Sleeping Chamber in Villa Circerae
Tyche's daughters share a large single bedroom within the villa, with one wall made up of archways that open onto the central garden of the U-shaped building. Heavy curtains can be pulled to close off the opening, which are patterned to match the various tapestries depicting Amazonian life that cover the marble walls. There are benches, wardrobes, desks and various other bits of furniture pushed against the walls as well, and thick fur rugs mostly cover the tiled floor. The bed takes up the center of the chamber, a support pillar at each corner rising to the ceiling. The massive mattress is covered in a blanket of woven Lapi fur, as are the various cushions and blankets that pile atop it.

After dinner, Aisha went to bathe. Layth took the time to return to the sleeping chamber where the does have been staying to take care of a few things. Currently, he's folding and neatly putting away some of Aisha's clothing she brought along. Periodically, the buck can't help but examine some of the articles, then chuckle to himself softly.

Since Tasha sleeps here too, it was easy to find an excuse to follow Layth. She walked behind him the whole time, nibbling on a strawberry, and watching him with a frown. When he stops inside the sleeping chamber to fold things, she stops and sits on a bench. "'Ow was dinner, Layth?" she asks quietly.

"Not quite what I expected," the buck admits. "I do not see why Aaron fears her."

"Neither do I, to be 'onest," Tasha admits. She pops the rest of the strawberry in her mouth and swallows it down, pursing her lips. "Do you like 'er?"

"She seems quite pleasant. Charming in her own way and attractive for her age. I suspect she can also be quite shrewd and cunning as well," Layth comments as he folds some of Aisha's more frilly and delicate undergarments. The doe would probably turn bright red if she knew he was doing such.

Tasha nods slowly. "She's like an older Calli, all focused an' noble. I wasn' sure she'd like me, but I think I came out all right." Scooting down the bench, Tasha edges closer to Layth. "I noticed she asked for … Priapus … services."

"I think she liked you quite a bit," Layth notes. When the second comment is made, the buck stops what he's doing and looks over at Tasha curiously. "Yes, she did," the buck says, "does that bother you? It would have not been polite to refuse her, given she is the Queen."

"You do?" Tasha seems surprised that Layth thinks Tyche likes her, for her ears perk and her eyes widen. She doesn't have time to inquire further, as Layth's other response becomes more important. "Bother me?" Tasha bites her lip, glancing out across the yard and staring off in to space. "You don' 'ave to explain, I know 'ow it is – I do it to men all the time. Wha' if she wants to keep you? Wha' if she treats you like Aaron?"

"I'm not quite sure how she treats Master Lightfoot," Layth notes and sits down on a pillow, leaving the laundry alone for the moment. "As for keeping me … I don't know. That bridge will be crossed if we come to it. If not, there is nothing to be gained by thinking on it. I must admit being servant to a queen is hardly a bad lot in life, though. Also, consider that there are advantages for me being close to her, you realize. I may learn more about her intentions or wants for us or her daughters. In some ways, an inside ear, if you will." The buck rubs the bridge of his muzzle, then levels his eyes on Tasha and asks flatly, "Do you like me, Tasha? You speak as if you're afraid I'm going away."

Tasha's muzzle parts when Layth asks if she likes him, but she hesitates before shooting him a glare. For a moment, she looks furious, hackles raised and teeth barred, that Layth might think she's about to attack him!

The woman's fury fades very quickly, though. She lets out a tired sigh, and studies the ground. "Aye," she admits, nodding slowly. "An' no' jus' the way I liked that Khatta – you know, whatever 'is name was – or the Rhian before 'im. Sometimes when you 'elp Aisha out, I wan' to strangle her! She's such a spoiled brat, makes my 'air stand on end, it does. An' now I 'ave the Queen to worry about, too? Makes me even madder I like 'er to boot." She drops her head in to her hands and rubs her temples, looking worn from too many drugs and too much frustration.

