She couldn't say that the interruption was unwarranted as many patrons in Sun Cafe were akin to striking conversation. However, having the air of someone who was unapproachable led to a rarity of impromptu social interaction. Valencia looked to the cup of tea in her hand as her newfound companion asked her about a 'Matteo Garcia'. Even though she wasn't inclined to answer his questions and could've bid him away by ignoring his plea, she wracked her brain for any image of the individual in question. None came to mind but her interest was piqued when she looked to the stranger.

He seemed tired although she'd assume that was an understatement. To be fair, she hadn't been paying attention when he approached her which was an oversight on her part. Having an interest in her surroundings was one of the lessons that her mother taught, she'd be ashamed to know that it had gone unheeded. Nonetheless he couldn't have been a danger to her in such a crowded area and she wouldn't let him anywhere near her drink without her knowledge.

Indulging in a bit of conversation wouldn't kill her, she thought. Especially if she had nothing else to do and nowhere else to go for the time being.

"I do not," she said with finality in her tone. "And who do I owe the pleasure of speaking to?"

She set her tea cup down whilst trying to make as little noise as possible.

"You seem tired, and if this Matteo Garcia isn't here, you must not have anyone else to speak to. Feel free to sit with me if you'd like."

Of course, she'd keep a close eye on him but if anything it wouldn't hurt to be a bit hospitable.

@anthonyskies

Her newfound company bowed and introduced himself which brought a little smile to her lips. He made such a show out of it that it could've been a little cute. Nonetheless, once he rose again, the smile was gone and she was occupied with taking in his attire. He seemed rather tired and conflicted about her invitation sit but eventually resigned himself to taking the seat across from her.

There wasn't much that Valencia could offer in the form of an apology for not being able to provide him with information about his contact. However, the least she could do was provide him with a meal and a chance to sit down. Even if he was going to be a bit of a problem, in his current state it could've been hard to do anything. Especially that show of a greeting that he had given to her. Valencia picked up her spoon and began to stir her tea while she kept an eye on him.

Arion muttered that she should at least try to make some conversation since she offered for him to sit down. But her mind was focused on the amount of money which would be used up to provide food for two rather than one.

"My name is Valencia Godfrey," she stated. "It's a pleasure to meet you Anthony."

With that being said, she ushered for one of the cafe workers to come towards them. It would take a moment as there were other patrons to attend to but she was satisfied with the quality of care in the Sun Cafe. Raising her cup to her lips, she took a sip and then set it down.

"So, if you don't mind me asking, would you prefer coffee or tea?"

She tilted her head to the side, one of her hands resting on the table while the other sat comfortably on her lap. Her mother told her that the character of a man could be discerned from the way they drank their coffee or tea. It was something she didn't believe in but it was an amusing thought for hte situation. Arion huffed in the back of her mind and seemed to be appeased at her attempt to be a little hospitable.

Baby steps, she reminded him. One step at a time kept someone from losing an eye.

@anthonyskies

Valencia was accustomed to the reactions from hearing her family's name. The Godfreys were a fearful bunch who inspired or shook their fellow witches to the core. However, she couldn't help but wonder nowadays if the reaction was simply out of reverence for her family's feats or out of the actions of a certain missing person. Nonetheless she wouldn't let her speculations ruin their meeting and if fate proved to be in her favor she'd have a chance to ask him later.

A little smile formed as he leaned close to her and asked for confirmation. In reply, Valencia lifted her cup and took another sip. The sweetness and warmth from her favorite tea filled her and did wonders on her mood. Even Arion seemed to be pleased with the pace in which she was taking the conversation. But there were more pressing matters at hand, like the state to which he preferred his coffee or tea.

And yet to her surprise, he seemed to refuse her offer out of concern for himself. But as she gave him a quick glance, she wondered whether it was out of bravado or because he was telling the truth.

"Well, I'm sorry to hear that but I would rather not be an insufficient host by partaking in a meal while you're empty-handed."

The small smile return as she set her tea cup down and looked to the approaching staff member.

"I'll have a slice of strawberry cake if you please," she said. "My companion, Mister Skies, can order for himself."

