Author's Notes:

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Altayih rolled over and listened to his mat crunch under his weight. The constant rain had dropped the temperature considerably making everyone shiver save one, his captain. He seemed to enjoy the cold and while it sapped others it seemed to invigorate him like spending a night with a mare. He, on the other hand, absolutely hated the rain. Not only did it make things miserably cold but his shelter was still leaking no matter how hard he tried to plug the holes by packing in mud.

Shahid was no better off and had his own little dugout less than a yard away while the captain had to give up half of his shared hut due to leaks. Shifting around to look out at the clear sky the chestnut Arabian stallion smiled and let out a sigh. The rain had finally gone away but it would come again and next time it would cover the land in a thick sheet of water driving the river higher and worst of all, he would be forced out of his hole in the ground. Not that it was a bad thing he reminded himself as his new "home" was damp and muddy, an easily proven fact as a puddle of water had formed at his hooves and his cannons would take the plunge if he stretched out.

"Captain, I envy you and your luck... Sleeping in your own hut with your wife and not suffering a wet floor."

Tugging his legs up close to his chest and forming the fetal position in the hopes of staying dry Altayih wondered what they would be doing today. At first it had been training in the driving rain no matter the conditions but they had so thoroughly memorized the plan there was very little room for doubt. They were all insane for going along with this mad scheme of Verik's but then again...

Looking out at the cloudless blue sky Altayih sighed.

"What have we got to loose? Shahid... Your sister I understand, captain you have your own desires and ambition but me... What is it I want?"

It was a fair question that he wanted to answer. All his life he had wandered from one place to another without giving a damn, content to play the role of explorer in a world already explored. Verik had never really said why he was doing this short of making passing remarks about trusting only himself with the kind of power Fareed wielded and Altayih understood the sentiment. But, that still left him out in the cold for a future save praying that he would be riding on the winning ship as it sailed to port and thus reap the rewards. Ideology? Verik had never once spoken of such matters so that was out of the question and if he was going to continue to fight for him even after repaying his debt and sating his curiosity, Altayih wanted to be certain he was not serving another Fareed.

A smile crossed his face as a more simple matter came to mind that reminded him of exactly why he was going to enjoy his time even if things were not looking up. This revelation slipped past his hole allowing the world to see her glorious, striped and completely naked form. Pushing himself out of his shelter Altayih lifted himself up and walked after her, beauty always caught his eye and life was short so why not make the most of it?

Oh he had standards and he was far removed from others who chased after every bit of tail they saw, but unlike them he truly wished to have family. So why wait until his situation improved? Verik was at the bottom of the pole and running more risks than anyone else and yet he was probably busy trying to expand the family at this time of morning. If not... Well, Altayih had to admit to himself that sounded about right considering his captains nature but no matter. There was beauty before his eyes and as he was always looking that meant pursuing it.

Catching up to the zebra mare as she tried not to fall while slipping and sliding in the mud Altayih's eyes trailed down enjoying the view but also checking her marking. He had no desire to play the fool and chat up one that was already spoken for even if they were not wearing their tokens. Studious as ever Atlayih prided himself on observation and keeping track of who was available and this one had nary if ever been spotted with other stallions. True, there were far too many sumptuous morsels to keep track of but it did help narrow things down.

Walking up beside her quickly as they continued towards the river Altayih leaned forward enough to catch her vision and gave a warm smile. Raising an eyebrow the mare mumbled off a greeting while continuing on her way but Altayih had already gotten what he wanted, her acknowledgement and attention.

"It is a fine morning and the rain finally stopped."

"Yes, maybe it not be so cold now."

"Oh the sun is shining bright and beautiful just as you are and by noon I am certain things will warm up."

"I-..." Her head turned and looked him up and down quickly. "Who you? Know you serve that weird one."

"Ah yes, indeed I do! I am Altayih and may I ask your name?"

"Asiwa, what you want?"

"Well you passed in front of my hole this morning and your beauty brought a smile to my face. I wished to talk with you and maybe, get to know you."

"I not that easy."

"Neither am I my beautiful traveling companion who's visage shines as bright as the sun."

"Hah! You just trying to get between my legs-"

"I would never. Not without knowing everything about you first and stealing your heart."

"Steal my heart?"

Okay not the sharpest nail in the bag or playing hard to get...

"But of course! Unlike others around here... I believe in romance, to woo the fair lady before me and make her smile, laugh and be happy. To capture her gaze as she does mine with her elegant stripes, patterns and deep soul filled eyes."

"I-wu... Uh."

Too many big words...

"This one desires to know you and not so I can relieve myself or for sexual pleasure."

Well it was mostly true but the later was a happy addition that came along with the rest, he hoped.

"Know me?"

