Arabian Swindler

Hmm, medical reports look clear, no patients that need my aid in the clinic… thought Herbal as he sat in his desk in his office...with an empty clinic in the city as he glanced down to the files of medical history...which was zero. As there were already other doctors, other clinics...and his was on the bottom of the list. He was honestly surprised he managed to keep the building for three whole years.

He looked over the medical reports he had with the Shiftlings, as he gave a sigh. Deciding to put them away and call it a day, as right now? There was no one who needed him, especially in this time of day as he decided to take a walk. It would help him clear his head before heading back the Den to not only work on alchemy-- but check on Poppy Seed his…

He honestly didn’t know what to call the pegasus mare as, as while he didn’t really do much with her, besides letting her clean the room, let her wander-- and help provide food for her...he honestly saw her as a roomy than his property. Admittedly I’m hoping that while she is...under my care, I could try to see if I could nudged her to freedom… thought the stallion, as it still felt insulting of Mercy doing that to him, granted he knew the reasons now with him being so focused on work and becoming a workaholic….

But still! Standards!

He let out a sigh, as Herbal was about to head out the front door of his clinic and to lock the clinic up for the day…

Right before the door seemed to patter. It almost sounded like rain for a moment, which was near ridiculous as local rainfalls were not common and were often in downpours. So, opening the door, he found some surprise, a shiftling before him. She naturally, gave a smile like many of her sisters, and said, “Herbal, I found you!” Seeming pleased with herself. “It’s me, Katty!” More or less announcing whom she was-- mostly because she knew they were hard to tell apart.

He blinked, as he gave a friendly smile as he said. “Hello Katty,” although he glance to the silk-pack on her back as he asked in bits of curiosity. “What's with the silk-pack? Are you carrying something?” slightly moving out of the clinic as he was about to lock up the clinic for the day.

“You talked about wanting to try out Winged syrup for healing.” It made him pause, recalling that substance. A liquid that winged Shiftlings made and ‘kissed’ into the mouths of their sisters to heal them. “I asked my sisters, and they gave me some jars of it for you!” And almost over eagerly, opened one silk pack to get a fairly sizable jar into a hand and hold it out towards the doctor-- allowing him to see it filled brim with the clear liquid.

“My goodness…” said the stallion, as once he locked up the clinic, he carefully held the jar, looking through it as he smile wide, joy filling him as he said. “This is amazing Katty! Now I’ll be able to see how it works!” carefully passing it back to her as he didn’t had anyway to carry it as he joked. “But I’m certain there was another reason than to deliver this lovely substance?”

Smiling, she said in a rather honest manner, “Because I wanted to deliver it to you.” As if there was no other reason or need to leave it out. Or, at least not in her mind. Since she requested it, it was her job to deliver it as she was at the ready to do just that. “But… don’t you want it in your place?” Looking at the clinic a bit confused.

“Well, admittedly I was going to go for a walk, since I haven’t really gotten any patients-- and not a lot of people need to be visited by me when there are a lot more doctors with more successful clinics. So I usually just walked when there aren’t any patients. Which has been...happening a lot more recently for the last 3 years.”

She tilted her head to that, but the shiftling smiled and said, “Then I follow you until you can put them away.” Seeming just fine with this line of thought. The mare next to skittered by his side, ears attentive and antenna flicking just a bit as she smiled and asked, “Where first?” Almost glowing to his side as it was.

Chuckling a bit of her enthusiasm as he glanced around and admit. “Well..I usually start walking through the streets.” already started moving as he glance to Katty who was already following him as he went on. “After that? Well...I usually walk wherever I felt like really, never really stuck on a specific path of where I want to go in these walks.” although he did asked in curiosity. “But I thought you were supposed to be gathering emotions from various sources?” then added with amusement.

“Unless you’re getting that while walking with me?”

“Yep.” Was the instant response. “Well, you and anyone else I pass now, I guess.” then scrunched up her face to ask, “But why walk around randomly? I know my sisters can do it to gather a nice range of emotions… but why for you? What… what reason do you need to do it?”

He thought that as he admits. “I like to see different things. See different sights, and see different areas of the city. Sometimes I walk through the slums to help who I could, sometimes I walk through the market to see what sights and offers they have, other times I walk through the nobility to remind myself of how to have humility. It’s rather...unique in a way, walking around and teaching myself lessons that I may sometimes forget, or simply remind myself that there are other ways to help and heal than simple medicine and education of doctoring.”

She gave a slightly slow blink to this, mulling it over and slowly frowning before saying, “That… is confusing.” Pausing to think to herself just a bit. “You move around like a scout.. But you’re doing it to… feel better?” Conflicting in her confused voice. “Are you alone?” A sad and downtrodden tone in her voice.

He thought on that...and admit. “I am, in a sense. I’m away from my family, I’m away from my home, and while I am among friends and Mercy family...I am...rather alone in a sense. The only thing that awaited me back in the den...is just an empty bed.” Well that and Poppy but...I don’t know about Poppy yet… thought the thestral some.

Frowning even more deeply, Katty said, “I don’t understand.” Sounding horribly confused.

Taking a breath in, he asked with a smile. “Well… the best thing I can try to explain, is that the reason I move around, and try to help others, is to both help me feel better...and try to do something filling in my life than just work. Unlike Shiftlings, ponies can’t devote themselves to work, we become quite a mess if we just keep focusing on our job constantly without doing something else.”

