Arabian Swindler

Watching Katsume became a slight priority for the Hive, mostly to see just how bad she had it. To say it was in it’s early stages still. While Katsume kept her cool around Taka whenever he drew near, they could tell she always had a sort of ‘nervous teen’ like reaction. Struck by indecision and a constant worry of not being up to par.

She had A attraction, but not to the levels they were hoping for. After Tatsu spelt out what was going on for Bina though? The younger herno spent a good deal of time carefully prodding Katsume. Whenever the topic of Taka and ‘liking’ him came close together in a sentence? Katsume found an excuse to leave. Which, Bina took with a smile-- even if it was more of cementing to herself that there was something there.

So now Mercy found herself in the position of either waiting, or moving in. she didn’t know the reason behind Katsume’s infatuation or the reason for her to have it with Taka of all people. His polite nobility was nice, but so far there wasn’t much else… well, excluding his time being brainwashed. That last a lasting impact on them all, Bina the worst.

In a way, Mercy just don't understand it. Even less with how ‘attraction’ works with Hernos. She could only guess it was a few things Taka had. Honor, a good body, a powerful fighter-- saving her from possession was probably one of the biggest reasons. Mercy was considering over on how to either prod at Katsume carefully to reveal those feelings, or grow them-- or try to figure out the woman saw in Taka.

She actually had a changeling shadow Taka for a entire day’s worth…An all she saw was him training, focuses, meditations, helps Galdan now and then training his troops if asked. Sometimes even spending studying any materials provided. His aid only goes as far as those that bothered to ask. Mercy felt like groaning as she couldn’t understand why Katsume smitten him…

Only to be reminded of a certain irony of her attraction to a insane gambling Stripe of all things. Because she was certain people would wonder what the Queen saw in him.

Granted, she could make pointes of why she had interest. Be it his charms, his manner of doing business… maybe his cunning nature from time to time that was changeling-es. There were indeed reasons that only she understood, or even Windy understood.

Reasons that while she didn’t fully get them, Bina seemed to figure something. And while Asha was quite, the lioness seemed to know something for sure. Now that she had her children watch, whenever the lioness was around, she seemed to watch as if seeing a entertaining show. Then again, Asha could read into people on a instant.

But Asha wouldn’t tell her anything if asked. Bina, on the other hand, might have some input. Besides Tatsu? Bina, Mynu and possible Susumu would have input of what Katsume was feeling. And two of those were out for being guys, and another out just for her lack of interest. Leaving Bina as the only one left. Tatsu wasn’t a option as she had been away from the ship aiding Debt in escoring Dejen around the city.

Taking a deep breath in, she figure on talking to Bina, while keeping her eye out of not only Katsume and Taka, but other things she had to put on the side too. The changeling Queen began searching for Bina, knowing she was around her brother...although it was a slight surprise to her when she found them. With Bakari snoring away on a bench, and Bina reading something on the side as she trotted up by Bina and said. “Hey Bina, mind if we talk?”

Looking up, she nod, “sure.” Closing the book and placing it to the side. Mercy seeing that Bakari seemed to not care that his sister placed a book on his person in the least. “What do you need?”

“Well, after our little investigation, I figure you might found something new about Katsume crush on Taka.” giving a roll of her eyes as she went on. “Something I’ve been trying to figure out with...Herno ‘qualities’ being so bland.”

To that, Bina gave a slightly unsure laugh, “yeah… bland and… persistent.” It was enough to get a look from Mercy as she said, “you know how Bakari get’s all prickly when he talks about guys in other Herno villages?” Giving a look to her brother. “Well, as you know we’re… kinda exotic. And that makes our bloodline rare. So a few guys sometimes try to… well, woo me I guess.”

Rubbing her arm, Bina admitted, “and yeah. A lot of the time they’re either bland, just blunt or make these overly flowery speeches. It’s almost cringe-worthy how cheesy or bad it is.” Lifting a finger to add, “when Bakari and I had to stay in Humilit? I had two guys come up and just outright propose to me. I was pretty sure if Bakari had his stone? He’d putt them into the lack.”

Chuckling a bit, Mercy remarked. “Good thing Asha was there to help ease tension, hrm?”

To that, Bina said, “the one time I was glad she was our mom.” A odd pang of pain shooting right through the teen that kept her smile, and pushed on. “But yeah, I’m guessing this is about Katsume and Taka?”

She must of miss her actual mom. thought Mercy as while part of her wonder on that, she focus more on the ‘important thing’, as she filed away that tidbit later. “It is. I figure that you would of known something new-- or something you noticed more easily than other's.”

