Arabian Swindler

Visits were not a common occurrence for the den in any form, mostly due to the fact the Scar’s were secretly made group. Hidden form many prying eyes of those that went about their lives unknowing of their existence. So when visitors came, it would quickly be taken up into gossip of the den. But in this case, it almost made a slight hush.

Shima was, after a few days after Herbal’s little visit, finally able to get out and about. Flanking both her sides were both Aggressors, having taken post to either side of her and almost glaring at anything that they found too close. But to a large thanks to any that saw the sight, the Scion kept them both in a firm line, not allowing them to get distracted too long.

She sighed when they reached the den, and walked forwards while flicking her wings to be a bit more comfortable. She glanced around, athenai shifting and singling out a single changeling and calling, “Hey.” Making the mare pause at the sight of the Scion, and her two guards. “Can you please tell Mercy I’m here.” Then rolled her eyes, “I’m finally free from the clutches of my daughters and I’m desperately needing someone to talk to that doesn't involve decisions.”

As the female nodded, quickly buzzing her wing and heading off, as within a minute Mercy was coming to them in flight as she settled on her hooves. Looking at Shima with a nod as she spoke. “Hello Shima, nice to see you again.” looking to the two soldiers as she looked over them as she hums, and then coo. “Aw, look at your soldiers. They look utterly terrifying and ready to fight.” then tease to Shima as she motioned her to follow.

“You must have fed them plenty of anger and impatience to get them like that. They were probably little hellions when absorbing all that anger in their growing hours.”

Letting out a small chuckle, Shima was all too glad to follow in with the invitation. “The only actual downside to taking one emotion for a near week on end, they get little quirks that get them a little… extra emotional.” Then gave glances to either side, her daughters giving scoffs and glancing away-- but any emotionvore, or mother for that matter, could tell they were embarrassed. “Like rebellious teenagers, I tell you. They just can’t wait for anything and are so fast to shout and argue.” Then glanced to Mercy with a smile, “They mean well though. Just hate to admit it.”

Giggling some, Mercy joked. “Like all teenagers, hate to admit their feelings to their mommy.” Giggling more as to see the two flatten their ears, with their antennae twitching in aggravation-- as both were very embarrassed as Mercy told in a sing along tone. “You know it's true~. We can literally feel it~.” She enjoys their embarrassment emotions as she moved to a free table. Sitting down in a chair as she motioned Shima to sit in the other as while she sent the order for tea in Swarm mind, she asked.

“Want some tea or water to drink? I’m sure we have something to give for your thirst.” then tease to Shima daughters. “Should I get sippy cups for your sweet tough girls too?”

While they didn’t understand too much of the term for ‘sippy cup’, they got the underlying teasing message. It made both visibly bristle, while Shima told, “Sometimes I’m tempted to give them something like that with how immature they act sometimes.” Then told, “And no thanks, I’m good.”

Shaking her head, Shima asked, “How is Herbal doing? When he was visiting last time, he fainted on us. I knew he would be alright, but he ran out almost without Katty to lead him, said he had something important to do?”

“You mean besides writing the part Shiftlings can grow thousands within a month if they had the chance?” slightly snark Mercy with a roll of her eyes as she explained. “It’s not everyday when someone finds out that an entire species can grow from just 60 to 80 and rising to the nearest hundreds within a short amount of time. As you may recall that it takes generations for a species to rise to the thousands-- Shiftlings do it within months.”

Slowly nodding to that, grasping why this was a big deal, Shima said, “Right… I forgot about that.” Then went on to say, “It’s just a survival need. Shiftlings are used to active and dangerous forests or jungles. Plenty of food for a colony, but so many threats that a long life isn’t always expected-- the drones already don’t have a long lifespan. So… you could say it’s expected of us to be able to replace our numbers quickly.”

Nodding some, Mercy told. “Understandable, but remember that not everyone, even us Changelings, can understand that with ease. For us it’s a eye-opener as technically, Shiftling are a new species. And there’s a lot we are still getting adjusted to that seem ‘normal’ for you, Shima.”

