ORIGIN

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She smiled wryly at him. "It was more of a euphemism, if I'm being honest." Victims was a bit more apt, but she wasn't one to judge. It wasn't like she was a saint. She kept her paws neatly where they were, as if they were folded, and her ears twitched forward as the Collector spoke.

Her smile fell as the Collector explained. She looked down at the gifts, somewhat disgusted as he spoke. She sighed. "Gross." Still, she gave a shrug. "In any case, they are pretty." She looked back up at the Collector, and found that she had no reason to distrust him. Kitty inclined her head slightly to him. "Thank you, that's... certainly interesting." Then, she pulled them back closer to her, and looked amused. "I can see why it would need bribes -- Order is boring and Ursa is cold."

Kitty's tail flicked in the space it could fall into behind her in the chair. She looked down at her paws, gathered around her objects, as she mulled over the Collector's question. What she... wanted? Kitty tilted her head slightly. "I must confess, I didn't have anything specific in mind when I came to visit you." She smiled, almost shy this time. "I was sort of hoping you would just have things you were willing to part with, like me. Ah, but you trade in different currency than I do, and so I suppose I really do have to think of something, don't I?"

She gave a slight laugh. "I must admit, I have the instinct to be ridiculous. Ask you for your favorite when I know you would probably take the most joy from a nasty consequence, or ask you for your most powerful despite my knowing that everything comes with a price." Her eyes sparkled -- she had the Collector's modus operandi, but notably, she was not judgmental. If anything, she respected him and what he did, even if people got hurt in the process. "I am inclined to lean into selfish desires of mine -- ask you for something that would make everyone like me despite feeling as though that may bite me in the tail, or ask you for something that will allow me to fly more consistently than the spell granted to me by the Three Kings can."

Finally, Kitty looked back up to the Collector. "I suppose that I am not particularly sure, but I've revealed quite a lot of myself to you. I do not have anything specific in mind -- perhaps you could choose something that you think would suit me, or perhaps I could pick from a selection?" she asked, somewhat hesitant. Certainly, she wouldn't have allowed the latter and would have cheated herself if offered the former. Still, she was almost hoping the Collector -- despite knowing his orders quite well -- would show some amount of mercy.

He leaned back, studying Kitty with a glint in his red eyes. He seemed to consider her words for a good long while as he thought, and then at last he spoke, a sly smile in his words.

"Do you know, I think I have just the thing. A thing that would aid you, and something... that would indeed make you liked. Sought after by Gembounds from all corners of the caves, by those who seek your visions." He paused, studying her. "It would enhance that very magic that you just used. Make it more... precise. More perfected. More accurate than anyone else's in all the caves, by allowing you to direct which part of history to seek. Which part to send it to. No more random visions, as all other Gembound see; but pure and focused sight on chosen memories. Of course, it does have its drawbacks; I would not recommend using it all that often. From what I understand--and mind you, I give you honesty, as I believe you and I to be cut from the same cloth; do you know what cloth is-?" He touched claws to his robe. "But I give you honesty as I believe you will still understand the value of this gift. At times, you may see other things--disturbing things--and I do not know why. It is something to do with what grants this ability."

The Collector offered a little shrug. "Still, you can see the power in such an item, can you not?" He paused, and studied her, the smile returning to his voice. "So tell me, my welcome guest: does this item interest you?"

@Kitty

She gave him her full attention, listening patiently as he explained himself and the gift he was offering. Kitty paused, mulling his statements over. Being able to... direct her casts, if she so desired...? Find specific incidents? And it would make her... more liked. She nodded absentmindedly when he asked her if she knew what cloth was -- her ribbons were cloth, too, she just wasn't wearing any.

Kitty stifled a laugh at his warning. "Ah, random visions show me plenty of horrors on their own, Collector. I've seen Gembound have their stones ripped out of their chests or be mauled to death by giant spiders -- not to mention any other number of terrors I've been wise to avoid. I'll be alright -- being able to aim it in the first place would be... beneficial, to say the least."

