After listening to Layla's story, Aisha couldn't help but feel pity for the woman who'd been used and abused so cruely.  Instinct told her not to allow Layla to see that pity, though, and as such, Aisha kept it well hidden.  It did serve to soften her heart towards the other woman, though, especially when she spoke of how Aisha's heart had been breaking during the ritual.  It was true.  She had felt like her living, beating heart was slowly being ripped from her chest.  But after seeing Tarkus' reaction to the non completion of the joining, Aisha knew she'd behaved badly.  She belonged to Tarkus.  He didn't belong to her.  And she had no right to expect exclusivity from him.<br/><br/>Interested to find out more about the people who had brought Layla to court, Aisha was about to ask about them when the shorter woman asked to eat.<br/><br/>"Yes, of course we can eat, Layla," the beautiful young woman answered.  "Come, you must be famished."<br/><br/>Aisha led her still nervous companion back up the marble stairs to the chambers above. A veritable feast had been laid out while they'd been bathing.  The table was heavy with several dishes made from fish, as well as much rarer beef and lamb, which very few people outside the aristocracy had the pleasure of sampling, due to it being both expensive, and difficult to obtain.  Bread and vegetables rounded out the savory dishes, while figs, dates and honey provided a sweet finish to the meal.<br/><br/>Before approaching the buffet table, Aisha retrieved two of her silken robes, one for each of them.  Despite the fact that they were currently alone, there was nothing to stop servants and advisors entering the chambers, and the consort didn't think it appropriate that they ate wrapped in nothing but towels.<br/><br/>"Help yourself to as much as you would like, Layla," Aisha handed the woman a golden plate, smiling slightly at her reaction as she spooned her favourite beef dish onto her plate, and added a thick slice of crusty bread.  "I did say you'd never go hungry."<br/><br/>The First Consort sat at the small guilded table, and invited the newcomer to do the same.  Perhaps over a meal, they could get to know each other a little.  And perhaps, Aisha hoped, she could begin to like the voluptuous woman.