Shima almost had to snort to that, “I don’t think I’m quite used to it myself.” Making Mercy raises a brow, which the Scion had to explain, “I have to deposit eggs into my own… daughters. It’s… well, a bit awkward sometimes-- and I’m constantly doing it.” there was a rise in embarrassment, as Shima went on, “Not that its… well, bad or unpleasant or…” cutting herself off to huff, “What I mean is that I’m literally responsible for giving nearly hundreds of eggs in weeks.”

“Now you know how guys feel when they are asked to breed to repopulate a species.” teased Mercy with a shit eating grin. “Sure us females get the difficult job of bearing the young, but think of the males having to constantly repopulate what species of females they have, it’s a real tiring job in a sense.”

“Not as bad as having to carry the babies in you.” Shima said with a screwed up face, “It’s part of the reason I gave that off to my daughters mostly, both because it’s faster and because even I get a bit anxious about having to carry ten little girls in me.”

Nodding some, as she told. “I know how you feel-- and I had to carry nearly 50 in me.” seeing one of her son's coming with a teacup and pot, with a nod of thanks the drone flew off as Mercy pour the tea within the cup, letting it settle and cool a bit as she held it within her magic as she went on. “Granted while changelings can’t go fast with breeding, we do give a lot in exchange. A win-win in a sense of repopulation.”

“Give a lot?” Parotid Shima in slight confusion.

“When I say 50-- I literally mean 50 eggs in my stomach,” patting her stomach some with a grin. “All develop and fertilize as they grow as if I’m birthing a few foals-- but when they come out? Eggs. Lots and lots of eggs. And then after they were all out of me? I had to start giving them loads of love to get them growing and developing until they break out and grow into the loving foals that you see around us.”

With a slight huffing laugh, Shima said, “I don’t know if that’s better or worse than my position having to both give eggs and also carry them.” It was almost controversy to her, in some odd sense. Doing two different jobs at the same time.

Laughing some as she slowly drink her tea, as Mercy agreed. “It is hard to say really…” although she did sigh heavily. “But I’m afraid that while your Colony keeps growing, my Hive is still at 150 strong.” rolling her eyes as she went on with a grin.“But if I make my plans right? I’ll be growing a new bundle with Dejen as the new father for my hive.”

There was a very odd ripple of feelings in Shima, who gave a slight smile and told, “Well, uh, good for you and congratulations I guess?” Partially looking bothered at the thought, for whatever reason.

She raises a brow as she asked. “Alright, whats up Shima? Why do I feel from you that you’re extremely bothered by what I just said?” noticing hints of disgust within the Scion as Mercy questioned. “Do you think Dejen isn’t father material for my new brood of eggs?”

“What? No, no!” Quickly Shima stammered, bits of shame and shock flaring, “NO, that’s not what I meant to make it seem like.” Then calmed down and grimaced, “I might be… well, alright with my girls possibly being liked by guys… but..” She dragged off and said in mixed worry and shame, “Well… I sort of, find guys icky. Really just that simple, so…” Dragging off a bit unsure.

“Hmm, maybe it’s because it’s either you’re a Scion of the Shiftlings, bearing the eggs and giving them that you don’t find males appealing-- or you're a lesbian.”

Sighing, Shima admitted. “L-lesbian.” Then shifted and said with a grimance, “I… I got a lot of flank over that where I come from. I get a… little fidgety when trying to talk about it, it… it wasn’t really accepted where I was from.”

She hum, and then asked. “But you’re not back home, are you? So why should you feel ashamed when those back home aren’t here to judge you? Even more, lesbian couples are accepted-- even more in Equestria since there’s not a lot of studs to keep the pop up.” although she did gain a grin and tease. “Unless, you were somehow hoping that I would be attractive to you?”

“They’re accepted in Equestria?” Was the first thing Shima blurted out before looking a bit embarrassed then adding, “An, uh, well, you do sort of... have a prettiness to you-- but no offense, Mercy, but, I didn’t plan to, well…” Fumbling a moment with her words.

Giggling, Mercy boop Shima nose as she assured. “It's alright, to be honest I would kindly denied any advances from you. No offense to you, but you’re not my type.” then went on adding. “And yes. Lesbian is accepted in Equestria, it's pretty common, although so is poly relationship-- or herding in their culture, mostly to keep competition from rising up for who gets what stud.”

