Tea and Wyverns

[Sylvanas Liskasha]

Regina. It sounded like quite the lovely place, certainly a name that stuck out compared to the Japanese cafes that she'd seen, or their standard teahouses. Sylvanas Liskasha had been studying. Learning ever since she had come to Japan in search of others of her kind, as well as harnessing her powers. So far, she had done well for herself. While working simple jobs here and there, and educating herself on the modern world and its policies, she had found that her Doll was far more...able and influential.

As a memory gaining shapeshifter could. She entered inside the humble abode, and when she did, she found it looked quite lovely in its interior. Brightly lit and inviting, unlike the somewhat darker atmosphere that was Anteiku. "Good mornin'." She called out, before looking to be seated. Sylvanas was quite possibly an odd looking customer compared to the every day person. Though in a place like Karakura, maybe not.

She was 5'6", standing lithe, with long flowing black hair that fell down to the middle of her back. She looked unnaturally pale, almost as if she was deprived from light, and or sickly. Though it made her look in a sense almost vampiric, eerie. Though her eyes were likely the most enchanting thing about her. Shining green eyes that were like emeralds, or perhaps a very lively jade if one were particularly generous with her description. She looked thin. Not to the point where she was emaciated, but perhaps an unfortunate that could use more meat on her bones. As for her dress choice?

Quaint. Wearing mainly darker colors that hung to her, except the red ascot that lay wrapped around her neck. She wore a soft grey wool sweater, as well as a modest length skirt that fell just to her knee. She would grab a menu if there was one readily available, and would begin to scan through it idly, reaching into her jacket pocket and finding her reading glasses. She blew a strand of hair out of her face, looking on with curiosity at what some of her choices might be. 

"You know. It's a lovely day isn't it? I feel as if people are so eager to move on with their day. Moving so fast. I like to enjoy my time with a good bit of tea." Crossing one leg over the other, she seemed to take into consideration about how much things have changed over the passing of time. "Tell me. Is business bustling? I've never seen this place before, and I do enjoy myself tea time." Her voice was smooth, charming, inviting in a way. Always a good time to make first impressions. 

[Ailene Haschiro]

An alarm roared, filling the room with a repetitive and obnoxious noise. A hand rose from the nearby bed in an attempt to silence it. She tapped it a few times in different places and yet the alarm persisted. She'd sigh for a moment, calming herself down before giving it yet another slap. Suddenly, the room grew quiet. The covers rustled and the form of a woman rose groggily. Boasting messy purple hair and a clearly fatigued expression, she stretched and groaned softly. This was Ailene Haschiro. Former Septima Espada of Las Noches. Upon relaxing, she sleepily opened her eyes and looked around the room. It was a strange sight to wake up to for the woman.

Used to the spacious sanctum of her Espada quarters, she still couldn't believe that this is where she now resided. It had only been a few days since she was released from Manako Clinic, nearly a month since she had given up her life as an Arrancar by unleashing her Saigo No Houmen. Since waking up, she hadn't regretted her choice. Sure, there were some things she missed but overall, she was happy to leave her old life behind. Now she could focus on Rēgīna, the Tea House she had opened with help from Orobas. After thoughtfully ruminating on her current living situations, she sighed briefly and rose to her feet. The movements were slow and deliberate. After all, she was still getting used to her body. 

With that, Ailene tended to her morning routine. It used to simply be preparing a hot pot of tea and fixing her hair. Little did she know that her newly regained humanity would come accompanied by so many chores. Practicing good personal hygiene, regularly eating meals, getting enough sleep and simply practicing good self-care. It became even more cumbersome upon the realization that Rēgīna lacked a proper washroom. This forced Ailene to seek alternatives. This is where the Sentō came in. Traditional communal bathhouses that were still used in contemporary times. Sure, they were on th decline, but it provided Ailene with an effective alternative though she did find it a strange custom.

---

Wearing her Rēgīna outfit, Ailene strode away from a nearby sentō. The streets were busy, and Ailene simply wanted to get back to her Tea House as quickly as possible. It would be a notable commute, requiring Ailene to walk twenty minutes to half an hour just to reach the bathhouse. It used to never be much of a problem. As an Arrancar, she could simply use a Sonido and cut the travel time down to a fraction. Additionally, she had the benefit of more privacy because she was a spiritual being. It stood to reason that most could not see her. She could simply relax and maintain her modesty. This luxury was no longer available to her. 

She pouted somewhat as she kept walking. Soon she'd reenter the residential district of Karakura. Rēgīna was only a few minutes away now, but it didn't make the journey any less annoying. "Ugh... Perhaps I need to find myself a nice apartment." Ailene did not believe in vanity. She did not need a house, nor did she need a luxurious place to stay. She always believed that as long as it suited her needs, it did not need to be more. As she turned the corner, she took in a peculiar sight. A young woman, no older than 25, standing by a lamppost. The most bizarre thing about her? A severed chain clung to her chest. Ailene's eyes narrowed as she peered at the woman. Soon the woman looked back at her with a soft smile. 

Ailene knew the phenomenon well. This woman was a Plus. A soul who had come to an unfortunate end. For all intents and purposes, Ailene was seeing a ghost of the recently diseased. The chain that protruded from her chest was a Chain of Fate. A spiritual link to the deceased woman's body. Only, her body was nowhere to be found. Her chain had been severed. What was the consequence of this? Encroachment. A broken chain would eventually come to periodically devour itself. Every time, more of the link would break until there would be nothing left. Any soul unfortunate enough to meet such an end would find their souls' twisting and morphing into Hollows.

It was a fate that Ailene did not even wish upon her worst enemy. One brief moment of relief overcame the woman, however. Her chain was still fairly long. Based on this, Ailene could deduce that she would not hollowfy for many months. Perhaps even years. This also provided Ailene with yet another point of interest. She was still spiritually aware. The flame of a Hollow had fizzled within her. While this left her a mere human, Ailene was relieved that the link to the spiritual realm had not been completely broken. It gave her a unique opportunity to converse with the spirits of the damned. For now, however, Ailene would simply pass by and return to Rēgīna. Perhaps one day she could help this woman. 

---

Upon returning to Rēgīna, Ailene would tend to the Tea House, making it ready for business. Reading pots of hot water, prepping her gaiwan, and making sure that her stock of loose tea leaves was accurate. Throughout the day, she'd also make several calls to a local bakery. She had entered an agreement with the manager. They'd share their baked goods with her, allowing Ailene to sell them at Rēgīna. In return, the bakery would receive some kickback from Ailene's earnings from the baked goods. It was an agreement that benefited both parties. Ailene could diversify her Tea House and the Bakery made some extra publicity by affiliating with a popular yet humble Tea House.

