Arabian Swindler

Harsho was usually a patient being, one who holds great control of his anger, of his frustration in the public eye...but not only when he found out three Hunters terrorize his city, cause property damage-- and been told from Dejen on what really happen with this ‘Shima’ and her Shiftlings? Of why they were actually trying to make a life? Well, he first felt sympathetic to the young mother as he was reminded of the changelings…

Then he felt utterly vivid of what could've happened to both this Shima and possibly her Colony-- granted he was a bit surprise of such things as a Shiftling, then again it made what he was about to do for the three much more enjoyable. As the three were pulled by the guards, all having their equipment gone, their use of wings or magic restricted, and were currently before him in his throne as he looked down at them with a face that said mercy wasn’t on the table.

As he asked one. Simple. Question. “What right, did you have for causing property damage, for chasing and harassing someone for their species-- and for thinking you are above the law within my city?” The three didn’t answer, at least not at first as the horse spoke out as he tries to plead for their case.

“Oh great Sultan, we humbly-,”

“Oh shut your sniveling little mouth!” snapped Harsho as he glared at the horse. “You should be glad that I am allowing you to speak, than to give the punishments of your crimes,” giving them all a good look over. “After all, while one of you is a citizen of Arabia, the other two aren’t from around here, and aren’t protected by certain...laws.” making the hint that they weren’t in ‘safe’ territory within his city like they were with other Sultans, as Harsho had one thing the other Sultans didn’t had. Making sure there weren’t any Hunters bases within his domain, meaning that whatever laws the Hunters had or some sort of protection-- were null in his eyes.

Both visibly gulped, both ponies looking to the other as if asking how this had gone and happen. Both looked back, and it looked like they wanted to protest-- and near venomously at that. Though while the unicorn remained silent, mostly out of knowing there was no way around-- the pegasus spoke out anyways. “Y-you can’t do that! We have rights!”

Raising a brow, he asked. “Oh? And what rights do you have to chase after a citizen of my city, what rights do you have to breaking into someone else's home? What rights do you have for causing property damage to the vendors and people who try to make a living in the marketplaces, with their goods destroyed in the chase?” glaring at the pegasus with utter apathy and disgust.

“What right do you Hunters have that dictate you had any authority in my city?” he asked with a near venom and authority of a ruler that could cause one to feel a chill in their spine. To which he added darkly. “You’re not in Equestria where everything is ruled by alicorns. You’re in Arabia, and each city has their own rules with their Sultans on how to teach criminal scum.” glaring at her as if trying to make her case. “I suggest the next words that come out of your mouth, be the smart one. Considering that it seems you and your fellow Hunters lack...knowledge of my own laws.”

To that point, the unicorn glared at the pegasus to keep their mouth shut. “We have the rights to our orders!” Making the unicorn facehoof at the pegasus and their foolhardy nature. Discreetly, the unicorn was trying to make his partner shut up, making a number of hoof motions-- motions the pegasus seemed to pointedly ignore. “That changeling and it’s Hive is a high priority, we’ve been searching for it and it’s hive for weeks on end!”

Raising a brow, as he motioned the horse Hunter to speak. “Is this true, that you had some rights to the orders?” the horse visibly gulped, as he shook his head and told.

“Y-Yes Sultan, we had our orders.” the Sultan snort and told to a guard.

“Bring their supposedly orders to me.” the guard saluted as he trotted out, within the next few minutes he came back with a scroll as Harsho open it up, reviewing it as he hum. “I see the orders to find this Hive, and to seek it out to remove it…” he could almost feel the smirk radiant off the pegasus as before the pony spoke, Harsho told on. “But, I see that there were no additional orders on destroying public property, causing hysteria in a city, on breaking and entering illegally into another being home, and if I may add!”

Pulling down the scroll to glare at them all. “There seems to be no additional orders to ask for aid with the local guard on apprehending these ‘changelings’ that you were chasing. It seems that you're superiors believed that you hunters were above the law and of the consequences of what happened in my city!” as he added. “Is that, or is that not true? That your superiors gave no extra orders about what I just said!?”

Blinking, the pegasus gave an, “Uhh…” As if not realizing what just happened.

Snapping, the unicorn told his partner, “For once, just shut up and keep your mouth shut, we’re in enough trouble as it is and you’re making it worse!”

“At least one of you Hunters got enough smarts to know how much trouble they’re in.” snark Harsho as he toss the scroll away as he went on. “You Hunter are so quick to attack, to chase-- to not even know how to properly handle the situation, like that Captain Galadan fellow, at least he was respectable enough to me and know that Hunter have no authority in my city.”

Then told to the three. “Unlike the rest of you, who seem to think they’re some holy knights on a crusade, damaging public property and thinking you can get away with it.” snorting harshly as he told. “Well, you’re wrong. Now, I am giving you one chance to try to give your claim and try to justify what you did. But if you fail?” then he chuckled darkly. “Well, at least one of you will be in prison and be into forced labor to pay for your crimes, the other two, whoever they are ...might not be so lucky.”

Face screwed up tight to that, the pegasus opened their mouth-- and to some surprise, they all watched the unicorn tackle and slam the pegasus’s mouth shut with his bound hooves best he could. It was apparent he did not trust his compatriot to say anything right.

The guards tense, as they pointed their spears at the group. Although Harsho chuckled a bit as he looks to the unicorn and praised. “Smart of you to keep his mouth shut. He would of made you all suffer and possibly be put into slavery.” then told to the unicorn. “Now, I feel inclined to let you talk and try to justify what rights you all had.”

Looking up, there was a hint of panic and it was obvious the stallion was scraping the corner of his mind to say something, or rather anything, he could. He racked his head for reasons, the proper words and terms. But as it stood, they were way out of their depth.

He openly grimaced and muttered, “I should've known something was strange when we got here.” Though more loudly and clearly said, “I can’t give any excuses or justification besides our orders being as blunt as they were. I can’t defend our position.” Seeming to take the only diplomatic position he could at the moment.

“At least you’re admitting that you all had no rights to cause such damage on my city.” said Harsho as he looked at his hoof, glancing to them as he told. “Now, normally I would just toss the horse into force labor to pay for the damages you all did, might take a couple of years, and you two would be in slavery with your horn and wings removed and sent elsewhere. To mostly pay for the crimes of breaking and entering.”

