Conquest Horizon

Bakari half learned outside the door of the medical bay, and when Zaki came out of it, Bakari gave a glance and ask, “so… she good?” Half wondering how the Lioness was holding up. Mostly since he was the one asked to carry her pretty much there. (End)

Letting out a breath, she rub her forehead as she soon look to him and said. “She needed stitches, had to work fast as she had a bit of a blood loss.” then let out a relief breath. “But she’ll recover. We just need to get livestock for her to replenish her blood and let her stay bedrest for a few days at best.” She however frown and told. “The Stripes however, the female need to be bedridden for a week, I had to bind a few wounds from her, the male with the leg need to rest and not move it for a good week as well. The only one that was lucky is one named Bolts, he just need to have a harness for his arm for a day or two.”

She shook her head and said. “But its good that you brought them in Bakari, they did need medical attention, especially the Lioness.” (done)

“Yeah, sure.” Bakari half dismissed, looking awkwardly to the side some before asking, “think there’s enough room there, or do you need me to move’em or something?” And part of Zaki almost wanted to smile. If it wasn’t for Bina talking to her days before, she might of just taken Bakari for being rude as always. But in this case… (End)

Such a worrier. thought Zaki as she gently shook her head and assure. “We have enough space, thank small miracles for there to be space in the medical bay for multiple patients. And it would be best if they aren’t moved while they recovered.” going on to say as she tap her chin in thought. “Really all I’m concern of is feeding the Lioness, since we don’t have livestocks and the only one we do really have are the rats Phobia stored in a separate room. I doubt that's going to be enough to feed and help recover the Lioness blood.” (done)

Bakari puffed out to that and said, “yeah… I know what you’re talkin’ about.” Which had her curious, though that was before she recalled that besides Asha? There were also apparently two other Lioness’s back in his home. A mother and her cub-- though Zaki didn’t know ow old the cub was? She knew that the two adults would of demanded a good amount of meats.

Bakari let out a huff and seemed to think to himself and scratch his head. “Look, I… might know a few ways to find something that can keep her good and fed, ya know?” Trying to not seem too nice about it and pass it off with, “I mean, I’m kinda board. I could go out in the desert and maybe find some big animal she could have. I’m pretty fast and the ship ain’t going anywhere for the day, so….” (End)

Giving a low smile, Zaki nod and said. “Thank you Bakari, anything would do and be very appreciated.” (done)

“Yeah, whatever.” He brushed off as quick as possible and nearly jogging down the hall to do his new task. (end)

Zaki shook her head, turning to walk in to see the female ‘Hiss’ sleeping still, Ticky was slightly relaxing, but she noticed the Striped was already trying to do something with his hands with a few pieces of papers. She sigh to that, as the zebra look to see chiku was out of it, sleeping off from the blood loss and sedatives the zebra had to use to stitch the Lioness wounds up.

She look to the last, as Bolts was awake and was looking around in thought, the healer move and asked in the Isles tongue. “~Is there anything you need of now, Bolts?~” seeing him glance as he gave a quick shake of his head as he replied.

“~No thank you, healer. My mind is just...thinking on things...Especially on the E-, Phobia.~” correcting his word as Zaki noticed the quick change, but didn’t say much on it. She although wonder on why he changed it from Exiled as she soon asked.

“~I hope you don’t mind, but I’m curious on why three Stripes and a Bloodmane is out in Arabia? Normally you all stay in the Isles.~”

Ticky glance from his place as he respond. “~answers.~” gaining her attention as he told on. “~He did alot of things wrong, to us, the Clan-- everyone in the Isles. We...we want to know why.~” Zaki nod as she hum abit, it was strange for these three to just...go after the ‘exiled’ and want answers. Normally they would want him to die...but she figure it was possibly because of Mari, that they decided to get answers instead of death.(Done)

While she moved to get checking on Ticky a bit more, she was distracted at the knocking of the door. So, she walked over and opened it, finding Bina standing there in her usual cloths-- mostly healed, bare a few of the more stubborn lashes from her whipping. Something that still made Zaki shocked, recalling that they used to be larger and noticeable. The Zebra figured they would be gone in a day or so and make it seem like the girl never was harmed.

