<div class="floatleft">(http://orig05.deviantart.net/b1d8/f/2017/187/0/5/elisa01_by_ravagedgirl-dbf9vv9.jpg)</div>"Yes, Telvarian warmwine would be wonderful," Elisa said quietly as the dwarf poured her drink.  She picked up the glass, taking a careful sip, sighing at the delicate flavors of the wine.  It was named appropriately, as a warm feeling radiated from her stomach, causing her to relax slightly where she sat... at least until Lyari laid a hand on her arm.<br/><br/>Somehow, despite the steel armor she could almost feel the soft, warm touch of the woman's hand, and after a moment's involuntary tensing, she relaxed and looked at the other woman as she spoke.  A shy smile appeared on her face, and she laughed along with Lyari when she teased Chariss.  She'd just taken an unfortunately timed sip of wine when Lyari mentioned her previous hesitation about entering.<br/><br/>Coughing slightly, Elisa cleared her throat before offering a sheepish smile.  "As I said, I am not... overused to establishments like... well, like almost any kind, to be honest.  I don't... socialize overmuch."<br/><br/>Seeing the kind demeanor of the two women she relaxed a little again and spoke quietly but honestly.  "I've never felt bad about being... unsociable.  I'm not someone who likes crowds or parties or the like, but... I suppose I've let my work and my inclinations get the better of me.  I guess I... wanted to try doing something... different.  Meet people for once.  Not be... not be an exemplar of justice, even if for just a few hours.  It gets... lonely..."<br/><br/>With that statement Elisa turned red, shoulders sinking slightly, most of the motion hidden by her plate mail.  Unable to meet the women's eyes after saying something so personal to two strangers, she could just picture how foolish she must have looked.  Her face felt even hotter as she mentally berated herself for her indecorousness.  Slumping as much as her armor allowed, she remembered why she didn't try talking to people.<br/><br/>She was considering making a strategic retreat when she heard the door open behind her.  Stiffening her posture to sit properly on her stool again, she took a sip of wine, turning her face very slightly to peek at who came in.  After getting a glimpse of the newcomers she turned back to the bartenders.  She thought it likely that both would turn their attention to the new guests, but when the dwarf left to do her duty she was pleasantly surprised that Lyari stayed.  She found herself offering a shy smile to the woman, strangely pleased for once not to be left alone.<br/><br/><em>Maybe I haven't made myself quite the fool that I thought I had,</em>she thought.<em>After all... she did say everyone was silly here...</em><br/><br/>"Are there usually so few guests?" Elisa asked, trying to find a safer subject.  "It seems like a pleasant enough establishment, and the flyer I received had been distributed at a city rather far from this."<br/><br/>Elisa took another drink of wine, and feeling suddenly bold looked at Lyari and spoke in a quiet tone so not to be overheard by the other patrons.  "At the least I would expect many to flock to this establishment to spend time in your presence, Lyari."<br/><br/>Elisa looked back down into her drink after that line, turning red again.