The Resting Dragon Gossip

Akane quickly looked away, humming in disapproval as she pressed her lips together. Maybe she shouldn’t have chosen the Resting Dragon. She glanced back at the group, concern turning to curiosity when she spotted the black and blues in their outfits. Narrowing her eyes, she identified the gang colors and shifted uneasily in her seat. That could provoke trouble if an opposite gang member saw them. Was it intentional, or just careless? Either way, Akane wanted no part in it.

Akane ran a hand through her short crimson hair and sighed, her anxiety morphing into impatience. Focusing on her crystal orb, she tapped the table as she waited for word from the girls. The minutes crawled by. Her gaze drifted to the half-empty bottle nearby, considering a drink to pass the dragging minutes.

Needing a distraction, Akane stood and approached the handsome bartender, tapping the bar as he served others. She glanced between him and her orb, waiting. Suddenly, a message emerged: one girl politely apologized for not being able to make it, and another responded that she'd arrive in an hour. Akane sighed, realizing she probably should have waited for replies.

"What’ll it be, Akane? Long time, no see." The bartender's eyes narrowed in recognition. Akane slid the orb into her pocket, flashing him a smile.

"Yes, Luca. Can I get a Fire Maiden with extra fire, please?" A wry smile crossed her lips. "I haven’t had a break with the new crystal screens coming out. Have you seen them? They’re interactive now." Her eyes lit up; she was proud of her role in creating them.

"Impossible to miss. Lord Thirista already posted plenty of events. Fire Maiden, extra fire, coming up," Luca said, nodding as he fetched her drink.