Seeking Council [c]

[Viscera]

ascension reincarnation until becoming another being, monstrous and destructive.

TAGGED Ariel victorie NOTES boss lady scary

Viscera helped Victorie to her feet once more, undaunted by the looks that the Ylissean pegasus rider gave her. What she was very daunted by came afterwords as the High Priestess spoke. An icy tone that practically made the frost in the air palpable and your skin turn both hot and cold as it felt like sweating out the sudden anxiety. It was a tone that Viscera heard Ariel speak in often enough to know that the young leader more often meant it than not. "Understood, High Priestess." The Hierophant bowed her head to her superior, speaking at the same time as Victorie more on accident than on purpose. But like her 'fellow', her voice did contain a hint of regret. Not for what she'd done persay, but that she'd embarrassed herself so in front of Ariel of all people. "I'll have a messenger set out post haste. Is there anything you'd like to dictate for the letter aside from the date and location?" Viscera recovered her usual disposition quickly enough though, already focusing on her orders. That whole situation of their first meeting had certainly been told among the Grimleal, many wondering why Ariel had not seized the opportunity to cut off the head of their enemy. Still others thought it a bold statement and some just didn't know what to say in regards to the whole predicament. Viscera was admittedly on the far latter side.

[Ariel]

"Now then, see how benevolent an overlord I can be when everyone just does what I tell 'em?" There's a certain degree of mirth in Ariel's voice at this, she clearly doesn't consider herself much of an overlord, or even a lord for that matter. Still, there's clearly a bit of pride in getting two older women to instantly admonish themselves with nothing but a few words. That skill would clearly be one worth continuing to cultivate. "Torie, I'll have your flight plans finalized in a couple days time. Until then, feel free to use the time as you see fit, but PLEASE try not to embarrass yourself further, okay?" Ariel will wait for the pegasus knight to depart before letting loose a heavy sigh. "I'm not saying she didn't deserve it, but you of all people should know better." The High Priestess clearly wasn't too thrilled with Viscera's reactions, even if they were rather justified. "No, I'll not be dismissing you either. I need you here just as much as the rest of the Grimleal need me. I'm not so naive as to think I could do your job as well as my own, you know." It was probably the closest thing to praise she had given the Hierophant -- there was still that lingering doubt Viscera was looking for a way to wrench her title away. Still, having someone she could speak with as an equal was a welcome change. "Tell me, Lady Hierophant -- Do you think we are winning?"

TAGS victorie Viscera

 

[victorie]

Where there is Unity

Victory Lies

Victorie would blink slowly at being called Torie, her lips pursing a bit as she furrows her brow and ever so slowly tilts her head to the right. Well, that was new! Indeed, she had never had a nickname before in all her days, so the young pegasus knight cannot do much more than play the word around in her mouth until she snaps back into attention as she realized Ariel is still speaking to her!

One would think the yelling before would have been a sobering enough experience, but then that would be too easy yes?
"As you command High Priestess." She'll remark in turn, briskly bumping her silver chestplate with an armored gauntlet as she stands tall and proud. She may well be missing many of the decorative pieces that come with her station, but she's still going to present her best! Chastising and crashign nonwithstanding.

There'd be a visible deflating of the Pegasus when the embarrassing comment is added, drawing a frown across her visage before she nods and turns about on a heel in a sharp moment. "As the lady wishes." She'll remark back, striding away from the office, she sounded quite huffy there, but it is quite easy to assume that the pegaponyduchess will do her job to say the least.

### | Viscera Ariel | notes

❖ nox ❖

[Viscera]

"I'm not saying she didn't deserve it, but you of all people should know better."

Once more Viscera felt the sting of embarrassment. And she winced mentally as Ariel began to speak once more.

"No, I'll not be dismissing you either. I need you here just as much as the rest of the Grimleal need me. I'm not so naive as to think I could do your job as well as my own, you know."

Viscera's usual placid mask began to fall, a brief look of surprise crossing her face before she recovered her wits. Of all the things she'd hear today, something like that was not it. It was the closest thing she'd ever heard of praise from the High Priestess. Keeping Viscera close was one thing, she'd expected the High Priestess to believe her an enemy that needed to be kept close. Even most comments were to just keep up the good work or other such standard bits of a superior speaking to their subordinate. Something even resembling praise was just... well, unexpected.

