Arabian Swindler

Laying on one of the many traditional mats from her home, Asha lightly slept away while flicking her tail about. Part of her mind was in a zen state, letting her feel all around her. Part of her smiled at a particular spike in pleasure on the ship, but mostly left it be. She was particularly interested in the two newcomers. She could feel them almost cautiously moving around, as if they were deep in enemy territory.

She tilted her head some, and while it was hard, focused best she could. She tried to do what her Mother could, but it was hard to send that little request of a tug, just enough to spark curiosity. She almost giggled as she felt the twins pause and cautiously follow her little becoming tug. It was funny to watch.

Form there, she just let their curiosity take over, which did well in itself. They roamed down the hall and eventually reached her door-- a door that was beaded and very colorful compared to any other. She could tell they were looking at her door. That had to be it, seeing as they were standing not too far off and filled with bemusement.

With a yawn, Asha shook her head and got up and moved to the door, reaching a paw up to turn and pull the door open. Both teens slightly back up, though Asha would not have that. “Hiya!” She spoke in such cheer, it made the two pause. “Did you come to visit me?”

Both stood in place, unsure what to say. But clearing her voice, Bina said, “Uh, no… we were just, well…”

“Were you sneaking around?” Asked Asha with amusement, teasingly really. “Don’t worry, I promise I won’t tell.” A playful tone in her voice.

Bakari gave the whitemane a careful look over, but soon asked, “Why do you think we’re sneaking around?”

With an exaggerated roll of her eyes, Asha said, “You look like you’re expecting someone to jump and grab you, duh.” Then pointed out a finger their way, “Like you two did something.” gigging at their befuddled states.

“Uh ...ok?” Said Bakari, feeling a bit off kittler form this…. Women. This overly bubbly and cheerful women that then seemed to chirp.

“Come on in, I won’t mind!” The Lioness moving away to take up her place on a mat and motion, “Come on, it’s not like you got anything else going on, right?” Something that both teens shared looks at before hesitantly moving in, gently closing the door behind themselves.

It was an odd sight to see for the spying few changelings.

You saw that, right? spoke one of the changelings as another nodded. Yeah, it's...different from what the Queen or King did...should we alert them? they winced as they heard the muffled sound in the Swarm mind of their Queen as another told.

Let's not. They’re...busy with each other. another mentally shake their head saying. I know he’s our new King-- but how long until we get new hive siblings. another one snark. I don’t know, how long until the Queen belly is shown? it was odd to say the least, they knew by now the Queen should be knocked up, even with added spells-- so how come there weren't any signs of it showing yet.

Still for now they all decided to let Asha handle this, the least they could do was passively eat the emotions from the room.

For the most part, the Lioness’s ‘den’ was quite. There was no real ruckus to be heard for the longest of times. If anything, everything seemed to have calmed for the time being. But it was well after both King and Queen had settled that little giggles could be heard.

A few inches some at the door, mostly to eavesdrop more easily before there was some laughter. It got a bit louder before they heard Bina call out, “Get her!” Followed by more laughter. There was some thumping and otherwise pattering on the ground before they heard Asha.

“Ha, pinned ya!” The laughter raising a bit more before she yelp, “Hey!”

“Ha, got’cha! Now, now!” Bina seemed to call out before they heard a large amount of laughter from the Lioness.

“Hey! T-that tickles!” The laughter raising a bit more louder.

“Give up?” Came the smug tone of Bakari before they heard an over enthusiastic shout of Asha.

“Never!” More sounds of roughhousing heard in the room, slightly leaking with a feeling of contentment and happiness.

Is she...playing them like cubs? asked one as they took in contentment and happiness as another agreed. I think she is...guess this Whitemane is giving something they probably didn’t have. Attention and letting them have fun as foals.

Not to mention free food, been awhile since we had a good meal like this. added in another as they all agree on that as it tastes rather good for them. A lot more better that the emotions were fresh then preserved love.

This only lasted for so long though. After an hour things seemed to settle down before once more going quite. It wasn’t until later that evening that Asha left her room, closing the door quietly before trotting along the halls, seeming to not give any of the changelings a glance while she seemed to shine with joy. Which, was something of a common sight now.

While some of the changelings left, mostly to rest the fill of food they had, another move by Asha as he asked. “What happen in there?” noticing that the lioness was making her way to the dining hall, as he sent a message to one of the cooks to get one of the raw fish ready for Asha to eat.

