(31) Change

Glittering gems littered the shelves, everything from Blood Garnets, to Lionseyes were safely displayed. A smile was pulled from Annaliese's lips, her slender fingers passing over the gold trimmed vanity box which housed her collection of "trophies": powerful soul shards, even the essence of Kael'thas himself imprisoned in one. With a sigh, she closed the cabinet shut, twisting the lock in place. She felt a little silly having to take such precautions, but it really was better to be safe, than sorry. The new location of her shop was satisfying at least--there would be no more incredulous rental fees to worry about, and it definititely was safer than the former store in the Park of Stormwind. It was clear, after the last two break-ins, it was time to move.

Moving around the smooth metal benches that decorated the Aldor tier, she sighed, fingers clenched tightly to the black book at her side. It was the only clue left at the tower that Investigator Darokin pointed her to, and there was nothing else incriminating of this "Shadow Wolf" entity she was referred to. Months ago, her store was vandalized by Defias, and though the burglers were apprehended, they spoke nothing of their allegiances, other than the given personage. Furthermore, a priceless pendant that was stolen still had to be returned, only one other in existance of its kind. Though the Consortium's work with her on the product ended up in failure, the piece was still dear to her, fragile as it was.

Idly, she flipped through the small journal of handwritten notes, which listed targeted merchant establishments all over Azeroth--her shop, "Nightseye Designs, being the last listed. What were these people after? It bothered her to no end, that nothing was done by the Stormwind guard to alleviate the situation. Stuffing the journal into her satchel, she quirked her lips into a frown, fearing she'd never see her belongings returned. Treading out toward the exit of the new Nightseye Designs, the ward came into effect as she stepped out of the shop, barring out uninvited "guests"...or rather souls...from entering. She had yet to thank Niklos for his abilities with soul magics.

Quietly, she mused to herself, wondering if her husband had the soiled carpet she brought from her former shop cleaned.

(Later)

Despite her adoration of the weapon, the Frostscythe of Lord Ahune was heavier than most of the powerful staves, swords and daggers Annaliese had collected. Unlatching it from her back, she let the inscribed blade down gently, toward the tiled floor of the Wizard's Tower. An old wizard near the bookshelves toward the back of the room hesitantly pulled his eyes away from the magnificent staff she wielded, and she had to hide a smile in glimpsing his silent admiration. Drawing out a sigh, Anna stepped out of the portal that lead out to the spiraling ramp, and into the Park of Stormwind. For a moment, she pondered the reason for the secondary portal--perhaps a security enchantment to prevent powerful things from being stolen from the Tower? She shrugged her shoulders in quiet forethought, and accepted the company of the empty chair near her. Her momentary peace was broken however, as a voice purred from the ramp, just beyond her vision.

"What is your name?" the figure called as it neared her, the entirety of her form cloaked in a shadowy magic so much so it was almost hard to separate the dranei priestess from it.

"Anna," she said simply, wiping along the curve of the blade with a piece of nether weave cloth. The white of the dranei's eyes seemed to pierce through Anna, inquisitive.

"Ah, Annaliese, then? You own a store here in Stormwind, do you not? Fine gems for sell and such?"

The warlock sighed quietly in reply, tucking her scarlet hair from her face.

"My store has been recently relocated, but yes, Nightseye Designs. How might I serve you?"

The dranei smiled strangely, as if given the answer to a riddle not meant for one to solve.

"Mm, serve. What an excellent term," she purred outward, letting the shadowy aura drop from around her. The dranei was stunningly beautiful, as most of her people were, but a danger lurked behind her conniving smile--a danger that Annaliese did not like. Still, she played up a soft laugh, a warm smile coming to her lips, almost out of habit.

"Please, milady, when it comes to my store and its patrons, I do my best to please them. In that aspect, yes, I do take pride in serving."

"Most excellent!" was the all too quick reply. "I have heard that some things were stolen things from your store. How unfortunate."

Anna nodded in agreement, shifting against the back of the chair as the dranei bent down toward her, giving her an ample view of her bosom. Dranei indeed...

"I hoped we could come to a business agreement, in liu of such an unfortunate event. I have a proposition for you."

"Do tell..." Anna spoke softly, half amused, half wary. This one was a strange one.

"My organization wishes for a few specialized orders. With your talents, I am sure that you can create what they have in mind."

"I've no idea what your talking about, miss. I make gems, jewelry."

"Oh, come now, Miss Annaliese. We both know that more was stolen from your shop than simple amulets," she whispered sultrily near the warlock's ear. Anna blinked in surprise at the knowing smile, fangs daintily grazing the dranei's lower lip. Her fingers tightened around the grip of the scythe in realization.

"Those...pieces were never meant to see the light of day!" Anna replied back in a harsh whisper.

"And they will remain that way, if you agree to the business deal, Lady Annaliese. If no, and if I do not return to deliver a message soon,it is probable that your pretty little face will not see the light of day either, should those insidious trinkets you made will end up in the hands of the Stormwind guard. I know the murderers and rapists of the Stockades would so enjoy your company."

Thoughts raced in her mind of what the dranei implied. Despite the growing anger that developed in her stomach at being manipulated in such a way, Annaliese remained outwardly composed as usual, her gentle demeanor betraying nothing of the rage that curdled inside of her.

"Fine. I agree. I will...submit to a short contract, with your superiors. On one condition. I want my belongings returned to me. All of them. And by this..."Shadow Wolf" himself."

The dranei let out a light-hearted chuckle, shaking her head. "I am only a messenger. But as I see now, with the general distrust between you and my benefactor, the agreement will be that a piece will be returned as a piece is made. Safely."

Anna gritted her teeth, as if stung by a blade. She managed a nod and crossed her legs, looking away from the dranei's wicked smile.

"Excellent. I was sure you were capable of working with, and in the Shadow so wonderfully. I am sure you will receive your first request in the coming days. It was a pleasure working with you, Lady Annaliese, Mistress of Shadows."

Anna sighed at the title and waved her hand dismissively at the shadow priestess, or whatever she may pretend to be.

"Anna. Just, Anna," she chided, but the dranei had already made her way down the ramp, hooves clopping in a rhythmic pattern. Annaliese sat back in her chair with a groan, wondering how she would get herself out of this predicament.