“But how can you be alone and be fine?” She asked, seeming to struggle with the very idea. “I don’t understand how… why…” Trying to think of how to ask, but looking very lost into trying to. Katty looked down, almost as if the ground might hold some hints for what to ask, or how to ask it.

He thought on how to answer it, and decide to do his best. “I’m not fine, truthfully. And as much as I’m not alone in terms of being around friends...I’m alone in terms of being around loved ones, in terms of being away from my home. But I try to bear with it and try to move on. Try to do what I can to help others, even though as of now, there's not much that I can help to help myself. It's just...something I had to learn to handle with for years now, Katty.” giving a humorless chuckle.

“You can say...Novelty sort of pushed me into this path with her sickness.”

Frowning, Katty said, “I don’t like the feeling.” She told simply, “It’s cold and hollow.” And surprisingly, shuddering to herself next to him. “When I first felt, there were Sisters and mother. When I could hear, there was sister and Mother. When I could see, there was a sister and mother. When I could work, there were sisters and mother. When I could move far away, there is still, sisters and mother touching mind.”

“Ponies don’t have that,” started Herbal. “We don’t have the ‘Swarm mind’, and that cold and hollow feeling? It’s called...loneliness, Katty. Some species tend to have it when we get...alone for a long period of time.”

“It’s bad.” As what she responded to that. “The Colony doesn’t like it’s feel.”

He sighed, but nodded in agreement as they made a turn. “It is bad...but sometimes we can’t help but feel it now and then. Or in my case...nearly every day, even for a small bit of it.” he gave a simple smile as he suggested. “If, it is making you uncomfortable, maybe I could just carry the silk-bag and you can go and get some more better emotions?” ebbing of concern and care for her safety were around him as he went on. “I’ sure I can handle the walk by myself along the way.”

Shaking her head, Katty said, “But then you’ll be stuck with the bad feeling.” Concern dripping from her tone. “If we don’t like it, it can’t be good for you. No, not at all.” Shaking her head at the end of that.

He raises a brow and asked. “And what do you suppose on how to deal with my loneliness, Katty? Simply walk with me through the rest of the day until we parted ways?”

Perking up with a bright smile, she said, “Yes.” As if it fixed everything somehow.

A low chuckle came out as he shook his head some, talking in a breath as he told. “Katty, loneliness...isn’t something that can be easily pushed away. It can always come back, even when I try to push it...it just comes back.” looking to the side as he continue explaining. “The only real way to drive off my loneliness is if somehow, something else is filling that part, which isn’t possible at this point.”

“Why?” Came the swift question. “If loneliness is emptiness, then why not simply fill it?” As if it were that simple.

Taking a breath in, he started. “Well, there are a few ways to fill it, having purpose.” going off the lists of things at the top of his head. “Doing work, maybe being around others...but...the easiest, and possibly biggest way to fill that empty spot is...well, love in a sense. As love is the most basic of cures to loneliness, as it makes a person, or pony in my case to not feel lonely anymore.”

Again scrunching up her face, Katty looked him over and said, “But I thought ponies didn’t need love like Shiftlings?”

Chuckling, he explains. “Not that sort of love. While it is the same emotion I mean...the type of love that you would know. Like say...the love you have for your mom or sisters. Or in my case, a type of love with,” trailing off as he felt he was getting into awkward territory and feeling deja vu of explaining this to Katty last time.

“A type of love with…?” she echoed, waiting for him to finish, her eyes still have that twinkle of innocents.

Taking a deep breath he glanced to her, with a bit of a flush in his face as he finishes. “Something along the line of...a couple, or what Shima explained to you when I came in the Colony last time.”

Blinking a bit, she smiled and said, “Then why not find other and start making mini-colony?” Again, seeming to more or less simplify the whole situation.

Oh if you only knew what Mercy tried to did with that idea. grumble Herbal as he shook his head and explain. “Its, more complicated for ponies than it is for Shiftlings. While Shiftlings have the colony...Ponies tend to have, no one beside their parents and siblings at first, and when they’re old enough, they try to find their, ‘breeder’,” using that term like Shima did. “To be with and it’s a sort of complicated situation, Katty.”

Blinking, Katty somehow did something he did not expect. Reason out a ‘complicated’ situation. “You have Breeders that bare you and sisters--” Then seemed to correct, “Or, other Breeders. Then you leave, find another breeder, repeat process. You benefit from finding other, and to find other you need to look for other.” Then smiled, “So to do that, you need to actually try. Simple, yes?”

“It...is.” started off Herbal as he glance to the side and admitted. “but...I honestly...don’t know how,” looking embarrassed of that fact. “You can say that every time I tried, Novelty would try to mess it up or scare the mare off...it...gets bad that I had to stop for their sakes.”

Frowning at this, she asked, “But Novelty is not here… so why stop now?”

“Fear.” admit Herbal. “Fear that I probably won’t be suitable for the mare, fear that they learn I’m with the other's in the Den, fear that they’ll just reject me from knowing that and leave me-- fear that the Den will be found out somehow and the others will be forced to leave. Over all? Fear sort of...remind me that if I try, then the others might get hurt by my actions.” further admitting with a sigh. “And fear...that somehow, Novelty will somehow find me and try to take me again.”

Blinking some, and then thinking a bit, Katty worked that over for a moment in her head. “Then… because of fear, you won’t try?” Then frowned once more, looking to him and said, “But doesn't that hurt more?”

Having a frown of his own, he admits. “It...it does,” looking away as he told. “But...it's...a pain that I had to get used to, as well as loneliness, Katty. It's something, I had to learn that even if I try, somehow, someway...it won’t last and things might be worse.”