The day would go by slowly. Some old faces, others new, came by Rēgīna. Amber didn't work today and as such Ailene was thankful for the reduced workload for today. Around three or four o' clock, however, a peculiar figure came in. The door rang with the joyful tune, but the newcomer would seem mysterious. Only a few inches shorter than Ailene and pale as snow, she immediately caught Ailene's eye. Her choice of clothing had a gothic flair to it, a style that Ailene had become all too familiar with since some of her patrons that attended the nearby university wore similiar clothing. Regardless, Ailene's curious nature would come out as she spoke.  "Good mornin'." 

Seemingly waiting around for a moment, Ailene directed her towards a seat near the counter. It had a little more shade which Ailene believed to potentially appeal to the woman more given her skin tone. With a warm tone, Ailene spoke as she gave a polite bow. "Welcome to Rēgīna, Ma'am. My name is Ailene Haschiro." She smiled for a moment, her disposition and form intended to make people feel welcome. As the woman took out a small pair of reading glasses, Ailene would simply add, "Please take your time looking through the menu." The Head Barista prided herself on making Rēgīna feel like a welcoming sanctuary. 

Suddenly, the woman before her piped up as Ailene began preparing another pot of hot water.  "You know. It's a lovely day isn't it? I feel as if people are so eager to move on with their day. Moving so fast. I like to enjoy my time with a good bit of tea."  Ailene blinked for a moment. It was small talk, but there was a certain charm to it. Ailene had all sorts of customers. Some that kept to themselves. Others that could chat her ear off into the night. It was nice to see that this woman certainly seemed to appreciate the small things. A relaxing cup of a tea for instance. "Tell me. Is business bustling? I've never seen this place before, and I do enjoy myself tea time." 

Ailene continued smiling for a moment as she looked up into the emerald eyes of the woman before her. "I am always happy to host a fellow tea aficionado." She could tell that this woman was certainly being genuine. She tended to be a good judge of character. "Well, I am happy that you decided to stop by. We've been in business for maybe three months. We may not be the biggest Tea House, but I'd rather provide a welcoming haven. A place for people to relax and enjoy quality tea. It's what separates Rēgīna from big businesses." As Ailene spoke, it would be clear that she took great pride in the way that Rēgīna operated. The atmosphere that her Tea House provided was more important to her than anything else. After all, there was a time when she felt abandoned and rejected by the world as a Hollow. She did not want others to experience the same isolation that she did. 

[Sylvanas Liskasha]

Ailene Haschiro. It was a name that sounded awfully alien, even in Japan. Then again, she figured her own name must seem awfully alien as well. Ailiene even. "My name is Sylvanas. It's a pleasure to meet." Taking her menu, she scouted through it with her eyes, though she seemed more intent on paying attention to her hostess as opposed to the goods she offered. Momentarily did her eyes gaze from the menu.

"I like that. Quaint places. Life's been so chaotic. So many people rushing throughout the day to get things done. So many things to do, so little time, and so many things people can do now. I almost feel out of place." Or rather, in Sylvanas' case. Out of time. That said, she thought to herself for a few moments before adding on, speaking a little about herself. Not loudly and boisterously, but in a quiet enough manner that her hostess would need to truly listen to hear her.

"I can't say I'm an afi-cianado. You see. When I was a young girl, my family was too poor to get tea. It was a luxury. Very expensive at the time, so most of the tea we had was very medicinal. Herbal. And we had so few options. Certainly not as many as offered on this menu. There's teas I've never even heard of." It seemed surreal to realize just how much even something as tea had changed. That said, she slowly rests the menu down on the table. "Until recently, I'm afraid I can't say I've ever had a piece of cake in my life. Much less any other types of sweets."

"So many choices. I'm afraid I don't know what's good. Might I ask I have the House's special?" Gazing at Ailene, she lightly rests her fingers along the tabletop. "Ah. For two please. I have a friend that should be coming." Looking out across the area, she seemed to be immersed deeply in her thoughts, before she'd ask the barista a question. "What inspired you to open a tea shop? So many people are out looking for higher education, or thrilling lifestyles. What made you choose the quaint?"

"I personally am trying to educate myself. Though, it's rather challenging I must say. A bit old fashioned. That, and I've seen too many ghosts. Too many demons from my past trying to bog me down." She smiled softly, resting herself as she slowly uncrosses her legs and rests them along the ground with a light tap. It felt good to be able to talk to someone. Without needing to worry about large crowds and the bustling noises of a large community. That, and this Ailene character seemed to be a lovely lady.

[Ailene Haschiro]

"My name is Sylvanas. It's a pleasure to meet." The woman smiled for a moment. "Sylvanas. What a peculiar name. Well, she has manners and that's good enough for me." Ailene chuckled softy, nodding her head. "Quite charmed, Sylvanas." There wouldn't be a hint of a lie on Ailene's features. After all, it was the genuine truth. This woman already seemed to appeal to Ailene's style. After all, the two souls that were fashioned into Ailene were of a time where respect meant everything. Nobility all the way down to the most penurious peasant demanded respect from someone. It was a virtue passed down to Ailene and she found etiquette to be the most respectable trait.

Even as Ailene complimented Sylvanas, she would show herself to be quite modest. "I can't say I'm an afi-cianado. You see. When I was a young girl, my family was too poor to get tea. It was a luxury. Very expensive at the time, so most of the tea we had was very medicinal. Herbal. And we had so few options. Certainly not as many as offered on this menu. There's teas I've never even heard of." For a moment, Ailene would simply stare at the woman. Either she was playing with Ailene or Ailene had simply misjudged that part of her. It wouldn't be anything to lose sleep over. She was merely surprised is all.  "Until recently, I'm afraid I can't say I've ever had a piece of cake in my life. Much less any other types of sweets."

Ailene nodded silently, taking note of all she was sharing. After all, Sylvanas claimed to have rarely had tea as more than a remedy. At a glance she seemed to be in her early twenties. It was surprising to say the least, but it made sense. Medication was expensive. In a desperate search for alternatives, many sought cheaper options. Tea could prove to be one of these remedies, allowing the body to recover on its own. It was a far better option compared to the snake oil and euthanasia that "physicians" were utilizing when Kazuna and Eleana were growing up. Now, however, was not a time to begin questioning the ethics of various remedies. She had a new customer!

"So many choices. I'm afraid I don't know what's good. Might I ask I have the House's special?" Ailene chuckled somewhat. It was surprising that nobody had ever asked her that before. This woman certainly kept Ailene on her toes. Before the woman could answer though, Sylvanas added, "Ah. For two please. I have a friend that should be coming." Ailene looked somewhat flustered for a moment as she was forced to admit it. "A House Special. Hmm..." She stood there, still as a mouse, collecting her thoughts. "I'm remiss to say that we don't have a House special, but that being said..." She grabbed a nearby menu and skimmed through them. Finally, her finger landed upon a few selections.