Letting out a breath, one of mixed tension and relief, Shima said sadly, “Sorry, I don’t mean to be all… anxious like this, but I was, well, adopted back home you could say. I was different.” then motioned to herself, “Obviously. I… well, wasn’t too aware about Shiftlings back then. I just… got used to the idea that if I ever told anyone that I was lesbian… well, it wouldn’t go well for me, people would have singled me out, ostracized me.” Then bitterly said, “My parents would of had an utter cow that I literally have incest with my daughters-- because that was my nature.”

There was a raise of a brow, as Mercy hum a bit as she spoke. “Well, considering no one knew of Shiftlings at all, I say it's likely that whoever your parents wouldn't understand." then snorted as she told. “And it’s not really incest, as from what Herbal said with what biology he understood? There’s similar between both changelings and Shiftling that we won’t have genetics defects if we slightly interbreed our own species.” shrugging some as she told.

“I mean, even some Queens who don’t got a Breeder need to make one out of the many drones they got to repopulate somehow-- or negotiate for one. But the latter is a bit costly in terms of business.” rolling a hoof around as she went on. “Beside, you’re away from them, away from your parents-- why try to hide it now? They have no power over you, and you certainly won’t have to see them, so why not be proud of being a lesbian in the open?”

“You mean besides the point I’m almost a faux futa that would stuff a womb with eggs and not sperm?” Asked Shima with a bit more bite in her tone than she intended. Obviously, she was feeling a bit scared of actually getting judge over her heritage.

Taking a sip of her tea, she stated. “Remind any idiot that try that shaming tactic that trying to force yourself to reproduce-- is like trying to stagnate an entire civilization. Or better yet, tell them it’s genetics and instincts, you have no control over that part at least.”

Raising her hands, the Scion nearly shouted, “No, I’m scared of freaking out any girl I do like!” Then went on, “There’s a reason most girls don’t like girls-- it’s… it’s…. It’s just not normal to them, how can I feel confident even if I find one that can love me, they won’t freak out when they see an ovipositor?” Grimacing at the thought herself.

Thinking that a bit, as that was tricky as she took a sip of her tea, and soon said. “Well… I’ll be honest. I don’t know.” taking another sip as she went on. “Admittedly...it's honestly hard to say Shima, and to be frank? I don’t know full well on how to respond to that.”

Heavily sighing, Shima sagged and said, “I don’t blame you. I don’t even know, and the Colony doesn't really have any experience to help.” Speaking mostly from experience herself. “Part of me just wants to have someone, but how can I ask a girl out to a simple date if I rarely can even get out of the house?” Giving a slight glare to one of her daughters as if to make a point.

Snorting, the one to her left muttered, “Not our fault your important.” Though that was a little shame at the thought they were, being the Colony, sort of the reason their mother didn’t get any real opportunities to find a ‘mate’ as it were.

“You know, you could give your mother time in the city, not coddling her and making her stay in the mound to find a good strapping female for herself, you know.” told Mercy as she took a sip of tea, as she went on. “She is safe within the city, and could be given some leeway in walking about without you all so close to her and potentially ruined the mood as it were.”

While she was happy someone sympathized with her, Shima had to be honest in telling, “They’re just scared if something happens to me.” Reaching to pat on her daughter’s shoulders to go on, “Since I’m the only Scion, that means that if I’m gone, Breeders are the only ones to take my place. They’ll be overprotective of me, until I can birth or give a second Scion. Then, they won’t be as scared because if I did… die, for whatever reason, I would have an heir to take my place, the Colony would be safe and survive.”

Sighing some, Mercy said with a roll of her eyes. “And that will take a while for you, Shima.” taking another sip of her tea as she asked. “Although I am curious. What's the difference for a Scion to be birth and a drone? I mean granted bearing a new Queen isn’t an easy task, but how is a Scion birthing usually handled?”

