Arabian Swindler

The following week was filled with almost slight confusion. One more appearance form Shima was made before she vanished for the next three days. It left the group wondering where she was, or why she was gone for so long before the mare eventually returned. From what they could tell, there was no changes on her, though there seemed to be a new tan dress this time around with white wrappings for her head. Apparently having figured out the black dress was a bit too much in the hot sun.

From there, she came rather regularly, and almost with a similar schedule. She would come between early morning to mid-day, travel around the lower districts, go to the vendors for the same food items, choose a random place to get a drink or food, maybe spend more time with random strangers, then leave.

While the pattern was fairly predictable, there was so much wiggle room it made the mare spontaneous too. One day she would choose to go to the Smelly Plot. Other’s, a slightly more delicate and decorum of a restaurant. Other times, just get an assortment of her bought foods and make something there and then.

It made finding her hard, and the only places she did go to regularly were the gates she had to enter in and out of. If it wasn’t for the faulty transformation concept, they would've found it odd that she never tried a unicorn or pegasus from. But as it was, her in the same earth pony from did make it a bit more easier to single tha mare out.

And so, for the second week since her appearance, she once more followed the same pattern, going right for the front gates along side a few traders, visitors and caravans. As she walked along though, she had to blink and take a look around. Ears pricked for a while before entering through the gates. She shifted her shoulder blades for a moment, then continued on, though a touch more cautious as her ears slightly swiveled about.

Her routine started as randomly as ever, choosing a seemingly random path and going with it. Meeting horses, some D-dogs, ponies and a few other locals. Giving pleasant greetings, small talks or anything really while she carried her baskets. But again, during her walk, she felt a pang of something in her head. She halted and glanced around, once more alert… then moved along.

Shima took a breath in and made a turn for an alleyway, figuring to use an alternate path this time around. Something was following her, she was sure. Something that made her on edge. But as soon as she left the alleyway, she was once more on her way to the market, and once more, did her business. This time selling three more rolls of silk, gaining more food, and changing path.

It was while she was leaving the district she felt another ping and a chill up her spine. Shima took a calming breath and stubbornly moved another direction, once more taking a sharp turn and taking a less known path she found some days back. The crowds thinned slightly, and she moved forwards, intent on finding a place to possibly hide under. Though when she found a suitable place, she paused.

Around the next bend, a horse stepped out, his leather and cloth like armor different from the local guards, slightly more angular in some areas and a pendant that gave a slow and blinking glow. What disturbed her most was he was looking at her.

Stepping back, Shima was about to head the other way, but felt the same chill form where she came from. It made her stop, ear swiveling back and hearing another set of hooves-- no, two. Glancing back, she found a similar set of armor and this time on pegasus and unicorn, both with similar pendants that were glowing and pulsing faster as they got closer to her.

She glanced between the two sides, and part of her heart thrummed in a slight fear. They were changeling Hunters, she was sure of it. She thought of a plan, or the best she could, even as the first spoke, “Don’t make a fuss, or else.” A clear threat in his tone, his glare intensifying and another chill down her spine. Disgust, hate, and verily in vengeance. While she didn’t mind the free emotions, it also caused her concern why they were focusing so much on her.

Glancing around and mind thinking, Shima did the only thing she could. She readied herself and bolted-- and rather quickly at that. The sudden dash and faint made the horse before her try and duck and tackle her, but last moment she changed course and ran another way. “After her, now!” demanded the horse, he and his compatriots giving full on chase, unicorn firing a spell and the pegasus taking to the air to fly ahead and possibly cut her off.

Shima ducked her head, hearing magic flying around her and fizzling on sandstone walls. She scrambled down one alley, then down another, hearing them after her. She jumped and burst out, next to knocking over a vendor's side stand and some of his goods. He was going to yell-- right up until a magical blast flew by the running mare that had taken the rough course through the crowds, both hunters hot on her heels.

It took a moment for the vendor to blink, then turn and shout, “Aldin, Hunters!”

The mare quickly duck under her stall, as she crawled out, quickly moving away from the Hunters to spread the warning. As within the next ten minutes, all changelings within the city were alerted and kept out of sight, yet this also alerted their higher ups, as of right now, Dejen was jumping across rooftops. Searching around for the commotion of the chasing hunters and running mare.

As he saw a too long of a jump building, as he took out his hook gun, aiming for a moment as he fired and jump. Letting gravity and momentum do its work as he swung over the citizens of Ramada, eyes searching down for the Hunters-- finding none yet as he felt rather annoyed-- agitated really. While he did warn the Sultan-- he gave caution to him that the Striped needed time and patience. So how did these lot found her!?

He gained his own answer with a snort. These lot probably jump on that Captain report, hoping to find any changelings here. Damn Hunters. coming down on a rooftop as the hook was pulled back to the gun as he kept sprinting, using his senses to search for the hunters and mare, thankfully he heard a shout.

