Layth is here, shuffling about and still re-arranging things. "This is a far cry from the pillows and silks of the club," he observes. "I'll be surprised if this works as well here. Ah well." His attire has been altered for the moment: He's lightly dressed in a variety of colored scarves and billowy pants. In fact, aside from the scarves he wears no upper body clothing. In the current lighting, his thick fur only slightly reveals his musculature.

Since the outfit was only requested a little while ago, Tasha doesn't yet have her full dancer's costume. Instead, she wears a skirt made from a wide, tied cloth, as well as a halter-top. Otherwise, she's just dressed in whatever colorful – and especially glittery – veils the Lapi could find. "I's li' dancin' on the ship, only wit'out the Cap'n yellin' at us," Tasha remarks as she looks around.

"Ah, I see you had to come up with something makeshift as well. It will work for now, but it's not what I would normally use," The Lapi comments and looks up from where he's moving crates. "And really, this isn't the best place. There should be pillows, soft lighting, and places to lounge. This is … well, I suppose 'like your ship' is adequate. Rough around the edges," Layth adds with a small grin.

"Aye, rough aroun' the edges is a lot like on me ship," Tasha agrees. "'Course, I don' need no fancy pillows an what-not, I don'. As long as we don' run into the walls an' knock bits over." She tugs at her skirt, adjusting it so that the tie slit is aligned with the length of her leg. "Am I actually s'pose to wear this? No' tha' I don' like it, I jus' do' know what's the point, what with all them bunnies and their Amazonian ways."

"Well, it depends, really. Pants work just as well if they're of a light material. Translucent Zolk is the best, but that would be rather expensive," Layth explains and fiddles with his ears a bit before pushing them back over his shoulder. "As for the Amazonians, it would be different and probably eye-catching. Moreso than just being, say, nude. That would not be very exotic, as Master Lightfoot explained. So, do you wish to watch a short bit first, then try? Or, just try?"

"Alrigh'," Tasha answers. She walks over and, after hopping up, plants herself atop a sturdy crate. After crossing her legs, she leans forward to watch, hands on her upper knee.

Layth waggles a finger at Tasha. "And a thousand pardons, but no touching!" he admonishes with a grin. The Lapi then starts to stretch and flex, loosening up his muscles. "Many of the dances done in the clubs are to entice, to mesmerize, and to excite the viewers. They usually tease, but really show little. They're also amazing at keeping you limber."

Tasha grins at the no touching bit. "I though' you bunnies were all abou' touchin', an other species t'boot." She listens, then nods. "I can kin' o' see wha' you mean, what wit' all that movin' aroun'. S'like ship work."

"Considering how cramped your holds can get, yes. And you know, you never want to get kicked by a dancer. They usually have massive leg muscles," Layth comments, then grunts as he stretches his back out again and several audible pops occur. "And as for touching, well … it can be distracting. As for my interests in other species, well, that's private," he adds with a grin.

"Distractin', is it? Bein' distractin' is part o' bein' enticin'," says Tasha. She winks, then leans back and folds her arms. "I promise no' to touch." The woman leans back against the wall and nods. "An' don' think I was too drunk to remember the bath!"

"I don't know what you're talking about… " Layth remarks calmly, then as a last stretch, does a full leg split with a grunt and a wince. "You know, this does hurt as much as it looks."

The woman laughs, the rich sound of her mirth echoing in the small space. "Oi, better be careful there, or you won' be flirtin' wit' anyone," she warns, teasingly.

"Ha ha," the Lapi remarks and actually sticks out his tongue. He then pushes himself back to his feet. "Right. Now, hmm. Which to show you that you could practice and are rather easy to do… " he muses and rubs his chin. He then looses some of the scarves so they hang easily from him and then pads to the far side away from Tasha. "In truth, the scarves work best to hide mistakes in movement, they distract the eyes. So, you'll look better than you really are," he explains, then pushes off with his right foot, spinning around on his left foot. The colored scarves swirl and dance in the air around him. "Like so. It looks more impressive than just well, spinning on your toes."

"I' does a' that," Tasha agrees, idly reaching out to swat a scarf as it trails by. "'Course, you go' muscle on you, an' tha's a good look too." She refolds her arms and wiggles a hoof at Layth. "We don' 'ave a lo' of dances in Rephidim, mind. A' leas', no' li' you."

"I've never been to the sky islands," Layth admits and curls his arm closely, reeling in the scarf. "As for muscles, well, it makes people somewhat nervous of me. As Master Lightfoot said, it would be dangerous for me to go out into the town here. Now, one thing to watch out for is moving too fast; it will disrupt the scarves. They'll end up acting like a whip." He demonstrates this by doing a simple smooth roll of his arm, which makes the scarf ripple through the air. He then does the exact same movement, only a lot faster. Instead of looking graceful, it just makes a small popping sound as the scarf tip cracks the air. "Which you may have to be careful about that since you use a whip a lot."

Tasha listens and nods, then wiggles a hoof at the scarf again to indicate it. "S'right, I do use a whip. Never though' that'd come in 'andy to learn 'ow to dance, bu' there it is." Her head tilts, and she gives Layth another once over. "Muscle don' make me nervous, 'course I'm a Vartan, an' we're a strong people, we are. Jus' abou' everyone on our ship 'as muscles enough to lift two o' the smaller species, 'cept the cook. Me, I like a man wit' muscle."

"It would help here if we had some music. The movements are just in time to the beat of the song. You usually end with a foot firmly down, a snap of your arms down, or the end sway of your hips when the beat lands," Layth explains and then moves through each of the described motions. Of course, the hip sidesnap movement occurs when his back is to Tasha. "An easy way to think of it, is just imagine being a Naga. Serpentine movements that usually end with a definitive stop." The Lapi then glances over his shoulder and says, "Well, of course. Vartans are expected to be strong, so you're not strange to most. Lapi are not usually expected to be large, or strong enough to carry or throw another person. It's out of the expected norm of most experiences … so to some … freakish."

Tasha looks up from watching Layth's rear in motion, grinning unrepentantly. "A snap, is it? Li' a Naga? 'Av't met many o' the snakes an' scales, I 'eard we used to see more before the War. I know wha' you mean, though, abou' 'ow they move. A bi' li' a whip themselves, they are." Then she points to her head. "No' many Vartans 'ave a head like this, or," she grabs her tail and shakes it at the Lapi, " … a tail li' this. Vartans, mos' are used to 'alf-Vartans li' me, we're jus' Vartans wit' a difference. No' everyone gets it, li' those nobles we met on the way down 'ere."

"A thousand pardons, but I'm afraid we can't replace your head … but I'm sure someone could bob that tail for you if you wanted… " Layth says teasingly. "Now, depending on your goals, you move closer to the person or persons, or you keep your distance." And with deliberate slowness, the Lapi spins and slinks towards Tasha, body swaying, hips snapping side to side. The roll of his arms as he moves closer makes the colorful fabric glide through the air.

"Am I no' supposed to touch durin' this part, too?" Tasha asks.

Layth doesn't even reply to that. He just slinks closer and closer to Tasha, until the scarves slink and flow around her, almost touching … but not quite. The Lapi then spins his fingers lightly, rolling up the scarves onto his hands. He leans forward, placing his hands on the crate Tasha sits on, one on either side of her. His back arches, stretching his body into a crescent shape from toes to head as the Lapi draws even closer, till he's just about touching. With a wry grin, he blows lightly on Tasha's ear. "See, it's all about enticement and a little denial. I never touched you," he says in a whisper.

Then, Tasha's hoof suddenly bumps Layth's leg such as to unbalance him and nudge him forward. At the same time, Tasha nods slowly with wide attentive eyes, brows raised.

And to Tasha's probably expectation, the Lapi falls forward and he lets out a small squeak. Tasha finds herself with a lap of Lapi. "Of course, if the audience decides to do that, it sort of breaks the no touching part," he notes dryly.

Tasha wraps her arms and wings around Layth, and pushes his head up with a thumb. "Oi, now, I don' know what you're talkin' abou'. I jus' slipped." She gives him another wink, then tilts her head. "You're no' a bad man, you know tha? I jus' wan'ed to thank you for waitin' up on me like, tha' was right nice o' you." Then she kisses Layth full on the mouth! – and lets him go.

Layth goes wide eyed at that! And once released, the Lapi promptly falls onto his butt onto the floor. It takes him a moment, but he says, "Ah, well, that. I wanted to be sure you made it back in one piece. Some nobles like to use people they consider beneath them for their own amusement and such; I've seen it often enough when travelling. Not that I think you can't take care of yourself, of course! Just, well, we are going to be travelling together for a while; we should look out for each other, yes?" He gets back to his feet and dusts off his butt, adding, "Plus, I'm still getting used to the idea of 'not being a slave' anymore. It's easier around you because I'm not your servant … and you're not Lady Circerae, who brings back unpleasant memories."