Giving a nod, Bina told, “well, I’ll say this. If Taka didn’t get brainwashed before? He might of been kinda… sweet.” Which was just odd to hear from Bina’s own mouth. “Don’t get me wrong, after a while it would feel clingy or something. But Taka’s… well, overly devoted. I asked Katsume about the spell that was out on Taka. It didn’t really brainwash, it sort of just… amplified wants or feelings to the… extreme…”

“That, sorta explains on why he was so affectionate…” said Mercy in slight surprise, thinking a bit as she went on. “That might work in Katsume favor later on…”

Shaking her head, Bina said, “anyways. Reason Taka got so… crazy was because he wanted to prove he could be a good husband. I’m sure if push came to shove, he would do the same things he did to chase me around before, just to help his bride.”

“Stupid baka, leave…’n….” they both heard Bakari mutter in his sleep before going silent.

Eyeing her brother a moment, Bina went on. “Anyways. He’s devoted. And really, that same devotion’s… a little admirable. Think about it, he would provide, fight and do everything he could to make sure whatever girl he wed got the best. Taka really does mean well, he just can get a little…. Annoying.”

“On that we can agree.” said Mercy with a head nod, thinking a bit as she asked. “What else did you notice?”

“If you mean just Taka? There’s plenty.” Said Bina. “I’ve had him chase me for years. All I have to do is just… tone down his crazy and I can tell he’s well meaning, very well mannered and devoted.” Raising a hand to name off with her fingers. “You can count on him to find a cure if your sick, or to make sure you’re fed. Even when he…” With a twisted face and a almost disturbed feeling, Bina told, “he wanted to have ‘kids’ with me.” A internal shuttering feeling felt, “He’d go on how he’d make sure he do his share and stuff…”

Shaking her head, the ten told, “things that guys just… don’t do. At first I thought he just wanted to… you know.” Half motioning a hand and unwilling to mention sex. “But, well, he’s reliable. And while most herno learn how to raise families? Taka can do it. I’ve seen him deal with kids-- before he went crazy and while he was crazy. Though he was a bit less effective when he got turned crazy.”

“So far? Katsume is just seeing what Taka shows, and it’s a little appealing. To know he’s just… there for her, to see her side and willing to let her be part of his village-- even after everything that happened.” Bina lowered her head and told on. “Katsume doesn't say it, but she’s really scared of having to perform that suicide tradition. I don’t blame her.”

Nodding in both understanding and sympathy, Mercy began to think on how to help Katsume. Mostly to get the woman with Taka...but that was easier said than done, as the man was oblivous to the attraction. Although we should...maybe try to get him to see the appeal with Katsume...but how? thinking some in thought as some of her skills as a changeling were...ill-equipped here, even more with a culture of honor and tradition.

Thinking over with a thoughtful expression, she asked. “Any suggestions on getting Taka to see Katsume as appealing?”

With a huff, Bina crossed her arms and admitted, “well, that won’t be easy. Taka doesn't say it, but I know he still finds me nice to look at. I catch him now and then and he does his best-- but it’s there.” Finding this fact annoying. “He’s good in not making any moves. He knows anything between us died before it could start. Plus.. the guy’s like… twenty by now!” Shivering to add on, “herno’s have a lower bar for marriage.”

Calming and focusing, Bina admitted, “it won’t be easy. Normally one way is to prove how good of a choice Katsume is, but Katsume isn’t a warrior. She was born and raised to be a priestess. A sage of knowledge and scribe to history. Someone that purified dark things and sanctified the land. And Taka’s a dense baka with romance.” Then blankly added, “You saw how bad he is when he was crazy. The steps for romance is ‘prepose, consummate, raise a family’.”

A light sigh escape from Mercy as she said. “Which means this will be a uphill battle for both us and Katsume…” sitting on her flanks, she tap her chin in thought as she went on. “It’s especially going to be tricky with Katsume being a priestess and not a warrior...even less of the complicated issues with...Herno Honor.”

“You have no idea.” Sighed out Bina. “To be honest, I’m more worried for Katsume, Mercy. She’s just… I guess she’s just depressed. I don’t catch it all the time, but she is.” Thinking some to tell, “I know it’s not really a solution, but Taka did help her a lot when she first found him in her confusion. She’s got some stability with him. It’s better than how she was just lost…”

Thinking some, the teen sighed out and leaned back a little. “I want to help Katsume feel better. I’m sure Bakari’s right to worry. I keep hearing him tell me she eyes the knives in a… bad way. And that worries me. And if we want her and Taka to be a thing?” Bina tapped her chin to tell, “then maybe we have to do something that just isn’t Herno.”

A wide grin on her face as she told in a purring tone. “Now you’re speaking my language, Bina.” feeling mischievous as she thought a bit on how to get the two together with changeling influence. Hrm, now whats the best way we could wrap them up together? A bit of persuasion? A bit of ‘date’ like environment? Oh, maybe get them wasted and fuck each other-- that's usually the quickest way. She soon asked.

“Bina, what sounds a option? Persuading them bit by bit, making them work together in a ‘date enviorment’-- or get them both wasted and in the same room?”

