oo1 ✦ let’s begin.

[richesse]

[ There’s a whisper through the murmur, more a breath of feeling than a fully formed thought. It’s sweet, and warm, and laughing—though it is not gentle, nor kind.

A voice follows the whisper, chased by darkness and shadows, the very suggestion of a nightmare. ]

Do you think we’re still dreaming? Or is this a living nightmare?

[ a hum, and another brush of teasing laughter, there and gone like a brief burst of memory, the last moment of summer that you can taste on your tongue before it’s irretrievably gone. ]

You’ve changed, haven’t you? We all have. What are you thinking, right now…? Who are you?

What are you?

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[vocalistyodels]

[It's his turn to smile, though there's a tired bitterness to it.]

Was the end for lotta folks.

[There's a flash of remembered fear, the sight of multiple large mushrooming clouds rising from the horizon of the city. Screams of people realizing what's going on.]

But some of us more like cockroaches than others.

[Hard to kill.]

[richesse]

There’s nothing wrong with surviving.

No wonder, then. You’re already used to a ruined world. Any tips you can offer? [ half-teasing. ]

[vocalistyodels]

Don't die.

[Okay smartass.]

[richesse]

[ That wins a startled, amused laugh. ]

Well then, I’ll be sure to keep that in mind. I’m fortunate to have your guidance.

[vocalistyodels]

[Maybe he should give up there merc life and become a comedian.]

Ha. Well, he's a free piece of advice to go with it. Trust ain't given, it's earned and you better off trusting someone as far as you can throw em.

[Because even once it's earned people have a way of stabbing you in the back. Or shooting. Same thing.]

[richesse]

I don’t trust anyone, as a rule.

[ said very casually. ]

Running a business is a rather cutthroat affair, after all.

[vocalistyodels]

Least someone got more than a thought knocking round in their head here.

[It's a good rule okay.]

Oh so we got little miss entrepreneur is that right?

[richesse]

Oh my, was that a compliment? Aren't you sweet~

That's right. With a little time I'm sure I'll be able to supply anything the good people here might need.

[vocalistyodels]

Take it as you will.

[He is not sweet, how dare!]

Maybe. S'good way of putting a target on your head. Gotta have some muscle to protect the goods, otherwise someone untoward could cause trouble.

[Just like the traders who traveled the wastes. With their pack brahmin and couple of guards against the world.]

But m'sure you thought've that.

[richesse]

I'm not concerned, no. I have defenses if need be. Like you said, "muscle."

I'd hardly go into such a venture unprotected and unarmed.

I don't think ever caught your name, by the way~.

[vocalistyodels]

Sounds like you got it all figured out then.

[But his interest is peaked.]

Well, that's cause I didn't give it.

[richesse]

[ the murmur laughs for her, utterly unoffended. ]

Then may I ask for it, sir?

[vocalistyodels]

With manners like that how can I say no?

[He doubts Cooper Howard will mean anything to her, but for now-]

The Ghoul will do fine.

[richesse]

Oh? Another person with a title for a name. How interesting. The Ghoul it is.

Lortel, by the way, [ she offers freely. ] Lortel Kehelland.

[vocalistyodels]

Well now I don't feel so special.

[Narrator: he in fact, does not give a fuck.]

Curious to see how your endevor pans out Ms. Kehelland. Good luck.