It wandered among the bones, occasionally stopping to observe a more unique specimen. Bones that they could not imagine fitting into any beast they recognized- dotted with eyesockets like a honeycomb. Ribs as long as it's entire spine. Some twisted and warped beyond any identification. All as ancient as the stone walls of the cave itself. Fascinating.

But not what it was here for.

It was rather, following a lead. A rumor. One that would be rather beneficial should it be true.

"COLLECTOR?" It shouted, preceded by the cracking of wooden armor as it forced it's jaw wide enough to call into the clearing. "I SUMMON YOU, COLLECTOR."

In the distance, some form of stringed instrument were playing. It had just begun--hadn't it?--or had it been there all along, its delicate yet somehow primitive twang (like slender little bones) winding upward along the dusty trails?

A summon met with a summon, it would seem.

Should the sound be followed, Huntsman would find him at the source: a tall 'man' swathed in black, horned head canted to one side as he studied the instrument from whose tendon-like core he wrought these wistful notes. Long, black fingers with pointed claws plucked at the strings, though at length, a palm raised to still the echoes, pressing down and muffling the last of its song.

Crimson pinprick eyes rose to regard Huntsman. Or if they were in hiding: to regard whatever shielded them from sight.

"Venom," the Collector mused aloud, leaning back in his crooked old chair. "Wrapped in such lovely finery." His words were a croon, as had been his music, and he turned to set the old guitar down at his side.

Perhaps he only meant their shape: a wasp, draped in softest feathers.

That bloodlit gaze lifted again, and the Collector settled clawed hands atop his lap. "And so, I am summoned. It has been... some time. Tell me, my new friend: what can the Collector do for you? I assure you that I am, despite the long absence, still always on the lookout for new... objects of interest for my collection." He paused, thinking for a moment.

"Or perhaps there was something you were seeking..?"

@Huntsman

His head turned towards the sound of unfamiliar music. An answer to his call? Cautiously they crept towards the sound, eyes staring intensely from within the hollows of it's wooden armor. He would through dusty trails of bones, no longer interested in any of them as he followed this deer-trail of sorts.

Eventually a figure came into view- a tall human figure hidden by swaths of black fabric except where beady red eyes or claws protruded from what was supposed to hide them. He did not hide, striding forward confidently and listening as The Collector mused aloud.

"Are you talking about yourself?" The grin hidden by his mask audible in his voice, "Or is that supposed to be about me? I would be grateful for the compliment." His gaze followed the guitar as it was set down- vague curiosity about the unfamiliar object- before returning to The Collector's pinprick red eyes and the face that was presumably alongside it. "I do come here seeking something- not without giving something in return, mind you-" He would sweep aside some bones and sit down, seeing as he had no idea how long this discussion would last. "I don't know the extent of your collection. Do you have anything that could assist me in a hunt.. or else keep away unwanted attention?" Wooden claws tapped together idly. "I am also quite interested in growing plants. Something to help identify the properties of a specific plant would be invaluable." He would watch with sharp interest, waiting for The Collector's response.

The Collector tapped a claw against his chin, head tilted as he eyed the Hunstman.

"To you, of course... although it seems we share our grace in common," he offered, stepping closer.

"As to the answer to your question-? I have all of those things. I have anything you could wish for and if I do not-? I may obtain it. -Within reason," he amended. "Metaphysical requests such as 'fulfillment' or 'a sense of purpose' may not apply." There was--as a grin had been audible in Huntsman's voice--a smile in the Collector's now.

"We could make a deal for all those things, should you wish it. Many come requesting a method of concealment," and a hand gestured gracefully, if vaguely, around the cave. "And as for finding prey... or perhaps overpowering it? Of course. Plants--are an interestingly common request," and now his tone was one of musing. "But certainly granted, every time. Truthfully, several of my gifts to that end are likely still around the caves, should you wish to find them and... repossess them," and he gave another, more amused handwave of dismissal.

The Collector's voice dropped into a low croon. "But for now-... Let us begin with one. Think on it--take all the time you need. Which of those would you prefer, for now? Which do you feel that you... need?"

@Huntsman

"If we are that similar, then I figure we'll get along well." He replied, looking the Collector up and down. There was sure a grace, but not the gentle kind, like a swan or deer. No, this was... a big cat on the hunt. A falcon diving down to catch a sparrow and then smoothly continuing it's fight. This was danger, although in the difference sense than Huntsman liked to bring.

This would be fun.

"I would never ask of you something that is impossible." He snorts at the idea of asking for 'purpose.' "Only tools, as I said." He would listen to what the collector said, quietly considering. At the mention of other, past patrons, something lit within his gaze.

"I prefer cunning over brute strength. Something to assist in finding or trapping prey would work just fine." He hummed. "As for those you've made deals with in the past... Do you happen to keep track of them?" He grinned, although hidden. "That particular bit of information I would be interested in.. if it is for sale."

The Collector seemed to consider, absently and silently ticking off possibilities on his fingers. He followed this with a question, polite and professional. "And tell me, my as-yet-unnamed-friend; is your prey of the scurrying, mute Lesser variety, or do you hunt something with a mind of its own..?"

The second question brought a tilt of his head. He went silent for a very long moment, as if considering. "...An interesting question, my friend, and one I had never considered. When I finalize a sale... or trade, it is with one of two packages. The standard," and here he whipped a parchment from his cloak, unrolling it--and then a second: "Or the deluxe. The deluxe comes with an assurance of privacy--one I would never break. The others-... and they are the vast majority..." He gave a soft 'hmm' of thought, crimson eyes skittering up and down Huntsman's form. "I suppose I could be convinced to part with such knowledge, for a high enough price."

@Huntsman