The Desert Blossom
The Desert Blossom is a home away from home for all those who grew up in the Himaat. The building is open and airy. Slow-moving 'fans' are used to push air across glowing coals to simulate the warm desert air of their homeland. The walls are all stone and adobe in construction, every inch of them covered in stylized geometric designs. All about the room are small tables surrounded by lounging cushions. A group of musicians play a fast-paced rhythm that matches the movements of the tigress belly dancer in the center of the room. All around, men lounge and talk, smoke and laugh with each other, many of them with female hostesses (primarily scantily clad Lapi does and Khattas) that are far too pretty for them to attract normally.

It isn't clear how Layth knew about this place tucked away in the Merchants Quarter. Even Aaron had never heard of it. It wasn't hard to convince the Lapis to come though. Aaron needed a night out, Spring Meadow always goes for free food, Aisha wanted a touch of home after the oddness of Amazonia, and Calligenia was just curious.

Aisha and Layth, naturally, seemed to fit right in fashion-wise, with the golden doe looking more impressive than even the hostesses. Layth even wore Aaron's Himaatian ear-clips (on one ear only, of course) to match Aisha's, despite being a natural lop-ear. Calli wore something that Aisha picked out for her, and Aaron was dressed in one of his fancy Abu Dhabi-style vests over his usual shirt and trousers. Only Spring Meadow wore her standard mage-robes in brown and green.

"It is common practice to know of places that carry the traditions of a home when you are a caravan trader. Such information is often traded in the ports and towns," Layth explains to Aaron as they finally slip through the main doors and into the main room. He escorts Aisha on his right arm, and Calligenia on his left. "I only wish that everyone would have dressed properly," the buck adds, taking a moment to glance towards Spring Meadow.

"My fancy robes are… a bit too fancy," the gray Earth Mage mutters apologetically, clinging to Aaron's arm.

"I am certain we could have found you something more appropriate. Perhaps even some of the staff here would be willing to loan you attire," Layth offers the doe with a smile. Of course the staff are dressed in a lot of shear fabric and exposed fur…

"I'm probably a little too plump for that sort of outfit," Meadow says, to which Calligenia immediately responds, "You should make use of the Gymnasium more, at least the track." Aaron just rolls his eyes a bit. "You're just fine, Springer," he says, patting the girl's hand.

Layth's head tilts a bit as he looks at Spring Meadow. "No, I imagine you are fine," he offers, "And just remember that Master Lightfoot has worn similar, so anyone can." Layth winks to the other buck, then looks out into the room for a free table.

"What?" the gray doe asks, looking to Aaron, who gives a shrug and an 'I don't know what he's talking about' look.

"Show her the picture," Layth offers as a reminder. Spotting a table free, he nods towards it. "There is seating, but we need to see the hostess first. It is impolite to just sit."

One of the Lapi hostesses comes over to the group, and looks straight to Layth as the 'most important male' before bowing to him. "Our humble establishment is honored by your presence," she says languidly. "Should you wish it, a private booth can be prepared, or you may honor us by choosing a floor table, my master, and we will see as best we can to your comfort and that of your guests."

Layth's head tilts slightly sideways and he bows it lightly. "We are honored to be here as we are merely unworthy travelers to be in your beautiful presence, much less tended to," the buck replies, the hint of Abu Dhabian accent returning after having faded from the time they spend in Amazonia. With a glance to his companions, he asks, "Do you have a preference of seating? Privacy is most excellent for encouraging romance and closeness. The open tables are best for enjoying of the dancers, pipes, and drink."

"Public might be best," Aaron suggests, while Aisha seems about to contradict him, but remains silent. It isn't proper in Abu Dhabi for a female to be contrary out loud.

"What picture?" is all Spring Meadow can ask, still looking to Aaron.

"I'll explain it later," the apothecary whispers out of the side of his mouth.

Layth looks to Aisha, then dips his head to her. "It has been a weary trip for many of us. I believe that perhaps we should start our evening with a private booth. If you permit it, most beautiful runner of the sands, mayhaps we can enjoy our after-dinner drinks at a more public table?" he offers, hoping to placate both Aaron and Aisha.

"As you wish, my lord," the hostess says, bowing again (and revealing a bit more than her jewelry in the process). "Please follow me."

"Of course, grace of the evening veil," Layth replies in kind, though his bow merely consists of another small bow of his head. With the two very different does in tow, the buck follows after the hostess.