“Oh Sultan, if we may, the changeling also broke-,” started the horse as the unicorn lowering his head as if the horse just unknowingly send them to death as Harsho snorted.

“The so called changeling, was running for their lives from fools who thought their titles gave them inexcusable rights! I believe I can pardon their crimes, after all, they didn’t try to push people out of the way, destroy multiple goods and vendor stalls, and even didn’t try to break down a door and force entry into another person's home.” the horse paled as he realized that this was set against them in the beginning as Harsho chuckled darkly.

“Ah yes, you just realize that do you? I hate you Hunters. So very much, and you want to know why?” leaning forward as he told in a venomous and deadly tone. “Because you all seem to think you’re above any laws and jurisdictions. That you assume that your title of Hunter gave you some sort of right to just do as you please without paying a penalty. That you assume that you were safe in any place, that you could just say ‘they’re a changeling’ and assume that you’re absolved of any damages you did. Well guess what?”

“You’re not. Especially in my city.” leaning back as he said. “Now, I am going to give you two choices. Which admittedly is rather merciful compared to what I usually do. You can either all go with my first choice, one of you working in forced labor for paying the damages and the other two sold as slaves...or you all being in force labor for maybe a few weeks, and then telling your superiors-- that the next time that they send Hunters in my city with vague orders of ‘capture the changeling’?”

Giving them a look that promised death. “I’ll make sure that for every Hunter that is sent in my city that cause me trouble? Will either be executed or work as a slave. Do you understand me?”

“Yes!” Hurried the unicorn, “We do, second option also, please.” Not at all trusting either of his currently being-complete-idiot cohorts to mess this up somehow.

“Good.” said Harsho as he wave a hoof to his guards. “Take them away, make them work in the mines for 4 weeks, and when they’re done? Ship them off to one of their bases in another Sultan city so that they can warn their superiors and other Hunters that I am not tolerating any more of this.” giving a glare to the unicorn. “Because next time you Hunters set foot in my city and cause me trouble? Death or slavery.”

All the stallion gave was a very fast and quick nod, an unhappy muffle form his partner sounding form below before the Unicorn swiftly hit their head to keep them quiet. “Yes. Understood. Crystal clear!”

“Leave.” told Harsho as he saw the guards dragging the three out-- or rather the pegasus out, as it seem the pegasus wanted to say something to the Sultan, although he did heard the pegasus mutter, ‘stupid old horse’ as Harsho spoke a bit loudly as there was a dark grin on his face. “Oh I’m sorry, I thought I heard somepony insulted the Sultan, did that mean that you want the first option then?”

The resounding hard hit and pained shout, followed by a rushed and quite, “Idiot, what did I just say? Shut up!” And before the pegasus could say anything, the unicorn repeated, “Shutup,shutup,shutup!” Then glanced back, giving the most pleasant, if not scared shitless, grin he could possibly make-- and almost dragged the pegasus away himself.

Harsho chuckled to himself, as once they were gone out of the throne room, he heard movement from above, as Dejen dropped down, holding the same shit-eating grin as the Sultan did as Dejen comment. “That was the funniest thing I have ever seen. Ever.”

Harsho chuckle more as he agreed with a nod. “Indeed,” he then however added. “Although Dejen, I do have to talk with her eventually, you know, make her a citizen and all that, as technically she wasn’t.” Dejen shrug as he replied.

“I’ll see what I can do, I make no promises.” although he did asked. “But are you going to do the whole death or slavery thing?” to which Harsho snort harshly as he nodded.

“Yes. I am sick and tired of these Hunters, no more will I tolerate their brash nature. I don’t care if their superiors give off reasons of them being citizens in another country-- the moment they stepped into my city, they were under my judgement and of my laws.” giving a snort again as he added. “Ponies seem to forget that Arabia has city states, and aren’t unified together like their nation, not my fault they are fully ignorant of such things.”

Dejen chuckle as he said. “In either case, I’ll head out, thanks again Harsho for helping out.” to which the stallion said with a grin.

“As long as you help me with providing information, it's the least I can do my friend.” then added with a teasing look. “I hope you enjoy that book too.” laughing as he saw Dejen grumble to himself as he saw the Striped heading to a window to exit out, Harsho sighed and shook his head as he felt Dejen was easy to tease when he didn’t have his guard up.

After Dejen enter the safehouse and was back within the den, he noticed that a changeling was coming to him as the drone spoke. “Hey Dejen, the Queen wish to talk to you with the other's, they’re back.” the Striped blinked as he recalled that it was night time when he was traveling on back from Harsho place, as he nodded to the drone. Heading towards the meeting room as he saw each individual in their own place, with Herbal, Debt, and Gem returned as Debt reported to the armored Striped.

“We have done our job and returned.” Dejen gave a brief nod, moving to his spot as he saw Windy sitting on her haunches by him, as he settled down in the large pillow seat as he asked the three.

“So, how did it go?” looking at them as he glanced to see Debt speaking first to his employer.

“We weren’t attacked by anything within the trip and back, we discovered the Oasis as the scout reported. But we learn that Shima kin could easily blend in the environment, acting like rocks or roots on the ground, we didn’t know they were there until Shima stated she was back. They surrounded her and gave ‘talks’ with high pitch sounds and with their antennas.”

Gem then added with a wide grin. “And there’s a big one, ten to eleven feet high and armored Shiftling! Called the Major, and let me tell you, it surprised us all!” Herbal rolled his eyes as he add in.

“We also learn that there's a mixture of similarities and differences between Shiftlings and Changelings. It was rather insightful,” than admitted. “Granted there were a few things Shima didn’t tell me due to not wanting to say, or her not having full details of it herself.” he then said in a thoughtful tone. “However, it seems that there is one major difference between changeling and shiftlings. Shiftlings are nearly all female species, as males are rare to have.”

Making the other's looking a bit surprised at this, as Windy blinked a bit, Dejen just stared in surprise as he was working that thought in his head, while Mercy remain thoughtful, her expression was rather calm, as she was taking that in internally. Taking it apart and reviewing it within her mind as she soon spoke. “That is...very surprising. While I can see her giving birth to her Colony like I do with my hive...how does she repopulate?” Thinking a bit as Herbal however brought that up.

