A lunchtime date (EA closed Qasims home)

[Raya]

Raya laughed.

"Is certainly more...how you say, tricky than she appears. In good way though I am thinking. Am sorry too, is easy to sometimes forget that even if I have seen much of world there is still much I do not understand. This is all not knowing to me. Hopefully will understand soon, so can feel less worried. It is worry for another time though" Raya made a motion with her hands as if waving things away "nothing can be done now."

[Qasim al-Basiri]

Qasim's smile was wide as he heard Raya laugh and a weight he had not known was there seemed to lift and he breathed easier

"Now that it is settled for now, we could enjoy the rest of the afternoon? Finish lunch, chat some more, actually just get to know eachother? Could go for a swim even if you'd like? There is an oasis just on the other side of the estate. The water is usually very refreshing."

[Can continue if you wish, or could fade to a pleasant afternoon?]

[Raya]

"Sidi has his own oasis?" Rayas eyes widened "how does one have own oasis, this is much money. I would like to see this. Would be good for hot days yes?"

(ooc - don't mind if fade to afternoon chatter or continue thread!)

[Qasim al-Basiri]

"Well yes and no, technically my family owns it and I oversee it. It is used by Basiri caravans and other travellers as well, part of my responsibilities out here is to make sure it is safe and clean. It is part of why my family does not fight me living away from the Dhabi Quarter."

"If you wish to see it I am happy to take you." He says smiling as he sets his fork in his bowl.

(Ooc - then continue it shall! I was mostly giving you an out! )

[Raya]

"Your family are owning an oasis is the same as sidi owning an oasis!" Raya said with a laugh, hopping up to her feet "I am wanting to see it. Want to see if it is same as ones seen out in the desert sometimes. It was helping in days where sun was very hot. Sidi lived here all the time then, even when very little? Or just property always been in family?"

(ooc - no need for an out )

[Qasim al-Basiri]

Qasim stood as well, albeit a bit slower than the energetic Ra'Shari.

"Yes well I suppose that is true." He said regarding ownership before heading to the stairs that lead back down to the first floor

"And the oasis has been in the family for some time but the house is only a few years old. I wanted to live outside the city, in a place I could have some privacy and the responsibilities with the upkeep and security of the oasis was a useful tool in helping arrange that. The house was built with a little help from the Basiri, all paid back of course, and for the last few years I have over seen it as agreed."

Qasim explained happily as they crossed back through the courtyard and out a different archway that lead to a small hallway and then they were headed towards another gate at the back of the property

[Raya]

Much like before, Raya had nearly jumped down the stairs. Taking quite a few at a time and clearing the whole bottom group in a jump. Colourful dress flowing as she did so.

"So house was built on oasis because sidi wanted to be outside family reach, and oasis needed watching and how you say...maintenance? So it was good placement. I can understand that, it is good for all as it mean you take responsible for oasis and be here at same time."

The Ra'shari had followed on after Qasim reached the bottom of the stairs, skipping along a little, admiring the parts of the house and then courtyard she hadn't seen before.

"Oasis is gated? So people cannot go in without permission?"

[Qasim al-Basiri]

Raya certainly passed Qasim with her energy and the man could not help but smirk and had ti admit his eyes were drawn in by the dress. "Yes everyone wins, that's usually the best outcome in any negotiation."

He opened the gate and it opened up to the Sands but a paved path led from the walls of the estate to an oasis a short walk away. From a distance It was likely very similar to the oasis Raya had seen in the desert with the exception it was slightly more colorful due to planted flowers cultivated by the owner.

"It is not gated as you can see, though it is far enough off the main road into town only certain people who know it is here come looking for it. But is technically open to any who wish to use it as long as they do not damage anything or make it unsafe." He explained while they walked toward it.

[Raya]

Raya had peeked through the gate expecting a big lake, and was surprised that there was in fact more walking! She didn't complain though, kicking up a little sand as she walked.

"I see, that is better. I was thinking it was own private oasis, not oasis anyone could go if maintained. I will have to invite my sister in Ra'Shari along sometime" there was a laugh as she was clearly not being serious. She paused at the edge of the oasis, looking around.

"It is very pretty! Water really clean, very different to desert. We try to keep everything clean but animals not as interested as humans in cleaning after selves. Plants look different, native to area?"

She moved towards the water, dipping a toe into it.

"Water seems quite cool."

[Qasim al-Basiri]

"The plants are partially native but there are some that are from other parts of the Sands. I am glad you find the water clean, we do try to keep animals away mostly the predators in the interest of safety. I'm no man of science but the water basically cleans itself, we just keep any debris out of it."

Qasim tilt his head a little "Your sister, do you mean Kezia? I heard you refer to her as your sister before." He asked curiously