Princess Isis

Pureblood Vampire. Princess. 340 yrs.

[isisxbankhole]

jeremiahxwallace​:

“Just something new I guess.” Jeremiah said to the question, which seemed a simple question but the answer was a little more complicated as he didn’t know Riley that well yet. Maybe she didn’t even enjoy reading at all? “I own a lot of books but most are… extremely outdated. So I need something more modern.” Outdated was an understatement and any book nerd would have a field day with the collection he owned. “My… fiancee is moving in with me and I don’t really know yet what she would like so I need something new to add to the dusty tomes I have. So maybe bestsellers?” It sounded like the safe option to him anyway. 

Isis waited just a beat, recognizing by smell but also by language and syntax that the male was an older vampire, possibly a noble. He did seem like the type who with a little nudging would give her just enough information to help out. Something new, modern, yet with no direction in way of genre. It was a wide request, luckily she had a Bestsellers wall with the books that were most sold in 2021, as well as a decade wall with favorites the employees had chosen to recommend. “I can for sure aid you in finding something modern, a good read without knowing entirely which genre your fiancee likes.” she nodded, gesturing for him to come along with her, stepping over to the walls to the left of the registry. “We have a Bestsellers wall here. Its based on what books sold the most the past year, so genre’s are mixed. My favorite fiction would be The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, though if you’d like crime Colleen Hoover has a series that has gotten great reviews. If you’d like non fiction, Talking To Strangers by Gladwell is a great read.” 

[isisxbankhole]

the-oakleybennett​:

“But there is a next time, isn’t there?” A grin spread over Oakley’s lips as he spoke. Growing up having to hide that he was a shifter, and essentially ignore the supernatural aspect of the world– something that made up so much of who he was, left Oakley feeling so alone as a child and most of his adult life. Since moving to Paradisus, he was able to fully embrace that he was a shifter, and he was sure to befriend as many people as he could on the island. So, of course, he would be befriending Isis as well. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Isis!” He replied, being his usual dramatic self. “So, how long you been in town? I’ve been here since opening.” He beamed, casually offering the information like they were already best friends.

Chuckling, Isis nodded. “There is.” she granted, finding the others humor to be quite inviting and appealing. It was rare that others would joke around with her, though she was taking full advantage of the fact that not everyone on the island seemed to know who she was or why she was here. It allowed her to move about and make connections under the radar and she truly loved that. This way, people would get to know her as a person before seeing her as just a title. Making new friends was also at the top of her priority list as she really wanted to make a home for herself on this Island. “If only I could bottle that excitement of yours.” she could not help but note, smiling wryly. “I have only been here a few weeks. Since the opening? Thats quite a while. Has the place changed since you first arrived?” she asked curiously, not minding the familiar tone the conversation had taken one bit. 

[isisxbankhole]

elloraxkhatri​:

Ellora looked down for a moment, a bashful smile pulling onto her lips as she nodded, “Of course. Even as I thought it I knew it was quite insane.” She agreed with a little laugh. “I promise I’ll keep them normal and alphabetized, Miss.” she assured, already about to just push the cart she’d been using back to the beginning to put some B-books back in place before the offer of the children’s section being redone was offered and she immediately looked back up, something bright and happy shining in her gaze as she had to resist all but bouncing on the spot. “Really?” She asked, her smile growing more into a grin as the seconds ticked by. 

Isis smiled encouragingly back. She wanted to make the room for Ellora to be creative and contribute to the shop as much as she wanted to. It was really invaluable to have someone here who was just as passionate about books and who would go the extra mile for the shop. “I did not say insane. The best term would probably be.. eccentric.” she couldn’t help but offer, chuckling a little as she’d said it. “Thank you Ellora. And its Isis, remember?” Her tone gentle as she prodded the other to use her first name. She knew it didn’t come natural to some, and others had straight out told her they feared reactions might follow if they didn’t use a title with her. She’d had to promise them nothing bad would befall them several times before they’d agreed. Noticing the change in the others face, how she was practically bouncing with excitement, Isis couldn’t help but smile wide. “Really, you can truly knock yourself out if you’d like.” 

[isisxbankhole]

ever-moore​:

“Good, good.” Everett nodded as she stole another glance at the shelves before returning her gaze to Isis. “That’s great! I’m pleased to hear it’s been doing well!” A soft smile etched on her lips. “I’m well. Been busy but I’ve decided to use some of my time off to explore more of the island… and shops in town.” She let out a soft chuckle. “Haven’t seen you in a bit. Catch me up on everything, yeah?” 

