1. [18:09] It was sudden, it was unexpected.
2.  
3. That out of the nearby woods, would come striding an elemental. Towering well over the average the man, it's long legs giving it a reaching gait, easily able to traverse distances by the bottom of it's hoofed feet.
4.  
5. From the moment it left the shrubbery, the demon's eyes were firmly focused on the sole living thing it could see. A masked women that laid next to a stone wall, the beast's heavy footsteps giving away it's arrival long before it even neared her.
6.  
7. As it approached, the wheezing could be heard from it's horrid mouth, as if the creature's lungs were tortured with every single inhale and exhale it took.
8.  
9. ["Remember... me...? Sweet.... flesh …?"] A telepathic pang rang out in her mind, the demon's strident voice clawing it's way into being recognized among her thoughts. It's tone a taunting mock.
10.  
11. The demon stopped just some feet short of the woman, it's eyes disturbingly lingering on her.
12.  
13. ["All alone... mortal... are you lost...? Outcast...? Or is it perhaps... that you stray away... from your own kind...?"]
14.  
15. (Bael'Rath)
16. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17.  
18. [18:19] It was a quaint afternoon for a forested snooze, something she likes to partake in frequently. Considering the fact, she spends days upon days in the wilderness, collecting, foraging and cultivating various alchemical reagents for the alchemists of Meranthe, no wonder she's used to the fertile green grass of the region.
19.  
20. The heavy footsteps of the grown creature awaken her from her slumber, the drooping mask being re-adjusted upon her face, so her midnight-blue hues could attempt to distinguish a face of the creature... one long gone from what she once knew from months ago.
21.  
22. She isn't very well-versed on the ways demons work, but nonetheless, she was a bit confused of the creature presenting to her, as someone she once knew. Could it be someone that died that knew her? Or...
23.  
24. "...Hm..." The horrid breathing almost brought shivers down her spine, as she stood up. "I'm not particular with who I remember, honestly. Though, I can safely say, I haven't spent much time with deformed figures like yourself, honestly." She said with a smirk arising behind her mask.
25.  
26. "I'm not one to spend time with other people. The wilderness is what attracts me."
27. (Wisteria)
28. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29.  
30. [18:19] * You have been awarded 4 Levels! *
31. [18:25] ["Just a glance... but I am not... one to... forget..."] The beast rasped into her mind. And although it may have seemed like it, the creature did not overlook the 'deformed' comment.
32.  
33. It's pale eyes left her for a moment as it's head arose, looking to momentarily take in the nature around it. ["The wilderness...? The open wilds..."] It remarked, before it looked back down to her. That gaze of it was intense, as if it could switch from it's passiveness to aggression at any moment.
34.  
35. ["Is it correct to say.... then... little mortal... that it is with these... beasts that roam about... that you congregate and cling... too... that you find affinity for...?
36.  
37. Maybe... it is just... nature that drws you... instead of them... I wonder..."] It mused.
38. (Bael'Rath)
39. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40.  
41. [18:31] Wisteria let their ethereal words sit for a moment, before responding with, "I am one to, it seems." Her posture seemed to stiffen up, just slightly against the stone wall. Her eyes stayed... somewhat locked upon the 'head' that the creature had, while their voice flooded into her mind.
42.  
43. Her own colourful eyes took a glance around the beautiful nature that has surrounded the two. "That's correct. Even if I am eighteen -- I haven't found people to fill the void of that, except the wilds.
44.  
45. The wilderness is enjoyable to be in. The trees tend to listen better than most humans do, after-all. And they give a better response, called pure silence."
46.  
47. It's clear that she is a lover of nature, and is most comfortable in the trees. It's how she has lived for a majority of her life, after-all. "Though, I still commute with other humans, selling my alchemical reagents, since it makes me money. And I quite like money."
48. (Wisteria)
49. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50.  
51. [18:37] ["Money... so obvious... so expected... Although... it is something... I cannot blame you for... everyone shares... that common... desire..."]
52.  
53. It heaved harshly, lips parting slightly to reveal the rows of tearing teeth that hid behind them.
54.  