"Tell me, Lady Hierophant -- Do you think we are winning?"

Viscera gained a thoughtful look of contemplation as her mind mulled over the question. "Compared to how this all began, I would say so. We are in a better position both mentally and physically thanks to your leadership. The old High Priest barely knew what to do at all." Perhaps some may consider her comment about the old fool as slander, but there were plenty more who would agree wholeheartedly.

"Still, while we are sure of our position now, this war must end one way or another. Whatever peace we could broker would only be temporary and I believe you are aware of that already. Either the Grimleal or the current royal family must fall for this all to come to an end. Our woman on the inside is loyal to our cause, utterly so." The Hierophant briefly paused. "However... I would not count on her to do what she would need to in order to solidify our position. Blood runs thick in Plegia, in a great many ways. We must either perform a proper assassination on Maeve or otherwise engage in some sort of lightning campaign. I can't say I'm very aware of military tactics though, to be honest."

---
Tags: Ariel victorie

[Ariel]

The High Priestess listened to Viscera's idea of what winning meant before sighing again - but this wasn't the kind of exasperated sigh she had done previously - this time it was solemn, as if the young woman were carrying such a giant weight on her shoulders that ordinary breathing wasn't possible. In a way she was, but still...someone this young isn't meant to have these kinds of troubles burdening them. "I thought we were winning, at one point. It looked like it, at least. But there would always be something, be it interlopers, this false flag operation, any number of things, and I wonder what we're even fighting for. I want someday in the future to be able to have children that don't need to worry about the kind of shit I'm dealing with - they could become healers or scholars, to grow old and fat, and not be in fear of their safety every waking moment." Ariel's pose is relaxed as she leans back, but nowhere near as ignorant of where she is like Victorie had been. "If the queen is dead, there will be a dozen others willing to take her place, and none of them any more willing to negotiate an armistice. Her Majesty claims to want an end to the war - all we need do is force things to that point." The distinct lack of bloodshed Ariel is advocating goes against the Hierophant's view of things, as well as quite a bit of Grimleal canon. But she was also the one person who could ignore such pleas, if not suitably convinced it was in the following's best interest. Then again, that's why she had the Hierophant.

TAGS Viscera

 

[Viscera]

The sigh that Viscera heard escape Ariel's lips was in truth something of a reminder of Ariel's status. Young, though wise and cunning. But still young and not entirely ready for the stress of her position. A well argued point in the days between her election to the office of the High Priestess and even days afterwords. Eventually it all died down as Ariel began to drive the Royalty back, but it was something that still lurked among the minds of many.

"I thought we were winning, at one point. It looked like it, at least. But there would always be something, be it interlopers, this false flag operation, any number of things, and I wonder what we're even fighting for."

"These days, we fight for our very right to exist. To not only see the Will of Grima done, but to see that our enemies cut down no more of our innocents in their bloodthirsty manner. We fight to survive. If Maeve truly had her way, we would all be skewered upon her spears and our heads placed upon her pikes. She has no love for us and we have no love for her."

"I want someday in the future to be able to have children that don't need to worry about the kind of shit I'm dealing with - they could become healers or scholars, to grow old and fat, and not be in fear of their safety every waking moment."

Children...? ...Children. That word shouldn't give Viscera so much pause. It shouldn't feel like just repeating it in her head was dredging up bile in her throat while butterflies flit about in her stomach. Ariel's concern about potential children was perfectly natural. Yes, it was utterly normal. Something that Viscera was... not. Of course the High Priestess wouldn't be like her. No, the mere thought was foolish.

"If the queen is dead, there will be a dozen others willing to take her place, and none of them any more willing to negotiate an armistice."

The Hierophant snapped back to attention as Ariel started to speak again. Yes, there was a conversation going on and that was what she needed to focus on. "Except for one, Lady Ariel. If Inessa were to take the throne after Maeve, we might just see a lasting peace. And in due time, a proper unification of the Throne and the Grimleal once more. Unlike her elder sister, Inessa knows the truth of our order. With her on the throne, we can see a return to better times once more."