“We’re almost catching her, push through!” he made a turn to his left, quickly running as he soon saw the Hunters, a broken down door inside a building as he jumped onto the building itself. Quickly going through a window to scan around as he saw both unicorn blasting down a door as she rush in to grab the ‘changeling’ as Dejan had to exit out the window to go through another path with the Hunters quickly moving up the steps.

It was by the window that he heard the rushed steps, and the magical blasts, before they came to an end. Hearing panting, Dejen peeked over the edge to find Shima, her baskets and dress long gone along with her wrappings that made for her modest headgear. All that was left were her shades, and a fairly mussed up opal coat and messy amber mane and tail. Though, the sight of a missing cutie mark next to explained why she had the dress.

The next wooden door was blown off its hinges, making Dejen duck and let the splinters or parts fly over head before peeking in once more. The hunters finally caught up, Unicorn with glowing magic, pegasus holding out what could only be called rope and the horse getting ready to draw his weapon. Not too far off was Shima, whom shook her head and blinked her eyes, shades being blown away and laying off to the side.

It was here that both hidden striped and the hunters nearly had to blink, less at the willow green irises of her eyes, but the blackness around it. Leaving an almost seemingly vibrantly bright iris to almost glow in the blackness of her eyes. Shima seemed to realize this, and got up, backing away and rather suddenly, beginning to hiss.

The hunters chuckled at her, the horse speaking, “We have you cornered, changeling. Either stand down and face your punishment, or we’ll hold you down by force and drag you out.”

“I’d like to see you murderers try.” Shima returned, her fur bristling before tightly laying down, forming into much more sleeker of a shell, hooves slightly shifting and soon stretching out as if they were balled fists as claws were made known and form her mane, what could only be defined as two antennas popped out, leaving a very insect like mare in it’s wake-- the overall appearance form the shiny opal shell, to the silky amber mane and tail, to her unnatural looking eyes and insectoid appearance looked almost far different from a changeling's own while she hissed more, small fangs bared and showed form under her lips.

Huh...now there’s something rather shocking. thought Dejen, as he knew both him and the Hunters paused of this sight, although granted he quickly refocus. Looking around the room as to try to get her out, but Shima was cornered...he then gain a quick idea as he took out a flashbang, as he gave a warning to Shima. “Close your eyes and ears!” talking the pin off as he tossed the flashbang into the room.

He did the same as he closes his eyes and held his ears tight as for the pain that will be surely given to the hunters.

The bang was deafening, and the flash with it just as blinding. Screams of confusion and pain sounded all at once, and even with the slightly dulled ring of his own ears, Dejen could hear scraping of claws and rushing feet. She was running and taking the chance to run-- meaning there was only one way he knew of her to go. Down the steps.

He jumped off and away from the window, getting on the ground as he rushed inside, quickly seeking Shima as he came by the stairs, seeing her running her way down both stairs and walls, though in the case of the walls, it look like she was literally sticking to them. Still he quickly move by her as he assured. “It’s okay, it’s me Dejen, I’m getting you out of here, Shima!” helping her up on her feet? Giving a quick glance down to the claw hoof things.

It wasn’t important for him to find that out, as he escorted her out as he scanned around as they exit out the front door, spotting an alleyway as he glance to see if she was better, but held her wrist as precaution as he told. “Follow me!” rushing to the alleyway for a starting point of escaping.

Antennae twitched, and the mare, or what he could only define still as a mare gave a slight hiss of protest-- yet went along. She was hopelessly confused on what just happened, but didn’t comment. All she could do was follow, fear pounded at her at the knowledge of what was behind her, and any safety would do at the moment.

When they came to what looked to be a well, the striped next to skidded to a halt, reaching out and tugging the rope a few times before grasping and sliding down. At first Shima thought about just running, but at her current state, she didn’t trust herself. Not without having something to hide her further. So, with some reluctance, she follow, grasping the rope carefully and sliding down, and down… before reaching the near bottom where there was water… and what looked to be a wooden door, one Dejen stood at and held his hand out.

Shima gave him a doubtful look, and instead of the hand, reached out with her right claw for the wall, grasping and pulling herself to the ledge. He backed up, letting her get more inside the tunnel before she stood bipedal for a moment-- then resumed her quadpod stand, taking slight breaths to calm herself… then glare up with slight suspicion… atania twitching with an odd form of anxiety with her ears and tail.

He rolled his eyes around under his helmet, as Dejen move to lean on the tunnel wall as he said. “I know you have suspicion on what just happened-- but a small thank you might be appreciated, I did take you out of the fire, so to speak.” tilting his head some as he held that calm tone as he added. “Then again, you’re probably a little agitated that I threw a flash-bang in the room, so I can’t really fault you for being...moody.”

“Moody is when you have an off day.” Told Shima before using a claw to point at herself and said, “I was chased down and threatened by three murderers before some explosive rolled in and my only warning was short and with little time for me to be ready-- I am far from just moody.” Sounding fairly angry with her slightly more insectoid voice, almost laced with a more angry hissing.

