It's been a busy afternoon for the Lapi. After the first meeting with Faust, they returned to the townhouse to get the other two crystal artifacts for examination. There wasn't much new to be learned from them, although Faust was excited all the same. During the experiments, Spring Meadow suffered a small 'accident' involving a cup of tea, however, and needed to drop by her dorm room for fresh robes.

Earth Dormitories
The dormitories in the School of Earth are not merely built – they're grown. The hallway cutting down this particular level seems more like a path cutting through an overgrown forest, with the walls looking like densely-packed trees, with a few gaps here and there that signify doorways or branching corridors, and the floor consisting of densely-packed earth worn bare down the middle, but with clover and grass and a few wildflowers in the corners to each side. The floor is irregular, requiring one to step over a tangling root or around a bush every once in a while, and just down the way, there's a wooden bridge going over a tumbling stream. A cool wind blows through an open window that reveals that the ground outside is actually three floors down.

Unknown to Spring Meadow, Layth followed her at a safe distance. As he follows her up through the dorms, he can't help but marvel a little bit at the odd constructions. He also takes a moment to peer around and see if anyone else is actually here or it's just her.

At the moment, there doesn't appear to be anyone else staying on this level of the dorms – at least, no one who makes a sound that Layth's sensitive ears can detect. Other than Spring Meadow, who suffers from the common Lapi 'muttering' affliction whenever she's alone. She turns down one of the side passages ahead, and then there is the sound of a something sliding open and closing.

Layth continues following, ears twitching slightly as he tries to locate which room she must have disappeared into.

There are only two doors down that particular passage; one made of semi-translucent amber, and another of a darker resin. The sounds seem to be coming from behind the darker one.

Layth heads towards the second one. Once beside it, he leans against the nearby wall and crosses his arms over his chest. A shake of his head drapes his lop ears over this right shoulder and directs a few strands of his golden 'mane' over his eyes. And there he waits for her to emerge…

It isn't a long wait before the door slides open and the gray Lapi doe emerges, now dressed in a fresh set of green and brown robes. She's looking down at the floor, so doesn't notice Layth until she nearly walks into him. "Eee!" she squeaks, clutching at her chest. "You scared me!"

"That is not entirely hard to do," Layth notes as he reaches over and brushes his fingertips over her forehead, trying to calm her down. "You should not spend so much time in here alone. See the world that surrounds you and less will surprise you so," he notes, then taps in the center of her forehead.

"But… this is my old room," Springer notes, rubbing at the spot on her forehead now. "I want to enjoy it before the place is turned into a hotel or torn down."

"I don't mean not spending time in your room, I mean in here," Layth reiterates and taps her forehead again. "You spend too much time inside your mind and do not see the world that surrounds you so much."

The buck looks around, then asks, "What will you do when this place is gone?"

"I… guess I'll move into one of the other dorm buildings," Springer says, looking not too happy about it. "I think there's only one that's being used now."

"Why not move off the campus? I would think your friend, Master Lightfoot, would have space for you," Layth notes. "Having friends around can make change easier."

"Oh no, I couldn't live with Aaron!" Springer says, her eyes going wide. "People would talk! And I couldn't afford to rent one of his room anyway. I have to pay off my education still."

"I doubt he would charge you. He's been very generous," Layth points out, but still shrugs. "And if people talk, well, that is their problem. I am certain they would know better; after all, a charming lady such as yourself must have many suitors."

"Me? Charming?" the doe asks, looking up at Layth finally. "I'm pretty ordinary, and there are lots of does on Rephidim. And mages tend to hang out with other mages anyway."

"I do not think you are ordinary," Layth comments, quirking a small smile to the doe. "Perhaps you don't, then, because you do not get out enough to be seen and shine."

"I get plenty of sunlight," Meadow counters. "I mean, I work outdoors all the time!" she claims, completely missing the point.

"Get out and meet people," Layth clarifies kindly. "You only have so much time in life and once it is gone, you cannot get it back."

"I… " the doe says, then droops her ears. "Okay, I guess whenever I've gone out it's because Xander or someone dragged me. The city is pretty intimidating to me."