Only Meadow's eyebrows go up at this display. The hostess leads them through aromatic clouds of smoke to a table surrounded on three sides by heavy, rug-like Himaatian tapestries, while still be open on the end facing the stage. It sits a bit higher up in the tiered, bowl-shaped main room to provide a better vantage. A low table and cushions are provided, with bowls of water and floating tea-candles providing light.

Layth steps away from Calligenia, his arms loosening from theirs. His fingers trail along the undersides of each until he's now lightly clasping their hands. "Jewels of the desert and mountains," he says looking to Aisha, then Calligenia, in turn, "Will you do me the honor of sitting with me this evening?" Clearly he intends to politely help them sit gracefully.

Aisha simply bows her head slightly in agreement, while Calligenia asks, "Isn't that why we came, Chrysanthos?"

"Of course, but it is customary to always ask," Layth explains as he helps each of the does settle down on a cushion in turn. Now he offers his hand to Spring-Meadow, in case she wishes assistance in settling down too.

The gray doe blushes at the formality, but takes Layth's hand. Aaron manages to sit down unaided.

Layth dips down to one knee and kisses the back of Spring-Meadow's hand in his. His free one sweeps over one of the cushions as he says with a smile, "And thank you for joining us as well, caretaker of nature and beauty. Do please sit."

As Spring Meadow sits down and stares at her hands, the hostess returns with several serving girls, who bring dishes of dates and figs in beds of mint and other flavored leaves, along with a carafe of water and glasses. Kneeling down before the table, the hostess asks, "We are pleased to serve many Himaatian mixed beverages to sooth the tongue and arouse the senses, if you would be so inclined. You need only ask."

Layth folds his hands lightly in his lap. He looks between those gathered, then says, "Some of my friends are not as familiar with the drinks of our lands, so if you will permit me a moment to explain possible options to them I am certain we could find something pleasing to each." The buck's head then tilts and he adds, "Or … if they wish to allow me, I can make selections for each of them."

"I think we can trust your choices, Layth," Aaron says. Meadow and Calligenia just nod, and Aisha doesn't seem to argue either.

"Very well, then. For my friend, Master Lightfoot, I believe he would like the Mist of Remembrance; a most delicate drink intended to bring comfort by encouraging the consumer to remember people most dear to them; even if they are are off," Layth says as he looks directly at the other buck, brow raised. His attention shifts to Spring-Meadow now, "And for my new friend, the most wise Spring-Meadow, dancer of magic, the Midnight Blossom; a sweet and crisp drink made from the fruits of the desert. It can quench even the most intense thirst." He pats Aisha's, then Calligenia's, hands, adding, "And of course I could not forget those who walk with this unworthy soul this evening. For my most beautiful dusk doe, Calligenia, please bring the Strength of the Sandstorm. It is a fiery drink, full of strength and life as she is. And of course, for Aisha, The Dance of the Winds; a drink that starts with a strong flavor, but contains many mysterious and complex underpinnings."

The golden doe nods slightly at the choices, and the hostess asks, "And for yourself, golden-crowned prince?"

That answer takes Layth the longest out of any of them. "Hm, perhaps the Fading Oasis, soft and smooth, with an uncertainty to it, as if its purpose in the world seems ever-changing," the buck offers.

The hostess smiles and bows again before standing. After she leaves, a Khatta server enters carrying a double-boiler, which she sets over the small brazier in the center of the table.

"Xocholatl, for dipping or drinking," Aaron whispers to Meadow, who makes a face of understanding.

"Have you never been here before?" Layth inquires of the robed doe.

"Well, no," the doe admits. "I live in the dorms on the old campus and eat there to save money. I'm just a Journeyman and have to pay off the cost of my education still."

"Are you uncomfortable?" Layth inquires next. He then takes one of the dates and very lightly dips it into the melting Xocholatl, then offers it to Aisha to eat.

"She's been to Amazonia though," Aaron notes.

More plates are brought, these with fruits and nuts. As Aisha accepts the date, the Earth Mage perks up a bit. "Oh, I know these!" she says, pointing to the various bits of imported fruit and naming then. "See this prickly-pear fruit? I grow that here! Well… I grow it for one of the nobles. This might even be from his orchards."

"I've transported such, but I have never eaten it," Layth notes as Spring-Meadow finally perks up. "It must be an amazing thing to be able to coax life to flourish through your will and skill. Just as Aaron can heal or disable through his knowledge of plants."

"I usually just provide the ingredients," the other buck mutters. "Although I'm glad for the poisons vault in my basement, now that we have… ah… other things to keep there."

