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 Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 9:04 am
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Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 9:21 am
Phibrizzo wasn't sure whether he felt pleased or concerned that word of his and Lord Beastmaster's efforts were slipping out more into the public. He knew they were as he had received a message that a mare was interested in assisting them. Phibrizzo just wasn't sure he liked it. Sure it brought them more willing pawns to play but it also meant that some of the more foolish soquili in the world might try to stop them. They would be crushed, of course, and he would delight in hearing their screams and Lord Beastmaster would revel in their terror but it was an effort he didn't really want to put forth at the moment. After this meeting perhaps Lord Hellmaster would send someone to go about silencing rumors but for now he would let it be.
Currently he ventured southwest to reach a large river. The interested party was as aquatic as their Sea Queen and today he was willing to accommodate their special needs. He could think of a few ways to make use of a water-bound creature. There were a couple treasures located beneath the water and something of even greater value, one of their lords. Did she sleep on unknowing that the others were beginning to move or was she scheming beneath the waves? Phibrizzo wanted to find out and, if she could be located, bring her in on their plans.
Hellmaster Phibrizzo came to a stop in view of the river and began looking around for signs of the interested party. Hopefully they were nearby, he didn't want to wait all day if he didn't have to.
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Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 4:41 pm
There had been a time in the past when Lavinia didn't have to lift a single hoof to get others to do what she wanted. Those times flashed through her mind almost mockingly as she groaned. The Kelpi couldn't express a sigh of relief as she let the rope shift and slide off her neck. The container thudded to the ground. The water inside shifted and some even spilled over the edge as it splashed back and forth. A sharp sound of fright issued from the container's inhabitant and Lavinia looked down. The creature inside had taken some convincing but the mare believed that she'd gotten the better deal. The seathi, Miracle, had agreed to act as her eyes. She'd been rather helpful so far, guiding her accurately to this location.
The sounds of the land pressed against her ears and Lavinia felt overwhelmed momentarily before shifting her stance. Miracle had caught her off guard once. She'd not let another Soquili do that again. There was a faint disturbance in her senses and Lavinia heard a splash as Miracle dived back under the water. That was all she needed to realize that she wasn't as alone as she thought.
"Who's there?"
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Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 2:06 pm
Was this who Phibrizzo was meant to be meeting? The mare was a dingy grey in color with light hair piled in curls on her mane. Translucent fins ran along her back and jutted out from her ankles. Phibrizzo raised a brow as he noticed that two of her hooves were white, a stark contrast to the rest of her. She was an odd creature to be sure but he wasn't certain of her identity. There was one way to find out. Phibrizzo shrank down until he was the size of a foal before approaching, if this wasn't who he was meeting then the deception would be to his advantage.
"Oh, I'm sorry." He said politely, keeping his voice small and young in sound. "I didn't know anyone was around. I'm Phibrizzo. I hope I didn't startle you, miss." If this was who he thought it was she would probably recognize his name. If it wasn't, well, he would just decide exactly what to do when he got results.
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Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 5:01 pm
This was Phibrizzo? The voice sounded too young. Lavinia pinned her ears back against her skull. The fins along her back seemed to quiver slightly. By all purposes it seemed that rage had taken a hold of the mare. Through sheer will Lavinia opened her eyes and took in the sight of what appeared to be a young looking foal standing before her. She bared her teeth at the stranger before hearing a small whisper from the container behind her. Lavinia's attention shifted as she canted her head towards the side in order to hear Miracle's statement.
Appearances were deceiving it seemed. The idea to bring Miracle along had been a good one. The little seathi had seen what she had missed. Lavinia's eyes now locked onto the form of Phibrizzo as she snorted angrily. She did not like being toyed with. "I suggest that you desist this charade. I send word of my interest Phibrizzo and I'm greeted with a deception? That is not what I thought would happen."
Miracle had seen everything. The seathi had seen the approach of the stallion and the subsequent shifting of forms. The little container that held her had a low enough rim that she was able to peer over whenever she felt like it. Lavinia had placed the container a little off to the side for this meeting. While she wasn't truly happy with being here a deal was a deal. Her continued role of lookout deemed that she be in attendance. Lavinia hadn't explained what she was actually doing and that made Miracle just a little nervous.
When the stallion moved from the place that he'd occupied Miracle glimpsed the shift in size and the resulting act. She swam a lap of the container before popping her head out of the water. Her voice was quiet as she spoke to the Kelpi. "Careful. The sight in front of you seems to be false. This Phibrizzo might be toying with you."
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Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 5:24 pm
Phibrizzo laughed completely amused by the mare's attitude. She was such an aggressive creature, snarling at him like he was an ordinary stallion. "I'll let your little outburst slide." He said allowing himself to grow easily into his normal size. He was still smaller than the average stallion but not by much. Even in his larger form his voice remained the same, "I'm afraid if you thought everything would go as you expected you're in for a rude awakening." Phibrizzo chuckled with an arrogant smirk settling on his face. She had a violent spirit and he liked that but if she was going to be working for him than she needed to learn her place.