“We talked.” Was all Asha told in a cheerful manner. There was no evasion or dodging, she was answering rather simply. “They were just a little confused, and I thought I’d let them in and help calm them down.” Then laughed, “I’m used to see cottonmouths so wound up, but those cubs almost gave those snakes a run for their gold!” Giving a giggle. “Boy I’m hungry.”

Nodding, the changeling said. “We’re getting some raw fish for you to eat, one of those tuna ones we caught earlier.” then added. “Also the King and Queen are resting, they were having a...moment earlier, so they won’t be out for a while.”

“Oh, I know all about that.” Laughed Asha. “I could feel their lovey-dovey feelings in my room. It’s sweet and romantic.” Then focused on ahead and licked her lips. “I hope it’s a big one. I could go for a pound of fish.”

Getting a quick message of, It's a big one, right? to which a response came. Two pounds, why? as the drone stated. “You’re lucky Asha, we got a two pound full of fish for you to eat. Hope it's enough to satisfy you for the day.”

“Sounds like my lunch and dinner!” Cheered the lioness before saying, “Oh, maybe get an extra pound out for the cubs later for dinner too? I’m sure they would just love it.” Seemig to sing that out with even more joy, if that was even possible.

A quick message was sent as he said. “They’ll get it cook for them to eat too.” although he held a thoughtful look and soon asked. “Asha, why did your mother warn the King about where those two were? It just doesn’t make sense, why mention of these two beside getting them out of trouble? It made a lot of us changeling rather befuddled, really.”

Smiling to that, Asha said, “Maybe it’s because it was meant to be.” Seeming to find a simplicity in it. “They’re strong you know. They might be cubs, but they have the hearts of true lions in them.” Then gave a softer smile and went on in thought. “It’s funny. As strong as their hearts are, they feel… less than they should.” Staring off into nothing as if looking for something else.

Tilting his head some, he was wondering on that, but before he could ask on what she meant by that, he felt a request of the Queen as to acquire something from Herbal as he gave a goodbye nod to her as he left. It left Asha alone temporarily, as when she reached to the dining hall, one of the changeling chefs told in an amused tone with a tray of a large tuna.

“Dinner is served, miss Asha!”

With a laugh, Asha said, “Lunch! The sun hasn’t lowered too far from over the sky just yet.” How she knew that, the changeling tossed it up to her ‘voodoo senses’ before she took her plate carefully and found herself a table. Though not many were in the dining hall to begin with. Certainly with only a few left over to clean up after the recent launch some hour or two ago.

However one of the few who was eating lunch, was Debt. As the gnoll took small bites of his cooked fish, he glanced to the Lioness, looking at her as he scrunched his eyes. He looked at her as he was trying to figure her out, even despite the last few days with her on the ship...he still didn’t understand her. He didn’t understand how someone like her could...simply be.

He told in a rather annoyed tone. “I don’t understand.” looking at her as the few who clean glance to see the gnoll speaking as he told on. “I don’t understand you.”

Gulping and licking her lips, she glanced and said with a wink, “Well duh, I do seem like a silly ditz. So I don’t blame you there.” Giggling to herself at her own joke.

Snorting abit, and with another bite chew to swallow he told. “But you’re not. You're perceptive. You play the fool. You make it to let everyone see you as the ditz-- but allow them to lower their guard for you to strike at their weaknesses. You are...nothing I can understand. One minute you are a ditz, the next you are perceptive. Why change so quickly? Why pretend of your actual nature without something to gain?”

Looking to him, she smirked and stuck out her tongue in a supposedly cute manner before telling, “Is it that I play the fool, or do people see me play the fool?” Asha then prattled onward. “Am I always acting, or is that just simply my way of life? Am I always perceptive, or is that just something that comes around?” Then turned back to ask more, “Is it me you don’t understand, or is it the fact that I am so content in not having anything to gain?”

“Everyone has something to gain. Even my employer has something he wants to gain.” told Debt. Taking another bite as he said. “I can understand why my employer pretends. It’s what he is. You on the other hand have nothing to gain in pretending, or even if you are truly content, why keep up the act?”

Swallowing her next bite, Asha giggled and asked, “Ever consider I am not here to act and gain, but just am and content to just give?” Then said in a knowing tone. “That’s why you stay, isn’t it? Not because there is a reason to gain, but the fact you are given without the need of due. Unlike long before.” Going back to take a bite of her fish while having that content smile in place.

“...I am simply under my employer under contract. As long as he has my contract, I am in service to him until another purchase of my contract.”