“Actually, she said that Shiftlings work a bit different in terms of biology, as she the Scion is able to give broods among her Colony or other females if they’re willing, but it won’t result in a genetic dysfunction or inbreeding problems if she isn’t able to find a female to breed.”

“Too...much information.” Dejen said, as he was trying to remove the mental image out of his head what Herbal just said, as Windy scrunch her face at that. Urg, porn you went against me now. thought Dejen darkly as he tried hard to remove the mental image of Shima with a dick now, as Herbal spoke with a chuckle.

“Actually, it was rather informative, as I found out the Scion actually has a ovispor-,”

“Changing the subject now!” told Dejen as he didn’t want to hear more of this, he already was trying hard to not imagine the first thoughts he had already! Although Herbal added.

“But what’s more interesting is that each time she gives off a brood, it can range from five to ten at a time, meaning that with those quick growths of her drones of a month she could literally grow her Colony to make it big!” but he did added. “But she would need to make a big supplies of food to feed them, and she’s already having trouble feeding them all those sweets fruits, honey and sugar already since she lacks the emotions she needs.”

To which Mercy corrected. “She is actually making a slow build, Herbal as there isn’t enough emotions to give, as the sweets are the ‘back up food’.” Then added with a smile. “But with the supplies we gave of pure love we added with the cart, that should help them enjoy their meal alongside with the extra supplies of food.” however she look to Dejen as she asked. “And of the three Hunters?”

Breathing out, Dejen admitted. “Harsho is really pissed. He practically told them upfront they had two choices. Either work in the mines for four weeks and leave to tell the other Hunters to get their act together in his city, or one of them work in the mines and the other two sold off.” there were a few winces to that, as they knew that Harsho, while fair to his people, is a little...extreme when it comes to the Hunters.

Then again, they had done a lot of property damage and cause issues for his people, and alongside having changelings as his information, it made sense why Harsho prefer to be strict on the Hunters. But Dejen add more. “But Harsho is really serious now, as he is going to make sure that any more Hunters that come into his city and cause trouble? Are either killed or sold into slavery.”

“Oh, that is bad.” said Gem as she winced, knowing that by now the Hunters are probably on thin ice already with what happened during the years. Herbal frown, as while he didn’t enjoy the fact that any Hunters not native to Arabia will face the latter part and it felt partially wrong to do that, another part reminded him that this is Harsho city. That Ramada is a city state, and Saddle Arabia isn’t like Equestria.

He gave a low sigh, as he knew that there was nothing he could do, as he was a doctor. But he thought back to Shima, as he knew that with Harsho probably knowing of her existence now and her Colony, he look to Dejen and asked with concern. “And what will Harsho do, knowing of her and the Colony?” as the other's gain looks to the Striped, knowing by now the horse probably knew of this act.

Dejen shrugged as he told. “Apparently? Harsho wants to talk to her, granted it might take days really.” they all nodded, knowing that by now Shima will want to stay home for a good while, at least until things die down. Still Dejen went on talking. “As for now? We keep an eye on things, wait a bit, and business as usual.”

“Which also means time for me to write about the Shiftlings and document them.” smiled Herbal as Mercy, while content with knowing that what they learn won’t be forgotten-- she did gave a look to the thestral as she said.

“Herbal, you really need to get out often from that clinic you own.” And while she enjoy some of his emotions of compassion and goodwill as a doctor-- she also wanted him to have something to enjoy being than work. Herbal lift his glasses up as he told simply.

“I enjoy doing my work and helping those who might need medical attention.” to which Gem told flatly.

“Which is pretty low considering there are other clinics,” leaning on the table some she told. “Mercy right, doc-- you gotta do something else than work and being in that clinic all day.” grinning some as she added. “Maybe decide to date a pony that lived here?” While Herbal splutter, Mercy giggle, feeling the mixture of shyness and embarrassment as it turn to defensive as the thestral told.

“G-Gem, if you recall, most ponies who lived here a few and between, as Ramada is generally a horse base city.” then added with a huff. “Not to mention, I highly doubt any who may live here, will find a doctor who works with a secret organization ‘appealing’.” trying to bring logic on the table, as Mercy stick her tongue out as she tease.

“Well, if that’s how you want to be, maybe we should surprise you then?” she could taste the denial within the stallion as he stood up and told as he lifts up his glasses.

“If you pardon me, I must start writing, good day!” quickly trotting out as once he opens the door and closed it behind him, Gem laughed out as she leaned back.

“O-Oh, Mercy, is he what I think he is?!” feeling giddy that their doctor was in a sense, a virgin. Mercy hum a bit, as she soon replied with a grin.

“I dare say so, from all the sudden influx of emotions, I say dear Herbal hasn’t really gotten into the, finer sex for a good while. I dare say he is a novice in terms of having a relationship due to him focusing on being a doctor.” then added with a mischievous expression. “I also felt that a bit of him want to try, but doesn’t know how, I believe I have the antidote for that.”

“Mercy, I don’t like that look, that looks like you’re plotting for something.” said Dejen as the changeling queen giggle with a hoof over her lips as Mercy just say.

“Worry not Dejen, lets just say I’m going to work on a project, ta-ta~.” moving to trot out the door as Gem chuckle some, as Dejen gain a glance to her as the diamond dog smirked and told.

“I ain’t saying anything boss, mostly because I know what she might plan,” and before he could say anything, she told. “In either case, I’m getting some shut eye, night boss!” quickly jumping over the table as she rushed out, Dejen leaned back, tapping the table as he thought over on the ‘conversation’ which was really Mercy thinking over something. As the Striped was considering what Mercy was planning, as despite working with her and knowing her-- the queen did love to make things a bit cryptic when it came to the group relationships.

After all, she tends to love being a matchmaker of sorts, mostly to help get benefits of emotions in the long run. thought Dejen, as while he wanted to know what Mercy was planning, another part of him wanted to shrug it off, knowing that even if he wanted to find out, Mercy is going to make sure that any lips among the changelings were tight and sealed. He consider doing something, as he felt Windy pawing a hoof at his side, making him glance to her as Windy smile as she gave a suggestion.

