Nighthawks

[Naga]

"You see death, I see opportunity." The Warlock smiled pleasantly. The demons of Pandemonium had fucked with her mind in ways far more invasive and cruel, and she'd come out stronger for it. A tiny prick at her pride now was barely even noticeable.

"Besides, if Sacramento is a dead end, what does that say about your being here?" Always fun to turn a statement back on the witness.

[Winter]

"Be careful, only carrion crawlers see opportunity in death", what did it say about him?, "What does it say about me? Lady, that's a pretty low bar you're setting"

[Naga]

"I never said I saw death here. That's your viewpoint," she took a sip of her coffee, then sat back and crossed her legs. If she knew what the hell a carrion crawler was, she didn't acknowledge it either way. "It's a fair question. You seem to have a low opinion of this city, yet you stay here. Why?"

Winter was in no manner under oath, obviously, but the Théarch pressed her cross-examination just the same.

[Winter]

"Which kind of opportunities do you see, then?", perhaps he hadn't gotten the message across, but he'll bite, "I never said I thought high of myself. Now, did I?", and he had just turned the tables again.

[Naga]

Weren't Obrimos supposed to be more confident than this? Or at least not this down on themselves and... everything else? "So you're punishing yourself, is that it? You think you don't deserve better than what you consider to be a dead end career track?" She wouldn't be thrown off the scent that easily. Naga leaned forward, hands wrapped around her nearly empty cup. "I'm sorry if you see it that way."

If he's even being truthful about that part, which was doubtful. Naga was happy to play along, regardless. This entire conversation was fun.

"What do I see? An opportunity to prove myself. A chance to do better. Help make a positive mark on the world." Nothing terribly specific.

[Winter]

"Here, let me show you something", he takes the spoon from his cup, and while still wet, pushes its bowl against the table propelling the metal handle upwards, "When you're young, your prospects will show a similar growth. That's what they call a hockey stick graph, exponential growth", he nods, hopeful that she'll follow along, "Love, family, career, money. Everything is within your grasp. But when you're old, and for one reason or another your best years are a distant memory, compound interest really starts working against you. This is why, at this stage, I tend to focus more on institutions and things than mundane concepts like success or other trivialities. The former will keep existing long after my departure. The latter, won't survive the light of my mind being extinguished".

[Naga]

The Mastigos gave the demonstration all due attention, quietly and respectfully following along. When Winter was finished, she nodded.

"A pragmatic view, then. I can appreciate that." She rested her chin in one hand, elbow on the table, and gazed at the Guardian thoughtfully.

"One could even say a noble view. The old soldier defending the fortress." Perhaps he was normal Obrimos, after all. "And I'm perfectly willing to admit my relative youth colors my perceptions."

[Winter]

Her reaction left a bitter taste in his mouth. He expected she'd put up more of a fight, show some grit. Or maybe she was just paying him lip service. Whatever...
"But I might be wrong", unexpected words coming from a Zealot. "Well, one should strive to see things from every angle"

Spells: Mental Shield [pot 1]

[Naga]

She wouldn't be much of a Silver Ladder if she was always adversarial. Devil's advocates didn't lend themselves well to leadership. "Understanding both sides of an issue is rewarding," she smiled, "Especially when you represent one side. When you know the other side, you know their weak points."

And maybe she understood something about this Guardian now. Provided he wasn't making things up. As said, Guardian.

But the best lies had the kernels of truth in them. The fun was in digging them out.

[Winter]

"Life isn't a game of chess. You aren't constantly battling your opponents, looking for a way to exploit their weaknesses or a wrong move", but he sounds insincere. He raises the cup to his lips, something outside the glass windows seems to have caught his attention.
He takes his time to savor the amber fluid and appreciate the quiet night outside. When long gone from his taste buds, the fragrance will still linger in his memory.
"What do you think?"

Spells: Mental Shield [pot 1]