Keep it cool, calm her down Dejen. thought the Striped as he apologized. “Well sorry Shima, but during that time, I had to make it quick, otherwise those killers would gain an idea of what I was about to do.” then said. “But on the bright side, they can’t follow us now, since by now the city guards will be all over their asses and good old Harsho is going to make them pay. Literally.”

With a look of skepticism, Shima said, “It can’t be that simple.” Something about all this was off to her. Granted part of her was piecing a… few things together, like the overly convenient time ‘Dej’ seemed to just appear in places she was trying to relax at. It was too uncanny to her, and it always nagged at her. Now, he was in armor and had secret tunnels to use?

Yeah, so not suspicious in any way. She sarcastically thought to herself, continually eyeing the Striped carefully. Her atteni twitched more, taking in the chemical scent around. This tunnel had seen plenty of use, she could smell it. So many species and… for a moment, Shima almost paused. What was that their scent? It was… familiar, but, far from the same. She didn’t stop following, but she felt slightly more on edge than before.

Without her dress, hood, and glasses-- he could see so much better. Seeing her body being on edge, knowing all the tells as those antennas on her head were moving around and talking in the ‘air’ around her in a near frenzy as he noted. She almost remind me of an ant like species. huh… kinda funny now that I think about it. Ants like sweet stuff, ergo she takes in sweet stuff. In hindsight, I probably should've seen this coming...then again, I’m an inventor, not a biologist

Although he did answer with her remark. “In a sense, it is simple, see Harsho has a...annoyance with Hunters that come to his city, he practically made a law that for any damages they do? They have to pay and serve their time, and if not? Well...let just say that he is going to make their jobs a whole lot harder than with simple ‘paying and serving time’.” he then however asked in a mixture of curiosity and slight knowing.

“You can sense them now? I guess in this form, you can sense changelings.”

Slowing up a touch, ears became perked and attenai poised up in alertness. The snap-shot speed that made her go from cautious to alert was near blindingly fast, almost in one quick jerk of a motion that didn’t seem to harm her. “Changelings? Actual changelings?” Seeming to want to confirm this, though she look even further on edge if at all possible.

Slowly raising a hand, he assured. “Easy, now Shima. There's a reason why there hasn’t been Hunters in the city, take a breath now. Nothing is going to happen, alright?”

She didn’t look completely convinced, still slowly following and attenai moving around in an almost cautious manner, eyes pinned to him, but maintaining a straight line with her slow strides to follow.

“Everything will be explained in due time.” he assured, leading her through the tunnel as he gave bits of glances to her now and then. Mostly making sure she was following, as he doubted that he could keep track of her in her original form, knowing she could easily climb over him and ended his life with ease. Keeping his senses sharp, he controlled his own anxiety, as well as his burning need of answering his own questions to her. Knowing there was always a time and place for everything, as they came to a wooden door with claw marks on it.

He knocked on it some, as a muffled voice asked. “What, is life's greatest illusion?” To which Dejen respond with a roll of his eyes.

“Innocence, now open this door up!” there was a grumbling of ‘that wasn’t all of it’, but locks were heard being undone as it opened up, Dejen motioned her to enter in, as he came in first.

Shima was much slower, cautiously approaching and her antennae sticking further first, reaching around and even tapping the edges of the doorframe. Those inside, mostly the changelings, next to paused at the new presents that felt both familiar, yet so alien. When Shima began to step inside, many had to do an odd double take at the silky mane or the more shiny opal like shell-- even the overall appearance of the mare that entered in full alert and atteni waving about as her eyes and ears also scanned around.

“Hey Dej, why is,” started a changeling as the Striped wave his hand as he told in a harsh manner.

“Everyone back to work!” getting a few to slightly jump from the sudden harshness as Dejen continue on. “We still got to keep an eye on the city, make sure the Hunters didn’t bring other's. Keep a low profile and steady eye on things!” as that managed to get the changelings to stop looking and hurried along, he motioned to Shima to follow him, as he walked along some steps as he no doubt knew the other's will be in the meeting room by this point.

He almost had to pause now and then, glancing back to find Shima nearly eyeing everything with so much tension-- or what he could presume was tension. Unlike with a more flesh like body, her chitin one gave little in the way of normal tells. All he had was her twitchy nature or slightly cautious step to go by and most of all, her eyes. Those spoke of a much more talkative tell of how cautious she was, as if she was in a potentially highly dangerous area.

“Relax Shima, you’re safe, for the most part.” told the Striped, as he ignored her glare as it was of mixed duress and uncertainty. “We’re almost there anyway.” opening a door as he walked in, waving a hand at everyone as gave glances, while Gem blink in surprise, Herbal having a mixture of surprise and concern to the unknown changeling. Debt merely held an emotionless expression as he stood by, Windy herself felt a little wondrous of what Shima was, as she moved to sit next to her Master.

Mercy however, could easily note the anxiety and cautious fear from Shima, as the Queen knew that in Shima position-- she is expecting to be possibly attacked. She almost felt like Shima was...a Queen in a sense, granted a lesser Queen-- but a Queen nevertheless. Mercy tap her hoof to Herbal for introductions, the stallion nodded, giving a calming and pleasant vibe to himself as he spoke to Shima.