"My personal favorites include the Jasmine and the Chamomile Tea. However, my partners' favorite flavor was Pomegranate." Ailene would seem somewhat melancholy as she noted the last flavor. It had been a while since she had come face-to-face with the Akki. Last she knew, they organized some grand attack against Soul Society. While the Shinigami had survived, Ailene could tell that it came to at great loss to them. Kimiko had no insight on any particular demons except one, but it simply didn't not fit Orobas' character. They were far too proud to languish and hide away in the Rukongai. At least that's what Ailene felt in the moment. 

Assuming that Sylvanas finally ordered something, Ailene would get to work. Whatever flavor that the woman picked, Ailene would diligently skim through her stock until she found the appropriate jar. She'd get a small scoop, collecting the leaves and gingerly dropping them into the small porcelain container. There was a clear skill to her movements. It was as if she had been honing her craft for years, decades even. Once enough of the leaves had collected within the gaiwan, Ailene briefly poured steaming hot water over them. This was merely to clean them as Ailene drained the liquid shortly after. Adding more water, she'd place the lid atop the gaiwan and wait about a minute.

As this was happening, Sylvanas made another inquiry. It seemed as though she would be full of questions.  "What inspired you to open a tea shop? So many people are out looking for higher education, or thrilling lifestyles. What made you choose the quaint?" Ailene looked at her for a moment. "She's quite the chatterbox." Before Ailene really had a chance to speak, Sylvanas continued.  "I personally am trying to educate myself. Though, it's rather challenging I must say. A bit old fashioned. That, and I've seen too many ghosts. Too many demons from my past trying to bog me down." The woman nodded for a moment as she pulled out two cups.

She'd displace the lid ever so slightly and with a careful hand, poured the contents into the cup. As she did so, no leaves would escape the porcelain container. So tight was her seal, only allowing the separated tea to pour through. She'd do this once... and then twice for the second cup. Moving over to the display case, she grabbed a thin, translucent paper and grab two slices of cake. She'd gingerly place them onto two plates, one on each. Returning to where Sylvanas sat, Ailene silently placed both her cup of tea along with a slice of lemon cake before her. The soothing aroma of the tea rose, complimenting the sweetness of the cake. Either way, the tea looked expertly made. Ailene would repeat the same with the other cup of tea and lemon cake, placing it before the seat next to her.

The woman simply smiled wide. "Before I answer the question, the cake is on the house. After all, it's a crime to not have had much cake throughout life." She giggled softly before gently tapping the countertop. "What drew me to open Rēgīna? Well..." She'd pause for a moment and collect her thoughts. Once more, she would decide to remain vague. After all, for all she knew, Sylvanas knew nothing of the spiritual realm. "I guess I did it to run away from my old life. To do something different from my peers." She grew silent for a moment before continuing, learning forward. "You see, most of my peers had a vicious streak. Unnecessarily violent and arrogant. I guess I just felt that I didn't... fit in." She sighed briefly, clearly reminiscing. "None of us really fit in anywhere else. It's what kept us all together, but Rēgīna allowed me to leave that behind. To create an environment where everyone is welcome. There are no misfits here. No unwelcome. I would say that inspired me." She grinned brightly, clearly much more radiant in her demeanor.

[Sylvanas Liskasha]

Sylvanas was indeed a bit of a talker. She had come to love social conversation after what seemed to be a small eternity, living in a mine in England. Long since abandoned, and filled with the ghosts of those she called friends and family. The period of isolation she lived, fearful of what was on the surface, of the reapers, had made her desire human connection and socialization more than anything else. Though, it seemed that Ailene on the other hand, surrounded by violent brutes was more so used to listening. An important survival skill.

"Then I'll take whatever you recommend. The same for my friend." That said, as Ailene went to work, and Sylvanas talked, she looked at Ailene as she worked. So dutiful, so graceful in her movements. It almost made her seem inhuman in some ways. She remained silent for a few moments, allowing for Ailene to respond to her barrage of questions. The cake being on the house was a surprise. The soft yellow texture of the cake presented before her. It looked moist, but also succulent.

"I know what that feels like." She didn't elaborate on what part, if it was the violence, or not fitting in, but with it, as Sylvanas listened to her story. About nobody fitting in, the band of outcasts being kept together, and then the desire to make a place where everyone could belong? That made her pause. Freeze for a moment. "That. That sounds like a wonderful inspiration." Looking to Ailene, deeply in the eyes, she couldn't help but feel like their goals were alike. They were similar.

There seemed to be that moment of deep consideration. "I'd like to help you. With that, if there's any way I could." She thought about her people, her family, her friends. The guardians that watched over them in those earliest of days. "Would you perhaps be interested in a financial investment?" Sylvanas was most curious with her. Because for some reason, she felt as if there was so much more to Ailene. Something...different. "Or...perhaps some company?" The Bount suggests, her hand slowly raising to her collar, before falling to the side slowly. 

The scent of tea lingered in the air, pleasant, but it seemed as if Sylvanas was moved, perhaps lost in the moment, as she didn't even consider taking a bite out of the cake that was presented to her. Instead, she seemed especially invested in her barista. To Sylvanas, Ailene was someone that was very unique, a rare sight in the past era, or daresay any era. Someone that she wanted to spend more time with. Get to know. "I truly admire you." 

[Ailene Haschiro]

Given the option to brew what she recommended, Ailene opted to go for the Pomegranate Tea. After all, it was the one that Orobas gravitated towards most. Given the mythos of the pomegranate and Orobas' position as a Lord of Hell, it was rather fitting if not slightly comedic. Besides, the Akki had not shown themselves in quite some time. Perhaps it would provide her a modicum of peace if she brewed it for a truly social woman like Sylvanas. Anyone could brew tea with enough practice. It was not a difficult skill. However, Ailene's had been refined. Honed over decades. She felt a pride in her tea that matched the way a master chef attempted to wow critiques and customers alike. 

Deciding to throw in a piece of cake for Sylvanas and her mysterious friend who was still absent. Sylvanas had shown herself to be pleasant company and as the owner of Rēgīna, Ailene had the freedom to give out food if she so wished. Soon, Ailene would delve into her motivations. They would be poetic in a way. She clearly had some resentment for her time among the Espada. She did not like how they were forced to band together simply out of circumstance. The other spiritual realms wouldn't stand for Hollows to be anything more than monsters. This is why Ailene opened Rēgīna. To create a safe space for everyone. A place where anybody no matter their identity could feel welcome. 

This seemed to resonate with the woman before her.  "That. That sounds like a wonderful inspiration." Ailene smiled. It was nice to finally reveal some of her reasoning. Despite the warmth she felt from Sylvanas, the next comment would catch her entirely off guard.  "I'd like to help you. With that, if there's any way I could." Ailene was an attentive lister. She did not interrupt or shoot anyone down before hearing them out. Besides, she was intrigued by the woman.  "Would you perhaps be interested in a financial investment?" The Barista tilted her head and thought about it for a moment. "A financial investment?" 