“Wasted!?” Bina next to shouted, making Mercy back away from the sheer alarm, “No, nonononono-- no wasting them to… to...to do something.” The shout being enough to wake Bakai as he blinked and looked about a little confused. “Taka could lose his spot as heir for something like THAT, unmarried sex is, like, huge blow to their honor!”

“Sex, wha?” Asked a bluried eye’d Bakari, still half asleep.

“Nothing, go back to sleep.” Bina rushed out. Though at his slow blink, Bakari shrugged and layed back down to keep on sleeping. Muttering something about ‘weirdo sisters.’

Okay...that was...huh. thought Mercy as she said. “Guess that last options a no then.” thinking a bit as she went on. “And it will be bad later on...since technically we want to be on the good side of the Sinsana…” furrowing her brows in thought of a better option that wouldn’t be so...honor stained.

Sighing out in relife the Queen was listening, Bina went on, “good… because it gets worse if you did do that.” Making Mercy wonder how it could be worse. “Herno’s… we really have… horrible alcohol tolerance. Like… it’s so bad that a pint can make us get plastered. When we lived with Tatsu’s village, they never even considered the idea of letting us have a drink of sake because they knew it would be too much for us-- or any Herno. We don’t handle it well and just…”

“Be like a drunken idiot.” nodded Mercy.

“A drunken idiot that can wipeout elite guards.” Bina corrected. “They’re drunk, not helpless.”

Snorting in amusement, she could imagine the trouble….and possibly destruction from the ‘drunk rampage’ as there would...interesting sights to see. Slightly shaking her head of the image, Mercy made sure to note to not give a single alcoholic drink to them. Even the lightest one. she ask. “So any suggestions?”

With a slow breath, Bina said, “well, maybe getting Katsume to admit she has a thing for Taka and letting us help?” Going on to say, “because trying to get them together with one finding excuses to bolt every time she get’s butterflies in her stomach? It doesn't help. Even less if the man in question is as dense as a brick.”

Nodding, she asked. “You and me double-team on Katsume to get her to admit it? Pretty sure we could get it to happen too.”

Shaking her head, Bina told, “well, we don’t want to scare her. I’m pretty sure she’s feeling embarrassed enough she’s letting her feeling get to her. You know?” And considering it, Mercy could see where Bina was coming from. A prestiss that was supposed to put spiturality above physical things like ‘lust’? And with how hernos sounded to have been raised? This was probably some big no-no in the woman's book.

Sighing, she agreed with a nod. “Very true.” thinking a bit as she thought on it, then suggested. “What if we try to get her to admit it bit by bit? Maybe see if we can pry open her shell before she gets a bit more...darker with her thoughts?”

Sighing, Bina thought on it and said, “well, we need to tell her it’s fine for one…” Then looked to her brother adding flatly, “and I should probably move my lump-of-a-brother someplace else when I come to help.”

“Allow me.” said Mercy, horn glowing to lift the male from his spot as she asked. “Want me to teleport him in Asha room for conveince?”

Shaking her head, Bina told, “you’ll just wake him up and he’ll be in a hissy-fit.” Giving a look to her hanging brother while getting her book. “We should take him to our room. Asha can take him and make sure he’s put in a hammock.”

Nodding, she walked with Bina to Asha room as she said. “Hopefully we should be able to get Katsume to admit to her feelings, even more get them hook up.” then let out a thoughtful hum. “But still...getting that dense head to realize about Katsume feelings will be...annoying. Especially with what he was taught with Herno traditions.”

“I’m not worried about Taka.” Bina soon admitted while they went through the halls. “You didn’t hear this, but he does pay attention to what he sees. I’m sure if Katsume prettied up or, even more? Showed a bit more fur? He’d probably look without meaning. He’s still a guy.” Then went on lowly, “I only wear so little only because it’s just comfortable to me.”

Rolling her eyes, Mercy could understand that as she consider on persuading Katsume on pretty herself up, maybe give option choices to show more fur on her. She let her mind wander a bit, still listing to Bina of course, but her mind was focusing on using the right words to persuade on Katsume to admit her feelings. Maybe even ask TAtsu for suggestions once she’s back with her guard duty with Debt.

“But I also don’t want to push too much.” Continued bina in concern. “Some of the things we might do will be… really strange to her. The idea ‘dating’ never reached herno ears before. Maybe a few that traveled, but they don’t find much honor with it. And asking Katsume to wear less? That might seem humiliating to her or… well.. I already get enough scrutiny from every herno that looks at me or Bakari.”

“We might need to bring Tatsu for that part. Since the Kitsune could probably help persuade Katsume more than we could.” admit Mercy, as she went on. “And yes it will be very strange to her...but it might be the few options we have to get her and Taka together. Or at least get the guy to notice her often.” she then added. “Plus, we’re not around any Herno based culture, so I think we could get away with her wearing less, or at least until we’re in the Holds.”

Reaching Asha’s room, Bina said, “just.. .try to be careful? Katsume…” She tried to find the right word to use. “She… she just seems in a bad spot right now.” Hearing the door open and glancing with Asha there, smiling.