Layth actually just sits there in his maddeningly calm way when Tasha glares at him. He then merely listens quietly as she speaks. After a short rub of the bridge of his muzzle, he says, "You do not have to be so worried, Tasha. The Queen has her choice of anyone; and there are much more attractive than I. True I am a pureblood, which has some value in it, but I suspect her interest are more likely in things I know that those who lived here all their lives do not. Such as music, massage, some forms of grooming, things like that." The buck then chuckles and notes, "As for Aisha, I believe she can barely stand me, so I do not see what you have to fear there."

"Well that's … " Tasha gropes at the words, sounding as if she's having a hard time addressing good news that doesn't allow her to draw on her fury, " … good." She rubs her face a bit more, then looks up. "Do you even like me? Were you jus' bein' nice to me?"

"I can answer that with some questions; Did Aisha order me to bed you? Did you offer something in trade? Was it an arrangement? The answer to all is no. So, if there was no business … and if I didn't like you, I wouldn't have done it," Layth says with a smile. "So, yes, I like you. My situation is … well, complicated. I am not as free as you are. I don't always have a choice. But when I do, rest assured I don't engage in such activities with people I don't like."

"What if I bought you? Would you be free then? Or, no, wai', you're free now righ'? It's an … obligation," the woman considers aloud. She taps her chin with a nail, thinking. "You won' serve Aisha forever, righ'? Or Calli, or Tyche, or anyone? Wan' to come with me?"

"Well, no, I don't expect I'll be serving Aisha forever," Layth agrees with a nod. "I can't say anything about Tyche or Calli because I'm not owned or serving them now. But, I can't imagine they would want me around forever either. As for going with you, where are you going? I suspect you may be here a long time while you train. I'm honestly just trying to make sure we stay on the good side of our host while we're here. Really. That's all it is."

Tasha bites her lip again, and then nods. "Alrigh'," she relents. After standing, she walks over to where Layth is sitting and kneels down beside him. "You wan' any 'elp with this?" she asks, lifting her brow. "If you're goin' to try an' 'elp us all, I guess I better 'elp you, too."

"Help with folding laundry?" Layth inquires with a slight grin. "It is hardly a challenging activity. Though, I admit I did not expect Aisha to have so many frilly things."

"So, do you know how to fold laundry?" the buck asks.

"Well," Tasha starts, picking up a panty and eyeing it curiously. "No' anythin' this nice. I jus' 'ave me tunics, an' me underwear, an' the outfits I got along the way 'ere. Aisha's go' all kinds of clothes I could never afford." Then, grinning, she holds Aisha's underwear up to herself. "Wha' do you think? Is it me?"

Layth looks at it, then at Tasha. "Forgive me, but no, it's not. You don't give off a delicate feeling," the buck apologizes. "Not to mention, it's too small for you. Anyway, folding underwear is simple. The thing you need to remember is watch those claws. They may catch the lace and damage it. And I haven't owned anything like it either. My clothes are simple."

Tasha holds Aisha's underwear to Layth, then, and grins more. "No' you either," she agrees. Then she tries to fold it like Layth folded the other ones, and mostly gets it right. It does turn out a bit lopsided in the fold, however. "Does i' bother you I'm no' delicate? I grew up on a ship, I don' think even me mum knows what delicate is – no' Aisha's delicate, or even Calli's."

"Don't see me in fine silks and jewelry, do you?" Layth says with a smile. He then shakes his head no in answer to the question. "My mother rode a Vykarin and raided towns, killing people. I've lived in a caravan, full of dust and on many a hard road. Is it worse than being delicate? Or is it just different? The world is full of diversity and that is what makes it worth exploring," he says.

"You're so upbeat, I love tha' abou' you," Tasha insists, reaching over to pat Layth on the side of his muzzle. She holds her hand there, looking him in the eyes a long moment, then quickly leans back. "None of tha', now," she murmurs to herself. Louder, she tells the buck, "Well if i' doesn' bother you, it doesn' bother me. I've been thinkin' you 'ave the right of some of i', too. Like, bein' nice, an' 'elpin' out. See, I think the answer to the Temple's question is: we serve the people."

The buck tries to brush off the pat on his muzzle. "Ah, well, life is only ten percent of what happens to you and ninety percent of how you react to it. If you want to enjoy life, you have to find joy in what happens to you. Or so says the slave," he says with a grin. And when she says her answer, Layth nods, "That would have been my answer. But remember, it needs to be your answer and you have to believe it. You cannot just answer what you think they want to hear."

