Arabian Swindler

Looks were slightly given and Mercy could almost understand why. After finding a place to get a ‘change in clothes’ that fit for what the kitsune preferred? Mercy was almost surprised she was willing to go with near little. A tube-top that somewhat showed cleavage and short-shorts that sort of hugged her hips. Mercy was sure that when Dejen saw this women? He might stare a bit.

Hayami wasn’t ‘impressive’ as some kitsune or herno women, but she had enough beauty to draw looks from males. Mostly those that were into bipeds. “So much better.” Hayami sighed out, twisting and flexing herself-- it was a little more showy, but she clearly was just revealing in the freedom of not being in a restrictive kimono. She just didn’t care if people could see her exposed body parts or beauty-- as long as it weren't important lady-bits? She didn’t care.

Giving a hum, mostly looking at Hayami as she remarked. “Part of me wants to be surprised...but considering what I know of Kitsunes? I shouldn’t be.” then add in a bit of teasing. “Although I hope you don’t blame Dejen at staring, guys after all can't help but look at attractive females.”

Shaking her head, Hayami told, “he can look all he likes. And as long as he don't touch me too much, I think I can put up with it.” Though Mercy could tell internally that the kitsune would rather he didn’t touch at all. “Men will always look, can’t help with that unless I want a restrictive kimono on.”

Nodding in agreement, as she said. “In either case, we still have a bit more to look around.” already checking a few places out, even eating a bit while Mercy told the Kitsune about their past --except the whole Dejen was a former human and a few other's-- as they went up to now as the faux mare continue to say. “I’m pretty sure we can visit by the Ophenu, I’m sure they’ll enjoy talking a bit with someone new.”

Hayami’s eyes sparkled, curiosity just brimming at the edges of her being. It was almost shocking how fast her mood had gone from gloomy and depressed-- too excited and wonderous. “I would love that, Mercy-chan!” Then blushed and cleared her voice, “San, Mercy-san.” Going on to tell, “I’m sorry, I get too excited for my own good.”

She couldn't contain herself to tell, “I just… there is so much here.” Going on to rattle off, “Stripes, Gnolls, Lions, rabbits, griffins-- so many people and so many things.” Then sombered just a moment to say with a low smile. “I wish Cosmo-kun was here to see it all.”

A small smile was on her face as she nod and said. “I’m sure he’ll enjoy the sights to, once he finds you and make sure you’re okay.” then went on as she look over the place. “Really, a lot improved not just here, but for the changelings underneath.” then rolled her eyes. “Even if a certain couple of changelings had other opinions.” not even bothering to hide this in the joint-swarm mind.

I think she’s talking about us. Jali comment in the connection.

I think that was obvious. was the sarcastic rebuttal of Text.

Regardless of this, Hayami said, “I’m still amazed changligns are real. I was starting to wonder if they were just a exsasperated myth people talked about in Equestira. Never seeing one before.”

“Within every story, there lies a grain of truth.” told Mercy, as she soon added. “Although don’t expect them to be open in other places. Changelings prefer to be in disguises, sometimes for good reasons.”

“What kind?” Asked Hayami quickly, before her mind recalled, “oh… the Hunter’s you told me about, right?” Making a face to add on, “the group that… Galdan was part of?” Making sure she recalled this information correctly from all that was said.

“Exactly.” confirm Mercy with a nod. “Some Hunters are good, but there's too many bad ones to tell the difference. And its something we need to handle...but at this moment we can’t do much.” then soon roll her eyes. “For now we’re waiting and keeping a ear out, since thats all we can do.”

Hayami gave an understanding nod, but she asked. “Mercy-san? What will be your husband goals?” Something that didn’t apparently shock the kitsune-- having caught on a bit during the two’s interaction alone. “I know this Demoness is important. And I agree, she needs to be dealt with. But…” Seeming unsure of what their targeted goal was now.

Letting out a breath, Mercy glance up and admit. “Honestly I think its what Dejen is debating on. Right now? We just got done with handling a problem, and in turn found out there's a large slaver empire that's stretching all over the world. We can’t deal with it alone, so if I can guess Dejen thoughts?” thinking abit as she said.

“Dejen might start working all the more harder to not just deal with the demoness, but start planning on making a means to handle this underground empire. How? I’m not sure yet, honestly I think he’s trying to figure that himself. But what I do know?” a light smile came on her face as she grins a bit. “I know is he’s going to be making a lot of high risks, and gain high rewards with what insane means he’ll pull through to achieve it.”

Hayami thought that over with a slight hum, and pondered it. She sighed and nodded, “alright.” Seeming to want to know more, but apparently surrendering that she was still new to this group, and had little idea of what was going on in full.

Granted it wasn’t everything Mercy was willing to say, but she knew Dejen need time to think, to plot and ponder. He wasn’t a genius...but he needed time to make a good plan and a good pace. Even more needing information as he was trying to get his hands into what he could with the information from Maltar place, as well as try to figure out what Dejeen was planning…

But it was utterly difficult with how deep in the dark they were on everything.

So at best, all they could do was wait and rest. They wouldn’t be able to do anything until they had more information on the state of things and while it wasn’t ideal? It was needed. And unfortunately, the town they were in didn’t have all their material needs for their ship. It needed some repairs. It needed ammo and fuel. A lot of things that only a larger city could supply in large amounts.

With that alone, Mercy knew that they would be busy with possibly doing bounties and maybe just foraging for resources. And while they would mine for needed metals in the holds? Like they were told in the past, the Holds were not kind to people that ‘pillaged ore’ from their territory. So they either had to go to Arabia-- or some place else to mine. Or simply buy metal and ore with what money they had. And in truth? They needed to consider free ores from work-- than trying to spend money on it.

Giving a huff of breath, she figured they would have to repair the ship first, and head to a city to refuel. But they would need to risk going to arabia to gather from mines, which seem more than likely as buying ores in the Holds was expensive and no one was sure if going to Equestria was a good idea to gain materials at all. She glanced to Hayami as she spoke. “But one thing is for certain, Hayami. Its that for the time being? We’ll be focus on repairs and resupplying for the ship. Which in turn means we’ll need to travel to a city to do so.” then joked a bit. “Which means more sights for you to see of how minotaurs make their cities.”

Pausing and parking at some thought, Hayami asked, “repairs and supplies… for mostly the ship, right?” And went on, “while I’d love to see more cities, I want to ask. Can crashed ships help with repairs?”

“Crash ships?” spoke Mercy with a raise of a brow, then thought and amend. “Well, if we can disassemble them and use their materials for what we need? Then yes, its possible...but its a matter of ‘who gets it first’ if anyone else had notice them.” then asked as she glance to her. “Why bring up crashed ships?”

Finger up, Hayami told, “when Cosmo-kun and I were still looking for my clan? We would often board ships and hitch rides with the slavers. Hid in their cargo.” Then went on, “we did it once more with a big ship, and made it crash. We never raided it because it was too full and we had more important things.”