Emboldened, Spring Meadow dips the bit of cactus fruit into the fondue and offers it to Layth with a big smile. "You'll like it! It makes good juice too."

Layth leans forward and delicately picks the piece of fruit from Spring-Meadow's fingers. As he draws back, his lips gently brush along those fingertips. He chews slowly, enjoying the odd rush of flavors. "It is very good," he agrees.

The gray doe blushes more, and Calligenia helps herself to various bits, often forgoing the xocholatl dip.

Aisha hmms at the attention Meadow is getting, so tries to feed a bit of fruit to Layth as well.

Layth peers at the dip for a moment, then gets a bit of a devious look on his face. He dips his fingertip into the xocholatl, then reaches over and puts a dab on Spring Meadow's nose. "So, you mentioned you were a mage. Does Xavier employ you, then?" he asks.

The Earth Mage giggles and tries to lick the xocholatl off of her nose, saying, "He just lets me use his garden for my… stuff. For all his herb-lore, I don't think he's ever actually tried to grow anything."

"I never had a garden before," Aaron notes, and drinks some more of his Mist. Calli notes, "I had a garden. You just have to use lots of blood and entrails to make the best fertilizer."

"You mean… from fish right?" Aisha asks the Amazonian, who then nods a bit with her mouth full.

"Ah, so you use his garden to experiment," Layth says with a nod. The buck looks to Aisha now, then asks, "Your family has a garden back in Abu Dhabi, do they not?"

"Yes, but I only ever tended it as a child," Aisha admits. "I never planted anything myself."

"Did your friend, Anisa, say when she would be back?" Layth asks Aaron, though he remains looking at Aisha.

"This drink is peppery," Calligenia notes, as she dips veggie slices into her Strength of the Sandstorm.

Aaron hmms? "Oh… um… no. Just that she'd be gone for an unknown amount of time on serious business," the buck laments. Meadow reaches over to pat his leg in sympathy.

"I've never tended a garden at all. My life has been, well, hauling things and being a bodyguard. People are surprised when a Lapi can turn them into, a twisted pastry. I had … shock value," Layth admits. To Calligenia, he says, "It is supposed to. A little bit of pepper is good for getting blood flowing."

"Then you had best keep that ring in a safe place. The metal is valuable," Layth advises Aaron.

"I won't lose it," Aaron notes.

"You could come help in the garden if you want, or just… hang out there while I work," Meadow offers to Layth, then takes a swallow of her own drink, thinking the Midnight Blossom is just fruit juice.

"Good," Layth comments to Aaron. Looking back to Aisha, he asks, "What will you do now that we have returned? Will you follow Tasha?" He now actually takes a drink from his own glass, then looks back to Spring Meadow. "I may do just that. How warm does it get up here? In Abu Dhabi, I had to often work with little clothing." He lifts the thick fur up on his arm a bit, adding, "Thick coat. Legacy of my heritage. I'm a child of the mountain-lapi."

"It… stays temperate," the gray doe notes, blushing again. Although it could be from the drink.

"Ah, then I will not have to worry about temperatures and clothing issues," Layth says, sounding pleased about that. He pauses, then peers at Spring Meadow. "Are you not well? Your ears are very red."

"I do not know," Aisha admits, sipping her own drink carefully. "I shall probably follow you, though, I think."

"I'm fine!" Meadow blurts, smiling widely.

"I am ready for another drink," Calligenia announces, having finished her first one. "And some bread. Do they have bread in the desert?"

"Then I suppose it wil depend if she wishes us along. Her attentions seem very focused on her wolf-friends right now," Layth comments. Calligenia's outcry causes the buck to look back to her. "Of course they do. What sort of drink do you wish?"

"Ummm, what do you suggest?" the chocolate doe asks, her whiskers vibrating.

"Don't worry if Meadow seems a little jumpy at times," Aaron notes to Layth. "She had some… interesting experiences in Amazonia."

Layth rubs his chin lightly, thinking. After he's decided on a drink for Calligenia, he tries to wave the server over. "What sort of experiences?" he then asks Aaron. "Similar to those Aisha had?"

"No… more like she went a bit… wild," Aaron says in a whisper. Meadow's ears perk up, still blushed, and she says, "I did not! I was just… exploring the culture… "

"Ah, she drank some of the milk, then?" Layth asks, looking between Aaron and Spring Meadow.