Tasha hops down and helps Layth get up, dusting him off, too. "You're babalin'," she informs the Lapi as he talks, though she listens all the same as he goes on. When he's up, she turns and reseats herself. "Well I 'ope to stick in your mind as a pleasant memory, then." She refolds her hands, and wags her tail. "Consider tha' your firs' 'no'-a-slave-anymore' kiss. Jus' remember me when we're in Amazonian. I don' li' to say i', bu' I'm a lil' scared o' the place."

"So am I and I was born there," Layth admits and sits down on a nearby crate. "I bear no ill will towards anyone in Amazonia, though. As Master Zafir always told me, life is too short to bemoan what you lost or can't have. Find enjoyment in what you do have." He looks over to the Vartan, noting, "As long as you mind what Master Lightfoot said about behavior, you should be fine. Plus, one of us will likely be with you most of the time. If all else fails, we could … well, call you our pet or something." He grins.

Breaking that touching rule again, Tasha reaches over and pinches Layth's cheek. "I be' you'd li' that. Free now, gettin' a taste for ownin' slaves, is i'?" She shakes his head, using his cheek, then lets the man go. Her expression sobers, though, and she leans over to look the man in the eyes. "I'm goin' to try an' 'ave fun ou' there, bu' i' may be a bi' rough. 'Specially since I can' 'it anyone if they give me lip, no' like I can 'ere, bu' you get me point."

Layth tries to look put upon as his cheek is pinched and summarily shaken. He doesn't quite manage it, really. "Well, I'm certain there will be fun things to do. Just think that you'll see lands outsiders rarely ever see, and even rarer still, live to talk about it. I'll do what I can to try and make it fun for you, of course. And of course if you need something to hit, hit me. I'm tough," he says, with a grin. "Or torment Aaron. I think he secretly likes it."

Layth coughs and says, "Excuse me, Master Lightfoot. I shouldn't call him Aaron or Xavier."

"I think so too. Don' tell 'im, bu' I li' 'im more than I mi' show. 'Course, you're no' to tell 'im, an' I jus' li' 'im as a friend – even if 'e does pinch me, the dirty ol' bunny!" The woman laughs, leaning back and wiggling her feet, before continuing. She raises a brow at looks at Layth. "You're talkin' righ' familiar now! You'll be callin' 'im ol' man next. An', as for 'avin' fun, I 'ope so. I promised the Cap'n I'd come back alive. I love 'im, you know? No' li' tha'. 'E's li' me da, only no'. An', I wan' is ship some day."

"For a 'father' … should he really have that picture hanging in his cabin?" Layth inquires and arches his brow. "Speaking of your father … what would you do if you actually met him?"

Tasha's eyes narrow. "Whu' picture?" Distractedly, she answers, "I'd either 'it 'im or 'ug 'im – 'avn't decided ye'."

"The one with you naked and Master Lightfoot fanning you," Layth says.

Tasha's brows shoot up, and she leans forward again. "Saw tha', did you? Wha'd you think? An', well … " she shrugs, " I suppose it's his to do wi' what 'e wants. I di' give i' to 'im, an' it is quite shiny. Shiny's importan' to us Vartans. An', I di' say 'e was li' me father, bu' no. 'E care abou' me, an' he likes me mum more, bu' I don' doubt 'e 'asn't ogled me now an' then."

"I think you should have kept the pants and used them to embarrass Master Lightfoot. He did not … appreciate me apologizing to him for not realizing he was … without," Layth notes, trying really hard not to laugh not. "Of course, he's not, but … well."

"I tried! I said 'e looked righ' shiny in 'em, bu' 'e wouldn' listen. Might've showed 'im more if 'e 'ad taken 'em, bu' too late for 'im now." She shrugs again, this time smiling toothily. "As for 'im bein' … without? Oi! I ge' i', withou'. 'E's wi', alrigh'. I thin' I was drivin' 'im nuts in the picture. Go' worse once tha' man and 'is wife joined."

"The painter and his wife joined? He must have been mortified," Layth notes, then points towards the floor. "And a thousand apologies, but perhaps you should try a few dance moves. Consider it a test to see what you were paying attention to."

"No' the painter. I thin' 'e was a lil' we' in the brush, if you ge' my meanin'. I pro'lly did'n' do it for 'im. I' was this big eared fox-type an' is' wife. No' much o' a looker, either of 'em, bu' they seemed righ' taken wi' 'avin' themselves painted up wi' me, an' I' sounded li' fun." After she explains the painting, Tasha stands up. She gives herself a quick whirl, using the relative smoothness of her hoof to turn on, an' manages to only brush a few boxes – and Layth – with her wings. "Righ', then. What should I do?"

After a moment of rubbing his nose to keep from sneezing from the feathers, Layth says, "Well, first I would recommend that you just do some of the slinking and hip rolling movements as you walk a bit around the room. Get used to how far your stride takes you and how much you need to account for with your wings. You need to know how to position yourself in a room without stutter stepping." The Lapi then draws his feet up onto the crate so he can hug them to his chest.

As directed, Tasha saunters around the room. She sways her hips, moves her arms in wavy motions, and even wags her tail slowly. All in all, Tasha has some grace to her movement. He actions are direct and purposeful, a product of her strength, as well as fluid, a product of her agility. On the other hand, the way she moves comes off with attitude, aggression, and a large helping of sailor walk. The problem doesn't seem to be her physical limitations, but the culture she's a product of, as well as a lack of exposure to real dance training. "I feel a lil' silly, bu' I kin' o' li' i' too. I was always a bi' jealous o' the dancers we' 'ad in Rephidim. No' li' 'ow you dance, bu' different. Still, they were, whut's the word … they were graceful, an' … elegant. Grund tol' me once I 'ad all the grace of a ptera – so I 'it 'im." Her muzzle quirks. "'E may 'ave a poin' after all. I ough' an' buy 'im a drink later."

"You have the grace … but … " Layth says and rubs his chin, thinking. "Ah, you put too much aggression into it; you're trying to look strong all the time. If you're trying to be elegant … those two collide with each other. You don't need to look strong when dancing; you're using your bodylines and flow to entice and overpower – not your muscles. I'm not sure how long it would take to work that out or down. Particularly if you don't want to appear threatening to the Amazonians."

"Maybe if you show me? We can dance together, an' you can show me what I'm doin' wrong." Tasha stops her circuit to reach over and tug Layth up. "Jus' 'earin' it does'n' do 'i for me, an' dancin's more fun wi' a partner." She smiles. "Now, I'm no' suppose to look strong, is i'? 'Ard to wrap me mind aroun' tha'."

"Well … act like Lady Aisha," Layth suggests as he's pulled back into the floor and takes up position next to Tasha. "Well, except for trying to spend Master Lightfoot's money." He rolls his jaw, then nods as if figuring something out. "Okay, we'll do the same movements. And one thing that would help right off; relax your face a bit. You look so … fierce all the time. But don't relax so you look sleepy or really drunk. Look like, hm, you're just feeling the beginnings of the effects of a drink?"

Tasha laughs again, short and sweet. "I already spen' Aaron's money, bu' nothin' like Aisha. Tha' Aisha, I'd li' to … " The woman's brow raises, and she gives her partner, Layth, a look, as if he had almost tricked her in to revealing something. "Oi! Well! Li' Aisha, aye. An' relax. I go' it." Tasha gives Layth a sultry look, one that looks more predatory than relaxed. Her rows of white, sharp teeth don't help any, either. "'Ow's this?"

"Er, try not to show your teeth," Layth suggests. "Sharp, pointy, teeth are not friendly."

"They're no'? I always though' they were jus' li' your beak. Or, well, tha's whu' me mum tol' me. I think mum did'n' know 'ow to 'andle a babe wit' teeth, now tha' I think abou' i'. Beak was the closest thin' she could compare 'em too." Tasha copies Layth's movements, although not perfectly. She retains much of her posturing. "I'll try an' jus' grin, 'ow's tha'?"

"Sharp teeth to smaller people are not comforting. While pure Amazonians are large … not all will be pure and will be Aisha-sized. So … " He trails of, pausing to consider her movements again, then answering, "Well, better, to a degree. It'll just take time. You're used to having to 'appear strong' as you say. I'm used to not appearing so. So … it's easier for me to do this … but hard for me to appear 'strong'."

"I'll show you strong, an' you can show me weak. I mean, show me … elegant, was i'? Elegant." Tasha puts a hand on Layth's shoulder, for balance, so she can look down at his movements without tripping or knocking in to something. "'Ow much time do I 'ave to practice before we reach Amazonia?"

"That's a good question. I honestly don't know. It depends on the weather and problems along the way, for one. Two, I'm not sure of the exact distance. We should ask Lady Circerae," Layth replies as he slows down and makes his movements slightly exaggerated for ease of view and mimicking. "I'm rather worried that Lady Aisha will get into trouble in Amazonia. I'm also a bit concerned … well … I may suffer some serious injury protecting her. It is my duty to do so, but it still worries me. She doesn't seem to be taking how serious of a trip this is."

"It isn't nice to talk about people behind their backs," comes Aisha's voice from just outside the door, followed by her bejeweled ears and head poking into the storeroom. "You aren't up to anything unsavory in here, are you?"

