Barnabus was excited.
he couldn't believe he'd missed it, he'd hatched in this cave he hadn't even heard of the collector before hearing it in passing, he of all people deserved to know when something cool happened in here! he didn't even think he was going to come back until now but when given the chance to get things while ALSO having some fun? sounded like a damn treat, if you asked him!! he wanted to cause some trouble and get a reward for his efforts, really a pattern he'd see more of within himself later on.
he skipped lightly within canis, legs tired from the walk but still bouncing with excitement. all he had to do was call out the fellows name, then? no problem! he liked yelling things!
The Collector appeared in a puff of black smoke, as theatrical as ever, a few feet in front of Barnabus: and he drew himself up to the apex of his height, his voice taking on a rich and trembling timbre as he spoke. It was all very dramatic. "I am the Collector... Who is this that summons me?"
@Barnabus
his eyes widened (all current 20 of them, 10 of which were on the book), staring up at the collector.
he heard "horror stories" about the guy asking for stuff like murder or general bodily harm but hey, their fault for taking the stupid deal if it bothers them so much. what happens happens! not his problem. is it? oh well.
"Regardless, the rumors are certainly true. I provide desirable items to those who wish them--for a price. May I ask what it is that you seek? -Barnabus..?"
@Barnabus
He hummed curiosuly,
he beamed, cheering to himself.
he grabbed his book and opened it up to a random page, if only to help organize his thoughts, a single eye opened in the middle of his neck to assist with, yknow, actually reading it. he cleared his throat.
he put the book back in its spot above his neck, eyes smiling.
His eyes lingered on those eyes across the book--he wasn't entirely certain which to make eye contact with, but that seemed... a safe bet. Barnabus had much to say, and when he had finished, the Collector cleared his throat.
"Well, Barnabus. It is good to have one who knows what they want; but let us talk specifics, hm-? 'Activities' is such a... vague term. Care to tell me a little more about what sort of tasks you engage in? What sort of things you feel you may need... tools, for?" he asked.
Of course, if the book-creature didn't know, he had ideas of his own; but best to check, because Barnabus might wish to narrow it down, first, a little.
@Barnabus
he immediately brightened up,
he paused, trying to think.
it wasn't really Barnabus's fault for not remembering the word "knife", it wasn't exactly explained to him.
The Collector waited patiently, and then attempted to summarize as best he could. "So, you seek something useful for both crafting, and hunting..? I may have several such items. I will need time to think that over, to come up with options; meanwhile, please do tell: what can you offer me in turn?"
Crimson pinprick eyes travelled over the neat clothes and the many-eyed book of a head. He wondered what Barnabus might have tucked away in those pockets worthy of trade. Or was it something else he'd offer?
@Barnabus
he nodded, and then hummed in thought. what WAS he willing to offer?
he hummed.
He had time to wonder, too; a pocketwatch? Another of the Hive's questionable gifts, then, or something else altogether?
@Barnabus