"Just a little bit!" the doe claims, looking put upon. "I mean, I'm a Mage, I know about… you know… preventing accidents… " she whispers.

"Ah. Well, I am certain a beautiful doe like you left many broken hearts in her wake, then," Layth comments with a smile to Spring Meadow. "And I hope the time was enjoyable."

"Oh yeah, it was… " Meadow starts to say, then notices the way Aisha and Aaron are looking at her. "Ahem. That is, it was very educational."

Layth now selects a bit of fruit and dips it in the xocholatl. He offers it to Aisha. "You know, Queen Tyche said similar about me," he notes a bit absently as he looks for the server again.

Aisha accepts the tidbit while one of the servers checks in, as they do every few minutes it seems. "I apologize if our humble offerings do not meet your needs," the server says by way of greeting.

"Would you bless my friend, Calligenia, by bringing her an Icicle Rush, please? I think she would appreciate how … sharp it is," Layth asks the server and smiles to her. He pauses, then adds, "And please meet me by the far door in ten minutes. I wish to arrange a surprise for someone."

To Spring Meadow, Layth says, "I am afraid I do not have any of their milk with me. I hope that does not displease you too much?"

"Oh, no… I'm fine without it!" Meadow says. "Besides, I know Aaron keeps a secret stash somewhere." This comment nearly causes the other buck to choke on his drink.

The server bows to Layth, and goes to fetch the drink.

"Now, that does not surprise me. He is quite wild," Layth mock-whispers to Spring Meadow.

Layth now dips two bits of fruit, offering one to Calligenia and one to Spring Meadow. "Did you meet anyone like me while you were in Amazonia?" he asks Spring Meadow.

"Well… uh… " Meadow waffles, looking Aaron to bail her out.

"She spent that episode with me and my cousin Xander," Aaron admits. "She was afraid of the big guys."

"That is silly, the big men are just as good," Calligenia points out.

"You find me scary?" Layth now has to ask.

"No! You're very nice," Meadow says, her ears drooping. "It was just… ah… the circumstances."

"Good, then perhaps we can go dancing sometime. I would like to hear more about what you learn in school and this city," Layth tells Spring Meadow. Now looking to Calli, he says, "Your drink should be here in a moment and I need to see to something for a couple minutes. But, I have been meaning to ask you, what are your plans? Are you staying, returning home, or following Tasha?"

The Amazonian doe just blinks, and says, "I have business to conduct. I have not decided yet on this Abaddonian venture of Aldara's."

"Do you wish me to attend you in any of your business meetings?" Layth asks next as he starts to stand from the table.

"If you are interested," Calligenia notes. "I'm sure I wouldn't mind having Aisha with me for some of them."

The server returns with Calligenia's new drink, and also nods to Layth before leaving the booth… but lingering just outside of it.

"Of course I am interested. How am I to be of use to you if I do not learn more about your practices?" Layth points out. He reaches over and pats Spring Meadow's cheek so she doesn't feel left out, then slips out of the booth for a moment. He motions for the server to follow and when they are far enough to keep Lapi ears from listening, he asks, "Is it possible to arrange a dance for someone?"

"What sort of dance would you wish to have performed, honored guest?" the Khatta serving girl asks.

"Aaron Lightfoot," Layth says and motions back towards the table and trying to indicate the other male, "Has had a very rough time as of late. He has been on a long journey and returned home only to learn a dear friend of his left on important business. He has often been the target for jokes and other such things … so I was thinking that perhaps he would appreciate a dance in which he is honored or served. Perhaps a couple of your doe dancers would perform a simple veil dance and at the end, take turns feeding him for a few minutes? Nothing complicated … just something that would make him feel important."

"That can certainly be arranged, sir," the server says, with a smile playing about her lips. "We purchase our incense from Mr. Lightfoot, after all."

"Ah, then you are familiar with him. I do hope he will appreciate it. I am as guilty as any of … teasing him a bit. Thank you," Layth says with a bow. He even takes the serving girl's hand and then kisses the back of it. "May the sun always shine upon you," he says, then slips away. He returns to the table and slides back into his seat.

Calli is already halfway through her new drink, while Aisha still has her first one. After the revelations about Amazonia, Meadow has downed all of her drink as well, and someone gotten a hold of Aaron's now.

Layth actually looks a little worried seeing Spring meadow on her second drink now. "Are you sure you are well?" he asks the doe, then reaches over to place his hand lightly upon the back of hers.

