Postpone the issue.

“Perhaps later,” Johanna eventually managed to squeak out. Elara grinned like a cat and gracefully peeled herself away from her table, slinking towards one of the strange contraptions that cluttered her home.

“At least let me feed you, then. If you’re new to the island, you probably haven’t had proper food or drink since you’ve arrived.” Elara’s fingers moved quickly over the strange, wooden device, and the device, in response, opened up to reveal a ceramic mug, which Elara placed on the table in front of Johanna.

Johanna leaned forward to sniff experimentally at the golden liquid contained within. “Is this ale?”

Elara, who had moved to the other side of her home, out of sight behind the waterfall, replied in the affirmative. “Spiced ale, yes. If it’s not to your taste, let me know.”

Johanna had a moment of hesitation, but decided that if Elara had meant her any harm, she had plenty of opportunities to do so already. The captain raised the mug to her lips, and sipped.

“It’s very good, Elara. Thank you,” The captain said, before taking a deeper drink. She couldn’t exactly tell which spices Elara had used in the beverage, but it certainly enhanced the flavor, and it was honestly the best thing Johanna had tasted since arriving at the island.

“I’m glad you think so, Johanna,” Elara spoke, sauntering back to where the captain was sitting and placing a platter of sliced bread before her. “I don’t have many opportunities to dote on beautiful new friends.”

Johanna could feel her cheeks heating up again. She had been politely tiptoeing around Elara’s flirtations, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the beautiful, naked woman’s advances. It wasn’t that the captain wasn’t attracted to her, but something about Elara still seemed strange and dangerous. Johanna wasn’t quite willing to lower her guard yet.

Still, she was very grateful for Elara’s hospitality, and was growing fond of the woman. “Thank you, Elara. I appreciate your kindness. This island has been somewhat challenging these past few days, and a friend is just what I needed.”

Elara seated herself back on the table, running a hand over her horns and through her hair. “I can imagine, especially if you’ve been keeping company with that brute. Bone, did you call him?”

Johanna finished a slice of bread and took another sip of ale before answering. “Bone, yes. He’s a pirate, and a source of endless irritation.”

“Why did you keep him around, then?”

Johanna considered the question before responding. “I think I just needed to have human contact, and he was my only option. He may be an ass, but without him, I don’t know if I would have kept my sanity this long.”

Elara shrugged. “Well, he’s not in a position to bother you any longer, and your choices for company have improved dramatically, if you’ll allow me to flatter myself.”

Johanna smiled. “Your company is very much appreciated, Elara. If there’s anything I can do to repay you for your generosity…”

The gaze Elara fixed Johanna with made the captain regret her choice of words, and Elara smiled before replying...