Isis wondered if she should give Everett some more time to browse. The girl seemed to want to check out more titles rather than talk for too long and she wouldn’t blame her for that. “Thank you. Its really both a relief and such validation.” she smiled wryly, knowing it might be bold to take it too personally that the shop was doing well but not quite able to refrain from doing so. “Busy is good. I’m glad you have the time to explore. Have you come across anything worth seeing?” She asked curiously. When the question was turned back to her, Isis shrugged a bit. “There isn’t too much to tell. The prince and I have been friendly but cordial. His family is lovely and polite. I’ve mostly been focused on the store. Its my excuse to step away from the whole princess role for a bit and to be out and about more instead of confined to a pretty but quiet palace.” 

[isisxbankhole]

noah-pierce​:

— 🥃 —

“Oh, wow.” He was sure plenty of people around Paradisus had come from all over the world if he really put his mind to it, so he shouldn’t have been that surprised to find out this woman had made the trip from Africa. But he’d lived in the states all his life, had only ventured out for work or the occasional vacation, and that was decades ago. It meant he had no real reference point on what her home was like in reality other than what could be picked up in textbooks.

“Well, Paradisus seems like it’s probably it’s own kind of place entirely.” Different from what he was used to in Boston, but still some of the same comforts. Perhaps she’d fine the same here as well.

“You haven’t come across a lot of Africans since arriving I gather?” she asked with a knowing smile. Her people tended to not have the money to travel, and the upper class who did travel abroad rarely immersed themselves with the general population of the country they were visiting. Being vampires, a lot of them were still warming up to the idea of being out in public and seen for what they were. Which Isis could understand. The Avery’s had a lot of security in place before announcing themselves to the world and doing so while also promoting their kingdom. Most other royal families lived in the shadows and had done so all their lives. 

“It does. I’m curious to learn more about it and figure out what kind of life we can all have here.” Seeing as she was here to stay on a permanent basis, Isis knew she had to make a certain effort. 

[isisxbankhole]

camila-morgan​:

Camila had loved books since she’d been young, she’d love the escape, the stories, the mysteries, the adventures and the worlds that opened up before her. There were many nights where she read with her new mother Mrs. Morgan. When she had been younger, her mother had read to her but when she grew older she’d sit in her mom’s lap or on the couch with her and read the books out loud. Books were one of her favorite things and when she finally settled down here, the bookstore had been one of her first places to visit. Now with a few bookshelves in her new apartment, Camila was happy to keep returning and to keep adding to her now growing collection of books. Plus, she just loved the atmosphere of the bookstore. Usually when Cami came here, she didn’t often see the pureblood vampire. For no other reason than luck, they seemed to not be in the building at the same time. It seemed to have changed to today. 

“Nice to see you again, Miss Bankhole.” Was your highness a more proper title since she was engaged to the prince? Cami wasn’t sure, but knew she should probably know this part. “I’ve been good. Busy, but not too busy that I don’t have time to read. I’m trying to build up my collection again.” She gestured to the extensive pile on the table. “So, what are some books that I have to read? The big, can’t miss hits of the past few years?” 

Many a time, Isis had found her escaping with books. It was fortunately an activity both her parents considered appropriate, so when she was seated with a book she could often count on being left to her own devices, instead of dragged off to do something she’d find completely meaningless. In the books, lots of the heroines were female. Women had rights, agency, were strong and fierce. It was a stark contrast to the woman her parents wanted her to become, thus an amazing escape from her own reality. Now that she was older she knew that a good story couldn’t really change much about who you were or what you might become, but the escape itself was precious and she wanted others to be able to find that in the books she sold. Being transported like that, it could be very healing. 

Smiling at the other, Isis nodded a bit, a second greeting. She was Camila had opted not to use her title. In the store she wanted to be just Isis or ‘Miss Bankhole’, able to distance her role here from her role up at the palace. “Its important to keep busy, though I’m glad you still find the time to come by.” she said, always glad to have repeat customers who also happened to be women she admired and wanted to get to know better. Considering the large pile, Isis stepped over and sorted them into two. “These are the ones you have to read. Depending on genre preference though. Hoover is the up and coming in crime and I think she’s quite decent, though my favorite of these is The Midnight Library. If you do like self help books How To Be Perfect is a really good yet intriguing read.” 