"Are you talking about a restaurant?" Aisha asks as she enters the room, her ears wrapped in a towel (along with the rest of her). "It sounds like a catchy slogan: We serve the people!"

"I answer because it's wha' I learned watchin' you, watchin' everyone really. It makes sense, an' I believe it," Tasha confirms as she glances back at Aisha. Frowning when she sees the golden doe, Tasha eyes the other a woman a moment before scooting back from Layth a bit. "We're jus' talkin' religion."

Whiskers twitching, Aisha asks, "You aren't going to worship my underpants are you?"

"Which clothing and undergarments will you want, Lady Aisha. I won't put those away," Layth tells the towel-clad doe.

Tasha laughs, despite her feeling about Aisha. "Oi, no. I was jus' 'elpin' Layth fold," she explains.

"I'll get them out later, Layth," Aisha says, still determined to dress herself at least once without the buck's involvement. "Just… put them all away."

"As you like," Layth says and dips his head. He resumes folding and stacking the doe's clothing into a neat pile. "Were the baths to your liking?"

"Here, let me 'ave a few – I'll fold those," the Vartan insists, holding a hand out.

Aisha kneels down facing the pair, and clutches her towel tighter. "It… I'm still not used to being washed by strangers, and having to wash them back," the doe explains.

Layth lifts up a small pile and sets it on Tasha's hand. "Remember, be mindful of your claws and the lace," the buck says. He tilts his head, then notes, "I'm not used to being bathed by anyone. I am sure you will get used to it in time."

"Used to it, maybe," Aisha says. "Or I could bathe when nobody else is around."

"What about it bothers you?" Layth asks the doe.

Tasha stretches her fingers out and then, very carefully and slowly, begins to fold Aisha's underwear. "I would 'ave thought you Lapi would be used to it. I saw your big family, an' you're closer to them than I am," Tasha remarks.

"That sort of contact should be between a mother and an infant, or between lovers," Aisha says, pursing her lower lip a bit. "All of this… mutual grooming just because it feels good seems wrong to me, somehow."

Layth shrugs. "They do not mean it in a loving way; it's just a cultural behavior here. Speaking of things, does it bother you I will be attending to Lady Tyche at times?" the buck asks.

"No one much asks me to groom 'em 'ere, bu' I understan' where you're comin' from Aisha. I never did this sort of thing short 'o 'avin' a good time later for it." Tasha shrugs as she lays aside another folded pair. "I'm no' very good at bein' a Lapi."

Aisha gives Layth an odd look. "She's the queen, everyone attends to her. I can function without your constant presence, Layth. I can even fold my own clothes."

"I never said you couldn't, Lady Aisha," Layth points out. "What I was going to say, was that I expect what she wants is to experience some foreign music and grooming techniques, and nothing physical, in case that bothered you. You had seemed shocked at dinner. I wasn't implying anything about your capabilities."

Tasha leans over and grins at Aisha. "You could always 'and Layth off to me, then you could fold your own laundry an' do it all yourself!" she teases.

"I was shocked that she asked me for permission," Aisha says, with a bit of consternation.

The doe blinks at Tasha, and asks, "You mean you'd want him around always trying to do things for you?"

Layth then adds, "In fact, the only person who keeps implying anything about your abilities is you, Lady Aisha. I know I am merely a servant, but please, give me a little benefit of the doubt. She asked you because technically, I belong to you." The buck then shakes his head and for once looks slightly annoyed.

"I'd manage it," says Tasha, trying to hide her growing grin. "If Layth belonged to me, then Tyche would 'ave to ask me, an' 'e wouldn' bother you anymore." The woman then glances back at Layth – and winks at him!

"They don't treat their 'slaves' like that though," Aisha points out. "I thought it was a sly insult against the ways of 'foreigners'."

"You thought incorrectly. She was trying to respect foreign customers as we had been saying all through dinner," Layth says. The buck then gets up and carries what he has folded, then puts it away.

Not getting the reactions she hoped for, Tasha just shrugs and returns to folding. "I thought she was rather nice," she comments idly.