“Hello there, allow me to introduce everyone here.” motioning a hoof to Dejen. “You already met Dejen, our leader of sorts, by him is Windy,” moving a hoof to Debt. “You already know of Debt in a sense,” then to Gem. “Gem our genius/maddog of an inventor.”

“I prefer mad genius, thank you very much!” told Gem as she stuck up her nose and crosses her arms, as Herbal rolled his eyes, then motioned to himself. “I am Herbal Health, doctor and alchemist,” then to Mercy. “And this is Mercy, Queen of the Hive here-- as a forewarning? She can’t use her voice, so she must rely on magic to speak.”

To which Mercy horn gently glow as words form. “Hello Shima, we mean no harm, please sit and take calming breaths. We have much to discuss in a sense, I have no doubt you have many questions.”

Shima eyed the table before herself, glancing up at each and nearly measuring them as carefully as she could. With a few flicks of her attention, Shima soon gave a slow sigh, but did not relax. She moved in, near cautiously before reaching the edge of the table, sitting on her hunches almost slowly and both eyes, head and even attenia flicking about near blurring flicks or twitches as if to keep them all in sight.

Dejen inwardly sighed, feeling grateful that Shima didn’t bolt, yet. Keeping his emotions and expression steady he spoke. “While you do have questions to ask, we have questions of our own. And admittedly, the biggest question we have is really the simple one...what are you?”

The speed which Shemia used to look straight at Dejen almost made a few want to wince. Some felt like something in the girl's spine should have snapped at just how fast or how twitchy that action was. It felt odd to see her show not an inch of pain at the speed used, but from the looks of it, she was thinking.

“Shiftling.” Was the slow response. “I, am a Shiftling.”

Herbal couldn’t help but ask in return. “Shiftling? Are you a sort of cousin like the Changeling?” mind taking in all accounts of what was discussed, and having the answers before him, well having a way to get those answers, the doctor honestly want to know as to figure out both medical conditions and how to understand how these ‘Shiftlings’ work differently than changelings.

There was a flick of those black eyes with green irises, seeming to take in the thestral before her as she went on, still deliberately slow and cautious. “Might as well be. We’re… pretty close in some areas but… different in a lot of other areas.”

He couldn’t help but feeling giddy as he wanted to ask more-- but a clearing of the throat caused him to pause, as he turned to Gem as she sarcastically told. “No offense doc, but we all have questions about our own beside yours, so wait your turn, alright?” sighing some, the doctor had to nod in agreement, moving back in his chair to settle as Gem asked. “How did you make that silk? We know it’s organic-- but from what?”

“Really Gem?” asked Dejen as the collie told in indignation.

“Damn it boss, it frustrated me ever since we got it! I need to know what it’s made out of!”

Blinking, but not seeing any reason to not tell, Shima said, albeit more relaxed if not bemused tone, “Weavers.” Catching their attention as she cleared her voice and said, “Some Shiftlings can produce silk. They can use it for a lot of things. I’ve been… using it for a few things, like making rolls of cloth...” It was an odd subject, but she could at least give that much.

Gem groaned as her hands went on her head and let her forehead fall on the table, feeling irritated that while she has the answers-- she wanted more questions to give! Mercy however asked her question. “We wanted to know something, is there a reason that you...shiftlings,” Getting the term of species word in her mind as she continued. “Had been changing local flora and killing wildlife? We have guessed you needed food, but from what we gather, you had to take...alot.”

“What?” Began Shima in confusion before something seemed to spark realization and the flames of irritation and anger ignite inside of her, making the shifting visibly bristle. “We weren't changing or killing anything! We were trying to help retard form a nearly dead patch of forest!” Something in her mind clicking as she said, “Those… murderers told you this, didn’t they?” Almost sounding a touch demanding form just how angry and agitated she sounded.

Raising a hand to Shima, Dejen explained in a calm manner. “Shima, we’re asking because we simply have no idea. We don’t know what had happen in Equestria, period. All we can get is second hand accounts and some tidbits of information. All we do know? Is what some Hunters mentioned and what we learn from other cities, which isn’t much to be honest. In all honesty? We’re pretty much in the dark when it comes to outside of Arabia.”

Looking them over and trying to find any lies, Shima eventually gave up when she turned up nothing but the slight weariness and confusion in them all. She seemed to slightly calm down, but still eyed them slightly suspiciously, but went on, “We were trying to grow our Colony.” The shift of terms they were expecting catching them slightly off guard.

“I found a place to settle, and began to.” Shima went on to tell. “It was secluded, away from too many cities, only a village here or there around… and it looked like it could use some gardening. A sapling here, a bush there… shiftlings are good at that, you know… digging in dirt, irrigating the ground, burying dead animals to keep the place clean and the ground fertile. The more happy the land, the better we get to eat.”