“If Master wishes, he could go and work on his projects and inventions? They have been collecting dust for a while.” Making the Striped consider for a moment, as he had to slightly agree, with the whole business with Shima, trying to find out about the Colony, and with the recent Hunters-- it has been a while since he last work on his inventions. Not to mention, I still need to tinker a few things out. thought the guy as he jumped from his pillow, hand waving to Debt as the gnoll still stood in his spot.

“Go on and take the night off, I’ll be busy in my workshop.” the gnoll nodded, already heading out to the door as Debt knew that Dejen would probably work throughout the night on his gadgets, maybe stay up there for a while until anything changes.

If there was a silence form Shima form before? Then right now she had cut all communication off. Or, at least for a couple of weeks. The shiftling didn’t dare seem to show her face until those weeks past up, and only then did she appear once again, though this time far from alone like before. This time around, Shima had two others, young teens or adults if one were to gauge their height alone. Both holding next to the same opal colored coats, and having very short cropped tails. They, much like Shima herself, had an assortment of dresses of light colors, and sunshades-- though one seemed to sport a bandana and the other having their short mane free to whip about.

Those seeing the recent addition to the city, or at least slowly familiar sight of the mare, had to almost pause at the three set of mare’s. It goes without saying, that they all looked like sisters, or similar enough to be sisters. But the air around them almost suggested mother and children, to which a few presumed the taller of the three was much older than she looked.

And all the while, they could hear her telling, “--and remember, keep close and don’t talk to any strangers no matter how nice they seem.” A firm tone being heard before the two by Shima seemed to echo, ‘yes mother’, as to confirm a few suspicions of those around.

Shima let out a long breath and tried to not think too much about this. Not that she could blame her children for wanting to be with her. Before it was from pure necessity that they stayed. Now, she had little choice. They wouldn't let her leave without an escort. Though, her ‘escort’ she felt was still a bit on the young side. Still, nearly a year old should count enough for protection, she hoped.

Looking around, Shima knew that the first thing she needed to do was possibly go to the trading district. Maybe find a fairly family-friendly place to eat too. Choices, choices, choices. She thought with some sarcasm.

While she seems to think to herself a bit, with the two camouflaged Shiftling looking about, they all soon a voice, as their ears perked and their attention diverted to the upcoming diamond dog. As Gem seem to be carrying a large bag as she waved and greeted with a smile. “Hey there Shima!” seeming to walking towards the general direction of where the market place is as she looked to the two by her as she jokes.

“Guess they decided to bring in back up in case something happen, eh?”

Rolling her eyes from behind her backup shades, Shima told, “They wouldn’t let me out of the house unless I brought them with.”

Laughing some, Gem joked. “Even kids are overprotective of their parents!” then introduce the two. “Name Gem, don’t know if you recall me or not from sometime back.” then asked to Shima in curiosity. “So what’cha up to? Thinking about heading to the market? Cuz it’s where I’m heading to actually, need to drop off some stuff for my job.”

Giving a slight nod and a sigh, Shima said, “I am.” Then frowned, “I just hoped nothing changed too much. Since those three...people.” Tensely mentioning those that had chased her down, “Chased me all over the place, I lost most of the Shekels with me. I’m hoping I can get something out of the silk I brought with just to make up for the loss.”

Grinning wide, she asked. “You got the silk? How many bundles you got with ya? Five? Ten?” tail slightly wagging for anticipation of how many Shima had with her.

While a lone brow did raise over the sun-shades, Shima told, “Only five. I don’t want to just sell off the silk, there’s more important things they’re needed for than just bits of money.” Then frown and told, “If I can get the seeds to grow enough, I’d be selling produce instead maybe. Or maybe any gems we happen to find.”

Chuckling, Gem motioned for Shima to follow as she began walking, glancing to the mare with her escorts as she said to the Scion. “Shima, I’ll be upfront with you-- since you’ve been selling those silks to some of our vendors? Well we’ve admittedly been making a lot of profit from what we had. Turns out Dejen knew how to get the right working and design, and each time you sold those silks? We’ve made a near fortune with what we produce.”

“So nice of you to tell me this after you gained a large profit.” Dryly responded Shima.

Rolling her eyes, she told. “What I’m trying to get at is that we’re willing to help you out further. Mostly helping giving the food you all need, and the seeds to help grow food. Least we could do to help out.” as she added. “By the Stone, Mercy even suggested we give you 1000 shekels to help give back what you lost plus a bit more to help your family.”

Shima couldn’t help but glance away at that, and while it sounded nice, it only helped so much in what she needed. And she voiced this, “Food and seeds are nice, and the shekels can help.” Admitting that much at least, “But it’s not what we survive on. Just a… substitute. What we really need, we can’t just… buy.” Not really sure how far she could openly mention their emotional needs.

Gem gave an understanding nod, as she said. “Which is why Mercy is willing to talk to you about it, help you out from one mother to another…” then glanced around as she knew that while she wanted to talk more, there would be no doubt people to over hear as she added. “Tell you what, if you wanted to talk more, head to the Smelly Plot. We gotta discuss something that has to be private.” quickly heading off, but added. “And ask about the ‘inflow’ to that stallion you’ve been selling the silks to! Trust me, it’ll help a lot!” rushing off to wherever she was suppose to go as it seems that she couldn’t say more to the Scion without anyone overhearing their conversation somehow.

A slight frown and a spark of wonder made itself into Shima, the mare trying to think over the collies words and how she almost seemed rushed at the end. She was brought from her musing, feeling a slight nuzzle to either side of herself. Shima let out a sigh and chuckle at their concerns, and turned away to the market to at the very least, get some shekels and spare food to keep them supported.

A lot of things could be said about caution and shiftlings, the two words going hand in hand at times. While Shima was fairly self confident, even she was sometimes hesitant in heading to any new places. The Smelly Plot wasn’t new, but the aspect of it being a ‘meeting’ place made her emotions bristle, and even her camouflaged drones were cautious. ‘Ally’ was still to be made out with Dejen and his little group, something that Shima wasn’t sure how to take.

In short, she still felt on edge. While most of the emotions were honest, and the Queen was possibly one of the few she might… trust, somewhat, she still felt unsure how to feel about all the rest. Or, at least for now. The opal mare admitted that maybe she would just have to wait and see.

