dial h for hire [video]

[unweave]

[ The feed picks up with a slight buzz of static. The visuals over the network focus on a waist-up shot of Aranea who isn't looking too hot. Not only is her face bruised (healing black eye, slightly swollen nose and busted lip), but there is a bandage pack poking out from under her top. ]

Don't want to waste anyone's time — there's enough stupid messages coming across this every day and I don't want to add to it.

My names Aranea Highwind and I'm recruiting for a mercenary group — odd jobs, monster hunts, personal protection, and the like. I'm willing to give a large cut on jobs I get in, bordering 65%. Tough sons of a bitches please apply and those looking for their problems to be solved? I'm your gal.

[ I mean, even now she's confident with a sly smirk plastered on her face. This is the most blunt ass sales pitch ever? But — ]

You can't trust everyone you meet here, some people will literally stab you. [ She nudges the view to her hip, but rolls her eyes as the camera gets back to her. ] But, there's still people wanting to help out. Why waste your time at that shitty fight club when you can make a difference and get paid for it? Think about it.

Comments

[unweave]

Good. What are your skills? Experience? [ A pause. ] Hard nos?

[ She's still trying to understand if killing is off the table. You know, even for the right reasons. ]

[veneries]

I'm a fair shot with a bow, and a knife. I hunted to feed my family and dealt with highway robbers. They soon learned that our mill wasn't easy pickings.

[His skills aren't a lie. The backstory is, but it rolls off his tongue as smoothly as the truth would. Murder, flaying, hunting people for sport... he's fine with anything.]

[unweave]

Then I'll add your name to the list. Well, username. [ Because networks are annoying. ] I'll send a list of jobs when they pile up — just let me know what you want.

[ No questions asked here??? Money is money??? ]

[veneries]

[He smiles brightly.] It's Willem.

I'm not picky. I'm more than up to whatever challenge you'd like to send my way.

[unweave]

Careful, I'll hold you to that.

[ SERIOUSLY... who knows what kind of shit she'll find for people? ]

[veneries]

Excellent. [What on earth would he possibly object to?]

You mentioned monster hunts? What kind do they have in this land?

[unweave]

Not sure — but they're like any bestiary. Some are harmless, but there's predators out there. Not much different from man, I guess.

[veneries]

Are you suggesting we might be hunting men?

[Does he sound surprised? Disgusted? Excited??]

[unweave]

Men who do something very, very bad. Nothing less.

[veneries]

[He smiles brightly]

In the name of helping others, of course.