“So the reason you’ve gathered things like wildlife and flora, was to make the land fertile and grow.” mused Herbal as he gave a slight nod. “Yes, I can see how it can work in a sense, provide much better in the long run.” then frown as he told. “But the Hunters, and possibly Equestria saw things differently sadly.” shaking his head as he asked in curiosity. “If I may, how were you able to produce venom in your teeth? From what we gather, the bites were suppose to be near lethal when bitten.”

Cautiously, Shima answered, “Some older shiftlings can learn to make venum. Others are more… specialized to have venum. It’s not a common trait, but it happens.” Picking her words apparently carefully.

“Amazing.” muttered Herbal as Mercy asked her question.

“Are the Shiftlings unable to shapeshift like changelings? Or is there a limit? As admittedly, we simply had no idea on why you and your, Colony didn't try to come into the city. We speculated it was because of my Hive presence here.”

Slowly, and almost wording herself more deliberately, Shima told, “No… most of the colony is just… too young. I’m the oldest and most experienced in talking with others. I didn’t know there were changelings here.” The hesitation wasn’t just felt in the Queen, the other’s could next to hear it too.

“So you can’t sense them.” Debt spoke, as a few glances to the gnoll as he looked to her as he gave his question. “Why?”

Glancing away, Shima gave, “Camouflaging as a pony means I have to hide a few needed things for me to notice them.” Though slightly winced on the inside of how she said that. Mostly at a slight slip of something she meant to not mention.

“So you can’t shapeshift fully like changeling can. You can only change your ‘coat’ into actual fur as well as have hooves and walk on all four like you can...but there were things you couldn’t hide. Like your eyes.” noted Dejen as he went on. “Or even not having a cutie mark, as most changelings are able to make a fake cutie mark at ease, it seems the Shiftlings are unable to produce that, or even change eye colors. Hence the sunglasses and odd form of clothing.”

All Shima did to respond was slightly grumble under her breath. Just one thing, one thing she was trying to hide and she slipped up. Though, so far it wasn’t a total loss. Well, not yet. She tried to not fidget in place, as calm as she was keeping herself, she felt horribly uncomfortable here. Being alone as she was.

Mercy noticed that easily, as she noted that unlike changelings, Shiftlings might not handle being alone when in distress. As she decides to bring up what she felt about Shima. “You have the presence of a Queen,” gaining looks as surprise etch into other faces-- as well as a spike of panic as Mercy spoke. “Any Queen could always sense another Queen, even a lesser Queen, Shima. In an odd sense, that is one other thing we seem to have. A way to tell who is a ruler among others…”

Frowning some as she looked at her more intently as Mercy gave a statement. “You said that you're Colony is young, meaning you have to provide for them by talking trips to the city for the sweets and seeds to try to grow your own plants somewhere.”

“You mean to tell me Shima is a Queen?! By the stones,” spoke out Gem in slight surprise and shock. Dejen however added in bits of concern.

“And a providing mother too.”

“Scion.” Shima said almost bitterly in admittance. “I’m called a Scion. Shiftling version of a Queen.” Then paused for a while before sighing, “And yes… a mom too. There’s not enough emotions, so fruits have to be a substitute while I also gather extra emotions each trip. My colony is too small, too young. My oldest are only able to keep the colony stable, they’re not ready to actually interact with other ponies, horses or… whatever else is out here.”

Then, she scowled, “I hate those murderers….” Trembling in place, “I was just fine where I was, minding my own business before they came along and started killing my babies.” Looking up with a particularly venomous look. “Part of me wished you didn’t toss that bomb in, maybe I could have actually killed them for a little payback for nearly taking more than half my children from me.”

“Or you could of been easily taken too.” told Dejen in a stern tone, looking at her as he went on. “While it's true you could've taken one of them out, maybe the horse-- the unicorn would of hit a knockout spell, or a stun spell to try to daze you, with the pegasus being nimble, easily moving around to hit at the back of your head.” he then push. “I get it, you want payback, who wouldn’t blame you? But what you need to think is that if I didn’t toss that bomb and got you out? Odds are you wouldn’t survive-- or get out so easily.” then amended.

“Granted maybe I could've try to get you out of the cell, but at that time I was focused on getting you out alive, Shima.” Mercy however was sympathetic to the Shiftling as she spoke.

“I know how you feel, Shima.” having a rather venomous expression herself. “Part of me wish that I could kill every single killer like them when they come close to my city…” then relax as she sighed. “But I am reminded that if we indulged in our paybacks and revenge? Then we may not see the inevitable consequences that would come harshly upon us.” Looking at Shima with an empathetic expression as she told. “For now? Let us at least be thankful that you have gotten away uncaught and unscathed by those monsters, and return back to your Colony. Perhaps we both can aid each other for what we both need?”

“Why?” Spoke Shima with a near defensive tone. “Why should I? I just found out you’ve been stalking me and even know where my home is.” Fairly sure she heard them mention the Oasis.