Rubbing her arm, Hayami admitted, “I’m just now remembering about it, we sort of left it alone back then. But if possible? It might still be there.”

Considering it a bit, Mercy said. “If you can remember where they were last located? We could be able to check by and see if they’re still there,” then admit. “Granted it's likely Maltar own forces took the remains...but if there's a lot of ships, even that big one? Then it's likely they couldn’t take all of them.” sending the message along to her children, Mercy continue. “Hopefully they’re still there, and if not? We’ll have to risk on getting fuel from a city and mine for ores ourselves to get metals for our ship.”

Hayami nodded, but corrected, “it was only one ship.” Making Mercy lift a brow. “It was a slaver ship, but not like other’s. It had no slaves and not a big crew. I’m not sure what it was for, but Cosmo did. Something about it being a ‘rig’ or other.”

Pausing in her steps, Mercy repeated. “Rig?” her mind trying to recall what it meant, but she recalled it meant as a off-shore drill ship, or rather a large ship that carried cargo. Quickly focusing on Hayami as she asked. “And you know where its at?”

Nodding, Hayami confirmed, “roughly. Once we get close to the area, I should be able to recognize landmarks.” Half smiling with, “Cosmo-kun was good at wayfinding, but not that great with directions or maps. I can recall the path once we’re close enough and if I have a good enough map.”

Giggling a bit, Mercy soon contacted through the swarm mind. Children, get everyone ready, we might be hauling a Rig full of supplies-- and materials for our needs! Giving a light grin she turn and began to move as she said. “We might start moving Hayami, the sooner we get there? The faster we can see if we can grab it before anyone else found it.”

Frowning at the sudden turn, Hayami soon sighed and nodded, figuring that it would be for the best. She did mention it to help-- and apparnetly they were going to take the offer up.

The directions weren't the most accurate, but they were good enough for the crew to follow. The ship was sent into full speed to these potentially new resources and Dejen almost contemplated what the ship had. And it’s meaning. Clearly it had something pretty important onboard if this ‘Cosmo’ guy felt that sinking it and letting it be lost was more valuable than letting it reach its destination. Hayami didn’t understand its importance, but most others did.

The ship was possibly huge in size. And when asking Rah-Rah, Gem or even Karth about ‘Airship Rigs’? They pretty much gave the same idea. A full on battleship sized ship, if not a bit bigger, built to carry as much as physically possible. Sometimes used in very rare military situations when building a new off-sight base. Or sometimes to just resupply very important locations. It was more commonly used for commercial mining in hard to reach areas-- like islands or mountain tops.

In short, they were looking at either lot’s of supplies, arms or even mining equipment. Win-win in any case if they reached it first. But it was a concern what sort of things it had, and what relevance it held to Maltar. It was a very large indicator as well, of how much damage Cosmo and Hayami made in the Minotaurs works-- and probably showed why he didn’t target Dejen at every chance. He had a couple of Kitsune costing him ships and slaver locations for a year without pause.

Dejen hum abit, sitting in his spot as he lean back, a hand moving to the currently content Windy as the mare was on his lap. Happy being back with her striped as Dejen gave an amused look down to her, even a bigger one with Mercy resting by his side in a free spot in the captain seat as she lean on his side, but refocus back as Debt and Port was piloting the ship, with Hayami in the bridge to help give them a good idea if they were close.

He mused on what was in this ship, but could only guess on what it might had. Part of him consider it was powerful weapons, or large amount of ore, or maybe even items to cause issues for who knows what. All Dejen knew however, was that the sooner they get ot this down ship and take it apart? The more they would learn and gain a lot of surplus for not just the ship repairs, but possibly earn a lot of new cash to swindle for coin. Dejen hum a bit as a hand move to gently pet Windy mane, the mare coo as another hand move to rub Mercy neck, who in turn nuzzle his face as both mares enjoy their time with their Striped.

“That way.” Hayami told, “we’re nearing it’s place.” Having the two pilots steer closer down to the Hold’s outer reaches of the south-west. A coast line so full of rocks and ridges, that any airship that was too big-- like theres, had to be careful. As they went a bit lower and skimmed over the many stone pillars, Hayami told, “raise some, and keep an eye out below.”

Each one did, and the ship slowed. They rose and went over a few large slabs of stone, and from the crows nest, the heard Bakari. “Hey, stop! I see it, I see it! Turn the ship.” It made Debt snort, but ease up the throttle and Port to turn the ship. And when it did, most of those in the bridge looked on.

The ship was indeed big. So big that it was possibly long enough and definitely wide enough to match their ship-- maybe a bit more. And while it was big? It was also broken-- right in half. It had crashed on some of the stone pillers and ledges over the water-- one half resting on some large rock, the other broken off and half-sunk in the water. And they could see in to the cargo, where rows of trashed or still intact crates were. And Dejen could make out parts-- ship parts. Lots of ship parts.

“Well, look like we have a idea on why the ship was sabatoge. Lots of ship parts to repair ships...or make new ships...a lot of them.” muse Dejen as he soon activated the comms. “Alright everyone, we’re going to make two teams. Team one, your job is on lookout, keep your eyes and ears out for any potential trouble. Team two, your job is to go and start going in and seeing what we can salvage out from the crates. We’ll see if we can get the ship parts in too.”

Karth voice spoke in. “allow me to handle that, there isn’t enough space for all of that on our creation. Leave the ship parts for me.” it didn’t take long to see Karth, flying out with metal wings passing by the bridge as Dejen shook his head. As he soon told.

“Get the hatches open up, team two, start moving to gather materials.” and as the hatches began to open, did changelings exit out. Moving to the down ship to inspect what cargo was intact, or take from open crates. Although as they were waiting, they heard Karth spoke in the comms.

“It seems that the amount of parts I’m able to tell? Is enough to make a large fleet of frigates, or 6 battleships...hrm, all high grade too ...interesting.”

A changeling spoke in the comms. “King, there’s lots of food, pre-preserved, parts, equipment, materials-- even a few spare slaver items to take more slaves...all of it unused. Even plenty of ammo, standard ships uses though.”

Activating the comms, Dejen told. “Take what you can, rotate transportations.” looking at the ship as Dejen, as well as the other's could tell there wasn’t any defenses on the ship, which meant that ammo was used for the ship parts...or ships already available. Dejen soon remark to Hayami. “It seems your friend here knew the real dangers of what the Rig held. This could’ve supply Maltar with more ships, or even to an extent take more people as slaves. Bad for all of us really.”

Making a face at all she was hearing, Hayami asked, “so… this ship had things to make even more ships? These… ‘battle ships’ and ‘friegets’?” naming each one out with uncertainty. “I’ll admit, I don’t really know much about airships. A ship of war is a ship of war to me. They fly and can bring death. Or the one I was on was a ‘interceptor’ ship.”