"I probably have an advantage there," Layth admits, "I did not have a choice in going into the cities and dealing with others as I was a slave for many years. Well, that and I'm a bit large for a Lapi. That tends to keep people from bothering me." The buck quirks a grin.

"Oh, nobody bothers me, except in the Bazaar," Springer says quickly. "I mean, everyone sees the robes and figures I've either got money to spend, or that it would be too much trouble to rob me."

Layth's brow goes up. "Ah, well, I know better. So bothering you is a fair game for me," the buck teases.

"Uh, why did you follow me?" Springer finally asks, realizing she's all alone in the dormitory except for Layth now.

"I wanted to ask you if you wished to go to dinner with me tonight. I would like some time to see the town and need a guide," the buck answers. "Since Tasha is occupied with her harem, and the other two does would not be interested in just enjoying an evening on the town, it would be just us. A date, if you wish it. Or just a meal with a friend if not. Surely you would like to know a little more about me, at least? I would like to know more about you."

"You would?" Springer asks, blinking in surprise. "Dinner? I mean… I don't know of a lot of places to eat… " she says, tapping her fingers together nervously.

"Yes, I would. I don't often get time to just sit and enjoy the company of a friend. Certainly not the company of a most beautiful mage such as yourself," Layth notes, "And it need not be anything fancy. Does not Aaron's girlfriend … Anisa, was it? Have a family that runs a restaurant?"

"Snowshoe's Tavern," Springer notes, then blushes. "They know me there!" she says. "And… beautiful? I mean… you've seen me at the bath… and I'm no Aisha or Calligenia. That stuff you did for them, it was practically… umm… "

"Available for you too, if you wished it," Layth offers. His head tilts a bit, then he asks, "Is it a problem that they know you? If I am too … embarrassing to be seen with, I understand. An Amazonian and former slave is not the best of companions, I know. Far beneath whom should accompany a beautiful mage."

"They've never seen me on a date," Springer notes. "Even Anisa's younger brothers haven't shown interest. And… I don't know what to do on one! Not on a proper one, with someone I don't work with!" She blushes even more at the offer of the 'special' massage.

Layth reaches over and traces his fingertips along her cheek. "You don't have to do anything. Just talk, if you want. About anything you want. No obligations with me, Spring Meadow," the buck insists. "I just think you should feel special; and not just because you have been so helpful … but because you are."

The doe squeaks and seems to shrink in on herself a bit: a common sign of shyness. "I… I'd like to go out for dinner… I suppose," she finally gets out.

Layth drops down to one knee and bows his head. "I would be honored to go with you, Mage of Earth," he says rather formally. "When do you wish to go?" he asks as he stands up. "And is Snowshoe's adequate, or would you prefer another place?"

"I… I… " Meadow stammers at the formality. "I don't know of any other places, really. I mean, there's Zsofi's, but… it's for mages and not really for dates."

"Do you wish to be bathed afterward?" Layth inquires, "I will need to collect the soaps and perfumes ahead of time, if you do. If you could do anything for a date, what would it be?"

"Bathed? Oh… umm… why not!?" she finally says. "Anything? Well… I never really thought about it. Aaron said there are all sorts of romantic things to do, like… umm… well, he had some suggestions, but I don't remember them now," she notes, apologetically.

"Then we will do whatever comes," Layth notes, "Like … perhaps a night time walk in gardens. If there are any gardens here."

"There are lots of gardens," Springer says, perking up now that things are in familiar territory. "None are public. The ones here on campus used to be amazing, but they've been abandoned. I've worked on plenty of Nobles' gardens though, and some are beautiful."

"Would we be allowed in them?" Layth asks.

"Oh no, not at night certainly," Springer says. "But I've gotten to work in most of them anyway, so… well, I like gardens, but I suppose I can't help but look at them with the eye of a gardener."

"Well, then think of something you would like to do, if you were on a date. We can discuss it after we eat," Layth comments. He then leans in and lightly kisses the doe's forehead. "I will leave you to your dorm. Until dinner, Mistress of the vine and leaf," he says as he draws back.

"Umm… okay!" Springer says, and seems at a loss as to how she should reply to the kiss. "I guess I'll find you at the townhouse?" she asks.