To which, Mercy ask in return. “If you,” emphasizing that part to Shima as she went on. “We’re in our position, heard about some unknown group that could be around, noticing an odd mare that didn’t seem to fit right, and are cautious and trying to see if they were some sort of danger to your children-- would you do the same as we did?”

“I don’t know.” Began a deceivingly calm shiftling, “Hard to gain the experience when the first thing like that to happen resulted in a ninety counted colony be turned into a twenty-seven counted colony by sudden attackers.” Nearly hissing at the end.

While Windy gasp in shock and disbelief, Herbal gave a low angered sound, Gem spitting on the side as Debt merely blink calmly, while both Dejen and Mercy controlled their expressions and emotions as both felt slight sympathy and bits of understanding of Shima position and hatred.

Not hearing any immediate response, she railed on, “Why do you think I stayed in the forest, away from cities or towns-- I’ve heard about changelings. I traveled around alone for a long time and was accused of being one more than once-- I couldn’t risk it and hid in a forest to start. And I almost had a year to make my Colony grow. Slowly and steadily, not too fast.” Then darkened as she hissed again, “Then those murderers come in, killing my children… workers, just drones! We knew what needed to be saved, so the swarm acted!”

Her claws gripped and ripped the pillow she was on, all four appendages having no problem shredding into the soft material. “While most attacked the intruders, the rest moved those that held the brood and I lead them all away. We had to, I couldn’t risk staying, I knew the colony was far from what it could really do. To reach that level I need three, four years?” She shook her head, “It doesn't matter-- all that did was that 27 of my children made it out, old and youngest with the newest brood. That’s all that mattered at the time…” Dragging off slowly and muttering, “Now they seem to know I’m around here. I might have to move someplace else if they find my colony, and I can’t… I can’t let that happen, not when there’s nymphs barely days old now.”

A frown on Mercy face, she gave a glance to Dejen. And while that mask hid his face, and he kept his emotions hidden the best he could-- she knew what he was feeling from working with him. As once the two look at the other, there was a small brief eye contact, as if agreeing on something. As Mercy look to Shima as she told. “We will help you.” looking at Shima as her words held conviction. “We will aid you in staying in your new home. In making sure those killers keep away-- and letting your children live.”

Having a kind smile as she added. “From one mother to another, I can’t bear the thought of not aiding a mother who is in dire need of aid.”

Shima glanced away, not having really any words. She could already tell from this Queen… she was not just honest, she was utterly sincere about her words. It was hard to not feel it in her emotions. It was strange, almost. She knew what they felt, even Dejen, no matter how well he hid it with his silent guard.

Still, the idea made her attend flick around near wearying. Being alone as she was, was frightening enough. But she wasn’t sure how to… handle trusting this group. Could she? They were honest, that was for sure. But at the same time, she felt concerned about trusting them.

Attenie perking, and ears pricking, the Scion became more alert for a moment… then relaxed with a sigh. It was a tiring, but there was the smallest tinge of amusement there. “I… I need to go. I think the colony needs mother back again.”

Dejen motioned his hand as he gave command. “Gem, find some clothes for Shima to have, she’ll need them. Herbal escort Shima to a way to get to her home faster.” then added to Debt. “Debt, get a cart of sweets, fruits, honey, sugar-- whatever you can get with some pure love stockings. You’re on guard duty with her until she comes back to her home.” the gnoll gave a brief nod, moving to exit out together the cart as Herbal had a pleasant smile as he got up.

Moving by the Shiftling as he said calmly. “Follow me please, we’ll be out shortly after Gem gather what you need.” the diamond dog snort in amusement as she was already heading out. As Dejen himself got up as Mercy asked with a raised brow.

“Gonna check upside?” to which he gave a tone that held a grin to it.

“I do work best when I swing around in the air.” waving a hand as Windy following him, as while he didn’t say it, he motioned a finger at the pegasus for her to follow after the Striped.

If there was one definition most agreed on, it was that the South-east of Saddle Arabia was notorious for its dunes of sand. And there was plenty of it to be seen all over the place. The four, being Shima, Debt, Herbal and Gem, all trudged along and moved towards the place that was the ‘Colony’. Much to their interest, Shima insisted on pulling the cart, and despite her dainty and feminine figure-- she was apparently more than strong enough to pull it along as if she was naturally an earth pony she almost looked the part of.

Although it didn’t mean Debt took guard by the mare, as he kept a constant eye around, keeping his guard up for any trouble as Gem was in the back, keeping an eye behind in case they were being followed. While Herbal trotted with Shima as for the few hours, everything that came out of his mouth came in two categories. Medical, biology, and how a Shifting works.

To which, Shima gave curt responses, unsure responses, deflect, or in some cases a flat ‘I don’t know’. While it slightly irritated Gem’s own curiosity-- it was also a ting funny to see the reluctant Scion trying to keep talking to the doctor. Though, it wasn’t like she was the only one on the receiving end.