Viscera spoke with utter certainty in her words, and clearly with quite a bit of confidence in Inessa as well. "We merely need to clear the way."

---
Tags: Ariel

[Ariel]

"We are not Grima's claws. I am not the Hand of Grima, I am his Mouth. It is our duty to spread His word, but not to bring His wrath. your predecessor told me that." Ariel reflects on her words for a moment before continuing. "Obviously war changes things, especially war with the Plegian Royalty we've been tied with for so long. But the point remains that our goal should be defense of our own, not attacking those who attempt to incite us. Grima will bring his wrath upon the unworthy in due time." Ariel's voice, as ever when speaking in reverence of their God, had a tone of tranquil serenity, as if merely speaking of Him gave her strength. Perhaps it was a boon granted to the High Priest, perhaps the young woman found peace in the knowledge. Either way, when she spoke, it was with the authority her faith granted the High Priestess. "Little Inessa could be a fine Queen for us...already a pawn, and advancing across the board quite nicely." The chess metaphor may have been a bit vague, but she continued. "However, simply running a blade through the current Queen is not a good option - not at present anyhow. When and if we decide Her Majesty be removed, it is imperative Inessa can find no way to know we caused it; I do not trust her loyalty if she discovers us her sister's murderers. Ideally, have the Ylissian dogs do it -- or better yet, the advisors that keep Maeve in this war to begin with. The new Queen'll order them executed, and we'll have plenty of newly-created openings to step in to." Ariel's plan would likely take much longer than the Hierophant wanted...but it was safe. In the chaotic world they lived in, a safe plan was a rare commodity indeed. Assuming they were patient enough to see it come into fruition, anyway.

TAGS Viscera

 

[Viscera]

ascension reincarnation until becoming another being, monstrous and destructive.

TAGGED Ariel NOTES

"Grima will bring his wrath upon the unworthy in due time." "And the day shall be a grand one when once more a true Avatar of his splendor shall grace us. It is a day that we all look forward to." Viscera's tone was once of reverence as well, speaking of the Fell Dragon's glory deserved that and so much more. "But we cannot trouble Lord Grima as we did before when the Royal Army had so nearly succeeded. We shame only ourselves by not being able to keep his holy land secured for his return." "I do not trust her loyalty if she discovers us her sister's murderers. Ideally, have the Ylissian dogs do it -- or better yet, the advisors that keep Maeve in this war to begin with. The new Queen'll order them executed, and we'll have plenty of newly-created openings to step in to." Viscera hummed in thought. True, she didn't much like the prospect of having to wait for such a length of time. In her mind, the Royalty could attempt their own assassinations of the High Priestess and so much more if the Grimleal hesitated. It just didn't sit well with her to wait. Still though, the idea had merit and could bear exquisitely ripe fruit in due time. "Yes... I do see the merit in such a plan. But I worry about the time it would take. I worry for your safety most of all, High Priestess. The Royals are assuredly trying to figure out their plans on how to deal with us. I do not trust that heretical Queen as far as I could throw her." She sighed. "I merely worry about the Royalty's ulterior plans, Lady Ariel. They only want this peace to bide their time." Viscera's face began to lose the usual expression of calm she worked to maintain, instead only a look of worry replacing it.

[Ariel]

Ariel shakes her head, clearly not as concerned about the potential of a threat on her life as the Hierophant was. "The truth may be the first casualty of war, but that doesn't mean everything the enemy speaks is a lie. Do not forget, Her Majesty ascended to her position less than a month before I did - she is not the instigator of this war, and I've yet a reason to slay the woman for her father's sins." There's a pause before the High Priestess smiles; a rather toothy, almost comical grin, but one with a predatory bent that made Viscera's heart race whenever she saw it. "Of course, should a reason appear, don't think I won't jump at the opportunity~" There it was, that deviously Machiavellian attitude Ariel kept back for situations where she could speak and act with impunity. She could be the perfect little diplomatic angel at times, and to be honest it was a natural demeanor for her. But it was just as easy to adopt the mantle of the ruthless schemer, looking only for a way to move up in the world. This was the woman Viscera remembered, the one that snatched away the title of High Priestess from her hands several months past. This was who she signed up to run the Grimleal with, the one she'd grown to admire in such a short time. "Those brigands plaguing Ylisse...maybe they're willing to work for money and not for sport. We could use them if they'll just kill people for money. Have them go after people close to the Queen's advisors or something? Oh! Maybe get some archers, have then *almost* hidden when I meet the Queen. Let her know they're there and all. Maybe we can rattle her cage a little." The plan had no real purpose other than scare tactics, but if it threw the Royalty off their game, it would still be a win for the Grimleal.