With a smile, Bina asked, “Zaki, do you…” then paused and noticed those inside. “Oh, uh… never mind. I didn’t mean to get in the way if your busy.” (end)

Shaking her head, she assured. “No, no, its fine. I’m just checking up these lot and I should be done.” then she motioned bina to a doorway to show of another room. “You can wait for me in there if you want, it's more private and keep eavesdroppers away.” then look back to Ticky as she told to him. “~Just stay bed-ridden for a week, we need this leg to be properly mended and healed.~”

Seeing him nod, she then turn and trotted to the private room as she told to Bina. “Come on Bina, we can catch up in here.” (done)

Bina gave a slow nod, glancing back to the medical bay before asking, “what happened? I was going to ask a few things, like if you saw Bakari… but how is there a Lioness and three striped here?” Apparently having been out of the loop of what had happened. (End)

“Well Bakari volunteer himself to go out and find some food for the Lioness, who is Chiku from what the Stripes mentioned.” started Zaki. “As for who they are, the female is Hiss, the one with the injured leg is Ticky, and the last is Bolts. All of them seem to be from a crash ship from the Gazelles, they were attacked by pirates while moving in Arabia.” she frown as she told. “The Stripes seem to...want to talk to Phobia.” going on to admit. “Which is odd itself, since from what I could tell, all the Isles hated Phobia to a extent, or want justice for his crimes.” (done)

Bina frowned too and half thought to that. But, she relented on her thoughts and admitted, “I don’t know too much about striped. And what little my brother and I do know about the isles? Is just from running past it or sailing by it. We’ve only really gone to into the mainland of Northern part only once-- as a sort of vacation for the ship we lived on because Asha offered us some time of stay in her Pride’s home.” (end)

“Admitally I don’t know much either.” admit Zaki as she said. “But from what Nibbles told me? They are similar to Kitsune, but there’s a couple of key differences that separate them from the Kitsunes. And from what I could understand from...the other's? Phobia seem to broken Striped laws, which is you can’t steal from...well, friends, family, and Clan, or allies.” then shook her head as she further admit. “All I know is that it has to do with the supplies on the ship in my medical ward, the golems, and the ship. At best? Phobia probably stolen much metals to craft all of this.” (done)

Nodding some to this, Bina slowly pressed her lips together and said, “if you’re busy with making sure they’re alright, I can come back later, Zaki. Or, if you need some, I could help.” Half rubbing her arm to glance away and admit. “I really can’t do as much as I used to. I… it’s not easy not having my stone with me. Bakari hates it and… I do too, feeling so weak and… well, powerless I guess.” (end)

“Its alright.” assured Zaki, trotting up to Bina as she said. “Really, those lot just need rest, thats all they do need for now.” then glance up to ask. “If you want, we could just talk, there won’t be much for me to do in the mean time, even more as they’ll just stay bedridden till I say they’re done.” (done)

Slowly nodding, Bina let out a breath. “I wanted to ask about suggestions about… anything you could tell me about spiritual balancing.” Which was almost odd to hear from how Bina seemed tense over saying it. “Bakari and I… we’ve been talking about our stones and maybe switching them around again. We’re… nervous about it, you saw what started to happen-- and how things got even after we left.” And Zaki could recall it. Things just got a little too weird for her. “Well… W-we’re thinking of doing that, but… but we.. we don’t want to cause any disasters when we do. And we don’t want to cause issues back home either…” (end)

Humming, Zaki subtly glance and noticed Nibbles wasn’t around, which was...strange if she was honest. But from what she recall the Spirit had to deliver the papers to Camous and chat up with her in Baltimare. Looking back to Bina, she thought on it more as she said. “Well, spiritual balancing is easy to do on paper, but hard to try in practice.” Moving to grab a mat, Zaki pull it out to lay on the ground, then move to grab another mat to have it parallel to the first mat.