"Or...perhaps some company?" Ailene smiled briefly as she looked into Sylvanas' emerald eyes. Once more, she felt that same warmth.  "I truly admire you." Ailene blushed for a moment before turning away bashfully and trying to calm herself. She was clearly flustered. Once her cheeks were not quite as rosy, she turned back to the woman before her and cleared her throat. Her voice would be equally as warm as Sylvanas'. "You flatter me greatly Sylvanas. I can tell that you truly mean it, but..." She paused for a moment. "I will choose to think on it." Ailene paused for a moment, smiling at Sylvanas. She meant no malice behind her words.

"I already have two partnerships at the moment. One of which is with a local bakery." She tilted her head for a moment, motioning towards the display case of baked goods. It was clear that these were not made by Ailene but were simply sent by the bakery to be sold at Rēgīna. "The other partnership is one of a more personal nature." She gently tapped her fingers along the counter. "A friend of mine actually helped me by purchasing the building. I may own it, but this is their Tea House as much as it is mine even though they put it in my name. As such I will have to discuss it with them as well." There was not a hint of dishonesty behind her words. 

Unfortunately, Ailene did not know Orobas' current whereabouts. After the invasion by Hell, it seemed as though they had simply dropped off the face of reality. Did they survive their own invasion? Ailene did not know. However, she still believed in her friend and wanted to consult with them. It broke her heart to turn Sylvanas down if this was a request to help Rēgīna. That much would be clear as her smile lost some radiance. "However, I would still be more than happy with discussing. I will sincerely take it under advisement." Producing her own cup, Ailene poured herself a small cup of Pomegranate Tea by using the same method with the gaiwan. As she took a sip, she felt all of her worries melt away. She felt serene. Looking at the empty seat next to Sylvanas, she could not help, but frown a little as she was worried about the tea growing cold. "Say, where is your friend? I can always make another batch of tea, but I'd rather not waste it." 

[Sylvanas Liskasha]

When Ailene came to blush, there was a warm feeling that Sylvanas hadn't felt in a long time. She didn't know what it was, but it had an aura of familiarity. Back when they lived in another time. A safe space for everyone. A place where everyone could be accepted. She remembered when she was but a girl in England. How they feared them. How they called them monsters. Violence. She looked down upon the tea, the tea of which almost seemed like ichor. Something otherworldly in a way. Tea just seemed to have a magical feeling to it.

Taking the saucer, she didn't speak for the moment. As she leaned down, took a small sip of her tea, and with it, she felt her nerves relax. A deep sigh as she could feel the rich, almost sinful taste of the pomegranate dance on her tongue. "If they're half as sensible and charming as you are, I'm sure we'd have a beautiful relationship." Returning her own bright smile, she was so lost in the moment, she almost forgot about her friend.

"I'm terribly sorry. I should give introductions. Ziege Dich. Sylvanas." It was there, from the seeming shadows, there was a burst of energy. Something mysterious, and almost sinister in a way. How Sylvanas' shadow seemed to stretch and grow outwards for a moment, before from it, a white mass began to accumulate. Blob like in nature, as it grew outwards. Rising up, and taking the form of a humanoid. It was first blank, like nothing, though its features began to become more defined. Before then? It turned into Sylvanas. Or rather, a replica of the woman seated next to her. This was her doll.

"I must say, Mistress. Bringing me into a place like this is quite a surprise." The doll looked like a perfect replica to the Bount in every way. To such an extent where if they were right next to one another, one might assume they were identical twins, if not clones. If Ailene were to try to sense the differences between them in terms of spiritual energy, that too, they were identical in every way. Though. The Doll, when gazing upon Ailene proceeded to tilt its head, almost curiously. Gazing her abnormal form and look.

"Greetings. Madam. My name is Sylvanas. Though, to avoid confusion. You may call me S2. Pleasure to meet." Stepping forward, she leans atop of her mistress' shoulder, standing between the two. "Don't be alarmed." That said, the original Sylvanas seemed fairly relaxed about this whole encounter. "Please. S2. Seat yourself and enjoy some tea and cake. I've met a lovely acquaintance. And someone who we might be doing business with. She's absolutely delightful, and I like her."

"She seems pleasant. Good company for mistress, if I say so myself. She seems well dressed to service you." To which then Sylvanas raises a single finger in protest. "Context S2. What you're saying is awfully suggestive." To which the doll rests herself in seat, saucer in hand. Mirroring her Bount, with one leg crossed over the other, gazing at Ailene with those same emerald eyes. 

[Ailene Haschiro]

"If they're half as sensible and charming as you are, I'm sure we'd have a beautiful relationship." Ailene giggled softly. She was not one that usually found herself disarmed from flattery, but it was clear that Sylvanas was having an effect on her. Ailene didn't even have a retort to Sylvanas as she simply began waving her hand as if to fan herself. She sighed softly after a few moments, composing herself. It was so strange. She never felt as though she was this susceptible as an Arrancar. Was it the Saigo? Had it affected her in more ways than she realized? Ailene wasn't sure. These were questions would likely be answered as she spent more time with her newfound humanity.

Besides, there was something else on her mind. She was curious about the whereabouts of Sylvanas' friend. It had not been too long since the bount brought her up, but it left Ailene nonetheless intrigued. After all, her tea would grow cold at this rate.  "I'm terribly sorry. I should give introductions. Ziege Dich. Sylvanas." Ailene raised an eyebrow for a moment. Kazuna and Eleana were both German. Ailene knew this and pursued it. She had an understanding of the language simply from being a spiritual mesh of the two siblings. She had done much to pursue her studies of the language and despite some nuanced differences between the two styles used hundreds of years ago and the modern dialects, she could understand the woman before her relatively well.

"Show yourself? Why would she..." Ailene would not sense the burst of energy particularly well. Soon, Ailene would take note of her elongating shadow. It molded itself, changing shape as a white mass arose from the shadow. Ailene was not sure what it was, but she clicked her tongue silently. "No point in running now. Just my luck to run into... well. Whatever she is..." The woman simply watched as this white mass molded itself. At first it was as plain as snow, but soon there would be imprints. Features that formed on the spiritual body. At this point, Ailene would have made it clear that she could see the forming mass. Soon, it would look... just like Sylvanas? There were effectively two of the same woman. 