"Yes, to know you completely and become closer and maybe more if you would continue to grace me with your presence."

Maybe it was because no one had ever talked to her this way but he could tell by the look on her face that he had thoroughly confounded her on one level but also flattered the mare. Not so much that she would immediately turn him away but just enough to make her curious about the odd stallion that was trying to get her attention. He knew there was a beauty in a village farther north but she would probably be spoken for long before he ever got there so why not keep casting out nets and see what happened?

Never dropping his smile after the zebra took him literally, the mare began slowly and laboriously talking while Altayih would drop the occasional question now or then. Ever the good listener he would ask Asiwa for clarification on little details while dropping a word here or there and by the time they reached the river he had run her in a circle. She had not shut him out either and the smile that slowly formed on her face, the perkiness to her ears and swish of her tail told him that everything was working.

When she stopped talking to stare he asked what was wrong as Asiwa pointed to a figure sitting on a rock staring at the river. Altayih felt a little let down as attention was diverted but also satisfied that for the first time since the salt mine he had actually captured a mares attention. Wete was a horrible place to seek out ones desired other with everyone being more concerned with staying alive than romance, but who was he to complain? He was one of those survivors.

The conversation died making him close his eyes and sigh, things were going quite well but even he was a little concerned over what Verik was doing or more specifically: not doing. Giving Asiwa his best smile while giving her hand a small kiss Altayih walked away hoping the seed he planted would bear fruit. She was not the brightest he had talked to but their little walk had told him enough about her nature and that he was interested.

Walking up to Verik as he sat on his boulder staring at the river, hands held together and robes pulled around Altayih leaned down and stared at him a moment. Not once did his captain acknowledge that he existed, letting out a cough did not help either and even waving a hand in front of Verik's face did not alter his gaze.

"Captain? Are you awake or sleeping with your eyes open?"

Clicking his fingers in front of Verik's face did nothing and glaring slightly Altayih squatted directly in front of him and stared back. His eyes were staring off into space and if he was reading Verik's facial expression correctly, a task in and of itself as his body was so different, the captain was a stark raving mad mix of emotions. Deciding to wait a little while he stood to one side and enjoy the ever warming air along with the view of a few who had decided to bathe early. Shahid joined them not long after and sharing a nod of greeting they waited quietly for Verik to snap out of it.

"He planning again or-"

"Shahid, he has been this way since I arrived and even waving my hand in front of his face did not help."

"What do you think happened to him?"

"I have not a clue but whatever it was has stupefied him."

"Stupefied?"

"Never mind... Our dear captain is having an, emotional conflict."

"Someone challenge him again?"

"Gods I hope not, that caused more than enough trouble for all of us though I can not blame him considering what was at stake."

Shahid nodded. "If someone try to take my sister that way, I also accept challenge and kill but how we bring him back? Drag him to water and throw in?"

"No, he would probably drown himself. Maybe if we get Asha-"

Verik turned rapidly and looked back searching for a moment, his attention having returned to them. Altayih and Shahid stared at each other before smiling to each other.

"Welcome back my captain. I take it Asha said or did something?"

"A gentleman does not speak of such things."

"Ahhh..." A devilish grin formed on Altayih's face and was shared by Shahid. "So you had a very active evening."

"No I did not and I feel very tired."

"Oh. Well, I take it an offer was made and passed upon."

"Nothing was offered except my own beliefs on a silver platter and I pray it does not happen again because I honestly dont know."

"Why not? Because you are afraid she will refuse, which is most unlikely! Or because you might actually embrace temptation for once in your life? Oh please, dont glare at me like that. We all know you refuse to lay a finger on her so it does not take a genius to know what happened."

"You really dont know what happened and that is a promise."

"For someone with such lofty goals, a penchant for extreme violence and also bloodshed I find it quite amusing that you get so easily flustered over a fact of life."

"You have your ways, I have mine."

Altayih sighed and shook his head, "that may be true but let me tell you that there is not a stallion alive, well maybe a gelding... But I can promise you captain that in your hooves most would not hesitate-"

"All the more reason I did not and-"

"Ah! So you were tempted!"

"Alright smart ass-"

His words died as both Altayih and Shahid laughed quietly while grinning to each other, twitching angrily Verik could only glare at them as they poked at his dignity.

"You do realize that as your captain I can make your lives a living hell?"

"Absolutely! But for your own sake at least look at this from our perspective and also your wife's yes? The world did not end last night and I doubt it shall anytime soon even if you gave in to your desires."

"I will do no such thing."

"A shame because the way Asha flirts with you I think she is hoping quite desperately that you would give in at least for one night."

"That is none of your business."

"It is. Yes glare at me captain but it is quite true, when you get into a mood like that it can affect the rest of us quite easily. Bottling up all that lust which burns in your eyes when you look at her is not doing anyone any favors and since you lead us..."

