In Need of Dead Bodies

"Hunter. Hunted. Does it Matter?"

Slice. Cut. Step over the puddle of blood, remove prized organ meats that would be suitable for tables of nobles even when dried for transport. A sudden burst of cold wind swamped her form even within the fire-warmed room of the kitchen as Areem sighed as it only meant one thing..some idiot was standing in the guild entry with the damn door open. Or hadn't shut it quickly enough to halt the biting air from attacking the precious heat of the room. Doing her best to clean bits of blood and bloodied bits from her hands as Areem's steps led her out to the entryway. Her appearance was a stark contrast as a bloodied apron stood out starkly against the soft silk of her white dress as golden eyes took in the newcomer.

Flame colored hair. Tall stature. Actually dressed for the colder weather. So the newcomer wasn't completely brain-dead as Areem folded her hands in front of her dipping her head in greeting. Head cocked to the side as she processed in need before asking a question her own   "If its' science you seek, you couldn't be more clear in your pursuit?". A sigh escaped her as she continued   "We have many seekers of various knowledge here..society approved or not. Do you seek the ultimate cure for disease, to create the ultimate disease..to dismember a corpse of some unknown beast..or something more..human-like". The golden anklets around her bare feet tinkered as Areem took a step forward   "Can't say there is much profit in grave-robbing these days..my own finds have been so limited. People can be more valuable when alive..at least for information". Ebony hair spilled to her waist as she advanced until she standing in front of the man, eyes searching as if trying to find the missing clue "  I prefer to hunt a feral beast..with a single wish to survive..to add a sketch or two to my bestiary..the few humans that I come across in my trips rarely make the centerfold..Dreadfully boring encounters". The ebony ink of the Basilisk seemed to swim in the faint candle-light beneath her collarbone noting her as a guild member. It was not her job to greet guests..but she refused to have him stand and let the cold air in..


Although, she would admit it was occasionally interesting to see naive travelers come across a beast she had been stalking and find themselves scrambling for an answer. Beasts were such simple things when confronted with fear..run away..or fight back. Yet to turn back was to land back their true hunter's hands...better to face the unprepared guests. A few scraps here and there made her intervene early least the most valued parts of the prey were damaged in the process. All became corpses in the end to be stripped down until the scraps remained for the insects and carrion-eaters.