"Still… you aren't a slave," Aisha says, crossing her arms and looking like she's about to pout. "I don't own you. I can't command you to do anything. You're the official adult. If you want to go off and be with Tasha or Tyche, why would I try to stop you? You wouldn't stop me from going off with Zig-Zig, would you?"

Suddenly interested in the argument, Tasha looks up to see Layth's reaction to Aisha's question.

"I am bound by honor to you," Layth remarks in a cold, neutral, tone, "Which apparently means very little to you. Your father did an incredible service to the Khatta who saved my life. I would be an ungrateful wretch if I did not in return follow his wish to tend to your family. And no, I wouldn't try to stop you, if that was what you wanted. I was to attend to you and protect you from danger. If there was no danger, then there would be no need for me to intervene. You really don't understand, do you? I would die to protect you, Aisha. That is what honor is. That is what caring for someone is. Willingness to forsake oneself for another; willing to put someone else before themselves; and repaying any an all debts in kind."

Taken in my Layth's uncharacteristic emotion and vehemence, Tasha blinks. Her ears lay back, and she can only turn around slowly to look at Aisha, wondering how the other woman will react, and if she should slap her on principle.

Aisha looks shocked as well, and not in an angry way – more like a scolded child realizing they actually did something wrong. She seems nearly on the verge of tears, then looks down at her knees to hide her eyes. "I'm sorry," she whispers. "I shouldn't be upset with you. You haven't done anything for me to be upset with at all."

Layth rubs the bridge of his nose. "Well, I have done one thing; I have raised my voice. I rarely ever do that. Please forgive me for that," the buck says with a small sigh. "I'm not here to mock you, and I'm not trying to say you're incapable of anything. All you ever have to do is tell me you wish to take care of it yourself and I'll leave it be."

"If you both don' mind the interruption," Tasha intrudes, glancing between the two Lapi, "I 'ave an' idea tha' might 'elp you both."

"Thank you," Aisha says, looking up towards Tasha.

"Please go ahead," Layth says.

"Aisha, you wan' to prove you can make it on your own, righ'? An' Layth, you wan' to ensure Aisha's safety to pay a debt of honor? Well, why no' 'ave Aisha find somethin' aroun' the city to do?" The Vartan lifts a hand and begins counting, albeit slowly, "There's the Temple, some of which take volunteers. Lady Tyche offered to 'elp us, an' I'm sure she'd train Aisha as well as me. If you could find somethin' you like, Aisha, you could work at it all on your own, without Layth 'avin' to worry; an' of course you'd learn somethin' too." Tasha lifts her brows, curious as to what the responses will be.

"You mean, learn at the Temple of Morpheus?" Aisha asks. "The sort of things Layth knows?"

Layth nods his head in consent. "Not necessarily there; which is where I will be volunteering. Find something you wish to learn or do," the buck says. "What do you want to do?"

"Cooking?" Aisha offers, uncertainly.

"Do you enjoy that?" Layth asks Aisha, unsure given her tone.

"Cookin' could work," Tasha agrees. "There 'as to be some kind o' expert aroun' 'ere. I mean, 'o made all tha' dinner for us?"

"I enjoy eating," Aisha says. "That's close, right?"

Layth thinks of something. "Lady Aisha, you wish to run a business, yes?" he asks.

"Of course!" the doe says. "But there isn't exactly a business school here… they don't even have money."

Tasha's ears splay. "I thin' cookin' isn' the same as eatin'. It's messy work with knives." She glances at Layth and bites her lip, thinking.

"Calli and Anisa know how to cook," Aisha says. "Even Aaron can cook a little."

"No. But think of if you learn some of the more exotic things here. Things such as unique food dishes, or ways to make clothing," the buck says. "They're commonplace here, but when we leave, could you not take some of the more unique things and start a business with them? Surely in the sky islands they would like the chance to sample something 'exotic'."

"Oi, that's a great idea Layth! I never though' abou' it like tha'. Almos' makes me wan' to learn 'ow to cook more than I do," the Vartan says.