"What?" Meadow asks, as if she didn't notice Layth returning. "I'm fine, really! Mages… party hard, you know… "

"Well, they have interesting parties, certainly," Aaron offers.

"Actually, I don't know. I have not had formal education," Layth notes and withdraws his hand.

"I like thish drink," Calligenia says, and holds it close so Meadow won't try to sneak any of it from her. "It's funnier than the wine back home."

There's a series of light chimes that slowly approach the table. Most notably, they approach directly behind Aaron. A zolk scarf curls around Aaron's neck and shoulders as twin white does lean over and whisper in sultry voices, in unison, in the buck's ears, "The Desert Blossom would like to honor the most welcome Aaron Lightfoot to our most unworthy establishment. He has always seen to bless us with sales on incense, even though we have not been worthy for such grand things."

"Hmm, I think that drink should be your last," Layth comments as he peers at Calligenia. "You have begun to slur."

"Meep?" is all Aaron can reply as his ears go down. "Oh… uh… well, you're… welcome?" he stammers.

"This language is tricky," Calli claims, and watches the dancers. Aisha also takes note – after all, she's probably had some dance training. Meadow just looks a bit confused by it.

The chimes ring out again and then the two does actually lift Aaron out of his seat and stand him between themselves. "Once again, you honor us by your humility," the pair coo on either side of him. How they always manage to do it in unison is a bit disturbing, really. Once they're sure Aaron isn't going to fall down, they release him…

Aaron hugs himself, as if to keep his hands from getting into trouble. "This is… umm… you don't expect me to dance do you?" he asks.

Aaron's hands may be out of trouble, but the dancer's are not. They slowly circle the buck, fingertips lightly tracing over him. "We only wish you to enjoy," they chime in unison. Twin finger snap, and music begins to play; a mixture of flutes and light drums. The pair draw out more scarves of zolk. In time with the music, they circle the buck while twirling as well. The zolk scarves stream and ripple outward, the smooth material dancing over Aaron when it passes by him. The dance starts slow, but grows with steady intensity of both sound and speed. Hips rock and sway, zolk flickers, and white fur blurs…

The buck begins to look a little light-headed – possibly because of the perfume on the veils. Aisha whispers to Layth, "I didn't learn that style… is it unique to Rephidim?" Meadow also seems a bit entranced, watching with her mouth open. "I wonder if they serve Cold Shower here," she mutters.

"I believe it is a variant of some used in the, ah, less wealthy parts of Abu Dhabi. A dance to tease harmlessly," Layth whispers back to Aisha, "I am sure they would teach you if you asked. But, who would you dance for?"

Fortunately, as intense as the dance is, it is also short. When the stop, the once again stand on either side of Aaron. The zolk scarves have been wrapped around the buck, pinning his arms gently to his body. Smiling, the two lower the light-headed male back into his seat. But, it appears it doesn't end there. They do not unwrap Aaron (leaving him quite … tied up). One of the twins slides into his lap. The other lowers herself to sit gracefully at his feet.

"Dance for? I was just saying that I was unfamiliar with this particular style," Aisha notes, although she does hide her ear blush.

"I am actually glad for being tied up right now," Aaron mutters, still looking a bit overwhelmed. "Hello," he says to the doe in his lap.

"Males are taught a different style. There are similarities, but … less hip movement," Layth explains to Aisha. "Most notably because we lack hips."

Calligenia watches the results of the dance with interest. "It could leave an enemy stupefied and helpless… so long as they are a male. Could this be applied to business negotiations?"

"Hello there," the doe in his lap coos. She brings her hands up and caresses each side of his cheeks lightly with her fingers. The doe at his feet simply rests her chin on a free spot on one of his knees.

"Ah, funny you should mention that. This is often used in business deals in parts of Abu Dhabi. It helps to disarm and put the target at rest. Then they are more likely willing to agree to terms that may not be the most optimal," Layth comments. "Of course, the dancing should not be done by anyone who is part of the negotiations; a third party is best."

"Oh?" Calligenia asks. "I suppose that makes sense… "

The cheek stroking just makes Aaron burble a bit.

The doe in his lap smiles slyly and dips a bit of fruit. She waves it back and forth in front of Aaron's nose, then says, "Now open up… "

"Basically, it puts the mind of the target on issues other than the deal being made. And do not think just males can be affected this way. I have seen women fall equally to dancers," Layth warns Calligenia.

The bound buck can't help but obey, fully under the dancers' spells now. So he opens up and says 'ahhhhh'.

