Paul wasn't sure how to deal with the woman yet. She wasn't rude...or mean, or anything. But she made his chest tighten, and he felt SO uneasy being near her, like he might self combust at any moment.

"You think so, eh?" he chuckled a little. "I...h-hope my plants will be just fine..." maybe he would put up protective wards on his greenhouses >.>

He looked down at the rock and held it out. "It's a rock...covered in moss. I thought it was quite beautiful, and natural, since I found it like this. And I gave all the new professors a gift...I thought this one was perfect for you...Miss....? I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch your name!" he smiled and wasn't sure he wanted to wander into the tent.

He was going nose!blind to the smell, though.