"I shall be waiting," Layth offers by way of his answer. The buck turns and walks down the hallway … a bit slowly, as if trying to give Springer an extended view of of his back.

The doe does peer around the corner to watch Layth leave, and then pinches herself on the cheek.

---

Snowshoe's Tavern
Bazaar tents and shops come and go, but Snowshoe's has always managed to remain a stable landmark amidst the bustle and noise. Its owner and main proprietor, Abram Snowshoe – along with his wife, Beatrice – keep a good and fair business, and have just about cornered the herbivore market much as Bromthen Heaven has cornered that of the carnivores. The tables are kept clean by bustling family members, and food is rapidly cooked to order by the matron of the family. There are rooms available for rent here, but many of them are now inhabited by family and extended family.

Spring Meadow is a bit nervous as the pair enters. This could in part be due to her wearing an actual dress instead of her usual mage robes. She clings to Layth's arm as if trying to hide behind it.

Layth, for his part, has dressed as formally as he could manage, in bright whites and gold tinted fabrics. He's even wearing Aaron's ill-used ear clip. As they enter, he holds the door for her and leads her through using his arm, asking, "Do they seat here or do we seat ourselves?"

"Oh my, is that you Springer?" A matronly Lapi woman asks. It must be Anisa's mother.

"Oh, hello Mrs. Snowshoe," Spring Meadow says in a near whisper. "I'm… I'm on a date," she admits.

"Oh! Really?" the older woman asks, and gives Layth a good looking over. "My, you remind me of my oldest boy, except that you aren't black of course! Come this way!" she says, and turns to lead them into the dining area.

"That answers that," Layth comments. He parts Springer's arm and leads her as he follows the older woman to the dining area.

When they reach their table, Layth slips his arm from Springer's. He then pulls out a chair for the doe, offering, "Please, sit?"

"Is he one of the Lightfoot's, dear?" Mrs. Snowshoe asks, Spring Meadow, who just shakes her head mutely once she's seated.

Layth actually lifts the whole chair up with Spring Meadow in it, then gently sets it closer to the table. "I am a friend of Master Lightfoot's," Layth offers, "and part of Lady Aisha's family, here to look after her. I believe Aisha is the business partner of your daughter?"

"Oh yes, lovely girl… if a bit rough around the edges business-wise," the older doe remarks with a big smile. "Her last servant was a tigress Khatta. I'm sure you know much better what a girl like that needs though, Mister… ?"

"Either Layth or Chrys. Whichever you prefer," Layth offers with a smile. "Now, as for knowing what is best for her does not mean she will listen. Very stubborn, she is," he adds as he goes to his seat and settles down now. The buck gracefully lifts the napkin from the tabletop, then snaps it out and drapes it in his lap.

"Well, most girls go through that phase at her age," Mrs. Snowshow comments, and the claps her hands. "Well, since this is a special occasion, would you like to start with some wine?"

"I would, indeed," Layth agrees, then looks to the doe across from him, "Do you have any preference, Meadow? If not, I recommend one of the white wines made in Adu Dhabi, from the desert plants. They are light, dry, and sweet."

"I don't have much experience with wine, so I'll go with your suggestion, Layth," Springer says.

"Oh, I've got the perfect one, just be a moment!" Beatrice says, and is off through the doorway separating the dining area from the kitchens and household.

Layth reaches across the table and interlaces the fingers of one of his hands with hers. "They seem very nice. You should not be so nervous," he tells her.

"Hehe, not be nervous," Springer says nervously. "I've never done this before you know. I'm just glad I could still fit into my dress after all this time."

"Well, am I so terrifying? Just because I am the son of a barbarian raider does not make me one," Layth says quietly. "As for your dress, you look beautiful. You should not hide so much in your robes."

"I like hiding though," Springer admits, just before Beatrice returns with a bottle of wine, which she presents to Layth first for approval.

Layth eases his hand back so he can look at the wine. "Ah, yes, I recognize the maker. That will do nicely. Thank you," he says to Beatrice with a smile.

"Would you like me to pour, or would you prefer to do so yourself?" the matron asks Layth.

