away she saw the smile light up Tera's face.
Tera moved forward and melted into Panter, resting her head on Panters chest.
Panter nuzzled into Tera's hair contently. They remained that way quietly till voices and people entering the room pulled them from each other.

Looking over Panters eyes met an angry Rena's gaze. She followed Rena's progress to the table where she jerked out a chair and flung herself into it.

" I think their ready for you"

Tilting her head and gazing at Panter Tera replied, " Yes, but maybe I'm not"
Stepping back she turned and looked at all of them watching her. Smiles were intermixed with frowns.

Moving to the table she sat, asking with a wave for Panter to sit by her right side causing Rena to have to move over.

" I called you all here to figure out what we need to do in response to the scuffle a few days past."

Rena leaned forward "Scuffle?" " That was a all-out attack on us and the people we are trying to help, it was no scuffle"

Tera glared at Rena " Maybe your right, but I would rather think of it as that then believe my own cousin wants a war."

Panter frowned not wanting to think that way is a problem. If that happens you might as well roll over and show your belly. It was over. They win.

Raised voices pull her from her thoughts. Rena's face was red and looking at Tera it seemed she was close to boiling over. This couldn't continue, if it did there was no way they could work together and get things done. From the elders expressions they had the same thought.

Panter slapped her hand onto the table startling the two women from their heated debate.

" Tera I'm sorry, but on this point Rena is correct, you need to face that your cousin wants you taken care of".

Tera sank back into her seat " But I'm not doing anything to him"

Panter shook her head " But you are a threat, to him it seems it's all about power and with you around his is precarious at best" " He wants to eliminate the competition."

Tera rubbed her forehead. A headache was starting and from what it looked like it was going to be a long day. " O.k. so what are we going to do about it?"

After hours of debate and plans made and unmade it was decided that Tera, Panter, Helia, Eurayle and Alesia would go to Hawk's Peak to find out what was going on. Rena would stay here and with the help of the Elders complete the second half of the plan. Ending the meeting Tera and Panter went for a late dinner at the Tavern.

In the midst of their meal Panter spoke up " Can you tell me why you decided on the group we're taking?"

Tera grinned " Wondered when you were going to ask me that."
" It's simple really, you trust them and I know I can trust you."

Panter's eyes widened " That's why?"

" Yep that's why, you being who you are would have a better idea of who was trust worthy and who wasn't right?"

A corner of Panter's mouth quirked up " Yeah, you're right."

Tera nodded once " Good, now finish we have things to do"

* * *

Dust rose as hooves met the earth in a rumble. Occasionally a squeak from weathered tack joined it. The journey had officially begun.
As the sun beat down, sweat glistened on the rider's faces. But for a long period of time no words were spoken. Too many minds were dwelling on what was to come for any idle chatter.

At midday they broke for a meal. Ground tying the mounts they gathered under a large group of trees a short distance from a small stream. The coolness the shade provided was a welcome relief from the heat.

Panter and Tera claimed one and the others staked out another.

Panter took a mouthful of water from her water skin then voiced a thought that she had been mulling over. " Do we need to press this hard?" " Wouldn't it be better if we took our time a little"

Tera stopped chewing for a moment and swallowed " We don't want him to have too much time to plan" " Why do you say that?"

Panter raised her hand " I just meant that riding in this way draws attention, but if you traveled at night not only is it cooler but it provides cover."

Tera looked sky ward for a moment in self-exasperation " So they don't know we know, your right." " You tried to tell me that in the meeting too didn't you?"

" Well yes, but at least you know now right?"

Tera reached over and ruffled her hair " Right, so who gets to tell the others about it and unsaddle the horses till later?"
Panter looked over and catching Alesia's eye nodded. Alesia spoke briefly and the women rose and went to tend the horses.

" There, all taken care of" Panter said with a small glint in her eye.

Tera poked Panter in the side " You knew that was going to happen, didn't you?"
Panter jumped at the poke " I suspected it, so I just gave Alesia a heads up."