[isisxbankhole]

pearls-and-jades​:

It was always awkward when someone didn’t smile back, though Zhu listened and nodded along politely. “Right. I mean, neurochemistry isn’t affected by imagination. It’d be super interesting if it was, since imagination is a function of neurology, as well.”

If you want to be interesting, be interested. Hadn’t her in-laws told her as much, a lifetime ago? The woman didn’t appear interested in engaging with Zhu, after Zhu had engaged with her. But, Zhu was a lady; she could keep trying. “Wait. Cape Town?” Now the accent was readily placed, and Zhu could have slapped her forehead for not working it out sooner. “Table Mountain is super beautiful! I’ve only seen it from the air and the Wheel. But maybe that’s redundant.” The Wheel did, after all, provide an aerial view. “I wanted to try the cage diving but sharks are so big.”

Zhu drifted off, twisting her fingers idly. Shuffling forward in line. “But, I know that’s just the tourist stuff. You probably know all the real places worth seeing.”

“It would be really interesting for sure. I think there is so many aspects of neurology that are quite fascinating, I’ve just never put aside the time to look more deeply into it.” she admitted with a wry smile. It was so nice to be able to simply hold a normal, mundane conversation with another female vampire that wasn’t about court or marriages or gossip, but a genuine subject matter. 

Isis knew she might not be the most engaging person at times. She really did try though, but when the stark differences of her nation compared to the western world was laid out, it was hard not to withdraw in order to self preserve. She already felt so guilty about letting her father talk her into coming here when there was so little she could do for her people as long as she was millions of miles away. But a deal was a deal. “Yes.” Isis confirmed, her brows raising curiously. Again the other made her smile with her excitement. “It sure is. No, some of the best sights are seen from the air.” she nodded a bit. The cage diving was probably one of the most touristy and popular activities. As a predator, Isis had always found a lot of animals worth paying attention to given their similarities to the vampires. The sharks were blood crazed too. A trait her kind had to some degree managed to suppress or at least hide from public view. “They are, though they too can be quite beautiful.” she hedged. 

Noticing the line was moving up, Isis too took a few steps forwards. “I’m not sure they’d be worth seeing to everyone, but I do have my favorite places and spots for sure. I love a mountain view, though I’ve also found that the most remote places are really unappreciated.” 

[isisxbankhole]

elloraxkhatri​:

Books were easily Ellora’s favorite thing in the world, so when a new bookstore opened up on the island, she jumped at the chance to work there. Granted, the fact that it was owned by a princess definitely made her a bit apprehensive, but she soon enough realized she got along quite well with the woman–not to mention she loved hearing all the stories Isis was willing to tell her of her centuries alive.

Currently though, Ellora was on the floor alone, and with some downtime, she’d decided to reorganize some shelves. Biting her lip though, she hesitated, laughing when she heard the voice. “I was debating reorganizing the shelf and doing it color-coded. But I think that might be a bit too convoluted.” she joked, smiling still as she looked over. “Feel free to tell me as such too.”

Isis couldn’t be more happy with how the store was doing since its opening when she first arrived not long ago. The city had really embraced it and the customers seemed satisfied with their selection of titles and the feel of the store. Most of the credit though, she gave to her lovely employees. Since the start they had been such a wonderful team ,each and every one with a burning passion for literature, making it all the more easy to sell books and make the customer happy with the service they got. Her best hire by far was Ellora. The witch was incredibly well read but also such a delight to be around. Even Isis had found herself easily charmed and warmed quickly to the girl. 

The flow of customers tended to ebb a bit during the evenings, though it was a great time to reorganize a bit and clean up shelves, put books back or make a new display for a new title. Curiously stepping over to where Ellora was working, Isis tilted her head as she looked from the shelf to the other. “Reorganizing is great, but I do think you’ve come to the conclusion on your own. Color coded, while fun, might be a bit much. Though the place to color code would be the children’s book section. I wouldn’t mind that.” 

[isisxbankhole]

the-oakleybennett​:

Oakley made a face at the other as she spoke. “Mmm, touché.” He drew out the words before he let out a gentle laugh. “Coffee? Coffee sounds good.” He nodded. “If it’s your treat today, it’ll be mine next time. Shall we, then?” He grinned as they began to walk side by side. “I’m Oakley, by the way.” 

Isis barely managed to hold back her own laugh until he had spoken. She found it nothing short of hilarious that they both were equally at fault and certainly could improve their stopping and walking. “Alright then.” she smiled amicably at him. “Already assuming there will be a next time?” she was one hundred percent teasing. Truthfully it was nice when males were a little forward, even if it was only meant platonically. “Sounds fair to me.” Nodding a bit and falling into step with him, she found herself marveling at the city again. Everything was so clean and well cared for. From storefronts to the brick they walked on. “Its nice to meet you Oakley. I’m Isis.” 

