Lirrah watched Velvetica like a hawk, but with a sweet and unassuming smile on her face. She noticed the woman's pauses, noticed her gently holding the frog knight close to her chest, and [i]certainly[/i] noticed that she neglected to answer most of Lirrah's inquiries. Of course, Velvetica was under no obligation to do so, but her lack of address gave Lirrah something to work with regardless. The merchant wasn't exactly a novice when it came to reading people.

Her perpetual smile almost fell when Velvetica replaced what could have been some insight into her personal feelings with Veltan patriotism once again. Lirrah, despite what she was used to regurgitating, didn't really care about Velt except as a market. Well, as a market, and as the home of some of the people she had been building relationships with. It was the people that she was really interested in.

Lirrah had hoped to hear something out-and-out selfish for once. She wanted to hear Velvetica say that she wanted a huge berry pie for her personal dinner, or that she wanted Lirrah to make a cute octopus sailor plush just for her. She wanted joys and vices, because everyone had them. Perhaps Velvetica wasn't interested in being seen as more than a figurehead. You could do business with people like that, but it was hard to connect with them through their persona. Though Lirrah had no doubt that Velvetica's love for and loyalty to her country was genuine, it came at a cost.

Everything did.

Lirrah's slightly-fading smile was repaired in full when Velvetica's brother poked at her, however. This was something that she understood (though it seemed far more playful and far less cruel than her interactions with her own siblings), and gave her a bit of hope at knowing something more. At building a genuine rapport. It occurred to Lirrah that she and Elroy might be on the same side in wanting Velvetica to open up a bit. She silently thanked the man before interjecting.

[color=f49ac2]"I [i]p[/i]elieve, Lady Velvetica, that your [i]p[/i]rother is referring to yet another shared trait [i]p[/i]etween you and the Goddess Reon. Namely... your height,"[/color] Lirrah revealed playfully, obviously stifling a laugh.

[color=f49ac2]"Although, do not worry, Lady Velvetica. You will always [i]p[/i]e tall to me! The tallest Nem ever recorded was only 3'7" in Veltan imperial units, and I will remain much shorter than that,"[/color] Lirrah added, attempting a friendly and reassuring pat on the shoulder (which was about where she could comfortably reach).

She hoped she wasn't being too forward, but Lirrah doubted she'd get a better chance to try and crack that shell, and she'd never progress her relationship with Velvetica without making a play. Besides, Elroy was something of a safety blanket for her in this instance. She had heard that he was strong, but he seemed wise and empathetic as well. She would need to take serious note of him.

Well, either that or he just liked messing with his sister.