" So now what?"

" We take a nap, remember we travel at night now."

Panter stretched out comfortably, she was not surprised when Tera's head ended up on her shoulder. Wrapping her arm around her she settled down for a short sleep. One of the other women would take first watch.

It was two days into their traveling when setting up camp that Tera decided she needed to take care of a small problem.
Just off to the side she built a fire and put a small pot of water on to boil. Rummaging in her saddlebag she withdrew a pouch and a mortar and pestle of dark wood.

" Hey, what are you up to?" Panter seated herself nearby to watch her.

" I thought it might be a good idea if I disguised my looks a bit, light hair is kind of obvious around here." Tera pulled some herbs from the pouch and started grinding them into a fine powder.

"Really, why is that?"

Tera added more herbs and started grinding again. " Actually its more that my family line has more blonds than anything." " There are non-blonds of course but that's from marrying into other family lines, mostly for political reasons"

Panter ran her hand through her hair " Your family marries for only political reasons?"

"Mostly, my father didn't but he was one of very few people who married for love not power"

Tera poured the ground herbs into a small wooden bowl then turned toward Panter " Could you reach into my saddlebag and get the small red pouch out please?"

Panter sorted through the bags inside and withdrew the red one " Here you are"

"Thanks" Tera opened the bag and tossed a small palm full of leaves into the boiling water.
Panter eased closer " So what's the plan?"

" I'm going to dye my hair so I can blend in easier" Tera checked the water and gave it a quick stir, checking the color. It was almost ready.

Panter tried to picture Tera with a different hair color. It wasn't working.

"What are you going to use?"

Tera gave the pot another stir " I'm using henna leaves but since I don't want to be a redhead, I'm adding a dark tea to make it a shade of brown, it will take a few applications but it should work"

Tera took the pot off the fire and set it aside to cool. Now she needed to ask Panter to do something for her.

"Panter, I need you to do something for me" Tera palmed a small knife.

Panter gave her a curious look " Ok what do you want me to do?"

Extending the knife she replied, " Cut my hair"

Panter's mouth dropped open " Cut your hair!" She couldn't believe what her ears had heard "Why?"

Tera laughed " It's easier to color shorter, besides I don't have enough dye to do my hair this long". She ran her hand through her shoulder length hair.
" Don't worry it'll grow back"

Panter took the knife and eased behind Tera. She hesitated a moment " Are you sure?" Getting an affirmative she gently gathered the back of Tera's hair and started cutting. A few moments later Tera's hair was shorn close to her head with the back just reaching to the middle of her neck. It left her with bangs she could push back that would blend in with the rest of her hair.

"There all done" Panter was startled by how young Tera looked with her hair that way. You would never have known she was the same person.

" Great" Tera pulled the pot and bowl towards her and started adding them together. It made a fairly thick paste. Turning she passed it to Panter. " Here I'll need some help can you smooth this into my hair?" Then she remembered something. " Sorry but it tends to stain your hands a little while using it"

Taking the bowl Panter said " Sure". Scooping some onto her fingers she started running it throughout Tera's hair. " But I don't think it will matter if it stains my hands or not" A long pause ensued and then Tera started laughing.

" I didn't think of that," she admitted casting a glance at Panter's leg laying along side hers. She reached over and ran her fingers over the dark toned skin. She felt a small shiver pass over Panter's body as she did. Leaving her hand on Panters leg and closing her eyes she savored the feel of fingers caressing her scalp. She had to admit she was really "in like" with Panter. She wondered what her next move should be; she wanted this to be something serious.

"Almost done" Panter passed the rest of the dye into Tera's hair. Even with all this gunk in it she marveled how soft it was. "Ok, that's all of it". Panter felt warmth where Tera's hand was still on her leg. It felt good, almost had a feeling of rightness to it. She halted her movements for a brief moment. Someone was coming up behind her. She caught their scent and smiled, it was Alesia and with… she inhaled again… rabbit one of her favorites. She started when a finger tapped her knee.