Entering in, many at the bar had to give looks at not just her, but the two presumably young adults falling either side of her. While Shima looked pleasantly enough and nice, those by her sides glanced about with not just suspicion, but weariness. It was hard to tell with their shades what their eyes held, but their demeanor was enough to tell they were cautious of the place.

And as they were taking their steps carefully, there was short whistling to catch their attention. As one of the Shiftling glance to see Dejen in his casual outfit, shuffling his deck as Debt was behind the Striped, wearing that helmet over his face as he stood firm like a rock. However they were both on the edge of the unicorn mare that sit a bit close by the Striped, as she was twirling a tea of all things with a spoon.

Having a graceful posture as while she didn’t seem much to the eye beside a purple unicorn, when her lime eyes looked to the three, it was like she knew what they were and she undoubtedly knew what they knew what she was underneath that disguised.

They moved up, Shima sometimes glancing at the unknown mare by the stripped, sitting down with her children miming her in almost complete unison. If any payed any mind, they might have noticed, but too many were more busy with their own business than anything else.

With one more glance, Shima asked, “Dejen… who’s this?” While there was admittedly something familiar about the mare, she wasn’t sure what, or even why. It was a moment's like these she had her attenta out and ready-- but that was something she couldn’t really do out in the open at the moment.

The unicorn gave an amused smile, as while she took her tea to sip, her horn glowed as the words came out. “I know I look a bit different, but really Shima? I would of thought you notice.” As she could feel their surprise and bits of realization as she could easily tell Shima honestly didn’t recognize the Queen as she set the tea down and continue on. “Normally I wouldn’t be out here, but with recent events, I feel I was at least safe enough that I could go for a good walk and be out to take a bit of fresh air.” Then she looked to the two mares by Shima side as she smiled and introduced herself.

“I am Mercy,” Then asked to Shima with a kind smile of a mother figure. “And are they the oldest of your children? They look lovely in their dresses.”

The feelings were, in a sense, interesting to the queen. There was some confusion, some wonder and still lingering suspicion. Yet, Shima responded, if not a bit quietly, “Yes, they’re almost a year old. I thought they were more ready than most of my children.” Then thought on and said, “I have a few other elder daughters, but they have more vital roles they can’t leave. So middle-aged ones are all I could bring with.”

Giving a slight nod, Mercy took a sip of her tea again, as she let Dejen talk for a bit. As the Striped merely smile as he switch up his shuffling as he comment. “Gotta say, I honestly thought they were your eldest's,” then shrugged as he went on. “In any event, we need to talk for a bit. As you probably heard from the streets, Harsho did a number of those three and you might hear what he’s planning to do if anymore of those lot come around here.”

“But judging from your emotions, I say that you only heard speculations and rumors.” intercepted Mercy as she took a sip of her tea, going on to explain. “You see Shima, the Sultan has been having, grievance with Hunters that come into his city for years now. And after that, incident weeks before? He is on his last straw with Hunters, and he isn’t going to tolerate them anymore. As he made an official law just two weeks back that if any Hunter ever try to cause trouble or break his laws? Ether are executed as a native in Arabia or sold into slavery if they aren’t native to Arabia.”

The discomfort Shima both showed, and even felt, was soon mimicked by those near her, Both shiftlings shifted, rolling their shoulders in slight agitation while Shima tried to digest this information. She grimaced and said, “I’m not sure how I feel about that.” Then added, “The Slavery part, at least. The execution I’m fine with, but…” Pausing at the idea of slavery. She wasn’t all too sure how to feel about that. But, these were murderers so… maybe it’s something she could tolerate well enough.

“Eh, to be fair it's a little messed up.” admit Dejen as he shrugged. “But it's part of Arabia system, so it’s something we learn to tolerate over the years.” he went on as he pulled a scroll out as he passed it to Shima. “Here, this is something you might want to look into.” as within the scroll was detail of Shima being a citizen of Harsho city and having a permit to sell what she can within his city as Dejen added.

“Apparently Harsho decided that this is the best way to say ‘sorry’,” shrugging some a bit. “I’m just the messenger to pass this along to you, Shima.”

She carefully looked over the now unrolled document, scrunching up her face at it. While it gave her some legal rights-- more than she honestly really had at the moment… Shima did glance up and say, “I’m… not sure what I can do with this.” Pausing some and telling, “I’m trying to not be in the city that much. I live far away from city boarders, so… does this really help me?”

“In a few ways you might consider,” told Mercy as she took another sip as she explained. “Right now? You’ve been spotted for a long time since you came here-- and I don’t mean us, there are other people who both interests and curious of you. And of those silks you sell off. With that scroll showing proof? You can be able to have a legal defense if cover your tracks. Even more have an alias that make sure that if any try to sniff at your tracks, you’ll be able to use that scroll to keep them off.”

However she then told. “But there is something that needs to be done. The Sultan, wish to speak to you. He is rather curious and want to hear your side of the story.” Dejen added in.

“And no, we can’t really tell him otherwise, even if we try. And even if we tell him what we know from you, he rather hear from the source.”

Shifting to that, Shima felt a bit uncomfortable at the idea. Meeting the Sultan on his terms and in his palace? It made her want to squirm, and her slight discomfort had an apparent effect. The two girls by her sides shifted to, more out of agitation than discomfort. And while their twitchy and coiled bodies didn’t relay aggression, it showed a readiness to take action. “I’ll think about it.” Shima told, rolling the parchment up and stowing it away. “Things… work a bit different back home for me.”

“That we can at least tell him.” said Dejen as he moved his deck down onto the table, as he leaned back telling. “Admittedly while he does want to talk, he at least knows that he has to be patient with a few things. Just let us know when you’re ready to talk, and we’ll arrange the meeting.” he glance to Mercy as the queen decided to take hold of the conversation.

“Now Shima, I’m sure you already got the, inflow of that vendor.” Easily noticing the slightly large area of shekels in the mare bag as she continued. “But from one mother to another, I want to ask how was the purity of love? Did it help feed your children well?” She honestly hoped it did, as while she knew that Shiftling eat emotions like changelings, she honestly didn’t know how much pure love and other good emotions could feed an entire Colony of them.

