Arabian Swindler

Debt took a low breath, as he was before the door of the twins as he figure if anyone could talk to them...it was him as he raised his hand to knock. He waited for a bit as he spoke. “Bakari, Bina. Its me. May I come in?”

“What's the password?” Came the rather grumpy response of the young boy.

“Really Bakari?” He heard Bina. “What’s the Password?”

“You don’t have anything smart to say.” He shot back to her.

“Like that was a smart thing to say.” She shot back dryly.

“I would have suggested ‘What’s life's greatest illusion?’ that seem to fool a lot of people.” comment Debt dryly. He however pressed. “May I come in?”

“Why?” Testily asked the both of them in unison.

“To talk.” simply said the gnoll. “I feel...I should try to talk to you two, as I understand what you both are feeling at this moment.”

There was a silence before he heard them both say, “Nun’ya business.”

Seem ironic my favorite words are against me. thought Debt as he soon told. “It might not be my business-- but I feel I should talk. It's not easy to talk about it, especially when there are very few to even see it, much less endure it.”

There was a long stretch of silence, and Debt found himself standing outside the door. He glanced when he heard someone coming, though it was only Asha. The Lioness gave him a look, then to the shared room she had with the two cubs. She gave him another look… and smiled before turning and leaving him be at the door.

He mildly snort, but look back to the door as he said. “I know you two are trying what you think is best...but before you make any choice...will you at least talk with me? As I said before. It's hard to talk about it, when not many saw or experienced it...and I doubt you two talking about it is easy as you both feel refreshed from it. You can say I am...someone who has been in your position in more ways than one.”

It was hard to tell if they were really thinking it over-- or just plain ignoring him. It was really hard to tell at the moment really. What he could probably tell was, they were being stubborn. Whether it was because of pride or something else was hard to tell too. For the most part it left him standing around and just waiting.

It wasn’t until he heard Asha padding back and her sitting by him… that he heard her comment, “I think they snuck out one of the vents to run off.”

Sighing, he shook his head and said. “I should've figured that.” then glance to her as he asked. “Think you can help me? I doubt I can track them enough to talk with them.”

Smiling, Asha told while moving to the door and opening it, “Just go south east of here, find a small ship ready to leave and wait by the rope holding it down.” The Lioness glanced back and said, “I had a dream last night. And I’m pretty sure if I was running away? I’d take a randomly leaving ship.”

Nodding, the gnoll began following the direction as he ran south east of the ship, going out and having a rather good running pace as without his armor he was a bit faster. Within a few minutes, he saw the small ship ready to leave as he reaches his hands out as he gripped the rope. Tugging it down as he noticed a few crates nearby.

He actually waited for an hour later, as he glance to see the twins as they were coming out of hiding, nearing the rope, with Debt holding the end as he looks to them with a neutral expression...and soon asked. “Ready to talk now?”

Both stopped, Bina looking at him then to where their ship was, and back and saying, “But… you, how, I thought.” Looking confused while pointing back and forth. “I thought you were still talking to the door!”

Bakari looked just as dumbfounded, but blinking he thought on it and growled, “Asha….” Making Bina pause and give a groan, as if to realize as well.

“That is correct.” nodded the arabian dressed gnoll as he repeated his question. “Are you ready to talk now? I’m not taking no as an answer anymore.” then added. “Or nun’ya.”

“How about buzz off?” Asked Bakari with crossed arms.

“How about, before you do decided, talk with someone who knows the kind of shit you two gone through then decided whatever choice you make?” told Debt. “You think you two experience what you saw? Maybe. But I at least know the emotional and mental issues that are currently buzzing in you two right now.”

In a defensive tone, Bina said, “Then you know why we have to leave.”

“You mean abandoning them because you’re too scared to show the scars that hurt you?” mock questioned the gnoll. “Sure, you’re helping them a lot-- sure as tartarus helping yourselves to run away from the pain.”

Balling his fists, Bakari told in a lowered tone, “We’re trying to help you. Trying to keep them safe.” Then waved a hand out, “Why can’t you just get it in your head that we’re leaving for them? We don’t want to, but we know we have to!”

Debt look at them, looking at their frustration and pain, as he recalled...the things that hurt him as he soon asked a simple question. “Why can’t you get it in your head that eventually, we are going to face the same things together?” looking to them as he went on. “We’re going to be facing Maltar. We're going to be facing thousands of slavers. And we’re going to be facing the demon soon enough.” then asked.

“How is running away from people who wish to fight with you, but die regardless, suppose to save them?”

Grumbling, he hear Bakari tell, “By running towards danger before running away taunting it.”

Looking at them, he soon stated. “Even if you do, I believe there's something you do not realize. You're fates, are connected to Dejen own.” then asked. “Do you know how we found you, in that ocean months ago?” and telling them without a response. “Asha mother, a Seer, told her to tell him, to watch for the ocean below. At first he thought it was a danger warning...but it was more like a chance to save two cubs in need of aid.”