Johari looked down, Tibia by her side while explaining. “To put into perspective Hayami? Think of that ship having enough parts to make ‘tens upon tens’ of small warships. Or, at the very most, six ‘village sized’ warships.” Making Hayami blink and look down in slight worry and new found understanding.

Johari continued to eye the large Rig and said, “I’m not familiar with this design. But from how thick the platting is? It’s definitely minotaur build. They like their steel thick. I don’t know where Maltar got it, or how Hayami’s friend brought it down. But it’s a good thing it was, I think it explains why we didn’t face a huge fleet, Maltar must of been short of ships and decided to pull back what he could and waste a few other ships to keep us from being suspicious.”

“Seems likely,” agreed Dejen. “Would explain even more why the defenses weren't shored up even know they were ready….” thinking a bit as more and more cargo was being moved, and those ship parts were moved by whatever Karth was doing, Dejen muse on what to do with the ship parts. Part of him wants to sell it...but another part wants to melt them down for materials…

Thinking a bit, he glance to Johari in thought...and soon asked. “What would happen if I gave the Isles a large donation of ship parts?”

Turning her full attention to him, Johari really focused on him. Tibia even seemed to perk up, watching with full attentive curiosity of what was to come. It was the mother that breathed in and told, “if you go through with Dadisi? You’re looking at high likelihood of getting alliances. Steel isn’t common and ship parts aren't easy to get. You take and give most of this to Dadisi? And we’re looking at high rates and deals to get out of it.”

A wide and cunning grin shown on his face as Dejen said with folded hands. “That what I thought, which means we’ll have to make a trip and contact Dadisi once we fuel up. It’ll be a real shame if those parts aren’t being put to good use, Johari.”

“I need to caution you, Dejen.” Told Johari as she turned to him fully. “If you want to do this? We have to confirm these aren't stolen parts. Because if they are and you try to trade them to the isles? They aren't going to take it kindly.” Then went on. “But… I might be able to talk to Dadisi to make that not a issue. But the fact remains, if they were stolen, we might have another advantage to use.”

“Okay I’m curious, what do you got in mind Johari?” asked Dejen with a raise of a brow, and it made both mares look in curiosity too.

Cunningly, Johari said, “most refined metals have a mark. Most time distributors-- or at least the isles, Equestria, Arabia and even griffon kingdoms-- don’t mark their steel. Minotaurs, are a lot more prideful and leave a mark on their steel. Show’s who gathered and manufactured it.” She then punctuated, “if it was stolen and we can find the noble that owns the mill that makes it? We can get his favor by returning his goods.” Then went on, “if it’s unmarked minotaur steel? Then we can sell it for a high rate in the Isles. The slavers don’t want to mark steel they made, it can be tracked more easily.”

Activating the comms, Dejen asked. “Hey Karth, can you check if theres any marked on it? See if we can find who manufactured the materials.”

“One moment,” grunted the dragon, as there was a brief silence and soon a scoffing sound. “Ah, I seen this mark...most of these got the same mark. It belongs to some pitiful mill company by a Noble, Shagged beard or something.” there was another brief silent as he went on. “I say about most of this belong to his mill.”

Making a face, Jahari spoke up, “are you sure?”

With another scoff, Karth told. “I know minotaur markings. And seeing all of these, including the ones I put away? All of it is marked. Which means its either stolen, or were given to Maltar for a quick buck.” there was a tapping of metal on Karth end as he told. “I am a genius after all, I know my metals and markings.”

“Keep checking then.” Johari seemed to persist oddly enough. And seemed to explain to all, but mostly aimed at Dejen. “If this all belongs to one noble’s Mill company? We’re either looking at a noble looking for a quick pay, or is connected with Maltars slaver ring. Because it’s less likely this was all stolen from the same noble, much less one from the holds.”

Frowning, Dejen soon said. “Which means…” then grumble. “It would explain on how Maltar knew we were coming...there was a rat...maybe more than one that filled him in.” Already feeling that they should visit this noble...and maybe inform the King about the fact one of his own is a potential traitor.

It didn’t take long for Karth to speak. “I can safely say that about all of these belong to that noble. They all bear the same markings as the other.”

“Are you sure Karth? We need to be certain.” insisited Mercy as Karth snorted.

“Like I told the Blackmane. I know my metals and markings. They all belong to Shaggy beard.”

“I thought you said it was Shagged beard.” brought up Dejen.

“I care little for names of unimportant beings like him! Genius’s like me, have better things to do than remember names for the pitiful!”

With some annoyance in her eyes, Johari told dryly, “yes, because important details like that don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. Tell me, do you also use metal that is off even by the smallest of margins to make high-end weapons?”

“Bah, I don’t need your sarcasm, Blackmane. Just know that these ships all belong to him, and judging from some of the crates left by the changelings? I say he might not be the only one in cahoots. Some of these are marked by other nobility.”

Breathing in, Johari told, “that is why it’s important to know. If it’s all from the same noble, we’re looking at a possible ally with the slavers. If there are multiple parts or items that belong to other nobles or other places not from the holds? It’s just as possible it was stolen. We need concrete information, Karth. If we don’t, then we can’t make the proper move.” Saying this almost slowly like she was trying to get a newbie to understand the implications.

A scoffing sound, Karth grumble. “You sound just like my brother. Very well, I’ll be extra,” using the word in dripping exasperation. “Sure that I know which markings belong to who, might need to look at the crates more once we take everything.” ending the comms on his end as Port asked with a scrunched expression.

“Why is Rah-Rah friends with him again?”

Snorting, Debt told. “Probably was the only able to put up with his attitude.”

Johari shook her head and said, “that seems very likely.” In total agreement. Though when she looked to the ship, Johari said, “stolen or not, we have to really consider what to do with the materials. If most of it is marked, we’ll have to backtrack where it came from and see if we can find out if anything was stolen. And return it if we think we can get some favor out of the suppliers. If it’s not stolen? They’re either possible leads-- or just unaware of their buyers. In either case, we’re more free to sell it off without possible accusations.”

Letting out a huff of breath, Dejen felt it was good to take his deck out, already shuffling of the problem that laid before him as his hands move and his mind began to think. Already trying to figure the best course of action as what Johari said was true, with the ship parts and other things could be given, or stolen. They had no idea if these nobles gave freely and were part of the slave ring, or were unaware of who they sold their things too.

Either way it is hard to consider the possibilities, even more so with no clear idea on if these nobles were in or not, for all he knew? They could be part of the deal and accuse him of stealing their property. And if they weren’t? Well then they were back on square one.

Thinking a bit as Dejen said. “Lets say if they were in this, whats to say that they couldn’t accuse us of stealing from them? Maybe try to play off the victims, or at best claim ignorance?”