“I don’t live long.” Told Katty at the start, “But Mother, Scion, Shima…” She dragged off, “She will live on. Live on further than me. She will see the Colony grow very big, I won’t.” Then went on with a smile, “She’s never alone. Why should you be alone? If you hurt, then it only hurts more as it stays, yes? Winged sisters always tell us to go to them if ever hurt, never wait because--”

“Because it’ll fester like a wound and keep hurting you further.” finished Herbal with a low sigh, as he made a stop in his walk. Looking to Katty with a sad smile as he said. “Katty...I know you’re trying to help cheer me up. But the fact is? Even if I try to ignore that fear and try to seek out another to breed with? The reality is...even I have limited time here, as I know that when, or if the den is...discovered, that the other's, they’ll need me. They’ll need me because I’m their doctor, I’m their Winged. And if I did make a relationship here with a mare in the city...then I’ll be forcing them to make a choice of abandoning everything they know to come with me...or break my heart and having to stay as I have to leave.” looking at her as he held that sad smile and said simply.

“And that...is possibly my biggest fear. Forcing someone to make a horrible choice like that when the time comes.”

She stared at him for a long time and said, “Is very strange why your other wouldn't be happy to go with you, knowing that they are with you to stay with you in the first place. So shouldn’t they be happy to leave, as long as you are there, as mini-colony is there if they go with?”

Taking a calming breath, he thought on how to explain how that isn’t possible...and sighed as he said simply. “Ponies are complicated Katty. We don’t really...simplify things like that. Even more, who to say that they might feel like not wanting to come? When ponies or other beings try to find their other...they don’t just go and try to mate and make a mini-colony on the spot they...learn from the other, try to see if they are the right match, to see if they are not only good for the other, but can be able to hold with their mini-colony, if that makes any sense.”

Giving a low sigh as he added in thought. Which probably won’t with how complex that entire sentence was. thought the thestral as he tried to think on a more simpler way in case she was confused by what he just said.

Thinking some, Katty said, “Ponies complicate things too much.” Almost making him balk at how she said that. “If it is as simple as looking for a mate that works best for you, then should be simple in finding and staying.” Smiling at her conclusion. “It’s excuses that get in way, yes? Then no excuses clears up path and makes things happen. Simple!”

Placing a hoof on his forehead, he takes in a breath and sighed out, feeling bits of exhausting of trying to be realistic here-- and of the fact that even if it was possible, then it would take time, consideration, screening to...to… and slowly it dawned to him as he soon realize something. Wait...the Shiftlings...they’re good at their work, being autonomous without a leader, because they have a system. A simple, basic system, which is both extremely simple and direct, as it’s effective short and long term…

It would explain why she is kept pushing me to try, because for her, this is all simple. But...could it? I mean, if I just remove all my excuses, my reasoning and ‘realistic’ thinking of complication...it’s just details, and it’s just me finding a suitable mare and trying to court them… only to realize...he honestly hadn’t much experience since he moved here, and haven’t really gotten an idea on how to try again. But...he was willing to try again. Just to see if he could.

With a deep breath, he sighed out and said with a low smile as he look to her. “Well Katty...if it is so simple as you may say...then how am I supposed to start?” glancing to the side admitting. “I’m a bit...rusty in the courting and seeking of a mare, so I’ll probably make a fool of myself somehow.”

Tilting her head to that, Katty seemed to actually think about that, but she first said, “Well…” Antenna flicking and even reaching near his direction before she affirmed, “You’re male, stallion.” More so to herself than him, “So… you need female, mare.” Then smiled, “So find female and try!” Almost cutely chirping that last bit out.

He couldn’t help but laugh a bit of simplicity as he reminded. “You do realize there are over maybe 900 females who live in the city, and half of them are probably with mates, some of them are too old, and others are too young.” then added in thoughtfulness. “Although with both the Den and the Colony….” then shook his head. “No, no..might be asking for trouble there…”

“Hmm?” Gave out Katty in wonderment, “You wonder if Colony can have suitable female?” Then blinked and concluded, “Maybe I can help then!”

He wave his hoof and started. “N-No, no! I really don’t think that’s necessary!” I REALLY don’t want to find out what happens if Shima starts being the protective mother if she-- well when she finds out from Katty.

“But I’m female.” Katty pointed out, “And you’re male. I’m fine with it, so why not?” Tilting her head in such a pure innocent manner.

....what? thought Herbal as he quickly gained his voice as he started to speak. “W-Well, that is true, but I’m not sure if Shima will appreciate if you start asking all of your sisters about me. Even more when they might be needed to help with the colony or with the nymphs. So, maybe, I don’t know…” only to slightly pause as he thought. Wait, am I suggesting that I start with her? somehow feeling that his speech is implementing that already.

Almost swiftly after he had let his voice die down, did Katty beam to him, “Then I will ask Scion and colony on input!” And almost in a blur, took off her silk-pack, placed it on his back, and dashed off-- all before he had a chance to regain his words.

“Wait, what?!” but it was too late, as she was already gone...leaving him in the dust as he facehoof and groan out. Why do I feel like I just dug my own grave somehow? sighing some, as he looks to the silk-bag, as he decided to head back to the den. Already feeling like working on the healing liquid and seeing what he could learn from it...although a part of him dread of what conversation the colony will have with Katty ‘discoveries’.

Unbeknownst to most, the conversation was very lively-- for shiftling standards. Clicks, chirps and chattering echoed all over the Colony on what Katty conveyed, and the large body that was the Colony all began to turn and make their own thoughts known. But there was one they needed input from the most, their Scion.

