Welcome to Gaia! ::

The past few days had been...interesting to say the least, and today she decided to take things easy. She wandered through the school grounds carrying a rather ratty looking wicker basket, so focused on not jostling it that her tongue was peeking out slightly through her clenched teeth. Once she found a nice shady spot in one of the grassy common areas she set the basket down like it might explode before letting out a deep sigh. That thing got heavier with each picnic, she was sure of it. Still, it was well worth the effort once things were set up. Humming softly to herself she pulled a large roll of muslin cloth from the basket and began to roll it out, it was easily big enough for two or three people for sure. Carefully she placed a large dingy flower teapot in the center, surrounding it with a few chipped, but well loved cups and setting a small stack of matching plates next to it. She rocked back on her heels to admire the scene, her head tilting back and forth a little like a curious bird. She glanced around at everyone wandering to and fro as she dug out a large pink box that carried the scent of warm almonds and spices. With just a few tugs and folds the box folded out perfectly flat to reveal a large pile of carefully balanced sweet pastries, though the honey had pooled to the bottom and threatened to get everywhere.

"Well if I didn't want a mess, I shouldn't have a picnic." She laughed to herself as she pulled out the last key piece of her picnic. A small handwritten sign that read in delicate script:



She hung it on the tree behind her. It would have to do, though if anyone took advantage of her offer she would have to see. Pouring herself a cup of tea she settled in to wait.

Ithi was still by herself, but she saw the boy hesitating. After waiting a few moments to see if he'd join her on his own she waved at him and called out loudly. "Hello there! Come join me! Please!!" She patted the blanket next to her. "I have free food!"

"Um....I'm Ithi." She smiled and tried to hold out a cup of tea to him. Quiet wasn't always bad she supposed, but this was a little...awkward. Maybe he just needed a little prodding to open up. "What's your name?"

She watched him carefully, something was definitely off about this guy. She had a strong feeling 'water' wasn't actually his name. "The blanket? It's just a simple cloth, nothing very fancy." She still held the teacup for him and smiled softly. "Are you thirsty? The tea is fresh, I promise."

"It's nice to meet you!" She smiled and took her own tea cup in her hands. He was certainly odd, but then, maybe he just wasn't used to the world? She certainly has made a number of mishaps since she's been here. Maybe where he's from they don't talk so much. "Like this, see?" She brought it to her lips and took a slightly exaggerated drink.

She hunched her shoulders as she suddenly began to laugh, setting her cup down to avoid any more spillage. She reached over and took his cup away, still giggling. "It's ok, you don't have to like it. Here."

She dug in her basket and pulled out a bottle of water, opening it before handing it to him. "This is just water."

"I have other teas you can try if you like. They can taste very different." She smiled warmly instead plucking a pastry from the pile to rest on a plate which she held out to him. "This is very sweet, so don't take a big bite, okay?"

She laughed again, clearly delighted by his reaction and pushed the whole plate of pastries at him. "Here! Have as much as you like, but be careful! Too many will upset your tummy!" She sipped at her tea, delighted to see someone enjoying her food so much.