And speaking in a conspiring tone, “are you two trying to hook Katsume and Taka together?” And half gasped, “and excluding me?”

Snorting, Mercy told. “Oh come now Asha, we knew you already knew Katsume feelings to Taka. You were just waiting for us to actually plan for them to get together some how.”

“Well I can’t tell you everything!” Laughed out Asha before motioning, “come on, put Bakari in his bunk. I want in before you two botch this!”

Blinking, Bina said, “but.. I thought you just said you can’t tell us everything, but you want to make sure they get together?”

While Mercy layed Bakari down and Asha rushed a blanket over him, the lioness told. “The future and some of it’s happenings is one thing. Putting two people that have love and romance destined for them?” She stood up a bit more taller. “I have a obligation to make sure they get together!”

“And you sure you know how to bring them together?” asked Mercy in slight doubt, although she felt the lioness emotions of amusement.

“Mercy.” Began Asha, “I have seen over thirty different weddings, brought together about half of those people and even hitched Jumanne to two mares that visited an Isle, after helping him get over the fact the Zebra girl he wanted to impress, go for my Cousin Dadisi, who I had to help him and the Zebra, Zu, that they both liked each other even know they kept trying to ‘friendzone’ the other for two years.”

Looking at Asha, she slowly nodded and said. “Alright, I believe you on that. Since it’s not only impressive you gotten Dadisi somehow in a relationship-- but you gotten that insane stripe hitched with two mares at the same time.”

Shrugging, Asha told, “they were adventuerous twins looking for a new living. Fate was just tossing them at Jumanne to have.” Then went on, “he did not take Zu’s refusal that well. PRetty sure he moped around his place for almost a month before I dragged him out to see those two.”

“Asha, Katsume?” Reminded Bina.

“Right, right, Katsume.” Started Asha. “Well, for one thing, we really need to work on her self-esteem.” Making both blink. “It’s like, at rock bottom. She’s not doing any romancing when she feels like a bag of trash taking up space on the ship.”

“That...is a good start to work.” slightly agree Mercy, already recalling the negative emotions she felt. “Can’t really get her to start admitting the feelings, when she’s down with her emotions.”

Nodding, Asha smiled and told, “and for that, we need to do something that will help!” And quickly told, “Mercy, Bina, we need to get the girls.” Then went on, “don’t care. Sharp, Mist, Port, Tatsu-- I’m calling in a girl’s night today, and nothing is stopping us!” (End)

“Well...Tatsu is with Debt in watching Dejen right now.” said Mercy, as she sent the message through her children to the females that Asha named out for a ‘girl night’, she however remarked with a raise of a brow. “You didn’t mention Mynu or Windy.”

Shaking her head, Asha told, “Mynu wouldn’t care. I can tell you that much. And while Windy can come, I’m not sure if she wants to spend time gaggling about with us all.” Then half whispered as they left the room. “Dejen will be back soon, I can tell. When he is? I think he’s going to visit with Windy. Call it a premonition.”

“Oh?” said Mercy with a knowing grin. “Our Stripe is getting frisky, hrm~?”

“Mercy, Asha.” Whined out Bina with a gramance. “Do you--”

Nuzzling Bina’s head and making the teen raise her hands in defense, Asha laughed, “sorry Bina. Don’t mind us.” Purring some and soon saying, “but yeah. You can invent windy, but I thought that she might rather stay and spend time with Dejen. He’s been wound up lately and I’m pretty sure she’s been wanting to help unwind him.”

Thinking abit over the last few weeks, Mercy had to agree that Dejen been rather wound up. Mostly in slowly gathering reports, having some people rejecting, or ‘politely’ refusing while he has his bounty. There were a small handful that answer the favor-- but it meant Dejen had to recalculate how much help he would get, and how many would backstab him at their convenience.

Plus, with all the work he’s been doing in smithing, getting new information around Arabia, and even planning about Dejeen? I’m sure he would appreciate having Windy to himself. Especially since me and her had to go out and ‘explore’ on the third possible mare. thought Mercy in a recalling tone as she said to Asha. “It might be best if Windy does stay with Dejen. He has been working hard lately and deserve a bit of time off.”

Nodding, Asha walked along the two before saying, “hey Bina? Why not you go let Katsume know we’re having a bit of a gettogether later? Mercy and I can get a room all set up so we girls can have a bit of time to us.” Getting a nod from bina as she rushed on ahead.

Asha soon held a small smile and said, “Bina’s a good girl. Worrying over others so much. I just wish she and Bakari didn’t hold everything in so much.”

Humming, Mercy slightly nodded as she said. “They probably aren’t used to letting it out...even less with them relying only on each other…” Thinking a bit as the changeling asked. “This girl’s night not only to help Katsume...it’s to help Bina too?”