Shaking her head, Johari told, “then we don’t have many options.” Going on to tell, “in truth, we might be safe with selling things off in the isles. Even more through Dadisi. He knows the Striped Clans the best and knows who can use what and where those supplies can be used. If there is a possible backlash? He can cover for use with the power he has.”

Curiously, Hayami asked, “how much power does this Dadisi command?”

Glancing at the curious kitsune, Johari told, “let’s just say that if a king had an advisor? Dadisi would come very close to that position to all four Island heads.”

Surprised filled him, as well as some of the other's as Mercy spoke. “Him? All four?” going on to ask. “I understand with the Lions, and maybe the Stripes-- but the other's too?”

Looking to the Queen, Johari explained, “it’s not announced or even played on. But anyone in the hierarchy understands that Dasisi is one of the few that keep the most sharpest watch on the Isles internal affairs and safety. Whenever a ship comes in, he knows about it. When it leaves, he knows where it’s planned to head. He knows what’s coming in and out at all times. With his influence, he has strong ties to other members of high importance in each area.”

“The Spotted?” Asked the lioness, “they might hate him, but they see him too valuable to argue with. They know if he shows up to give a warning? Then they are on a thin line to be targeted by the politics. They are given a hint by him? They know that they should be ready to kill something he paints for them.” Breathing in, Johari finished, “Dadisi takes his job seriously. He protects the Four Cornerstones with the vigilance of a fully fledged Pride alpha. There’s a reason why nobody crosses his path when it comes to his job or domain.”

Staring at Johari, Dejen soon activated the comm to Asha room and said. “Asha? Your cousin is utterly terrifying as a spymaster.”

Soon, Asha was heard, “Aw, not you too!” Sounding a little… annoyed? “Geeze, it’s like he can’t make any friends. And I thought you all were getting along so well!” Johari shaking her head in some amusement.

“Getting along is one thing. Finding out he’s basically the most politically controlling cat in the Isles? Is another thing.” told Dejen.

Rolling her eyes, Johari said, “it’s a power he only uses when he has to. He’s mostly… reserved as long as nothing disturbs the order. It’s when something causes one too many ripples that he get’s roused to do something.” And Dejen had a clue. He recalled when Dadisi came to his ship to have a ‘few words’ with him about getting the Striped all hyped on getting some payback.

To say, Dejen didn’t understand the bullet he just dodged until this point. And the threat of death Dadisi promised if he was out of line ever in the isles? The message was just now amplified on how serious the lion was.

“.....” Dejen was silent as he soon said. “Again...utterly. Terrifying…” then took a breath in and soon let it out as he said. “So...in terms of giving most of the stuff here, how big of a profit we’ll get in alliances and pay?”

Thinking on it, Johari told, “if we’re selling any minotaur steel? We’re looking at profits so large, it could destabilize our economy to a small amount.” Making Dejen grip his armrests. “The Isles, while stable? Are not the most richest when it comes to high-trade. It’s why we need to go to Dadisi. If you tried to sell this anywhere? You could cause a large economic imbalance with such high-grade metal that is very rare to get. And the Isles are not rich in ore deposits to begin with.” (end)

“Which means we’ll have to make sure we let Dadisi handle it.” summarized Mercy, as she soon asked in curiosity. “What about alliances though? You mention that earlier Johari.”

Nodding, Johari told, “since the steel is going to be expensive, it could be used as a bartering means just to gain favor. Dadisi would get us the contacts we need in other cornerstones, all to further influence or give us more leeway to trade goods at better rates. Possibly even gain more information we might need in the future-- though it won’t gain us much concerning the rest of the world. Only the isles.”

“As for the striped…” Johari seemed to mention them separately, “let’s just say that they will recognize you as a possible clan ally if you follow Dadisi’s instructions, if you explicitly ask him to set you up to trade with them. And they will trade more than just ‘things’. They will trade ‘favors’.”

“No offense Johari,” started Port as she was a bit clueless. “But what makes favors so special with the Striped? I mean… sure they owe Dejen one or a few if he does go through this thing.”

Turning to give the pony a look, Johari told, “it’s a large deal, since they are only handed scrap metal more than not-- unless they are given a job by one of the other’s for a ship. If Dejen gave them raw materials? Those favors can range from ‘bomb a village’ to ‘I want some custom high end work done’ for his ship.”

“Wait, wait,” started Mercy. “You mean to tell us that it could be anything within their range-- and they'll be able to do it?”

“If they think they can.” Johari nodded, “and on most occasions, they will try it even if they technically can’t.” Rolling her eyes to the last bit. “To be curt about it? The more you support them? The higher they regard you. The higher they regard you? The more ‘friends’ you are. And once you do reach a ‘friendly clan’ state? They will go to war alongside with you without question form sheer loyalty alone.”

Blinking, Hayami spoke, “all for simple metal?”

“Minotaur steel.” Johari emphisiszed. “Some of the best steel that you can gain in the world. Equestira and the Kingdoms make good steel, but minotaurs have the craft down to a art style that’s unmatched.”

“And the Stripes would be stupid to not take it.” add in Debt as he glance to Hayami. “One thing about Stripes? The more you do good for them? The more friendly they are. Stripes have an odd habit with trust. Give them reasons to distrust you and you’ll be hated for generations. Earn their trust completely?” shaking his head a bit as the gnoll told. “And they’ll follow you to Tartarus without question.”

Dejen added in with a thoughtful tone. “I’ll admit, I am curious on what they could do…” then joked. “Maybe they’ll be able to make a golem or something that's functional.”

Johai was serious when she told, “some can.” Making Dejen to a double take. “It’s not easy, and not done too often because of how hard it is. But some can do it. Knowing who is the question. And each one has varying levels of skill in the subject.”

“Golem?” Echoed Hayami.

“A construct of a image of a being, or creature.” told Dejen. “Usually of stone...but its possible to make a metal golem. Just not easy…” humming abit as he recalled. “But Ash did mention some Striped that made a golem...uh...Phobia was it?” shaking his head as he said. “Can’t recall his actual name...but apparently he was some great golem crafter in the Isles…”

Shaking her head, Johari said, “you would have to ask Dadisi, he might--”

“My king? We found something.” Called in a changeling, “we’re not sure what it is though. We’re still trying to open the door, but it’s locked tight.” (End)

Glancing to Mercy, the Queen nodded as she use the Swarm mind to see through one of her children eyes, seeing the door as it was heavily bolted, and with a large lock on it. “Its hard to tell what it is, but whatever it could be? Was locked tight for a reason.”

Activating the comms, Dejen asked. “Karth, can you head over to where the changelings are at?” motioning the mares to get off as he went on. “I’m heading down there to see whats up.”

“Very well, I was just done in moving the spare parts away.” Karth told as he ended the call.

Dejen glance to Debt as he ordered. “If anything goes wrong? Get the ship moving.” then turn to begin walking, as Mercy used her Swarm mind to get her remaining children to move faster and quickly enter the ship. If that door was locked? It was locked for a good reason.