Sitting on the second mat in a strange fashion of her hindlegs crossing, she motioned to the first mat as she said. “Sit down any way you feel comfortable, Bina.” (done)

Looking down, Bina sat herself down, crossing her legs, though they seemed to be more tightly held together and her arms placed to either side of her. She tapped her fingers a bit to one side, obviously a little tense and a little wound up. Possibly because she was doing this on her own. It made Zaki onder why Bina was asking about it some, and not include her brother too much. (End)

“Before we do anything? We need to ease our body and minds.” spoke Zaki in a calming tone as she took in a low breath. “Breath in through the mouth,” then exhale out from her nose. “Exhale from the nose. Try to do it slow and gentle, Bina.” using basic practiced she had to go through when she was younger and starting out as a healer and shamaness. (done)

Bina sighed, but tried to relax and do as instructed. And she did fairly well, following each breath in and and in a steady pace. But there was still a slight tension, even if the girl had relaxed a bit. (End)

“Try to not focus on what is bothering your mind,” spoke the zebra as she went onto ‘wisewomen’ mode as she continue on. “Focus on the the breathing, focus on your breath as you inhale and exhale. Focus on the gentle intake of the air coming in and slowly coming out.” then told. “Close your eyes and focus on the breathing, feel the air filling your lungs deep with the touch of life, and slowly exhale as your body is renewed once more with the air.” (done)

Bina closed her eyes and once more began to do as told, breaths were drawn in and out as steady as possible and eyes closed. Zaki felt the need to peek an eye open during the slow exercise and just tell that Bina was still nagged by something. And while her senses were only so fine, Zaki relaxed and just tried to feel Bina’s person. What she felt made her shiver.

Bina still had that aura that was better known as ‘Yin’ energy, but everything about it felt so… wrong. Devoid wasn’t the term, but it felt finicky, unstable and just suppressed. Almost nasty in a sense of speaking. Like a stagnated stream that had gotten clogged up with algae and debri. (end)

Its like theres too much holding her back. It might explain why she’s still feeling nagged, part of her is missing and she can’t fully be ‘stable’ with so much gone from her. thought Zaki as she soon spoke as the zebra close her eyes. “Just keep focusing for now on the breathing, Bina.” while she was internally thinking there wasn’t much she could do until Bina stone was brought back, as while this was doing good?

As long as Bina felt ‘suppressed’? Then Zaki couldn’t really help her much….or at least with things are for now. (done)

With the ship again in transit, most knew that they were nearly a day away from the next destination. Though those in the medical bay had little knowledge to this. More stuck in their beds or trying to recover properly. Zaki had gone off to get herself something, and the three stripes and one napping Lioness, stayed in place.

Though with a yawn, Chiku lifted her head to regard each of the striped. Two of which looked fidgety, possibly for being bedridden for so long. She half smiled and said, “you too look like you’re about to bounce around the walls.” A slight smirk on her lips. “I wish I had a bit of your energy right now.” Just feeling downright tired. (end)

Ticky snort as he said. “Wish we could actually walk!” then snort as he was working on a ‘rubix’ cube Zaki gave to him to ‘pass the time’ as she didn’t want him to mess with more papers or make them into paper bombs or something close to it as he move the sides around. “But no, we both gotta stay, healers orders.”

Bolts shook his head, glancing to Hiss as she was sleeping still, recovering from the hit on her head and her own wounds, he look back to Chiku as he asked. “How are you? You got big wounds from pirates.” (Done)

Sighing and laying her head down, Chiku told, “a little achy, but I’m just mostly tired. And feeling exhausted.” Then puffed out. “I swear, I would of been fine if the ship didn’t crash when it did. Only reason I got that one gash on my side.” then admitted, “the other was was when one got a lucky shot.” With a minor roll of her eyes, Chiku said, “well, at least I can add ten more to my tally. I think that’s something to brag about to my mother when I get back.” (end)

Ticky snort in amusement. “Lucky you, all we got is injured arm for Bolts, and me with possible limping.”

“Be thankful for Ancestors protecting us.” told Bolts as he saw Ticky snorts and focus back on the toy as the male sigh. Bolts look back to Chiku as he told. “If wondering where we are? We’re on E-,” halting to correct himself. “Phobia...ship.” (done)

Chiku rose a brow some at them and said, “exile, Phobia, dose it matter?” Getting looks from the two as she half tossed her eyes upwards. “Look, I’m not going to pretend here that he’s a friend. He’s still technically a criminal. Normally I’d have a stern talking to him or maybe roar in his face, but Seer Asha asked me to be on my best behaviour. This is your soul-searching for truth, not mine. I’m just along to make sure you three get home alive.” (end)

Ticky laugh as he joked with a wide grin. “And get some adventure along the way?” (done)

