⠀⠀⠀

   Eleni would definitely claim that the goddess comment was some sort of blasphemy or something,  and might fear getting struck down by the gods themselves,  but the compliment was potent all the same.  "Certainly it does.  Perhaps it is just the way you say it."  Temptation is a trick from the very same gods that she dedicated herself to,  and everything told her to whisk away this beautiful woman and find somewhere to escape with her.  But that outcome was just so unfair,  even as she steadied her gaze on Gaby as she conversed with the staff,  it all felt like a cruel trick.  "Thank you.  I am glad to have this experience with you.  Learning more about this cuisine is always a positive.  I hope to learn more from you,  as we keep meeting.."  
            
            /   @-TANGOTHEFTS 

While Eleni was afraid that such a smile looked ridiculous on her, Gaby couldn't help but admire her, openly. She looked like an absolute goddess, even in her casual dress, and no longer in the Greek styled clothes she had seen her, when they first met— for it only seemed to reinforce the 'divinity' of her presence. "Does it? I'm glad to hear so. Let's order us some wine, then," she smiled to her, then temporarily directed her attention to someone from the staff that approached them, taking their orders.

   She knew the smile on her face must have looked ridiculous on a mercenary—  but there was no way she could help it when she nodded her head with a soft gratitude and sat down.  Eleni didn't even know herself anymore,  it seemed,  and this trick of time was beginning to feel more evil with every bit of longing she felt for a woman she wouldn't be able to have.  The gods present her with a challenge.  "It sounds intriguing."  She readjusted the dress that Gaby had shown her not too long ago,  one of the more casual ones for the occasion of seeing her friend.  "Yes,  that is a good idea.  One thing that I have,  clearly,  enjoyed through the ages is  *wine*!"  
            
            /   @-TANGOTHEFTS 

  Eleni had been raised to be the the way she was—  strong and defensive and certain in every possible way in order to get jobs done when she needed to.  She was fiercely loyal to boot,  and was almost certain that she would go into battle just to defend Gaby's name.  Or even just to help her out a little.  Or,  even,  if Gaby had something stolen from her by some random person,  Eleni would get her whole get-up!  Some might call it a bit much,  but that was how deep her identity ran,  and how difficult she found it to truly blend in.  But...  Well,  when it came to the other woman,  she was glad she did stick out a little,  just to get her attention and admiration.  "I would be a fool to turn down your offer."  She said seriously,  like she was cutting through the humour of it to show her gratitude.  Again.  Perhaps she was doing too much.  Still,  though,  she shook her hand with a firm shake all the same.  "We certainly do have a deal.  Even as we're together now,  I look forward to our next planned meeting eagerly."  
            
            /   @-TANGOTHEFTS 

It was cliche to say how someone was able to render you speechless. But it was very much true, for Gaby. She was incredible and so confident, she carried herself with that energy that said 'nothing'll be able to stop me' if she set her mind to do something, and... it was admirable, really. She was mysterious, too. And so strong. But her heart was full of kindness and gentleness. Like a warrior from those films, you know? The kind that never gives up, that keeps on fighting, but who's very merciful, too. Honour. Honesty. When she looks at Eleni, she sees all that, but she sees grace, too. And someone who's very sensible, empathetic, *human*.
            And by the gods, the crush she had on her! ...It was inevitable, okay?! She was freaking Wonder Woman, but real, and Gaby was only a mortal that got head over feet over someone who could very well be a goddess! ...She surely was as beautiful as one...
            "Thank *you*," it was all she could bring herself to say without freaking out. Without stuttering, and blushing or swooning on the spot, because— really! "You aren't asking it... I'm offering it," she responded with her typical humour— thank gods she was able to stop daydreaming about her and come back to the present! —, brave enough even to send a playful wink her way. "A good idea, sí? Perfect. We have a deal, then—" she offered out her other hand to shake hers, laughing a little at that.

   Eleni didn't tend to second guess things,  but perhaps this situation was more fragile.  She was used to chasing after things,  yet these circumstances stopped her from doing anything else.  She had to go home someday,  right?  This wasn't forever.  And yet,  she couldn't stomach the idea of having someone to leave behind.  Especially not someone so...  *unique*.  So  *amazing*.  How was she supposed to celebrate a homecoming when there was a part of her left thousands of years away?  "Thank you.  It was a privilege to have your help,  and your time is valuable to me beyond all things.  You have a beauty and kindness that could have only been graced to you through the power of the greatest gods."  There was no way for her to properly show her gratitude for it all,  it was all beyond words and actions but she continued to make some feeble attempt to show how grateful she was for it.  Because Gaby didn't need to help her in any way,  and yet she chose to.  She was a good person,  and deserved a great future.  One,  perhaps,  that Eleni herself wouldn't get to witness.  The smile on her face,  though,  was flattered at the compliment she was given--  the mercenary side of her could've essentially disappeared in that moment.  "I feel as though I'm asking too much of you.  You have already given me so much of your efforts.  But...  It's certainly a good idea." 
            
            /   @-TANGOTHEFTS