Giving a glance, Asha said, “I know you can sense emotions Mercy, but how often have you seen Bina, or even Bakari, talk to anyone that wasn’t their twin?” Letting it sink in a moment. “They’ve relied on the other so much. And now, they’re starting to trust me a bit more like they do Tatsu. But that’s just not enough for them. Not enough gounding.”

“Meaning you’re trying to expand their circle of people to rely on.” nodding Mercy in slight relization, as she never really consider them needing more friends...then again, the two still had trust issues with some of the members of the ship. Even the ones they somewhat trusted like her or Debt. She snort and said. “Wonder how you’re gonna get Bakari with a ‘guys night’?”

“Oh no, I’m not going to allow for a guy’s night with bakari.” Snorted out Asha. “That’s just calling for trouble. Bakari’s a good boy, but he’s not into the things most of the guys are. I want to help him, sure, but I’m not dumping him into that mess. You know how he gets when someone prod’s at his age-- at least with Bina we don’t have to worry about any of the females from poking at her feelings and make her upset. Besides some changelings? Bina and Bakari are the youngest on this ship.”

“Sometimes I forget they’re young.” mused Mercy. “They act so mature at times...I keep forgetting they’re teenagers.”

“You’ve at least caught on.” Asha said. “Debt sometimes forget they can be mature. And Dejen respect them, but I’m sure he still sees them as ‘hormonal teens’ and not young adults. And that grates on them, because they try so hard to prove they are just as mature as us.”

Rolling her eyes, Asha went on to add, “sure, Bina is more mature than Bakari a lot of the time. But that’s only because Bakari’s gone through the ringer to keep his sister safe. So far, he’s the first one to risk his stone or life before letting Bina come close to danger. And he gets hit hard for it. He’s tough, even if it’s stupid half the time. He does care that much for his sister. And you already saw how far Bina goes for him too. They just… had to deal with a lot.”

“That they do.” agreed Mercy as she admit. “I’m...somewhat surprise they haven’t decided to leave again. Mostly since it would be ‘smarter’ to be on the move again.”

“It’s because they finnlay have something they haven’t had in nearly three years, Mercy.” Getting a slight look from the Queen as Asha smiled up. “A actual family.”

“You mean with you?” asked Mercy with a raise brow.

Shaking her head, Asha corrected. “With us.” looking back ahead with a somber mood. “With a protective sister in Miko. A funny uncle with Felix. A responsible older sister in Tatsu. A teasing adoptive mother in me. A kooky uncle that’s Dejen. A nice aunt that’s you. This ship’s become home to them.”

“Sure they get annoyed, or angry and sometimes just fed up-- but they have a home. They have a family. They have a place to belong. A place, they never really had except once. And it was taken from them in one night. Then… they had to run for three whole years, no one but each other for comfort.”

Being silent, she consider that, actually consider it. A family huh? Sure we may not act much like one...but we’re the closest one they got...I don’t know how they lost their real family...but it could be something like those pirates hitting that Kitsune village.maybe it was that village that was lost. thinking a bit as she couldn’t imagine it, being on the run with no one else beside the one running you.

Sure she was running with what she had of a Hive...but she found a place with Dejen. The Twins had no one but themselves. And slowly...but surely, they were starting to rely on the Scars...or rather, the Clan on this ship as a family. Thinking a bit more, she remark. “Sometimes I did wonder if this was either a rag-tag group of people following the orders of a Racky Stripe...or what you said back then of this ship being home to a Stripe Clan.”

“A clan, I’m pretty sure.” Began Asha. “A striped clan?” She giggled, “it’s only got one Striped, Mercy. This is a clan of misfits. Of castaways and runaways, even orphans and survivors. It’s a clan full of people just needing one another.” She stopped to open the door to the room they’d use to add on. “It’s a home for those that lost their home, Mercy. No matter how you look at it, that’s what it’s becomes. A home for the lost. For the broken. For the runaways. Even the crazy. Here, they have a place to be themselves and have roots to actually live with some comfort with others like them.”

“So a Clan of refuge?” asked Mercy in a thoughtful tone, horn glowing to open the door as she look around the room. Deciding to make a bit of space and more presentable as she said. “If this is a Clan of misfits and those in need of refuge, then having Dejen as the Clan head makes far too much sense...Since no one but him would be crazy enough to invite anyone into his ship-- even those who were his former enemies.” Rolling her eyes some as she went on.

“I wouldn’t even be surprised if Dejen somehow ropes even more people who try killing him into his newest allies.”

Smiling to that, Asha told, “hurt people try to hurt other’s. It takes someone hurting, to know how to help someone that’s also hurting.” She moved about the room in slight thought before adding, “I think you should wait.” Letting Mercy do her work, but confusedly ponder what Asha ment. “I know you want to find another girl for Dejen, but it’s too soon. He’s thought about it, but doesn't feel right about it. I think you should wait, give him time and space before you push another girl to him.”