55. ["You seek money, but that cannot be all... I suspect... that since you find peace in these wilds... you have... come to known and speak with these... new... beasts … that now inhabit the forests and woods of this... land...?"
56.  
57. ["If so... do you act to protect them... against those that would.... do them harm... and act against... the sanctity of these.... humble woods...?"] The demon pried, looking to her curiously.
58. (Bael'Rath)
59. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
60.  
61. [18:37] Bael'Rath says in telepathy, Or maybe, you see them as sport as the others do.
62. [18:42] "It's nice to be able to afford my own things, rather than endure with sparse amenities. I've done that as a child." The rows of teeth being barred was definitely a concern to her. Her body stiffed up significantly more. If she fought the creature, in the back of her head, she doesn't believe she could beat it.
63.  
64. But maybe she could.
65.  
66. "I am fine with these new beasts. I haven't had much of a problem with them, and I have hardly ever interacted with them in all reality. Do I protect, or hunt them? Neither.
67.  
68. There may be a time, where someone would wish for one of the beasts for money, or their own purposes. That is different. I could be coerced into capturing them. Other than that, I don't seek to harm, nor protect them."
69. (Wisteria)
70. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
71.  
72. [18:43] Wisteria says, "The real hunters find fun in it, and I let them enjoy their hobby as is, as well."
73. [18:48] Not altruistic. Self-serving. Indifferent to the plight of these magical beasts.
74.  
75. This is what the demon inferred thus far, things that it found pleasant to discover. A sickly smile partially etching itself onto it's face.
76.  
77. [" Coerced means to be forced into doing something, mortal. Perhaps you looking for a different word..."] It's maw unhinged unexpectedly, so quickly that perhaps it may have surprised the woman with the thought it was about to lunge at her to devour her.
78.  
79. But instead it's claw reached deep into it's mouth, procuring a special metal that was certain to be identified from mere sight by most if not all mortal-kind in Meranthe.
80.  
81. Held in it's claw, covering in a film of slime, it was presented to her eyes. [" Motivated... is what you perhaps mean to say. For there are many things one can offer, if someone is willing to do the things, that others are too afraid and lowly to perform..."]
82. (Bael'Rath)
83. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
84.  
85. [18:55] Or, what she would like to call, an 'independent woman,' or whatever. She's not real versed in that type of stuff nowadays, anymore.
86.  
87. The sickly, frightening smile that was erecting upon the demons face was far from normal. A deformed surprised, one to scare many, but surprisingly, not her. "Hmm.. I suppose." She ended up flinching, as they flinched towards her. A spike of blood was starting to form at the tips of her fingers, out of pure instinct. Though, it didn't seem like it'd be her last day alive after-all.
88.  
89. She watched the creature slip an arm down their mouth, to pull out a slimy substance. It was soon revealed to her what it was, and nodded slightly. The spikes of blood at her finger-tips would dissolve back into her body. "Motivation is probably a much better word to use for something like that. If it is that you are hiring me right now, I am probably too weak to capture the stronger beasts currently. But... in due-time, I could get stronger."
90. (Wisteria)
91. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
92.  
93. [19:00] Her mention of 'capturing magical beasts' herself elicited the demon to finally vocally speak rather than keep to it's telepathy, or rather, make a gruesome, grating laugh. Deriding her for the thought that she could even possibly eventually be able to take them on.
94.  
95. Once the demon settled down with a long wheeze, it'd lean it's head forward. Bringing it's horrible face closer to her, it's hot breath felt exhaling against her even from a few feet away.
96.  
97. ["You will not be fighting. You will be doing something far different .
98.  
99. Come with me, and we shall speak of this more. Away from where... nosy ears... can watch us..."]
100. (Bael'Rath)
101. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
102.  
103. [19:01] Wisteria says, "Hmm."
104. [19:02] Wisteria says, "Quite classy. A cave."
105. [19:07] Maybe one would think a demon would head to the Shadowlands, given that is where they used to thrive in great numbers. But the elemental led her to quite a different place.
106.  
107. Into the open mouth of a cavern, down the winding tunnels that one could easily lose themselves in, before finally taking one of the passageways to the very end... where it knew that few if any at all would ever come to.
