[Inessa smiles at the compliment, always more susceptible to such things when they're directed at her mabari rather than herself. Garahel himself perks up a little and wags his tail, those pleading eyes outright stating that petting is wonderful and necessary.]

You're quite welcome. It's not as though I couldn't afford the space. An elf and a mage? No, most would rather keep their distance.

[Which is just fine with Inessa; more tea and legroom to herself. She doesn't mind sharing it with this woman, though.]

My name is Inessa. Garahel is my mabari companion and lives off affection as much as he does food.