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They hadn't stopped moving since leaving Monoceros. A panicked run turned into a fearful jog, exhaustion combating the time limit that seemed to loom over their head. By the time they actually got to Canis their paws ached and their lungs burned. They paused to catch their breath, hyper aware of the time being wasted. But they could barely breath and hardly think, the air fogging up the sides of their gemstone stale from panic.
"Collector?" They called, hurriedly scanning the boneyard for any sign of him."The Collector? Where are you? It's Urgent." How often was a trade made out of desperation and panic rather than careful analysis? Was the collector aware of the power he held in such a situation?
Caves, they hoped he was nearby.
"Ahhh... Urgent, you say?" came the careful croon, and a sweep of black fabric from just down the rocky path. He stepped carefully around a few scattered bones, crimson pinprick eyes fixed upon his visitor.
"Five cycles, since last I saw you," he mused, and without tone studied the cat for a moment. It wasn't clear if he was judging them for not completing their tasks earlier, or simply thinking. Though from the looks of things, Assistant had other things on their mind.
Ahh, well. "Urgent" was always good.
"Urgent" meant that he could up the price.
"Urgent"... meant bargaining from a position of strength. And oh, how the Collector adored a position of strength.
He smiled. "It is good to finally see you again. But do not let me waste your time," he went on, clawed hands splaying forward politely, palms-up, in an invitation to speak. "Please. Tell me of your... urgency."
@Assistant
"Ahh, well," hands parted, palms up, a gesture of openness "I do so adore being able to help those in need... good deeds, good for the spirit, all of that. But... of course, my aid is not free," he went on. But he was speaking faster now, pushing more upright, brushing down his robes. Ready, it seemed, to act.
"You understand that I must see them, see what is wrong, to help them--yes..?"
He gave it a moment, patient, time ticking by. Then he inclined his head. "Of course, urgency is always important. I will make you a deal... I will save your friend, though I cannot guarantee they will live the same quality of life. I must see what is wrong, first. And--this may be premature, until I can be certain I will be of aid... But I will demand a life for a life."
He paused.
Crimson pinprick eyes blinked.
The Collector laughed.
"Ahh-! That must have sounded far more sinister than I intended. No: I would have you create a child, and leave it with me. I will leave the specifics to you. Do we have a deal..?" he asked, eyes glittering beneath his hood.
@Assistant