[isisxbankhole]

noah-pierce​:

— 🥃 —

“Half a world away?” Noah wondered how different it was, to be here in Paradisus versus wherever it was that she’d come from. Evidently not the states. “So where are you from, then? Sounds like you must have some special beer selections we don’t offer around here, then…”

“Yeah, it’s…not so bad. Takes a bit to find things but otherwise…Well, it’s a job.” Really just something to do, to keep himself occupied. 

“Africa, outside of Cape Town to be exact.” she replied with a small shrug. Thinking of her home made pit in her stomach widen, remind her that she might never be able to go back.. All the lives that would be worse for it, now that she wasn’t there to fight for them. “And our selection is quite limited actually. We’ve had civil war going on for years.” 

“I’m sure there’s a certain learning curve in this type of job like any else. It’s good that you don’t dislike it at least.” she smiled a little. Her chosen job was, in her opinion the best there was. Though not everyone had a job that meant a lot to them. That had to be okay too. 

[isisxbankhole]

aiylaxbadem​:

Honestly, a book store was probably the last place Aiyla should be. She didn’t even know how to read, so what the hell was she doing in here? But the quaint little atmosphere she saw through the window intrigued her, and the quiet was almost a reprieve compared to the hustle and bustle of the outside world, so here she was, a bit of a deer stuck in the headlights as she looked around at the masses of books lining all the shelves and walls, overwhelmed by them all.

There was a section where things were more colorful though, brighter pictures and bigger letterings on covers with pictures and cartoons. An almost-smile pulled onto her lips as she touched her fingers over a book whose cover had a cartoon leopard on it– the animal she shifted into. She was just pulling it off the shelf too when a voice suddenly sounded beside her, startling her enough that she dropped the book to the ground as she jumped. Aiyla looked up, eyes wide and her body tensing, like she was ready to run (or to fight) before she let out a breath, looking at the woman warily as she took a little step back. “I’m fine.”

Sometimes, even while still on the clock, Isis felt tempted to simply pick out a book and sit down in one of the comfortable chairs in the corners. Her days had been quite long since the bookstore opened, and yet she didn’t really complain. She was half hiding here, knowing that it was the perfect excuse not to spend too much time up at the palace, or consider how best to do her duties with a man she hardly knew. He was charming and she had never seen him be anything but kind, though he was also a bit young. Not necessarily in years, but mindset. Seeming to fancy a party far more than an intellectual conversation. And that made her a bit wary. Still, she was under no obligation to dig deeper into the psyche of her fiancee. Their arranged union was nothing more than a good business deal. One where kids were first on the list. 

Normally when it was this quiet, she would let the customers be for a while unless they had that look about them that said they needed assistance. But she also found herself eager to get into contact with new people, like the young woman before her now. Noticing that she had startled her, Isis immediately felt bad. “Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you jump.” she apologized, reaching down to pick up the book the girl had dropped, holding it out for her. “Here. You can sit down and look at it if you like. I’ll leave you be.” 

[isisxbankhole]

camila-morgan​:

During the years Camila had been on the run with her brother, she hadn’t had a lot of time to continue to read. Before the day she left with her brother after learning the truth of his species, Camila had been an avid reader. The library she had built up in her apartment had been a little source of pride for her. But she had to leave it all behind that night. She picked up books when she could when they were on the run trying to keep him safe, but she never could keep them since they needed to travel light. Being in a new place again meant she could start to read again and start to build up her book collection again. 

The table behind her was piled high with titles Cami wanted to replace and now stood before a shelf of new arrivals and was sorting through each one. Hearing the voice behind her, she smiled. Cami recognized the pureblood princess Isis from her job on the council, but they had barely interacted before besides passing each other in hallways. “Just looking at all the new titles.” She answered. While on the run, she hadn’t been able to keep up with new and popular books, so she felt behind. 

Isis never quite understood those who claimed reading wasn’t for them. What she could understand was how the pressure of reading in formal schooling could ward a child or teenager off from enjoying books, but then it was also clear that no one had introduced them to reading for leisure, not simply to learn. Then again all reading taught you something. It was the beauty of it. From fictional works to non fiction works, all novels held teachings, meanings, bigger questions to make you consider the world you lived in or question one way of life as oppose to another. She always felt bad for the people who had been robbed of good reading experiences, and now lived as adults claiming they didn’t see the joy in reading. Had she been able to do something about that trough helping the kids, she would have. 