“Oh, don’t get me started on military training I have to do.” Huffed out Chiku in amusement. “Since I’m expected to be some head-honcho leading lioness? I’m probably going to go into those hardcore corps groups sent on frontline combat lines with Pirates. This is going to be maybe my only chance to travel and see more of the world before I get stuck on ship-deployment all around the Isles to fight Pirates left and right for years.” (End)

Shaking his head, Bolts remark. “Then you might see more of world. Maybe see beyond Arabia too, since Phobia travel to Iron Holds, you might get to see such lands again.” (done)

Making a face, Chiku asked, “how do you think that’s possible anyways?” Going on to ask, “traveling that far and for so long. I’m not a expert about DSC, but I’m pretty sure Phobia’s is well over the time limit of life expectancy. Seer Asha said it herself, he shouldn’t have long even if he survived this long.” (end)

Frowning, both Stripes glance to the other as they look back as Bolts admit. “We don’t know.” looking to her as he continued on. “Seer Asha is right, he shouldn’t have live long, but yet he has. Either Phobia lasted this long because of he has stronger will,” hearing Tricky snort hard to that as Bolts motioned with a free arm around. “Or found substitute clan on ship.” (done)

Letting out a low hum, Chiku half tossed the thought away and figured not to think too much on it. Seeing as she was more a military girl and not a doctor or shaman healer. Still, as she looked about, she asked, “say, who’s all here anyways? Besides Zaki.” Having grown a slight like for the nice zebra. (end)

Bolts shrug as he admit. “Haven’t seen much, beside odd male cat and I think his sister from scent. No one else came by, and we haven’t seen any since crash.”

“Well, beside those golems, Phobia, that favorite golem,” counted off Tricky as he then added. “Oh and that Kitsune that look ready to murder all of us.” (done)

“Kitsune?” Asked the lioness in slight confusion. “I haven’t heard of that race before.”

She and the others nearly freaked when from seemingly nowhere, Maki spoke, “I am Kitsune.” all turning to the vixen that, without their knowing, had somehow slipped in. Chiku let out a breath from her surprise, and the striped looked from door to the vixen, wondering how she slipped in without even being noticed. Mari only smiled. (end)

Tricky nearly drop the rubix cube as he look from vixen to it, then to vixen again as he asked. “You like Blackmanes to? Pop out from shadows whenever you like to?” (done)

She tilted her head an gave a admittedly cute and disarming, ‘prrr?’, as if confused. It was hard for the two to see her as the same female that sadistically placed the seal on their sister, and threatened to kill them and their kin.

Chiku settled and regained her composer to ask, “How did you get in here?” TRying to puzzle out the impossibility in her mind. Blackmanes were skilled shadowmancers, she understood why the striped thought the kitsune might have done it. But it was borderline dark-magic, and not many races allowed such practices.

Smiling sweetly, Mari told, “walk in.” As if it were as simple as that. Though she didn’t stay in place, walking up with a sway of her hips that seemed seductive at mere glance, and both males were very aware of how tight her red dress was, showing cleavage and nearly teasingly showing her panties under them due to how short the dress was.

She got a chair, moved it out some and sat on it, legs crossed and again, nearly giving them a difficult, but almost showing view of what was under her dress. And she smiled as if she didn’t care. “Wish to talk.” She eventually told mostly the two striped. (End)

Clampsing a hand over his eyes, Bolts question. “Why are you wearing such revealing cloth? If Hiss was awake, she would be very questioning on why you look like…” trying to find a nice word as Tricky summed up.

“Like whore.” (Done)

Chiku thought about correcting the one striped for his rudeness-- but also had no idea how since the kitsune looked the part. But Mari only giggled in her hand and asked while leaning forwards, again showing more cleavage than any female in the Islse would ever want to. “You think me pretty, yes?” Cuitly tilting her head to the side. And flabbergasting Chiku into gapping. (end)

“Well…” started Tricky as Bolts told.

“Advert your gaze, Tricky! She might be doing it on purpose!” knowing that there was no way Phobia didn’t know that his ‘girl’ was doing this, since no Striped would let their...well, he wanna say fiancee, but he didn’t knew how she and Phobia still work as a couple-- but point is there was no way Phobia wouldn’t let this happen without a reason. Tricky, despite being a bit younger than the other two Stripes, quickly cover his eyes. (Done)

It made Mari giggle, and Chiku finally got her jaw up to half asked, “don’t you have any shame?”