"Please pour," Layth suggests, "As I do not have an opener with me. I hope you will forgive that oversight. I should have remembered such." He looks back to Spring Meadow and while smiling asks Beatrice, "And what would you recommend for her? I believe you have known her for a while and know her tastes in food far better than I."

"Hmmm," Beatrice goes, as she gets out her corkscrew and pops open the wine. "I know she doesn't eat well at the College cafeteria," she gossips. "And has a sweet-tooth to boot!" As she pours a bit of wine first for Layth to test, Beatrice adds, "She'd order something with cheese or cream, if I recall correctly, but really she needs some honest protein, so I'd start her with a bean salad and rice soup, and then the roast tuber entree. It's got some yams, and she'll like those."

During this, Meadow's ears droop. "It's like being back home," she mutters.

Layth swirls the wine in the glass, then sniffs it. He pauses, then takes a sip. "Very nice," he finally says after the tests. "Why don't we both start with the recommended soup and salad," he offers, trying to placate the doe by sharing in her fate. "I do promise that you will get a wonderful desert if you eat a healthy meal. Besides, remember, this night is about doing things you don't normally do … and that includes food." He grins. "And speaking of your family, I would like to hear about them… "

Beatrice pours for Springer next, and then goes to see about their meals. Once she's gone, Spring Meadow says, "I'm from Half Valley originally. My parents are farmers, and when the chance to have me enter the College Esoterica came up, they jumped at it. I was… hmm… ten years old I think. It's been awhile. They weren't too happy when I changed my name, but they tell me they're really proud of me and that I focused on plant magic too."

"What was your original name?" Layth asks, "Your current one makes me think of a Savanite."

"Well, my long-time roommate in school was a Cervani doe named Summer Forest, and I thought the name was just so cool and fitting for an Earth Mage that I changed mine. It used to be… Tabitha."

"My name was Chrysxanthos back when I lived in Amazonia," Layth offers, "But when I was abandoned by my mother and taken as a slave by the Khatta I was renamed to Layth. It means 'lion'. An odd joke on the Khatta's part, on my coloration and that for a Lapi and I could stand up against the strongest Khatta."

"Lion, at least, is a strong name," Springer points out, and drinks some of the wine – but only a sip. "Tabitha… well, I just can't imagine any adult woman using that name. And my last name… well, it sounds like rude term for mating in Boschian."

"Tabitha is a beautiful name," Layth asserts, "But I will respect your with to be known as Spring Meadow. Master Lightfoot doesn't like his given name, either. You know what it is, do you not?"

"Oh yeah, I went to Amazonia with him once," Meadow says, and giggles. "He's a silly man at times. I really don't understand why he's attracted to Anisa at all, unless he likes the boxing or something. He was a lot softer before she got a hold of him."

"According to him, they're just friends … and yet I can see it in his eyes when he talks about her he wishes for more," Layth notes before he takes another sip from his glass. With a sigh, he admits, "He also feels threatened by me."

Springer waves a hand, and says, "Lightfoots are easily threatened, because they're so easy to take advantage of. That's why I couldn't move into one of Aaron's rooms. I mean… he wouldn't even think of saying no, or what difficulties it might mean. His cousin is the same way. Women can get them to do anything."

"From what little I have heard about his cousin … his difficulty stems from thinking with the wrong body part," Layth comments with an amused grin, "I hear he ran off with a reptile, of all things."

"Yeah, I could see that, since he's a Fire Mage," Springer notes, rubbing the rim of her wineglass with a finger. "Hotfoot has a thing for feeling needed, even if only as a space heater. We still got up to some crazy stuff on Caroban though… and he's a decent cook. I can grow just about anything, but can't prepare a meal without mangling it."

"Why do you not sit 'Hotfoot' down and have a talk with him when he returns? It sounds as if you and he are close," Layth notes and looks to Springer's glass. "And do you wish for more wine?"

Springer blinks when she realizes she's emptied her glass. "Maybe I should wait until the food arrives," she says with a shy grin. "And Xander and I are both paying off our education still, which means we can be sent to here-and-gone at any moment. Not exactly stable relationship material, the two of us. Besides, I used to have a crush on Aaron back on Caroban, because he seemed so mature and… well, because he brought presents," she admits.