Breathing in and letting out a breath, Shima said, “Very carefully.” almost saying it in a tentative manner. “The egg, just one, is made. For maybe a week I stop giving off normal drone eggs just to make this one, single, Scion egg. It’s bigger than a normal egg, and while I can give it to a daughter to hold?” Shima grimaced, “It’s risky. The egg takes nearly eight months to hatch and develop before being born-- during that time it needs to be constantly fed new emotions around the clock, nonstop.”

Placing a hand to her own stomach, she said, “If I carried it, it would be less risk since I can hold more emotions than a normal shiftling can, maybe ration it more easily for the baby. But if I hold it, I can't make eggs for the duration of my pregnancy.” then glanced up telling, “The first option has a chance of the egg dying from lack of improper nourishment. The other leaves me out of the ability to keep giving eggs.” Then went on, “But it doesn't stop. Once the Scion is born, they don’t rapidly age. They need time to grow. Almost like any normal creature-- and aren't even fertile or ready to start giving eggs until they reach 20 years of age.”

She slowly nod, as she said. “Almost like how a new Queen is birth-- but requires lots and lots of love, mostly pure love to keep the egg nourish as the Queen has to stick in one spot for 11 months, then keep the egg with them as its still being fed love until the new queen is ready to hatch.” she then sighed, but said with a low smile. “But I think I get it, unlike the brood of eggs to give-- you’re unsure if you’re ready to give out a Scion to fully raise, right?”

There was a slight shake of Shima’s head, at first puzzling the Queen before the Scion told, “No… I think I can do it-- I’ve been pregnant with my daughters or tended to them before.” Then looked up telling, “I’m worried about if I die before my little Scion is born, or while they’re still young.” Then glanced aside telling, “I know the Colony can take care of her… but they don’t have the same… the same idea of how to raise a daughter like a Scion. Scions live for a long time, longer than any shiftling. Possibly unending if the colony takes care of us right-- but that doesn't teach a scion how to be a Scion.” Then said somberly, “How to be a mother. A voice of reason. Emotional support. What to say when your children are confused or puzzled…”

“A full on parent and supporter for a colony of children.” summed up Mercy as she understood a bit from where Shima was coming from, raising a drone was one thing for the colony-- raising someone who was going to be their new ‘mommy’ and be the voice of reason, supporter, and child bearers? For them all? Yeah she can see the problem from there.

Breathing in and sighing, Shima looked up and said in an almost sad tone, “If I was honest… it’s why I want to look for someone to spend my life with.” Shifting some and adding, “Because in one way… if they are willing, they could carry this special Daughter of mine… they could help feed the Scion when they are just an egg from the start, be in the safest place to be…” Then smiled slightly, “And if anything did happen to me… they would have a real mother to be there, to show them how to be a Scion, a mom, what to do each step of the way during their first twenty years of being alive… that’s why I don’t want to have a little Scion yet.”

Having a fond smile and a nod, Mercy assured. “Always have patience and hope, good things come in due time, Shima.” taking another sip, as she went on. “Which reminds me, by now everyone in the city probably knows of the ‘physical and lack of personal space’ thanks to word of mouth and a few speeches from Harsho. So the populous should get the hint…” although she did admit with a frown.

“Although...it’s rather odd we haven’t seen a bit of Hunters for a while-- by now we should saw the in the city at this point.”

Thinking some, Shima tried not to bristle, but it was hard not to. Even her daughters visibly bristled at the mere mention of the hunters. “Maybe they got the point that stepping even a foot here will be bad.” Saying this in a bitter manner.

Thinking of that, she did admit. “They might of believed Harsho words to be guaranteed this time. He did always despised the Hunters for assuming they’re above the law anywhere they go.” she did however frown as she asked. “Are you going to ask for repatriation from the Princess’s? As technically, the Equestrian Hunters did start the fight and you were defending yourselves.” as she pointed out. “Not to mention that they did a rather illegal thing of killing a ‘exotic species’ that weren’t even changelings.”