It took a while, mostly in getting there as he had to be carried by a changeling. When he reached to where the door was at? Most of the changelings were done and all that was left were him and Karth, the dragon was inspecting the door, humming over as had his talons all over it as Karth told the Striped. “Whatever was in here, it was made in the purpose to contain it.”

As the Striped got closer, there was a lot of runic markings covering it as he asked. “Any idea on what it might be?”

“Hard to say. The runes indicate something deadly, with all the reinforce markings and lines….” the dragon smith mused more as he inspected the metal and its runes as he told. “Luckily, I can undo it…” then glance back as began undoing the runes. “Best get behind me.” the Striped quickly did and took out his revolver as he waited.

He took his walky to activate as he added on the comms. “Just in case this goes south guys? We’re going to be running for our lives and hopefully maybe deal with it. If not? Well...we’re screwed.” He didn’t get time to hear a response as Karth told.

“Its done.” with a clicking sound, the dragon move to undo the seals and began to open the door.
It took some effort to move the heavy door, but once it opened, many got to peer inside. What they found were more runes of many off shades and colors glowing all about. What really had them though, was the middle of the room. All the markings, all the runes and even apparent enchantments were focused on a single sphere of magic.

The form was of some person, though it was a little hard to tell who, since their dirty blond hair covered their face and some of their person. Though they could clearly see hooves, though they seemed… bound. In fact, the more they looked, the more bindings they found. Their legs were bound in five different places, their arms were bound behind them and a few times around the chest. Their position was also in a kneel, with an odd iron collar that had four long prongs that ended in curved spikes-- spikes that had chains currently hooked to hold them down futher.

All the while there was a sphere around them, one of magic that felt a little uneasing to those that could feel it’s magic. Karth gave one glance over and knew that this was some magical detainment spell-- stasis too. And the magic felt dark, maybe a touch demonic? Whoever cast it had knowledge in dark arts and from all the bindings and the punishment collar alone? They clearly wante to both contain and move this… female, he guessed?

Dejen look all over and soon asked. “Alright Karth, what the hell am I looking at?”

“A containment with a stasis of dark and demonic magics. They wanted to contain and move this...female I’m assuming, somewhere.” Dejen slightly nodded to Karth words as he asked.

“So...any idea on how to get her out?”

“You want this unknown being, thats under containment of dark magics-- without any idea if they were bound for a reason?” spoke out a changeling as Dejen told.

“Hey if these lot took all the trouble to bind her, I want to know why.”

Karth snorted. “I can.” starting to move to the stasis field as he soon told. “But I recommend you all leave the room. You might feel a bit...squeamish on what I’m going to do.”

“And that's our cue to leave the room.” told Dejen, motioning the others to leave as Karth crack his neck, moving his talons to crack them as he lowly chuckle.

“This is a good warm up on my demonics.”

He reached out-- and found a uncharistly strong zap of magic hit him and make him slightly stumble. He gave a snort at the touchy magic, right up until he felt a shift in the room. He gave a look left to right… then, the room shimmered, and a few runic spots darkened. He felt it.

He was a little too fast, he realized, and gripped his hands tight as those few circles went a blackish-purple and in a scant moment, portals seemed to form as screeches filled the air. He went to call out, but like a flood, worm-like purple creatures split out into the room, opening maws of leach-like teeth as they all squirmed and slithered for him and the door out-- someone was apparently smart enough to bobbytrap the sphere. With demonic-unrestrictive summoning circles of all things.

Giving a low snarl, Karth move a hand to make a rune in the air. “You think you got me, do you? Well prepare to be corrected, for I am Karth! The Genius Smith-,” one innterupted him by launching at his face and trying to gnaw a hole into his body to suck him inside out. But Karth grip the thing and soon breath out magma onto it. Tossing it remains out, Karth roar out.

“DON’T INTERRUPT ME!”

A few ‘gnawing’ at his feet and legs as Karth finish the rune as other's were heading for the door, seeming intent on finding a meal as Karth activated the rune. “Gravity!” the rune began pulling the things into a spherical ball above him, as it spin around in a 360, pulling everything around into its form as Karth moved his hands quick, part of him was grateful he took lessons in runecraft to deal with demonic creatures. He was sure he would thank the Whitemane later once he leaves this place.

“PURIFY!” a bright ray of light came from his palms, thrusting to the sphere ball as he heard a pain screech as many loud screeches as they shrivel up and burn. Some still coming from the portals are getting the hint, not to come out as KArth soon craft two runes with both hands as he infuse magic as he shouted. “Dimensional denial!” forcing the portals to closed from this dimension as he made sure to use a powerful ‘holy’ rune to ensure nothing was left.

He knew the dangers of tainted demonic blood or presence.

“Retribution!” The rune lit up and the entire room was blinded with pure and bright light as within a few seconds it lasted, but as it disappear Karth took in his surroundings once more, and specifically the female within the sphere.

This time, he was a little more cautious in both touching and even trying to unlock the thing. And almost two other times, something tripped. He had to deal with both boobytraps after a moment, but went back to work afterwards. One thing was for sure, they didn’t want this female getting out. There were layers of magics all directed to keep her asleep, unaware and even preserved-- for whatever reason.

It was uncertain how long she had been here, but he knew at baseline? She was in this thing for maybe two or three months. According to Hayami’s explanation to the crew during their travel here. Something about her and Cosmo highjacking it after some accident getting separated from a group-- he didn’t think too much on the little petty details of her crush and the other people.

No he was more focus on the cargo, the reasons these slavers took such extremely long progress to have this female bound and preserved. He was sure that the collar on her neck was custom made. He noticed it was heavily enchanted and modify for this female. Granted it was sloppy and was a rush to make it, even with the scuffle and how ragged her cloths were? It showed they rushed to contain her.

“Hey Karth? How long till you’re done? We’re almost done with our work.” spoke in Dejen as Karth told in irritation.

“I am in the middle of some very serious work, Dejen. A genius must take time to ensure there are no-,” when he began to undo one part of the sphere, it caused all the rest of the runes to short out and somewhat release her, granted she was bound and chained-- but no magic on her….and she was asleep.

“Never mind...all I need to do is undo the chains.” already feeling confirmed it was shoddy work in containing her, the outer layers showed attention and work. This? This show how desperate they were. “Now quit bothering me, I’m almost done!” ending the comm as he began to carefully undo the chains and work on the collar in precatuion of it being boobytrap. Karth noticed her bindings were rope, belts and anything used to bind her.

Snorting, Karth easily remove it, all that was left was the collar itself.

Which took some carful work, since it was mostly a normal mechanical lock-- but once he was able to get it off? All he had left was a small female that was still under the effects of a heavy spelling spell.

“Bah, easy to undo.” Karth spoke to himself, as he crafted a small rune to undo the spell effects as when he was done? Did he lightly tap the rune on her forehead to release her from its used.

