2nd Circuit, Text [Unseelie Locked]

[zerotohiro]

[The following appear steadily over the course of an hour. Someone's taking a different route to his own research.]

Regrouping and Restructuring

Me: Teenage male, scrawny but stronger than appears. Wields dagger and studied martial arts. Can heal own wounds.

You: Capable of teaching other styles of hand-to-hand combat or weaponry. Also able to take a punch or two. Serious inquiries and offers only.

Location: Caer Scima. Only willing to travel within Dorchadas.

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Wanted: One infused weapon

Currently seeking someone to forge a dagger of some kind or recommendations of smiths to do so. Must be capable of infusing with very specific properties and must be able to provide within a few weeks. Willing to pay for best product. Private message if interested.

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Wanted: Information on textiles

Also currently seeking anybody who knows the best location for specific fabrics. Need to match something I already have. The wardrobe at Caer Scima is severely lacking materials necessary. Message with details.

It's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Comments

voice.

[uneulogized]

You only offered anything with one of your three demands.

voice.

[zerotohiro]

I figured it was implied I'd be giving people something in return. Did I need to really spell that out?

voice.

[uneulogized]

Well, let's start with this: ignoring me, Ariadne, Loki, and Johnny over there ...

How many people are even gonna get the advertisement's joke?

voice.

[zerotohiro]

Are you being contrary on purpose to ignore what I'm actually asking for?

voice.

[uneulogized]

I'm a little full up on teaching at the moment. I'm not even sure I can teach that Archer guy's men, much less take on another student.

[A beat.]

So, yup, I'm gonna make fun of you instead.

voice.

[zerotohiro]

[His voice is muffled. But that's because he's burying his face in his hands.] You're such a jerk.

[...a pause.] ...but if you weren't super busy you'd maybe teach me? [You know. For the future.]

voice.

[uneulogized]

I have before. [So, yes, he'd teach him.]

voice.

[zerotohiro]

[Don't sound hopeful, don't sound hopeful...]

Actual hand-to-hand?

[Even if you're a giant asshole to him sometimes, Jay, he still admires you quite a bit. He just never says so.]

voice.

[uneulogized]

Well, it'd begin with trying to bend a spoon, but sure, it might end with actual hand-to-hand.

[Did he expect a less assholish response to that? Probably. Sorry, Hiro.]

voice.

[zerotohiro]

Hah hah hah. Aren't you hilarious.

Seriously though. I want to learn as much as I can since magic's...you know. Magic. Unpredictable. I want to be ready for everything.

voice.

[uneulogized]

You're really determined to turn this into a serious moment, aren't you? I can't make any promises at the moment. Busy, busy me.

voice.

[zerotohiro]

You're embarrassing. [Is he...whining? Maybe. So yes he's trying to turn it serious but he's losing badly.]

voice.

[uneulogized]

Ah, you left out a word:

You're embarrassing me.

voice.

[zerotohiro]

That too. [...granted it's better than the alternative so he doesn't mind too much.] I'm so glad you're amused.

voice.

[uneulogized]

Not like it's hard to be, really. Craigslist? No clear offers in return? Why, you're ... being you! I had to run with it.

voice.

[zerotohiro]

But I'm being a somewhat more honest version of me. Don't I get credit for trying? A for effort and all that?

voice.

[uneulogized]

Wow, that's a stunning way to twist that. Where's Loki to give you your gold star?

voice.

[zerotohiro]

Well am I wrong?

voice.

[uneulogized]

You're trying to lead me to agreeing that you made this sound as selfish as possible on purpose.

I'm not going to.

voice.

[zerotohiro]

[The sound of him drumming his fingers on a desk somewhere.]

Okay. So that was an accident. But I'm going to offer what I can if people want payment.

voice.

[uneulogized]

And now you got even more in return for it!

Why, Hiro, I think you owe me for this gift I've laid at your feet.

So, what're you gonna give me?

voice.

[zerotohiro]

I dunno, a kiss with a fist? [You're such an asshole Jason why does he like you so much.]

...could design you some more gear though. You might need it. [Considering.]

voice.

[uneulogized]

Well, if you want. [Though Jason imagines Hiro is offering in part because he's bored.]

I'll get you more of your sleeping juice.

voice.

[zerotohiro]

[Yes that's part of it, but also...] It'll be good practice. And maybe by the time I'm done you'll have time to teach me how to use some of it? [Maybe?

There's a slight noise of surprise though at the other offer.] Oh. ...I mean I can do without it for a while. I've been sleeping a little better? [Not really. And he's well aware Jason will know he's just bullshitting that, too.] It's okay.

voice.

[uneulogized]

No, you haven't been sleeping. [He remembers their last call.] And no, I'm not going to teach you. [In the current state of things, that seems like a really, really bad idea.]