"If you wan', I'll 'elp you. You know, I li' you? I'll 'elp. I li' Aisha too, bu' she's a looker, an' she shiny to boot. Call i' a cru- Oi!" Tasha, caught by surprise and lacking the Lapi's sense of hearing, whirls around and gives Aisha a bewildered look. Not sure what to do, Tasha does what she usually does. She grins toothily and gives Aisha a wink. "We're jus' dancin'! Wan' to join?"

Aisha glances over Layth's outfit, then replies to Tasha, "Just… what sort of dancing are you doing?"

"We aren't behind your back, Lady Aisha," Layth replies without even flinching. When Tasha whirls around, Layth steps back and turns to face the new arrival as well.

Tasha looks down at herself, then lifts an arm to wave a scarf at Aisha. "Harem Club dancin', I think it is. I though' you were workin' on me costume wit' Aaron, too?"

"Veil and scarf dancing for the most part. Non-threatening and exotic," Layth clarifies and then heads back over to a crate to sit down. "The outfits in here are makeshift and not ideal."

"I'm helping, I just didn't realize it was that sort of dancing," the golden bunny notes, sounding a bit embarrassed. "I'm not familiar with that style, unless it's like the street dancers you see in Abu Dhabi?"

"I'm no' so familiar meself, s'why Layth is teachin' me. We figure it'll give me somethin' to do in Amazonia tha' won' upset anyone, an' I'd like to learn jus' anyway," Tasha explains.

"You've never been into any of the clubs in Abu Dhabi, Lady Aisha?" Layth asks, sounding honestly surprised by that. "Most are not 'seedy'. Khatta like to have their ego massaged … not indulge in more physical acts. So the dancing is teasing, but that's the extent of it."

Tasha grins. "I'm a bi' of a tease, meself."

"I'm too young to go to those places," Aisha explains. "Well, Father says I'm too young. I didn't even look into such things while on Rephidim."

"You aren't that much younger than I am, and I worked in them now and then," Layth points out.

"But, you're a buck," Aisha says, as if that explains everything. "Bucks can do whatever they want in Abu Dhabi."

"I've been to worse than tha' 'Arem Club. Why, in Rephidim we 'ave a few places top an' bottom side tha'd turn even ol' Aaron white. Whiter. The men on ship li' to talk about 'em before we 'it port, an' they talk abou' others ones too. Stopped by once or twice, 'ad to see for meself, an' 'ad to fetch a few crewmembers tha' didn' come back on time," says Tasha.

"I was also a slave, Lady Aisha. I had less rights than does," Layth points out, then just shrugs. "Anyway, the places are not that unsavory. As Tasha says, there are much worse places. I'm just surprised that … you didn't explore much when you were out of Abu Dhabi."

"I was in a strange city, and my bodyguard was very protective," Aisha notes. "So where the Snowshoes and Aaron, for that matter. I was mostly busy with the property I was trying to sell though."

Tasha's head tilts. "Sounds a lil' borin'," she remarks.

"Then I do not understand why your father wanted me as your bodyguard. It sounds as if you already have a plenty adequate one," Layth comments and glances towards the door.

Aisha looks over her shoulder to see if anyone is sneaking up behind her. "What? No, I couldn't afford to keep my last bodyguard. I just assumed Father chose you to get me used to the company of men."

"Learnin' 'ow to dance li' this will 'elp, too," Tasha insists. "'Course, lookin' you do, you should'n' 'ave any problems."

The young doe has a seat on one of the crates, and says, "Well, I suppose I can watch, then decide if I want to learn."

"Quite. I don't expect Aisha will have much problem attracting the interest of males," Layth comments and tilts his head. "You should be prepared for some of the Amazonian males to, well, proposition you."

"I do know how to politely turn down advances," Aisha says, somewhat defiantly.

"Could you move for me, Aisha? Jus' … do somethin', an somethin' else. Move aroun', so I can copy you," Tasha requests as she backs up to give herself some space.

"Even if the advance is a blatant question asking to sleep with you?" Layth inquires, tilting his head. "Amazonians are direct, as Master Lightfoot put it."

The doe stares blankly at Tasha for a moment, and asks, "Do you mean… walking? And if an Amazonian approached me so, then a simple 'no' should be effective, yes?"

"Do somethin' elegant. Layth tells me I shoul' try an' move li' you do, no' act so strong," answers Tasha.

"Hopefully, yes. And if that fails you might have to kick him," Layth suggests, then looks at the door again. "Perhaps I should go check on the travel arrangements and help with luggage while you two talk?"

"May I see how you walk first?" Aisha asks the Vartan. "I must admit that I never really paid close attention before."

Tasha nods, then, after looping a scarf around Layth's neck, begins to saunter around him. The woman walks like she's part trying to be sexy, part trying to intimidate, and with a hint of Tasha's 'sky legs.' She carries the scarf along, as if he were a maypole.

"You have a very wide stance," Aisha comments. "I suppose from working on airships. And you don't need to roll your hips or swish your tail. Elegance is about efficiency of motion. Try walking as if your thighs were sewn together."

Layth takes a moment to try and untangle himself from being wrapped like a maypole. "Forgive me, but I really should check on the travel arrangements. You two have plenty to work on, afterall, and do not need me here," he says.

Tasha tries that, and has to grab Layth's shoulder to avoid tripping. She does, however, keep at it. "I feel li' I 'ave to go, or somethin'," she complains. She recovers the veil once Layth untangles himself.

"I saw Aaron in the courtyard," Aisha tells Layth, then focuses again on Tasha's attempt to walk smoothly.

Layth bows politely to Aisha. "Thank you, Lady Aisha. I am certain I will see you later today," he says. "I expect you both to be on your best behavior while I am gone." And without another word, he slips out the door.

"Of course we will be," Tasha replies to Layth, winking at him as he goes. Then, Tasha resumes her circuit. "I feel li' I'm goin' to fall over, too. I you sure I'm doin' i' right, Aisha?"

The doe frowns a bit, then says, "No, I don't think it's working out. What you want is something called poise, from which all other movement will follow. Layth and Calligenia have dancers poise, although in Calli's case it could be something else. Khattas have a lazy sort of poise; a sense of always being on the edge of curling up and taking a nap. You need to find your own poise."

Tasha stops, looking down as if she could spot her poise through quick ocular observation. "An' 'ow do I do tha'?" No longer trying to 'walk right,' she returns to her wide-legged stance, the sort of stance you'd expect from a sailor.

Aisha cants her head to one side, then straightens it again. "The key to poise is that is a state of body language that betrays nothing. Tail draped low, very little movement, and projecting a sense of… serenity, I suppose. Do you feel relaxed with that pose?"

"I … I don' know?" Tasha looks at herself again, putting a hand on her hip and shifting all her weight to that one leg. "I'm no' sure what serenity ought an' feel like."

"Just relaxed then," Aisha says, then seems to think about it some more. "If you were posing for a statue, how would you look?"

"Lemme think. There's tha' oine in Rephidim, some Astromancer or what-not, we see 'im a lot when we come in to dock. 'E stands like this." Tasha shifts her stance so that she looks more like an authority figure; head high, arm out as if holding something up. "An' I li' tha'. If i' were me, though, I'd stan' li' … " Tasha returns to her original hand-on-hip pose, but arches her back slightly, and cants her head to the side and up. It's a pose that looks both challenging and tartish, a bit like Tasha herself. "Li' this. I wan' to be attractive, bu' I don' wan' to seem weak."

"You are very bold by nature then," Aisha suggests. "And boldness is… well, it's bold. I am not sure one can be both bold and elegant, the two seem at odds."

Tasha lets her hand fall and then runs it back through her hair. "Layth tol' me the same thing, jus' abou'. "Strength an' elegance conflict," 'e said. 'Course, 'ow am I suppose to learn to dance if bold don' work?"

"Dance boldly then," Aisha suggests. "Elegance is slow, so be fast. Use swords instead of scarves, or find a way to incorporate your whip."

Tasha seems to think about that, staring at Aisha with a far away look in her eyes. After a moment, she admits, "I never 'ad a sword before. Could'n' afford one, an' never learned 'ow to use i'. I do 'ave me whip, bu' would tha' be righ' aroun', well, you kin'? Whip's loud." Tasha's ears wiggle, fighting off an itch. "Wha' do Amazonians use? Daggers? Di' Calli say spears an' such?"

Aisha blinks and wags her ears up and down once. "I… I don't know. I never thought to ask about… weapons. Now I see why Layth was trying to teach you to use scarves. If you were male, it would be easier… "

"Why's tha'?" asks Tasha as she takes a seat. "I'm tryin', 'ere, you know."

"Because the men aren't aggressive in Amazonia, the women are," Aisha says. "At least, from what I understand. Men are defenders, so a male warrior wouldn't be seen as threatening."

"Well," starts Tasha as she grabs her chest, "I don' think anyone's goin' to take me for a man." She lets go, and grins. "Bu' I'm a foreigner, righ'? I'm supposed to be dangerous an' exotic, bu' no' enough where someone tries to stick a knife in me ribs. An, I can' try an' match the women, can I? Try an' ge' their respect? Dangerous, righ'? Impossible? Oi, this is tough."