Eyes squeezing, the female doe-like girl give a low moan of consciousness before seeming to wake. Her eyes opened and slowly blinked, brilliant magenta eyes showing and focusing… then, they blinked with a start. She moved pretty fast and an arm hit his chest-- a tap that he hardly felt.

Then rather suddenly he felt something much harder as he crashed to the floor-- feeling like he weighed a ton… and also heard the girl dart out of the room.

Karth snarl as he used a runic spell to undo the gravity rune he was under...and to his aggravation it wasn’t a simple one. In fact he was very irritated that it was a ‘tier 8’ rune...which meant that apparently the female was a powerful magic user with runes…

Which both intrigued him and made him very annoyed.

Slowly, he chipped away at the thing-- or slowly for him. It was surprisingly complex for a small rune. But once he undid it, he was finally able to get up and move. Turning, he lifted the walky, intent to give possible ‘I told you so’ to Dejen.

Changelings continued to work away on taking account of crates and many other supplies-- or at least those that were good. But a few soon felt a sudden rise of confusion and fear, before they all heard Karth.

“The female escaped! I told you so Dejen!” Karth voice on the comms as Dejen groan as he began to move and motioned a changeling to guide him to where this girl was heading to as he asked to Karth.

“You can btich to me about it later, think you can help with figuring out what she's doing?”

“Oh no, you get to do that. Have fun being crushed by runic magic!”

“Wait what?” started the Striped as he wonders if he should’ve ask someone else to do this-- but since he was the only one here, beside his Hive? He figured it was probably a dick move to let a changeling handle this, so if he was going to have his ass handed to him? At least his changelings will be fine. Such is the price for a King to watch his subjects.

Or in this case, a clan-head to watch his Clan.

With that, he continued to follow his ‘kids’ to where this female was. And they hit the first hurdle when passing a hall-- particularly when the ground lit and chains of magic spawned and snared a few changelings to the ground. They all stopped and looked from them, to the hall. Unsure if they should proceed.

“Oh come on!” shouted Dejen as he told to Karth in the walky. “Karth help the kids, I’ll chase after this girl!” then told to the other's. “Try to help them get out, I’ll deal with her!” starting to run with Lucky hand out as it was one thing to cause Karth trouble-- but getting his changelings all bound like that? Oh that was not going to fly with this Striped!

He was near the end of the hall, and a rune on the wall flashes and forces him to get shoved away from the turn, “gah, son of a bitch!” quickly moving to try to move around the rune, or use another mean to catch up to the girl, as it activated again, every time he tries drawing near the turn. “You know what, fuck this!” spinning his gun as he shoot the rune as his magical charge cut through the lines.

It fluctuates, before blasting and sending him spiraling. Groaning a bit, he raise his his head up, he saw a major scorch mark on the wall and was done for. Snorting, Dejen got back up on his paws as he began to run again, this time keeping alert on those damnable runic markings!

Right as he neared another turn, there was a flash. This time he had the mind to dodge backwards. And once landed, did he nearly felt his spin tingle-- not just from worry, but from the static ozone in the air as a rune on the ceiling this time lashed down sparks of jagged lightning down. After a bit, it died out with a fizzle.

Lets see if the Devil really love me or not. thought Dejen as he quickly began to run more, feeling that while it was utterly stupid to keep running? Eve more gambling his life with all these rune marks that could kill him…

He will fully admit, he was starting to enjoy the whole ‘all the way’ motto these Stripes got.

But a flash on the wall as gravity goes one way-- with the rune quickly fade as it causes him to slightly fall.

“SHIiiiiiiiiiT!” shouted the striped, trying to move to get his footing as another rune up ahead flashes and the striped felt himself getting lifted-- before it dies out just as fast, causing him to just fall back down with less trouble. Another one some distance flashes and slowes him-- before just dying. Dejen noticing a pattern with each rune seemng get progressivly more and more shorter and weaker.

Which meant this girl was running on steam.

Eventually, they just stopped. He half wondered if he went the wrong way-- but after some searching around? He was sure he was going the right way. It was the only other hall he could think of to go that had none of his changelings. So he pressed on, following the trail until he got to a section they hadn’t been to yet.

Slowly, he heard panting and gasping, and even low words that were out of breath. He carefully inched near a corner and looked around it, finding the deer-like girl at another heavy door, trying to make a rune-- but it dying out constantly. She eventually lead forwards, hands on her knees and looking just utterly exhausted and tired. And she looked to have been through some meat-grinder almost, her cloth just worn, torn and her hair even frizzy mess that definitely wasn’t his or Karths doing.

Looking at her, he remarked in a bit of dryness. “Let me guess, something or someone important to you behind that door?”

Quickly she turns and half stumbled. Hand reaching to the door, she used it to brace herself up as she told, “stay back!” determination flashing in her eyes and a runic circle coming to life before her hand… before it just fizzled out and she gave and panting gasp for air, hand lowering.

She again, lifted it, very scant bit of magic sparking from her hand, but hardly enough to be considered a charge. It was almost sad to watch her try and hold her ground, when running on empty.

“I don’t know if I should be annoyed or feeling sorry seeing you in this state.” said Dejen, as the Striped took a calming breath and holster his weapon as he raise his walky. “Hey Karth, mind coming where I’m at? Another sealed door like the one we found her in.”

“Better let me handle it. Odds are its full of demonic runes to trap whoever undos whatever’s inside of that.”

All the while the girl kept her barely sparking hand up, and kept to her defensive poise. Though part way through she seemed to just fall, grunting as she went from standing to sitting, magic going out to catch herself and breath heavily. Again she tried to raise her hand up, but by now, only tiny and single sparks of magic even showed.

Rolling his eyes, Dejen told. “Look, I don’t know what will happen or who you are-- but we aren’t part of any group you assume we are-- hell if we were, then we wouldn’t have free you from that stasis sphere with all those runic markings to keep you held and asleep in that room earlier.’

She seemed to think it over, still gasping and trying to hold her hand up. There was uncertainty there, but her hand was starting to stop it’s sparking for good, and her arm was getting lower. She blinked a few times to try and raise her arm, but from just watching? It looked like she was ready to just fall over and pass out from pure exhaustion anyways.

Sighing heavily, Dejen soon activate his walky. “Can we get someone bring down a stretcher? We’re going to have knocked out person be sent to Susumu place. She look ready to drop from exhaustion.” glancing to see her blinking more and actually slowly swaying. “Better make it fast, she’s looking ready to drop at any moment now….”

And while he got confirmation that someone was on their way, she slowly did. It wasn’t fast, but very, very slow. She either had a lot of will, or just aware enough to set herself down. In either case, she slowly slouched and leaned over before just going out and slumping to the floor.

Sure as he walked up she tried to fight and stay awake, but her body eventually demanded rest and put her down on it’s own accord. Crouching near her, he could tell she wasn’t like any other species he was familiar with. But then again, there was no telling where she was from. But one thing was for sure, she had some damn strong magic if Karth’s little stretch of whining was anything to go by.

