"Right," she commented mildly. Really, the girl was her own worst enemy, hiding from her heart out of fear. If it wasn't her father's antics, as Ereshkigal assumed, what could have put the fear there? Perhaps it was time to talk to Enki about his daughter.
But not tonight. And pushing any harder this evening was not going to get her the answers she wanted, or the results she desired. Whether Ninkasi understood it or not, Ereshkigal only did this out of love for her niece. She was a harsh woman in many ways, and when it came to those she held in her heart, she was fierce in her affection. She didn't know any other way to be. For better or worse, she was going to help her twin's daughter.
"Oh look, our drinks are here." The handsome, muscular, and most-likely gay young man got a rather generous tip for his efforts. It would ensure prompt service later, and Ereshkigal fully anticipated drinking quite heavily tonight.
Pushing Ninkasi's glass toward her, she admitted, "I push. I know I push. But I also worry, hope and love." None of that was new. None of that was going to change. But it was as close as Ereshkigal was going to get to apologizing.
Especially when there were distractions to be had. "I cannot tell what this one is supposed to be. Is he supposed to be... a chef? Is that why he has a bowl?"