She looked to Anthony with a quirked brow, the little smile on her lips never fading. But if someone knew her rather well, they'd liken her expression to a cat that caught the canary.

@anthonyskies

Although she'd never want to enforce her own will and status on someone else, Valencia knew what a person on their last leg looked like. Partially because she was often that person who was trying to stand upright even when they weren't able to keep going. Arion had to be pushy and forceful to get her to see that she was pushing herself too hard. And she wasn't very sure about this Anthony Skies, but she'd rather that he didn't keel over if she could do something to stop it in advance.

A little smile formed as she took another sip from her cup while he ordered coffee. Maybe he was being cautious or maybe a nice drink was all he needed. But she was happy to know that he had taken up her offer. But from the way his hands were settled and the nervousness to his laugh, she could only assume that there were some misunderstandings. Or at least a bit of uncertainty on why she would offer her assistance to a person that she barely even knew.

Mayhaps the lady was a bit too forward.

Hush Arion.

She sighed and set her tea cup down, finding that it was almost empty. She'd have to ask for a refill when the server returned but for now, her problem lied with the person in front of her.

"I do," she said. "And as much as I'd like to say that I am generous enough to offer hospitality to everyone, I don't have the most approachable aura."

Valencia settled back in her chair as she drummed her fingers against her knee.

"You seemed a little perturbed and reminded me of someone hard at work," she explained. "So I wanted to be of any help that I could instead of sending you away."

She looked up to meet his gaze.

"I apologize if I was too forceful in my attempts."

@anthonyskies

His compliment was rather jarring if she was going to be honest. Valencia was told before that most men didn't prefer women who were as bullheaded as she could be. However, it didn't seem to be in her character to kneel to someone's will or lessen herself for their benefit. Therefore although his compliment and analysis of her person was odd, it did make her smile a little. She tilted her head to the side as he rubbed the back of his neck and his smile seemed apologetic in a way.

Her eyebrow quirked and Arion mused that perhaps her presence had done a number on Mr. Anthony. She hushed him internally and listened attentively as he told her of what led him into being in such a state. Her eyebrow quirked and she couldn't help but wonder what he'd be moving crates for. It wasn't her business but the idea of someone being in trade was a little interesting. A field of work in which she'd never held an interest for until reaching her young adult years, but one of interest nonetheless.

"I was reading," she told him. "Studying to be more precise."


Arion huffed in the back of her mind and she could feel a wetness on her elbow. If her familiar had been standing next to her, he would've pressed his nose to her elbow. A sure sign that he wasn't quite satisfied with her answer.

"But, I have been overdoing it lately and needed a bit of a distraction."

She chuckled softly and gestured to him.

"And then you walked into my life," with those words she gave a light shrug. "Everything that I needed from where I'm sitting."

Their server came back with a cup of coffee and looked to Valencia when she inquired about having another cup of tea.

"Did you want anything to eat, Mr. Anthony?"

@anthonyskies

This man was a character.

That much Valencia was sure of as she watched him go through the motions. Every word that he said, every gesture that he made, would've brought her to her knees if she was weak to the idea of a man who would humble themselves for her. But she had to say that it was amusing that he would do such and his smile was infectious. The smallest of smiles formed on her lips as she thanked the server and asked for another cup of tea. Once she looked back to him, she watched him carefully to make sure that the coffee was alright.

He wasn't someone that she knew very well. But anyone in her company would be treated with the utmost care. It was a rule that came with being a Godfrey but one that she'd bitterly believe had gone forgotten by her elders. Nonetheless, she was in good company and there was nothing but smile and laughter to be had between the two of them.

"I agree," she said to his comment towards the coffee.

If she was going to be honest, coffee was her lifeblood. It was one of the things that she consumed very often besides tea and water. An important aspect of her studying habits considering that pulling all-nighters was a difficult escapade. Yet just as her mind trailed back to studying, he snapped her back to reality and she thought on it.

"Anything that I am trusted with," she said. "I take my duties seriously and try to be there for anyone in need. Constant patrols of the city, maybe even taking a few requests that come here and there. Stargazing is also nice and going on walks in the park."

She hummed and looked up just as the server returned with her tea. Taking the cup, she gave a quiet thanks and took a sip.

"And you?"

@anthonyskies