"I suppose… exotic sells, sometimes," Aisha says, looking thoughtful. "Sometimes it doesn't. I will… do research."

"Well, it's basic trading. You obtain something commonplace from one land and take it to a land where it isn't and sell it," Layth says with a shrug.

"Mus' be why I'm so popular," Tasha muses.

"I have been more interested in real estate," Aisha admits. "But fashion… clothes… that could be very lucrative."

"Well, you can't transport land around," Layth points out. "And no one says you have to focus on just one business. It's better to have multiple plans; more likely one will succeed."

"Well I can' 'elp you with businesses, a' leas' no' yet. I don' even 'ave me own ship yet," Tasha concedes. "Still, I think it's good you 'ave at somethin' on your own."

"And really, if all else fails with food here, the worst you had happen was getting to eat a lot," Layth adds.

"I will talk to Calli about it," Aisha says, and rubs her belly. "When she has time. I've been feeling a bit odd lately."

"Feeling odd?" Layth asks.

"Odd?" Tasha inquires, leaning over to sniff at Aisha curiously.

"I think I might be having a reaction to the smell of your medicine, Tasha," Aisha admits. "Is that the reason you and Aaron are sleeping in a different room now, Layth?"

"Well, yes," Layth admits. "It would not benefit anyone for two males to be sleeping along side many does who are going, ah, in season, quickly."

"Oi, tha's jus' your period talkin'," Tasha says dismissively. "I 'ave to take the Milk of Ashtoreth for a ritual, an' it's bringin' my season aroun' early – an' with a vengeance." The woman grimaces.

Aisha blinks. "Oh, so that is why I have been feeling irritable," she says.

"Most likely," Layth agrees. "You may wish to seek out those who practice release massage at the temple. It may help take the, ah, edge, off."

"I don't know about that," Aisha says. "More strangers. Would you try such a thing, Tasha?"

"I'm still curious abou' that," Tasha says, nodding to Aisha. "If you wan', we can go together some time."

"If you wish, I could learn it and perform it on you," Layth offers.

The golden doe thinks about this, and concludes, "Both of those suggestions fill me with a feeling of… weirdness. I should be fine. Tasha probably needs it most, but she can always see Zig-Zig if she wants."

Layth nods. "That she can," he agrees.

Tasha runs a hand back through her hair at that idea. "Righ' now I'd be bes' off with someone not tryin' to get me pregnant. Zig-Zig wan's a kid from me, or jus' to try it out, an' 'e'd be a 'ard one to resist if I let 'im get away with that. I'll take the Temple workers – they pro'ly don' wan' anythin' from me," Tasha admits.

"Maybe I will attend if you do," Aisha says, nodding her head. "Especially if Layth is going to be learning this technique. It might be useful."

Layth hmms. "Useful for?" he asks.

"Easing labor pains," Aisha says.

Tasha eyes Aisha curiously, then shrugs. "It soun's like a good time. Maybe I'll learn i' too, jus' for laughs," she says.

Layth nods, "An interesting idea."

"Fashion question for you," Layth says to Aisha, trying to change the topic somewhat. "What would you find as pleasing attire for a male such as me?" he asks.

"Earrings," Aisha says. "The traditional looped clips on one ear. Gold and silver to match your fur."

"Hm, I have never had earrings on before," the buck notes and rubs his chin.

"If you had to wear anything else… perhaps those transparent gauze harem pants," the doe adds.

"Ah, so you prefer to see me without clothing," the buck says in a deadpan way. He might be teasing, he might not.

"That's 'ow I prefer you," Tasha says, reaching over to tap Layth's nose. "Bu' I like the pants and earrings too."

"Of course!" Aisha says. "You did ask what attire I would find pleasing on you, after all." She seems quite serious.

Layth chuckles. "Well, then if you wish to help make it so, I will dress that way," the buck says and bows. "I expect, though, you do not have earrings or the proper pants, yes?"

"Not with me, no," Aisha says. "But I know a good shop in Abu Dhabi."

"Maybe Lady Tyche has some," the Vartan considers aloud. "An' maybe some of those … " she reaches over and pokes Layth in the right nipple, " … nipply earrings. I saw some of those in tha' artist's shop."