And it was with some surprise that Shima learned from Katty of what she said, and more or less intended. My little Katty date Herbal? Part of her wasn’t sure how good of an idea that was… but at the same time, while she thought about it, Shima admitted that Katty was one worker of hundreds and soon to be a thousand. Letting Katty pursue this was… actually beneficial to the Colony. Nerve wracking to her as a mother, but the Colony needed experience, and this might be the first starting point.

It was with a heavy sigh that Shima nodded to this, but looking at Katty… she knew something had to change. If this worked out, then it would possibly be very good for Katty and her admittedly short life. If not, then the colony learns from it. Sacrifices were something the swarm understood, even if she detested it, it was their way of life.

That didn’t mean as a mother, she was going to let her daughter not have some sort of chance. Male or not, Katty had a right to have a chance at a possible love interest. And Shima was aiming to give Katty a better chance.

So, after a few more days, some picky thoughts of the Scion and a bit of telling Katty of a few little details-- did she let her go and ‘court’ the thestral. It was to say that when Katty left the Colony and moved towards one of the dens, those responding to the knocks at the door were not completely sure what to make of what they were looking at.

It was, of course, Katty and in her shifting from as always. What was so… odd was the fact Katty’s admittedly short amber mane had a couple of hairclips, was slightly brushed and stylized a bit more… there was even a rather colorful rainbow-like bandana around her neck and also had what looked to be a green ribbon braided into her shortly cropped tail. It was, admittedly, an odd sight for those at the door. Only more so when she asked, “Is Herbal home?”

The changeling who open the den door just look at the shiftling...and sent in the Swarm mind. One of shiftlings is apparently seeking the doctor… as while they were trying to gather the reasons why, the changeling asked in a neutral tone. “And who is asking for the doctor?”

Tilting her head, Katty asked, “I am?” Looking side to side, as if expecting someone else to say something. She frowned her brows and turned back asking, “Why? I thought I ask and others respond…. Did I do it wrong?”

“No...but we don’t know which Shiftling you are,” explain the drone. “You’re unique that’s for certain with the added items on you, but we don’t know which shiftling you are.”

Blinking, Katty smiled, “Oh, that!” Then giggled, “Scion Shima told me if I want to have the best chance with ‘dating’ Herbal, I needed this.” Which caused a fair amount of surprise in the changeling, “Also, I’m Katty.”

Katty? thought the changeling, as he felt the Queen speaking. Allow me, my child. getting the changeling to move back, as while Mercy held a smile, inwardly she felt a tad bit annoying of a problem with her plans-- especially with Herbal assisting the pegasus so well, and slightly nudging them close. Still she spoke to Katty. “Hello Katty, you mention you wish to court the thestral?” looking over the mare unique clothing as she further asked. “Are you planning to do more than just court Herbal? Seems out of the blue for you to decide to court him of all a sudden.”

“It’s sudden?” Asked Katty in confusion, “We talked it over, and the Colony concluded after a day this is a good thing. Herbal wants female mate, and I’m closest to him, so I’m first option for female mate.” Smiling at the simplicity of it. “Scion Shima told me though that I needed to do things first, and the first thing was to seek Herbal and see if he would go and ‘enjoy time’.”

Not good. thought Mercy as she kept that pleasant smile as she asked. “And I am guessing when you’re done ‘enjoying time’, you’ll head back to the Colony to inform of how the date went?” wanting to see if the Shiftling will return to the Colony, as she honestly hope that would be the case, that way she could keep making sure that the doctor and the pegasus be able to have some sort of relationship with this third wheel going on.

“Yes.” Katty said to the Queens relief-- or, right up until the shiftling went on, “Then, once I tell them, I go to Scion and ask what next, since she knows this stuff. Then she tells me when next time I can go to date again, but before that date, I need to go back up the next day and maybe help Herbal at clinic, or shopping, or something. She said it didn’t matter what, as long I was there and helping.” Giving a pleased nod to this.

At least she didn’t say that she wasn’t going to move in here. That at least I can be thankful of. thought Mercy as she glanced behind, seeing Herbal coming down by the den door by flight. Blinking in surprise as he had to lift his glasses up, making sure that he wasn’t seeing things as all emotionvores could feel his utter surprise of Katty look...and slight amazement as he spoke.

“Katty? You look…” trying to find the right word as he managed to say. “You look cute.”

Cute, Katty recalled that term. Mother said it was a positive term, meaning it held a level of approval. Katty smiled, no, beamed up and perked attentively, “Thank you Herbal!” Her eyes glittering next to happily, “I came to ask if you wish to date me today. Is that alright?” Scion Shima also had told her it was best to ask, an unwilling male was not as receptive apparently, so to be sure it worked for him meant it was better.

The three could feel his surprise, of the sudden question, the fact that she wanted to date him, and that he wasn't prepared for this as he slowly started. “W-Well, I don’t have much to do, so maybe I can take the day with you, Katty.” as he admitally hadn’t much to do besides research the liquid, which itself was going to take time...not to mention he did say he was going to try, might as well, right?

“Actually Herbal, if you recall you need to check on Debt face for those markings of his.” started Mercy as Herbal snorted as he replied.

“You know how he is with his face, I might have better luck letting Dejen do it than myself.” already trotting out to be by Katty as he added. “Beside it’s a date, I’m sure that things will be fine.” glancing to her as he asked. “So, where are we going in the first place?”

