overgrownoverture04: breaking ancient living shackles

It bustled with life and teemed with activity. Anneliese gazed at Nabill as he seemed dumbfounded by the cities's unique qualities. Surely it was perhaps, one of a kind. A smile curled her lips as she responded. "Rostov- the fruits of my labor." It was a city that more or less imitated the human world, with a working economy and set of rules heeded by its citizens. It was what Tercera spent her free time setting up and what she once thought was the correct way to subjugate her territory.

"More or less this was the paradise I offered to the hollow who could achieve enlightenment. It was how I planned to change and culture them." Towards the end of her spiel her tone had taken a dip into the darkness, but she recovered as they kept on passing the flocking passerby's. Surely the city was beautiful and in some right achieved its goal of civilizing the uncivil, but she couldn't help but wonder just what went on in their minds. Did they wish to go back to times of violence and aggression, where no life was guaranteed? Was she despised and objected against by her people? That was the case for the now obliterated city of hollow and it could very well be the same for the paradise she fashioned. Just what was the true state of they city nestled at her castles doorstep? She was here with Nabill to find out. As they continued in, still at the entrance of Rostov, her thoughts lingered back to last night. Confused and still unaware of his thoughts toward her she had been worried, but the change she noticed was he called her by name for the first time. 

"We should hurry."

With how large Rostov was it wasn't surprising Nabill felt overwhelmed.

"We should check some of the various cafe's and shops to start things off." Flipping her hair aside, Anneliese made her way down the cobble stoned path and eventually it lead to a small, quaint place. It was a tiny coffee shop known for its deserts and was perhaps one of her most visited places within the city. 'Moon Phase' was carved into the sign that was hung upon the eaves and as she entered, leading Nabill in the smell of fresh jasmine would envelop their senses. A soft chime echoed behind them as the door shut and they were greeted by a petite Arrancar. She had auburn hair, her hollow masks fragment that surrounded her brow. Surveying the room, she took Nabill by the hand and dragged him to a spacious corner within the ship by a open window. 

Though tiny the shop had a cozy feel to it, inspired by victorian architecture. It matched Ann's taste quite well, though she wasn't sure if he'd find it to his liking. She'd take her seat opposite of her counterpart with her legs crossed and a faint smirk upon her face. "I'd come here a lot on days like this and the time would just pass me by..." Thinking back on it, never before had Ann came here with another, the only other people to accompany her were the ones within stories she read. It was nice to have someone in front of her she mused. Walking circles within her mind the waitress had made her way to them and inquired to what they'd like kindly. "Would you like me to order for you?" She said in a polite, clear voice.

She ignored the looks from others, she disregarded the hushes whispers and only focused on Nabill. Anneliese face softened, it seemed like he didn't mind this type of thing either. "Two cups of Jasmine and chocolate mousse please." The waitress simply nodded and walked off. Despite the many people who were in the shop it was quite quiet. She looked at Nabill, his hand still held firmly within her small palm. He seemed shy and uneasy, as if he didn't take the time to remember although they were indeed monsters that they could still enjoy the simple, more human things life could offer. The Jasmine came first, its aroma wrapped itself around her nose, a delectable fragrance Anneliese had grown fond of over her many years. She wasn't sure if it was quite to his tastes but nothing ventured, nothing gained. Slowly, Ann took the cup into her hand , leaving her other still clasped with his beneath the round table.

"You should like it. Jasmine is my favorite tea. I hope you enjoy sweet things as well." With her tongue peeking from behind her lips, she teased him momentarily before blowing into her cup and taking a sip. Her eyes however remained fixed upon his face. She wanted to view his reaction.

Suprised that he had quickly attempted to down his tea, she laughed as he spit it out while tending to his injured tongue. Frightened from Nabill's frustrated words the waitress had retreated after setting the mousse on the table. Anneleise saw how Nabill eyed the desert with distrusting eyes. This was a side of him that many people probably didn't about, after all it wasn't often Nabill would show much emotion outside of the common place ones. Still giggling softly she gripped her stomach while she spoke. "You're scaring the customers, not to mention the poor waitress." Half amused words threaded her voice while taking a bite of the mousse. 

"Swee uim fywne", Anneliese's words were muffled as she mumbled them whilst spinning the spoon around in her mouth. Removing it from her lips she watched him carefully. She wasn't sure if he even liked sweets, but hopefully he wouldn't spit it out and throw another tantrum. 

Watching as he took a bite of the mousse and then another, she couldn't quite tell from the perplexed look on his face if he liked it or not, but after a few more words his eyes gleamed brightly. Grinning while he announced that he actually liked the dessert, she quickly responded. "Its Chocolate Mousse. You should get out some and experience new things." Anneliese playful teased as Nabill bashfully scratched his cheek. She wanted to show him more about life, more about the things they could enjoy. Just as he showed her that she was in fact a monster, but being a monster did not make her wrong. Slowly too she finished her own mousse, until there was but crumbs on her plate that she mindlessly moved with her spoon.