The buck settles himself down on a pillow again. "Ah. It will likely be a long time before we are back there," he notes. "Since you know Calli well, what do you think her mother might like?" The buck then oofs and rubs his chest. He gives the Vartan an odd look.

"Those sound painful," Aisha comments.

Tasha just grins and shrugs. "I like 'em," she insists. "I 'ad the clip on ones for a bit."

"Beer," Aisha says. "Calli liked beer. And cheeses – the kind you get in Rephidim. I thought they were too smelly, but she liked them. Dancing too – Anisa took her to some dance clubs, and she said she enjoyed herself."

"I wore similar once in the Harem club. They aren't too uncomfortable," Layth notes, then shrugs. "Beer? Interesting, but not unsurprising. Dance I could see too."

"It was not proper dancing," Aisha notes. "It was… jumping about. Lots of jumping and bumping together. I didn't want to try it."

"She also thought Zerdas were cute, but I don't see how that would be useful here," the doe adds.

"Why not?" Layth inquires. "Life should be experienced."

"Soun's like the kind of dancin' you get when beer is involved," Tasha remarks. She then sighs, propping her head on a hand. "I do miss 'avin' a beer."

"Forgive me, but I always found beer to be over-rated," the buck admits. Then remembering something, he says, "You may wish to brush and dress before your fur dries at odd angles," he tells Aisha, who is still wrapped in towels.

"Dancing is for watching, it is a performance," Aisha insists. "It's not for… just fun."

"Can you dance, Layth?" Tasha asks, looking up at the buck.

"Somewhat, yes," the buck says. "Why?"

"Like how Aisha says dancin' is, or the way Calli likes it?" Tasha takes the stack of folded undies at her feet and puts them aside before smiling at Layth. "I'd like to see you dance."

"Layth is from Abu Dhabi, he knows the proper sort of dance," Aisha says, sounding certain. "The other kind would kill you in the heat."

"My duties have largely been to serve and please other people. The dancing I learned is along those lines. For entertainment of those watching," the buck says, then nods towards Aisha.

"Sounds like a good time to me. When I quit this Milk, you'll 'ave to show me." Tasha leans over and tugs the upper part of Layth's clothes. "We can go find somewhere nice an' quiet."

"There should be music though," Aisha notes. "So not too quiet."

"Well, music usually helps," Layth points out. Still, the buck smiles and shrugs, "But, if you like. As for music, perhaps I should dance for all of you, including Calli and her sisters, some night as well."

"That would be nice," the doe says, ears perking enough to slide out of their towel. "It would be like being home again, for a little while."

"I guess tha's good too," Tasha agrees, although she doesn't sound nearly as excited about the public dancing as the private. "Maybe the Amazonians 'ave dancers, too."

"I've heard they do, but… it involves banging sticks on the ground or something," Aisha says.

"Then, I would ask of you to find me appropriate attire for it," Layth tells the doe with a smile. He then says to Tasha, "I will give you a private viewing beforehand to see if you would wish to spend the evening with them, or at the temple. Would that be satisfactory?"

Tasha nods, grinning. "I do 'ave my own dancer's outfit aroun' 'ere, too. If you wan', you can try an' teach me 'ow to dance, an' we could go up together," she suggests.

"Well, that may take some time to teach, but I could try," Layth says.

"I remember that outfit," Aisha says, grinning. "I bet the Gladiators would love to see you dance in it, Tasha."

"Worth a laugh," says the Vartan. "Tryin' to learn a bit 'o everythin'." Tasha winks at Aisha. "An' 'ow can I refuse them? Jus' so long as I don' fall on me bum an' get us all executed."

"Some would, most certainly, others I am not so sure about. A few have been a bit grabby when trying to encourage me to wrestle with them," Layth says, then shakes his head.

Aisha covers her muzzle with her hands and giggles so hard her towel nearly comes loose.

Tasha blinks. "Grabby?" Then she laughs! "Well," she sputters, "a' leas' they 'ave good taste."

"Yes, grabby," Layth says, looking rather put upon. "I was quite certain some of those holds were not legal wrestling holds."