With a giggle, Asha asked, “Now who’s playing the act of the fool?” Before going back to her fish.

“I am simply stating that as long as my employer holds my contract, I am in service to him and his orders.” said Debt as he took another bite. “And I foresee that he’ll keep my contract, as I am of use to him.”

Pausing in her meal, Asha said in a softer tone, “You know that you don’t have to feed yourself the same thing you feed everyone else.” The vague statement floating around in the ears of the changelings, and leaving them wondering of what was being said between the two.

“It is what I was taught. It is part of my services.” told Debt as he took another bite.

“But it’s not what is to gain, is it?” Asha said simply.

He took another bite, as he soon told simply. “What there is to gain, for the likes of me, is simply knowing that my employer will keep my contract. Never selling me off as I am to valuable to him. Any sort of gains I had was what he paid me when he acquired my contract. I'm a little more than a servant for him to do all that I must be ordered to do.”

Asha chuckled after she swallowed her next bite. “You can repeat all you like. But you and I know when there is actual reason behind something that isn’t truly it.” Giving a toothy smile and going on. “Because if that was as honest as you keep saying it was, then what is the point of a silly piece of paper in the first place?” Having a gleam much like her mother did.

Snorting a bit, he told. “I’m starting to feel annoyed that you and your mother know more than you let on.” already feeling a bit annoyed of Sumira knowing of him being ‘blemish’, and the Lioness already knowing the real reasons on why he kept near Dejen like a good little bodyguard.

Smiling wider, Asha jokes, “Why do you think many a male dreads the day they find a wife? Females find out sooner or later~” Laughing in her teasing fun.

“Said the Whitemane who use sixth sense abilities to sniff me out.” snarked the male, talking another bite as he added. “At least I know you won’t spill on the reasons, not your way.”

Calming down, Asha said, “It’s not my secret to share. Nor is it my wound to show. I merely help with the healing, if the patient isn’t so picky to let me help.” Again sounding teasing a bit at the end. “Do as you please, but I’m not the only healer. There’s many more-- it up to you to see them or not.” Again, leaving the changelings wondering. Was she talking about them? Herbal? … Katty?

Snorting harshly, he told. “Why heal it? What's done been done. Something I moved on in my life.” then added. “Beside, my employer shouldn’t know. Not his problem to know of it.”

“Wounds heal.” She said in admittance. “But if not healed right, they fester, get worse… and most times scar afterwards.” Saying it so dismissively despite the weight. “Moving on is half the battle. Accepting it is the next.” Leaning down to lick the remaining meat up, going as far to crunch and chew bits of bone without much care or concern.

He took another bite as he was quiet, as he may not like it...but she was right...but he wasn’t willing to say it. Especially with so many ears. It may be prideful of me...but I’m not going to let everyone know. Especially my employer. taking another bite as he question. “Was it obvious you saw? Or are you Whitemanes just good noticing things like it?” trying to think as he kept it hidden real good, even around the changelings.

Chuckling, Asha said without even looking, “We might have the gift of sight at a young age, Debt. But anyone who is willing to hear, can hear it if they honestly listen and want to hear.” Eventually sitting up and looking to him to keep on saying, “If you have eyes, you can choose to see or not to see. It’s not that I was gifted to, I just chose to see and listen. No measure of magic is truthfully needed, if you honestly try.”

Turning her head, she went back to finishing and polishing up her place, seeming to have said her peace.

Some of the changelings could sense a sort of turmoil within the gnoll, as he continued eating with that neutral expression. It made them wonder, what was he hiding? What were those vague talks about? What was he trying to hide from Dejen himself? None of them knew what to expect of the gnoll, he was just so...cold.

Serious even, barely talks to anyone like the anti-social guy he was.

So what got him so wound up with Asha? What did she meant with those words? They doubt they were going to learn, as Debt finish his food...but asked one final question for the day. “Does my employer know? Did he saw what you saw so easily?” glancing to her as he went on. “While I may kept it hidden...my employer is good at noticing things.”

Asha seemed to smile and said, “Maybe he did. After all, isn’t he the one that gave out the very thing you never sought to gain, but gained by that same grace anyways?” It left Debt to think while she went on, still smiling while paying more heed to her plate. “He can see and hear just as well. But maybe he never did, because he knew you do not want him to see and hear what you hold?” And going back to picking at the remains of her meal.