She took moments to ask about changelings, apparently trying to find where there were similarities, and where they were different. The aspects were a little blurry, but one thing was evidently clear. Shiftlings were very ant-like in both behaviour and even in some actions, while Changelings were much more independent and individualistic at times. It was hard to really define the two apart, with some of their striking similarities.

Still, when the doctor tried to hit at another question, this one being something that nagged him. Age. He knew that the oldest couldn't be more than a year old, yet by the sound of what Shima said, they were old enough to not just defend the colony, but also maintain it. It was one Shima was not too reluctant to answer. “Shiftlings grow up fast. They are… well, unborn nymphs for a few weeks… then they are born, and after another few weeks, or rather a month, and they reach an adult like age.” She considered it and said, “For me? I… consider each year is like ten years for a drone… or something like that…”

While Gem blinked the back, as she never heard of a species growing fast at birth, Debt gave a glance as he snort and refocus back around to keep watch. While Herbal gave a slow nod, talking that in as he said. “So age is very hard to determine with Shiftlings, especially since to them, life is faster than what we know.” he hummed a bit, as before he could ask another question, Gem told.

“Alright, Doc you’re in the back! It’s my turn to ask questions!” the thestral sigh and with a roll of his eyes with a mirthful expression, he flapped his wings. Moving on back as Gem moved up, having a wide grin on her expression as once the doctor was in the back, did Gem unleash her questions. Most specifically of the silk. “You said that these Weavers made the silk, right? How is it process in organic? Using the sugar and sweets? Add in a bit of emotion to make them last? Oh what about how many they could make?”

Herbal couldn’t help but joke to Shima. “This is what happen when you mix madness with knowledge!” to which Gem turn her head and declared.

“I’m not mad! I’m a genius!”

“Erm….” Shima started, not sure how to take that… point of logic before she said, “Sugars have nothing to do with it.” Immediately gaining the dog’s attention. “You see… it’s like I said, Shiftlings take emotions to feed on, any will do and it’s what we primarily only need. Sugars, honeys, fruits, berries…. Those all just make good substitutes when there isn’t any ambient or nearby emotions to have.”

Gulping and thinking how to explain the next part, Shima told, “Weavers have an extra pair of arms, and special glands that replace the normal resin gland a shifting normally has.” Trying to recall everything she could recall. “And… well, they just produce it. As far as I know, they can produce it from hands or finger tips, but that’s all I can say. They can produce it as long as they are fed enough emotion… or food in general…”

While Gem gave a slow nod, feeling a bit disappointed she didn’t learn more-- but grin as she managed to know a bit more as she was about to ask more, before Debt spoke. “If you’re going to have her talk throughout the trip, at least let her gain some water for her throat, she must be tired from all that talking with Herbal.”

Gem rolled her eyes as she sass. “Oh now you want to talk, huh?” only for Debt to give a grunt as Gem rolled her eyes as she told to Shima. “someday I really want to knock him off his feet for being the oddest and most apathetic guy I have ever seen.”

“That’s not what his emotions say.” Said Shima in a fairly faint joking tone, trying to get some comfortable ground around these strangers.

“Oh?” An inquisitive grin on her face as she asked. “And what does the tall and expressionless worker for Dejen feels, Shima?”

“Right now?” Asked the Scion, “Denial that I can get an accurate read on him.”

As Gem laughed, Herbal told to Debt. “She’s almost like a changeling Debt, she can feel your emotions rather well.” the gnoll mood change from denial to annoyance, as Gem comment to Shima.

“Wow, been awhile since we saw good old frown face being caught off guard, with him keeping to himself and having that stern expression, we generally can’t tell without a changeling to know what he’s feeling.”

Thinking about it, Shima said, “Well, who knows ways. I’m just tossing it up to the fact he’s being a male about it. They tend to be stubborn for one reason or another on things. Especially feelings.”

Gem snort as she told. “Oh if only it was that simple, Shima.” then motioned the Shiftling to look at the gnoll in question. “What you see before you, is one of the rarest males to ever be behold. The mystery male. The one where we have no idea who he came from-- or who he really is to be blunt, as he always keep to himself,” then added. “Well, not unless Dejen beckon him to come and follow him.”

“Oh.” Started Shima with a roll of her eyes, more obvious without her shades on her face. “One of those males.” Sounding more annoyed than anything. “I don’t see the appeal girls get in that kind. I find it utterly ridiculous at times when they swoon over the idea of some mystery guy with those marked categories.”

“Eh, I agree,” shrugged Gem. “But I think some girls get appeal because of the whole mystery thing and wanting to find out.” although she added. “But the reason I’m interested? Is cuz nobody-- not even Dejen himself knows of our dear gnoll past, or even his actual name.” to which Debt told in a neutral tone.

“There is nothing to know. I am an employee, and Dejen is my employer. Simple as that.”

There was one glance back before Shima looked back to Gem and said, “I think you better abandon ship on your curiosity before it turns to utter disappointment at his lack of words. Or even want to say them, I guess.”

That spark interest in Gem as she asked lowly. “Come on, come on-- what did you sense? I know you sensed something in him!” tail slightly wagging with excitement.