Barely peeking a eye more open to that, Mari spoke, “is just body. No shame in body.” Saying it simply as that. “Born like this.” Then looked to the two males. “Came to tell, will not harm.” Slightly confusing them. “Harm Phob?” and both nearly jumped when the vixen quickly swung her arm up and to their slight alarm, had some sort of dagger-like blade.

It was enough to make Chiku tense, teeth bared but not really able to do much else. This only amused Mari as she told, “will kill. Be good, and I no hurt.” Flipping and quickly making the blade somehow vanish before their eyes. She tilted her head again, and smiled. “You understand, yes? No want to make Phob sad, shame to slit neck at night for harming him, yes?” Causing a tension in the room. (end)

With a control breath and moving his hand down due to the blade being shown, Bolts told. “We won’t...all we want, are answers. Lots of them from Phobia, since he did a lot as a criminal.” then glance from Ticky, to the knocked out Hiss, and to Chiku as he soon look back to Mari as he asked. “Did you decided to come here yourself, or did Phobia ask you?” (done)

“Come self.” Mari told while sitting back some, legs shifting and making Bolt wanting to avert his gaze. It made Mari smile a bit and say, “want to make clear, you here because he let it be. I here, to tell, no harm future mate.”

Gulping a bit, Chiku said, “you don’t have to threaten us. We’re guest, and are injured.”

Mari glanced and told, “quarrel not with you. Is with them.” Pointing to the three striped. “They try harm Phob once. Will not allow second time. Lucky Phob let them live, will not if try again.” Then went on, “Kitsune know safety by ridding threat before it is one. Will do what must, to keep Phob safe. Any measure. Any mean.”

Then she stood up, smiling brightly. “But, you understand, yes? Is good. Phob be most happy you behave.” And sauntered her way for the door, the manner of which was provocative enough to make the males try advertising their gazes. It made Mari giggle out, “cute, ever innocent.” (end)

Bolts managed to place a hand over his eyes as he asked to Mari. “How in the Markings did a guy like him managed to get someone like you as his fiancee?” (Done)

Turning back to see the covered gaze, Mari laughed, “he no get-- I get.” And opened the door to slowly close it, making it gently click. As the males took their hands down, Chiku let out a sigh.

She felt uneasy. “When we’re better?” Began the lioness, “we’re sharing rooms. I… don’t trust her.” Feeling for once, unnerved. Blackmanes could be creepy, but they were at least semi-certous about how they tell warnings. This was a outright threat and display of being able to do what was threatened at any moment-- while shamelessly telling them she’d kill the Stripes in their sleep. Underhanded, despicable and disgusting to think about for a Lioness like her. (end)

“Hiss is really gonna hate it.” told Ticky as he managed to get his rubix cube, and cautiously glance to the door. “But will convince her best. Vixen remind me of Phobia, dishonest and underhanded.” then amend. “But not to this extent.”

Bolts sigh as he rub his forehead. “Part of me is shock that apparently Phobia been snagged by this female who is shameless in her ways as is her clothing.” then snorted as exasperation shown on his face. “But my male pride is questioning on what does she see in Phobia to try to keep him all to herself?” (Done)

Chiku gave them a look and said, “forget male pride, I think you two need to make sure you don’t do anything to tick her off.” Adding on while trying, but failing, to repress a yawn. “I’ll try and keep semi-watch when you’re sleeping, I guess… or we should at least lock the door tight.” Thinking some to add, “and who knows. Maybe she only has him because she can. I wouldn’t put it past someone like that.” Though she could be wrong-- but that ‘Kitsune’ rubbed her wrong. (End)

Shaking his head, Bolts reminded. “This is medical ward, odds are we can’t lock the door if the healer needs to check up on us.” He though a bit, trying to wonder on how their room will be made, when they would be talking to Phobia-- and/or if that vixen will be with him. It was hard to say, one thing he was certain? Was that there was a lot of unanswered questions t oall of this, even more with Phobia condition.

They heard the door opening as the two Stripes and lioness look in tension, seeing it slowly open as the zebra enter in, giving a light smile as she spoke. “Hello, how are my patients feeling?” noticing a odd tension as she asked in concern. “Is everything alright? For a moment it look like you all were about to meet a Spotted.”