“I’m not even surprise anymore.” sighed out Mercy, as she thought to her self. Dejen doesn’t feel right on it? What does he thinks it’s too soon? We’ve been with him for years-- okay granted Windy did, but I knew him just as well. Then again...That Stripe is too busy focusing on everyone right now..even the ship to be focusing on the third mare. I’m just glad he’s been thinking about it instead of rejecting it. thought the mare as she sighed out more.

“Fine...I’ll wait. Might as well tell Windy about it too when she’s not occupy with him later on.” then soon asked. “So, is this another, ‘can’t tell you what might happen for reasons’ thing?”

Giving a look, Asha told in a fairly serious tone, “no. This is a ‘don’t overstep your boundaries’ suggestion, Mercy. You and Dejen, even less Windy, never were married. It’s hard for Dejen to accept that he was able to get two females that like him how he is. He puts a lot of trust into you both. Think of how he’d feel if you just pushed and forced another female into his life out of the blue and expect him to just… go along with it without any warning or who you just bright in without his consent?”

While Mercy was about to replied a witty remark, she actually consider it. Dejen...over the years had a lot of trust issues. He didn’t even trust Windy at first if I recall right. Sure he’s better...but Asha might have a point. It’s sorta surprising to him that me and Windy like how he is...although I don’t know why marriage is a thing here-- but he does...put a lot of trust in us both. frowning a bit as she could imagine the ‘surprise’.

He’s going to be very agitated...probably hurt...maybe feel insulted. It's not like working with a pony...I keep forgetting Dejen is...odd. taking a breath in to think more to herself. It would also wreck not only his trust...but his love too. The hive is literally dependent on Dejen and fwe other's positive emotions we soak up. Plus, I rather not find out what happens when he does break his limit in patience.

Shaking her head a bit, she said. “Fair enough Asha…” then let out a sigh. “Sometimes even I forget how...different he is compare to most males. Sometimes I swear he could’ve been a changeling with how he acts.”

“Love is built on trust, Mercy.” Asha said in a straight manner. “And there is no trust more deeply made than a Stripes. Even if Dejen wasn’t raised by strips, he’s still a stripe. Trust means a lot to his nature. You have to understand that breaking that trust has huge consequence for both sides.”

She then got up to move about the room, measuring each thing in it. “Jumanne was a good example. He put his all into impressing Zu. He knew her since he was a cub. He wanted to marry her, but was always a bit nervous at the start. And Zu was kinda charmed by him at first.”

“They drifted apart of course, and she began to work with Dadisi on magical projects. Him being a high-ranking shadowmancer and one of the Isle very few Dark arts masters.” That caught Mercy’s attention for sure. “But, I knew my cousin. When we came to the South and I saw him and Zu talk, I knew there and then he had a thing for the zebra, even if he didn’t say it. And I knew, despite her reproachful rebuttals, she liked him back in a way.”

“It only got more dramatic when Jumanne bothered to listen to me and realized, he could lose Zu to my cousin. So, he built bigger things. Made a few kinds of ships. Literally constructed a small world-traveling ship for us to maybe use to go world-wide, just to impress Zu and prove to her he was the best pick.”

Feeling a frown on her face, she soon asked. “I can gather that in the end, Zu chosen your cousin later on?”

Looking to Mercy, Asha told somberly, “Dadisi never saw a reason to prove anything to Zu. He kept himself simple. He kept his ways, simple. He provided for her when she needed it, but never smothered her with things. He didn’t just help and support her, he respected her. Gave her the space she wanted. He might be a dominant male in the relationship, but there is a respect there that Jumanne just couldn’t give. It broke his heart when Zu chose Dadisi, and he didn’t talk to the two of them for that month he moped in his workshop. Not a word.”

“No offense Asha, but I would’ve...well, thought he would quickly moved on. I mean sure he was rejected but, don’t Stripes usually bounce back?”

Shaking her head, Asha told, “All the way, or not at all. He made a ship to sail the world for Zu, and what was it now? It just became this reminder he failed to court her and soon gave it to his clan to use to get around. And Dadisi? He liked him, but Dadisi beat him at something that Jumanne could have won at if it was another striped. When Stripes choose a mate, and more than one guy are after the same girl? They will sabotage the other Stripes inventions, so they can have a chance to impress the lady they fancy. And like I told over and over-- stripes hold grudges bad. The only reason they bounce back, is if they have no reason to hold it anymore.”

“So when Jumanne was buddy buddy with Dadisi….he didn’t held a grudge.” Slowly said Mercy, as she then asked. “But how did you get into his ‘workshop’ and drag him out to meet these equestrians? I thought Stripes were secretive.”

Grinning, Asha told, “well, I may have broken in and entered without permission.”

“....What?” was all Mercy said with widen eyes. “But...isn’t that...well...a big way to get a entire clan to hate you?”

“I didn’t kidnap him.” Asha told in a self-justifying way. “I forcefully pushed him to find some girls to talk to. His clan understood once I explained I was finding a way to get his mood better and get him laid.”