Sighing, Shima admitted, “I know a good amount about Shiftlings, but even I’m learning new things.” Then frowned, “And I’m learning fast that we hold grudges. I don’t think that reparations will makeup for just how agitated the Colony feels about the Hunter’s now.” Then went on, “I know we would be ecstatic to gain land in Equestria, and live there because it would be so much more preferable…” Than groused, “But we would be still ready to literally attack any hunter that gets even remotely near our Colony. Its…. it’s…. Its like this… burning, seething…” Her face twisting into a bitter scowl on her daughters mimed at the same moment and twitched in place at the same time.

However it seem Mercy seem to make it much more clearer. “It’s like a burning and vengeful desire as a mother to see whoever harmed your children suffer your scorn and wrath. To make them utterly pay as they scream in utter terror of what they have unleashed, but it’s spread out across your Colony as you all have the same desire, the same hatred-- the same want to see them all suffer and die for hurting you so much and killing your family. Right?”

Glaring at the table, Shima worked over in her head for a long moment before saying. “Close. Leave out suffering and just leave in the part of them all dying under a swarming wave of Shiftlings so they can never hurt the Colony, and it’s more spot on.” And for a brief moment, Mercy actually conjured the thought of a ‘normal’ Colony of a thousand, or even more, doing just that.

Taking a long sip of her tea, imagining it...she nodded and said. “Yes I can see that quite clearly. A fitting death in a sense for you to desire for them.” taking another sip as she went on. “And in a sense, I can see you and your colony being pardon for any assumptions or what ‘crimes’ you committed in Equestria as you’re a ‘new species’. So you’ll get off scot free…” although she did look nervous and asked. “Just...promise you or the Colony won’t mention us here? Changelings are still...kinda a threat to them, and I doubt Harsho could handle the two alicorns questioning on why there's a Hive here within his city."

There was a slow laugh, and Shima admitted, “I don’t think I would. Unless you somehow became integrated into the Colony, I don’t think I’ll mention any of you soon-- just because you asked.” Then smiled, trying to ease her tension away from the other side infuriating topic of hunters, “Shiftlings don’t hide, but you’re welcome to hide in the shadow we make while we’re marching around doing work.”

Chuckling some, as she look relief as she took a sip as she joked. “Which what we changelings prefer. Hide in the shadows of others for our survival. Even more with all the political shitstorm going on.” then took another sip as she went on with a grin. “And we can easily do so much better in the shadows, like learning secrets and keeping an eye that the Colony might not noticed, maybe infiltrate among the public and ease tension?” she hummed a bit, as she added in thought.

“I wonder if Harsho is going to force Dejen to come as his ‘advisor’ when the alicorns come?”

Blinking at that idea, Shima said, “I know I don’t really know politics that well, but I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t be easy. Dejen is….” Pausing to think and soon admit while tapping her chin, “Well, I’m not sure what Dejen really is. Well, besides being a stalker towards me when I first got here.”

Laughing some, Mercy told. “Hey to us, you were an odd and unknown changeling! We had no idea what you really were and no way of knowing who you really are. Not to mention Dejen was doing his job as an info broker, doing what he can to figure you out if you were a threat or not to us. For all we knew back then, you could of been a threat.”

Scrunching up her face, Shima told, “Well, excuse me for bashing on your dream-boy, but I felt suspicious of the same random guy constantly popping up in the places I was going to. I couldn’t help but think he was stalking me! Couldn’t it have been better if… you know, one of your kids did the following as any random person?”

“We could, but at the same time we couldn’t for two reasons. One, we didn’t know what kind of Hive you were, for all we knew, you could sense one of my kids easily and knew you were being followed. As changelings can easily sense the other, Shima. The second is, well...pretty obvious when those damnable Hunters come to the city now and then.”

While Shima bristled at the reminder, she sighed and nodded in acceptance… but said, “Still… could have at least tried to have other do the job.” But left it as she told, “But him as adviser? I’m not sure if that’s all that great of an idea-- don’t the Sultan automatically have those or something?”

Laughing a bit, Mercy admit. “There is one person as adviser, but he sorta...doesn’t do much in terms for the advising for the city part, as he’s mostly needed for political situations with other Sultans, or nations. And that doesn’t usually happen.” then added. “Not to mention even if Dejen isn’t an ad visor-- he would probably hang around. Keep a eye on things, make sure trouble doesn’t sneak up-- possibly act as backup in case of assassination.” then amended.