Aisha tilts her head again, and looks at Tasha's chest. "I know that you are only half Vartan, but… are regular Vartan born with soft beaks? The women are… well-endowed… but how would a beaked baby get any milk?"

Tasha seems to think on that, too. Then she shrugs. "I don' know! Me mum only 'ad me, an' she was young a' the time and wit'out the father. I guess she go' lucky, or unlucky, 'cause I didn' die o' disease or nothin'. You migh' be righ' abou' the beaks. Migh' fin' ou' some day, I migh'," answers Tasha.

"Perhaps it would best if you simply did not try to disguise your nature?" Aisha asks, a bit rhetorically. "If you act like a tough, bold fighter then people will at least know what to expect. They must be familiar with that sort of woman, after all."

Tasha nods, then says, "Well, I can do tha'. Nothin's easier than no' doin' a thing. 'Course, I still wan' to learn to dance. Maybe I'll ge' i' right one o' these days."

"Who would you dance for though?" Aisha asks.

Tasha drops down on a nearby barrel to have a seat, leaning back to stare off at the ceiling. "For me, I think. I always though' i' looked li' a free way to be. 'Course, I'd do i' for the men, too, an' for the women. Do i' to be seductive, do i' to know 'ow to do somethin' else. Coul' be real 'andy, knowin' 'ow to dance like tha'. Withou' a ship, I'm jus' a woman wit' a whip an' an' attitude. Don' make a lo' o' money tha' way."

"Oh, professional dancing then," Aisha says, nodding. "I don't think I could ever do that myself."

"Why no'?" Tasha asks. "I don' really mean to be professional abou' i' unless I 'ave to, bu' it's always good to 'ave skills to rely on. Li', I wan' to read more, so I can cap'n some day. I probably ough' to learn a weapon, 'cause I seem to travel a lo' an' it's dangerous."

"I only pretend to be tough and bold," Aisha says, with a weak smile. "I am really very shy. To dance like that… I just couldn't."

"Well, Aisha, you're very pretty. Prettier than I, an' that's sayin' a lot. Me, I thin' you coul' do i', you jus' go' to work up to i'. Li', when I started 'andlin' pteras, I though' they were as scary as can' be. Could 'ave eaten me in one bite, I though', an' a' that age they almost coul'. I started small, an' worked up. Now I'm the driver." Tasha nods. "You jus' do' i' tha' way. Dance for Calli, then for Aaron, then for Layth an I. Then for more."

"That still sounds very scary," Aisha says. "And wouldn't be a very good test of skill, since none of them would find me 'enticing', after all!" the doe jokes, then gets up and stretches. "I think we should see what the boys are up to, and failing that… find lunch."

"Lunch or boys. Normally, I'd have boys for lunch," Tasha winks at Aisha, " … bu' today I'll go wi' lunch first, then boys. I've been walkin' aroun', dancin', walkin' more, and then I didn' eat much las' night! Well, Aisha, I was nice talkin' to you. Wasn't sure wha' to make of you past the obvious, bu' you're alrigh'. You talk wi' me anytime: I'll be 'ere." With that, Tasha hops off the barrel she was sitting on and tries to 'Aisha' her way out – and trips, catching herself on the door. "I 'ave no idea 'ow anyone walks like that."

Calli and her entourage arrived at the Elysium Docks just before sunset, when some of the larger yachts and fishing boats could best make use of the shifting winds. Aaron showed the most surprise at the sight of the large boat, having previously used what amounted to a large raft. "It's huge! You bought this with your first local wool shipment?" he asked Calligenia, who just nodded in reply.

"Is it not dangerous to use such a large ship in what are illegal activities? It makes you stand out," Layth comments quietly as he looks over the vessel. With a quick glance to Aisha, he adds, "Your father would not approve of this."

Aisha is just staring in either shock or awe at the boat. "Big boats are safer, right?" she asks Layth, having completely missed his comment about her father's approval.

"Depends. They can also be slower and easier targets for pirates," Layth replies. "It draws a lot of attention."

"This is a legitimately registered fishing boat," Calligenia says to Layth. "One of many that port here and harvest the Lake of Langour. This one just happens to go out a little farther where it can contact the Dianus fishing fleet of Clan Gogran."

"Well it's no airship, bu' it's quite big," Tasha remarks as she looks upon the large vessel. "I can 'elp bu' think it's missin' a bag an' more sails."

Not surprisingly, the boat's small crew is made up of Rath'ani and a few Kavis, with not a Khatta in sight (although almost all of the other boats are Khatta owned and crewed). What little luggage there is is quickly loaded aboard, and the passengers urged to hurry along as well.

"I am just expressing my concern, Lady Circerae," Layth notes as he boards the ship. He eyes the crew with a bit of suspicion, but says nothing about them.

Calli takes time to address each crewman personally. It turns out that nearly half of them are part of the Fedor clan, including the somewhat young captain, with the odd moniker of "Captain Duke".

Although Tasha may not be familiar with water borne vessels, she does know enough about flying ones to feel comfortable on The Calligenia. The Vartan walks right on board, hooves clip-clopping, and resumes her inspection. "I wunner 'ow this ship operates, an' if it's anythin' li' the Rake," she wonders aloud.

"Just don't go using your whip on the crew like you do the pteras," Layth comments to Tasha and then winks. With any crew he passes, he offers a simple head bow of respect and a 'good day'. "How long will the voyage be?" he inquires of Calli after a bit.

Tasha grins at Layth, fingering her whip as if she were considering the idea as she walks around. "I would'n' do tha', tha's wha' yellin's for," she tells the male Lapi. After taking another look around, Tasha joins Calli and Layth as they walk along the deck.

"We will be heading out into deep water to avoid suspicion, which will take the better part of a day," Calligenia says. "Then we will transfer to an Amazonian vessel and continue to Dianus, which should only take a half-day. We can expect to arrive at the city by morning the day after tomorrow."

"Ah, short trip, then. Is there anything I can help with during the voyage? I prefer to be useful," Layth replies.

Kavis hustle up rope ladders and across spars to let down the main triangular sail, while the raccoons go about unmooring and pulling anchor.

"I'll 'elp too, it'd pro'ly make Cap'n Eyeshine's heart warm up, where ever 'e is righ' now," offers Tasha.

"Can you prepare food?" Calli asks the buck.

"I can, yes. I ran the house back in Abu Dhabi," Layth answers.

"I'm not sure airships work the same as surface boats," Aaron comments to Tasha, "but I do know that Vartan eyes work the same everywhere. When you aren't practicing your dance moves, you can ask for lookout duty."

"Very well," Calli says to Layth. "You can help in the galley. The crew isn't used to carrying passengers."

Tasha nods to Aaron. "I'll 'ead aroun' deck an' stay on watch, then. Layth's goin' to be cookin', i' sounds li'," she tells the smaller buck. "I'd 'ead up to the Korv's nest, bu' I may be jus' stand out if anyone's lookin' back."

Very carefully, Aisha has made her way to the prow of the boat, her Ha'clohi wrapped tightly around her shoulders. "I've never been on a boat before," she comments.

Layth dips his head. "As you like, Lady Circerae," he replies and heads towards the doorway to the lower decks. "I will go see what they have to work with," he adds, then calls out towards Aisha, "If you need anything from me, just come to the galley and get me."

"I'd wait and talk to the captain after we're in open water," Aaron says, nodding. "He'll probably use an experienced lookout to navigate through harbor traffic."

"Hmmm? Oh, yes, of course Layth," Aisha replies, a bit distracted.

Aaron intercepts Layth before he vanishes belowdeck, and hands him a little cloth bag. "Here, keep this handy. It's a motion-sickness remedy, in case Aisha gets queasy."

"Alrigh', I'll do tha' then. The Cap'n – my Cap'n, tha' is – is always tellin' me I need to learn to more abou' cap'n'ing, anyway," Tasha explains to Aaron.

Layth pauses and looks at it. "Is she known for getting motion sick?" he inquires of the other buck.

Aaron just shrugs. "First time on a boat, and we're going out deeper than I've ever been on the Lake, so better safe than sorry, eh?"

"Fair enough. Keep an eye on her if you can? Please do let me know immediately if I need to come up and look after her," Layth replies, then opens the deck door and slips belowdeck.

After giving Layth and Aaron a wave, Tasha heads over to the captain. "'Ello! I'm goin' to 'elp you navigate, if you need i'. I'm the driver on me own ship, an' I've a Vartan's eyes," she tells him. Then with a grin, she thrusts her hand forward and adds, "Call me Tasha."

Captain Duke shakes the woman's hand, and grins. "Welcome aboard, Tasha. We'll be sailing through the night, so sharp eyes are welcome," he says in only slightly accented Standard. "Do you have any special sleeping requirements? I've never had a winged passenger before."

"I li' to tell the Cap'n I need a featherbed, one o' them expensive-types from upper Rephidim, an' several pillows, bu' 'e makes me sleep on a hammock anyway," Tasha answers, laughing. "'I jus' need room for me wings, or I can jus' sleep on deck where ever we 'ave room. No' the first time it'll be, no' a' all."

