The night is dark and silent. Calm before the storm. She doesn't like being out on nights like this, too dangerous, too likely something is going to come out of the abyss and try to eat her soul.

But Seo is on a mission. And it's been a very long time.

This was one of her last stops. She's exhausted all of her other options, and the timing was so narrow now. If this avenue doesn't pan out -- she can't think of that right now. It will.

She enters the bar, firm in her belief that this will work.

The woman who walks in is beautiful. 

In some kind of hurry, it seemed, but easily eye catching enough that Wildling paused mid-wipe. She doesn't attempt to call the woman over, she knows she'll have to come to her eventually.

She is, in fact, her final destination.

Seo takes her time. She knows that she's caught the witches attention already. But first she checks out the rest of the customers, though doesn't bother them. She's not looking to get into anything tonight... not in that way, anyway.

Oh, ye of little faith. 

Wildling places the glasses back with the others, selects a few bottles, and begins mixing something. Once she's done, she pours out the blood-red liquid into a chilled glass and sets it on the bar. 

She looks across at the woman, and once she has eye contact, raises one eyebrow.

Seo is amused. She supposes being a immortal witch has some perks. Other than the obvious. Are there identifying wards surrounding the building? Or is she just that obvious.

She walks over to the bar and takes the glass. "Such hospitality."

"I've never been accused of that before." Wildling licks a drop of the liquid from her finger.

"What brings a vital like you to my humble establishment?"

"Maybe I'm just passing through."

"Then I wonder if you might be convinced to stay a little longer."

Wildling leans on the bar, fingertips just rest shy of the woman's.

Seo laughs and closes the distance.

"No convincing necessary. I am, in fact, here to see you. In whatever which was that implies."

"Huh. Haven't had someone so brazenly ask for my services in years. In whichever way you mean." Wildling is somewhat suspicious, but is happy to run a nail down one of the woman's fingers. "I take it you know who I am."

"Everyone knows who you are. And everyone knows not to piss you off. I'm definitely not here to piss you off. The opposite, in fact."

"I'm glad to hear at least that part of my reputation remains intact. I didn't realise my name was so widespread. I should charge more. Which, of course, begs the question. What is the opposite of pissing me off?"

"Massive sacrificial rituals under the blood moon that resurrect the dead?"

“Well, now. I don’t think you’re wrong on that.”

Wildling looks around to note the level of interest on her other patrons, before turning back to Seo. “I take it you’re wanting to bring a friend back?”

"Best friend. Yes. He's been gone since a few years after the Collision."

“That’s quite a long time. It may be more difficult to tempt them back over.”

"I've not been idle. I have everything you need. And possibly more. For your compensation."

Well. Not even a worry about her talents? Wildling is was liking this more and more every second. 

“I appreciate someone who comes prepared. How, may I ask, did you find this spell? I was almost certain I had the only copy.”

"It was given to me. After I asked very nicely."

“I certainly hope that’s not a common behaviour.” Wildling licks her lips. 

"Usually I don't have to ask at all."

“You sounds like a very useful ally to have.” Wildling does nothing to hide the surge of want that erupts in her. 

"And I've heard you're the best."

"That's because I am."

"So you're interested."

“Oh, I am. And believe me, you’ve made quite the offer and impression. But my work is not free, unfortunately.”

Not that she won’t accept other forms of payment, especially from this beautiful creature. 

"In my search for answers and a solution, I've come to own some very rare and magical artefacts. I can give you access, and perhaps, right of ownership to a select few."

“Well, in that case,” Wildling says, pretending nonchalance even as she grins. “How many pre-Collision items?”

"Dozens. I hold the largest collection on this side of the Rift."

“That is impressive. Well, then. It seems you’ve got yourself a deal, Miss..?”

"Hawke. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

“It is, isn’t it? Now, for specifics-“ 

The hair on Wildling’s arm raises. “Oh, hell. Brace yourself, Miss Hawke.”

Wildling leaps up onto the bar. “Everyone down!”

Seo lets loose an annoyed sigh and prepares herself, throwing off her long coat. Her eyes go a deep red colour, her skin pales stark white and her teeth sharpen to deadly points. She feels her vampiric power pulsing beneath her skin.

"I thought this place was warded."

“Even rats slip the traps sometimes,” Wildling seethes. 

The portal opens, red and pulsing. One demon claw slips out, and there’s a distant roar. 

Wildling’s hands match the colour of the portal as she tugs it closed. 

Seo wastes no time and is on the demon in an instant, duel daggers appearing from the ether, pulsing with her own vampiric magic.

Blood and ichor and bestial screams follow.

Wildling is very impressed with that.

She's no slouch with her own magic, and soon after Hawke's demon massacre, the portal closes with a guttural scream. 

"Well. That certainly gets the blood flowing." She drops down to sit on the bar.

"Does that happen often?" She says as she demilitarises her daggers, reaches behind the bar and takes a bottle of whatever.

Yes, she does hear that unspoken question. 

"My wards are fine. If you'd like me to undo the Collision, it may take a while longer."

"I meant no offense. I just didn't expect to be eating so early in the night."

"They don't usually break through here. Sometimes it takes a new face among the regulars."

Wildling's look is pointed, but not particularly accusatory.

"Maybe you needed the practice," she says, though she doesn't actually believe that.

A little face peaks up over the bar.

"Mama? Can I come out now?"

Seo blinks at her, completely caught off guard.

“Tia, my little darling!” Wildling bends down, and scoops up the girl. “Of course, my love. Though I think you could’ve taken them on yourself.”

She boops her nose. 

She giggles and cuddles her mama close.

"I had my spells ready and everything."

“I know you did! I could feel your magic bubbling away. You’re very good to be so prepared.”

She points to Hawke. “This is Miss Hawke. She helped me kill the demons.”

"If I had known there were kids around, I would have calmed down on the flirting. Hey, little one."

"I don't think mama would have liked that."

"Tia is absolutely right. Mama would not have liked that at all," Wildling says, shooting a wink at Hawke. 

"Now, my little goddess, can you run out the back for just a moment? I still have some business to discuss." She drops a kiss to Tia's temple.

She pouts a little and snuggles more.

"I'm gonna go finish my painting."

Wildling presses a kiss to her head. "I cannot wait to see it. Do you need any more paints?"

"I'm gonna make my own. I set it all up this morning."

"Talented little witch."

Wildling positively glows with that compliment. "She is the most talented, aren't you?"

"I haven't even shown you my painting!"

Wildling leans in close to kiss the tip of Tia's nose. "But I can read your mind, my darling. I can see it," she whispers conspiratorially. She pretends to bite at Tia's head.

She giggles and screams and buries her head deeper into Wildling's shoulder.

"Mamaaaa."

"All right, all right," Wildling laughs, pressing a final kiss to her daughter's head. 

She puts her down on her feet. "Off you go."

Off she goes!

Seo watches for a moment and then turns to Wildling.

"Business?"

"If we must." Wildling leans across the bar, resting her chin on one long, red nailed hand.

She reaches into her coat and takes out a list, placing it before her.

"Here's what I have to offer."

Wildling's eyes widened. "Biggest collection. You were not kidding." 

She scans down the list. "A lesser witch would do what you ask for just one of these items."

"Do you know a lesser witch?"

"They're all lesser, compared to me, darling."

"That's the word around town. Hasn't been disproved so far."

"It never will be. You find a more powerful witch than me, I will prove you wrong."