" Something wrong?" Tera whispered.

" Oh, no it's just Alesia" Panter raised her voice " Trying to sneak up on me again Alesia, that better be for me."

Alesia came around Panter and extended two steaming trenchers " No I'm not and yes it is".

Tera took both trenchers " Thanks, and yes what is?"

Alesia smiled and ducked Panter's lazy swat as she left to wash her hands.
" The rabbit, so may I ask why you look like you've been mud wrestling?"

Tera grinned " I'm dying my hair a darker color, it'll need washed out soon".

Alesia shook her head " It looks good short from what I can see, so how are you and Panter getting along?" she asked arching an eyebrow suggestively.

Tera's eyes rounded " That obvious is it?"

" Not really, so how's it going?"

Tera set the trenchers down by her hip " What do you think of Panter, Alesia?"

Alesia quickly sobered " I think she is a gifted woman, anyone lucky enough to catch her will have someone that will always be by her side, she is very upfront and honest about how she feels about things"
" She may not be forthcoming but once she trusts you, you have a firm friend "

Tera's eyes glistened " That's how I think too". She cleared her throat as Panter appeared. When she settled by her side Tera passed over a trencher.

"Thanks" Panter dug in. She was famished. " Alesia grab yours and join us, Tell the others to get over here too, we're all friends"

Alesia took off and gathered everyone up and they moved over with Panter and Tera. Exchanging greetings they all settled into eating their dinner.

" Eww" Tera set her trencher aside she was done for now.

"What?" Panter looked over.

" My rabbits not done, it's sort of raw" Tera shuddered in distaste.

Alesia extended her hand " Here let me have it, I'll put it back on the fire".

Panter intercepted Tera's food "No I'll take it, here have mine"

Tera took Panter's food " Are you sure, it's really not done"

Panter tore the rabbit into pieces " Yeah, I like it better this way, I guess I'm just an animal at heart" Silence reined until she looked up and smirked at them. Then laughter echoed around the campsite.


* * *

Panter awoke early. Feeling a weight on her chest she opened her eyes and looked down her front. She smiled. Tera had moved in the night and once again ended up using her as a pillow. Panter looked over at the rest of the sleeping women. They had some time till they needed to rise to eat and get ready to continue their travel. They had reckoned about one more day till they reached the borders of Hawks Peak then the last leg of the journey would be more dangerous. They had been lucky so far and been able to avoid bounty hunters and the like since they traveled at dark and most had already bed down.

Sensing Tera awakening she shifted her gaze and watched her wake up. First Tera moaned and then the wiggling began. Panter bit her lip; having Tera doing that was distracting and also very pleasing at the same time. Trying to regain her mental and emotional balance Panter grasped Tera and lifted, moving her to the side so she could get up. Starting to walk away quietly Panter started when Tera spoke.

" Where are you going?"

Swinging around Panter squatted and brushed Tera's bangs back from her eyes.
" I'm going to hunt something down for breakfast or rather dinner" looking at the deepening dusk " want to join me?"

Tera's eyes lit up "Yes!" She had been joining her for the past few evenings and had enjoyed it immensity. She scrabbled up, swiftly rolled up their bedrolls and stacked them. Brushing her hand over her hair and grabbing a carry bag she met Panter by the edge of the thickening trees. " I need to let them know we're going"

Panter caught her hand " I already did, see"

Tera laughed seeing Alesia hand pop up and wave as she lay with her back to them. " Great, let's go" She tugged Panter into the trees.

Winding their way past trees they continued to hold hands. They walked in silence. Tera stopped and leaned back onto a nearby tree. She tugged on their joined hands pulling Panter closer.

" Panter, I need to say something that's been on my mind for a while"

Panter got apprehensive about what she might say. " Go ahead, I'm listening"

Tera noticed Panter start fidgeting and realized what was happening. " No"
She raised their clasped hands and pressed a kiss into the back of one of Panter's. "This is a good thing, at least I hope so"

Panter calmed " I think it might be"

Tera swallowed hard and continued " We've been getting close since you came into my life" Panter nodded and gestured for her to continue " I would like for us to get closer, to have a serious relationship"

Panter was stunned " You want a relationship with me?"