"We've plenty of room this trip," Duke says, his eyes flicking to and fro as he keeps tabs on the crew. "Hold is empty if you need a big space away from the elements, or will you be sharing the main cabin with Miss Calligenia and her golden friend?"

"I don' know if Calli would appreciate tha'," Tasha answers in response to the question about sharing cabins. "Then again, maybe she won'. Aisha looks li' she needs someone to keep 'er steady. Any road, I can 'andle either." The Vartan woman gives the horizon a once over, then leans towards the captain and asks, "Wha' ought I be lookin' for?"

"Bad weather, whirlpools, monsters, pirates… the usual things," the captain explains. "And, if you're bored, mermaids."

"I go' ba' weather, monsters, an' pirates, bu' what's a whirlpool? Is i' li' a hurricane or tornado? An' wha's a mermaid?" inquires the Vartan.

"I suppose a whirlpool is like a tornado, just under the water – it has a funnel that sucks things down. Up above, they're called waterspouts," Duke explains. "And a mermaid is a creature that is half person and half fish. The Kavi say they've seen 'em, but nobody else has so far. Probably just a story."

Tasha nods slowly. "I guess every sailor 'as 'is stories. One of our crew said 'e saw a wyrm once, out o' Babel, roarin' through the sky li' a mage's fire. 'Eard another one where a man was wishin' for a wife, ran afoul o' a chaos storm ou' by a Forbidden Zone, an' 'ad a woman appear ou' o nowhere! Don' believe either one o' 'em," says Tasha to the Captain.

With the sail in place now, the evening zephyr begins to push the Calligenia out into the lake. A Kavi lookout in the Korv's nest barks out terse course corrections to the helmsman, who controls the rudder from behind the main cabin and can't actually see what's in front of the boat.

"Not much else to do out here but tell stories, wait for fish to bite, or snog," Duke says, nodding. "I imagine airships are more… exciting?"

"The movemen' o' the ship's a lo' differen'." Watching the horizon, Tasha keeps an eye out for obstacles as the ship moves in to the lake. "Aye, they can be. 'Course, no' as much to see sometimes. We 'ave clouds, an' stars, an' tiny little land far below us. On a good day it's brilliant, on a ba' one it's like lookin' at a room full o' smoke."

With the boat well underway now, the crew begins to descend from the rigging. One Kavi and Rath'ani pair immediately overturn two buckets to use as stools, and start filling their pipes. Another of the Kavis vanishes belowdeck.

"I guess sailin's no' all tha' differen' from flyin'," Tasha remarks as she leans herself on a rail to look overboard. "Lots o' slow movin', lots o' watchin', and lots o' 'azards tha' are 'ard to see – except for me, 'course."

"Are you some sort of bad luck then?" Duke asks Tasha.

"I'm a Vartan, we see trouble an' we are trouble," Tasha replies, tail wagging.

"Well, I trust you will inform me ahead of time about any trouble you're going to cause then, Tasha," Captain Duke says, with a twinkle in his eye.

"No' a man for surprises?" asks Tasha as she glances over her shoulder. "Alrigh', I jus' 'ope you can 'andle i'." She winks, then inquires, "Wha's the Amazonian vessel goin' to look li'?"

"Like us, a big fishing boat," Duke says. "Full of Lapis, of course."

Tasha nods to that, too, before standing straight. She stretches as she walks across the deck towards the port side, saying, "'Ow'd you ge' to be a cap'n? I'm lookin' to be a cap'n myself, someday, an' I wan' to learn."

"My uncle owns the boat," Duke says, following Tasha while watching the group of Lapis at the bow. "I was a fisherman already, so knew how it worked."

"My cap'n's like me da', so maybe 'e'll give me command when 'e retires. He wants to marry me mum, so 'e 'as to ge' on me good side anyway." Once Tasha reaches the rim of the boat, she leans forward to lean against the railing again. The steady gust blows her hair about, like liquid gold. "I've been on an' off an airship since I was wee, so maybe I'll ge' wha' you got."

"Sounds like you've got a close-knit crew then," Duke says. "The Kavis here are all one family."

"No' a' all. We've all been together a while, mine you, bu' I don' think any of us are blood. The Cap'n jus' looks ou' for me, 'cause e' likes me mum, an' 'e likes me. The res' o' the crew are jus' crew, bu' we go' loyalty." Tasha straightens and then spits in to the sea. "A' leas' mos o' the crew does. We've 'ad a few, we 'ave."

"They go' some weird life, what swims in the sea," Tasha remarks after a tentacle-like appendage wiggles out from the ocean about 500 feet out.

"Yeah, some weird stuff, but good eatin' mostly," Duke comments, then pats Tasha on the shoulder and says, "I gotta go set the course and lock the rudder now."

"Rudder? Wha's a … OH, aye, the rudder. I forget tha' this ship sails on water, like an extra-thick sky, an' tha' some airships 'ave better need o' control than ours." Tasha smiles at the captain, then nods. "I'll wait 'ere, an' keep an' eye ou'."

With the sun just a glow in the west now, the Lapis leave their spot at the bow and head back towards the cabin. "So, gotten your sea legs yet, Tasha?" Aaron asks.

"Aye, no' all tha' much different. It's jus' more even than the air, an' tha' makes i' easy. 'Course, on ship, I control 'alf the jostles," Tasha answers Aaron. "'Ow abou' you? Calli vomittin' up ye', or Aisha?"

Aaron watches the does enter the cabin, then says to Tasha, "No, but it's been smooth so far. Not sure how rough it gets out further, or what the winds will be like."

"I 'eard I ough' an' look for pirates, too, an' some other sea whatsit; whirlypools an' such." Then lower, Tasha asks Aaron, "Is i' true Layth said you did'n' 'ave … " the woman glances at the door the does enter, then lowers her voice further, " … the proper parts? Tha' 'e saw me picture?" Tasha glances down, indicating the parts in particular.

"WHAT?" Aaron yelps, then chokes his voice back down to a whisper. "Of course I have… the artist took liberties with the cut of the pants is all!"

"Oh don' ge' your shiny pants in a bother, Aaron. I know full well you 'ave it down there. I've go' Vartan eyes, I do." Tasha reaches over and ruffles up the Lapi's hair, then pinches his cheek. "An' tha' was'n' a lo' to hide your goods."

Aaron winces at the cheek pinch, and flops his ears down to hide any blushing, "And here I thought you only had eyes for your reflection during the painting, heh… "

"You were standin' in the reflection, an' I 'ad to look away sometime. You all kept interferin' wit' my … artistic appreciations," Tasha explains. After giving her explanation, Tasha tugs Aaron's ear to get him to follow her to the starboard side. "Tha' man an' 'is wife were pro'ly lookin' too."

"Those two were… " Aaron starts to say, then seems to find himself at a loss for proper adjectives. "Anyway, work out something with the captain to keep you busy?"

"I'm s'pose to be lookin' for dangers to the ship while we're sailin', a lo' like watch duty on the Rake, 'cept I don' know the sea 'alf as well as the sky. Rock's a rock, though, an' a pirate's a pirate," the Vartan answers Aaron. Once at the starboard side, Tasha leans over again and peers out across the water. "I li' 'ow the Procession sparkles off the water, don' see tha' up above."

"It's a clear night at least," Aaron says, and actually sniffs the air. "If you're going to be up here a while, want me to have supper brought up to you?"

Tasha nods, tail swishing idly as she surveys the vast lake. "Aye, tha's fine. I mi' jump up to the Korv's nest an 'ave a look from there, too, so if I'm no' aroun' jus' yell," she answers.

Aaron salutes, and says, "Aye aye!" before heading down the deck hatch. Once he's gone, a Kavi dressed in a red-and-white striped shirt and holding a much-mashed sailors cap in his hand approaches Tasha and smiles at her.

Tasha rolls her head around to give the sailor a once over once she hears his approach. "Aye? 'Ow's it, then," she greets the man.

Still smiling nervously, the Kavi says, "Aye, 'm Dinghy ma'am. And I gots to say, you've got the biggest set o' ti-" WHACK goes the scrub-brush that bounces off the man's head, as the older pipe-smoking Kavi scolds, "T'at ain't the proper way to compliment a lady, boy, git it roight!"

Tasha, who has contended with worse, just grins toothily and raises a brow. To her, the young man's ineptitude just seems to amuse her. She doesn't say anything, however, perhaps not wanting to interrupt the fun.

Wobbling a little, the Kavi rubs the side of his head and waits for both of his eyes to focus again before saying, "Sorry… wha I meant to say is that… uh… I could crawl into your shirt and just live between 'em." He then ducks down and covers his head with his little hat.

"Tha's a new one. Usually i' goes somethin' li' removin' my tunic, or somethin' abou' needin' proper ties to ol' 'em together, an' 'ow 'e can tie 'em, or if 'e's the port authority, if I'm smugglin' anythin' – or anyone, an' 'ow 'e better check," remarks Tasha, voice light with amusement.

