The alchemist’s boots made no noise as he made his way along the beach and into the trees outside the city. He followed the wall that surrounded Silvermoon to a certain point, at which he glanced around. The night was quiet and this spot was well hidden from passersby.
Perfect.
“You’re late.” A voice said as it approached Syathrand. An older elf, with much grey streaking in his hair and chewed up ears. He walked with a limp and yet, still managed to be whisper quiet in his gait.
The tall, spidery elf chuckled softly and shrugged. “What can I say? It’s been awhile. And you know, I’m always late.” Syathrand turned to face the other elf, the soft, dreamy look to his eyes sharpening some as he did. “You brought them, right?” He asked. The alchemist's expression was much like that of a child awaiting a present. The anticipation and excitement shining through in the green glow of his eyes.
The older elf smirked a bit. "Impatient, are we?" He said, turning to something behind him. A collection of crates and boxes that were covered by a tarp. The tarp enchanted to hide the bounty beneath its folds. "These weren't easy to get here, as you know. I had to pay a mage triple the normal rate--"
As he uncovered the boxes, Syathrand's eyes grew wider and his lips spread into a wide grin. "How many?" He asked, peering around the vendor eagerly.
Winillan brought two small cages out first. "Well, it ain't easy to transport anything from Draenor. These little bastards killed six of my other specimens without even leaving their cages!" He made a face as he set the cages down in front of Sya. "I have three critters for you--well, two, one's not exactly a critter--" He motioned to one of the two first cages before he set the third down. "The rest don't bite, thank the Light, but damn do those ones..."
Syathrand crouched and carefully lifted one of the cages.
The first he lifted produced a loud buzzing, a small stinger forcing itself through some of the gaps in the mesh as the creature inside attempted to break free, or at least cause as much damage to those who had imprisoned it. Sharp claws clawed at a couple of the openings as well.
"Ravager." Winillan said with a grunt as he added another cage to the little group. "Careful with that, I don't think there's any antidote left. Had to use most of it on my trappers when they went to get the damn thing. Got wicked sharp bits on its legs, too."
The cage that he had hefted over abruptly lurched forward, a fierce--but tiny--growl emitting from within. Syathrand set the first cage down gingerly, careful to keep his fingers away from the insect's reach with either claw or stinger. He then picked up the cage which had knocked itself over.
Inside sat a baby Rylak. Both of its heads were unfamiliar with moving in unison just yet, so its struggles were ungainly and awkward. Its sharp tail clicking against the bars as it yowled and growled at the elf holding its prison.
Sy smiled, cooing to the furry, two headed creature. His smile only grew as the creature responded to his voice, relaxing once it was back upright on its paws. "Oh, you are lovely," He murmured, gently reaching through the bars with one finger to stroke at first one of the creature's heads, and then the other.
Winillan shook his head. "I don't know how you ain't missing a few fingers at this rate, Sy. I really don't. Only man I know who pets beasts like those and they don't wanna eat him..."
The alchemist's eyes glinted, smirking. "Just a gift, I suppose." He said, his voice soft and calm.
The baby Rylak leaned into Syathrand's touch, each head vying for his attention and scritches. The alchemist continued to pet the little thing, until he was fair sure that the critter was mostly asleep.
A fierce hiss and a rattling of thorns greeted the alchemist as he lifted the final cage. Even through the mesh wire of the cage, the tiny mandragora was trying its best to break free and attack the elf. He smiled and softly cooed to the plant-creature. "Shhhh, it's all right... oh, she's beautiful." He said. He kept his tone soft and quiet,
"Saw that one and thought of you instant." Winillan said with a cackle. "If anyone would want himself a venom-spittin' plant thing..."
"You know me too well, Winillan..." Sy said, looking over the mandragora. Its cage was enchanted; clearly the creature had caused quite a bit of trouble during transport.
"So which will you be takin' home tonight?" The older elf asked, a greedy glint in his eyes and a lust for gold in his smile.
The poison master arched a brow over at the other man for an incredulous look.
"All of them? Winillan's grin spread broadly.
The mandragora flared its blossoms, hissing at Syathrand through its cage bars. Sya chuckled a bit and nodded. "All of them.