Recognizing the council representative, Isis smiled a tad more warmly at her than she would at any stranger. “Its nice to see you again Miss Morgan. Of course, there are quite a few this year. How have you been?” 

[isisxbankhole]

deathglares​:

Stood in front of those sprawling bookshelves stacked to the brim, Kali crossed her arms and tipped her head to the side as her gaze lazily drifted from one title to the next. She had been idling there for long minutes, trailing off, reminiscing about the times she truly felt enraptured by the abundant permutations of what concepts might be sealed away on the pages.

She reached out, her fingertips brushing against the neat row of spines, yet unbroken, to then withdraw her hand and press her thumb against her lower lip pensively. A quiet hum bubbled up in her throat. 

It was unlike her to disconnect from her surroundings in a public space, especially in recent decades, compelled by the need to be always looking over her shoulder. And yet, she nearly shuddered as a soft voice pulled her from her musings.

Batting her lashes, she quickly shook her momentary stupor and cleared her throat, addressing her company with her eyes still firmly fixed on the selected novels. “I believe so. I’ve arrived recently, didn’t bring much. I’m afraid my personal library is in dire need of expansion.”

She turned, finally, to fully face the woman. A trace of a smile spilled across her lips. She clasped her hands together, twiddling with her digits as she gave a modest shrug of her shoulders.

That bought her enough time to rearrange her thoughts. “I’m looking for material in a variety of topics but perhaps, we could begin with the most…” Her raspy tone quieted, and she took another rudimentary look around the shop. “…thematic item, should I say?”

“I was wondering if you keep anything on existentialism versus essentialism. Sartre, Heidegger, Kierkegaard, something along those names… As well as the opposition, of course.” Finding herself in her element now, she shed her air of meek neutrality, continuing with a certain edge to her tone. “And please, no Aristotle, Plato, and the likes. One would believe their time in the limelight has ran its course.”

The rapid influx of customers was something that made Isis beam with a certain mix of satisfaction and relief. She had known the city had been without a bookstore for a little while when she called to acquire this space, but she hadn’t known just how hungry for literature the people here would be before they had opened. At this point it was all too clear that she would have much success with the store, and luckily for her, be quite busy. Which was another kind of relief as it gave her an excuse to cultivate the person she wanted to be, not the person her status or title demanded she should be. 

Her parents would never have allowed that of course, but that was the beauty of being shipped off to your fiancee’s kingdom. Your supervision changed to that of his father, not your own, and as long as she didn’t neglect her duties she would be allowed much more leeway here than at home. Enough to keep reinforcing anyone she met in knowing Isis Bankhole, not Princess Isis. 

Coming to a stop by the dark haired stranger, she kept her professional smile in place while listening attentively. “Thats understandable. Books aren’t high on the moving list if you have a whole life to uproot.” she nodded a bit, sympathizing with that really as she had been forced to leave behind quite a bit of her own collection. The woman certainly didn’t seem all that uncertain about what she was looking for though, her words a bit musing, yet direct in their nature. “That would surely be a good start.” Isis agreed, tilting her head a bit in interest as she waited to hear what this thematic item might be. 

Items, it seemed. Listening to the request, Isis was quite glad she had lived for long enough to keep up with literate debates and philosophical themes such as the big one this customer was referring to. “Of course we do have books of those writers, though if you want a more modern times perspective I would recommend trying Dave Eggers. When it comes to the opposition Greg Mckeown is the most noted author, though I did really enjoy Cattarini’s views. We’ve gathered most of these titles in our Psychology section.” The side note about Aristotle and Plato had her give a wry grin. “I agree, those are outdated, especially for someone who knows the subject well.” 

[isisxbankhole]

ever-moore​:

Everett was a sucker for bookstores. She could get completely lost in them, and it wasn’t a secret as she could spend hours in them. She didn’t come by often but when she did there always seemed to be something new. So she was a bit unsure where to start when she first walked through the door, especially since she wasn’t looking for anything in particular. Everett began her stroll between the shelves until the other’s voice, completely tearing her from her thoughts. “Oh, hello, dear!” Everett gave her a bright smile. “I’m just browsing, thank you. How have you doing?”