Looking up again, Dinghy says, "But thems is tricks, ma'am, you shouldn't oughta get fooled. Me, I just wanna sleep wi' ya is all."

Tasha laughs, nodding. "Aye, I know y'do. So does 'alf the people I travel wi', an' pro'ly 'alf the crew." She then reaches over and pats the Kavi on the cheek, gently. "I'm no' much for Kavis, bu' I respect you givin' i' a go."

Before Dinghy can reply, another Kavi tackles him and puts him in a headlock. As she runs her knuckles across his scalp, she says, "No fair tryin' to score a better bunk w'out me, bro! Oh, and… SOUP'S ON!"

The layout belowdecks is somewhat similar to that of an airship, save for size – the boat is much roomier than any airship Layth has flown on. The galley itself is large enough to seat the entire crew at once, and the table can even be pushed aside to make even more room. There is more than a few days supply of fresh vegetables, some oranges and a small variety of smoked and cured meats, along with several large cooking vessels and a charcoal stove.

Layth goes through the supplies carefully, tallying up what is at hand to eat and cook with. He also looks for knives and other tools for preparation. During his investigations, however, he's keeping ears and an eye alert for the ship's usual cook, if there is one. "Hmm, perhaps an orange citrus salad for the vegetarians, and a light stew using the meat for the others," he muses.

The utensils, tools and dishes are kept in secured cabinets to avoid being spilled about in rough seas, but the latches are simple enough to figure out. There's a slate fastened to the wall, complete with a chunk of chalk-on-a-string and a duty list. Apparently people take turns working in the galley, including the captain.

"Well, looks like it is just me today, then," Layth muses and starts organizing the utensils and pulls out a few pots. Tapping his fingers on a counter, he thinks back to the deck and tries to get a rough guess of how many crew, and how many are likely vegetarian, or not.

Layth's head nods, and he starts to work on the dishes he has in mind for now. The vegetarian dish he has in mind is an orange juice and slice salad, which he starts work on; cutting the various greens into bite-sized chunks. Thinking of Aisha and Calli, he decides to make a bit more salad than stew, since they'd likely not eat it. Since he lived with a Khatta, eating meat isn't totally alien to him.

Soon after, a voice behind Layth demands, "Oy there, bigjob! Whatcher doin' wit our grub!"

"Preparing a meal for the crew," Layth replies without even turning around. "Lady Circerae requested that I do so." After setting aside some of the vegetables, he turns around to see who spoke.

At first glance, it appears to be an oddly skinny raccoon kid, but a closer look reveals a Kavi that happens to have Rath'ani markings and colors, right down to the striped tail. "Oh, rilly? Well that messes wit the mess shedooool now don't it? It was my turn t'night!" the Kavi complains.

"Then you can help out and that covers your night, does it not?" Layth inquires, tilting his head as he observes the kid. "And a thousand pardons, I have forgotten my manners. I am Layth, who might you be?"

"I be Ratt Annie!" the Kavi says, indicating that it likely is female under the vest and shorts it wears. "But mos' call me Rat. What you be late for, anyway, to get that name?"

"The name means 'Lion' in the Khattan tongue," Layth explains and picks up one of the knives. "It suited my coloration." The Lapi then twirls the knife deftly between his fingers and holds it out to Rat, hilt towards her. "Would you cube up some of the meat, please? And oh, put a pot of water on the stove and bring it to a low boil, please."

Rat takes the knife in her dual-thumbed hand, and thunks it down into the indicated slab of meat for safe keeping while she gets the stove started up, using a sulfur match. "Still sounds funny, but maybe it's cause you're so big," she comments.

"Oh, there are those larger than me," Layth notes and returns to the salad, finishing cutting up the oranges and setting them to the side for now. He doesn't want to soak the greens too early, afterall. As he rummages around for some flour, he asks, "Have you been on ships long?"

"Ooo'er, my family hardly ever sets foot on dry land!" Rat says, setting the pot of water on the stove and starting to chop up the meat. "I were born on a boat. Made on one too!"

Layth finds the flour and gets about a cup out for use in thickening the water later. "I was born in the mountains," Layth comments idly while watching the Kavi cut meat. "After my mother raided a settlement and took a man for, as they call it, stud services for the tribe'."

"Ah, sounds about right," Rat says, bobbing her head. "That's how Maw got Paw, only it was outside a bar instead of some village inna mountains. She used a cudgel."

"My mother was probably a good six inches taller than me. She used a spear from what I was told. You never argued with her," Layth comments and goes to check on the water. He considers something, then squeezes a little orange juice into the water and adds a bit of salt and pepper. "Haven't seen her in probably fifteen years. Not sure she's even still alive."

"Fifteen years!" Rat exclaims. "Gibblies, but my Maw ain't even that old. Are you a granddad or something?"

"I think I'm close to twenty or so. I'm hardly old," Layth notes with a shrug. "No family."

"Sound's old to me!" Rat says. "Maw says I'll be eight this winter, and gotta go find a husband and start having kids, since I can't marry me brother Dinghy."

"Eight? That seems rather young to be having children," Layth says and collects some of the cut up meat and places it into the stew pot. He stirs it slowly, then can't resist asking, "Would you want to marry your brother?"

"He's okay, and I know I can beat him inna fight," Rat says, then looks defiantly up at Layth, claiming, "And I'm all growed up! I can prove it, too!"

Layth's brow goes up. "Ah, how can you prove you're grown up?" he asks, even though he knows he probably shouldn't ask.

"Jus' ask the cap'n," Rat says, crossing her arms against her chest. "Or Towline, or Peavy. Or if you want I can show you after dinner, ain't never been with a Lapi before… "

Layth blinks repeatedly. "Ah, no, I think I know what you mean now. There is no need to show me that," the Lapi says quickly. He rubs his temples briefly, then asks, "Are you done cutting the meat?"

"O'course I am," Rat says, nodding to the pile of neatly cubed meat. "I ain't slow."

"Right, good," Layth says. The Lapi then reaches over with one arm, hooks it around the Kavi, and lifts her up and to the side. After quickly letting go, he collects the remaining meat and dumps it into the pot and stirs.

"Hey, what wuz that for!" Rat demands, quickly followed by; "Bet you can't toss me up to the rafters!"

"I moved you, is all. And yes, I could," Layth notes absently. He adds in some flour and stirs again. "I apologize if this isn't that good. I've never been that good with meat. I don't have much of a taste for it, myself."

Rat sticks her nose into the stew-pot for a big sniff, then says, "We like new styles o' cooking. Otherwise it gets dull. Life's too short for dullness!"

Layth ruffles the top of Rat's head and puts in some more flour to thicken it further. He then samples the broth and hmms, "Needs more salt." In goes more salt. "So, what are the Amazonians we're supposed to meet like?" he asks her.

"Dunno, never seen 'em," Rat admits, and sneaks a finger of stew while Layth's back is turned. "Work in the hold to secure the cargo when it comes down."

"Probably just as good. I do not remember Amazonians being pleasant," Layth notes with a shrug. "When will the crew be down to eat?"

"When I yells to them that supper's on," Rat explains, then begins setting out bowls at the mess table. "I guess you and the others will be going 'cross to the bunny boat then? Sure you don't want to do a bit o' snogging 'afore then, in case you're goin' to your doooooom?"

"Yes, we're going over to the Amazonian boat. Lady Aisha wants to see Amazonia. I tried to talk her out of it, but failed," Layth admits and moves the pot slightly to the side to reduce the direct heat. He tilts his head towards the Kavi, then says, "A thousand apologies, but with you being eight … it would seem wrong. I'm sure you're excellent, but … I don't know."

"How about the other buck wit' you then?" Rat asks Layth, rather than challenge his tastes.

"Master Lightfoot? He has a girlfriend up in the sky somewhere. I'm not certain he would be interested. I'm sure you could ask him, though," Layth says and using a thick cloth to move the pot off the oven to cool a bit before dinner is served. Then he begins to set out more plates and cutlery on the table. "I can't promise anything beyond a massage, but I can at least offer you that tonight, if you like? I was taught in one of the Harem clubs of Abu Dhabi on how to relax others."

"Whassa massage?" Rat asks, as she looks over the place settings with a critical eye.

Layth finishes with the few dishes he was placing and walks over, then behind, the Kavi. Deftly and gently, he moves his hands to her neck and shoulders, then starts to knead the muscles there gently. "Like this, but usually over your entire body. It loosens tight muscles and can be very relaxing," he notes.

"Ooooo," Rat croons, then asks, "Can I get one for my Paw too? He's been having awful leg cramps at night, and if he kicks Maw again she said she'd toss him overboard."

"Of course," Layth remarks, "It's good practice." The Lapi then slips off and gets the forks, knives, and spoons, laying them out equally spaced becide each plate. "We're almost ready," he tells the kavi.

"I'll go tell everyone then," Rat says, and scampers up the ladder-stair at the end of the galley, and right over the descending Aaron, who immediately hops to the floor and starts checking his pockets.

Down in the galley, Layth is finally setting the food on the table. He shakes his head slightly, amused at the antics of the Kavi. "She's cute," he comments to no one in particular.

