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]

It's a secondary goal. You'll always have to fight for something, but the common denominator is money.

[ But, she peps up at magic. ]

Ooooh. What kind?

[latkje]

I don't like to do things by the book anyhow. That way, anyone can read you.

[ A pause. ]

I can do wind magic. Mostly healing, a sleep spell. They confiscated my fire scrolls, so.

[unweave]

Ooooh. I'll have to store that one away for future use. Makes you sound all mysterious.

[ But, the mention of magic and his skills makes her whistle with an impressed noise. ]

Not bad. You're at an advantage. Any practical fighting skills? Sword? Anything?

[latkje]

We're all mysteries here, aren't we? [ The smile reaches to his voice. ]

I know how to use a sword. [ Pointy end goes in the other guy. Not that hard. ] But I haven't got one, currently.

[unweave]

Fair point. [ But, the lack of sword could be a problem. ] As long as you can defend yourself, you may not need one. Or you can take more mundane requests.

[latkje]

I'm old, not fragile. [ And only old in JRPG years. ] And I can take more mundane requests.

Are you getting those wounds treated?

[unweave]

Hey - I'm not here to judge!

[ :') ]

Treated. Not going to mess with the clinic — someone did my a favor. I'll live.

[latkje]

[ He nods. ]

Aren't you? [ It's usually a bad sign if a military group takes all comers, but maybe in this situation it can't be helped. ] Hmmm. Well, I welcome judgement, but only if you like what you see.

[unweave]

Then I should hope you do things that catch my eye, pal.