Thinking it over, Shima said, “Well, when he said that, he was terse, with a side of exasperation and a ‘oh please’ sort of feel, like it was old news and he just didn’t really care about thinking about it.” Then added in, “Now with a good helping of annoyance. I think he’s getting tired of knowing a female can read his line of thinking so well.”

Giggling some, Gem teased to Debt. “Aw, is the gnoll getting his feelings all bundle up cuz we know what you’re feeling?” to which he snorts and respond.

“No, because you keep pestering me with questions that are annoying, and with you bothering me, when I should be focusing on our surroundings than the discussion.” Gem rolled her eyes as she whispered into Shima ear.

“Sometimes, I think Debt is secretly gay, mostly because how he seem to focus on Dejen a lot more than a female, or a lot of females around him.”

“Uh...huh..” Shima said with an uncertainty before coughing to herself and looking ahead saying, “We should be getting close by now.” Trying to put a touch more effort into her pulling of the cart. For a moment she began to lose her coat of fur for a much shiny shell, and her hooves were just as fast to regain their claws and show some improvement in her pulling the cart.

Attenai came out and flicked out, a smile slowly breaking out on her face as they crossed over the next dune that soon overlooked the oasis. She sighed in a sort of contentedness before moving along, getting closer to the greenery that the group could see now. There seemed to be slabs of sandstone around the area, and even a large amount of plants making their growth known near the water's edge.

But as they approached, Debt glanced to the side, having sworn he saw something… or not. It was hard to tell if something was hiding nearby. But when they got close enough, Shima seemed to gain a devious grin and called, “Mommy’s home!”

All at once, some of the ‘rocks’ and ‘roots’ that had shown nearby lost their coarse or grainy looks, turning form tan’s. Greys or even brownes, to straight up smooth, opal like chitin. The three nearly jumped at them all, Shiftling smaller than Shima herself, but just nearly popping out of nowhere, apparently having been on guard all the while.

Chittering and chattering could be heard all around, though what really caught them off guard was the large rock at the sand-stone cave like entrance. The ‘bolder’ there shifted, slightly changed, and each blinked at the rather… large thing they were looking at. Well, large was an understatement. While the shiftlings around were small, this one was… well over three times their height, reaching a fair 10 foot of bulk and what looked to be meaty shell.

“Damn!” exclaimed Gem, looking up to the tall giant like being, seeing the thick shell like body, and knew it was doing one thing. Brute force and guard duty. While Herbal was feeling a mixture of fascinated and slight concern due to his smaller size compared to the giant, with Debt giving a single glance to the larger male as part of him wonder what else the giant could do.

Although Herbal refocus on the multiple shiftlings as they were around Shima, chattering high pitched like a mare voice would be, but he noticed that within the exception of the humongous one...all of them were feminine in body and figure as he moved a bit closer to Shima as he cleared his throat and spoke. “Pardon Shima, no offense of interrupting, but...why do all of the Shiftlings look, feminine in looks and body design?”

While Shima was glancing back to him, her antennae, and the many athenai of her children continuously tapped at her and them near repeatedly. “Oh, that?” She gave a small laugh, “Well, you see, Shiftlings are mostly just… girl. Only really female, technically even the Major over there is more female than anything.” Causing a few double takes, though it could be attributed just from how bulky ‘she’ was. “There’s… aren't really any male Shiftlings… well, besides one exception, which isn’t common in the least… more like rare.”

“You mean you all are girls?” asked Gem as she glanced around, as it was surprising to say the least, she honestly thought that there would be some guys-- then again, this could be a major difference between Shiftlings and changelings. Debt however spoke up as he began to turn to leave.

“Our job is complete. We should head back and report to Dejen we did our job of getting her home.” Herbal glance up, and to the sky as he sighed and admitted as he look to Shima.

“He does have a point, we have a long way back, and I’m certain that we will be a bit busy for a few days at least.”

Shima gave a slow nod, thinking it over and saying, “I think I’ll be staying home for a few days.” Turning to look at her daughters, each one seemingly being tapped by her attenai as she told, “They’re a bit worked up I got attacked.”

“We’ll see you maybe a week?” slightly asked Gem as already she glance to see Debt was already was moving, as Herbal gave a concerned look to Shima, but knew that the Scion needed to be with her family. As Gem then added as she scratched the back of her head. “Maybe when you’re ready, you’ll check up on us?” trying to make things less awkward, as she decided to head back before she made it even more awkward.

As once they began to leave, the three were silent until Gem asked. “So boys, any ideas of what that Sultan might do to those three?” making the two glance as Herbal admitted.

“I think he might put them in jail for a while, what about you Debt?” glancing to the gnoll as said male snorted, but gave a short answer.

“Might do worse once Dejen give the info.” to which, Gem gave a low laugh.

“Yeah, I can see that. Give that horse a new side of what happen and really get the Sultan even more anger at the Hunters. I dare say that what's Dejen is seeing now!”