She cleared her throat and sat up straighter. "I am certainly interested, Collector -- but I have to ask," she said, voice taking on its somewhat playful lilt again, "whatever do you want in exchange?"

The Collector leaned back a bit, the smile audible in his words.

"I confess I hadn't thought of that. Hardly a drawback at all, then, hm? Well-... What I would ask in return is, I think, not too much. But you can tell me. I wish you to use your skills to send others my way." A gentle wave of one clawed hand, a mild and vague gesture, and he continued.

"Perform your readings and send me... oh, let us say, three others. Tell them you foresee them gaining something of interest from me. A lie, but I think a white one; it is business for business, after all, and a self-fulfilling prophecy. And once you have proven that skill with words, " he went on, "I will grant you this object in return. And you, in continued payment, will simply direct to me those you imagine I might like to see. Those who might be... useful, in obtaining items or performing tasks, and in that you may use your discretion; send them all, send very few, it matters little so long as some are sent my way. What do you think?" he asked, horned head tilting to one side; "Is this trade a fair one?

@Kitty

Kitty inclined her head slightly -- it was a reasonable request, was it not? And certainly, she could do that. She frowned. The only problem was... would she be responsible for any wrongdoing he asked them to do...? Kitty mulled over it for moment before, finally, she decided, no, she would not be. If anyone agrees to kill or maim someone for some powerful magic item, Kitty mused, that's their own prerogative and not on my conscience.

Certainly, she was already expecting unhappy customers who might come her way... so she decided to ask about them. Still, she smiled bemusedly at him. "Somehow I think you're getting a bit more out of this than I am. But, I am amenable to the terms. It's a deal. Although, Collector, I must ask -- undoubtedly I will eventually come across an unhappy customer or two. How do you deal with them?" She supposed she could just... not show up, like she imagined he could, but she did leave her tree sometimes -- and that mercenary, Venari, certainly existed if someone was especially angry.

Perhaps Kitty ought to make friends with her.

He considered this.

"Always ensure that an action is their own to choose, to take. I am not deceiving you, in this, but I will certainly admit that in the past I have... omitted information. Mostly because I was unaware of it, of course," he went on, with a gentle shrug.

"But if there is something they are fairly warned of, and they choose to proceed anyway... well. Greed is a powerful force," he said, and there was a smile in his words.

@Kitty

Kitty nodded thoughtfully. "Alright, thank you for the advice." She'd meant more in terms of "what do I do if they try to eat me," but she supposed that she hadn't been specific enough. In any case, she could be creative, and had her own ways of escaping should the need arise. Kitty returned her eyes to where she assumed the Collector's were, those red pin-pricks hidden within his coat. The glowing is certainly useful, considering he likes that cloak so much, she mused.

"In any case, Collector," said the panda, straightening herself up, "if that's all, I suppose I'll be on my way. I'm always a little... hm, shall we say, skittish when I'm on the ground." She was more familiar with and more maneuverable in the trees. Still, she supposed that he might have something else for her before she left, so she looked to him expectantly and waited to see if there was anything else he had for her.

Trees-? Ahh, an arboreal--and she was preparing to leave. That wouldn't do at all. "Ahh, just a moment," the Collector said.

From within his cloak he drew out a rolled scroll, held in a crimson ribbon. A graceful flick of his claws opened it, unfurled it; and then--again from within his cloak--he drew out a few other items.

A small, opaque black bottle that smelled strongly of ink.
A large feathered quill that looked as though it had belonged to an eagle of some kind, white with a dark tip.
And a small, delicate pair of reading spectacles.

When he placed on the glasses it was outside the hood: settled onto nothing, squeezing the hood with his pinprick eyes just behind the lenses. When he lifted the quill, and smoothed the unfurled scroll over his folded knee, it was with fastidious gestures--fluid, practiced.

"We have the contract to sign, first--a formality, and I understand that your kind does not know how to read? I will be happy to go over the fine points, naturally. But let us note the following."