Laughing, she however asked. “While that is funny...how did these twin come into play and got interested in Jumanne? Because last I recall, Stripes were the definition of insanity to those who didn’t knew them well.”

“Adrenaline junky thrillseekers.” Told Asha cheerfully. “Apparently they had this idea that the Isles were dangerous enough, it’d be fun. When I saw them and talked to them for a bit, they just… clicked. I could just instinctually tell they would, at the very least, make Jumanne get out of that gutter he stuck himself into.”

Shaking her head, Asha told on, “still took another two months before Jumanne bothered to say a word to Zu or Dadisi. I think I had to get both mare’s to semi-seduce him, just to say sorry and let bygones be bygones. It wasn’t easy.”

“Considering of what you said of Stripes and grudges? I doubt it.” snorted Mercy as she asked. “So I’m guessing after some time, Jumanne decided to ‘woo’ the twins to courtship? What did he build for them to gain their attention? Some sort of fast dinghy to zoom around in?”

TRying to contain her amusement, Asha said, “He was building this overly-fast ship… but the two actually surprised him with a Equestria ‘tradition’ of a date.” Then rolled her eyes. “I think at that point, Dadisi told Jumanne to just make something simple like some braclet’s to act as rings. He was iffy on the idea, but I think after Jumanne made them and proposed to the two, it help fix whatever grudge he had with Dadisi.”

LAughing in amusement, she asked. “So what happen next? Did you step in to marry them together?”

Shaking her head, Asha said, “I stepped back and let them do the Stripes tradition for marriage. I was lucky to be asked to wed them, sure, but I had to do it by their traditions.” Going on to add in a trivia like manner, “did you know I know how to marry couples in seven different traditions of marriage?”

Rolling her eyes, she said. “Now I do.” the Queen hum a bit as she asked. “So did those equestrians twins moved to the Isles once the marriage was complete? Pretty sure they weren’t used to be in a Stripe clan wherever it was located at.”

“It wasn’t a easy transition.” Asha agreed. “Thankfully, they were there for a few months before things got so out of control. And thankfully their folks were… well, okay they weren't that happy. But those two were already making the parents want to pull out their manes from how topsy-turvy they got. So they were half-happy to have the two finally leave.”

Giggling, she tease. “Wonder if they knew their daughters were marrying someone who could not only handle their kind of thrill-- but encourage them to go full at it?”

Shaking her head, Asha told, “I didn’t have the heart to tell them.”

Snorting a bit, she asked with a curiosity. “So, I’m guessing this is the part where you explain the reasoning why you told me about your cousin and that stripe lovelife and history?”

Nodding, the white lioness said, “to give an example the lengths stripes go. The lengths they go to impress their possible mates, the lengths they go when they lose the trust of their possible lovers and the lengths they go to just avoid their ex-possible lovers.”

“...so you’re saying that if I did push too much, then Dejen would go to extreme lengths just to not only avoid me and Windy...but prove a point?” Furrowing her brows some as she went on. “To just...do everything in his power to isolate himself from us?”

With a single nod, Asha told, “and he will. I doubt he knows it, but he will. Once you gain the trust of a striped? It’s hard to break. But once it’s broken? It’s almost impossible to mend.”

Thinking some, Mercy frown a bit as Asha wasn’t exaggerating. As while she slightly doubted that Dejen would go to such lengths...she also knew that Asha was a expert on Stripes. Who to say he wouldn’t do that? Even if he doesn’t realize it, he would do everything he can to make it impossible. Thinking a bit...she asked. “Has there...ever been a time when a Stripe got their trust broken before?”

“I’m telling you about one minor case.” Asha began. “Want me to tell you the more server one’s that result in two stripes that wouldn’t even standing on the same island if the other was on it?”

Blinking, she asked. “Wait...even stripes tend to break trust?”

“They can get a little crazy when competing for mates.” Asha slightly gramanced. “I remember this one time two Strips were competing so much for the same mate, that the clan had to stop them before they blew up a house.” Telling, “not a joke. I’m pretty sure they almost did and they decided that they couldn't stand on the same island if the other was on it. And I’m pretty sure the gal they fought over left them for another stripe, and they decided that they didn’t want anything to do with that guy. It was nuts.”

Wincing, Mercy said. “W-Well...At least Dejen doesn’t compete with me and Windy….” then added in a bit doubtful. “Right?”

“I’m pretty sure any guy that tries to come up and flirt with you would count.” Asha observed dryly. “Trust me, Stripes hate it when another guy tries to move in on their girl. Even worse if there’s no proof that they are mated. They can get pretty jealous.”

“...How jealous are we talking about?”