“We’re fine.” told Bolts as he wave a hand. “Just had to deal with, thoughts. Lots of thoughts while we’re in place.” (done)

Chiku gave him a glance, not liking that he wanted to cover it up. But she figured that later, she would tell the good Shamen, figuring it was some Striped distrust flaring up. So instead, Chiku added, “we actually wanted to know something.” Figuring that Zaki was the best one to ask, “how long does Phobia have?” Making the strip tense, and make Zaki oddly confused. (End)

“How long he has?” asked Zaki in confusion. “Do you mean how long does Phobia have in travel time? Or...with food supplies?” (Done)

Chiku wasn’t gentle in asking. “DSC. He’s been away from the Isles a long time, and while I’m not a expert, I know that he’s well over the limit of it so, I just wanted to know how long he has until…” Half dragging off. And finally, Zaki understood and wasn’t sure how to… well, react. Laugh that it wasn’t a issue, or nearly gush about the miracle discovery made all thanks to Ash helping making the pieces fall in place and getting them to the Temple of the Opnehu. (End)

She settle on both as she raise a hoof over her mouth and let out a small laugh as she slightly shake her head. It cause both Bolt and Ticky to push their heads back in shock of seeing the shamen like this as she tried to settle herself. “I-I’m sorry, but,” unable to stop herself from giggling as she managed to say. “I don’t think you need to w-worry on that.” Both Stripes felt shock of...what this shamen was saying.

Don’t worry on it? It was DSC! Of course they should be worry about it, especially the zebra! (done)

“But…” Chiku tried to say, “he c-could be gone at any moment!” Starting to feel her faith slightly wayne in the Zebra. Concerned that maybe she wasn’t all there if she was taking this like some joke. (end)

“Normally, you would be right.” Calming herself, as Zaki soon said with a brimming smile. “But earlier in the months, with thanks to some friends we found a way to treat the DSC!” (Done)

Chiku, felt her words just die. And though the silence, even the two Stripes looked on in disbelief. Mostly because, it was impossible. DSC was incurable, it couldn’t be treated unless the striped returned to their birth home. It was a death sentence to stay away for too long from their family and their chants-- Zaki couldn’t be serious! (End)

“T-Theres…” started Bolts as he nearly shouted in shock and disbelief. “There’s no way it could be curable!”

Zaki held up a hoof as she corrected. “I said treated, not curable.” then amend. “Well, more like a remedy in a way.” shaking her head as she explain. “You see, we visit on a Temple, as the Ophenu showed us a process with a remedy to treat the issue. Or rather to Phobia by a Ophenu monk. And believe me, Mari has been making sure that Phobia takes this treatment everyday for his health!”

Both Stripes fell flat on their faces, unsure of how to take in the fact that this vindictive, threatening, and shameless female was helping Phobia with his DSC.

“But...but how?” asked Ticky as he motioned his arm. “Its impossible!”

Zaki nod her head as she said. “It is, but it can be remedy if you had the right tools, and the knowledge of how to treat it.” looking to Chiku as she told. “Apparently, the entirety of the Stripes, and the Spotted to a extent? Are in the condition of ‘Magical Dependency’, as the Stripes magic saturated each other with their Chants to the point they need the Clan to ‘refill’ themselves.”

Then motioned a hoof to the two Stripes. “And normally if a Striped does get exiled, it is a death sentence as their magic and their minds become affected,” then raise the same hoof to tell. “But! In order to remedy the DSC? We had to use a specific tool to ‘retune’ the nodes within Phobia body, to help him accept the magic passively around him, so he would in short survive and be ‘healed’.” then amend. “But it's a slow progress and treatment, one that takes months to do.” then told with a bright smile. “But I assure you, it can be done, especially more as Phobia might be the first Striped to survive outside the Isles, as I’m seeing the improvement myself!” (done)

Chiku couldn’t stop herself from asking, “w-where did you learn about this, who could of known about this?” Utterly baffled because she had been to Equestira, the most magicly advanced people she had ever ment. And even they were a little baffled and confused on how to properly cure DSC. (End)

“The Iron Holds by a Herno mage.” responded Zaki as she told in amusement. “And admitally? She said it was based off from a past history that some Hernos used. Other's think it’s total myth,” then added. “But like we all know, there’s always a grain of truth within myths and stories.” (Done)

Sighing, Chiku said, “Kitsune, now Herno…” Further asking, “what’s a Herno, Zaki?” (end)

Thinking with a hoof tapping her chin Zaki said. “Well...do you remember that odd female cat you met over the few days?”