Then push to what he’s trying to tell them. “Asha mother mentioned this earlier to my employer. He is surrounded by winding fates, I do not know if you believe in fate or whatever...but one must consider that perhaps, just perhaps. Dejen was fated to fight with you two?”

Once again, Debt watched those to look at one another. It was during those little pauses that those two seemed to know what the other was just thinking… just from staring at the other. Maybe it was ridiculous to think that, but the uncanny way they sometimes spoke in unison… or know what the other planned to say after the other was… it was just too proceeded to him.

Looking back, Bina asked, “Why bother trying to keep us around so much? We were sure you were fine with not bothering to care enough.” Whether she meant that or not was debatable though.

Blinking in a slow manner, Debt gave a simple answer. “Because I did the same thing you two are doing right now. Running away towards the enemy, in pulling them away from those I used to care. Being in utter agonizing pain for days of torture, feeling myself slowly break from who knows how long sessions.” then soon said. “What you do after this is up to you two, but the reason I am ‘bother’ to keep you two around, is simply because even if you have each other? There is no guarantee that after everything's said and done…”

“You two won’t be able to move on without someone who has been in your position to help you two get through it by simply talking about it.” then added. “As someone once said...talking about is the first step in accepting the healing.”

Both flatten their ears to that and glanced away. There was a slight breeze in the area that brushed them all, but it was the only thing making either Herno move. Their hair being brushed and swayed by it. “Even if we stayed.” Bakari said, “What are the options? Sit and hide?”

“Right now? Our new option is that we are going to be traveling town to town in the east, moving around as to cause issues for the slavers. Even more as we’re going in a small ship, make it easier to run and move around.” stated Debt. “that way, we’ll be on the move-- and allowing ourselves a way to hit slavers when they least expect it as keep up the chase all over the Holds with its military adding now and then.”

They stared for a moment, seeming to think that over a bit. Once more sharing a look, Debt watched as they began to make slight motions with their eyes and heads. Bina seeming to nod in the gnoll’s direction, Bakari rolling his eyes. Bina looking concerned before Bakari scowled and scrunched up his face.

With a final snort, Bakari crossed his arms and looked away in irritation, while Bina looked up to Debt herself and sighed. “We’ll stay.” Then looked down in thought adding, “You need someone to get you around. We know the land pretty good…” Then added, “And… there’s somewhere we need to go, but need a ship to get there more easily.”

Snorting, he let go of the rope as he said. “Let's go.” and taking them by surprise as he took his arms around theirs as he held their wrists and more and less drag them. “And this time, you’re not running away like easily spook cubs."

The two traded looks, Bina giving a shrug and Bakari only looking plain annoyed while Debt pulled them along.

Really now, being dumb little kids and thinking they know best. I don’t think I was like them at their age-- then again, my life was shit back then. thought Debt as he dragged them back onto the ship, although when he did pull them in the bay and towards their room, a changeling glance and remarked to the twins.

“He does realize you two could easily overpower him, right?”

Bakari said, mostly loud and clear for Debt to hear, “We didn’t want to accidentally pull his arms out of their sockets.”

“Bakari, you know we could just hold our ground, it wouldn’t hurt him.” Bina seemed to chide sternly.

“What? You know how easy it is to accidentally pull arms that hard.” Argued the tomcat.

“Funny, I forgot what it was like to have my sockets popped.” noted the gnoll. “I think the last time that happened was when I was 18.” then snort as he added. “Although it would be a mild annoyance if you did popped my sockets, be a lot harder to be a bodyguard for my employer with noodle arms.”

“You’d live.” Groused Bakari, still annoyed while being pulled along. “You know you don’t have to drag us along.”

“I know, but someone has to remind you two that despite being powerful mortals with control of elements-- you two are still teenagers pump with hormones messing your systems.” then when he was at Asha door, he used a foot to knock and said to Asha. “Delivery of two runaways.”

While the door opened and Asha lifted a brow at the scene, the Lioness said, “Oh. I was wondering when you’d be back.” Sounding more amused than anything. “Was the sight’s nice?” Watching as Bina walk forwards, looking a bit more annoyed at Debt’s last comment.

When Bakari was let go, he gave a slight jab at the gnoll’s side. While light, the Gnoll tried his best to not wince or grunt at the air leaving that side of his body as the boy stalked off into the room. Asha grinned, but refrained from giggling at Debt and let the two pass her up and head to their side of the room.

Clearing his throat he said. “If you pardon me, I must go…” then glance to the two inside and added to them. “When you’re ready to talk, I’ll be ready to listen.” turning to walk off as he was going to check if that jab left a small bruise. He may be many things-- but indestructible he wasn’t.

Meanwhile, both Striped and pegasus walked towards the smithy of Rah-Rah. Hearing the bit of the sound of a hammer as they enter in, Dejen noticed that the minotaur was working on something as he spoke. “Excuse me?” getting the female to glance to him as he asked. “But I was wondering if you could help me with my honor slave? I want her to be my honor bound slave.” a surprised look to the minotauress as she said.