Giving him a glance, Katty admitted, “I’m not too sure.” Then smiled, “But, maybe we can scout and find out what place we can go to?” Another thing mother told her, leaving out the option and leeway for him to have a form of control during the date would help make a stable grounding. An even field of control like in the Colony, is important for this.

He thought as he nodded. “Alright, maybe we’ll find something to do.” as they were trotting out as Mercy started.

“Wait, Herbal you still need to-,”

“I’ll handle it when I come back!” said the doctor as once they were earshot, the changeling queen felt an eye twitching as the drone clears his throat.

“Um...queen? Maybe it's best if we should, get you in?” to which Mercy nearly stomped her way inside as she shouted.

“You know what? If being blunt and forward seem to work-- then I’ll give it a try!” then grin wide as she said in a sing along tone. “Oh Dejen~!” And for a certain Striped….

There was a disturbance in the force.

Meanwhile, as both doctor and Shiftling were trotting in the streets looking around as while Herbal eyes look around, he sometimes look back to Katty, seeing how...unique she was. How cute she looked…She actually look...more appealing even more cuter in a sense. almost feeling the flush as he noticed his thinking and emotions. No, no, no, no! Calm down Herbal! Sure you're a bit..rusty, but you shouldn’t try to get too easily flush when she can feel it! glancing to see the multiple looks, as some were surprise, other's shock, and few with shaken heads or disgusted looks, Herbal breath out as he looks back to Katty and asked.

“So, did Shima picked out the things for you to wear? Because they...look pretty on you.” internally facehoofing as he let out a ‘smooooth’ thought of how terrible that cheesy line was.

Whether by mercy, or really just plain naive inexperienced, Katty beamed up to him, and recalled ‘pretty’ was also a positive aspect. She also knew that to enforce ‘positive aspect’ was to show her own ‘positive reaction’. In this case, she tilted her head to nuzzle the side of his neck and said, “Thanks, and yes!” Moving her head away to go on, “Mother told me I needed to dress nicely and be different, so you don’t confuse me with my other sisters.” Then giggled, “I like the rainbow silk, I think it’s pretty too.”

He flushed a bit from the sudden nuzzle, but clearing his throat as he spoke. “Yes, well...it will help me identify you much more easier, admittedly. It’s...very tricky to find you among your sisters.” He glanced over her some, as he admitted she was...something alright. As he glanced around some as to figure out where to go and to-- the sounds of his stomach seem to answer, as he spoke.

“Oh yes, I forgot to make myself something to eat earlier.” recalling he was working hard on the liquid ...and helping get something to eat for Poppy for nutrient needs.

Perking, Katty went through her mind over that. She didn’t need food, but he definitely did. Find food, place with sweets too. Scion Shima told her if they ate, she needed to eat with him. Not because she needed it, it was because he would feel better if he knew she was getting something too. Sharing a meal was important too, as it was sharing a moment. Like sharing food or the story of her trip with the Colony.

Reaching a hand up, she gently tugged on Herbal and motioned her head for him to follow. He did so, though with some hints of confusion as she almost skipped along, having a destination in mind. She recalled a place, one that she had visited more than once. Lowering her head for a moment, her antenna went to work sniffing the ground some, walking on ahead and seemingly avoiding any in her path.

She made a turn around a bend, and it almost seemed like she was some hound following an invisible trail for the longest of moments-- before stopping and glancing up at the restaurant. She smiled and turned to look at Herbal and his slightly bemused face. “Good food here, mother told me of this place. She said it was good.”

He looked over the place as he was unfamiliar with this place, but considering that it look rather clean? Herbal consider that this was one of the better places to eat food at. Giving a slight nod as he spoke. “Might as well try this place out.” trotting in with her as they look to a horse waiter as he said. “A table for two please.” while the horse held a neutral face, there was a low disgust of sorts as he motioned them to follow.

While the two walk, Herbal couldn’t help but feel protective of Katty. As the looks, glares, and the sense of being unwanted here were slowly being pointed at them. Herbal wing moved up and around Katty as if he was providing a sort of barrier against them and himself.

While it was a move to simple give protection, the touch and contact had Katty shifting herself closer, her mind interpreting what he wanted. He felt defensive, and in return, she nuzzled and gently tapped her antennae at the back or side of his neck in a form of assurance. Though, she was admittedly confused on the oncoming emotions. Did one of them do something wrong?

She brushed that off. They weren't really important. Who was, was the male that she was ‘dating’ and seeing if it would help him feel better. That was really her sole aim, to make that cold, hollow feeling he had not come back. Katty smiled and kept as close as the wing pulled her to be, and actually took a sort of pleasure at the close and comfortingly warm contact.

Herbal noticed the mare coming closer with his wing, admittedly he felt a bit bewildered. As while he did place the wing around her, he was a bit surprising that she would come closer to his body with her gently tapping her antennae on him. Emotionvore and simple, Herbal. thought the thestral as he was slightly glad that Katty wasn’t affected much by the slight hostility from around them.

Yet when they reach to their table, Herbal thought of going on one side as he let go of her, moving to sit on the bench like chair as he knew that Katty would probably want to sit across from him to give eye-contact. Although he didn’t expect the slight confusion from her, but she followed next to him as she sat right next to him as Herbal reminded himself again. She doesn’t know that usually when one dates, they sit across from another mostly...but I’m fine with this. as the horse brought down two menus as he asked.

“Would you and your, date require anything to drink?” Herbal replied politely.

“Water please.”