TAGS Viscera

 

[Viscera]

ascension reincarnation until becoming another being, monstrous and destructive.

TAGGED Ariel NOTES

"Of course, should a reason appear, don't think I won't jump at the opportunity~" That tone of voice, that predatory grin, the dangerous glint in the High Priestess' eyes. Those were the signs of that delightfully ruthless girl. The signs of what truly got Viscera to march along to Ariel's tune, the very things that... No, she couldn't say it, couldn't think it. "Those brigands plaguing Ylisse...maybe they're willing to work for money and not for sport. We could use them if they'll just kill people for money. Have them go after people close to the Queen's advisors or something? Oh! Maybe get some archers, have then *almost* hidden when I meet the Queen. Let her know they're there and all. Maybe we can rattle her cage a little." A slight shiver ran up her spine, not one of fear, but one of delight. This was the Ariel that she liked to see, the one that enraptured her. "Hmmm~! Yes, that can certainly be arranged. Put them to much better use for us. And oh how I'd love to see Maeve shake in fear at knowing we could put such a quick end to her if we desired." Viscera's expression once more changed, this time to a more predatory look of her own, reveling in the potential violence. This is what Grima truly desired of his flock.

[Ariel]

Ariel gives a little "tut" as she shakes her head. "The purpose for having the archers isn't to threaten her -- it's to haunt her. I never did explain how I came across recruiting little Victorie, did I?" The young priestess tents her hands on Viscera's desk as she continues. "I was ambushed by four archers as I returned from a diplomatic essay from the assembled Manakete tribes of Doluna. The girl was unaware how far west she'd come, and swooped down to my rescue like...well, a lady knight in shining armor, I suppose. She slew them, I healed her injuries, and then..." The look in Ariel's eyes said more than words could. There had been rumors that the High Priestess' touch could rewrite the minds of even her staunchest enemies with fervent passion. Both she and the Hierophant knew how little truth there was to those rumors, but Ariel's ability to persuade others to help her cause was a gift she had cultivated quite quickly out of necessity, and she wielded it well. "We need the Queen to know that we're wise to her attempts to end us. We need to sow fear in her heart and make her double-think every decision she makes and how it will affect her. Let her own hesitation and overzealous caution hasten the hand of those what carry the noose." The warmongering cabinet, in this case. "Give them all the rope they could ask for, then string them up with it once they've taken care of the queen. How does that sound?"

TAGS Viscera

 

[Viscera]

ascension reincarnation until becoming another being, monstrous and destructive.

TAGGED Ariel NOTES Ready to end the thread when you are.

"I was ambushed by four archers as I returned from a diplomatic essay from the assembled Manakete tribes of Doluna." Viscera clicked her tongue slightly at this story, not so far gone to see the High Priestess' mistake. "This is why I say that you need to take guards with you, Lady Ariel. Your life is important to all of us. What if it happens again and there isn't a lost pegasus knight to ride to your rescue?" Viscera sighed and shook her head. "At any rate, it is quite the tale as I must admit. I suppose I see now why you put up with her callous behavior." Viscera listened to the High Priestess' framing of her plan. Again with the waiting and again Viscera just didn't like that option. Her father always said she could be shortsighted at times, but bah. The quicker the Crown was dealt with, the quicker they could get to work on their true goal of finding a proper vessel for Grima. Even with many of the Grimleal in possession of Fell Blood already, none had the viscosity that their Lord needed to descend once more. The pursuit was getting quite tiresome, in all honesty. But, they could absolutely NOT fail the Fell Dragon in the tasks he assigned them personally. "Give them all the rope they could ask for, then string them up with it once they've taken care of the queen. How does that sound?" Right, there was still the matter of dealing with Maeve as well. "Yes, I do see what you mean. I simply believe it better to deal with them sooner rather than later for the sake of our Lord's own designated work."