He gave a simple nod, and soon got up and walked with his plate, as it just left the changelings more confused. What did Dejen gave? What did Debt gained by grace? What did Dejen saw or didn’t see? What did Debt hold? All they were full of was confusion. Especially on the gnoll himself as it made them question it. I don’t get it! What did the King gave? another told. I don’t know! But whatever it is, it made Debt antsy! there was a lot of discussion in the swarm mind, as it just made them more and more confused, a lot confused than anything else!

Well...beside the one time their Queen was fascinated by the King.

But still! What did Debt meant? It made them utterly wonder on it!

Making a face, Asha called out, “Oh stop being so nosy, he’ll tell you when he’s ready!” Making the changelings give her a look as she said with a raised nose and a paw on her chest, “I’m the nosy one. I’m the one that gets into trouble with snooping in other people's business.” Then said with a joking wink, “I’m going to be the village crazy lady when I grow up after all!”

“We’re changelings who work under an info broker-- it's our job to be so nosy.” told a changeling with a shrug. “Side, this is a first for us to see Debt like that, the guys like a statue with his emotions.”

Giggling, Asha said with a teasing tone, “Better brush up on your lessons on snooping then~”

A few having flat face at Asha as some grumble and left as another remain clean as they wonder if they should stay in Ramada a long time ago. Or at least made a suggestion to stay and move in with Shima. At least that made some iota of sense!

After some time of recovery, Dejen managed to brush off his clothes as he was currently searching for Asha. From what Mercy mention, the Lioness learn something from the cubs, and while she would go, she was, ‘gathering’ something from Katty to ‘improve’ Dejen mood. Although he found her on the deck, enjoying the wind as it was rushing past her as he came out by her as he leaned on the railing. Looking at the sea as the Innovation was taking its time, mostly on the low setting to let them spare what fuel they have as he glance to Asha as he comments.

“I’ve heard you spent a lot of time with the teens, mention something about having fun with them as if they were cubs?”

Asha didn’t open her eyes, seeming to just enjoy the strung gusts while she told, “They needed to unwind. And I like the cubs. Foals. Fawns-- I like kids in general.” Taking in a large breath of air before sighing out. “They just needed something to assure them they were safe and out of any real danger.”

Humming a bit, he joked as he glanced to her with a grin. “Didn’t trust old sneaky Striped here?”

Peeking an eye open, the Lioness teased, “You’re here to see if you can pry secrets that I found out, aren't you?”

Placing a hand on his chest with a mock hurt tone. “Why Asha! I am deeply offended by such accusation! I was hoping to hear what troubles they faced so I could assist them on their way!” turning his nose up as he said in mock pain. “For shame, Asha! For shame!”

Giggling, Asha told, “Well if that was true, you would be asking them that, not me. Hmmm?”

“Teenagers never trusts adults.” sing-a-long told the Striped as she gave a smile of ‘O really?’ as he told with a boop of her nose with a finger. “You’re too immature to be a full adult, silly Asha.”

She booped his nose back and said, “I’m the rowdy daughter. ‘Mature’ isn’t in my memo.”

“And you wonder why the teens trust you more.” joked Dejen with a grin.

“Because I’m honest?” She said innocently.

“Hmm, more like you're the silly aunt they never had before.” remarked Dejen as he asked in a knowing tone. “You want me to try to talk to them myself, do you?”

Turning her head to look over the vast sea, Asha said, “If you want. I know that they're smarter than you think.” Then smiled. “Going south and maybe going west.” Giving a little giggle. “If it wasn’t for that knowing look they gave, I might have believed them.” Then told, “But I didn’t need to know form glance to know what they’re up to. I am like them.”

“Mischievous and know things that most people try to hide but fail to?” sarcastically asked Dejen.

She laughed and asked, “If you were running, would you tell people where you’re running to?”

Thinking a bit, he soon said. “Mhm...I figured as much. Giving wrong information so we would be fooled, and whoever they’re running from will be fool if we come across their pursuers.” remarking some. “But even if I do talk to them Asha, they’ll probably lie to my face in being cautious. Really, I don’t know why your mom warn me beside probably saving their lives.”

Breathing in again, Asha asked, “Maybe it’s because they are intertwined with you, like she said.” Then went on with closed eyes. “Maybe it’s because they know something you need to.” Then went further on. “And maybe all you have to be, is honest for them to be honest too?” Seeming thoughtful on the last part.

She smiled and said, “You have the pieces. So put the puzzle together. Why do you think they would be so cautious?”