“Um, sabotage levels?” Asha said, “like when they compete with other stripes.” Going on to roll a paw, “I mean… Jumanne was trying to do that with Dadisi when Zu started to see him as a option. But the only reason Jumanne failed so hard was because Dadisi had nothing to sabotage. But Dejen doesn't have that issue. He can just pull out… oh, what was it? His gun?” Then nod, “yeah, he can pull out a gun and shoot the other guys leg or something. Sabotage them like that.”

Staring at her, Mercy took in a deep breath and remarked. “I thought it was odd with Dejen giving stink-eyes to some of the males when they were watching Windy...but I just thought he didn’t like them ogling at her.”

Snorting, Asha told, “Ogling to a strip means ‘I want that’. There’s hardly a halfway, Mercy. You either want it, or you don’t. Dejen might not have the same traditions or raising, but I’m pretty sure he’s thinking that they want to have, not ‘enjoy’ the view.”

Slowly nodding, Mercy thought and consider something. “I just...realize something. What is he going to do for ‘wedding’ when it comes? I mean…” pausing a bit as she remarked. “I...also just realize I never knew what sort of traditions he was raised with.”

Smiling and shaking her head, Asha said, “oh, now you’re thinking of marriage?” Then went on, “it’s good you’re thinking about it. But Mercy, you really need to iron out your own relationship with him first instead of just rushing in. I mean, you were thinking about springing a third mare into your relationship. Marriage is a commitment. Maybe before you start thinking of that? You should start thinking of how to make things stable between you all. Or else you’re looking at a early divorce.”

A annoyed snort came from her, but Asha held a good point. Sure their relationship was fine...but both her and Dejen were busy. She also knew that technically? Mercy was the ‘new mare’ of the herd. Windy already had a headstart in the relationship and being stable with the Stripe. It was her that needed to make things stable with him before anything else could go wrong.

“You know…” she started in a dry tone. “Sometimes it makes me wonder that despite me being the smarts in our relationship-- it was Dejen that thought of waiting and stabling the relationship first.”

Shaking her head, Asha told, “he didn’t think of stability, Mercy. He just didn’t feel like he needed any more females in his life but you two.” Giving a slight smile and telling, “he could of gone for more, but he’s just fine with you two and no one else. Shouldn’t that be enough for you three?”

“While I admit that is flattering? Me and Windy were considering of herd dynamics...as well when I’m starting to show of eggs later on. Windy can’t be the only one pleasing him when I need to focus on the eggs.” then joked with a knowing grin. “Beside, I thought it was every male dream to be surrounded by pretty females?”

“Maybe it sounds nice.” started Asha, “but sex isn’t everything, Mercy. How would you feel if all you were to Dejen was someone to go to for just sex?” Having no nonsense in her tone.

“...Fair enough, I’ll admit that you might be right with the two of us being enough for him, if he feels like that.” said Mercy in slight defeat, knowing better than to argue with a Whitemane.

Letting out a breath, Asha told more gently, “look, I know you just want what’s best for him. But sex is just some fun. You’re going to give him something more than that.” Giving another smile to say, “you’re giving him a larger family, Mercy. Those eggs? They’re going to be his kids too. For a normal stripe, they consider that their greatest of all creations. Nothing they can make can top the children they make. And it takes two people to make something so precious.”

Nodding a bit, Mercy sighed more. “Yeah, I know...still, I just feel like…” sighing a bit and shook her head. “I should probably stop, since I doubt I could change his mind if I brought the topic up.” then added. “Plus the other's are starting to come around, so might be best if we finish up this room for girls night.” Although she promise she was going to bring this up in a discussion later on to Dejen...mostly see if he was just fine with her and Windy. Mostly to try to give trust back to him...as well as figure out what sort of traditions he followed.

Nodding, Asha said with a slight smirk, “you might sense feelings, Mercy, but that doesn't mean it makes you and changelings automatic guru’s when it comes to love.” then padded off to tell, “I’m going to ask some of your kids to help set up everything and maybe get some food. I think we girls deserve some snacks while we chat too!”

“I’ll make sure drinks are brought in.” told Mercy, already starting a request for some. She however was left alone to her thoughts. Still...kinda bizzar about Stripes. I never thought they would go that far...Then again, I rarely met a Stripe before Dejen. Even more with the trust that could make everything worse...Or the fact about everything I learn while starting the whole Katsume problem...The Twins pain. The ship being a family of sorts...and the fact I could’ve destroy my love life.

Thinking a bit as she figure to be a bit more...appreciated to Dejen, as she realized that Dejen trust means a huge deal...she wonder how lucky she was-- how she and Windy were lucky to have his trust. His love...everything to them? She almost consider of being fine with the two of them...but she figure...just to at least talk with him. See if he wanted a third, and maybe...work it out?

While she may not be a pony, she also knew that their herd could grow more. They just need to talk it out with Dejen. Maybe see what else could be learn? For now focus on the girls night...then Dejen once he’s around. thought Mercy as she ensure to figure out what sort of drinks to bring. Mostly water, some soda that were stocked away-- and even a few juices in case someone was wantign something beside water or soda.