"I must say, Mistress. Bringing me into a place like this is quite a surprise." Ailene blinked and couldn't help, but chuckle for a moment. The term Mistress is one you did not hear in public all too often anymore. Regardless, Ailene was entranced by the sight before her. Soon her eyes would meet with the dolls. There would be clear surprise in Ailene's face, but she would not seem fearful.  "Greetings. Madam. My name is Sylvanas. Though, to avoid confusion. You may call me S2. Pleasure to meet." Ailene gently tapped her chin. "Madam? Manners just like the original. I like this one..." Sylvanas would show herself to be full of surprises.

Above all else, it was the doll's next comment that amused Ailene the most thus far. "Don't be alarmed." Suddenly the original would interject.  "Please. S2. Seat yourself and enjoy some tea and cake. I've met a lovely acquaintance. And someone who we might be doing business with. She's absolutely delightful, and I like her." Ailene would simply sense the ebb and flow between the two women. The banter between the two continued.  "She seems pleasant. Good company for mistress, if I say so myself. She seems well dressed to service you." Surprisingly, Ailene wouldn't be riled up by this. There not even be a drop of shock on her expression. Ailene was not one for innuendos and in truth, didn't understand a good chunk of them. She simply nodded even as Sylvanas interjected.  "Context S2. What you're saying is awfully suggestive."

Ailene sighed and gently spoke up. "I thank you for your concern, but I am not alarmed. Moreso surprised. I wasn't expecting to see something like this today. As for your name..." Ailene looked at the doll thoughtfully. She grinned for a moment. "S2 seems so robotic. Would you be fine with Sylv?" She lit up for a moment, intrigued to see the clones' stance on a more natural distinct between herself and Sylvanas. Regardless of the Dolls' response, Ailene had to admit that she had never seen something like this before. Even as an Espada and digging through the few memories that she had inherited from both Kazuna and Eleana. Nowhere did she remember something like this.

It perplexed Ailene. Looking back, she had heard of the art of spiritual projection. Such a skill was used by Shinigami to manifest their Zanpakutō Spirit from their Inner World. It was a rather advanced skill and yet Ailene was not sure if this was the same thing. After all, she had met plenty of Shinigami. Was she like Kimiko? On vacation? Was she something else? Ailene decided that it would be worth pursuing. She cleared her throat for a moment and sighed. "I can't say that I've seen something like this before. I've heard of an ability that allowed Shinigami to call forth a Zanpakutō Spirit, but this is strange even by those standards..." 

Ailene peered at the doll closely. She had revealed that she had an understanding of the Spiritual Realm. After all, not only could she see the Doll, but she also knew of Shinigami and Zanpakutō Spirits. As her eyes darted from Sylvanas back to Sylv or S2, whichever she preferred to be addressed as, Ailene felt that she was getting nowhere. Perhaps it was just time to ask. She leaned forward onto the counter, continuing to tap her fingers very gently along the wooden counter. "Now then. I'm assuming that you are not a Shinigami Sylvanas, but by all means correct me if I'm wrong. However, if that is the case an at the risk of sounding rude... what are you?" It was a blunt question and one that admittedly worried Ailene. Would she get some ire from the woman? Worse yet, would she begin asking questions of Ailene's knowledge of the spiritual realm? That was yet to be seen. For now, the situation seemed under control...

[Sylvanas Liskasha]

It was good that Ailene didn't start screaming in panic, screaming witch, or monster. Of which might have been a regularly common occurrence in Sylvanas' time. Back then, America was not yet even a country. What strange times she lived in now. Ailene in fact seemed used to the chaotic nature of the world? If that was the case, then Sylvanas was glad that she was indeed so accepting. After all, Sylvanas was too after all. Though she seemed awfully perplexed by such a thing. 

"To call me Sylv? I suppose you could. If mistress feels so inclined. Though. I go by quite a few names." In which case, she proceeds to suddenly morph. Growing taller, more effeminate, petite, and less pale in color. Morphing as her hair becomes a darker indigo purple. As did her eyes. Even her clothes morphed to change to that of Ailene's dress. "I believe my name is Ailene. Isn't it?" To which Sylvanas' proceeds to look on with a raised brow at the doll's antics.

"Shinigami. Zanpaku-tou." The doll sounds off, and with it, the Bount's heart skips a beat upon hearing those words. Of which the doll must have sensed. "...No. I'm not." She seemed a bit distressed, as her hand lightly shook at the very mention of the reapers. She set her saucer on the side, and with it, the doll proceeded to slowly walk to Ailene. Wrapping her arms around her, holding her close, so that they might look eye to eye. In a rather close embrace.

"I am my mistress' doll. And she is my mistress. My Bount." The doll responds seemingly, looking deeply into Ailene's eyes. Deep purple orbs looking into deep purple, before she slowly leans inwards, seemingly rather defensive. "Calm yourself S2. She's a friend. Someone who said they wanted to make a place that's welcome to all people. Even us. We're guests here. So leave her be." The replica of Ailene must have been rather unsettling. To hear her own voice. To see her own visage from another perspective.

"As you wish. My Lady." Stepping back, Ailene would find the doll would break from her, in which case, Sylvanas would watch her doll seat itself, partaking in some of the tea and cake. Whilst the original Sylvanas seemed a little bit more pale, as if she had seen a ghost. "It's as she said. I am a Bount. Something that I suppose people would call a..."Vampire". This is my doll. S2. I suppose you could say she is my...familiar. Or guardian more so. Companion. I'm sure you're filled with questions. Please. Ask away. We've all the time in the world. Especially for a friend." 

[Ailene Haschiro]

As Ailene spoke of the manifestation of a Zanpakutō Spirit, she thought about it for a moment. There were plenty of types of races present among the Three Worlds. Ailene had learned about a few of them during her tenure as Septima Espada. Most of them tended to seal their abilities into an item such as a weapon. For Arrancar and Shinigami this was a Zanpakutō. She had learned from both Luca and Raphael that Fullbringers sealed what was known as their Fullbring into a sentimental item. Quincy used their fine control over reishi to create bows of light. She knew that Mod Souls possessed abilities and that it had to do with a small orb upon which their soul was inscribed. 

Sylvanas had appeared to do none of the above. Upon asking Sylvanas what she was, the Doll would do something unexpected. Her form began to morph again. She grew taller. More effeminate. Her hair had taken on a wilder form. Hair and iris alike had taken on a purple tint. The dress she wore now matched that the uniform worn at Rēgīna. Ailene blinked at the uncanny sight before her. S2 had now become a copy of her! Looking at herself in anything other than a mirror was so strange. As she spoke, even her voice matched her own. "I believe my name is Ailene. Isn't it?" Ailene had no answer. She simply gulped, utterly surprised. 

She seemed to repeat Ailene's words, mimicking the woman's voice, but it sounded off. It wasn't as smooth. "Shinigami. Zanpaku-tou." Ailene couldn't help but look at Sylvanas. Even the bount that sat before her looked distressed. It was such a strange sight. Her voice grew cold as she replied.  "...No. I'm not." As the woman set down her cup of tea, the doll did something unexpected once more. She began to walk around the counter and towards Ailene. It was truly eerie. To see her own two eyes coming at her. Normally Ailene would not have been intimidated by this, but there was one problem. She had recently given up her powers. She had no means to defend herself against this doll. 

