Board Thread:Role Plays/@comment-24147026-20160605220338/@comment-5999656-20160815022004

Zanipher dismounted from the truck, eager to be up and moving about after a rather long and stiff conversation. Seeing that the girl Neil had called to wasn't bothering to conceal her curious gaze, she relented a bit on the mob boss front and gave a two-fingered salute coupled with an ever so teasing slight smile, before looking away and following her new compatriot outside the walls of the barely-lit warehouse. It was quiet outside, a slight delta breeze had picked up. Zan's favorite atmosphere was one like this. All they needed now was to be perched atop a rooftop, gazing down at the distant buzz of nightlife far below as they silently crept along unmarked paths. She made a mental note to introduce Neil to the environment once he got properly settled in.

Diplomacy wasn't her strongest point. When it came to negotiating with individuals, Zanipher considered herself adept enough at navigating towards an acceptable compromise, but it was a winding fine line depending on the status and background of who she was addressing. And when their words defined the future of entire organizations, upping the pressure to choose her language ever more wisely, she knew she would stumble at one point or another. And in this dark business, everyone was on edge when it came to potential enemies. The immense reserves of patience needed to negotiate the criminal landscape was a major obstacle for everyone. 'Tis so easy to reach for your weapon the second your opponent insults you, however subtly.

Zanipher was glad, then, when Neil turned out to be surprisingly more reasonable than some of the bosses she'd had to talk to in the past. Cementing his loyalty would take some time, but Zan found that she always liked making friends with those who were worthy matches in both intellect and ingenuity. But there was more to it than that. Neil looked to be about her age, a refreshing addition to a Dragon council composed mainly of older members. What she felt now was the spark of something she hadn't felt in a long time. It was the same spark that had brought her to save her younger sister's classmate from two serial killers, even though ther was nothing for her to gain from it. What was that called again? Not quite heroism, something a little more selfish.

The desire for companionship.

Having this type of job tended to cause one to get lonely over time. But to forge a friendship in such forbidding circumstances would take baby steps. Lots of baby steps, especially since Zan felt obliged to maintain a sheen of professionality at almost all times. Speaking of which, where had her guys gone?

A quick check of her texts told her all she needed to know about where her employees had popped off to.

"Well, Neil, my ride should be here soon. They got a little bored of going under the speed limit and went to get drinks while we were inching along," she said dryly, shaking her head slightly before turning to face the new Dragon.

"Nonetheless, thanks for being so cooperative. This was my first time recruiting a Dragon Head, so I hope I didn't go overboard with anything."

Zan took a deep breath and ran one hand through her hair, a reflexive gesture.

"Oh, one more thing," she said, sliding her Scroll back out. A few taps and swipes, and a 10 digit number was displayed on the LED screen, which she showed to Neil.

"Here's my personal number. Don't go around blabbing it to anyone, having to change Scrolls is such a hassle. But if you need my assistance, just give me a call. I and the other Dragons will be around to settle you into Vale."

Zanipher put her Scroll away once Neil had the number down. She brushed some stray strands of hair behind her ear before turning to look down the empty street at nothing in particular.

"You know, I really look forward to seeing where you go from here," she said softly.