"You could also die tomorrow from a freak bedpan thrown out an upper window," Layth has to say with a small shrug, "There are always reasons to not sit down and talk with someone. But really, it often just boils down to being afraid to; the rest are excuses to justify it." He sits back a bit, then smiles, adding, "And enough of me lecturing. This night was about you having fun. Is there anything you wish to know about me?"

"Well, you said you used to be a slave," Springer notes. "But now how you ended up with Aisha. How did that happen?"

"My owner was in may ways more like an adoptive father than a slave owner. He couldn't continue his business anymore and wished me to be safe when he retired to live with his bother. He was friends with Aisha's family and they took me in as her bodyguard," Layth explains. "In truth, it was also because I believe they wanted a large and imposing male to instill in her how to behave as a proper Adu Dhabian doe."

"Well… Aisha does have a bit of a stick up her… um, that is… she could learn a little more humility," Meadow admits. "Not that she's not a nice person and a really hard worker, it's just that she's not always ready to tackle her own ambitions, you know?"

"And… that stuff you did to her in the bath… is that really proper for an Abu Dhabian doe?" Springer asks next in a hushed voice. "Because if so, then I need to move there… "

"She also resents me being around," Layth appends to that. "But yes, I do understand what you mean. I think much of it comes from the desire to prove herself. She wants to show no weakness whatsoever when in reality everyone needs help at points in their life. There is no shame in that." There's a short laugh from the buck and he adds, "It's not uncommon for those with servants. And you could possibly get the same effect without a servant, you realize. As a mage, you have … options."

"Well, when I do big magic, it feels… but that's beside the point," the doe notes, trying to hide her blush as Beatrice returns with their soup and salad course. "Is everything going well?" she asks, smiling brightly.

"Everything is going quite fine. As must as Spring Meadow likes to deny it, she is a charming conversationalist and a joy to be with," Layth tells the matronly doe. "We were just discussing mutual, and odd, friends."

"Ooo, anything juicy I should pass on to Christina when she gets back?" Beatrice asks, and brings out a gigantic pepper mill. "And would you like any pepper?"

"Please," Layth says and sits back to avoid inhaling any. "As for juicy, alas, no. There I must apologize. It was nothing more than lamenting over some of their … quirks, such as this 'Hotfoot's dash off with a reptile."

"Oh, you mean young Xander?" Beatrice says, clucking. "Poor boy. It's being alone that does it to them, you know. Separated from their mothers, that is. Makes them crazy, the young ones."

"What about for us does though?" Springer asks.

"My mother left me when I was five," Layth notes, "But I turned out well. She saved my life in the end."

Beatrice just smiles and pinches Springer's cheek. "Oh deary, it's a mother's duty to make her daughter crazy you know. Just ask Christina."

"Oh, you poor boy!" Beatrice then reacts to Layth's admission, and actually hugs him. "When was the last time you were surrounded by any kind of family? Maybe you should stay with us for a time."

"Er," Layth says as he's suddenly hugged. "No, no, I had a good family look after me growing up. I'll be fine and I have others to keep an eye on… "

"Oh, well that makes sense," the matron notes, standing back up and smoothing her apron. "You are a fine, polite young man who clearly eats all of his vegetables and doesn't get into fights or other shenanigans."

"I haven't been in a fight in a while," Layth agrees with a nod. "Which is good. I do not like hurting people."

"That's a good boy," Beatrice says, and pats Layth on the head (reaching up to do so). "I don't know why Christina refuses to find a nice man. But you had best not waste this one, Spring Meadow," she points out before returning to the kitchen area.

"I doubt she would have such glowing praise if she knew what I was," Layth admits quietly to Spring Meadow. "A mutant or a monster, I believe the Amazonian line has been called."

"Oh, hardly anyone outside of Olympia even knows the place exists," Meadow notes, trying her soup first while it's still hot. "People don't pay much attention to history or places that don't effect them directly."

Layth gets an amused smile on his face. He reaches over and stops Meadow from lifting her spoon. The buck then slides his chair over beside her. There he takes the spoon lightly from her hand and dips it in her soup … then promptly offers to feed her. "I just realized an experience I doubt you have ever had … being fed," the buck comments and winks. "I promise you'll find it very relaxing… "