Both Stripes nodded as they recall the strange female as Zaki told simply. “Thats a Herno, or rather the basic form of a Herno at a young age of a teenager.” then amend. “Although Bina and her brother are not the normal Herno, they are admitally rather special in their own ways.” shaking her head she continue on. “Most Herno live in Clans, living a life of simplistic, but honorable conduct. AS well with tradtions...lots and lots of traditions.” then added in amusement.

“Think of them as Lions with their order crank up to 11.”

Ticky couldn’t help but comment. “These Hernos would probably hate Stripes alot.”

Zaki thought about Najat and how the Herno would see about normal Striped behavior as she soon nodded. “Oh definitely, they would see Striped as filthy, dangerous, reckless, unreliable and I quote from a Herno, ‘hypocritical’.” that cause the two Stripes to have a want to glare, but knew Zaki was repeating what a Herno said as they turn their gaze away from the zebra. (Done)

“Ouch.” Chiku said in sympathy, “one actually said that?” (End)

Zaki nod and sighed out. “She did. When she learn of Striped culture and how they dislike stealing from other's-- but were fine with stealing from enemies and slavers? She call Stripes hypocrites.” (Done)

Chiku could see it-- but chose not to comment her thoughts. She knew how Striped felt about the old war-insult of ‘thief’ and instead said, “she sounds a bit harsh to put it like that.” Then seeing the slight eyeroll, Chiku asked, “she’s a bitch, isn’t she?” (End)

“She's more than that, she’s actually that, plus being snooty, plus being cold, blunt, yet tactful but also very truthful,” then roll a hoof around. “And add in she’s a heiress of a Clan?” giving a quick explanation. “Think of her as next in line as Clan head or head of Pride,” then finishing up. “And roll it up that Hernos are utterly strict in traditions and honor? She’s the pure image of a... well…”

“Ice Queen?” summed up Ticky.

“Yes, that.” nodded Zaki as she internally felt it was too perfectly fit for Najat who used ice. She then look to the two and to the third still knocked out as she went on. “Admitally I hope she would change her views, but I doubt it’ll happen anytime soon.” she soon however change subjects to ask. “So whos hungry? I’m sure you all would enjoy a good meal to fill your stomachs.” then glance to Chiku as she added. “I’m sure you want a bit more to help with your own recovery, Chiku.” (done)

Nodding, Chiku said, “yes please.” Then asked, “and… what exactly is the meat? It’s… well, it’s not bad, but it’s strange.” And in honesty, Zaki wasn’t too sure herself. Bakari just went out and eventually shoved a bunch of cut-up meat in the freezer Phobia made for the ship. Though she could ask... (end)

“I honestly don’t know. All I do know is Bakari shove cut up meat, I could probably ask him when I get the chance.” then trot back to the comm device as she activate and asked. “Could someone bring up about…” giving a glance to Chiku in thought and turn back to tell. “3 pounds of the raw meat? And two bowls of the stew?”

“Roger, roger! I’ll get Grunt 321 and Grunt 554 on the double!” responded a monotone voice.

“I still can’t believe he managed to make those golems work well.” muttered Bolts.

“Well, he was always good with them.” reminded Ticky as all four of them heard heavy steps as their attention turn to the door. Slowly opening up, a Grunt golem was carrying the pounds of meat in his arms. Moving to Chiku to deliver the meat to her, while another golem was moving up with a tray, and for the oddest of reason a apron with frills on its body as it move to the Stripes with two bowls of stew. (done)

Chiku held back her amusement and just focused on her raw meat, slightly cooked. No doubt having been quickly warmed. Though as the Golem was giving Ticky getting his meal, before one last came in. this being the female cub. Bina gave a smile and handed bolt the tray of his food, the striped notting she didn’t have her scars anymore-- or what he presumed were scars.