"That must have been something to see," Aisha says, after catching her breath. "Too bad does aren't allowed in the Gladiator dormitory."

"Now there's some fightin' I should learn," Tasha muses.

"That is for your safety," Layth notes. "Speaking of which, I should return there soon, I imagine. If no one has need of me here, of course," he says, then asks Aisha, "Ah, before I go, would you do me a small favor?"

"I had belly-dancing lessons when I was younger," Aisha suddenly admits. "But I never kept up with it."

"Really, Lady Aisha? That is a pity. You have the form and grace for it," the buck says.

Tasha blinks at the revelation she can't go in the Gladiator's dorms. "We're no'? I mean, you're no'?" Then she simply shrugs, patting Layth's shoulder. "I guess I 'ave enough 'gladiator.' As for dancin', I jus' know some tavern styles. No' a lot of dancin' on airships."

Layth holds out one of his ears. "You have several earrings along, yes? Would you be willing to show me an example of how you would see my ear adorned?" he asks Aisha.

Aisha looks shocked. "My earrings are female ones, they are not appropriate. You need proper masculine ones."

"Don' look at me. Earnings get caught in lines," Tasha says. She reaches up and tugs at her right ear, making a pained face.

Layth shrugs. "It's all that is available," he says and lets his ear go. "I have never been able to tell the difference between earrings."

"I shall have to instruct you then, when we get back home," Aisha promises.

"Only people I see with earrings are cap'n's who don' do much work an' land walkers," Tasha explains. She tucks her hooves under herself, then lays across the floor. "Abou' goin' 'back home,' Aisha. Once you're done with Layth, can I 'ave 'im?"

Layth bows his head. "As you like," the buck says.

"That is up to Layth," Aisha says. "Only he can say when he is… done… with me."

"When are you goin' to be done," Tasha asks, reaching a hoof over to toy with Layth's own foot. "I don' wan' to 'ave to share you forever with your honor."

"You could always become Layth's servant," Aisha suggests mischievously.

"That depends on what her father says," Layth notes and casts a glance at Aisha. "It may not be until she is married."

"There's an idea," Tasha says, sounding serious. She glances at Aisha consideringly. "Married, is it? Might be some time then. Maybe I'll interfere."

"I will choose my own husband, thank you," Aisha says.

"And, it is possible her father is considering me for her husband," Layth says with a small shrug. "I cannot say for certain what his wants are."

"Would you marry Aisha, if that's wha' 'e wanted?" Tasha asks, rolling her head to look at Layth. "Might 'ave to marry you first, if 'e does."

"Couldn't you just be his mistress?" Aisha asks Tasha.

"That I cannot answer until such became a possibility," the buck answers honestly. "Many events weave to form a future." The buck then blinks at that comment and looks at Aisha. "Are you implying you are fine with the idea of marrying me?" he asks, "Forgive me, but I honestly expected you would yell."

"I don' like to share, an' I like even less bein' second fiddle," the Vartan growls lowly. She tucks her hands under her head and 'hrmps.'

"If I choose you, and you agree, then I am fine with it," Aisha says.

"Besides, I will be a busy woman, and someone must raise the children," the doe adds, looking at her claws. "Tasha can live in the attic and make sure you do not feel neglected."

"Please, do not become upset. This is all guesswork. None of it may be true," Layth tells Tasha. "I am merely speculating on what her father may be planning. Do not concern yourself with them."

Tasha fixes Aisha with a glare. "Now, jus' a minute 'ere," the Vartan says as she sits up a bit. After glaring a little more, Tasha then purses her lips. "Aaron did promise to teach me poisons … an' Aisha 'as money … an' Layth … " She lays back down and grins to herself.

"Lady Aisha, forgive me for such a bold statement, but I doubt you would 'neglect' me if you had any experience with my skills," the buck deadpans and pushes his ears back over his shoulders.

The doe hmms as she thinks up a counter to that. "Well," she says, giving up, "I suppose I'll just have to take Tasha's word on that."

"Well, then I guess you won't have any children," Layth says simply and smiles.

"I think you 'urt 'is feelin's," Tasha tells Aisha. She reaches up and pats Layth's knee, consolingly.