The quill pen was dipped in the bottle, set to one side on the chair. The scratching sounds as he wrote in black, gleaming, flowing script accompanied his rich voice. "Let us agree that you will send me three potential... traders. And in turn, I will grant you an item that allows you to see specific memories through your magic, to target specific times, if you so wish. And we will note that, as per this agreement," (scribble, scratch) "-you will continue to send others my way, at least... one every few cycles, let us say. I will leave that vague, but I will note that if at any point it becomes clear that you are sending no one my way, I will first discuss this with you and then--if there is not a suitable reason--repossess the item. Continued patronage is required. A payment plan, so to speak. Now, if you agree to these terms--and I believe that you already have?--just sign here. Place a... paw, or what have you, in this empty space."

As he spoke, he turned the scroll, laying it out and down for Kitty to see. Black script covered the page--some fresh, with lines of older fine print along the bottom. The right half of the lower third or so was blank, and it was to this that the Collector gestured.

@Kitty

hey that's a real sweet table

Kitty's eyes lit up when she saw the ribbon. It was nice, rather like the one she had back at home. She looked with bright eyes at the things he produced, and she looked strangely at the floating glasses. That's not how hers worked. She looked at the strange symbols on the paper curiously. This would have to be a matter of trusting him to tell her the truth -- a professional courtesy, at this point.

"All of that sounds well and good," Kitty agreed, "though I maintain that you are getting slightly more out of this than I am. However, I'd like to know what that says." She indicated with one of her claws to the tiny, older print that was already written. It looked to her as though it was intended to be hard to read. She looked up at him, smiling slyly. "I would rather like to know everything that I am agreeing to."

Algol chuckled. "While I can appreciate your sense of haggling, a word of advice: do not overreach yourself. You most certainly are not paying more than I, in this case--not at all. A few words cost you nothing. An enchanted item as powerful as this-? Ahh, but that holds great value. If you think you are making a deal that is not in your favor, well... do not make it," he suggested, tipping his horn toward her with a little salute-like gesture of two fingers. But it was all said in good humor, as if this were some game and he were playing, too--and playing along, and teaching his companion some of the rules as they went.

He sat back in his chair, one leg hooking over the other again. The parchment was straightened, and he began a rather long speech. It was slowly-spoken, each word carefully enunciated, so as not to skip anything over; it had been a long time since anyone had asked him to read them the full contract and, truth be told, he was pleased. Kitty displayed a cunning a little beyond the rest. Would it hold-? He would see.

"Allow me to read you the full terms of the agreement, then. And it is wise to ask; I commend you."

The Collector cleared his throat.

"Terms: This Trade Contract ("the Contract") is effective immediately upon both parties' signing. The entity known as "The Collector" shall be known as "the Seller" and "the Trader," for the terms of this agreement. The other signatory shall be known as "the Buyer" and "the Recipient" for the terms of this agreement. Collectively, these parties shall be known as "the Parties." The item for purchase shall be known as "the Item," and "the Scrying Stone." Sentient creatures known as Gembounds shall be called "Gembounds."

Section One. The Trader shall provide the following item for purchase: one Scrying Stone, granting its user focused use of past-scrying magic. This item is guaranteed to direct this magic to the point or event in time, given practice and focus. In return, the Buyer agrees to send, at a minimum, three Gembounds to the Trader for further potential business. These Gembounds must count as new customers, not having met with or secured trades with the Trader prior.

Section Two. The trade shall be finalized after three Gembounds have visited the Trader with assurance that the Buyer has sent them. At this point, the Buyer's side of the Contract will be considered fulfilled, and the Buyer may collect the Scrying Stone as payment. The Contract is considered finalized upon delivery of the Item. The Trader is not liable for costs of travel, conflict from other Gembounds, or other incidences arising during the Buyer's fulfillment of their "networking."

