Part of him was... disappointed, just a little, that Ruse didn't trust him. But part of him was proud, because, damn, that was
his kid.
"As I said... I leave nothing out. Good of you to check. But that is the extent of the fine print." The space for signing was still empty, and The Collector tapped it.
"All that's left is this."
@Ruse The Collector tipped his head, regarding the tea with a quizzical stare and perhaps a fresh perspective.
"It is tea," he said, after a moment, and those crimson eyes flicked to Audland.
"Ahh. Perhaps... those of these caves are unfamiliar with the culture that surrounds business deals. It is polite to offer refreshments. And yes, most drink. I assure you, it isn't poisoned, though I applaud your paranoia." A shrug, and he gestured to it. With the other hand he delicately lifted the scroll, as the claw-mark Audland left singed to smoking black.
"Do feel free to have a taste." He paused. Considered. Then launched into business-speak.
"The consumption or sampling of this product confers no contractual obligation. The provider affirms that said beverage is believed to be safe, and will inflict no negative health, psychological, emotional, magical, or other forms of damage or distress, permanent or temporary. The beverage is to be provided at no cost, as-is, and the receiver of the liquid sample agrees that the provider is not bound to any further supply, stipulation or requirement. There are no binding commitments or other requirements for either party." Then he took a sip from his own cup, as if to demonstrate that it was safe.
And he shrugged.
@Audland The Collector was present, or rather he sort of... appeared when Chaos-Fourteen approached. The apology was met with a tone of amusement as he strode to meet the Valkhound.
"...Yes, it took my agents some time to find out where you had gone. I admit to curiosity in regards to the circumstance..?" he added.
"Your time ran out, but I will admit I would rather see your second task completed rather than attempt to collect on the initial terms. Stagehand is... ahh, perfect."
He sounded pleased, even, and swept into a brief formal bow before turning away. He withdrew a large, clinking black velvety bag--thick with dust and grime--from his cloak, settling it on the desk that still sat in Canis (likewise collecting dust).
"Just a moment, please. -Do feel free to take a seat." He was likely referring to the oversized chairs and benches littering the area; at least one was probably suitable for V-Chaos-Fourteen.
Glass clinked within the bag, and after a moment, the Collector found what he was looking for. He withdraw a large vial, rather diamond-shaped near the top; the glass was dusty like the bag had been, and the stopper--pure gold, with a thin chain connecting to a golden band around the vial itself--was a little... oily. The liquid within was even more Oily, and that with a capital 'O': the shimmer of Chaos in its sinister rainbow hues was visible within.
"Poison their drinks. If there's a punchbowl, soup, or something similar, so much the better. It isn't deadly, or even unpleasant, never fear. But it should be amusing." He turned, and offered the vial out in careful claws.
"A couple of drops will be enough for a wine glass. Half of the vial, for a punchbowl. -That is, a bowl with an alcoholic, fruity drink. Nemean's little soirees are often rather... fanciful, but they lack a certain intensity that I've come to prefer in my gatherings. -I will see you there," he added, and winked.
V-Chaos-Fourteen is being tasked with 'poisoning' as many drinks as possible at Nemean's theater event. Those who choose to ingest 'poisoned' fluids will take two points of Corruption, with the accompanying urges toward Chaos, but will also experience vivid (if relatively mild) hallucinations that will last one to three hours, depending on the dose. These hallucinations may be anything from brighter colors and sounds to hearing conversations or music, or seeing interactions, that do not actually exist.
@V-Chaos-Fourteen