We have things in common.

Narraine wasn't sure to say as she watched Iesha try to explain that it had been just her and her family. How many had there been? It couldn't have been a large group of Lamia, especially if they were living in a cave like what she had said. Perhaps it was a smaller family unit, three maybe four members. And with a smaller family, it explained a little better how she had been orphaned.

Iesha had now turned the conversation around, asking about Narraine's home. She had even called her miss Narraine, which had been surprisingly polite. despite everything, the young one still seemed to have wonderful manners which were a delight to see. "My home? I lived in a temple with 26 sisters. We were sort of like protectors for our home." Since coming here she had been exposed to many political views and had even come to change a few of her own. While yes she believed her family and her protected the realm, she had also now come to see them as a private militia of sorts, that rather than working for the people, responded to the whims of the hierarchy. Of course, such topics were a little heavy for a first time meeting.

"You must not have met many Lamia in your life. We come in a variety of colors, shades, and patterns. My sister Aylin is white scales, with red markings along her length. I'm white like this because of a genetic defect. Sadly it means I won't be able to have kids of my own." It was the sad truth of her life, and not something she had openly talked about with many. Since coming to the island, she had been checked by physicians, and they had confirmed what her people had already told her, that she was infertile. Needless to say, she had not meant to let that slip. It was another one of those topics that felt a little much.

"And we lived openly across the world, from sea to sea. My people actually ruled my home." things were different here, though. Even on Manta Carlos, she had met prejudice for her appearance, and this was supposed to be the safe place. She couldn't imagine how it had been outside the island, least of all in a place like Libya.

"What do you like to do Iesha? Do you have any hobbies?"

Narraine half chuckled at Iesha's comment about her having a lot of sisters. By many standards, 26 siblings was a lot, but all the girls were spread out over a couple generations, and from several mothers. The only common thing they shared was the same father. "Yeah there were a lot of us. though can't imagine there will be anymore as our father died many years ago." Humans perished sooner than Lamia, it was just a simple fact of life. She had accepted it, and never really been concerned with her father death.

When Iesha said that they hid in their caves, because it wasn't safe outside, Narraine's heart broke a little. This little girl had spent her life in hiding, no wonder she was so timid now. Well, things were different here, and if Narraine had anything to say about it, Iesha would get to enjoy herself here.

"Stories, and puzzles and doodling eh? That sounds like fun. I love stories you know. I have so many. course they are all about valiant hero's and great adventures." Despite her smile she tried to pass it off as nonchalantly as she could. Narraine was already beginning to get a clear picture as to who Iesha was. the past would come with time, especially if it was troubling, but the present could be explored right now.

"I like a good puzzle too. Puzzle boxes, puzzle cubes, and picture puzzles. course I don't like doing puzzles alone. It makes em a little boring." She gave Iesha a little wink as she spoke.

That was what Narraine had been looking for. That spark of excitement. Iesha seemed like a totally different person now that she had become excited about the stories. There were dozens of stories that she could think of right off the top of her head that the girl would like, some of them were even from her own adventures. Back home she had always enjoyed sharing the stories she had collected. it was the topic of puzzles that really brought the smile to Narraine's lips.

Iesha had expressed that she could help with any puzzles Narraine had had so that she wouldn't be bored or alone. It was too precious. Narraine was almost instantly overcome with emotion, she wanted to hug the little girl, to wrap around her and hug her tightly. Maybe it was her own maternal instincts kicking, or perhaps it was just the adorableness of the Iesha, either way, it didn't matter. She wanted to be part of this girls life.

Narraine managed to hold herself still and resist the urge to hug the girl. Part of her feared that such a forward gesture might intimidate her further. So for now, she would take it slow."I'd love to work on puzzles with you and tell you all sorts of stories." Her mind had begun to wander now, as thoughts of her tucking the girl into bed, and telling her a story at bedtime, flooded her mind. She could picture it clearly, pulling the blanket's up to Iesha's chin, while the girl happily asked to hear the story about the desert princess and the nomad again. it was absolutely heart warming.

"I think it would be a lot of fun. We could hang out lots if you like."

She could tell she was getting through. Iesha wanted to see her again, which was a very good sign that they were connecting. Though it seemed the tone of their encounter would change again as she seemed to become much quieter all of a sudden. Narraine wondered what she may have been thinking about that had so suddenly changed her mood. She seemed almost withdrawn again.

This time Narraine reached out to touch Iesha's arm in a reassuring way. She assumed the change in mood had to do with surfacing thoughts about her family. it was a hard thing to imagine what she had gone through, harder still to understand the complex emotions she was feeling, but Narraine wanted to. She wanted to help, and to see this girl smile again.

"Hey. It's ok you know. And there is no pressure, but if you ever want to talk about anything at all, you can with me." That seemed like the right thing to say, at least it felt right. if they continued to see each other then there was no rush on anything. They could take their time getting comfortable and learning about each other.

"You live in the dorms here yes? Do you have anyone who takes care of you?"

As Iesha jumped Narraine pulled her hand back. She hadn't thought anything about just touching the girl's arm, but it seemed as though physical contact was not something she was a fan of. Narraine made a mental note, perhaps it was just too soon, and a matter of comfort, or maybe this was a bigger thing than she thought. Either way, she would make sure to be careful in the future.

"So they just leave you alone?" She found that shocking. regardless of whether or not Iesha wanted to be alone most of the time or not, she still needed people, adult's to be part of her life and take care of her. She was still just a child after all. Not to suggest she couldn't care for herself, but a child shouldn't have to.

"It's too bad you couldn't just live with me. But I live in the dorms too. and..." She stopped talking for a moment and closed her mouth as she slipped into thought. What would it take to adopt or foster Iesha? It couldn't be much. a home, and stable financial. she could ask Aylin for help with that, and then it would be no problem. Every morning she could get up with Iesha and take her to school, do her own classes, and then they could go home together. Making lunches, and eating dinner, and giving the girl something stable.