He mused on that, unable to take his deck out to shuffle a bit as he thought on it. Why cautious? Well the obvious answer is they’re running from something. Or someone? But who? The law? Debatable, but to far of a stretch. Law systems are different in each nation. No, it might be personal. But why? They mess with the wrong person? Can’t be by government, lots of red tape. Underworld? thinking a bit as he shuffled the cards side by side.

That’s a possibility, underworld connections got less red tape, a lot more shady. Maybe connected with someone from government illegally? But who? They came on a ship, well a dingy really, and they were in the intersection of Isles, Equestria and Griffon Kingdom. Up north? That's actually possible. But there's a few islands in the borders ...unless, what if they messed with a criminal organization, with secret operations on some of the islands? Just too out of reach for the Isles, but close enough to other nations?

That would explain why they were in the ocean, probably trying to gain distance, be on the move...but something is troubling me. Who did they piss off and how bad? The only logical thing I can think of is slavers, pirates-- maybe both? he frowns as he was missing something. Something was off.

But wait...Karmakal...that's close to a well. Maybe...just maybe...a joint operation with different criminals? it was a high and thin stretch...but it did happen, make a deal, split the profit, and cover each other's backs. But it requires delicate operations and workings. And would make the twins cautious as hell from anyone. Hands stopped shuffling as he thought to himself.

The only way to gain a clear answer...is to talk to them. Time to be honest, because it's the only way to get them to be honest to. with a sigh, he put his cards away as he turned to walk off, but did mutter to himself. “Why did I get myself tangle with mystics?”

“Because you let me onboard!” Laughed the Lioness at the front of the deck.

“Ugh, don’t remind me.” grumble the Striped as he enter inside as he asked a changeling. “Where the twins?” getting the changeling to blink, before responding.

“Dining hall, King.”

“Thank you!” told Dejen as he headed straight there, as he was preparing himself mentally for the worst outcomes in terms of answering truthful questions.

The dining hall was filled with people once more, though like before, Bina and Bakari were further away from the changelings. Mostly for Bina’s sake from the looks of it Though the striped was a little surprised to see that Herbal was near them, along with Katty who was in her pony cameo-from. And from the looks of it, Bina was both calm, but also unsure. As if she didn’t know how to really take the pony-looking-shiftling at the moment. But definitely not scared.

Walking up by, Herbal ear flick as he turned and said. “Oh, hello Dejen, here to eat as well?” Dejen glance to the food of cooked fish and some steamed vegetables and bits of fruits as Dejen did recall he didn’t had anything and said.

“Actually, yes. Forgot to eat.” then asked with a raised brow. “But I’m surprised you’re here, usually you’re in the medical ward, eating and reading.”

Herbal respond simply. “Katty here was curious on the twins here, and did you know that Bina is at least tolerable with Sweety faux-form? Some of the changelings here change into their disguise to help her be at ease some.”

Bina gave a shy nod and said, “It’s still a bit creepy, and I’d rather they don’t touch me, but at least I don’t feel the need to scream.” Something she felt particularly bad about. She tried to not be bothered, but the mere sight still gave her a panic.

“She no fear. Is good.” Katty smiled happily in a chirp. “I like Bina. She cute. Like little sister!”

Rolling his eyes, Bakari said, “Cute now. Wait until she nags.” Getting a shove from the girl.

“Better than your manners.” She shot back at him.

“Little-miss-perfect.” Shot off the tom-cat.

“Slob.” Retorted Bina.

“Neat-freak.” He jab.

“Pig.” She returned.

Katty tilted her head and said. “Love. They argue, but are not angry. Is confusing.” Then glanced to ask, “Why is that so?” Getting puzzled looks from the two siblings at her question.

“They argue because they are siblings. Siblings of non-Colony always argue. Even for silly reasons, Katty.” explained Herbal as he saw Dejen leaving to get himself a plate, as the thestral took a bite of his fish, enjoying the taste as he hum in content. Chewing and swallowing as he missed eating fish, and wasn’t mind having it daily if he could help it!

Giving a nod to this, Katty leaned and relaxed on her stud, not really particularly in the mood to actually consume real food. She she flicked an ear a bit as the two ‘cubs’ went back at their bickering. It was puzzling, and Katty wondered if her ‘mini’ colony would be like that. She hopped not, how would anything get done then?

This was placed to the side of her mind when Dejen came back. She pressed her lips tight in confusion. Something about him felt almost… anxious. Like he was doing something he didn’t plan to actually do. She opened her discolored like eyes to give a glance and wonder what he was thinking some.

