Echoing Midnight (Ari/Santa)

A... church... Cathedral? Probably the second one. It was much bigger than what Ari would know as a church; so cathedral was probably the best bet possible. Frankly speaking, the only reason why Ari was even here was because she decided it would be a good idea to explore old areas... especially one she used to leave in. Europe, her old home. Or, at least it was when Arianda was once part of Shadowfall. Besides, Arianda couldn't help but have some minor morbid curiosity to know what may happen when a demon entered a cathedral or church.

Good news, the building didn't collapse nor did a cross crack or randomly burst into flames. So far, doing quite well! Honestly speaking, such a result was about all Arianda could have hoped for when it came to entering a cathedral; a place of normally "holy" origin. Suffice to say, she was glad most human beings could look the other way if Arianda wished to go explore places she shouldn't. Which was why Arianda had quietly made her way to the top of the cathedral, where the bells rang and the beautiful stained glass would send a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors around the room thanks to the rays of the sun.

However, Arianda was not alone in the area. She had entered just as a woman turned around, away from the entrance. She blinked, a tiny bit surprised, however, she simply let out a small chuckle; quietly walking towards her. Arianda's intention was not to surprise her, on purpose at least, however, the demon was struck by the moment; enjoying the surprising serenity... even if the cathedral should have many issues with a demon. Eventually, the demon would stop near Santa, humming softly as she looked upon the stained glass.

"Hello there~ Something tells me we're of the same mind, of a preference to enjoy the view and... relative silence."

Quite a beautiful looking woman, likely an Arrancar based upon her appearance. A tiny part of Ari couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, of immature things she would have done in the past; but such a thing was just that, a thing of the past. Regardless, the demon hummed softly as she continued to approach Santa's side. However, she couldn't help but chuckle softly at Santa's comment about praying. Given how calmly she said the word, as an Arrancar, she likely did not know its meaning; which was perhaps for the best. The demon simply gave Santa a warm smile and nodded at her comment of praying.

"It is a nice place to pray, however praying just isn't for me. Personal preference, of course~"

Arianda hummed still. It was quite easy to tell that Santa was likely a little wary of her. After all, she was a demon. And while Santa may not know of Arianda's previous reputation in Shadowfall... But, that was normally exactly how Arianda liked it. She preferred it when people knew little of who, and sometimes what, she was. After all, not many enjoy beings liked demons, nor shadowfall. Regardless, the demon gave Santa a warm smile when she spoke of Arianda being pretty.

"Hehe~ Thank you. Quite the compliment for someone you barely know~ You're quite pretty yourself; the stained glass only makes it better~"

Some light flirting, but it was without intent. A compliment for a compliment, quite fair in the end. She eventually stopped walking near Santa, humming softly as her cloak rustled gently thanks to her movement and a very light breeze. However, the demon was extremely calm now; likely because she wasn't in the main part of the cathedral.

"I'm Arianda Vael, by the way. If I may ask, what is your name~? And I'm no human... albeit, it's not bad to be mistaken for one every now and then. Albeit, I certainly prefer not being a human in the end."

Arianda let out a small chuckle, smiling a bit more before she looked at the view outside of the stained glass window. It was quite an interesting place to meet a random Arrancar, but it was something Arianda wasn't going to reject being a possibility in the end! Besides, it could be some time well spent before she returned home to spend the evening with her girlfriend.

Come now, Ari's smile couldn't be that unnerving to remind someone of a crocodile! She was an adorable biscuit! Okay, fair, meeting some random woman at the top of a cathedral, where no one else was, would likely get a little weird; especially if that someone was extremely calm the entire time. Arianda had met Arrancar before, multiple times; she had literally no reason to be uneasy around this woman. Of course, Santa did have reason thanks to how Arianda acted most of the time; and her very sudden appearance to boot. Simply put, Arianda just hummed softly as she noticed how the woman closed up a bit more; both physically and with her speech. It was small, but noticeable to Ari. She was making Santa uneasy. It likely couldn't be helped. After all, this was an extremely random situation. So, instead of continuing as she was, being vague, the demon decided to be a bit more... direct.

"I do say so~ Demons are very good judges of appearances and character. Well, sometimes. Appearances can be deceiving after all. But, it is nice to meet you, Alex~"

The way Arianda said her name, or at least Santa's false name, was akin to how someone who was onto your bullshit would say it was "good". However, she wasn't calling the woman on it; not truly. If Santa wanted to conceal her true identity, there was absolutely nothing wrong with that. And with how Arianda was just enjoying the view, without much worry, was likely rather indicative of that. Especially when Ari moved to sit down and seated herself on air as easily as she would sit upon a chair. She hummed pleasantly, crossing her legs and gently swinging one of her legs. Perhaps this would be more unnerving... but, how Arianda acted certainly portrayed a lack of ill intent towards Santa; and hopefully the woman would perceive it so. After all, Arianda did wish to avoid some form of fight, or whatever, to break out in the bell tower; it was all very beautiful, after all.

ARIANDA VAEL