As if to back up Layth's comment, Spring Meadow seems equally mesmerized.

And so … she feeds him. This goes on for a bit now, fruit is dipped, then gently places into Aaron's mouth. After a couple minutes, the doe at his feet starts massaging his legs.

"I could, for example, dance for you, Aisha, and Spring Meadow. I imagine I could mesmerize all of you," Layth offers.

"You can dance like that?" Meadow asks, distracted from the helpless Aaron now.

"Not quite like that, but similar," Layth comments. "I did for Queen Tyche the night before we left."

"My mother?" Calligenia asks, looking at Layth a bit differently. "Did you do that… massage… like you gave us in the baths?"

"Of course," Layth answers. "Is … that a problem?"

"Massage too?" Meadow asks.

"I don't suppose it is," Calligenia notes. "I suppose it gives me something to strive for then, if I am to one day succeed her."

Aaron just… lets the dancers do whatever they want with him and tries not to look too embarrassed about it.

The feeding of Aaron continues. There's a clapping in the distance and the does say in unison, "Ah, it is time for us to depart." But … not before the doe in his lap lifts up one final berry. She gently holds it between her teeth. With narrow, playful, eyes, she leans in and kisses Aaron. The buck quickly finds a berry in his mouth. How it got there … best not to think about it.

"She did ask me to tend to your needs," Layth notes to Calligenia. To Spring Meadow he explains, "I was raised as a bodyguard and general servant in Abu Dhabi. As the Khatta I … served was not wealthy, we had to deal in many things and know many skills. I needed to be able to tend well to his guests during negotiations … so I was taught some things."

"Are you going to untie me first?" Aaron asks after swallowing the berry.

"Should we?" the does ask Aisha, Calligenia, and Spring Meadow.

"Wow," is Spring Meadow's reaction. "You're like… an escort then?"

"Well … what does escort mean?" Layth has to ask.

"I have a knife, so we could cut him free instead," Calli offers. Aisha is more pragmatic. "Please do, so that we don't have to carry him home."

"Well, you take girls out and entertain them, look impressive, and make their night memorable," Meadow explains. "Sort of… like… you're doing right now… "

Giggling, the does untie Aaron. But before they slip off … they slide to either side of him and kiss him lightly on the cheeks. "Perhaps you will honor us with a visit again," they whisper, then slip off.

"I suppose that is a fair evaluation. Though now I choose who I entertain. I've found people find me less threatening this way. Plus, it is a reward to see someone smile," Layth notes. "Each of you have a very different smile; all of them are beautiful. And I also believe that everyone should at least once in their life feel important and special, because everyone is in their own way."

"Oh, this is my new favorite club," Aaron mutters, still blushing like a teenager.

As if to make a further point, Layth asks Aaron, "Do you feel better?"

Looking to Layth now, Aaron says, "And this also makes up for all those nights in the Gladiator barracks… "

"What happened in the Gladiator barracks?" Meadow asks.

"Nothing happened in the Gladiator barracks," Aaron insists.

"A lot of boasting and wrestling. And the occasional … well, some Gladiators hands wander with each other when they are bored," Layth admits. "Aaron and I had to be vigilant some nights to be able to sleep safely."

"And watch each other's back, so to speak," Aaron notes. "Besides, I've seen how you does tend to sleep together, and have nothing to be ashamed of."

"Aaron is reasonably comfortable to sleep with," Layth says with a nod, "And does well at guarding. Well, shall we have another round of drinks, or would everyone wish to retire home for the remainder of the evening?"

"Umm," Meadow begins to say, then pauses a moment. "I think I may have had too much to drink," she admits. "Can I stay with you guys tonight instead of heading back to the dorms? Only Fenter ever got away with coming in sloshed."

"Sure, Meadow," Aaron offers, since it's his home being discussed.

"I am ready to retire," Calligenia says, blinking slowly. The alcohol must be catching up to her, given that Amazonian drinks aren't nearly as strong.

"I would be honored if you would stay with tonight, Mage of the Lands and lover of culture," Layth says as he dips his head to the doe. "If you find it difficult to walk, I will also carry you to your bed, if you wish?"

"It was a wonderful meal and show, Layth," Aisha says, setting down her still unfinished (but mostly empty) drink. "Thank you."

"It was good to simply do something different and relax," Layth agrees. "I know I am not as exciting as many; as evidenced by being left behind as I was, so I am glad all of you enjoyed the night. I do not know where the future yet leads, but … now I fully intend to direct that path."