Similarly, the twins stopped and both gave wary glances with their red eyes. Both seeming to shore up some unspoken defenses with him nearby.

Look at that, already they noticed and ready to lie in my face. Ugh, this is going to be harder than the time with the giant scorpions, I swear! thought Dejen as he sat down, looking to the two as he took in a low breath as Herbal glance to the Striped. Noticing Dejen was actually looking like he needed to be alone, as he motioned to Katty.

“We should head back Katty. We do need to catch up on your reading some more.” getting up to take his plate with one wing under it.

She frowned, but said, “Alright Love.” Getting up with very little complaint before smiling, “Bye-bye Bina, Bakari!” Then trotted off along with her mate with a smile.

This left both teens with the lone striped. Both took turns eating, almost watching with a gaze that Dejen was more familiar with in the pubs of Ramada. It was like they were expecting some sort of trouble to crop up.

Moment of truth. Don’t screw this up, Dejen. internally thought the Striped as he spoke. “Look, I get it. You two are cautious, you don’t trust me, hell you don’t trust anyone right now. But I’m willing to spill the truth to you if you’re willing to spill the truth to me. Fair enough? I want to help, but in order for me to help-- I need to know who you potentially pissed off, and how far are you running.” then motioned his hand to the two as he took a broccoli in hand.

“I’ll let you two ask the questions first, since it would be fair for you to gain something outta me, alright?” chewing the vegetable now as he waited for their questions.

Bina bowed her head in thought, fork playing with the fish on their shared plate. She seemed to fidget in place, not sure if she should say anything or not. Her whole hunched from suggested she would rather not say anything at all. Maybe hide whatever she was thinking at all.

In contrast, her brother Bakari sat up straighter, arms crossed and face near stern and glaring almost challengingly. He seemed to be the one to speak out with a sarcastic tone, “Yeah. Because being truthful is what you really want to be, isn’t it?”

“At least I’m willing to try,” snark back Dejen. “You two look like you rather want to run from this or fight me right now. And you probably have a guess on what I am, or have a good idea on it. I’m being straight with you, the least you can do is try to be straight with me, alright?”

“You mean if you’re even being truthful at all.” Bakari said with a strong tone. “All you’re saying is words. Where’s the proof?” Seeming rather unmoving on the matter.

“You two are both clever and smarter than you let on. I think you both can easily tell if I’m telling the truth or lying through my teeth. Not to mention, I’m letting you have the first punch in learning the truth from me.” told Dejen as he took another bite as he told. “And if you want, ask one of the changelings to be the soothsayer, they’ll know if I’m lying or not the moment I say it.”

Rolling his eyes, Bakari said, “Because people you hired are so not bias.”

Sighing some, Bina looked up and asked, “Why be truthful now, when you already had someone try spying on us before?” Not fidgeting when she said this, and being more steady if anything.

“Asha suggested I try.” told Dejen. “She gave me some helpful advice that if I want to know what's bothering you, I gotta be honest so you’ll be honest with me.” rolling his eyes some as he took another bite of vegetable as he chew and swallow as he went on. “She may make me complain and groan-- but I know she knows that sometimes even I need to tell the truth to gain the truth.”

The siblings cast the other a glance, as if debating to say anything or not. Both looked down to the table, one with a semi-glare and the other with a thoughtful frown. It took patients for Dejen to wait for their choice, but seeing Bakari’s hand move and lay on his sister’s lap, did Bina sigh.

“We’re not just running.” Which had Dejen listening intently. “We’re also trying to get something back that we lost.” Then frowned a bit more. “And we didn’t just… make someone angry.”

Snorting some, Bakari said, “Try angry, interested, hunting and caught or dead. There’s a few people that want us. And for different reasons.” Leaning a bit on the table as he said, “We just got away from this real nasty guy named Malar. This minotaur jerk that’s a slaver, we gave him and his ship a slip a week ago.”

He hums a bit in thought and said. “That would explain why you two were at sea. Probably thought you were in the safe until the storm hit you two.” taking a bite of his fish as he chewed and swallowed.

To that, Bakari said, “In the safe?” Finding the idea apparently stupid. “We gave him the slip, but we’re not far enough yet. Once we reach land we can maybe safe for a bit.”

“Until he sends someone to find us or someone else that’s angry find us.” Bina piped up and pointed out mostly to her brother. “Like that one mare that, uh… you know.” Playing with the food on her plate once more, ears pinned back.