Glad for the change in subject, Shima told, “We’re limiting it to the youngest of the family.” Still too reluctant to speak too openly of her Colony with any strangers nearby. “And it’s helping. A lot, honestly. But when I start growing the swarm further, we…” Pausing to think before admitting, “I’m not sure how well the desert will work for us. It’s fine, but it’s not ideal.”

For a moment, Shima hesitated. She thought of a solution, more than once actually, but she was so hesitant to even say it. It sounded too risky in her mind, when one just compared her experiences alone. “Maybe another shipment sometime?” She hammered out, not what she wanted to say, but it was the safer thing she could say. Though there was doubt about just keeping it at that, as she knew the truth of what she needed.

Mercy horn just glow, as a sort of barrier encompass around them as it fade some as Mercy spoke with a smile. “Sound proof barrier. No one can hear what we will talk, so from one mother to another-- speak freely Shima. What do you need?” feeling the mixture of emotions within the Scion, and could easily taste the doubt and hesitation within her.

They slightly swirls, and Shima looked about just to make sure none could hear… before turning and sighing. “The Colony is too small.” Putting it simply as that. “We want to grow, it’s… it’s a pull we all feel, we can’t help it. We want a bigger colony. We want to expand.” Then pressed her lips tight, “But we can’t. There’s not enough food to grow as fast as I want to. If…” She hesitated, did she really want to say it to them?

“If…?” started Dejen with a raised brow, moving his hands to flip the cards on the table, mindlessly letting his hand work while talking to Shima.

Gulping a bit, Shima steeled herself, despite the pressing and almost defensive wall the two girls were trying to make for her. “If… if we had more food, it wouldn’t be so bad.” Pausing to try and pull up that resolve to keep going. “If…” She hesitated again, just from how… awkward it felt to ask.

Sighing, Shima stammered out, “The best way to get emotions is if the Colony was right at where the source was.” Placing it as quickly as that. “We only hide because we have to, but if we could? The Colony would rather be out in the open. We… we’re not made to stay in hiding, it’s making us all agitated.”

Thinking over that, talking what info he could, Dejen stated. “So you want to see if the Colony could, in a sense moved close to the city and be able slightly open the best you can, right?” keeping a neutral face as he toss that thought around, and going through a couple of possibilities if that was good or not.

“We need to be close.” Told Shima simply, “We have to be close enough to talk gently, and they can hear us close.” then looked at the table and told, “We’re just close enough now, we could feed and fill if we wanted, but we Shiftlings have to be close. It’s why I talked, argued, entertained, teased or did anything else with so many random strangers-- I was gathering as much emotions I could form them all.”

Mercy took that in as she asked. “So unlike us changelings that need positive emotions-- Shifting can take in all sorts of emotions, correct?”

While Shima was a little taken aback that changelings were limited to only one kind of emotion, Shima slowly nodded. “Yeah… any kind works.” Then gave out, “Specific ones in concentration can help make different cast of Shiftlings, for the betterment of the Colony.”

“So there are various types of Shiftlings depending on the emotion.” mused Dejen as he thought over that, as it helped explain a lot, in term on why Shima had to do different things all at once whenever she was here. But…there lies a problem. A rather big problem as Dejen thought more on it as he look to Shima as he told. “Shima, while we really, really want to help, from one group to another...There’s really one person you have to talk to in order to get the Colony close. The Sultan himself,” he went on explaining.

“I mean sure, I have pull with him and could suggest to helping you all-- but realistically? There’s only so much I can do, and the best way to even get your Colony close with as little as backlash as possible? Is to talk to Harsho about it.” Mercy had to agree with a nod.

“Even I had to discuss with the Sultan of letting my Hive stay within his city.”

Slowly, Shima nodded, though it was wholly from slight nervousness. “Then… I should probably get home and inform my daughters. Then we’ll figure out what to do next.” Dragging off in thought, but leaving both to almost pause on how the Scion said it.

“You’re unable to tell them with the Swarm mind?” asked Mercy in slight surprise, she honestly thought that Shima at least had that to communicate with her daughters-- unless they used some other means of communication besides speech?

“There’s not enough of us.” Shima admitted, “We’re too little, there’s not enough of us to make a powerful enough swarm mind.” Then shook her head, “But… that’s not what I was talking about.”

“Well, what did you mean then?” asked Dejen as he was looking over what she said, trying to take a piece of it apart to figure out what she meant, as he knew from the signs of her body language and tone of voice that something bothered her, but the one thing he had to admit was infuriating? Was that sometimes clothing's that hid the body and face was tricky, especially more as he couldn’t read into Shima eyes to figure out what the problem was.

Lifting and drawing a hoof in circles on the table, Shima said, “I’m… not really in charge of the Colony.” It left a moment of confusion, and silence, to both people before her. “I'm sort of leading, because I’m older. I’m the mother-- but once the Colony grows and gets a bit older… I’m not really the one in charge or leading.”

While Dejen tinker that out, trying to think of how to make sense of it as Mercy herself was wrapping her head on that, as it sounded...bizarre in a sense as the two were looking at her, as even Debt was furrowing his brows some at that. However, after a moment, Dejen thought on the ants back home...and nearly facepalm as he said. “I can’t believe I didn’t notice it,” as the two glance to him as Dejen asked.

“Shima, does your Colony sorta got this ‘for the betterment of colony’ thinking as everyone do their part?”

Frowning at that, Shima told, “It's easier to understand it as the Colony being a body, and all the shiftlings in it as every section of the body doing something.” Pausing to think and soon tell, “My role, my only real role is to give advice, guidance and to birth all the shiftlings or sisters of the colony. My rule is only as long as it has to be. Once the Colony is old enough and big enough… no one shiftling is over the other-- no matter the role they play.”

Mercy thought on that more, as she said. “So in a sense, the more the Colony grow, the less leadership it needs, as it support itself as you are merely within the center of the Colony as the Colony is equal to one another?” giggling a bit, Mercy said with an amused smile. “I guess that’s another thing that is different between us then, the Shiftlings are more unified while the changelings are more hierarchy.”

Sighing, Shima said, “Sure… but how will the Sultan feel knowing that when he meets me, he’s not really meeting the leader of the Colony?”

