W-work! You can do it!

The waifish girl gazes into your eyes and sighs.

"Are you really so weak that this will break you?" she quips as she scrunches her mouth up in contempt.

Something about the challenge helps bring you back to your senses, and you focus your eyes on her. "N-No... no... I can do this." You take a deep breath. "Right. It's only two weeks, then it's back to normal."

Aelflade crosses her arms and shakes her head. You think you detect a hint of a smirk, but aren't sure. "Right... listen, You'll have plenty of time to worry after sundown. But for now we must work! Stay by me, and I'll tell you exactly what to do."

For the next few hours you and Aelfade are attached at the hip, much to her chagrin. More than a few times she scolds you for "hiding beneath her stola like a child." It's not long before she sends you to the stock room for some seasoning. As soon as you return, she sends you to the bar for a clean glass, then again for some silverware, or for a fresh towel, then some other trifle, then another. You take the hint and begin to shadow her a little further back, giving her room to work.

The time passes quickly, and it's not long before the sun has reached the twilight hours. The only light comes from the pyramid fires and rows of wall sconces. The patrons have begun to thin out and your tutor thinks it about time you serve a table yourself. She gives you a nudge towards a group of raucous men in rough tunics. She couldn't have picked a worse table for you, and consider with an annoyed realization that it's probably because she didn't want to tend to them.

Still, you step foreword to do your job. They fall silent, as you approach and a few begin to chuckle and leer. You're taken aback by their blatant gawking, and as the moments tick by, you fluster even more for the awkward silence. Finally, you find your voice and mutter, "Hello,howCanIHelpYouTonight..." To your annoyance, your shy introduction only seems to spur them on and they chuckle again.

One of the larger men, clearly the leader of the bunch, leans foreword while laughing. "Hahaa, what a precious little mouse. You're new here aren't you?"

You nod silently, and speak a little louder intent on presenting with more confidence than you have. "Yes, I've just started today."

"And what's your name little mouse?"

"M-my name is..." You look to Aeflade nervously, then back to the man. You'd never considered coming up with a more suiting name. Would John be seen as a male name? Would that give you away?

The man laughs again. "Forgotten your name little mouse? "

"It's Tulia" Aeflade interjects. "You'll have to forgive her, she's such a flighty girl."

"That's alright," He smirks as he leans back. "She don't have to think to make me happy." the crowd seems to feed off of his energy as he continues, " Have a seat on my lap sweetie, I'll make it worth your while..."He begins rubbing two silver coins together between his fingers. Your face erupts into a bright violet color and you look back to Aeflade for help.

He chuckles. "Oh, -she's- not my style. Come on sweet heart. Hop on." His smirk grows more lecherous as he pats his lap.