With a frown, Bakari ‘tched’ at that and said, “Yeah, I can remember.” Not looking happy at the reminder.

“While I do want to know the details on that-- I think my question is where, or what in this case, this thing you are trying to get back. Because it sounds like whatever this thing was is important enough for you two to get on nearly everyone shitlist.”

Looking up, Bina said, “It’s not a ‘thing’.” Sounding a little offended. “They’re a couple of pendants that just belong to me and my brother. We lost them and didn’t have time to get them back, so we’re hoping to meet up with a friend that has them to get them back.”

Raising a brow he thought over it as he asked. “Why do I get the distinct feeling that it's either in Equestria, or around it?” taking another bite of his meat as he chew and swallow. “And why do I have this feeling that even if we part ways-- you’ll get hunted and be forced to move away from your goal even more?”

“Why do you care?” Asked Bakari while leaning more on the side. “You got no reason to help. You did just pick us up by ‘chance’ from the ocean, right after the storm.” Apparently still plenty suspicious of that.

He hums a bit, as he finished his fish, taking a sip of his water as he said. “You make a valid point. Why do I care? Why would I give a reason to help you two?” humming in thought as he wipe his hands clean as he said and look to the two. “For one on why I care? Because apparently Asha made mention our fates are interwoven or something. Meaning if we’re going to be around each other, I might as well help you out, right?” then added.

“And why am I giving a reason to help? Well…” thinking a bit and soon told with a grin. “Maybe because I just feel like giving support to two teens who might need this info broker help in getting things that they’re having trouble with-- or dealing with things that are troubling with them. In short? Maybe I’m giving a reason because I bloody feel like it!”

There was an odd moment of tension between the two when ‘Info Broker’ came up, and for a moment it seemed like that same fight-flight response was going to kick in their eyes. It was interesting how fast the response kicked in with just the right words dropping at a hat drop.

Still, Bakari seemed to scrutinize him and soon say, “Even if you had us with you, doesn't mean we won’t get hunted.” Putting it pretty simply. “Just mean they might try harder.”

Bina then decided to add in with her brother. “And we’re going to meet our friend past Equestria.” Getting a look from Bakari as she glanced and told, “He has a ship, and it’s fast. If he does help? Then he can take up there sooner. Walking there will just take too long.”

“They might not be there.” Pointed out Bakari with a slight hiss of a hush.

“At least other’s won't expect us to be that far that soon.” Pointed out Bina with surprising reasoning.

“Before you two go off tangent, mind telling at least where you’re meeting your friends? The Iron Holds? Yakakistan?” then added with a frown. “..Or Arabia?”

In a near impassive manner, Bakari said, “A town called Humuile.”

He couldn’t help but laugh. Really he held his stomach and tried to calm down, after a few minutes he look up and told with a wide grin as they stare at him. “By Lady Luck! We’re going there too!” then told on as he managed to get himself upright. “Meaning we’re heading to the same destination either way!”

The two traded looks again, if not unsure if they liked that news or not. So it was Bina that asked, “Why are you going to Humuile?” Seeming a bit worried, but more curious as to why the scar’s were going in that direction to begin with.

Smiling some, he soon told. “A new home, Bina. We are heading to Humulie for one specific reason. No Changeling Hunters around.”

Thinking some, Bakari glanced around for a moment before asking, “You telling me there’s more people that scream like sis at the sight of big bugs?” The way he placed it made Bina glare and give a rough jab of her elbow to his stomach, the hit slightly making him wince.

“That’s rude, Bakari.” Bina told, looking just a bit annoyed.

“That is rude,” but soon told with a frown. “But it's less of people screaming and more of…” trailing off and soon told. “Let me put it in this perspective. Its sorta like a mass hunting, killing, putting them into places with the possibility of death in the Griffon kingdoms and Arabia-- and some of these Hunters enjoy doing it a bit too much.”

They stared to that before looking to the other. It was Bakari that said in a frank manner, “Sound like our life.”

Bina then said, “Except there wasn’t a mention of Haulani in it.” Mostly thoughtful than anything.

“Oh right.” Bakari said thoughtfully, finger tapping on his cheek. “Think that makes it better or worse?”

“Don’t know.” Bina shrugged to her brother. “Maltar already fits most those stuff. Everyone else for the missed spots. So… maybe worse with him added?” Mostly making a guess.