As she drew closer, Ailene was visibly shaken. She took a few steps back until she felt herself against the display case. Yet the doll would not relent. S2 continued onward, beginning to pull Ailene close. Her own purple eyes staring into her own. The Barista was clearly beginning to lose her stable demeanor for a moment. She visibly shook. Even as the Doll answered Ailene's question, the woman couldn't help but shake. She wouldn't avert her gaze, but she was clearly uncomfortable. "I am my mistress' doll. And she is my mistress. My Bount." Once again, it was in her own voice. The doll leaned in closer. For a moment, Ailene felt as though she were about to be assaulted. Her breathing quickened. Her heart raced. A bead of sweat rolled down her brow. 

There they would be, staring each other down for a moment. Ailene gulped. Suddenly, Sylvanas spoke up.  "Calm yourself S2. She's a friend. Someone who said they wanted to make a place that's welcome to all people. Even us. We're guests here. So leave her be." A feeling of relief washed over Ailene. The woman had effectively told her Doll to stand down. Once more, Ailene cleared her throat as she listened to her own voice come from the mimicry of herself.  "As you wish. My Lady." As the doll unhanded her, Ailene gave a visible sigh of relief. It was clear that she was taken aback. More than that, she was shocked over how much this got to her. Her calm demeanor had faded almost instantly. 

At least now she had the opportunity to recover. It took her a moment, but her breathing slowed down once more. She didn't feel on edge anymore as the Doll took a few steps back. Sylvanas then seemed to elaborate on the mimicry's earlier comment.  "It's as she said. I am a Bount. Something that I suppose people would call a..."Vampire". This is my doll. S2. I suppose you could say she is my...familiar. Or guardian more so. Companion. I'm sure you're filled with questions. Please. Ask away. We've all the time in the world. Especially for a friend." Ailene raised an eyebrow as she looked at Sylvanas. In truth, she felt that friend was premature. They had just met not more than ten minutes ago. 

Regardless, she did want to learn more about Sylvanas and what a... Bount was. Whether that was out of sheer intrigue or intimidation was yet to be seen. Perhaps it was both. Now calmer, Ailene sighed and stood her ground. She took a step forward towards the Doll, looking into her own eyes. She stared into them for a few moments. Once they had passed, Ailene turned back to Sylvanas. "Vampires huh? I guess I'm not entirely surprised. For centuries Shinigami have been seen as Yōkai. Hollow attacks have been chalked up as untimely deaths or natural disasters in some severe cases." Ailene breathed more calmly as she began to articulate her thoughts. 

She did have a few questions, but she decided to go about them sensibly. She leaned onto the counter, gently tapping her fingers. "I assume that there is an element of truth to the description though. Do you truly require the blood of others?" It was a fair question. In a way, each of the Human World's rationales for spiritual phenomena was not unlike how whirlpools were believed to be caused by Sea monsters. There was, however, another question that weighed heavily on her mind. The nature of this Doll... Ailene briefly looked over at S2 before continuing with her questions. "I assume all Bounts have these dolls just like most Arrancar possess a Zanpakutō or Quincy wield bows of light. For lack of a better word, is... she your release?" Once more, it was a direct question, and it would reveal that Ailene knew a great deal about the spiritual world. Not only could she see spirits, but she seemed to have a wealth of understanding about them. Perhaps there was more to this Barista then met the eye?

[Sylvanas Liskasha]

It must have been quite the shock when it happened, and in a sense, Sylvanas, the doll rather, was an unsettling thing to look at morph. It was something uncomfortable, watching how something so formless, so seemingly devoid of features become so perfectly similar to someone. Something. There was a seeming feeling of relief when her body double backed down. However, she seemed to pause for a moment or two further when she listened to Ailene's questions. Her insights. More importantly, she answered truthfully to them.

"As far as I understand. It's an instinct. Instincts can be dulled, and resisted. But they're there." That said, when she shook her head fervently no, when Ailene compared S2 to a weapon, a casual release. "No. She is my partner. My companion. My Doll. While you might consider her a weapon, to me, she is far more. She lives. She breathes. She thinks for herself." That said, she proceeded to gaze towards her duplicate.

"A doll unlike any other form of "release" as you call it is sentient. We live a symbiotic relationship based on trust. And a doll unlike a sword or a bow may turn on their summoner if their relationship is ever compromised, or that sacred trust broken." The elaboration made and concluded, Sylvanas looked on, curiously at this Barista. The one that seemed to know so much about everything.

"...All Bounts. As far as I know. I may be the very last of my kind. When I was a child, the Shinigami came into my community and slaughtered every man, woman, and child they could find. It was only because I hid, that I am alive today. I've heard vampire stories throughout history. Though. I'm afraid stories are just that. Stories..." Looking far more depressed or "down" about the whole situation, her voice cracked near the end. It was a sad thought.

"Guardians we called them. Our dolls. Our powers were very misunderstood, even amongst ourselves back then. And dolls can come in many different forms and with powers stranger than you can imagine. Sometimes, we think of them as parts of ourselves. Other times, it becomes difficult to believe that as a truth. They can be more different than we could ever imagine. Still."

Sylvanas seemed lost on how to continue this conversation. There was a few moments of awkward silence, and assuming Ailene didn't interject, she spoke. "I want to help. I truly do. Because I know what it means to be rejected, and alone. Because I don't want others to go through that same pain. Because...I imagine." She looked up at Ailene again, the lightest of flushes on her own cheeks. "I imagine you know what that's like. That loneliness." The tea was good. Sinfully so, as they waited in talk. The doll remained silent all this time, simply finishing the tea and eating from the cake offered.

"I want to be your friend. Miss Ailene. Because you're a charming woman that you don't see often in this era, nor any era. Because you're the kind of person that I think I'd like to spend time with." She rose, and with it, emerald eyes stared softly into purple ones. As if wondering if the barista would deny her, despite her claiming she desired a place where all were welcome, where none would be outcast. Sylvanas was eager for an answer, and she used all of her vampiric charm to seem welcoming. 

[Ailene Haschiro]

"As far as I understand. It's an instinct. Instincts can be dulled, and resisted. But they're there." The answer to Ailene's first question. As the Bount described it as an instinct, Ailene's listened closely. She described it as if it were an impulse. These impulses could be resisted by the willful. Ailene understood this better than most. As a former Arrancar, she had felt impulses every day. These, however, were nothing compared to the terrible desire to consume others that Hollows have burned into their very soul. Such a ravenous hunger was too much for some Hollows to endure. Ailene understood it because her darker half was much like a Hollow. 