“Although with you being with Harsho and having your daughters around? I think Dejen might not be needed at all with all the extra ‘security’ you’ll bring with you.”

With a snort, Shima told with a small smile, “When I was later told about there being Changeling hunters being there to act as bodyguards for the PRincesses? I was almost politely asked to get busy with all my daughters to have as many Shiftlings ready for defending the Colony-- and I’m slightly with them.” Then shook her head, “But I’m holding back, mostly to try and not scare people.”

She went quiet in thought, then leaned forwards to tell more quietly, “But if I was honest to you? We’re not going as slow as I’m trying to be. There’s going to be a lot of shiftings soons, just… well, working underground for now. I don’t want to startle everyone.”

“Good planning.” agreed Mercy with a nod, as she took another sip of her tea. “Reveal them bit by bit, no need to cause unneeded panic with them all moving around. Best to keep it simple.” although she thought over it...and asked. “Shima, how many are actually going to be around when the two months are up?”

Shima did not look at the Queen, seeming to try looking anywhere but her. One of her daughters, however, said thoughtfully, “Won’t there be hundreds more sisters by then?” Making Shima wince some. It was all for Mercy to gain the hint that a ‘thousand’ could be pretty close within those two months. Really, taking a moment to stop, she knew that ten, fully filled drones would give a hundred within a week. But over possibly eight weeks over two months, and the ‘pregnant’ drones increasing in number per birth?

She paused in her tea drinking as she slowly place the cup down as she looked at Shima. Having the raise of her brow as she snarked. “So, you’ll make a thousand Shiftlings within a year, huh?” already doing the math in her head as with each ten brood per Shiftling drone, it’ll slowly grow a lot more quicker than what was said, as Mercy lean on a hoof with it under her chin as she added. “Guess your daughters became very impatient of the ‘slow and steady’ pace you hope for, eh?”

Sighing, Shima admitted, “It’s… the process of giving eggs is… pleasurable, if I was honest. It might as well be sex.” Then huffed, “And no. They aren't patent. With the possible threat of Hunters, the Colony’s weighing down on me. We have a number of Brood chambers dedicated to just taking care of the constantly growing broods. By the end of two months, the Colony should be at a normal, healthy number…” Then sulked, “I can’t wait for a break to come. There’s only so much a sex-frenzied haze can do to make me forget I’m more or less a baby-making machine. Literally.”

Laughing a bit, Mercy teased. “But at the end of the day, you do enjoy it.”

Huffing and feeling thoroughly embarrassed, Shima decided to agree, “When you have all the sensitive parts of a mare and the one special bit of a stallion in you and have a personal harem of hundreds of lovely daughters that are nowhere ugly? It’s hard not to-- even more when they are more than happy to make me as happy as possible during the whole moment.” She was sure if she didn’t have chitin, she would be blushing madly.

Giggling behind a hoof, she gave a knowing look to Shima as she took another sip of her tea, as she let it set back down, mostly to fill the teacup with tea again as she decided to be merciful and change the subject. “So what emotions will you be focusing on for your Shiftlings? Stoic? Anger? A bit of happiness or joy? Or all the above for a variety?”

Thinking of that, and figuring it over, Shima said, “I think the Colony’s settled on the large verity, except lust.” Making the Queen tilt her head, though Shima went on, “We’ll still collect it, but won’t concentrate on it. We’re wanting anger for Aggressors to patrol the nest. Hope for Majors to act as powerful tunnelers and guards. Joy for more Winged. Fear for Weavers, plenty of sorrow to make Gatherer’s and lots of them, maybe some hype for Speedsters and Anticipation for a few Casters.” Mostly naming off what they might need, though the collection was fairly broad-- Breeders being the only ones excluded it seemed.

Gatherers, some sort of emotion gathers? thought Mercy as she asked. “I know what the other's were, even the Weavers-- but what are the Gatherers, Speedsters and Casters?”