And while it wasn’t the one that hunted the meat, Chiku spoke, “excuse me, Bina, right?” Getting her attention. “Do you know what kind of meat this is?”

Blinking and looking, Bina thought and said, “well… if I had to guess? I think Bakari took down a Camel yesterday. He was pretty much a mess when he came in.” And it slightly confused each one what a camel was. So at the confusion, Bina told, “it’s a large desert mammal. When you’re better, you could go on the bridge with us and if we’re lucky, I could point them out to you if we’re not going too fast.” (End)

While the golems move back, mostly being done with their tasks as they return to walk out, Bolts give a nod to Bina in thanks for the meal as he took a spoon to sip his stew, noticing it was rather tasty as he soon asked to Bina. “I don’t wish rudeness, but...when will Phobia come by?” Giving a look to both zebra and Herno. “Been days, expected him to show up.”(done)

Bina made a face and said, “well, I heard from my brother the ship crashed, so he and Jiru’s been trying to fix it up so it runs better and… well, doesn’t blow up or something.” Not really fully sure how it worked herself. (End)

Zaki nod as she explain further. “Yes, Phobia and Jiru, along with the Engineering golems are trying to make sure the ship is in full condition while in flight. Due to the oddness that happen with the engine nearly blowing up?” trying to recall. “I think it was something about ‘unknown large amount of heat pressure’? I wasn’t sure of what it was.” Shaking her head as she added. “Plus I think Phobia wants you all to recover first, mostly to make sure your wound are all better.”

Bolts nod to this a bit, as he focus back on his food a bit, as he soon heard Ticky asked.

“Can we have our things to tinker with while we wait?”

Zaki sigh as she facehoof, as if she was expecting that to happen. (done)

Bina, was of a different case, even as she handed the tray back to a golem to take back to the kitchen. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I saw some of the stuff that was brought in and moved around. And I’m not sure if Zaki would want a bunch of parts and even bomb pieces be brought in here.” (End)

“I’ll be gentle, I promise!” told Ticky. (done)

Bina half shivered on how it was said, and said, “I-I still think it’s a bad idea but… talk to Zaki!” And quickly excused herself, something that really caught the patients off guard, even Chiku. (end)

Zaki sigh, and then look to the three as she said. “Try not to pry in on what just happen, let just say Arabia has not been kind to us.”

Ticky wince to that, as Bolts sigh as he facepalm. “Damn it Ticky.”

“Not my fault, not on purpose!” quickly defend the Striped as Zaki nod.

“I know, you still have problems with this tongue than Isle speech, just...just be careful next time, alright?” seeing the Striped nod very fast as she soon said. “But the answer is no. no bomb works, no tinkering-- nothing until you’re fully heal. Am I understood?” giving a flat look to the two Stripes as they sighed and nod in agreement.

Zaki nod and soon look to Chiku as she asked. “How are you feeling, still feeling tired, Chiku?” (Done)

With a heave of a sigh and letting her food be, Chiku told, “like you wouldn't believe. I don’t think I could get up before flopping to the floor like a day old cub!” (end)

Giving a light laugh, Zaki nod. “Thats to be expected, you did lost quite a bit of blood, as well as having stitches on you.” then assure. “Don’t worry, in a day or two, you can walk around just fine, as well the other's.” giving a look around as she said. “You all just need to wait more…” then look to Hiss as she said. “And she should be awake by that time to, which is good.”

“Why she sleep long anyway?” asked Ticky in mixture of curiosity and concern for his sister.

Zaki turn her head to explain. “She got hit in the head hard, and I had to use a bit of magic to help prevent the severe headtrama on her, to make sure she won’t go into coma. Which is why you saw me use my magic on her daily.” then said. “And speaking of such.” trotting by Hiss as she started to use her healing magic as her hooves glow around Hiss head. “As long as I keep doing this? The wound will heal faster and she’ll awake sooner. I will say its good we’re feeding her slowly and carefully with the broth-- otherwise she would be utterly starving by the time she wakes up.” then glance back and assure.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure your sister is healed and up, I am a healer after all.”

Both Bolt and Ticky nod in gratefulness, sipping and eating their stew, but couldn’t help but give worried looks to the still asleep female. Even more so as they had no idea what may happen once they will meet their ‘healing’ brother...or if the vixen will be by his side during such conversation.