“Been a while since that happen.” motioning him to come as she took out a bit of stuff as she examined the pegasus and asked. “Which ear?”

“Left please.” she nodded, but took an arrow as she motioned it to Windy as she told.

“You need to bite on it, hard.” the pegasus took a breath, then nodded as she move to take it in her mouth. As the minotauress started to work as she asked. “What you want for term of metal and markings?”

“Steel for metal please, as for markings? Can you make it three scar shapes?” she nodded, starting to work on it as they waited. 15 minutes later, she was complete as she got a freshly cooked earring with three indented scars as she held a needle out and said.

“This is going to hurt. A Lot.” Windy held a brave face as she grit her teeth on the arrow shaft as the minotauress carefully pierce the left ear on the middle part. Windy let out a small whimper of pain, but held her teeth down on the arrow wood. After said piercing, the smith raise a hand with a medical spell as she said. “There, there. The worst is done.” then look to Dejen as she said.

“Got to say, it's good to see she kept still, beside a whimper, it shows she's dedicated to you.” Dejen saw the newly steel earring of three scars, with some artistic design as he asked.

“Is it normal to see artistic design?” the smith nodded as she explained.

“Beside what you ask? Traditionally the designs reflect the relationship between you two. From what I can tell? She's utterly devoted to you, dedicated even, so I added a few things to show the importance you hold to her.” he nodded as he saw Windy jumping into his arms, he caught her as she nuzzle underneath his head as the smith giggle. “And I can see how important she holds you.”

“My thanks, how much for this job?”

“All you pay for is the metal and time it took, so about 15 gold.” he nodded as he passes the money as she told. “May steel guard you.” waving goodbye, Dejen walked with Windy hugging close as she said.

“Now I’m yours in more than one way, Master.” he chuckled as he said in amusement.

“You’re just happy that you get another reason to be mine, huh?” she giggled and told as she pulled her head back to look at him.

“Of course Master, I love being your possession.” he just snort in amusement and hug the mare as they head back to the ship to sleep.

In a few days of explaining to Rah-Rah of their plan, the rabbit was fast to help them get a small ship and rather quickly in a couple of days, modify the thing to work more to their needs. Being that it had a minor thruster engine in it and some other little extra bells and whistles.

There was still a sail for the Sky-dingy, something the Twins insisted stay on the ship-- much to the bemusement of both Striped and Rabbit. But, they kept it and made the sail more of a foldable part. After some packing of food, water and fuel, they were ready to go--

But Dejen was denied from starting the engine. He, Debt, Mynu and Windy had to give the Twins odd looks as they set up the sail of the little boat and get moving by wind-power. When asked, it was Bakari that said, “We have only so much fuel, right?” Standing and hanging off the side of the mast while looking ahead. The group on the move and having gotten some distance already. “So we don’t waste it.”

Bina was also quick to add while on the front of the bow, “You’re traveling with a small boat and from town to town in a no real direction, right?” Turning her head to tell, “That means we need to measure everything. Fuel, water, food, save what you can for later. For long voyages with small supplies like this, it’s better to way-find places to go and save what you have, by using the land with what it provides mainly.”

Debt hum a bit and said. “Smart. Best to plan and stretch what we can.” glancing to Dejen as he added. “Having a large ship is different from a dingy, Sir.” then glance to Windy curled up by the Striped side as Debt asked to Dejen. “Is it a good idea for her to not be with Mercy?” Dejen snort as he said.

“With her and Gem working with Rah-Rah? Wasn’t much option,” then added as he rubbed the pegasus head. “Beside, I didn’t want her to be alone where she could be taken by someone in the city. I prefer she was by my side.”

Giving a look, Mynu told, “Taking someone’s Honor Bound slave is a real big crime around these parts-- enough to get you beheaded if they belong to someone important enough.” Glancing to see the two cub’s going about making sure the ship they had would sail smoothly.

“True…” started Dejen in a thoughtful look as he said. “but...I would feel uneasy if she wasn’t by my side.” Debt snort as that could easily mean, ‘I would miss my relief-mare’. But didn’t voice it out, as he however focus on the two cubs, as they were making sure they were going to leave in a smooth manner as he remark.

“Been awhile since I would be traveling on the road like this, been...3 years or so since I have done it. Hope I’m not rusty in my survival skills.”

Leaning on the side of the boat some, Mynu told, “I’m with. So don’t worry too much. I’m used to roughing it out here in the Holds.” Then glanced up and told to Debt, “Keep to the rocks over there. They leave around most patrol routes. Can help keep us out of trouble.”

Bakari also called form his place above, “Bina, lax the sail some!” The other’s watching as Bina went about undoing the rope and letting there be a bit more give on the sail before there was a little bit of a boost to their speed, wind being caught in the large cloth.

Lifting a brow, Mynu remarked, “You kids are good at this.”

