Board Thread:Role Play Discussion/@comment-5999656-20170619043145/@comment-5999656-20180122042028

Zanipher paused for a moment, pondering whether or not to divulge her information to the older Dragon. On the other hand, Mona's tendency to sidestep direct questions had become painfully obvious, a fact that was irking the Ninth Dragon more and more as it happened again and again.

"Mona, that's something you should ask Cyzarine herself. If you, her mother, aren't able to get her side of the story first, then you've failed fundamentally as a guardian."

Zanipher had finally decided to be completely blunt. It seemed like Mona was only intent on wasting her time here, rather than discussing matters of importance with the transparency they demanded. She slid the chair back, and stood up.

"Mona, you haven't given me a concrete explanation for why I should call off my operation regarding Platinum Roads. Since you seem more concerned with holding a conversation than with discussing matter of business, I'm going to ask you formally to desist from interfering further with my assignment."

Zanipher lifted her chin, and there was a cool glint in her crimson eyes.

"If you continue to try to involve yourself in Syndicate business, we will have no choice but to exercise defensive force against the Bluthardt Corporation. The decision is yours. Of course, since I would like to avoid needless conflict, I hope you will choose well."

Zanipher reached within her sleeve, and produced a simple hairband. She tied her loose hair back into a tight ponytail, and tightened it before letting her hands fall to her sides.

"This outcome was set in motion months ago. If you wanted Platinum to live, perhaps you should have acted sooner. Certainly not on this day, when all the pieces have already fallen into place."

Zanipher took a deep breath. All this talk of assassination, of inevitability - it was a farce. Killing Platinum would be akin to harming Fen - Zan knew that much. Anyone who knew the Ninth Dragon knew that she didn't condone senseless violence. Zanipher would hold out until the situation could be deemed truly hopeless. If Platinum truly could not be swayed, then she would do what had to be done. But as long as there was another option...

"One day, Mona, we may come to understand each other. But until then, stay out of my business."

Zanipher considered turning around and walking out of the room. That kind of behavior would be acceptable around her subordinates. But to an equal, it would simply come off as childish. So she stayed in place, offering the matriarch the honor of a last word.

"Have I made myself clear?"