Tera got upset " You don't?"

Panter worked fast to change that assumption " No, I do but I wasn't sure you would."

"Why not, you have so much to offer?" Tera asked seriously.

Panter shook her head in self-doubt " I didn't think you would want a partner who was less then human."

Tera got mad " You think I'm like that, I love that part of you as much as I love the human in you." " I couldn't love one without the other and I wouldn't try, that is what makes you who you are" She stopped abruptly as she comprehended what she just said.

Panter pulled Tera into her arms " You love me?"

Tera hugged Panter as hard as she could. " Yes"

Panter looked down and met tear filled eyes. " Good, That makes it easy."

Wiping tears from her cheek Tera looked puzzled " Makes what easy?"

" For me to admit that I love you too."

Leaning down Panter gently laid her lips on Tera's and the surrounding noises faded as they kissed.

* * *

Alesia made sure that everything but the basic was packed and loaded onto the packhorse they had brought with them. They had decided that carrying extra weight on the riding horses was not a smart move. More weight equaled less speed. They need all that they could get.

Hearing rustling behind her she turned reaching for her sword. She relaxed upon seeing Tera emerge from the trees.

" Hey, good hunting?" Alesia inquired.

Tera nodded and raised a finger asking her to hold a moment; She looked into the trees and beckoned. When nothing happened she walked back into the trees.

Alesia wondered what was going on.

A few minutes later Tera reemerged and turning to the trees beckoned again.

Alesia stiffened in shock as a large black cat emerged. It was huge.

The panther walked up to Tera and rubbed against her legs. Tera laughed and rubbed behind its ears. The cat closed its eye's in bliss at the scratching.

Then Alesia got a big clue " That's Panter isn't it?"
Tera grinned and nodded " Sure is"

Alesia was awed " I knew she was gifted but I didn't think it was like this"

She wanted to approach but hesitated " Can I come nearer?"

Tera looked at the cat and Alesia could swear it was laughing as it opened its mouth in a large yawn.

Tera motioned her over " Sure, It's still Panter she knows you're her friend."

Alesia walked over and stilled when the panther looked over at her. Sniffing the air panther moved closer. She felt whiskers brushed her right hand and then the wet swipe of a tongue. Looking down Alesia met golden eyes watching her. Smiling she rubbed the large head even with her waist. She laughed as the panther leaned against her legs purring.

Hearing gasps Alesia glanced to the side, it was Helia and Eurayle.

Alesia waved at them " Its o.k."

" But what… how…. where did that come from?" Helia asked pointed at the cat.

Tera approached and the panther moved to sit at her feet, watching them.

" That, is Panter" Tera stated.

Shock spread over Helia and Eurayle's faces.

" That's Panter, really?" Eurayle questioned.

" Sure is" Alesia replied.

Helia and Eurayle's eyes met then looked at the panther. Golden eyes met brown and gray. They smiled.

"Cool" Helia stated. Eurayle agreed with a nod.

Eurayle paused and then asked, " Do you think we can…pet her?"

The panther got up and padded over. They both gently ran their hand over it's head and back. They brightened when a deep purr rumbled in the cat's chest.

Alesia turned to Tera " What made her change, is she going to change back when we depart?"

Tera felt fur brush her legs " She changes at will and she felt like she needed too stretch her legs a bit, after awhile she gets edgy and this is a way of reliving that."
" Besides being part of who she really is"

The women took it as a normal statement and started on getting a meal together.

They needed to leave soon.

Tera helped out, aware of eyes following her every move. Anytime she looked over Panter was watching. It made her feel safe. Everything was great in her life…. except for the problem with her cousin. But she had a feeling with Panter by her side it would be a problem that won't be one long.


Continued...