Tying the rope, Bina replied, “We’ve been doing this for years.”

“More like all our lives.” Joked Bakari before he jumped down to the boat’s deck, making it slightly jar.

Dejen slightly shift in his seat of a barrel as he said to Bakari. “Easy you two, unlike you or Mynu, not all of us can swim.” then glance back as he added. “Or survive on land in a long height down.”

Dryly, Mynu said, “I think that’s a given, Boss. I think I’d get my head broken open falling from this height.” Then gave a glance to Bakari to say, “But he’s right. Take it easy.”

The cat shrugged and told, “Well sorry.” Not sounding too sincere about it. “But I thought the boat could take it, and it’s not really dangerous. No rogue winds yet.” Looking skybound for a moment. “Probably won’t be. Skies look clear.”

“For now.” Bina reminded. “Just keep an eye on them, Bakari. You know how the weather can turn for the worst.” Going back to making sure the ropes were tight and taunt.

As Windy settled herself beside her Master's side, she asked. “How long until we reach a town?”

Debt glance as he thought and said. “A week maybe. Maybe more if the weather change for us.”

Dejen nodded as he said. “That should be a good estimate to have, especially since we’re talking our time.”

Mynu gave a nod some and asked, “What do you know about the towns around here?” Deciding to ask. “I know you’ve seen Humuile, but that was a dirt-hole of a town. Nothing like what is normally around.

“To be honest? All I know most towns are usually around some rocky areas, some forests,” started off Dejen as he admits. “This is the first time we ever went to the Iron Holds, Mynu. So I’m expecting anything in terms of towns...but if I’m blunt? I think most towns got lots of trees, lots of rocky areas-- or are near some rivers.”

Sighing, Mynu sat down near the Striped and told, “Well, you’re not that right at all.” Then lifted a hand to tell, “Around here? Towns are more or less Trader pitstops. Meant to help send along supplies and goods between cities. The Cities are where most of everything goes on. The Towns act as both resting spots, or in some cases, farming areas for Lords of that area.” She went on to say, “Remember how Humuile was mostly dirt all around? It was a farming town at one point. As well as a trading post-- a resting spot before traders moved on.”

Having a hand under his chin, he asked. “So most towns are either farming, trading posts-- or both at the same time?” then asked. “Lots of guards to keep watch in trading posts to make sure nothing is nicked?”

There was a firm nod. “The Lord’s jobs are to guard the local Towns that act as the main lifeblood for trade. Each city is a fortress city, able to hold off sieges for ten’s of years. That’s how come Minotaurs are so well known to be hardy defenders. They have it made just right for it.”

She then lifted a finger to keep telling, “And because of these Lords funding their own forces for the King? It gives them a small military. It’s not uncommon for a Town to have a single combat frigate as well as a platoon of well armed guards-- soldiers in honesty.”

Leaning back on the barrel, he scratches Windy ear as she let out a content sound as he asked to Mynu. “What can I expect for reaction from the guards? A bit of suspicion, some questioning, or ignoring me until I start trouble?”

Smiling, Mynu told, “Well, think of them like the guards you had to deal with at the checkpoints.” Going on saying, “Pretty friendly, laid back and willing to play a hand or two on off hours. As long as you don’t do anything to break a law or rule? Then you stay on their good side pretty easily.”

“Are they going to question about me?” asked Debt as he sat down on a box asking. “While they are laid back and easy to deal with, I am doubtful that I will not have a few questions.”

“This is because you’re a gnoll, isn’t it?” mockingly accused Dejen as the gnoll snort.

“Yes, mostly because I’m prepared for the worst case scenario, Sir.”

Rolling her eyes, the archer told, “They probably won’t think too much. Gnoll Clans are not common here, most find that irritating the King only get them the attention of the armed force of the Iron Holds.” Then rolled a hand, “Which is basically a falling wave of artillery fire that make it rain cannon balls like a rainstorm.”

Dejen whistle as Debt snort in amusement at the image. Dejen hum a bit as he soon asked. “How much do you think I can get with Equestria money? One of the Hernos mention that it's more purer-- but I don’t know how good it is compared to Hold currency.”

Smiling a bit, Mynu told, “Gold is actually pretty rare in these parts.” Then jerked her head going on, “The further east you go, the less you seem to find. Most Gold coin is made of silver, and that’s the common standard. So Gold should be hefty the further east we go.”

Thinking, Dejen asked. “How hefty? Like a coin for 10 silver? Or it's debatable depending where I get it?” Debt snort and told.

“You should think its the latter, Sir. Different places might have different prices.” then added. “You should however, keep gold close, might be nicked by someone.”

“Debt, I know how to keep my gold close, I’ve been around thieving lot trying to nick my stuff.” assured the Striped.

“Have you been around thieving dogs?” Asked Mynu. “Because that’s what you need to worry about. Packs that make a living from stealing other’s pockets. And some have some demon tricks.” Then scrunched her face, “Like the Pit-falls. They actually dig under you, make the ground unstable just enough to make you fall in, then steal your things since your arms are stuck because of the hole you’re in.”