Every time Ailene had utilized her Resurrecciòn, the soul that resided within her Zanpakutō practically took over. This soul had a totally different personality from Ailene. Whereas the woman was compassionate and understanding, always willing to help others who were down on their luck; this other half of her was ruthless, conniving and sadistic. Ailene was sure, beyond of a shadow of a doubt, that this twisted soul fit in among her fellow Espada more than she ever could. That was in the past though. Not only had she abandoned that life, but Ailene could no longer hear her. She'd appear to her, now and again, attempting to influence her choices. Now, however, it was silent. 

Ailene was torn from her reflection as Sylvanas answered her second question.  "No. She is my partner. My companion. My Doll. While you might consider her a weapon, to me, she is far more. She lives. She breathes. She thinks for herself." Truthfully, Ailene was surprised that Sylvanas was answering her questions so readily. Yet as she did, Ailene could sense something behind her words as she continued.  "A doll unlike any other form of "release" as you call it is sentient. We live a symbiotic relationship based on trust. And a doll unlike a sword or a bow may turn on their summoner if their relationship is ever compromised, or that sacred trust broken." It was clear that Sylvanas did not look at her Doll as any mere tool. 

Ailene wouldn't speak as it would be clear that she was utterly fascinated by the intricacies of a Doll. It existed as an entirely separate being. A being with its own wants and desires. Unlike the soul that once resisted within her Zanpakutō or the Spirit of a Shinigami, the Doll could potentially harm its user. Could such a thing truly be possible? It was clear that a Doll was bound to its Bount. For a moment, a thought entered Ailene's head. It felt like her own and yet it was far too twisted. Too intrusive. "Could a Doll live without its Bount? It'd be interesting to find out..." Ailene's eyes widened at her own thought and she recoiled in a moment from utter shock, taking a step back. 

Her breathing quickened for a few moments until she found the will to compose herself. She cleared her throat and briefly interjected. "I... I see." She appeared spooked.  "...All Bounts. As far as I know. I may be the very last of my kind. When I was a child, the Shinigami came into my community and slaughtered every man, woman, and child they could find. It was only because I hid, that I am alive today. I've heard vampire stories throughout history. Though. I'm afraid stories are just that. Stories..." Ailene nodded, frowning. It was a tragic tale. Yet Ailene was not entirely surprised. Soul Society was known for a few purges. The Mod Souls. The Quincy. Hell, Ailene even considered the indiscriminate killing of Hollows such as herself repulsive.

"Guardians we called them. Our dolls. Our powers were very misunderstood, even amongst ourselves back then. And dolls can come in many different forms and with powers stranger than you can imagine. Sometimes, we think of them as parts of ourselves. Other times, it becomes difficult to believe that as a truth. They can be more different than we could ever imagine. Still." Ailene peered at Sylvanas, her eyes darting from her to S2 and then back to Sylvanas. Ailene muttered just above the sound of a whisper. "I may understand better than you think..." Whether the woman before her picked up on it was yet to be seen.

Assuming she didn't, there would be a slight moment of silence. Then, Sylvanas continued speaking.  "I want to help. I truly do. Because I know what it means to be rejected, and alone. Because I don't want others to go through that same pain. Because...I imagine." Ailene raised an eyebrow. She looked at the Bount inquisitively as if to urge her to continue.  "I imagine you know what that's like. That loneliness." S2 had returned to her seat by this point, silently eating the cake and drinking the tea.  "I want to be your friend. Miss Ailene. Because you're a charming woman that you don't see often in this era, nor any era. Because you're the kind of person that I think I'd like to spend time with."

Ailene looked down upon the counter. She sighed for a moment. She felt for this woman. She truly did. "I am deeply flattered that you wish to be my friend, Sylvanas. Truly I am." She smiled for a moment. "Anyone, no matter their background, is welcome at Rēgīna. That includes you." The smile began to fade for a moment as she sighed contemplatively. "...Unfortunately, I do not think I am the woman you think I am. What I felt back then wasn't loneliness. I was never lonely. I had a partner of my own. Even after losing her, I was never lonely. Even before Rēgīna." Despite her distaste for her fellow Espada, there were people that she could turn to. Even upon the loss of her powers, she had others she could turn to. Amber and Kimiko. Any of her patrons. They were all people she could talk to. "I had to change my playmates so that I could fit in. Hell, a friend of mine is a Shinigami." She smiled for another moment. "I can be a friend. I can be a shoulder to lean on. Currently, however, Rēgīna fares quite well as it is now."

[Sylvanas Liskasha]

How odd it was. To speak out. Though, she soon found herself pausing, looking on towards Ailene as she expressed words with a smile. "I...see." It was all she could say when she realized that Ailene wasn't as lonely as she might have imagined. Instead, she was told that she had friends, even a partner, even so far as making friends with the Shinigami. That was something that she could hardly understand, if at all. She said she fared well.

"Then let's be friends." The doll proceeded to lightly twist its head around, giving an abrupt crack that filled the room as it jutted its head sideways in a way that it shouldn't bend. Relaxing the tension with a thrust of the arm. Sylvanas slowly thinks about what she could offer and contribute. Considering the fact Ailene seemed to be well off financially, and with friends that could provide aid in other ways. In which case?

"I still want to help...So. What if I helped you train some spiritual powers?" She suggested. Ailene, at least, as of now, didn't seem to be anything frightening compared to the Espada she once was. Though, perhaps that was to be expected in some way or another. Wasn't it? "I've heard of people awakening special powers through exposure to spiritual energy. And I think I could definitely help there." It must have been an odd thought. A tantalizing idea perhaps, as the doll before Ailene adjusts herself.

"If you'd be open to the idea of some help. I'd be glad to spend time. I just have...a few small requests in return." At this point in time, she wasn't sure if she could coerce Ailene into joining her in any capacity, but what she did imagine was a setting where they could help one another, and form a mutual, odd friendship. Assuming she had Ailene's attention, and as saucers of tea became emptied, she thought about what she wanted.

"A small bit of blood. It'd hardly be noticeable by you I think. You'd feel tired at the end of the day, but that'd be all. Two. For S2 to be able to get more insight from you when you slumber. My doll has the power to gain information about forms by wrapping around them, and observing them. You'd hardly notice a thing." Whether or not she was convincing with those words was something, but considering Ailene claimed she was open minded, perhaps she might find such an arrangement amenable. 

She attempted to sound charming, channeling her old English charm in her voice, attempting to win over the Wyvern woman before her. S2 seemed content with remaining silent and letting Sylvanas dictate the terms. Perhaps there was more knowledge to come? One could only wonder. One might realize Sylvanas was so invested into Ailene and her new preferred teahouse that she neglected to drink and eat herself. Of which her doll seemed more than happy to partake on behalf of the mistress instead. 

