Valera flirts with the girl.

Lady Valera's talents are unparalleled, and that's not referring to her magic. The way she conducts herself--her confident speech, her piercing gaze, the elegant way she moves--makes obvious her striking charisma. The poor little girl sitting next to her seems to be naturally shy, and the presence of such a powerful woman seems to make it even more difficult for her to speak. She can barely make eye contact, and it's impossible to hide the blush across her face.

"Please. You can relax," says Valera. Another talent she has is her ability to also speak with a warm, affectionate tone. It's relaxing. Plus, she's definitely not lying. Her presence will certainly keep other drunkards at bay for the time being.

The elf finally turns a gaze back. "Thank you again."

"Think nothing of it, sweetie. All I ask in return is your company. I don't want to drink alone either. You also look like an interesting girl. One I'd love to speak with. I hope you don't mind."

"I am really not very interesting."

She smirks. "I doubt that. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Valera. As you can see, I am a devil. I hope that doesn't make you nervous."

"Julae is my name. And no, it is all right. Though I have never spoke with one before."

"Did you know we are naturally hotter?"

"Oh?" Julae's eyes flicker down and then back up.

Valera can't help but chuckle. "I meant our skin. Feel," she says before holding out her palm.

Albeit nervous at first, the elf does reach out and place her hand on the other girl's. She looks surprised. With a timid smile, she retreats the hand back to her side and says, "It is incredibly warm".

"So what is it that you do for a living, Julae?" Lady Valera turns farther on her stool. She raises up her arms, and crosses them right beneath her bust to push them a little bit farther up. As kind as she's trying to be, there's still something entertaining about watching the other girl struggle not to look but fail miserably.

Julae puts her hands between her legs and gazes down between her toes. "A scribe at the library. I am an apprentice trying to be a better mage."

"I see. I'm a mage as well. I'd love to talk magic sometime."

"Oh no. You are likely much better than I."

"But that's how you improve, Julae." Her eyes shift down to the plate. "You don't like strawberries?"

"It is kind of embarrassing, but I really like to eat the berry separate after I am completely finished with the rest."

Lady Valera reaches out to gently pick the strawberry up between her thumb and index finger. She raises it up, leans on the counter with one elbow, and keeps the berry up in the air near her head. "Is that right?"

"What are you doing?"

"Don't worry. It's all yours." She smiles sweetly, and slowly moves it towards her mouth. "Open up."

The elf's face flashes redder. "Wh-What?"

"Please?"

She whimpers with pursed lips, but it's obvious to Valera that she wants to do it. Nervously, the shy girl nods.

Valera moves the strawberry closer to the other girl's small, soft lips, and she opens them slowly. She places it on the tip of her tongue, and the elf sinks her teeth carefully into the soft, juicy flesh. She makes an adorable noise that stirs Valera's heart. The end is taken off, and with one hand beneath it, Valera retreats it back a little bit.

Julae munches and swallows it down. "Y-Yum," she mutters with a smile.

"Isn't this better together?" Her golden eyes stare straight into the other girl's.

To her surprise, the elf reaches out to take the strawberry back into her own hand. She lets it happen of course. Disappointment is about to set in, but then she catches her by surprise by saying something else.

"Now you open," Julae says.

Dark crimson starts to appear on the woman's cheeks. "Oh Julae," she whispers. With a little protrusion of her tongue, she opens up her own mouth, and allows the other girl to slide the remainder of the berry inside. She closes her lips and enjoys the sweet sensation of the fruit in her mouth before swallowing it down.

"Why are you being so kind to me?" Julae asks.

Valera licks the remaining juice from her lips. "Because you aren't respected."

"What do you mean?"

"You must feel comfortable with who you are, Julae. I can see it in your eyes. Confusion and worry. You've been told certain things your entire life. I know because I've seen it before. When I look at you, I see a beautiful flower. One that isn't being allowed to bloom."

The elf isn't certain what to say.

Valera continues. "Or if you'd like, I can compare you to the strawberry. Juicy and sweet." She licks the tip of her finger.

Quickly, Julae turns back towards the counter with her head down. "Th-Thank you."

The poor girl is too embarrassed to speak her mind. I can't imagine the environment helps.

As they converse, the barkeep peeks his head out through the curtains. "Hmm? Did that guy leave?"

Valera nods. "Indeed he did. Thankfully."

"Yeah... Sorry about that. Do you two need anything?"

"I'm sorry to deny you business, but I was actually about to ask my new friend here a question. Julae, I would love to speak more, though in a more personal environment. The public seems to be making you uncomfortable. I'd be honoured to speak about magic with you at my own home. It's a lovely place, and I have all manner of drinks and treats. Finding good company is so difficult these days. Would you accept my offer?" With her question, she holds out her palm just like she did before.

Julae looks lost in thought. She rolls her tongue around in her mouth, and taps her finger against the counter. There's a moment of silence. Then, she turns slowly to shine a gaze back at Valera.

She places her hand on top of hers.

Lady Valera smiles warmly. "Thank you. Come with me. It might be getting dark, but I won't allow any trouble to befall you."