108.  
109. A thought of tearing her flesh between it's teeth eclipsed it's mind for a moment, but such a perfect dream was not acted upon.
110.  
111. ["You have... a potential... that you do not... even see yourself..."] It commented, taking a few, thudding steps away from her. ["I will tell you more of what I have in store... for you... but I must know... some things.... first... that you will answer truthfully "]
112.  
113. No mocking wasin it's tone nor passiveness, only a strong-sounding demand for the truth.
114.  
115. ["Who are the mortals you sell to... Have you any connections as of yet...? Any particular names... any cities... you frequent...
116.  
117. With these answered... I will be able to ascertain... your ability... and what you can do... for the precious reward..."]
118. (Bael'Rath)
119. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
120.  
121. [19:22] Any smart, normal person probably wouldn't follow an illusive, 'evil' demon anyways, but she ended up doing it. She indeed, did expect to be travelling towards the Shadowlands, but their destination wasn't there. Instead, it was in the depths of a cavern, beyond the frequently travelled paths. It was dark, damp, and secluded. She reached for the staff on her back, and leaned on it.
122.  
123. She did not threaten the creature with it, but made it a sign that she wouldn't go down without a fight, if that was the case. "You do? Hmm.. I'm interested now. What do you see in me, then?" She then stopped, and paused, as the demon spoke on.
124.  
125. Wisteria reached up to grab her mask, as she pulls it off, her marred, scorched face being revealed to Bael. It probably didn't affect them, the look of her face, but it's probably why she wears it. Her midnight hues were even more prominent now, than before aswell.
126.  
127. "I have only a few of the mortals that I actually know the names of. One is... Joanne Maxwell, if I can recall correctly. Another one, is an official from Dal'Thala. Their name is Kakku Sol-Ghrian.
128.  
129. Sunsets over Moonlight has also bought from me as well. But, it was for Kakku once.
130.  
131. Most of the other people who have bought things from me, didn't disclose their name. I am one to frequent Dal'Thala, as well. Since it is closest to a lot of the best foraging spots for resources, but I frequent nearly every city, and even around the Tower as well. I rarely see anybody there willing to buy, or many people in general unfortunately."
132. (Wisteria)
133. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
134.  
135. [19:22] Wisteria says, "Oh. I have two more."
136. [19:22] Bael'Rath says, "Speak them."
137. [19:23] Wisteria says, "Cerulean, a synthetic apart of Final Frontier, and Uulorin. I don't know where they are from."
138. [19:28] All names were foreign to it. But the demon would come to know them, it sought to know them all, in good time...
139.  
140. ["Describe.... them to me..."] It demanded, pausing momentarily before throwing another inquiry her way.
141.  
142. ["Do any... hold a harp... utilize... sound.... and ice ? White...hair...?] It further questioned, although there was a more fervent sound to accompany that one.
143.  
144. Bael'Rath didn't disturbed nor show any sign of emotion really when the woman removed her mask, revealing her disfigured face. For a mortal to call it a deformed being, she was certainly deformed herself.
145.  
146. After what it asked had been answered, it's claw would lift, pointing to her grisly features. ["Who...? How...?"] The demon inquired, whites darting across the myriad of burn markings.
147. (Bael'Rath)
148. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
149.  
150. [19:38] The scars seemed quite old. They even have patches in them, as clear skin grafting was performed on sections of her face. It looked like an actual decent job, but there were still quite substantial places with significant areas of deterioration.
151.  
152. "Hm.. Jo wears a variety of different clothing. Right now, she has on.. white robes, I think. She has hair tied up, light-skinned, and blue eyes if I remember correctly." She said, pondering on that thought. "Green eyes.
153.  
154. She uses every magic -- and I'm not joking. She is an 'omni-mage', as some might call her." She nodded her head. "I'm not sure what magic Kakku has, or what type of weapon they use. Sunsets is the Heir of Dal'Thala. I can inform you more of what they use next time I see them, since I can't remember off of the top of my head."
155.  
156. She started to lean on her staff, looking up at the creature. "Cerulean wears robes the colour of the sky. Sheuses some sort of wind magic, if I remember correctly. Uulorin uses the sword, and fire. They wear heavy armour."
