Zee nodded, pleased he understood and expressed admiration for the healer she'd come to consider family. Was this the sort of man who valued loyalty, or did he consider it to be a trait for 'wolves' which he himself claimed not to be? Dogs were not like wolves, they were loners without a pack and without family. Could he ever fit in among them without something to tie his loyalty down to? From their conversation she gathered he was not telling her everything, and he could lie with a straight face. "She will decide how you address her." Her voice wavered slightly, her uncertainty showing. "Probably Io, Iolaire. I can't be certain." If Iolaire did know more then she did, and the boy was indeed a slave.. it was unlikely she'd give an informal title to him to use, but she couldn't be sure. The more he talked the more suspicious and uncertain Zee became, and his final question gave her pause. What reason did he have to wonder how many healers the armada had? What an odd question, and one that worried her when coupled with her doubts about his loyalty. Was he looking for weaknesses in his new 'home'? "... I think it's time you found yourself somewhere to sleep, Bird." The horned queen said firmly. "Meet with Iolaire for your physical, and find myself or Sirius afterwards so that your training may begin." Her gaze searched his intently, looking for a sign of rebellion or betrayal. "I'm sure I will see you around the Oasis in time." She needed to get away, to find Sirius and question him on this new member. It was hard to comprehend her feelings of him, to decide whether she needed to be concerned for his well-being or concerned for what chaos he could bring to her pack. Hopefully time would tell. "Make yourself at home." "Speech"

永程

Did she doubt his loyalty?

Yes, there couldn't be any other explanation for it. Her previously kindly tone now had an edge to it, and she had very quickly gathered up the odds and ends of their conversation. Yong Cheng met her stare with innocence in his wide eyes, peering up at her with his chin tilted to see her face.

"Yes, my queen." He nodded at Zee even as she watched him. She watched him carefully. She was wise, Yong Cheng noted, wise enough to question his questions. But he'd meant that out of genuine curiosity -- why else would Sirius steal him away if they had enough healers? His purpose here was to heal and comfort and relax the infirmed. Of course, if Iolaire was their only healer, then he had a lot to do on his paws. But if Iolaire were to be injured herself... then what would they do?

Yong Cheng mulled it over. Of course, he would have to step in. Would he be trained by then? Able to offer his assistance? It wouldn't harm his case to show his eagerness, certainly.

His brows drew together. Cheng supposed he should feel annoyed that Zee doubted him. But then again, she was a queen, and she had the pack's interest to look out for. Was it really so unreasonable of her? His grudging respect for Sirius' wife grew. Still, though, his loyalty was to the Armada -- at least while he was still in it.


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OOC:

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