Scrunching his face, Dejen admit defeat. “Okay, now that I’m not used to.” then slightly pull Windy close to let her lay a bit on him as he soon asked. “Any tips on how to avoid Packs traps? Or on how to make them back off?” Debt glance at Mynu and suggested to Dejen.

“Rule of Strength? Don’t know if you could achieve it, but it's an option that Mynu mentioned to me about diamond dogs.”

Nodding, Mynu told, “If you can challenge a pack, or its Alpha, you would be placing a ‘Rule of Strength’. Diamond Dogs understand the pecking order. You listen to those stronger than you. If you can beat a Pack Beta, then beat the Pack Alpha, you’re showing you’re an Alpha and must not be messed with, and demand respect by the weaker.”

“That is if he could beat a dog.” said Debt as he glanced to his employer stink eye look as Debt said. “No offense Sir, but brute strength is why I’m here. You would probably avoid getting hit, use every dirty trick you can to undermine the dog if that happens.” then thought and amended. “Although like Mynu mention...dirty tricks are technically okay in the Rule of Strength. So...its possible for you to beat one with sheer dirty tricks and cunning, Sir.”

Nodding, Mynu held her paw out to Dejen. She motioned for him to grab, which he did. A few moments later, he felt his face scrunching as his hand felt like it was slowly being crushed as she said, “I’m a female. My hands are not as strong, but I can break your hand still.” Then let go. “Males are stronger. Brute force, I’d lose. With cunning, I can become an Alpha. Dirt to the eyes, punch to the nose, kick to the groin-- make your hits and beat them into submission however you can.”

Shaking his hand, he flex it a bit as he glance to both Debt and Mynu as he remark. “The more I learn about from you two, the more I wonder how long you two been actually talking to each other.”

“You’ll be surprised.” replied Debt in a simple manner as he glance to Mynu and asked. “Does Sir has a good chance in winning if he does somehow make a Rule of Strength?”

“I thought you said I could?” questioned the Striped as the gnoll corrected.

“I said it was possible, not guaranteed.”

Shaking her head and crossing her arms while leaning back, Mynu told, “I never seen him fight. So I don’t know. And it really depends on who he’s fighting.” Then added, “There’s a risk though. If you do directly challenge, and you lose, you have to submit to the stronger one that won.”

“For some reason, I feel that means a lot more than say, ‘I accept defeat’.” said Dejen.

“You're under the pack and their pecking order.” Told Mynu bluntly. “You’re owned by the winner who beat you into submission. Only way out of it is to beat the stronger one that beat you into submission, allowing you to rise in rank, or freely leave.”

He nodded some, taking into account as Debt asked. “Are you wearing your armor underneath your robe?” getting Dejen to snort and said.

“Yeah, first thing I did. And don’t worry, I got my stuff-- even my grappling hook just in case.” Debt nodded and said.

“Good. Because right now? We’re in unknown territory, anything can happen.” Dejen raise his brow as he remark.

“You know...you’re talking less like a bodyguard, and more like...I don’t know, someone who's worried for my safety a lot more than usual?” Debt snort as he told simply.

“I’m just doing my job, Sir.” then before the striped could ask, Debt soon asked to Mynu. “I presume there are much Packs spread out across the east?”

With a firm nod, Mynu said, “Plenty. And they all act differently like Gnoll Clans. But the two things they understand is riches, or strength. That is their root of life.”

Frowning under his helmet, that reconfirms his thoughts on keeping on guard...he soon glance to Windy as he said to Dejen. “Sir? Keep Windy close, while the minotaurs might not do it-- the Packs might take her as ‘free game’ in their eyes due to,” glancing to Mynu as he asked. “What was it? Hunting?” seeing if he got the term right for Pack terms.

Nodding, Mynu said, “That would be the right term for most. We call it something else, but it’s… not dialect to most languages.” Then went on to say, “But even if they did take her…” Dragging off before chuckling, “I have a feeling they’ll toss her out as soon as they see her ear piercing.” Then told, “They once accidentally scored a Bound slave. The King’s brother was not amused.”

“So basically if they caught a bound slave-- they toss them out in fear of Minotaurs coming to their homes?” asked Dejen with a low grin on his face.

Lowly laughing, Mynu said, “The best way to explain it is as if someone reached out and grabbed a stick, only to realize it was a stick of dynamite.”

Laughing a bit, Dejen shook his head and said. “Oh, I can see how screwed up the Packs were. Word was probably sent by then.” then look to Debt and chuckle as he joked to the gnoll. “Hey Debt, if they do pull you in and you beat them-- would we find you coming back with a Pack behind you as their new Alpha?”

“Not funny.” said the gnoll as Dejen look to Mynu as he chuckled and said.

“Come on, you probably think it's funny, imagine it, Debt walking back, a couple of diamond dogs following him with a bit of bruising and saying ‘yes Alpha’ to Debt every word.”