Section Three. Time limits and ownership. The Buyer has two cycles in which to complete their task. The Trader may choose to allot further time, or to seek out the Buyer and cancel the deal. -To note, my little friend, I would only do so if it were clear you had no intention of following through. Continuing: upon notification of contract severance, the Contract shall be considered null and void. The Item is considered in the ownership of Seller until contract fulfillment. Should the Buyer at any point perish, the Seller regains ownership rights and may repossess the Item. Should the Buyer at any point abandon the item, the Seller must make at least one attempt to contact them; should the item be confirmed abandoned, he may repossess it. Should the Buyer claim the item retained, but continue to leave it abandoned after three attempts at contact, the item may be reclaimed without warning. -This is for those who choose to squirrel their things away so others cannot have them, without any intent to use them themselves. I have never had to repossess, before, mind you. Well--not outside death, in any case.

Section Four. Failure to Perform. Seller will not be held liable for any delay, disappearance or damage to the Item before its delivery. However, should the item be lost or damaged, the Seller must notify the Buyer immediately. Should part of the Buyer's contract have been fulfilled, compensation equivalent to the task complete must be offered. -Again, this has never occurred. My stock is kept quite safe, I assure you. Ahem: either party may terminate the Contract upon this notice.

Section Five: Termination. Once entered into, bar destruction of the Item, the Contract cannot be cancelled by the Buyer. The Seller must, in good faith, keep the Item out of trade circulation until claimed by the Buyer: should the Buyer fail to deliver, then the Seller may seek recompense for the approximate costs of failing to sell the Item to another. In other words: if someone else came along asking for the Scrying Stone, and I told them no--that it is promised to you--and you decided not to deliver without informing me, that I could seek a cost from you equal to my lost sale. This has never happened.

Section Six. Disclaimer of Warranties. The Item is sold 'AS-IS.' The Seller disclaims all warranties, whether express or implied--including, but not limited to, warranty, merchantability, fitness for a given purpose, metaphysical stability, psychic resonance, magical impact, or death. Under no circumstances shall either party be liable to the other party or any third party for any damages resulting to this agreement such as, but not limited to, loss of revenue or anticipated profit, lost business, lost costs, costs of delay, costs of failure, impact on delivery, whether or not related to or the direct result of a party's negligence or breach. The Buyer is not held responsible for the actions of the Gembounds sent to the Trader: though they should be of reasonable "willingness" and reasonable "interest," (terms as defined, if necessary, by neutral, reasonable third parties) the Buyer is not held liable for their final decisions.

Section Seven: severability. In the event that any portion of this Contract is deemed invalid or unenforceable, in whole or part, that part shall be severed from the Contract and all other sections shall be considered still valid and enforceable. If the Contract as a whole is deemed invalid or unenforceable (for example in the event of one Party's death) then the Contract shall be deemed null and void.

Section Eight: Waiver. The failure of either party to exercise any right under the Contract's terms shall not be considered a waiver of subsequent exercise of that right.

Section Nine. Dispute resolution. Disputes arising shall be settled via a method of three steps. First, the Parties will seek a mutually-agreeable resolution. Second, if none can be reached, a third party--agreed upon by both--will be contacted to mediate. Third, if no agreement (or agreed-upon Mediator) can be obtained, then the contract shall be at once and immediately severed, and both sides of the Trade returned to their original owners as best can be accomplished. Compensation may be sought by either party for damages, implied or otherwise, outside of section Six.

Section Ten: Legality. This Contract is considered fully legal and binding in all aspects. Given the lack of governing body, the Contract shall serve as full legal force behind the agreement, and guide all aspects of Trade, Warranty, and Dispute. By signing, Parties confirm that they bear the authority and capability to enter into this Contract. Should either Party wish to alter the contract, it must be done in writing upon the Contract, and the other Party must be notified and agree to alterations. Additional signatures should be added to alterations.

The Parties agree to the terms and conditions set forth above as demonstrated by their signatures as follows: -and there's the empty space."

The Collector sat back. A small cup manifested itself in one hand, drawn from his cloak, and he sipped: water, of course, to soothe his throat. That had been rather a long speech, after all.

"Any questions..?" he asked.

@Kitty

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Kitty

Game Master Dark

Kitty

Game Master Dark

Kitty

Game Master Dark

Kitty

Game Master Dark

Kitty

Game Master Dark