157.  
158. As she finished digging into her memory banks, she let out a soft sigh, before responding to their questioning of her scars. "They were inflicted when I was much younger. I became a blood magi to try and mask the scars disgusting appearance, but it ended up making it worse in some parts of it. They don't hurt me, or itch, but they are disgusting to look at. It is why I wear the mask."
159.  
160. She places the mask back on her face, fitting her face perfectly.
161. (Wisteria)
162. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
163.  
164. [19:39] Wisteria says, "My skin isn't used to the air, bare like that."
165. [19:54] None rung a bell. None were the ones that matched what the elemental was specifically looking for.
166.  
167. But those she knew could be put to use in the future, although for it's current plans. They would not be involved.
168.  
169. ["Good...Good..."] The demon gave it's praise, standing tall. ["I shall impart to you what I wish of you."]
170.  
171. With a loud exhale, the elemental began outlying the terms of what exactly he wanted from her.
172.  
173. ["I wish for you to be my informant at the moment. To tell me every little secret you overhear, every detail... every person they talk too... so that I can know them all. Know who each one is attached too...
174.  
175. I want you to do this with the beasts, I want you to earn their trust, their respect, to be kind to them... to make them think that you are accepting of them...
176.  
177. And I want you... to go to the settlements... Gloomlight… Xeufeng… and make connections there... to speak with them... to build rapport...
178.  
179. And I want you to lastly... look for a certain woman... one with white hair... a harp... uses the chilling colds... and the singing songs..."] The demon's sharp talons traced across it's torso, along a star-shaped scar on it's chest. It desired revenge.
180.  
181. ["Do this... and you will have your reward... and more... ingredients... reagents... arcanium…"] A small cruel smile etched on it's face. ["Even... the scars on your face... I can show you... how to undo it all... how to make you... how you used to be... untouched... unsullied... untarnished..."]
182. (Bael'Rath)
183. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
184.  
185. [20:04] Unfortunately, she didn't have many pre-established connections off the bat. She was a nobody. But, all the better to be making these sort of things viable.
186.  
187. They would never expect someone who nobody hears about, or sees. Unfortunately, she doesn't look like an inconspicuous person by herself. The all black outfit is what does it. And the mask. Nonetheles… "I kind of thought that was where this was going to go.
188.  
189. Become friends with the beasts? That is acceptable. I already am kind to them, just like everyone else. I see no problem with this.
190.  
191. Implant my connections in every settlement as well? That is something I surely can try. I already have tried to build rapport, but there is a lack of people in the settlements."
192. Her eyes were brought down to the scar on his chest. Someone did that to them.
193.  
194. This woman must be brought to justice. She nodded softly, as she stops leaning on her staff. "I'd love to have thesescars removed from me, successfully. Everything. I'll do it."
195.  
196. She shivered softly, realizing what she has signed herself up for. Hopefully, this doesn't kill her. "Just so you know now. I am Wisteria. If it means anything to you."
197. (Wisteria)
198. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
199.  
200. [20:08] ["Oh... it means everything ."]
201.  
202. Names held power, more power than anyone could possibly know.
203.  
204. ["Find me in a few days, do my will, report to me what you have discovered."]
205.  
206. It gets to the point, with little other distraction to add, given the conclusion of this dealing.
207.  
208. Talons grasp an item from it's person, reaching over, and waiting for a palm of the hand before dropping two tokens into her possession. ["A paltry gift... a mere... lick... of what can be granted.
209.  
210. Now go... and do as I wish of you..."]
211. (Bael'Rath)
212. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
213.  
214. [20:09] {Item} You picked up Rush Token x2. Dropped by Bael'Rath.
215. [20:16] "Mmm. That is true.. considering that's what I'm searching." She puts her staff onto her back, as she loosened up visibly. She started to walk past the demon, as she said, "At least it seems we will be good business partners, isn't that right?" She said, with a smirk as the departing gift was handed to her. She clutched it in her hands, the rush tokens that were given.
216.  
217. If only they were given sooner. "'till we meet again."
218. (Wisteria)