“Water please.” Was the same response Katty gave, not even seeming to think too much about the swirling feelings in the horse that turned and left. So, she turned to the menu and gave a slightly puzzled look to it. It took her a moment to realise what she was looking at, sort of. But the letters were a little familiar. It took a moment or two for her to understand. Words. Something she wasn’t quite used to.

She tilted her head some, but with her eyes scanning down, and noticing an illustration of a bowl of fruit, right there she smiled and knew what she wanted. “That bowl of fruit looks nice.”

He glanced to her menu, seeing that same bowl of fruit as he recognized the words as he spoke. “That is a simple bowl of fruit, mostly in the appetizer area.” while part of him felt concern she didn't knew words-- another reminded that Shima didn’t have much to teach her daughters with written words and had to use oral teachings. Herbal look over his menu, scanning for what seem delicious as while some of the vegetarian food look nice base on the description?

His eyes paused at one word. Fish. Fish...they manage to get fish here? feeling surprise as he looks at the price, grimacing as it was a bit...expensive, and he couldn’t pay for that much. Begrudgingly, he focus back to the vegetarian section, as that was a bit more within his price range. Feeling a bit annoyed as he had to settle for a salad with bits of chicken in it. If there's one thing I truly miss, is the fact that I can’t eat meat in a place like this. grumbling to himself as he settled the menu down.

Katty turned to the slight displeasure of Herbal, tilting her head and asking, “Herbal, is something wrong?” He shouldn’t be sad or angry, and going through her mind, she couldn’t think of anything she did wrong. Or did she? Katty took a moment to think a bit more, maybe she did and didn’t realize it?

He sighed and said. “Oh it's nothing, just reminded I can’t have my favorite meat in Arabia,” motioning to where the salmon picture was at as he continued. “Fish is rather expensive in Arabia due to us being nowhere near the sea, so I can’t really enjoy eating it and have to settle small bits of meat like chicken salad here.” pointing at another picture with a salad with chicken meat within it.

Blinking at that and looking to the images side by side, Katty thought that little bit over. Meat, wasn’t really a bad alternative. It was something even shiftlings used, if not rarely if the source of sweets were not at all available or even emotions. It wasn’t the most preferred thing, though that was only because it was chewy, a bit bland, and not at all sweet.

And really, looking at it, she wasn’t sure how to think of this ‘fish’. It looked odd compared to the ‘chicken’, which looked… well, that looked different too. I wonder if it’s edible? was one thought before she said, “What’s chicken?” Then went on to ask, “Is it tasty?”

“Depending on how you cook it and season it? It could be, most of the time however chicken is usually bland but filling.” said Herbal as he sigh, as while it wasn’t fish-- the chicken salad will do for now. Honestly he missed eating fish again.

With a tilted head, Katty asked, “Cook?” Sounding actually confused on the word.

“Oh right, well…” started off Herbal as he said. “Most meat, like chicken , for example, used to come from a living animal. And while some could eat it raw with the blood and chewy bits-- some prefer to cook the meat, make it more edible and be more appealing in looks, taste, and smell when it cook.” rolling a hoof around as he went on. “And if you add some flavor to it? It might taste better-- depending on what you’re using to season it.” leaning back in the bench seat as he glance to see the waiter coming as the horse asked.

“Are you two ready to eat?” doing his best to be neutral to customers, as Herbal said.

“Chicken salad please, medium if you’re able.”

“Chicken salad, medium.” The waiter had to give Katty, who beamed up with near innocents, an odd look. It seemed like she was next to repeating everything the thestral said.

Slowly nodding, he said, “Two chicken salads, both medium cooked…” Then shifted to the tray on his back, waters being placed down. “It will be out shortly.” And leaving them both.

Katty smiled at the near curious doctor, and said, “Will try ‘cook’ chicken.” Then bunched up her face saying, “We can have meat, but is not nearly as great as sweets or fruit.”

He slowly nodded, as that seem fair enough in his case. Her wanting to try new things as he remarked with a smile. “You are such a curious little Shiftling, are you?” giving a little nuzzling in her mane as her response was a slight chirp and nuzzling back. Feeling her antenna once more at slight work, tapping his face a bit gently as after a minute of nuzzling he pull back as he asked in curiosity. “Was there more to the tapping than simple affection returning? Shima did mention that the tapping attenai meant a lot more than ‘talking’ if I recall right.”

Smiling, Katty responded, “Was just happy. You’re happy, I’m happy, so I was saying, happy.” Placing it all as that, and the closest translation he had to what she was thinking. So, for lack of a better term ‘happy’ was conveyed with gentle and rhythmic taps. Or, as far as he could tell at this moment.

He gave a simple nod, as he said. “But you could have asked for a bowl of fruit if the chicken didn’t appeal to you Katty,” then added with a roll of her eyes. “But then again, you are always such a curious mare. Always wanting to learn new things and try them out.”

Blinking, Katty said, “Doing it for Colony, making sure it’s something they will like.” Not sure how her curiosity fit into that. She was doing just part of her job, learning new things.

He shakes his head slightly, as he then tease. “And I’m certain that dating me is also going to help let the Colony learn new things by being with non-shiftlings?”

There was a smile and a nod to that, “Much new things. Maybe better things too.” Then nearly chirped out, “Maybe ways to make surface dwelling people more happy with Colony, that would be good. Happy land means happy Colony.”

Herbal chuckle, as he shifted a bit to get closer to her, feeling her body heat some as well the odd texture of his coat against her chitin. It felt..odd in a sense, as he glanced to see two cups of water coming down at their table, as the waiter spoke. “Your food will be coming soon.” doing his best to not reveal his disgust as he trotted off, Herbal ignored the waiter, as he glance to Katty and asked in curiosity.