Shaking her head in mild amusement, Mynu told, “They’ll listen to him… until they heal up and someone challenges him for being Alpha. Then another, and another.. Another after that.” Then said, “Winning a Diamond Dog Pack’s Loyalty isn’t easy. But if you do earn it by both strength and lead, they won’t back down from anything for their Alpha.”

She considered it and told, “But I think it would be better to not try brining any home. Packs can be really stinky.”

“Meaning try not to beat them too much and leave the moment you can.” joked Dejen as Debt jab back.

“Funny. I can say the same for you.” getting Dejen to blink as he look to Windy and said.

“I think Debt is learning how humor works again.” Windy giggle with a smile as the gnoll said simply.

“I learn the best results are usually from bantering, it's...amusing to see the other person jaw open wide.”

Mynu said, “Took Miko’s suggestion then?” Looking a bit amused.

“Yes. I’m still learning.” nodded Debt as he then told. “Although I doubt I will handle jokes anytime soon, I learn that my humor is really...gloomy when I attempt jokes.” then added. “Or anything else that is supposed to be humorous.”

“Oh come on, it can’t be that bad.” said Dejen as Debt sigh and told.

“Two soldiers walk by, one see a dead body as he said. ‘Hey look, less work for us.’ the other nod, then backstab him because he was a spy as he said. ‘Yes, less work for me.’.” he just get blank looks from both Striped and pegasus as Mynu snorts into her hand, as the twins were looking a bit lost before Bakari laughs, leaving Bina to stare at him as if he’s a weirdo. “As you can tell, it is gloomy.” added the gnoll.

Bina gave a look between her brother and the gnoll before gaining a deadpan look and glanced to her brother. With a lift of her foot, she stepped down, getting her brother's tail and making him slightly yowl. “Bakari, skies?”

Giving an annoyed look, he said, “Yeah, yeah.” Getting up from the ground while pulling his tail back. “Stupid twin sister.” Going back to looking at the sky.

“Weirdo brother.” She remarked.

As Debt glance to the twins, Dejen said. “That..was really, really terrible. Where did you learn that joke?”

“I didn’t. I made it up.” told Debt as he look the three and told. “I learn that the best way of humor, is from someone misery or something shitty. So I just make up jokes if I wanted to from some sights I saw.” Dejen scrunch his face as he admits.

“Debt...I don’t think that's the best way to use humor like that.”

“I know, which is why I’m refraining to make jokes, out of how horrible they are.”

Mynu told, “Sounded more like a retelling of something funny that just happened.” Getting looks as she told, “Situations like that aren't uncommon with Packs. It was a little funny to me.” Then said, “Not sure what made Bakari laugh.”

Huffing, Bina told, “He’s just being a weirdo.”

Rolling his eyes, Bakari said, “And she just don’t know a good joke.”

“Bakari, it wasn’t that good of a joke.” Bina told simply. “It wasn’t really that funny.”

“Oh come on, didn’t you hear the punchline?” Asked Bakari in complaint.

Sighing a bit, Mynu turned and said to the three before her, “I don’t get them. They can be so mature and full of common sense… and then they start acting like pups after a while. I know they are, but still.”

“Siblings are known to have arguments now and then.” said Debt as he snort. “Although in this case, I say it's mostly them being like pups with a side of having teenage hormones running around in them. I heard that's usually the reason why most teenagers are so mature-- but childish at the same time. But for them it's a bigger dosage since they’re twins.”

The twins paused long enough to give Debt a stink-eye before going back to managing the ship, Mynu commenting, “They look annoyed you said that.”

“That usually means I hit a nerve somehow.” said Debt, then glance to Mynu and said. “But if you like my jokes...I wouldn’t mind sharing more I made. It might help my humor some.” Dejen glance and remark with a grin.

“If I didn’t know any better Debt, I say you like hanging out with Mynu.” to which the gnoll stated.

“Out of everyone I know beside you? I tolerate her the most.”

To this Mynu shrugged, “Packs and Clans seem similar in some ways. We get along.” Then told Debt, “And while I won’t mind, I think the others will mind.” Reminding Debt that the only ones that would find his humor funner, were Mynu and maybe Bakari. The others… not so much.

He nodded as he said. “A later time then.” then gave a nod to Dejen as he got up and went down in the ship deck as Dejen remarked to Mynu.

“You know, after working with him for three years-- there's still a lot I’m learning from the guy. Who knew he likes humor?”

Giving a glance, Mynu told, “Maybe you should try and talk to him more often.” Then began to relax back in her place. She knew that they had a long trip ahead of them, and she was in no rush herself.

Bloody Hoof, was quickly becoming one of Dejen’s favorite gambling card games. It was apparently an Iron Hold’s game that was made between nobility themselves for real high-stakes play. One of the first things Dejen did once he reached town was visit a bar, mostly to spread false information and get possibly good info.