“Okay, instead of making it vague, let me just be frank.” told Dejen as he took a breath and soon told. “In Arabia, the Hunters view killing changeling kids is a good thing. Except that every changeling except the Queen and a male Breeder are sterile and barren. So technically it's the Queens kids that are killed,” then added on. “And also in Arabia, it's considered a good way to ‘control’ the population is to geld the guys they captured.”

Both made faces to the information, and it was Bina that said, “Nevermind. Just the same.” It made Dejen give the two a look, wondering if he should try and push the point of how bad it was-- or until he heard Bina say to Bakari, “At least they don’t eat them too. That… that’d be just….”

“Gross?” Gave Bakari. “I think messed up would be better.”

Thinking a bit Dejen admit. “I don’t think they do that ...but on the other hand, I don’t know if the Hunters in Griffon Kingdoms don’t consider the changeling as potential food…”

Gaze hardening, Bakari said, “If they did, then I’d ask if they know Haulani. Because that’s the only guy I know if that’s messed up to eat kids and people.” Then said, “We know, we watched him do it!”

Wincing, he thought. Okay, ask that rat if Haulani is around and warn the rat to not contact him to keep his own skin intact. filing that to the side, he soon said. “It's a rough guess, mostly because I’ve been in Arabia mostly until recent events happen.” then soon said. “Hopefully we’ll pass through Equestria and their Hunters without much issue, as I heard they’re decent like with permits and stuff.”

This didn’t seem to comfort them much. Bakari still seemed on a trigger at the idea while Bina said, “I think we’d rather not have any on the ship. If they are anything like the people we messed with? The Permit is just so you can’t stop them from doing what they’re doing legally.”

“Oh believe me, I’m in agreement to that.” told Dejen in a dry manner. “I don’t trust them Hunters, not even the ‘nice ones’.” then soon asked with raised arms. “Now, are we all good? No more suspicions? No more issues between us?”

The two gave an odd look between the other at that, but said nothing more on the matter.

Raising a brow, he look to them as he said. “I’m guessing thats a no. I’m also guessing you got some questions for me?” leaning back with cross arms as he had a feeling they want to know more about him, as they did inform him on a few things.

Thinking some to this, Bina said with some caution, “Why are you running?” Then went on, “I mean, that’s what you’re doing too, right? You said you’re looking for a new place to live, and away from Hunters.” Then went on, “But you said things happened in Arabia, right?”

Letting out a low breath, he nodded. “Yeah...Three years I worked with a guy, Sultan Harsho. Great guy, helped me and my group stay undercover for him, gain information for him across Arabia. After a failed Gnoll raid, our home couldn’t be home, since we live in a sewer system. So we head west to Abbasa city...Under the rule of Sultan Dejeen.”

“Dejeen...is an opportunist stallion, a Sultan who not only owns a city of trade-- but can be able to do anything he wants in Arabia both legally and illegally. I came across him once, and after being under him once with a threat of Hunters coming on my ship with my changelings...I ran, and to make matters worse? I ran when he invited me again. Doesn’t help that he’s rich and influential enough across Arabia that anywhere I go in there? He’ll find a way to trap me. So...there was really one option I had to take.”

They were both quiet for a moment, before Bina asked, “Dejeen…” As if to make sure she had the name clear. “Of Abbasa City?” Like she was trying to recall something in her head before it seemed to hit her full force. “City of trade. As in, the large city that has one of the largest open slave trades around?”

“Bingo,” told Dejen. “City of trade of legal, illegal, and has everything you need for the price of it.”

Both uncomfortably shifted to that, Bakari said, “And you’re not planning on ever going back, right?”

“Are you kidding me?” said Dejen. “If I stepped back in Arabia, Dejeen will know and do everything in his powers that I’m dead or taken alive to him. He hates it when someone ‘spits’ at him for not evening showing up at his invitation, and I’m not too keen being forcefully working for him.”

Both gave slow nods before Bina seemed to finish up the last of the fish and took the plate into her hands. Bakari gave a glance and without much of a word, got up with her and said, “We’ll stay.” Then gave a sharp look, “For now.” Moving with Bina to put the plate up, and not even after that head out of the dining hall.

Gotta give credit to Asha...at least things cleared up with me and the twins. thought Dejen in relief...although another thought came to his mind. Nooooow I gotta worry about what may happen when they encounter Windy. knowing that itself was a shitstorm, and couldn’t be controlled. Even if he attempted to keep her in the room, sooner or later they’ll meet.

It was only a matter of time.