Dejen thought over that as he said. “Well...technically, he’s meeting the mother of the Colony.” humming a bit as he went on. “To be honest, this can go in either direction depending on how this plays out, but I know that even if he finds out you’re not a ‘leader’ and more of a mother-- he’s still willing to hear you out a bit.”

Biting her lip, Shima soon told, “He might listen, but it doesn't change the fact that if he wants to understand, he needs to know that I don’t have any control over my Daughters. Not really. I’m very important, but the best I am is just a wise old mother to help them figure things out when it gets too rough or confusing. They will have the urge to grow and expand-- and not hide.” Emphasizing the last bit very clearly. “We hide at times, but that’s not our base nature.”

Mercy furrowed her brows, thinking to that as she stated. “You mean that Shiftlings rather be more open, and expand than to hide like changelings.” thinking that over as her expression scrunch up as she looked to her and said. “Shima, while I can see the Sultan might try to aid, there’s something I have to know. The Shiftlings can camouflage, right? How much are they able to change to blend in?”

“Only what they have.” Started Shima. “We can change our bodies enough to look like other materials, have fur, change colors…” Then frowned, “Our eyes are still black, irises their own colors. Some Shiftlings don’t grow out any silk for tails or manes. We can’t make any complex patterns like a cutie mark easily. We can change our body’s texture too… even bury our magic until we vanish off magical detection or become near immune to magic.”

The last part was something of an eye opener, and Dejen almost had to refigure how helpless the Scion really was against the hunters if she could possibly do the last part. Yet, Shima went on, “We camouflage only because we need to at a time. We do it to hide and guard things, to watch an area for a while.. Maybe avoid predators or set ambushes or just mimic other things to slip by or scare off animals-- they aren't like your disguises-- we can’t get bigger, smaller, or change our shapes too drastically.”

Both Dejen and Mercy thought a bit, as Mercy gave a low sigh and told in admittance. “While we have a good inkling that the Sultan will help...it is the people that live in the city that is our concern. They may mistaken you as us in a way, and there are...a few options that might be feasible.” Feeling a bit bitter of having to give the worst to the best, her ear flick as part of her felt a bit glad and relieved that Dejen was the one willing to do it.

“Let start our options of maybe decent idea, to horrible bad idea. Option one, after informing the Sultan about Shiftlings and maybe make a sort of deal for emotions with the aid of us, you and the Colony live in the desert and grow an underground Colony-- and while it’s not pleasant, it can at least get the Hunters off your back and let you all live in peaceful and in secret.

“Option two, after informing the Sultan, suggest you all moved in the city, and build an underground sort of life, being neighbors with us. While there are benefits of having all the emotions you want and growing and expanding, there is a downside of somehow one of the citizens finding out a Shiftling by pure chance or investigation. Not to mention the odd reaction you all seem to get when you’re around changelings in your real form.”

Sighing, Shima asked, “Do you know how the hunters even found my Colony?” Though she didn’t wait for a response, “Because I’m sure they saw us. Changelings must work very different, because a Shiftling Colony nearly never sleeps. We work, work, work, work. It’s an almost constant thing, always going in and out of the Colony. Looking for more food, more mulch, more wood, more fertilizer, more room, more space, more eggs-- when we reached a fair fifty, I no longer had any say in what happened. Things changed to my daughter’s voices and what needed to be done.”

Mercy scrunch her face as she admits. “Changelings tend to need a break and sleep. While we can make sure we can work nonstop with a supply of charged emotions-- there’s only so much the body can do before exhaustion kicks in…” she look to Dejen as she asked with a bit of hesitation. “There's...another few options, are there?” knowing that while the first two seem, decent enough-- there were still the ‘horrible and stupid’ options.

To which Dejen gave a simple nod as he said to Shima. “Here’s the third option, which is pretty bad. And from what you just told us, it might be even a bit risky considering how this Colony might never sleep. You...pretty much talk to the Sultan and reveal your existence to the population,” he raised his hand as he added. “I know, it’s pretty bad idea, and there’s a lot of risk to it.”

Shima didn’t just shift, her daughters did too as one said, “We’re restless.” Her voice being just as pleasant as her mother’s, if not sounding a touch different. “The Colony already had talked about the last idea. Scion also thought and felt to ask the same idea before you began the options.”

It was the second daughter that pitched in, “We’re restless.” Repeating what her sister already said, but saying something completely different. “We want more sisters, we want to explore more, we want to make more. But we can’t with so little, we can’t sleep because we’re so brimming with need to do.”

To that end, Shima grimaced and agreed. “We do sleep, it’s just we do it in short bursts of naps.” Then went on to admit, “But my daughters are almost jumping off the walls. The only thing keeping them calm is the small gardening project I have them doing-- and that’s just buying time if I was honest.”

Taking a breath in, Dejen admitted. “And even if, and I’m stating the if part really high, if we’re able to get you all out in the open and reveal your existence to the city and perhaps to the world, we have the biggest thorn in our side. The Hunters, and even if Harsho given you all rights in his city, there is going to be a lot of backlash with not only the other city states-- but even with the other nations. Point in case, the Equestrians who have been searching you all.”

In unison, both girls spoke, “But we’re Shiftlings, not changelings.” A tone of clear confusion being evident.

Shima sighed and said, “I know.” Glancing down at the admittedly naive duo. “It’s why I’m scared. I know that’s really the only real option that can work for my Colony, but they can’t handle hiding much longer. Normally, by now we would have tried to restock our numbers. But since we’ve been hiding, holding off…” She winced, “It’s getting harder to stay near the Oasis.”

“Not to mention, even if you do hide out, it's only a matter of time before the Hunters start sniffing, so while there’s a big risk-- there’s also a chance that with enough time and patience that things could work out….” said Dejen as he was holding back something as Mercy slowly look to the striped as she asked.

“Dejen, you’re holding back another option...what is it?” taking a breath in, Dejen said slowly.

“This...is probably the most stupidest, horrible and near insane option. I’m talking like a near 1% chance of success if what we heard in Equestria is right.” taking another breath in, he said. “Go to the alicorns of Equestria and talk to them, that you are nothing like changelings and are a completely new species that shouldn’t deserve to be hunted for simply having the near same diet as changelings. From what I heard about the two rulers? They seem… sympathetic?” as he himself wasn’t fully sure if this would even work out at all.

