The party was in full swing by the time Rachel showed up. The poor dimensionally displaced lioness tried to figure out why she stole the invite in the first place. Since coming to this world, which for now she designated as Terra Gamma, she hadn’t been able to find any type of employment and lived as a vagabond. She did what she could to survive of course, her mindset that of a rogue. Still, she had her charm and allure, but she found it easier to steal food and money as needed until she could afford basic necessities until her next dimensional shift.

Luckily, though the young lioness had made a few friends. She had new clothing, and a fresh shower. She looked nice in the blue tank top and jeans. It was an informal get together at a fox’s home, something called ‘game night’. Still, Rachel felt out of place in this new society. It wasn’t like at home where she could adventure all day, or go on a hunting expedition or other activities. She missed her family and friends. But she also cherished the friends that she did have. 

What a party it was! She had her first experience with something called teevee the other day but the ones showing what the people around them football still astonished her, especially given the size. She favored the team in black and gold, the men seemed bigger and hungrier for victory. Rachel didn’t stay at that TV for very long, she didn’t want to stay stuck to it.

She grabbed a plate of food, loving the way the triangular ‘nacho’ chips tasted. Rachel walked all over there house, anywhere there was commotion she was there as well. She saw the veedeeo games and many other lights and sounds that made her pine for home. 

“YEAH! BLOODY MASSACRE!”

That caused the young lioness’ ears to perk and she dashed over. Rachel’s hands were at her hips as though to draw a weapon. She expected to either put down a fight or stand up for a person who could not. What she saw though made her ears wilt and her anger rise a bit. Instead of a fight of the real variety, she saw four men at a table playing a three dimensional game. It looked like the battles of old for them, and of her world for her. 

“Fascinating isn’t it?”

She turned her head and looked. A vixen stood beside her, cup in hand. The hostess by the way she held herself. She had long dark, hair and stood with the grace of a mother  but Rachel could see the aura of a warrior underneath the cool, calm look. The lioness tilted her head. The vixen turned hers and smiled. 

“The game, I mean. We used to do such barbary on the battlefield and now it’s a child’s game done in a hologram. Personally, I think the technology is wonderful.”

The two lionesses shared a glance at one another before the hostess raised her paw and smiled.

“I own this house, one of the few luxuries I have obviously. And I’m throwing this party. Are you enjoying yourself, dear?”

The vixen winked, one hand holding a bottle of water. Rachel didn’t know what to say. She had stolen the invitation from the actual invitee. The lioness tried to remain calm and give any indication. The vixen smiled and patted her shoulder.

“It’s alright, dear. Just enjoy the party. I know what it’s like to be new.”

“Thank you!” 

Rachel blurted it out, putting her hands on her mouth quickly. She knew that she would sound foreign to others even as she knew her secret. The vixen turned to walk away, tail swishing in a happy manner. 

“All are welcome, no matter how they got in.”

The vixen said as she turned to a stunned Rachel, a wink and a nod as she faded into a crowd leaving the stunned lioness standing there in silence.