“How does it feel? My coat against your chitin? To be honest I never really know how it feels with me since I’m covered in fur.”

She thought about that, and admitted, “Warm.” Then thought a bit more, “Slippery. You slide easy on me…” Then thought a bit more before perking up. A few watching nearly felt a tinged alarmed when Katty seemed to ‘change’, it was nowhere near as flashy as a changelings way of having a disguise, but it was steady enough to be morbidly fascinating. The way the attenai seemed to fold back down to her head and mold right in. the way her chitin seemed to soften, get a touch warmer and even prickle and become fur-like. The way her mane and tail just became a bit more coarse and not as silky-smooth. If it wasn’t for her black cornea or the lack of a cutie mark-- she would have actually looked like a mare… an attractive young earth mare that is. Her cute smile didn’t help the matter any. “You’re soft!” Or her next set of words before nuzzling him.

He stiff some, as he felt his heart rate pitch higher and feeling her nuzzling his side more as while his brain was trying to figure out what to say or do as there was a cute earth like mare so close to him? His body seem to act a bit as a wing move around the close and nuzzling faux mare as if enticing to pull her closer as Herbal mind managed to think. Wait, what did I just do!? Why am I pulling her close?! Yes she’s more cuter and more attractive, but why!? although another part of him added. And she’s also softer, like a normal mare. Warmth easy to feel as well. as he slightly lean his head by hers, as he noticed he could feel her heartbeat, going through her ‘skin’ as he comments in his head.

Heart rate is steady, and can be easily felt. Interesting. yet he did recalled that Shima mention back that while Shiftlings can’t transform, they could camouflage to mimic nearby creatures to easily blend in. They can camouflage together to look at a variety of things to scare, to get ignored, and look like a big animal… looking down at Katty as she was mimic his species so she could ‘feel’ him. And find him soft.

And in return...he sees her more attractive, cute, and honestly wanting to feel her more as his wing seem to entice this thought of letting her nuzzle him all she likes. Hearing her chirp as it was still a shiflting sound, but she nuzzling all the more at him, sniffing with her nose and apparently very content. Very content that the thestral was holding her with a wing.

While it wasn’t her antenna at all, her poorer nose could still pick up his scent, the slight hints of what hormones and musks that separated him from others. But what really had her content was what she felt. Katty could feel his own content feelings, his wants, the slight lusts buried in him. She couldn’t help but nuzzle and cuddle all the more closer with closed eyes and feel those buried feelings slightly surface more. Embarrassment. Uncertainty. Excitement. Want. maybe even joy if she was reading him right. It all tasted very nice to her, and it was so hard to not keep pressing closer to him.

He also felt really cuddly. Katty giggled and cuddled even more against him, feeling a new wave of preening pride, want and slight confusion. Very soft. Like warm sand, but not as hot. She could hear the pulsing beat in his chest, the sounds of his heart reaching her ear that was so close. Life. She liked it. She decidedly liked this, all of it. Part of her felt like maybe yawning and napping like this. Though, maybe later after food was eaten.

Herbal himself tried to not wrap his hooves around her, as the best he did was let his wing, or wings wrap around her as she kept cuddling more against him. Doing his best to not react much as one part he wanted to feel her more, another part was trying to figure out if this was normal for Shiftlings, or if this was a special case. But the mood was slowly ruined, as the waiter came with two salad bowls as the waiter told, “here’s your meal.” pausing some of the odd earth mare, wondering where the bug went…

Until he realizes that the mare was the bug, and was given a dead giveaway as when she looked up and opened her eyes as the eyes remain the same. He snort some as he trotted off, as Herbal cleared his throat as he said. “W-Well, Katty. Since our food is here, we should start eating.” carefully moving his hoof to grab his fork, as part of him debated if he should let go, or keep his wings around her for cuddling sakes. But the logical side won this as he moved his wings off as he added with a slight flush. “And I think we can...cuddle after we eat…” stabbing the fork with salad and meat as he took a bite to taste it, as the flavors somewhat help make the chicken taste good.

“Okay!” Came the cheerful chirp, a sound he was recognized to be something that all shiftings seemed to do-- especially her. When she glanced to the salad, Katty ignored the silverware and just opened her mouth. It was some surprise that there were still some pretty sharp fangs and teeth hidden under those pony-like lips before she dug in, not even caring if any saw her eat in such a basic manner.

He couldn’t help but chuckle, as while he would scold her to not use silverware-- another part reminded him that this was a ‘unusual’ date. As he kept biting his food, chewing it and enjoying the flavor of meat and lettuce. While it’s not as great as fish...it’ll sate me. thought the stallion, as he glance to Katty as once he swallowed and asked. “How does it taste for you?”

She paused and gulped down what she had been chewing, and told while smiling, a few bits of greens on her cheeks, “Is good. Never thought ‘cook’ meat would be better than normal meat.” It was odd in her head that ‘cook’ something would make it taste that much better. Still chewy, but it wasn’t as bland, something else making it be more tasty.

Smiling, he used a wing to clean her face a bit from the lettuce as he said. “Well, that’s a relief to hear Katty.” turning his attention to his own bowl, eating his salad with a slow and enjoyable taste for each bite he took. He glanced around, as while it annoyed him that everyone seem to look disgusted of Katty 'barbaric’ eating, he snort at them. Focusing back at Katty as there was...something about her that he seemed to not mind, yes she was...simplistic, but she was also...unique.

