There was something so entrancing about Roman. The way he acted like a knight from the long-gone age of chivalry, his gentle golden brown hues, his rugged appearance but kind nature. Fiora couldn't help but get lost in the moment, despite trying to keep her senses about herself. She smiled as they exchanged pleasantries and felt the warmth of his hand that nearly engulfed hers as they shook. It was then that it struck her just how long it had been since she'd held hands with someone, and how nice the contact felt.

"Oh, uh, thank you... I think it technically comes from Italy, but since Fiona sounds so similar to Fiora and my mum and dad are Gaelic, it wouldn't surprise me if they were going for a name like that but different? I don't know." Why did she find herself laughing more after this? Not an awkward pity laugh, but genuinely? Roman was so easy to talk to, even though the pair had just met. It was a sort of connection that was easily forged, and Fiora was grateful for it. She had never been the greatest social person, but she did try, and it seemed that Roman at least appreciated that and humored her.

Upon her comment about his joy in caffeine intake, he chuckles, and responds that he doesn't usually drink coffee, but he was glad that he had partaken in the indulgence this morning. She assumed because he needed the waking up... but was he also talking about meeting her? Fiora wasn't sure how to respond, but, thankfully, Roman asked another question before she decided whether to say nothing or 'likewise'.

"Hmm... I wouldn't say avid, but some days I do need a pick-me-up. I'd say I have coffee about once a week." She responds thoughtfully to his question, having never really thought about her caffeine habits before, but alright with sharing them all the same. She knew she used to drink more when she had been in art school, heck, sometimes a good mocha or macchiato was the difference between staying awake and finishing a project or falling asleep and having to turn in the work late.

"Oh, you flatter me, I'm sure." Fiora knew that her works as a child were horrible, and while she was flattered that the man before her thought so highly of her work already, without having seen it, she was also aware that her scribbles as a young girl were just that: scribbles. Fiora smiled to her belief that anyone can be taught to be an artist. "I'm sure if you did, you would find you have more ability than you give yourself credit for." she smiles as she speaks to him, knowing that most anyone who was willing to give something an effort might find abilities and talent they didn't know they had. Even if they didn't consider themselves that good at something, if they were willing to work hard and improve, someone else may see the beauty in their craft.

After her excitement got the better of her, Fiora realizes the smile on Roman's face. She turns away, somewhat embarrassed by her own enthusiasm and proclamation she had just made. However, that soft smile does remain on her face, glad that Roman seemed to understand where she was coming from. "Y-yeah... it really does." Silver blue pools turn back to her new acquaintance as she softly admitted that he was correct.

"I would be more than happy to help you, Fiora. Don't worry about the rate. Whatever you can afford will be more than enough." His tenor tones speak, and a soft smile touches Fiora's face yet again.

"Do you really mean that?" She cautiously inquired, but had a feeling based on his expression and demeanor that he really did. "Thank you so much! It really means a lot to hear that... so, really, thank you."

After she handed over her sketchbook a moment later, she watches as he picks it up and looks at the drawings she'd made. Fiora finds nerves taking over as she hopes that he likes what he sees, but too afraid to ask. However, Roman did more than make a comment that he liked them or they were good. Already, she learned that Roman never did anything halfway if he meant it. "You certainly have a natural talent for this. I can see the care you've placed into every line here." "Wow... thank you. I mean, it's not quite natural talent, I did go to art school for several years, but, um, I've never had my work so eloquently praised." She could feel the heat rush to her cheeks that she tried to force down by picking up her mocha and taking another sip.

"Thank you... and he is. He didn't like me too much at first, but he opened up eventually... I believe he's a professor at a university now." She did detect a wistfulness at the mention of Roman's family, and chose not to press him for details, knowing how hard it could be to talk about certain parts of family sometimes. She watched his well-worked hands carefully page through her book, even laughing at her comment regarding how she chose not to capture inappropriate subject matter.

"Your work is very beautiful, Fiora. I can easily see your passion in these pieces."

"Ah, well, I'm glad you like them... sorry... I just don't know what to say... you're making me blush, Roman." The young woman commented, feeling that he was being entirely honest, but she wasn't sure how to handle so much praise. He offers her sketchbook back to her, and she gently takes it back, sliding the pencil she had been using into the spiral that bound the paper of the sketchbook together.

The blond man then asks another question of her, relating to their tentative agreement. He asked her the location of the place she had bought. "Oh! I can't tell you the exact address off the top of my head, but it's on the south side of the city, on the beach. It's an old warehouse, which the seller said needed tlc but was in decent condition. Yeah... I guess needs tlc means needs to be completely gutted and reworked." She admitted she was no good with repair work, but that warehouse was the only place she could afford, and she hadn't known quite the extent of the building's needs until she had arrived in Sarcosanct. However, a few repairs weren't enough to deter Fiora, who felt that it was possible to turn it into a place of creativity and wonder, where experienced artists of many kinds and those who wanted to learn could find sanctuary without the often judgemental eyes of the outside world. It was a goal she was determined to meet, and the atmosphere around the warehouse was great, it had a front-view to the sea, it just needed... a lot of updating and work.