What he got himself later roped into, was a game with the local infantry stationed here. And they were some good players-- or, at least three of them were. The other four were moderately decent, but the game they taught him and even one coaching of a few little tricks to embarrass his pal for winning the last hand?

Dejen chuckle as he said. “You know, this might be my favorite game guys.” said the Striped as he looks over his cards, as a few other minotaurs chuckle as Dejen glance to their expressions. Oh, someone got a good hand. Looks like he thought he could win. Hmm, Duf there seems nervous, looks like a bad hand. he may not be 100% good at reading faces, but he was adapting of how their expressions work, how their eyes shifted.

Or mostly, how their nose move. As apparently their nose told a lot with their emotions, who knew? But in either case, one of the minotaurs put his hand down, glancing to Windy who was resting on Dejen lap as he said. “It's really surprising you got an Honor bound slave, especially an Equestrian too. How did this happen?”

To which Dejen spun his lie at ease. “I found her 5 years ago, when I was moving up north in Manehattan to the good Holds. Found her near her last breath in the sea, managed to pull her up and went to the Holds. After I nurse her, she didn’t know what to do. Had nothing to her name.” shrugging a bit and ending it there to let them finish their own thoughts. With a quick glance to his hand he said. “I call.” taking a bit out to the pot before them, as he had a good feeling, and look around as he would win this pot.

Humming, Duf told, “Fold.” Bowing out before he could lose what earning’s he did have. Though the other competitor placed in a few and told.

“Raise.” Grinning rather largely.

“Takin’ a risk there.” His pal told while saying, “fold.”

Shrugging, the older minotaur told, “I can risk a bit. I’m getting a hefty pay next week.” Then turned to tell, “So you found her and basically helped her out?” Then snorted, “Good for you, I suppose.” Sitting back some while waiting for the reveal to be.

Chuckling he said. “True, true, but with being a traveler myself, we sorta had to make her an honor slave to pay off what debts she couldn’t pay. As the medical care and needs for her health were not’ cheap.” then look to the minotaur eyes, seeing a bit of confidence in there as Dejen knew it was probably a good hand. As he casually looked down to his cards as he thought.

Okay, he’s confident, meaning he’s got a good hand, I’m guessing four of a kind...hopefully not a flush. then chuckle as he places his hand down to reveal the cards.

The Minotaur mimicked and both glanced to find…. They had the same cards. With a look up, the guard told, “Well, lucky you.” Then glanced to one of his pals, seeing him nod as they began to take cards from the deck, flipping them over one by one onto Dejen’s… before a new set was out. It made the Striped grin at the Ace that landed down. “Definitely lucky.” Told the guard.

He gave a mock gasp and place a hand on his chest. “Are you insinuate that I somehow cheated good sir? For shame!”

Snorting, the guard grinned, “Ha, I’ve seen cheaters.” Then slapped one of his pals, “Just ask Alun here. Used to stack decks before joining the guard.” Then noogied the guy. “We beat it out of him.”

Chuckling as he gather all his cards, mentally counting them for the exact number of 52 as he remarked. “So you're saying I’m a very good and lucky card player, eh?” stacking his cards and set them aside as he waited for his new hand.

Taking the cards, shuffling quickly and dealing a new hand, the Minotaur told, “You’re a natural. Reminds me of my old commander, could bet and bluff the cloths off his troops.” Then shook his head, “Damn shame he kicked the bucket some years back. Real great guy, might have made himself a good Lord someplace.” Then went on, “you remind me of him.” Then laughed, “Well, with playing the cards at least!”

Laughing a bit, he said with a grin. “I’ll take the compliment,” then asked in amusement. “Think I’m able to play Bloody Hoof with a Lord of all things? No offense to you guards-- but I want to see if I might win big with one of them,” then joked as he imitated something cutting his neck. “That is, if one of them don’t accuse me of cheating somehow when I win.”

They all laughed, with Duf telling, “If you got big coin? Maybe you could play one. Once got to guard over a Lord that played a hand. They mess with over a K of silver at a time.” Then shook his head. “Real big stakes sort of game with Bloody Hoof in the mix. Some bet land from time to time-- but not often.”

Snorting, one said, “I’m happy they don’t. It gets annoying when we get called to pull out to guard someplace else because the Lord lost his hand in a game.” Then shrugged, “But I really shouldn't complain. Better than some Civil fight like the one some months ago. Heard it’s just about cleaned up now.”

“Hmm, yes, I heard rumors of it.” said Dejen as he pet Windy mane some. “Heard some dispute of war between two nobles. I heard it escalated, caused King to set martial law.” then asked. “Is civil war common here? Would think it's wiser to spend resources on removing slavers and raiders than petty reasons.”

Snorting some while those still around began to pick up their hands, the best player said, “It happens. Not often, but normally when one Lord or another causes some insult to Honor or feels like the other wronged them, they can get into a fight. The King only allows it due to advance troop movements. Keeps the riff-raff out. Bloodshed isn’t expected, it’s like a game of Bloody Hoof.”