And speaking of whining, he heard Karth complain as he was getting closer. “--I mean how dare she! I took a painstakingly long time to undo all of that, and instead of a thank you, she tossed me with a gravity rune!” Dejen rolled his eyes as he figure Karth was complaining to Rah-Rah on the walkie as he heard Karth told. “But I shall tell you the rest, for now I must deal with another door and runes, Rah-Rah!” ending the call as Karth glance and snort down to the female as he said.

“Look like she’s out of energy.” then focus to the door as he began working on it, mostly undoing its lock and forcing it open with his own runic knowledge as Dejen glance to the girl and told.

“Look, I don’t know who you are, but maybe after you’re done resting and not cause a issue on my ship? Maybe we can talk? For now? Lay there and be glad we’re decent people.” getting up as he move to peak as Karth was dealing with the security runes, as Dejen saw a few items secured in a locked box, with a center pedestal with lots of security runes, and a odd book with a circle and upside down triangle.

Dejen didn’t knew what it was, but Karth.

He hissed in aggravation as he turned his head to the female. “You had this!?” looking to the book with disgust as he began working faster as Dejen asked.

“Uh...clarification on what the book is?”

“No, not here, not with too many ears around!” using his knowledge as he told. “I’ll tell more later on the ship. For now, I have to make sure this stays away from everyone-- keep it away.” he shoo Dejen away. “Go now, I’ll explain later.”

Dejen raise his brow, but turn his head to see two changelings coming down with a stretcher, with aglow of their horns they carried the female onto the stretcher and began moving her away. The striped mused on what race she was...but had no idea.

You know...it would be both funny ...and utterly irritating to find out she’s a former human too...I tend to have a thing with attracting former humans for some reason.

Besides some magical exhaustion? The Fawn was just outright tired. Asha had taken it up upon herself-- and even got both Hirue and Bina to help --in washing and redressing the Fawn and left to rest. The chest found only had a bag of things, some old food to toss out and some equipment and odd-ends.

A magical staff. Some telescope. Four gemstones that Gem revealed were contained elemental stones that could be used to focus their respective elemental magics if given their elemental charges-- and a small crystal ball of amber coloration. As for the book? As soon as Karth got it out, he then proceeded to put it in a steel box. With runes. And chains. And inside another steel box, with more runes and chains and locks. Then tossed it down his throat soon after. It was almost absurd how far he went about ‘containing it’.

But when asked later in the meeting room of what it was? All had no clue what the name was. Alumina. Everyone but one, was clueless. “Alumina…. Alumina…” Myun repeating the word over and over before saying, “I… think that was some artifact Miko was searching for. Something about it being some special book of knowledge… never could find one though, mostly dead-ends.”

“A artifact.” Corrected Karth as he sat in his place, looking to them all as he went on. “The Alumina are a ‘book series’ each book containing different knowledge within them.” Then harshly spat out. “And something no one should attained.”

“What’s the big deal about them? They’re ancient books.” Gem Said, as other's agree with slight nods.

“They’re cursed books.” Karth hiss out, Gaining the other attentions as he told. “They provide knowledge, by in return? You become a slave to them. A lure to give that forbidden fruit to anyone foolish to read will be enlighten— then it will be a need to keep reading and add in knowledge within it.”

Sensing the air changed, Karth continue in. His seriousness. “I’d seen it happen. These books will attach to you, making want to crave on reading more, adding more knowledge to them. Only to be nothing more than an addict needing a fix of their addiction.”

Karth then decided to added something to make everyone cautious. “It was made by a demon, and these books are so sought after? Not just mortals would be enlighten,” his tone full of venom in it. “But other demons would covert these books and search them to gain more Power.”

“Demons?” Spoke Dejen in a bit surprise, as he went on in irritation. “Great, another thing to add to my list of magical shit to deal with.”

Making a face, Tatsu spoke, “why not destroy it then?” Aware that it was stored away someplace. “If it such a demonic thing, why not destroy it now?” And while the knowledge it may hold was tempting, the mere thought of it being something demonic subverted any curiosity.

“I’m more curious about this curse and if it can be undone.” Spoke up Johari, the lioness looking to the dragon to question. “While there’s danger, the addiction to find knowledge and put more in or see more-- isn’t that horrible of a curse. If anything, sounds like a failsafe to keep adding more to it.”

“Do you not hear yourself, Johari-san?” Tatsu questioned near sharply.

Johari didn’t spare a glance and just told, “I know what I’m talking about. And I know we’re all curious of what that book can offer in both short and long term.”

“But it’s a demonic item.” Myun said with clear concern, “and cursed!”

Rolling her eyes, Johari said, “it’s cursed to make you want to read it and put more information in. and knowledge isn’t inherently evil, only how you use it.” Then proceeded on, “Karth is making the books curse sounds exaggerated a little. I don’t doubt his experience, but even you all have to agree he can be a little on the exaggerated side from time to time.”

“It can’t be destroyed.” snarl out Karth, placing his large talons on the table as he look to everyone of them. “These books were crafted out of the flesh of 100 people, ten of such were so old and versed in information of large quantities, that they were sacrificed to create the book with infinite pages, with those ten adding all they knew, into the book upon their demised.” his eyes glowing brighter as Karth told. “That, is merely the basic of such of its craft, all rest however, are within the books.”

Giving a harsh look to Johari he told. “They can never be uncursed. They can never be exploited, because all that data, all that information? Goest to the demon that created these books as he reside in Tartarus.”

“How would you know about the dangers of these books, if they’re as you claim?” asked Mercy in doubt.

Karth was silent, before he told. “Because I was foolish enough to pursue and take the knowledge of the Alumni myself.”

Raising a brow, Johari remarked, “you were pretty fast to put it in your ‘safe’ then, and not someplace else.”

Harshly snorting, Karth told. “Because I know the dangers of these things. And I know that these books can never be destoryed, not without a hefty cost.”

“Okay, but if they’re as cursed and make the reader addictive then...how come you seem fine?” Gem asked as she crossed her arms. “And I’m pretty sure we can use the book without it affecting us.”

“The curse comes into effect as soon as someone reads it.” told Karth, as he look around. “The only way to rid the curse conveniently? Is for another to read it.”

“Then maybe we can take turns? You know how to read a bit, and let someone else pass it?” Dejen brought up as nearly everyone jump with Karth slamming the table harshly as the dragon told.

“The current holder is attached and protective of the book!” steam escaping from his snout as he told on. “Which is the ‘normal’ result of any who fight over said book. You all fail to understand. The reason everyone wants these things are of its knowledge and secrets-- knowledge and secrets that can let you understand and craft basic spells. But the more powerful and extreme spells that cause the end of the world.