“Very specialized Casts.” Answered Shima. “At first, we don’t need them as much as some other Casts. But now that the Colony is bigger, we’ll need them. The Gatherers are going to be the biggest asset-- they are stationary Shiftlings with the express purpose of gathering and holding huge amounts of emotions-- enough to feed possibly a hundred of my Shiftlings or more-- but they mostly gain their weight in use by processing or purifying raw emotions into pure, potent, liquid from.”

“Interesting, a shame that we changelings are rather...limited in terms of abilities beside what is known about us. Granted we do know how to make emotions into drinks, but still.” sighing some as she took a sip as she admitted. “At times like these, I wonder if you Shiftlings are just ‘upgrades’ of us Changelings.”

With a slight smile, Shima said, “There’s a cost for Gatherers. They gain gaster tails that grow so big from the amounts of emotions they gather-- they can’t move around.” Then went on, “They’re also helpless. Can’t really fight back, and can’t carry or really care for the brood. Being living storage space for food is literally their only reason for living.”

Then though on and added, “The Speeders have a similar fate. They become faster, faster than any shifting I know of. Able to move around at speeds I’m sure would break or mangle a normal shifting.” Then grimaced, “And have half the lifespan of an already short life of a shifting. They’re meant to be solely long-ranged scouts.”

“And the casters?” Shima smiled a bit, “Well, besides losing much of their other shifting abilities, like attenna, strength, wombs for brood or even sharp claws? They gain horns and can use magic outside their bodies-- even strengthen the swarm mind.” Then shook her head, “They’re mostly there to act as extra connections. Help organize things.”

“But the truth of the matter is, Mercy?” Asked the Scion, “The only reason we’re so overwhelming, is because of our numbers. I’m sure that any one changeling can handle a single Shifting-- no matter the Cast. We’re just… not made to work alone.”

Humming a bit...Mercy admitted. “You honestly have a good point. While a changeling can’t handle an entire Colony, even a full Hive can’t...a single changeling, against a single Shiftling? It’s possible, as Shiftling are specific for one local type of work, granted the only threats that might cause trouble for a changeling are the Aggressor.” noting the two swelling with pride as Mercy smirk and add in to pop that pride.

“Unless, said Aggressor is faced against a changeling with much more versatile maturity and abilities-- as well as the patience of waiting out their prey.”

They faltered, then slightly glared, a low hiss wanting to escape their throats. It made the Scion sigh and shake her head. “Girls, stop that.” She told chidingly, “She’s right.” Though watched them pout and huff at that. Shima rolled her eyes and said, “Children…” Then looked back to Mercy and nodded, “But yes. That’s why they want more numbers. Because a small shiftling Colony isn’t a healthy one. Only a large one can actually properly function, and to be frank? I’m sometimes even scared of what a healthy Colony can do.”

Mercy chuckled as she joked. “I bet even your enemies will be terrified of what a healthy Colony can do.” although she hummed a bit...and asked in slight curiosity. “But are you going to keep it at 1000, or maybe 2000? As a ‘just in case’ thought?”

Thinking to this rather deeply, Shima said, “I think they’ll slow near two-thousand.” feeling safe in that absorption. “There’s enough here to support that many Shiftlings, and the need to make more won’t be really needed. Unless our numbers drop because of natural age or an attack… then I don’t see more than that being needed.” Still, the thought was almost daunting to think about.

Nodding, she took another sip of tea, as Mercy herself felt sated of her questions-- and of the food Shima somewhat gave as she couldn’t help but giggle in amusement as she said to Shima. “It’s quite strange, a changeling can’t feel or absorb another changeling emotion-- but apparently not only can I feel your emotions, but taste them too.”

“Really?” Asked Shima in some curiosity. “I thought that would have been normal, I can sense and taste yours too, just not as strong as others.” Thinking some on that, then blinked and asked, “Mercy, you said changelings need Love, right?” Wanting to be sure about that, “Because… while we really, and I do mean really, like Love… I think once we have Gatherers, we could part with pure amounts they make.”

“Really?” said a rather surprised Mercy as she went on. “And yes, while changeling do need Love, and really any positive emotion-- but Love work the best for us. The more pure it is, the more lasting and fed we are. But...are you sure? We still can handle getting any sorts of positive emotions ourselves-- and you could use the love to feed the younglings when they hatch.”

