Board Thread:Role Play Discussion/@comment-5999656-20170619043145/@comment-5999656-20170621015643

Zanipher cocked her head at Basilia's carefully chosen words, but said nothing at first. Even from the minimal communication they'd had so far, Zanipher felt that Mona was the type of woman that couldn't be crossed. Her demeanor was one less condescending than Arcelia's and less overbearing than Ethereal's, but more straightforward than either of the remaining female Dragons, as well. Mona was careful to select her most likable child to greet her, and it was likely their exchanges wouldn't be so light once Basilia left the picture.

"I don't know if your mother is aware, but I'm currently in Mistral on what was supposed to be a private mission."

Zan paused, letting the words sink ominously into the slightly humid afternoon air.

"Nevertheless, if it's something she considers important enough as to send her favorite daughter in person to deliver the invitation, I guess I can't refuse."

Zanipher stepped back and examined her desktop, making sure the monitors had been shut down and stowing her instruments into a locked suitcase. She returned to Basilia a moment later, room card key dangling loosely between two fingers as she took a deep breath.

It had been many months of reconsidering her persona after the Fall of Beacon, when the Dragons decided to tamp inter-Head communication down to a bare minimum. In that time, Zan had learned a lot about being properly respectable, properly approachable.

Properly intimidating, as well. She couldn't remain a civilian forever, sliding sleekly among the everyday busybodies of Vale. At some point, she would have to embrace the Dragon identity once more. She longed for that day even as she found herself swept up in the simplest joys of being a young woman. If a fellow Dragon wanted to see her in person, a significant affair even when network activities were normal, then she would have to go prepared to impress. It had been too long since sharpened words had slid among her snicked teeth, prying behind a thin veil of innocuousness. And yet... professionalism and restraint held their values, too.

Zanipher stepped out her door and motioned for Basilia to follow.

"While we make our way, I was wondering if you have any questions for me? I've got a couple of my own, but I think it'll be better if you go first."