The smell alone brought up such powerful memories for Isis. She hadn’t spent too much of her time inside her parents palace, but the one room in their home she had always found it easy to stay in was the library. One filled to the brim with books by high shelves built into the wall structure. She would just go sit in there and smell the old books, feeling content in a way she never could elsewhere. It was nice to be able to bring that kind of serenity and naturally, love of literature to other people. Noticing Everett, Isis found it natural to walk on over. Smiling warmly back she nodded. “Its nice to see you. Of course, might always be a title hiding somewhere that you haven’t read. I’m doing alright. Its been very busy here, which is good. How are you?” 

[isisxbankhole]

jeremiahxwallace​:

Books, would she like books? ever since being told he was now engaged, life had been a rollercoaster though he hadn’t confronted the one yet that got engaged to him. Either way, he liked to read so books were always welcome but it made him wonder about her likes. His eyes scanned the various shelves until he heard a voice. “Hmm? Oh nothing in particular really, just looking for something new to read, do you have any recommendations?” He asked as he turned towards the owner. 

The male seemed preoccupied with his own thoughts, yet Isis always chanced to ask given that not doing so would be poor service. She taught all her clerks herself, quite focused on customer service and having specific opinions about how to achieve that well. Luckily, so far all her employees were well read individuals who genuinely had a passion for literature. That was an absolute requirement to work here, one she wouldn’t back down on. “Something new, no particular genre? We do have both a Bestsellers wall, and a book of the month that the staff picks, both have some great choices.” she said, gesturing to the wall. “Who is the book for?” 

[isisxbankhole]

noah-pierce​:

— 🥃 —

“A good start.” Noah nodded a little, mulling those words over. A good start seemed to indicate that it probably wasn’t exactly what she was looking for. A good start wasn’t necessarily good. But she didn’t seem overtly disappointed, either. “Give it a bit, maybe it’ll grow on you. If not, let me know I can make another recommendation.” 

When she inquired about the job he shook his head. “Nah, uh - just started, really. It’s good though, so far. Just working on getting familiar with everything.” Everything in the bar, being surrounded by those with blood pumping in their veins again, Paradisus itself - it was all a little overwhelming, but he was getting by. 

Isis got the feeling he didn’t entirely believe her. Then again, Isis was not one to repeat herself, and she couldn’t soothe someone’s beliefs or misconceptions if they chose not to tell her. “Really, its good. I wasn’t counting on finding the kind of beer we have at home half the world away. I’m sure its not the first recommendation I’ll ask you for.” 

Watching him curiously, she waited for actual words seeing as a head shake could mean so much. “So you’re new to town too then? Sounds and looks like you’re doing well. All jobs take a while to get into the groove off.” Even for her who had worn her title all her life, the new role of fiancee was going to be quite the challenge to get a hang off. 

[isisxbankhole]

pearls-and-jades​:

“Yeah! You know, buzzing around? It helps calm my brain down a little, but my brain moves differently. Most people would be, like, “ Zhu zipped her hand around like a hummingbird, or perhaps dragonfly. “Because neurochemistry or whatever.”

Zhu shrugged again, one little shoulder rising and falling. Her purse slipped free and Zhu tugged it back into place. “Uh, maybe? Some places locally source the beans, some import from around the world, some slow drip or grind in house. There are little places that do their own thing, or alter ingredients. Honey, brown sugar, white sugar, some do cocoa as well. Some only offer hot drinks and some have milkshakes. Commercial franchises are gonna play it safe, sure, but niche coffee shops can really find a fanbase with high quality product and skilled employees.” In Egypt, she’d had an incredible Amarula coffee that had been like drinking toffee, and was likely the origin of her loving coffee with cinnamon.

“Where are you from?” The woman had mentioned it first, so Zhu didn’t feel it would be awkward to ask.

“I suppose some do buzz. I can’t say that I buzz a lot but maybe thats just me imagining my brain a different way than you imagine yours.” she said, unable to smile at the girls hand gestures. She had that kind of youthful spirit about her that was so energetic and full of life. 

Isis listened to the other describe how smaller coffee houses could change things up. It was all a lot for coffee if you asked her, but then commercialism and local business in her country had taken big hits for a long time, so they weren’t as advanced or modern. Which was entirely their kings fault, though their king also didn’t happen to care as long as he wiped out the next rebellion or the new factions rising up to fight for a cause he put no stock in. “Thats.. certainly diverse.” she said with a nod. “In my country we’re not as far ahead development wise, so there isn’t a lot of diversity in our business, local or otherwise. It’s fascinating to learn more though. 

“Africa. I grew up outside of Cape Town.” The princess answered calmly.