"I am in control of my emotions, of that you can be assured."

"Good, care to prove it?"

"Altayih, I think you need to understand what rank and order means."

"I understand it quite clearly but this is for your sake as well as hers, we are simply trying to help you and if this keeps up something could go wrong. As you say your ways are not ours and as I have at least some idea of zebra custom I believe you are flirting with disaster. Do not forget that her ways are also not your ways..."

Not entirely true but I hope the captain buys it...

"Oh and what would you suggest o' wise one?"

"You have inadvertently flirted with your wife for weeks on end, ignored her advances on you and if you do not return them something might just snap. I would strongly suggest you do something, especially after... Whatever happened last night, to at least reciprocate her advances."

Verik let out a small laugh, "so you want me to do what... Flirt with her more openly and not hide it or something?"

"Yes... And No."

"This coming from the one who's own love life consists of chasing after mares and never snaring one and yes, I have been watching."

"Oh I have snared a few but sadly it never worked out in the end but still, I shall keep searching. You, on the other hand..."

Verik stopped for a moment and closed his eyes to think. "Alright, you have a point but I am no Casanova and this whole... Romance thing, is entirely new to me."

"For someone who has not a clue what he is doing you are doing quite well for yourself."

"Ha. Ha. Alright then smart ass, tell me. What would you do?"

"After what?"

"After having a mare drive you up the wall all night rubbing herself and-"

Verik stopped short and let out a small snarl at the grinning stallion who stood upright and after wiping the grin from his face thought about it a moment.

"So you claim to not be knowledgeable of these things... Alright, I have a simple solution that even you are quite capable of and will put minds at ease. Ready?"

"I am all ears."

Altayih leaned down and whispered the solution to his problems into Verik's ear making the mans eyes and face go blank. Turning his head up at the smiling Arabian he let out a small laugh at first before locking eyes, confusion written on his face.

"Your joking."

"No."

Asha was worried. Verik had departed without a word and his face had been completely blank, at first she thought it had gone quite well and his mumbling proved it. However she was now getting concerned that perhaps it worked a little too well. Sibi had said nothing about anything like this happening, only that by chiseling away at his walls that he should become more open to suggestion. Mostly certainly his body had become quite outspoken and had not hidden his desire while his mumbling cemented the fact. But now, that elation of having cracked his shell had become concern.

So what should she do now? The plan had worked and Sibi was the only one she knew who might have an idea as to what she should do next. Maybe he was trying to calm himself? Exiting the hut a little while after Verik had left Asha stood staring at the sky wondering quietly if she should ask Sibi or... Well Nuru was very well learned in many things but seeking her council might bring unforeseen consequences that went above and beyond anything Sibi's advice could or would cause.

Walking to Sibi's hut proved fruitless as she had gone to the river in order to bathe Mabi before the day started, turning around and departing Asha walked towards the river with growing doubts. Wringing her hands together she slowed her pace wondering where Verik had gone and that maybe she would bump into him along the way.

Asha did not see Shahid who called out at having found her. Completely oblivious to him and others she trudged along until someone put a hand on her shoulder and turned her around. It was not Sibi or Jelani trying to get her attention though but looking back Verik was staring at her with a very serious look on his face.

In deep trouble now... Going to kill Sibi for that advice, work too well, far too well!

Verik took a breath and sighed before smiling at her, confusion was etched onto her face as instead of being displeased he was now beaming at her. Asha opened her mouth to ask what was going on but he cut her off by leaning down and kissing her. The simple action made her ears stand straight up, tail go rigid and muscles freeze as he held her there where all could see a display of affection few showed so openly.

When he leaned back her wide green eyes stared, mouth still open as he gazed back without once looking away.

"Asha, I-" *Uhmp*

Words died as Verik was assaulted by the hug of a grinning zebra that wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a kiss of her own.

Altayih, Shahid, Sibi and Mabi watched from a distance grinning to each other. It had been a very simple plan but one that he had guessed would work quite well and after meeting Sibi along the way she had been perhaps... Too eager to join in.

"I think they are going to do just fine now." Altayih smiled to the others.

"My little Asha finally pull it off!" Sibi let off a string of happy noises as she watched. "All that advice finally pay off!"

"Staring impolite, so is spying."

They froze as Nuru's voice filtered to their ears and turning to face her she waved them off scattering them. Watching the public spectacle of affection herself for a moment the elderly shamaness turned and walked away herself, content with how things were working out but also knowing another truth.

Not know what they wish for more possible than they know. This be very interesting, you agree yes?

Her thought was unspoken but it was left hanging in the air for unseen ears to pick up on as she walked back to her hut.