[img]https://i.imgur.com/sk2CPzp.jpeg[/img] [hr] [center][color=#4a766e]#4a766e[/color] ~ [url=https://www.strawberrychicblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_5512-600x746.jpg]Outfit minus the boots[/url], [url=https://www.dhresource.com/webp/m/0x0/f2/albu/g8/M01/80/01/rBVaV12QCVuALWfnAAOBOKS2DYc565.jpg]Boots[/url] ~ Party[/center] [hr] The guinea pig joke stirred unpleasant memories for Iliana. She'd been call that a few times when she was captured by that scientist. So she couldn't help but shiver at Duke's words. She didn't register Duke's question about her wellbeing at first because she was lost in her dark memories for a few minutes. It caused the wind to pick up again, but she shook her head when her pendant lit up. Taking several breaths, she remembered his words. [color=#4a766e]"Well, honestly, I don't know how I am. Physically I am fine, but emotionally and mentally, it might take me awhile. I don't want to be weak or vulnerable though."[/color] It was at that minute that Fiona showed up, nearly crashing into her. It surprised Iliana, but she managed to not freak out, much to her relief. [color=#4a766e]"Oh, yes, it's Iliana."[/color] She didn't need to know her name. Despite barely having any interactions with her, she knew she was friends with Nelly since Nelly brought her up in conversations the few times they talked. Nelly liked to talk a lot, which could be overwhelming at times, but she had tried to temper it down a few times, not quite succeeding. When asked if she wanted a drink, Iliana responded, [color=#4a766e]"I haven't decided yet, but thanks."[/color] Iliana wasn't a drinker by any means, considering she only recently became legal by Europe standards. She had tried a little prior to that and found she wasn't a huge fan, but she did like the cherry schnapps. She tried it again after turning legal and decided she did like it because it wasn't strong, at least the version she had. After Fiona left, Duke asked if she drank. [color=#4a766e]"Not much. I am only 19 but will be turning 20 in March. I am not a fan of beer, but I did like cherry schnapps once. Only once did I try something hard and I didn't like it at all because how strong it was. It was Scottish Whiskey. I think for now I'll stick with something non-alcoholic though."[/color] It was then two new faces showed up. The female smiled and waved at them before turning back to the guy. She seemed to radiate kindness, while the male seemed to radiate power. The feeling reminded her of a few people she knew, but she couldn't put her finger on it. She did shyly grin and wave back at the woman though. Seeing Duke getting food, Iliana figured she should eat something besides her brother's cookies. While preferring lighter meals, Iliana figured she'd indulge this time. She had in the past like for Christmas. Since they were in Greece, there was Mediterranean food. Iliana never had to chance to have that, so she got some of that like gyros, pita bread with different sauces like hummus, etc. She only got a little since she wanted to have some Southern food she hadn't had since she was little like grits and grilled chicken. Her plate was complete full when she glanced up and saw the mountain of food the one guy had. She couldn't help but let her jaw drop. Duke must have seen her expression because he asked, [color=851f1f]“Want to join me or is there mingling to be done?"[/color] Turning to him, she saw he was about to leave the food bar. She looked at her plate and knew she wanted to eat before the food got warm or cold. [color=#4a766e]"I'd rather eat first. I can always talk with others afterwards. Besides, we haven't really talked much either, that is, if it's okay with you. I am trying to get better socializing, but I know I'll never be like Andy or Nelly."[/color] Or Rae, but she didn't add that last part. It was then she saw more people had arrived too. She wasn't feeling quite ready to interact with so many people just yet and Duke was a decent guy by all appearances. At least she never got any bad feelings about him. The last she saw him prior to any of the major events was right when he came back from Olympus. She remembered she had been envious at the time, but didn't blame him nor the Valises. [hr] [center]Interactions ~ Duke [@Sir Sparky], Fiona [@Fabricator] ~ Mentions ~ Nelly, Andy, Elias, Tapeesa[/center]