Giving a more firmer nod, Shima said, “While Love is very useful, sweet and even filling? We can make do with all the other emotions you don’t gather.” Then told, “I mean, you’re only taking barely half advantage of the positive emotions, we’re not limited to that. We can part with fair doses of love and not be bothered by it.” Then smiled, “Love is just one out of a lot of emotions, and you need it more since you next to live off of it.”

Chuckling, Mercy said with a smile. “My thanks Shima, it always trick to gather love, especially when there other positive emotions and plenty of negative emotion spiral whenever the fear of changeling come up.” sighing as she leaned back, sipping her tea as she thought over on how the pure love would not only feed her Hive-- but be able to stockpile as precautions if something happened…

There was a frown as her mood turn to the worse of the inevitable, as she couldn’t help but sigh as she realize sooner or later that Scars would be discovered-- and with it the Hive possibly being forced to leave and head to somewhere to start from the ground up. Which...was hard to do admittedly, as this was practically home for them all. Glancing to Shima as she noticed the concerned frown and tilted head as Mercy gave a low sound and spoke.

“Just thinking about worst case scenarios, Shima. Sooner or later Scars will be discovered, and so will the Hive as we would possibly be forced to leave our den and try to start from the ground up somewhere else.”

Furrowing her brows, Shima asked, “You know that the Shiftlings can let you be in our Colony, right?” Though she watched as Mercy have a small smile, but…

“Oh sweet and naive Shima...while Shiftling can be...accepting of other. Changelings are another story. And as much as thoughtful it is for you to suggest at thing...the sad fact is that for both me and the Hive...it wouldn’t be home, it would be your home and us the guests. It would be...like you and your Colony staying in our den,” having a mirthful smile as she told. “You would feel as if you were trespassing somehow, you said it yourself, Shima.”

Sighing, Shima gave a slow nod. “I… it’s just that I can’t leave you behind, and I’m sure that if you do stick near the Colony long enough… they won’t feel happy that you leave and upset the normal routine they’re used to. They… well, I’m sure they’ll throw a slight fit before calming down once you leave.” Then lowly giggled, “My daughter’s don’t like change all that much. They like their simple little lives.”

Laughing and shaking her head, Mercy admit. “And both me, my Hive-- and others in Scar wouldn’t want to leave here, it's our home in a way. And granted it’s appreciated that you’re willing to let us stay near and close-- it wouldn’t feel right, for both of us.” sighing as she admitted more. “To be honest...we’ve sorta been ready to leave when the time came, tried to keep the purest of love in tight containers, have basic things or needs of items with us,” although snorted some.

“Well, except for Dejen, only because inventors seem to love scatter things around and keep his ‘odd weapons’ in different areas to work on them.”

Thinking of this, Shima seemed to harden her resolve and told, “Then it’s all the more reason you should take that offer and get as much concentrated love as you can form my Gatherers. It’s going to possibly save your Hive’s lives.”

Nodding some in agreeing, Mercy took another sip as she asked with amusement. “So, how long until your daughter need their mommy again? An hour or two?”

Sighing, Shima said, “I think I have at least five hours before they start feeling worried. Swarm Mind or not, they do not like me away from the nest for too long-- and I don’t need hundreds of my daughters scouring the surface just to drag me back home-- kicking and screaming if they have to.”

“In some ways, I pity you. My Hive don’t become that immature unless they’re foals.” said Mercy as she took another sip of her tea as she compromised. “How about staying for three hours and go on back, just to make sure they don’t cause a panic and start rushing and taking you back to the Colony?” adding a bit with a smile. “Plenty of time to get away and be with a fellow mother before returning to the needy and wanting embrace of your daughters.”

Shaking her head, the Scion told, “Differences in work ethic I guess. The Colony in more like an industrial machine compared to everything else. We’re literally made for it.” Then sighed and nodded, “But I am definitely taking you up on that offer before I have to go back into the ground and get back to ‘baking ovens’ for maybe two more weeks.”

Grinning, she knew that while time will be short-- she would at least have the experience of talking and enjoying a conversation between mothers.