"Now, why don't we try this again but more politely this time. I'm Hellmaster Phibrizzo, and you are?" This was the mare's chance to correct herself. Whether she would or not was yet to be determined. It didn't matter, he'd find use for her either way but one way would definitely be far more pleasant for her. Phibrizzo watched her with a steady gaze his wings shifting and flickering like a shadowy flame paying no attention to the container that she had worn.
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Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 5:59 pm
If her eyes could widen in shock Lavinia's would have. This was seemingly not possible though. The blood that oozed from below her eyes prevented her from fully opening them unless she was underwater. It was a quirk that she'd discovered. However swimming in the salt water of the sea came at a price, she was always left with residual pain afterwards. Lavinia's surprise though now came at the shifting demeanor of the stallion that she'd come to meet. His words, as they settled over her, caused her to grate her teeth in frustration. How was it that her initial outburst and now this stallion's subsequent response left her feeling like she was not in control anymore?
Showing little remorse in her earlier attitude Lavinia gave herself a mental wake-up call before she let her words create an interesting picture. "I believe I would be wise in thanking you for even agreeing to see me Phibrizzo. I admit that if everything went my way life wouldn't have the same challenge to it that I find in confrontation. I suppose that I should introduce myself. I am Lavinia. I have heard whispers amongst others, rumors perhaps that you are seeking individuals. For what purpose I was never quite clear. Since you are here it lends credence that the whispers might be true."
Lavinia broke off as she heard a tiny splash behind her. It seemed that Miracle was more curious than she'd let on. A small smirk graced her features. Maybe it would save her an explanation later on.
Miracle's head dipped back down into the container. Apparently she'd been right in her assumption. With the shifting of size the stallion's voice took on a more menacing quality. Having already experienced Lavinia's mood swings was enough for the seathi. She gave a quiet little sigh before wondering exactly what was going on. It seemed that she still couldn't keep a tight grip on her curiosity. The fear of the unknown being discussed caused her to peer just over the rim. Her eyes took in the scene between Lavinia and this stranger, Phibrizzo. Why were they here? What was this meeting all about? Hopefully by listening in Miracle would gain a little knowledge for herself. The seathi hoped that she wasn't opening a can of worms with listening in.
Sometimes ignorance could be bliss.
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 9:21 am
That was better. Perhaps she wasn't being the most sincere female in the world right now but at least she had sense enough to stop acting like she was the big bad wolf. Maybe she was finally beginning to realize exactly who she was dealing with.
"That's better." He practically purred his approval. He relaxed his stance slightly looking obnoxiously smug. "And the rumors are true. We are looking for individuals to help us reach our goals." As he spoke he examined the container more closely after hearing strange splashes coming from it although it was still. He saw something small peeking over the side. Was this Lavinia's pet? So many of the soquili out here had their little pets. It was foolish. Phibrizzo could easily work their attachment against them. He smiled at the small water dwelling companion of Lavinia. He'd found his leverage against her. She might hold up against torture herself but how would she do when it was her precious pet in danger?
"We could use a mare with your abilities. Would you like to know what you'll be doing for us?" He fixed his gaze on Lavinia now with a smile that was all sugar. She would be working for them after all. No doubt about it at this point. She would work for them or she would beg for death.
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 4:03 pm
Miracle couldn't help it. A shiver that wracked her body as the stallion caught sight of her. The grin he wore as he looked her way caused an immediate red flag. She felt a feeling of unease settle over her. That was it. She submerged herself back into the water and swam in tiny little circles before stilling her motions. The stallion's gaze had definitely spooked her. Unless Lavinia demanded her attention she'd stay underwater for the rest of the meeting. Hopefully she'd be able to get out of this place soon. Phibrizzo gave off the same vibe that Miracle associated with predators: deadly.
Lavinia heard Phibrizzo's words but her attention was unfocused. Something had obviously startled her "eyes" for the time being. She was curious as to what she had missed but she could not devote any time to question Miracle. Her attention shifted back towards Phibrizzo. She could not exactly see the stallion but by the way he spoke it was clear that he wielded a lot of power. It was slightly intimidating. Straightening her posture she cast her senses around the clearing. There was nothing to alert her to danger.
With a practiced move Lavinia took a few steps away from the container and towards the place she imagined Phibrizzo was standing. "I am pleased to hear that you have a place for one such as myself. I would like to hear what it is you have in mind. What are your plans?"
There was a small portion of genuine curiosity that had driven Lavinia here, to this meeting. Now it was time to seek answers. She'd check on Miracle later.
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 5:14 pm
Lord Hellmaster smirked when the mare's pet retreated out of his sight. It was an appropriate reaction. He didn't spend more than a moment enjoying the fear as Lavinia was approaching him. He was quite certain that she had opened her eyes earlier so why she didn't watch him now was a mystery to the kalona-flutter.
He chuckled, she wanted to know his plans? "All you need to know is that there are a number of things that we are looking to find. Three of these things are known to be under the water." His spaded tail swayed slightly behind him as if seeking a target as he thought on the matter. Which one did he want to send her after though. One of the objects was closer to them than it was to the Under Ground members. One was who knew where. The last was right around the group and he suspected they would go after it. That eliminated one choice, but what of the other two? Well, he could just make her choose.