[Ailene Haschiro]

It truly did pain Ailene. Based on what Sylvanas had claimed, she had been a victim of the Soul Society. Her people slaughtered. Abandoned. She was clearly in search of something. After listening to her though, Ailene determined that she was not who Sylvanas envisioned her to be. The disappointment would be clear.  "I...see." Ailene frowned for a moment and sighed briefly. Ailene did offer something else though. Friendship was a bond that she was always willing to offer. Companionship was the foundation that Rēgīna stood on after all. Thankfully Sylvanas was willing to oblige.  "Then let's be friends." The woman nodded briefly and smiled brightly. "Sounds good to me!" 

Her voice was cheerful even as the Doll that had spawned from Sylvanas began contorting in an almost unnatural way. Ailene felt herself shiver slightly. It was clear that while this Doll was clearly alive, she was not quite human. It was like a mimicry. That had also been made clear from the Doll's ability to shift from one form to another. Despite the declaration of friendship, it seemed that Sylvanas wanted to offer something more.  "I still want to help...So. What if I helped you train some spiritual powers?" Ailene blinked for a moment. The offer was shocking to say the least. Ailene quietly repeated, assuring herself that it's what she heard. "T..train spiritual powers...?" Sylvanas briefly continued elaborating.  "I've heard of people awakening special powers through exposure to spiritual energy. And I think I could definitely help there."

It was a strange notion to Ailene. After all... she had relinquished her powers more than a month ago. She had done it to try and escape the prosecution of everyone. Albin and other Shinigami alike attacked her without provocation. In Albin's case it had been more personal, but still relatively one-sided. She sighed, tapping her fingers on the counter. It was a strange thing for Sylvanas to propose this. After all, there were several freak accidents a few days ago. A Hollow chasing her down exclusively, a spontaneous shattering of a teacup and a lucky gust of wind. Now Sylvanas had offered to train her spiritual energy though from the sounds of it, Sylvanas recognized Ailene as seemingly having none. Was this truly the case? Perhaps the girl would have some insight.

"If you'd be open to the idea of some help. I'd be glad to spend time. I just have...a few small requests in return." Ailene raised an eyebrow for a moment. "A few small requests, huh?" Ailene had a feeling that there was a catch to all of this. After all, rarely did a service come for free. She was admittedly a little apprehensive, but she decided to keep an open mind and simply nodded, listening.  "A small bit of blood. It'd hardly be noticeable by you I think. You'd feel tired at the end of the day, but that'd be all. Two. For S2 to be able to get more insight from you when you slumber. My doll has the power to gain information about forms by wrapping around them and observing them. You'd hardly notice a thing."

Ailene narrowed her eyes for a moment. The first request seemed rather innocuous. A bit of blood. The Bount had admitted that there was a clear urge to consume the blood of others. Hence the term Vampire. Surprisingly, Ailene didn't have much issue with it. It's not like they had pinned her down and forcefully drawn blood from her. They took the time to ask. This wasn't the problem though. That would be the second request. It would get, by far, the most pushback from Ailene. Apparently S2 had the ability to retrieve information from a sleeping person. Ailene raised an eyebrow and sighed with a small groan at the end.

The woman cleared her throat for a moment before speaking. "Let's start with the requests. The bit of blood I can live with. Blood just renews itself with time after all, and we can do it at the end of the day. It's that second request... that's the one I'm most cautious about..." She had to admit to herself that it didn't sound all too innocent either. What kind of information would she get? Memories? Physiological activity? Besides. Ailene did not take too kindly to the idea of being watched in her sleep. After all, it was when one was at their most vulnerable. Some impulses after being a Hollow for several centuries were simply too ingrained to break.  

Ailene sighed for a moment. Her voice would be slightly hushed though. "What kind of information would she be able to gleam out of me?" It was a direct question, but a fair one. Before letting Sylvanas retort, she would elaborate. "If you're just after understanding my background then a simple conversation would suffice. So, then Sylvanas. What are you after?" Sylvanas' answer to this would be telling. Ailene truly did mean that she could simply ask about her history. Ailene wouldn't be too worried in sharing. Especially now that she knew that her new friend was a touch above normal as well. Ailene would patiently wait to see.

Regardless of her answer, Ailene was intrigued by her offer. "I will admit that your offer is certainly intriguing. It also comes at an interesting time." She'd pause for a moment and close her eyes, breathing in deeply. "There have been strange occurrences of late. Just a few days ago... I was singled out by a Hollow. Later, my favorite teacup shattered spontaneously. Finally... while in danger, I got moved by the wind. It was a gust strong enough to push me. Almost as though the wind had achieved a mind of its own. I don't know what kind of omen these events pose... Perhaps they mean nothing at all, but do you perhaps have any idea what this could mean?"

[Sylvanas Liskasha]

Ailene said she wanted to be friends. That was a great first step to progress, especially for Sylvanas, who until now, was on her own, since the strange disappearance of Camilla. Though, when it came down to the diplomacy of the matter, Sylvanas slowly shook her head to dismiss Ailene's fears. "S2's powers are rather limited. There's nothing to be worried about." She says with a cheerful demeanor, trying to shake such fears.

"S2 can take on the form of anything it sees, you see, but in order to best utilize its new form, as well as maximize its potential prowess, it needs to be able to spend time connected with the thing it's mimicking. That's all. It's a painless process. Though it might feel strange. Which is why I suggested it when sleeping. But it could do so now. Easily. S2 is also an excellent measure of how powerful you've become." That said. Hopefully, that was enough to quash any fears or uncertainties in this regard. Explanations could come later.

"As for these...strange happenings. I think that means you're already in the process of awakening some power. Though. It might mean that you might have some lingering ability. Something...peculiar." Sylvanas proceeds to momentarily enter a thinking pose. She was deeply considering the situation and her options, and she gave a thought. "Ahem." How was she going to word this? How could she potentially sell this?

"If I might potentially...offer? If you feel unsafe. While you develop your powers with my help. Maybe. Well. Would you...like to live with me?" She threw the thought in the air, as S2 took on her mistress' original form. "S2 can help with your training, and we could learn and discover together. We could spend more time together." The Bount slowly looks to the floor, rubbing her right arm up and down, looking bashful, uncertain on if she was being a little too forward with her ideas.

Ailene seemed to be a very charming woman, and frankly, Sylvanas did feel a little bit lonely with just herself and S2 at times. That, and he was horrible conversation. And he made the House smell like smoke and charcoal, that was if he didn't accidentally light something on fire. Besides, Ailene seemed to be a wonderful person, someone that Sylvanas wanted to get closer to. To an extent, she hoped that she felt the same. After all, she had such a noble goal. Sylvanas felt a legitimate sense of attraction to a dream like that.

Sylvanas wanted her.