"It sure felt like she went through my pockets," Aaron says. "Or else she's just… really friendly. Came to see if the food was ready for the carnivores yet."

"Both are ready. I have a meat stew for those wishing meat, and a salad for those who do not," Layth notes and glances over his shoulder at Aaron. "A bit of warning, she seems a bit interested in sleeping with a Lapi. She's probably going to ask you."

"I didn't know Kavi actually slept," Aaron mutters, then picks up one of the bowls. "Tasha wants her food up top, while she's on lookout.

"Ah, too good to dine with us common folk, perhaps?" Layth teases as he fills the bowl Aaron holds with a ladle from the pot of stew. "Better hurry, Master Lightfoot, or Tasha may not let you pinch her again." He grins slightly.

Aaron hmphs, "I haven't really pinched her yet," he says, then heads for the stairs with the bowl in hand. "I'll send the girls down too."

"I'll put them on the far side, away from the meat," Layth calls out after Aaron and then proceeds to fill up the far plates with the prepared salad. "May the gods forgive me, but I think this ship is crewed by loonies," he says to himself.

Towards midnight, Tasha decided she wasn't obligated to remain awake throughout the night and managed to catch some shuteye. The woman chose to sleep on deck, finding an unused pile of rope towards the aft that she could use like a chair, and tucking her arms under her head. Being a sailor herself, she's quite used to sleeping through the noise of a busy ship.

The night passes relatively calmly. Nobody suffered from sea-sickness, Paw didn't kick Maw after getting a bit of massage therapy, and Rat got to sleep with a Lapi – even if it just meant falling asleep during her massage. Tasha had company through the night as well, as one crewperson or another was always on duty, even the sole female Rath'ani, Min, who told her that Dinghy wasn't all that bad except for a few hygiene issues. After breakfast, the day spread out ahead.

Despite the ship's true purpose, it still was a functional fishing boat. Draglines were baited and attached to the booms to see what might be caught, and like all fishing-related activities things settled into a comfortable state of stultifying boredom. Parthos was already below the horizon and with it all traces of land.

Layth was up early as usual and volunteered to help the Kavis set and draw the fishing lines. He's currently on deck and just chatting lightly with the random Kavis and Rath'ani that go by. Still, now and then he glances back towards the deck door, the Lapi showing his usual concern for the safety and condition of his charge, Aisha.

As it happens, the cabin door opens just as Layth is looking, and Aisha steps out. She's wearing her Amazonian clothing, although it's been cut a bit to be more flattering to her figure. Across one arm she carries a bundle of fabric, and holds a sewing kit in the other.

"What's the fabric for, Lady Aisha?" Layth calls out to the doe. He excuses himself from the small group he was working with and heads over towards her.

Sitting against the base of the main mast, Aaron looks like he's on the verge of dozing off, while nearby Calligenia listens to Captain Duke as he explains the intricacies of the cargo winch. Every so often, Dinghy breaks off from whatever he's doing to go check on Tasha.

Finding an out-of-the-wind spot to sit down, Aisha smiles to Layth and says, "It is Tasha's dancing costume. I've been sewing in the sequins. It should be close to what is worn in the Harem Club, according to Aaron."

"Ah, right. Did you two do any dancing after I left the other day?" Layth asks the doe and sits down nearby. He's also dressed in his Amazonian garb as they were supposed to meet up with the ship today. "Is she any better at not being so … intimidating?"

Tasha's still sleeping, head back, arms folded, and legs crossed. If she hadn't been in that pose for several hours already, she might be mistaken for simply resting.

"Oh, that," Aisha says. "I suggested she simply be herself and not try to fool anyone to the contrary. I'm sure they are used to warrior women where we are going, so in that respect Tasha will seem familiar and that will make her less threatening."

"Except that she is a 'monster' to them, not a Lapi. Which will not make her very comfortable to them, Lady Aisha," Layth says and shakes his head with a small sigh. "I just hope they do not kill her."

"If they see something in common, she will be less of a monster, no?" Aisha says, deftly threading a bone needle with some Zolk thread. "She can always just fly away if it looks bad."

"Until they get out the spears and crossbows," Layth says. "Common is being the same species. Amazonia is xenophobic, Lady Aisha." He then gives up the argument, figuring the damage is done.

After checking the lashings on the rudder, Dinghy sidles over to the sleeping Tasha. Whiskers twitching, he leans over her to see if she's still deep asleep or not.

If Tasha's awake, she doesn't show it. The woman keeps right on looking as she has for several hours.

Glancing about to see if anyone is looking, Dinghy tries to lean out further, lips puckered as he tries to steal a kiss… only to be undone by a sudden swell, causing him to lose his balance and fall face-first into the half-Vartan's cleavage.

Tasha's eyes snap open, and she looks down at the fallen Kavi with less than an amused expression. Her ears draw back, and she frowns, mouth twisting. With a hand, she reaches over and grabs the man by the back of the shirt, then lifts him up. "Oi, tha's goin' to cost you," she informs him in the same tone a doctor might reveal a fatal illness. Then, she tries to kick him between the legs.

"So, is there anything I can do for you this morning, Lady Aisha?" Layth inquires of the doe. "If not, I'll resume helping the crew with their nets and lines."

Dinghy's tail comes up between his legs and he hugs it to his chest. "It was an accident! Honest! I… just saw something shiny!"

The Vartan pushes herself up, then shakes a finger at the Kavi. "I can accept tha', bu jus' you watch yourself. When I say no, I mean i' – an' I don' li' bein' woken up abou' i' 'specially." To show there's no real hard feelings, she pats his head as she walks past him and towards Layth and Aisha.

Taking the silence from Aisha as a statement she doesn't need anything, Layth stands. He waves to Tasha and says, "Good morning, sleepy-head Tasha. No rest for the weary. You can help pull in nets with me."

"Alrigh', never 'ad much wit' nets before," says Tasha before she grabs hold of the net. "'Ow's the weather?"

"Clear so far," Layth notes and leads Tasha over to where some lines are going out over a boom and then down into the water, presumably with a net on the end. "It's been rather quiet, aside from chatting with the Kavi and the occasional wave rocking the boat. I'm surprised the waves didn't wake you." He grabs onto the rope and motions towards the line. "On three, we pull, okay?"

"The waves are'n' all tha' differen' from the Rake, wha' with the currents and eddies we fine in the air," Tasha explains. "An' o'course the pteras can be a 'andful." The woman nods after she gets a firm grip. "Righ', in three."

"One, two … three," Layth counts out then pulls firmly on the line. The rope creaks and the Lapi's muscles strain as he pulls the net ever so slowly back up to see if it caught anything.

Not quite as strong as Layth, Tasha still tries her best to pull the line in. "Oi! Glad we don' 'ave to fish in the sky," she remarks, grunting.

"Heh, quite," Layth agrees. The two draw up the net slowly, the drag of the water coming and going in strength as swells come and go. After a short bit, the two have reeled up a dripping net full of a variety of fish. The Lapi plants his feet firmly, leaning back at almost a forty-five degree angle and calls back, "Tie off your end on that 'T' shaped thing on the deck. I'll hold it as best I can … but hurry!"

"I'm 'urryin'," Tasha insists as she rushes over. Once at the 'T-shaped thing,' she quickly ties the line off with a very sturdy looking sailor's knot. "That's it, it is. You can relax now, I can tie a good knot."

Layth releases the line and whews. The knot holds just fine, too. "You tie a good knot, do you? Forgive me, but I didn't know you could perform a marriage," the Lapi jokes and leans against the railing. The nearby Kavi, upon seeing the net up, head over and start working the boom back around and over the ships drop-hold for fish.

Tasha moves out of the way so the Kavi can work, apparently not interested in that much involvement with nets. "Marriage?" She laughs. "I don' know abou' any marriage makin'. I once 'ad a guy claim 'e'd leave 'is wife for me, bu' 'e was full o' it." She takes up position near the mast, leaning back against it. "I guess if I ever lose the Rake an' need to make some shekels bottom-side, I can always try for sea-sailin'."

"People say a lot of things to try and get closer to someone for an evening," Layth comments and watches the Kavi work. "I saw that often enough on the roads as well in Abu Dhabi." His head tilts and he asks, "So, you worry about losing the Rake?"

"No' really, bu' you never know wha' the future 'olds. I never expected I'd be ou' 'ere, abou' to meet Amazonians." Tasha casts a glance port, then starboard. "I'm 'opin' the cap'n will 'and me command when 'e retires. 'E wants to marry me mum, an' she'd li' that."

"Tsk. Command? That means you'll have to be responsible," Layth teases, grinning. "Forgive me. In all seriousness, I hope that works out for you. It's good to have a future to look forward to."

"Ugh, there is no smell quite like fresh fish," Aaron complains as he leaves his spot by the mast. "You're awake, I see," he says to Tasha. "You'd have been better off just sleeping longer. Nothing is going on, other than Aisha making your dancing costume more flashy."