"There is a treasure hidden a day or two from here that I'd like you to find. If not that then I would like you to find someone for me but don't ask me where she is. The choice is yours so choose wisely."
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Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 6:50 am
Lavinia's mind worked quickly as Phibrizzo spoke. Apparently she had two options of sorts. She could either locate an item of worth or, if she understood correctly, a individual of interest. There was inherit risk with either choice and the mare was uncertain as to how she'd get Miracle to cooperate. Lavinia let her body position relax. All good things came to those that didn't force solutions onto problems. It'd end up drawing more conflict that she didn't need.
Lavinia's thoughts had not come without physical motions. She had been rocking back and forth a little. As she made her decision her rocking stilled. The mare took a few steps forward before her she found her voice. "I believe that since you have a little reckoning of where this object might be found, or it's general area, that I will retrieve it for you. This individual though, if I were to start looking, what would I be seeking out?"
It was all important that Lavinia try and get enough information for herself. She'd probably end up coercing Miracle to help her out as part of their deal but when it came to an underwater search there was a chance that she'd have to stash the seathi out of sight. How would she trust Miracle not to run off if she wasn't inclined to help?
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Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 8:11 am
Hellmaster watched with mild interest as the mare began swaying back and forth not unlike a sapling in the wind. It wasn't something he was used to seeing. Most creatures he encountered were more inclined to ponder motionless in silence with a few vocalizing what they were thinking. When she stopped shifting he focused his attention on her. For a few moments longer she remained silent as she approached then finally she opened her mouth to explain what she had been thinking.
A thin smile settled on Phibrizzo's face, seemingly the mare had interest in doing both tasks that he had presented her with. Wonderful. "You would be right. I do know where it might be found. You are seeking out the 'magic of the waters west.' It can be found underwater in a cove to the south of here. It is just past an island at the tip of the land. You'll know the object when you see it, it will look like it doesn't belong in the place where it rests." It was enough information to get her to where she needed to be.
"As for the individual...she is more or less of your kind with dark hair and darker eyes. She will be marked similarly to me and will likely be wearing some finery." It was not the best description but it was the only one he would be giving out for now. Perhaps when the mare proved herself he would give her more information to work with. "She will answer to either Sea Queen or Dolphin. If you find her just tell her that Lord Beastmaster and Lord Hellmaster request her presence."
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Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 7:32 am
Lavinia took extra precautions to memorize the directions that Phibrizzo gave to her. It was not in her best interest to start on a quest and end up getting lost. Apparently Phibrizzo did not have a good description of the item. The thought that she would recognize it because of it not fitting in was a little bit of a hindrance. How did one start looking for something matching that description? Still Lavinia nodded like she understood the order.
As much as she wanted to start out Lavinia remained still. There was much more that she wanted to ask. Why exactly were these items being sought? Biting back the words that lay at the tip of her tongue Lavinia listened as Phibrizzo also gave her knowledge of the individual she would be seeking. Her thoughts kept her silent for a minute. Finally she seemed to snap out of her thoughts.
"When I find this item, how shall I get into contact with you?"
Lavinia would spend the next few minutes strategizing just how she could ensure Miracle's cooperation.
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Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 8:44 am
Phibrizzo raised an eyebrow at the aquatic mare. Why wasn't she moving? Did he need to spur her on with his tail because he could happily arrange that. She understood what he expected from her did she not? He had seen her nod as such. He frowned lowering his eyebrow as she continued to stand as still as a stone. Very well then, it was time to encourage some action.
Just as he started to move forward the mare shot out a question. He stopped and blinked. Was that what had been causing her silence. With humor he shook his head. What a silly mare, she should have just asked. There was no reason to get so tense about it.
"You could do it as you did this time. Send a messenger and I will come to retrieve the item. Or you could come find myself and Lord Beastmaster in the jungle. We'll most likely be by the largest lake. It's easy enough to find." Would the kelpi be able to make it though? It would be an interesting thing to observe. "If that's all then you really should get going. We both have things that need doing." He added dismissively.
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Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2012 7:42 am
Taking in Phibrizzo's words Lavinia had settled on a decisive course. He'd given her two options to work with. Only one truly felt comfortable for the time being. Unless the situation changed the mare would consider taking the easy route and calling Phibrizzo back once she had succeeded in her mission.
Lavinia turned her back on the stallion and moved to collect the container that Miracle was in. She noted that the seathi had been relatively quiet during the exchange and somehow that was disconcerting. She'd essentially gotten used to the continuous chatter from her little fish and to hear nothing but silence was a little worrisome. With practiced ease she dipped her neck and grasped the rope before sliding it over her neck. Her gaze, empty as it was, turned to face the direction she'd come from. With the stallion's words lingering in her mind she opened her senses towards Miracle and nudged the container in a rhythm that she'd set out. It essentially told the seathi that they were in the clear. Miracle could resume her guiding abilities.
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