He couldn’t help but tease to her as she was finished with her food already. “Wolfing down the food, Katty? Must be quite enjoyable.”

Stopping once more to lick her lips free of any food-bits, Katty smiled back and said, “Is good. I don’t want to waste it.” Then refocused on polishing and if not licking the bowl clean if she had to-- there was something sweet mixed in with the salad, and it was hard not to sniff it all out.

Laughing a bit, he nodded, going back to enjoy his meal, taking sips of water as while he enjoyed his salad, he took occasional peeks of her licking and making sure that whatever she enjoyed-- was all gone. After he finished his meal, the waiter came by with a receipt as Herbal looked it over, as he mused some. Hmm, not bad of a price. going to reach into his pockets-- and frantically searching for something. Ooooohhh no. no, no, no, no! trying to reach into his lab coat as he cursed inwardly.

I forgot my shekel bag! Oh this isn’t good. how am I supposed to pay?! I can’t ask her to pay, I don’t know if she even got any money! Okay, calm down, calm down...think Herbal. How are we supposed to pay?

Katty was almost done with licking the remaining sweet fluid off the bowl-- before her ears pricked and she lifted her head to look at Herbal, asking, “Herbal?” Concern in her tone, “What’s wrong?” Not even noticing his expression, only feeling the sudden panic and anger that was swirling in him. Non-colony were so odd with their emotions sometimes. Always twisting, turning and warping at random.

He glanced to her, having a sheepish look as he said. “I...forgot my shekel bag. And we don’t have any means to pay for our food…” glancing around as he admitted. “I’m trying to figure out how we’re going to be able to pay and possibly get out without the guards being called in.”

Shifting back to her normal shiftling appearance, Katty said, “Simple, I ask sisters!” And before he could stop her, she scurried from the bench and right out the door…. Leaving him rather stock still at her rather quick response on making sure the food was paid for.

He facehoof as he thought. Ooooooof course she does. although in hindsight...it left him in a bad position as the waiter came up, with a scowl on his face as he spoke in a passive-aggressive tone. “It seems that your date ran off on you. I suppose you’re footing the bill?”

Herbal gave a sheepish chuckle as he said. “Uh, yes. Just ...give me a moment to find my shekel bag.” the waiter held an unimpressed look, as if knowing the thestral didn’t have his money, and was simply waiting to see if the doctor would try to dine and dash like the bug did.

It was a standoff for a good minute, the doctor trying his best to buy time, while under the pure scrutiny of the stallion that was not looking at all happy. Though before a second minute could pass on, the doors almost burst open and Katty came near scurrying back, slipping past the stallion, sitting down and placing a bag that jingled before the thestral, “Here you go!” Though for the world of her, she just got a bag of the metals. She wasn’t sure how much was needed. Only that it was needed.

He slowly blink, as he took the bag as he look inside it, glancing to the payment and what was in the bag as inwardly he grimace. Just under ten coins ...but I could make this work… taking a breath as he paused, noticing it was random assortments as he quickly look over the payment and the bag...As he took out a gold coin, as that was enough to pay for both their meals.

He smile to the waiter and told. “There you go! All paid.” the waiter snorted some as he took the single gold coin, leaving to another customer as Herbal gave a relieved sigh. Looking to Katty as he said. “Thanks for that, I honestly wasn’t sure how long I could try to keep up ‘finding’ my bag.”

She gave a smile, then asked, “We go and cuddle now?” She liked how soft he felt. Cuddling with her sisters was nice, but this was new, and rather pleasant. Maybe she could convince her sister’s to try cuddling while camouflaged as ponies?

“Um...yes, let just walk out of here and...find someplace to cuddle.” said Herbal, placing the bag in his lab coat, as he got out of the bench with her. Both walking out of the restaurant as he was trying to figure out how quick and fast Katty was to get that bag...although then again, he recalled Shiftlings were rather fast on their hooves-- or, clawed feet at this case. As he glanced around to try to find a nice place to cuddle, he recognized this part of the city, as he was around his clinic area.

Herbal motioned Katty to follow, as within a few minutes they were back at the clinic building. Unlocking the door, he entered with the faux mare as he made sure the door was closed behind them, and had the closed sign as he said. “There should be a few beds, haven’t really used them since no patients are here.” moving to the room with said patient beds as he was about to add something else--,

And yet the shiftling inpatients was once more let known. Katty all but bolted ahead, shifting back to her faux-mare like from and jumping on the bed, turning and sitting down looking cute and pretty as she waited with some form of anticipation for him to join her there. For some reason, the sight of this mare, this admittedly cute looking mare, waiting for him patiently onto a bed made his heart rate go up a notch.

Talking a low breath, he reminds himself. calm down...calm down Herbal.. doing his best to not get aroused to quick, as he moved by the bed, taking off his glasses and lab coat on the side as he carefully moved onto the bed. He sat down by her, he glanced to her as part of him was trying to figure out how to cuddle her, without seeming to pushy. But she seems to take the initiative, as she began nuzzling and pressing close on his side.

He flush some as he moved both wing and foreleg to wrap around her, as he carefully position them to lay down as she cuddled closer, giving a cute yawn as she lean and lay more on his body. Closing her eyes as he carefully wrap his forelegs and wings around her body. Doing his best to not seem invasive as he let out a sigh. Feeling...happy as to feel a warm mare body so close to him...as a smile shown on his face as he nuzzled on her head. It was...was nice to feel affection like this. To have someone close to him, holding him as he held her, and to just...be like this.