“The later of which, is the most dangerous, as a fool that think they have all they need to control the world-ending spell, sometimes if most, cause it to get ready to destroy the world and not do as they want because they weren’t careful enough!”

Dejen rub his chin as he glance to Rah-Rah and asked. “I’ll be honest, it sounds like he’s exaggerating...you think he’s being serious right now?”

She gave a look and said, “even if he wasn’t, Karth is making too good of a point. Spells that could end the world?” And looked about, “I don’t know about you, but that sounds almost too risky.” Then rolled her eyes, “I mean, for some of us maybe not becuse we’re not all magicly adept--”

Karth interrupted Rah-RAh in a very bitter tone. “You don’t need to be magically adept, as the book can often ‘work around’ solutions for the readers to find and learn upon such knowledge.” Giving another look around as he told. “Anyone, even a idiot with no magical skills whatsoever-- could be granted a special bit of information of some artifact the book will give, to allow you to cast spells, runes to draw magic spells and even more.”

Leaning forward Karth stated. “The possibilities are endless, and as long as someone can read it, which is very guaranteed due to the holders being given the gift to read any language? Then they can use the book knowledge.” Then soon told. “The only people it doesn’t work on however...are the blind, because they are unable to read.”

Rah-Rah blinked a few times, and so did others. The engineer shook her head and said, “now I know why everyone would want that. That’s almost like the ultimate wiki-- only it has a huge curse on it.”

“So you think we should be rid of it?” Asked Tatsu.

Nodding, Rah-Rah told, “if Karths willing to lock up something that could make his work even better? Then I think it’s safe to say that we should take the warning. He normally never passes up opportunities to improve his work by ten times.”

Snorting steam, Karth spoke in a more restraint tone to Rah-Rah. “Give me some credit. I may be the one who’s willing to utilize knowledge, but these books? They are something even I’m not willing to wield again.”

“So can’t we, I don’t know, destory it?” asked Gem with a light shrug.

“Depends...are you willing to craft the biggest bomb that could decimate half a continent?” ask Karth as he continues. “The book strength usually depend on who holds it. Depending on the user, it may be made of more sturdiness with runic spells and arrays. But not all share this uniqueness, as mostly the oldest do, as to have many wielders making it strong. Newer ones doesn’t get such benefit...they tend to be burnt by fire.”

“Then what about the one in you?” asked Debt. “can it be burn?”

Karth took in a deep breath and told. “No. from what I can study on it before putting it away? This one is very old. Fire alone can’t damage it, any means to damage it can’t be done. At best? Holding it away is the best solution...unless you're willing to risk an entire continent worth of land, people and everything in vain hopes to destroy it.”

Each pondered this, before Johari said, “maybe we should postpone the issue then.” A few giving looks while the lioness went on. “We’re debating a lot about the book, but what about the girl? She is the one that knew where it was. She might know more about the book.”

“You mean if when she wakes up she doesn’t go on a runic ramage to get that book, and potentially causing trouble for us.” put in Dejen as he went on. “But you make a point Johari, mostly since I have no idea what species she is, at best? Some species from overseas or something. At worst? Another former human.”

Shaking her head, Myun told, “she’s a Faun.” Making a number of eyes blink, none more so than Tatsu. “They’re not that well known. But in the Holds we know about them. They’re a race you can find in what few forests we have. There are others, but that’s mostly in rumors. They’re mostly unknown because no one sees them often.”

“But I thought they were of myth?” Spoke up Tatsu, “are you sure she is of their kind?”

Myun gave a nod. “I saw one before, when traveling with Miko. He was a tradesman and we happen by him by sheer chance. Haven't seen another since then, and he did say that the chances of seeing more of his people are near to none. They like their forests and carefree lives.”

“A Faun…” hummed Mercy out in thought, thinking a bit as she remarked. “It could explain why they put her in that large containment. Faun would be utterly rare, and catch a large price.”

Karth snort and soon told. “You mean the reason she was there, is because of her knowledge.” gaining looks as he told on. “I saw a mixture of dark arts and demonic runes. Multiple traps that open dimensions to the demonic plane. They didn’t want anyone to open her prison. The bindings themselves on her were sloppy, desperate even. Which means, they were scared of having her awake and wanted to put her in that containment as fast as possible with how much work and effort they put in the room and on her.”

Johari made a face, but shook her head. “In either case.” Looking about those inside to tell, “speculating won’t get us anywhere. Only add more questions. For now? We’ll wait.” Telling to Dejen, “Asha’s by her side, and I’m sure she can calm this ‘Faun’ from causing trouble. For now? We have more important work, cleaning out the remains of that ship and it’s supplies."

While the Striped nodded, Mercy spoke in. “My children should be done within another hour at best. After that? Well, we can either deconstruct the ship for parts, or leave and come back another time.”

“Best if we do the later option.” told Dejen. “We still need to refuel up a bit we are able to, before heading to the Isles and talk with Dadisi on our ‘donation’ to help the Isles.”

“Are you really going to be calling it that?” asked Gem as Dejen grin.

“Well, its the truth, isn’t it?”

Karth snort as he got up as he told. “In either case, I will return back to the forge, there is a bit of work I will need to do for you all.” already turning to head off as Gem shook her head as she told to Dejen.

“He was right on that part, I still need to help repair what I’m able to on the ship,” adding on with a glance to Rah-Rah. “Pretty sure we’ll can make some repairs while we wait for the crew to wrap up grabbing the stuff from the Rig.”

Giving an agreeing nod, Rah-Rah did say, “there are some internal parts that need to be polished up. That last fight caused a few to short out and get damaged.” Adding to Dejen, “the next chance we land at port? I really want to do a large check on the ship. It’s going to need it, and I can’t work on it when it’s in motion.”

“I’ll be sure to stay a bit longer while we refuel for you and the other's to do a good check up, Rah-Rah. I might join you to help ease up the issues.” assured Dejen as he told. “In either case, we got our work cut out for us, like always. Hopefully we’ll be able to discuss things peacefully with this Faun without to much trouble.”

“You do realize you tempt fate, Clan-Head.” stated Debt as Dejen snort.

“No I didn’t. With Asha around? We should be fine.”

Tatsu blankly stared at him, but said nothing as she left with the others. Rah-Rah, however, only told while walking along the table edge, “you know things get weird everytime you say that, right?”

Rolling his eyes, Dejen told. “Oh come on, have a bit of faith, when have I-,”

Mercy stated in a very dry manner. “The moment we left in Arabia two years back.”

“And the moment with the twins being demi-gods.” put in Debt.

“And the whole dimensional thing with Ash and Najat.” spoke in Gem.

“Those, are beyond my control.” defended Dejen.

“Dejen, we love you-- but you tend to just attract everything weird to you nonstop.” said Mercy.

Shaking her head, Rah-Rah jumped off and decided to dodge the oncoming slew of examples and defensive complaints. She knew where this was going and wanted to be out of there and back to work as soon as possible.