Waving a hand, he said, “You bluff what you have and force the other guy to get cowed and bow out. It’s normally just a big game of bluffing and chance. Only gets bloody if the two Lords just hate the other. And if it gets bad, the King steps in personally.”

Humming a bit, as he glanced over his hand. Okay, not bad, not bad. thought Dejen as he soon asked. “So civil fights are like big game of Bloody Hoof? Would explain the name.” then chuckle as he asked. “You think if I ask the Lord for a game, they might bother to listen if I show bit of gold? Or proclaim tax on me for no reason?”

A few chuckled with one telling, “If you got gold? There’s a chance a Lord might let you try a hand.” Then leaned back while taking a chug of a beer. “Really? If you go farther east, you might have a chance to get a Lord’s ear to play you with gold in your pocket. Hear that less gold inflows been going on there. Lot’s would try and play you out of it.” Then shook his head, “Be damned fools to try you though. I learned my lesson, I’m not playing you anymore.”

“Aw, my feelings are hurt.” joked the Striped as he glanced around, getting a good read as he talked with another bit. “I call.” seeing various reactions as he thought to himself. 3 are probably folding, another raise, one might raise or fold out. I think I’ve given them a good idea of how dangerous I can be with cards. although he did asked in amusement.

“What you think I could win from a Lord? Beside a five minute head start if their pride is bruised?”

Quite a few chuckled, but one said, “Depends on what’s at stake.” Said one in thought. “Blades, steel, maybe a promise of a favor.” He gave a shrug. “It depends on what stakes they are willing to place down. And with their position, that is a lengthy list.”

Dejen jokes. “Maybe bed with pretty girl?” although Windy shot up on his lap, looking straight at him in the eyes with a pouty look as he raised his hand and said. “A joke, a joke Mist.” she stared at him as she snort, moving to nip his neck as she lay back down as he told in amusement. “It seems that my honor bound slave does not like that joke much.”

“Females.” Shrugged one, making a few chuckles.

Thinking some, one spoke, “You said you’ve traveled far, right?” The minotaur shifted and said, “I heard something from the Hunter’s lately. Said something about some new Protection Act going about some new species that’s like the Changelings. Heard that they’re extremely dangerous if attacked from eyewitness accounts.”

“Ah yes, I heard from the Arabian sands, they lived in a city as I recall. They’re called Shiftlings, similar but vastly different from changelings. They are less hierarchy and more of community, a sort of Colony one say. They detest Hunters much, Hunters made assumptions of them as the same of Changelings, killed many to dangerous amounts. Shiftlings never forgive, I hear they hold grudges across spans of generations, even more using their enemies as fertilizer.”

While the minotaur hummed, one of the others asked, “What brought this on?”

Glancing, the bull told, “Just something I heard from some pals of mine. Said that the Nobility caught wind about this new species and have been trying to figure out what to do about these… Shiftlings?” Making sure he got the name right and got a nod. “Right, so, they’re worried about finding Shiftlings and what to do. How to handle them.”

“My advice? Do not attack.” said Dejen simply. “As long one doesn’t attack Shiftlings, they do not fight, they are more open than changelings. Seen around working, as long as Nobility do not force them off ‘their’ lands, have no trouble. If one try to force Shiftlings off their home?” then told with a shrug. “Shifltings fight tooth and nail, down to last shiflting to make enemies dead.”

Nodding, the minotaur said, “Figures.” Then sighed, “Welp… I guess that’s all I can tell if others ask. But that doesn't sound too much different from what’s been told by the Hunters.” Looking at his cards in thought. Though he did pause to ask, “Where are you heading anyways? You came in with an interesting group.” Then smiled, “Unless you happen to know a Herno Village? Noticed those two Herno’s. Pretty young. Escort for an honor marriage or something?”

“Bah!” said Dejen as he shakes his head. “No, no, old friend from village, I owe favor too. Asked me to watch grandchildren, made mention that they are going to be starting their Honor Trials recently. Made me swore to keep eye on them, otherwise if I come without them, I must perform their ‘honor suicide’.”

Grimacing, one said, “Don’t envy you. Herno are pretty stiff in their honor system.” Then snorted, “But gotta admit. They’re some of the best disciplined fighter’s I’ve ever seen. I think the Lord would bet ten or even twenty troops for one Weapons Master Herno.”

Snorting, he told. “Then one must take time. Despite them strong, still learning of world,” then added in annoyance. “However hard to teach them if they refuse to listen to ‘honorless curs’ like me. See me gambling as something frowned upon.”

Fixing his card and placing a few coins in to raise, Dur told, “Must be too much gambling then. A little’s fine I hear, but too much and they start thinking you have a problem.”

“Gambling helps me to pay funding.” then added with a smirk. “Not to mention, how else you think I’m good at it? Would not be good at the game if didn’t play much, hmm?”

A few did chuckle to this, some agreeing before getting back to their game.