"That's not fair," Aisha says. "I can't find out without a risk of getting pregnant. You get to have as much fun with Layth as you like though, Tasha."

Layth leans over, takes Aisha's hand, then kisses the back of it. "We are all just teasing," he says with a smile.

"I know," Aisha says, blushing a bit. "But I can still be curious."

Tasha shakes her head slowly. "I don' know abou' tha'," she admits. "Now it's no' likely, bu' no one's sure who can an' cannot get me pregnant. I watch meself with true Vartans most of all, an' a few others, bu' the res' don' 'ave much of a chance. Still, they said I wasn' s'posed to 'appen, either." She then grins a bit. "Now, there's an idea. You can try someone no' o' your species."
Layth lightly taps Aisha's nose and notes, "Then ask Tasha to tell you about it." He grins slightly, then stands to go look outside.

"What would you do if you ended up with Layth's child, Tasha?" Aisha asks the hybrid – a slightly safer subject than mating, given the hormonal situation.

Tasha grins toothily. "You could fool aroun' with me," she teases, tail wagging. "Or I could talk to Zig-Zig for you. I'd be 'appy to tell you abou' Layth, too." The Vartan sobers at the question, frowning in thought. "I'd 'ave it," she answers after a moment. "I think Layth would make a great father, an' I don' mind the idea of 'avin' 'is kids. Me mum would split me ear, though. So would Cap'n Eyeshine."

"If that's how you feel after knowing him for a short time, then we may have to plan on smuggling him out of here after the Amazonians get a taste," Aisha tells Tasha.

"Very funny," Layth comments from where he's looking out at the night sky. Darn those Lapi ears.

Tasha laughs at that, and nods. "I've changed a bi' after comin' 'ere, bu' I see your poin'. I'm a bi' worried Tyche won' wan' to let 'im go, then I'll 'ave a righ' problem, I will," she admits.

"As I've said, I doubt she is interested in that," Layth comments again.

"Just to be certain, it would be best if Tasha said you were a poor lover should Tyche ask her," Aisha says. "Claim that he breaks wind and slobbers."

"If she is, mind if I speak about abou' it? Tell 'er what's what an' see 'ow she reacts? It'd jus' put me on the line, no' you," Tasha inquires of Layth. She then nods to Aisha. "Good idea. I'll remember tha'."

"Will you two stop, please," Layth says with a sigh. "You do realize she's too smart to likely fall for that."

"Then she will also be smart enough to see that we have reason to protect you, and will respect that," Aisha asserts.

"I'll jus' 'ave to … what works on Calli? … Oi! I know, challenge her to a duel on a mountain top. Calli 'ates heights," the Vartan mock-plans.

Layth just shakes his head and then throws up his hands. "I think it is time for me to be going," he says.

"Aww," Tasha pouts, standing up and walking towards Layth. "I'll miss you. I'd give you a kiss, bu' I better no' right now. You jus' remember me an' don' let those men get too grabby, or else send 'em my way an' I'll give 'em what for."

"Alas, I don't think they would appreciate your what-for," the buck deadpans, "they prefer mine."

"We're sorry, Layth," Aisha says. "But I expect the others will be returning from the baths soon. And while they are not Gladiators, they may also be feeling 'grabby' thanks to Tasha's condition."

"Well don' get yourself knocked up," Tasha tells Layth. She eyes him, licks her lips, then shakes her head and turns away. "Better clear out of 'ere."

Layth waves his hand dismissively. "It's all right, I'm used to it," he admits. He starts looking for his stuff, then remembers he doesn't have any here. "Well, good evening to you both and may the river that will flow from you soon flow fast and brief," the buck says … and then quickly heads towards the door.

As Layth leaves, Aisha turns to Tasha and says, "Okay, tell me everything… in detail!"

Tasha reaches over and grabs something to throw after Layth, then realizes she almost threw Aisha's underwear. Shrugging, she sits back down and lays on her side, handing Aisha her underwear back, and smiling widely. "Well, first 'e does this thing wit' 'is hands, an' … " Her tale only grows more lurid, complete with comparisons to Tasha's other lovers, and how they all stack up.