While the idea was ‘insane’ to hear, it perked their attention. Not just Shima, but her daughters. The first one was fast to say, “We like the forests better.”

Her sister seemed to be fast to agree, “The streams and lakes. Long plains and soft firm dirt.”

“I liked the flowers.” next to literally chirped her sister. “So sweet and lovely to smell, I liked making crowns from them.” Both giving slight giggles at the idea.

Shaking her head with a slight smile, Shima found the idea… ridiculous really. But… but part of her felt nagged. The idea of going back to Equestria, going back to safer and much more fertile grounds… It didn’t take the other’s to see that all the shiftlings were really considering it. Apparently the mere aspect of the idea was just too tantalizing to ignore.

“But.” stated Mercy as to grab their attention, as to let them focus on her as the queen continued. “You have to make a very, very strong case to both alicorns. Not only that you are different from us-- but that Shiftlings are nothing compare to changelings. As to make sure not only you are not bothered by the Hunters-- but are given repayment that they basically, invaded your home and killed your children. Which is more difficult as both alicorns reside in Canterlot, the heart of Equestria.”

It wasn’t a pleasing thought, though what made it harder for at least Shima, was the singular part of not knowing where Canterlot exactly was. Not only that,she knew that, even if she tried to make a case… there was also the problem that like she said before, she wasn’t really a leader. Just a part to a much larger body that operated on it’s own. Sighing, she said, “If I had a choice… I would risk Canterlot.” Wincing a bit and said, “I would feel safer trying here… but I know that might not happen. And…” Then went mute before sagging, “And I know that it’s possible my daughters will want to go back and risk it, if anything, because they know it’s more fertile over there.”

Looking up, Shima said, “If we set up a Colony… it’s going to be permanent. We’re not moving. The only reason we will move, is if we are absolutely are forced to-- but if not?” She frowned, “Well… it took a massacre of over seven-tenths of my daughters and the risk of me and the brood being found to make us consider even leaving.”

While Dejen frown deeply, as he was thinking over on this option more, Mercy gave a sage nod as she soon said. “If that is what you feel, then we will try to assist the best we can.” thinking more as she told. “The only one who is very knowledgeable of Equestria and everything on it, is Herbal. He came from Equestria himself, and could aid you to go through it, but….” pausing some as she eventually told.

“For some reason that we are still trying to figure out, he is...rather firm in not going back, he won’t tell us why, but unless somehow we know the reason, he won’t move a hoof…” then amended. “Or at least, until I figure it out and can find a way to let him lead you to Equestria.”

“And before you ask if he could just make a map, it’s not that simple. From what Herbal told us of Equestria? There’s a lot more danger out there than here. I mean sure we have some problems, but the wildlife...yeah that’s something else. Especially if you’re going to encounter Hunters over there.” said Dejen as he leaned back in his spot. “I think the best option is for him to go with you to Canterlot, but first we need to figure out why he won’t go back to Equestria, if we do figure it out-- we can figure out a way to assure him of whatever he’s running form won’t catch him.”

Shima slowly nodded and did so in thought and slowly glanced away. With a sigh, she said, “I should head back to the Colony. They’ll want to know.” Then scrunched up her face. “If they want to leave… expect me to rush back as soon as I can-- when Shiftling make up their minds… we don’t really stop and go full out.”

“And we’ll figure out what's up with Herbal, with hope we’ll find out before you’re rushing back.” said Dejen as inwardly he was going over what had to be done, specifically to assist Shima as while he knew having Herbal lead them can work...the Shiftlings might need more than the thestral, in a way...they might need Scars itself. Which was...troubling as they don’t usually go out, and while part of him reason that they should stay…

He felt that nagging feeling in his head that if he did stay and they left...something bad was bound to happen. For all he knew, they could face a lot more Hunters in the long run, Hunters who will try to do everything they can to remove the ‘threat’ completely. As he thought more on it, he said to Mercy. “Any ideas on how to get Herbal to talk?” to which the changeling smirk and said simply.

“He was always week with booze.” He grin to her, although he quickly look to Shima as he added.

“Shima? We’ll try to work out on how to get a ride to get us to Equestria, with hope I’ll have enough pull with Harsho to lend us a ship to fly us over to Equestria territories instead of walking all the way there.”

Shima gave a slow nod of acceptance and, as soon as she got up, both daughters of her began to immediately tug at her insistently. With a small laugh, Shima said, “And to think, the reason Scions are rarely allowed to leave the Colony is because we’re mummy.” Then nearly lurched when one pulled all the more, the elder mare chastising, “Emma, you don’t need to pull so harshly!” Leaving the three to watch as Shima get ‘dragged away’ as it was.

While Mercy giggle to this, reminded of her own clutch of changelings when they were younger, Dejen chuckle a bit as he soon look to Mercy and said. “We got about seven to eight hours until she comes back rushing, granted it might take longer with her coming back after talking to the Colony-- but we plan on how not only to get Herbal to talk, resolve the problem, get a ship-- and get ourselves on it.”

Debt however frown deeply as he told. “Dejen, with respect, why are you assuming we ourselves will be with them?” Dejen glance up as he admitted.

“While it is crazy, and probably a bit risky...something is nagging at me that even if we send Herbal with them and they go on a ship...they might expect a whole bunch of trouble, especially more with the Hunters. And granted while Shima assure us that they can be immune to magic...something tells me that they might face something deadly than just Hunters.”

Mercy frown as she asked. “Can you give a good guess on what?” Dejen shrug as he admitted.

“Either from money problems, to investigating Hunters-- to even possible changelings, I mean don’t get me wrong, not all changelings are bad...but from what I saw when Shima was in her real form and in that secret tunnel? She seems very...on edge. For all I know, it might be a Shiflting thing.” Mercy consider his words as she admits.

“She was very anxious and on edge when she was among us. Even more with me around...it may be that there is something more than just nerves…” Although she did asked. “But do you think we are able to get all of this done within a short amount of time?” Dejen grin as he told.

“Only if we move fast enough,” then pat her head as he said. “Now, why don’t you make our good doctor drunk and let out those secrets while I work with Harsho, eh?” Mercy gave a low smile as she got on her hooves and walk out, while Dejen got up and to talk to the Sultan to see if they can get a ship.