"I can be responsible!" Tasha leans over to try and pinch Layth's rear, but at the range she's at he can easily evade it. In fact, she misses entirely when Aaron walks up and interrupts her concentration. "I was tryin' to sleep, bu' I go' a lap full o' Kavi, an' … wait, wha's tha'? Flashy is it?" Her ears perk.

"Yeah, we grabbed some shiny colored chitin button-like things they use for trim," Aaron notes.

Layth actually doesn't move and would allow himself to be pinched. But, she misses and he just grins and comments, "You also seem to be good at trying to torment Lapis. Speaking of tormenting Lapis, hello to you, Master Lightfoot. And forgive me, but I disagree. She should be awake. Life is meant to be lived, not slept through."

"Shiny colored … I 'ave to 'ave a look at this," Tasha mumbles, sounding distracted. After looking around a moment and spotting Aisha, Tasha wanders off and over to her.

"Life is better lived when you're well rested for the exciting bits though," Aaron counters.

"She was well rested already. It's well past sunrise," Layth counters the counter then waves his hand. "Looking forward to being back in Amazonia, Master Lightfoot? Excited to see Lady Circerae's mother again?"

Aaron stiffens up for a moment. "Tyche? Uh, not particularly, no. She's a very scary woman," the buck says.

"But, she sounds like she likes you," Layth notes and continues to lean against the rail. "I feel fortunate, though, in that I doubt she'll pay a bit of attention to me."

Aisha holds up the large bikini-top for Tasha's perusal. It's about three-quarters covered with shiny dots that reflect the light from faceted faces. "What do you think?" she asks the Vartan.

Tasha stops to examine the top, then reaches in to see if it has enough give to support her 'bulk.' When the garment glitters in the sun, she stares at it, and her hand suddenly stops moving. "Do I think?" she mumbles, " … 'course I think. Oi, it's shiny!"

"Now that Calligenia is making business contacts, I doubt Tyche's interest in me will be so high as it was," Aaron says, sounding hopeful. "And there aren't many Valkyrians in Dianus. I only know of one other."

"Who's the other one?" Layth inquires out of moderate curiosity.

"Lucia Snowshoe," Aaron says, sitting down next to Layth. "An exile from her own tribe up in the mountains. She was working on joining Clan Kerebos last time I visited."

"My father was Valkyrian as you know, but … I don't exactly see myself as one. Still, I would be curious to talk to her and learn a bit of what happened in the mountains before she was exiled. I'm curious to a small extent to know if my mother's tribe is still causing problems out that way," Layth says and taps his fingertips on the railing.

"The mountain tribes are pretty spread out, but I can arrange a meeting if she's still around," Aaron promises.

Aisha holds her hand out patiently for Tasha to give the garment back, so she can finish working on it. Eventually, she tries clearing her throat to get the Vartan's attention.

"Don't go to any trouble on my account, though, Master Lightfoot," Layth says with a smile. "Who will be meeting us on the ship? Clan Hydron?"

"WHA- … Oi, you don' 'ave to look all cross, Aisha. I only 'ad i' a moment," Tasha explains. Despite her insistence otherwise, the Vartan had the bikini top at least a minute, if not longer. Grudgingly, she returns the top to Aisha. "Do you think I'll look righ' in it? Think they'll li' i', or a' leas' no' kill me in i'?"

"Gogran, according to Calli," Aaron says. "One of the weaker Clans, but more 'urban' like the Hydrons. They mainly deal with fish and sea-monsters."

"And they're okay with transporting a Hydron clan member? I presume those clans must be allies then?" Layth inquires next.

"Well… uh, I have no idea," Aisha admits. "But, I've never heard of a girl at the Harem Club being attacked, so there is precedent for the outfit being effective."

"Oh yeah," Aaron says, leaning back. "Alliances with the larger Clans shift every so often, but Gogran is very dependent on Hydron, and the other Clans need Gogran's fish."

"You've got a good poin' there, Aisha," the Vartan agrees. "'Course, who knows? Come to think o' it, wha' are you goin' to do, there, Aisha?"

Layth nods at that. "So, what will you do in Amazonia while you're there? Collect rare plants for your apothecary?" he inquires. "I'll just be looking after Aisha and Tasha, I imagine."

"I suppose I'll be looking after you then," Aaron says. "I might visit my Clan, too. It all depends on how long it will take Calli to get another shipment put together." Across the boat, Aisha says, "I'll sight-see I suppose."

"Your Clan? I would be curious to meet them, in all honesty. Not many Clans can claim the fame of the great 'shiny-pants' being a member," Layth notes and winks at Aaron.

Tasha nods. "I guess I'll be sight-seein' too, so maybe we can go together, aye? I don' think I can walk aroun' alone, no more than Layth could in Parthos. No' tha' that'd stop me, mind, bu' I figure I bes' be safe," she says.

Aaron scowls, but then brightens up. "They won't get the joke there, at least," he says.

"Until someone describes the picture and meaning… " Layth says to no one in particular.

"I should be done with this in about a half-hour," Aisha tells Tasha. "Then you can try it on."

"Do I ge' to wear any o' your jewelry? You know, I li' your earings. I really ough' an' ge' meself some," the Vartan woman tells Aisha.

Aisha reaches up to brush one of her ears, which are bare of jewelry today. "I already miss them, but decorations like that aren't really acceptable in Dianus, Calli says. I suppose you could get Vartan earrings. I mean, you'd look a bit silly with Lapi ones. At least, in Abu Dhabi you would."

"Aye, I s'pose I would a' tha'. 'Course, we sailors pick up a lot of this an' tha', shows we've been aroun'. Seen the worl' an' 'ave a story written in flesh," says Tasha.

"Do you expect Lady Circerae to encounter any problems with getting a new shipment?" Layth inquires and looks at Aaron, then over at Aisha. "I'm really hoping we won't be there long enough for Lady Aisha to get into trouble."

"Well, give me a few minutes, and you can try on something shiny made just for you," Aisha promises. "We can see how the Lapi aboard the fishing boat we meet react to it. Oh… there's also a smiling Kavi standing behind you holding a really big fish… "

"I've no idea, to be honest," Aaron says. "It all depends on if Tyche is upset about the loss of the last one or not. I'm half hoping she'll keep Calli at home and give up on doing business with the outside world."

"If I 'ave to turn aroun' … " Tasha warns ominously over her back. To Aisha, she explains. "I tell 'im no once, an' 'e won' give up. Don' wan' to 'urt 'im, really, I jus' don' li' repeatin' myself. I credit 'is persistence and courage an' all, fine traits in a man, bu' no' in a man I don' wan'. Why don' you show me wha' you got in your cabin now, aye?"

"Ah, but then she would lose her business contacts … which means her eyes may return to you," Layth says and focuses his gaze on Aaron. "I'll be sure to look for a good wedding gift… "

Aisha nods, and gets up to lead Tasha towards the cabin, while Aaron just looks at Layth and says, "You really know how to ruin a good fantasy, you know that?"

Tasha follows Aisha on into the cabin, closing the door behind her, saying, "Sometimes you jus' go' to be mean," to the doe.

"I was raised by Khatta. Felines are contrary by nature," Layth points out with a grin. "My point being, it is in our best interest if Lady Tyche doesn't stop Lady Calli from continuing. Otherwise, we'll all be stuck there."

"I like getting gifts though," Aisha admits to the Vartan, giving a wink. "Most men think 'no' means 'not yet, you have to try harder' is all."

Aaron sighs, and says, "Good point, so I'll back up Calli in this. I just can't help but worry about expanded contact."

"It has good points and bad points. Consider how Parthos views Amazonians. If that view is allowed to spread … eventually a powerful nation may decide to come in and try to civilize Amazonia. That does no good for anyone. At least with some controlled contact … some of the misconceptions can be eliminated, no? Or at least covered up with diplomacy," Layth remarks idly as he looks out over the water.

"What misconceptions?" Aaron asks. "I'm more concerned about some ambitious clan like Cyclon deciding they don't want to play nice anymore, and figuring Parthos would be an easy target. And frankly, it is an easy target."

"That all of Amazonia is barbaric? Consider also that with outside contact they may learn not being nice could have severe repercussions," Layth replies. "But then, no one can really predict the future. Hiding in isolation postpones the inevitable. At least in the position you're in now, you can help shape the direction, no?"

"Hmm, that's even scarier," Aaron notes. "But I've always been paranoid, so I'm told. And I just don't think the world at large is ready to learn the truth about Amazonia yet."

Layth gives a sidelong glance to Aaron. "Master Lightfoot, trading of wool through a smuggling ship is hardly going to give the world at large the truth about Amazonia," he points out. "You worry too much. Life will march forward, regardless. To use an old Khatta phrase … 'The wind can wear even the strongest mountain to sand.' What I mean by that is standing against the flow of nature and time is ultimately futile. You should ride the flow of the wind, not fight it. Life is much more enjoyable that way," he remarks with a light shrug and a smile.

"I don' really li' fish, an' the last 'undred Kavis to flirt wi' me wanted wha' was on me belt, no' up me skirt," Tasha tells Aisha once inside. "An' aye, men never give up – bless 'em." And, so, Tasha laughs.