Hooves and Hassling

[Puzzles]

Nosdyn

It was the beginning of another beautiful day on the Wilder Ranch a modest and cozy horse farm settled in the country side just a day’s ride east of Radasanth. The sun had just started to peak its head up over the sprawling hills the dotted the horizon. The many farm hands under the employ of Mr. Wilder had already been up for hours putting in their hard day’s work. It was the fifth day of Kollis, The Barragon Festival of spring, and the beginning of the Wilder Ranch’s season. If the weather for the next few weeks would continue to hold out then this would prove to be a very lucrative year for Mr. Wilder.

William Wilder, the owner of Wilder Ranch, was an honest man who enjoyed the fruits of his labor. He isn’t above waking up before daylight like those who worked for him and normally is the first out in the fields moving his steed from place to place. On this morning Mr. Wilder had begun by saddling up Kannan and riding his beautiful Hallowmane towards the northern most pasture driving the yearlings towards the feeding fields. This was typical and by now became like second nature for both he and his steed. They had such a bond that even without words or nudges Kannan knew what William wanted of her and by now the smaller yearlings knew what’s what and never put up a fight.

“Alright now!” Mrs. Wilder called out as the last of the yearlings ran past her and into the feeding fields. Mrs. Wilder was a young woman much smaller in stature than her husband. William and his wife had lived together on Wilder Ranch for the last six years and she had taken up to the life fondly standing second to none as the best trainer on the farm. As the last hoof of these massive young horses crested past the large gate she slammed it shut, locking it tightly with a loose chain that dangled off the fence post. “We got em’, y’all go on now.” She said as she waved her rugged cowboy hat in the air shooing the horses to go find their feed.

“Thank you my darling,” William said as he rode in, leaning down on the side of his mount and placing a smooch on the side of his wife’s face. “I’m going to make preparations for our guests, we are supposed to be entertaining a group of nobles today.” He said as he continued past Mrs. Wilder heading to the large barn in the center of his ranch. Mrs. Wilder smiled as she headed off on foot ushering the straggling ponies to their feed troths. There was much to get done here with the yearlings but nothing until they had plenty of energy for their long day of training.

As the day went on and the sun now sitting high in the sky William went about getting his farm hand into position. Making sure that he had his most well training geldings stationing in front of the main lodging building so that they are the first animals his guests are to see as they arrive. Stationed near the large barn were the studs and breeding mares that any equestrian breeder would be here to most interested in. In the rear feeding field the yearlings were fast at work each with their individual partner learning the ropes. William expected a variety of guest and was ready to meet any obstacle in order to make a sale. Though his most prized horses were the trained gelding goliaths, offspring of Kannan herself, and possibly the most sought after steeds in all of Corone.

“Sir,” Daddle yelled hanging out the large open doors of the barns second level. She pointed towards the west at the faint outlines of incoming carriages. “Looks like the first guests of the season are here.” She finished as she swung her way back inside the barn to finish storing the hay. William stood proudly in front of a fine row of powerful warhorses waiting to see the excited faces of this seasons new clientele.

As a side note, Im new at this format and by no means an accomplished writer. Feedback and constructive criticism is happily welcomed.

[Nosdyn]

(You're doing fine so far mate. Keep up the good work and thank you for being patient with me. All Bunnies approved!!!)

The note was still in his hand.

Wilder Ranch sells Horses unlike any other. Obtain one. -The Boss-

For Underworld elements an opportunity to conduct...business...on new fronts was always a profit.

Nosdyn carefully looked over the note one time and then looked up at the Wilder Ranch as it loomed directly ahead on his path.

Nosdyn traveled, as many like him oft had, on foot those days.

His eyes were narrowed behind the mask he wore, but his dark-blue skin gave away the fact that he was different than most.

Though only those who were knowledgeable about such matters would readily spot him as a Haidian Demon. The fellow wore his mask when dealing with Hume (Human) echelons of power. That was the safest way for him to conduct his various dealings without being spotted as a Demon. Though his panic aura, an many other aspects of him could not be helped. The guards, some elite soldiers of Radasanth, would oft stare at the Demon. But kept their distance. He had an exotic weapon at his side that he kept with him at all times.

Nosdyn looked about him. Farmer territory...workers and serfs mostly... Those that toiled and tilled the land were all around him. Some horses and a few wagons were up ahead that were pulling up towards The Wilder Ranch. Nosdyn figured that would be his next objective. He was there mainly out of curiosity...and also to appease The Boss. His mysterious Alerar contact was trying to expand is influence to Radasanthian circles and even beyond that.

Where ever large groups of Humes gathered...crime would always develop a foothold.

Was the nature of Humanity...after all.

Nosdyn was an Enforcer those days working for The Boss. He liked the work, it was brutal and dangerous...fitting for a soldier from Haidia. Nosdyn looked up at the afternoon sky and stared at the sun for a moment or two. It hurt his eyes by the nature of what he was...but the mask he wore helped. Returning his gaze to a normal position, the big man prepared to conduct his dealing with The Humes. He walked past the initial wagons as they were being unloaded by ranch workers, and walked towards a nearby farmhand.

The Hume appeared to be a burly fellow, and he nodded to the fellow with some respect. "I am here to see your stock...and potentially make a purchase." Nosdyn spoke with an exotic accent, and his voice was very deep...he was trying to keep himself from not being anymore hostile than normal...

[Puzzles]

It started out as a few stray swipes of their tails, then a few subtle steps back, and finally an anxious whinny before William noticed the uneasiness of his mighty horses. As the large masked man grew closer Mr. Wilder’s geldings warned him to be careful. William could feel it too; something about this guy was strange and as he walked ever closer the arm hair stand straight up. He had to be sure to handle the situation with care as not to startle anyone or lose a potential sale. The monster who seemed to loom before Mr. Wilder spoke in a deep voice that seemed to further the Stable Master’s assumption of this man. He wasn’t a man, but rather something else. That much was already clear to William but even still that wasn’t out of the ordinary for these parts. Hell even Mr. Wilder employed a number of non-humans on his premises so who was he to judge. Even still there was a thick air of uneasiness between the two towering figures as the made acquaintance.

“Good to hear my friend,” William said as sticking out his furry chest. “I have a few horses up for sale today. Let me show you to my assistant Regulas and he can show you our stock.” The Stable Master finished waving over the man dressed in full stereotypical cowboy attire standing behind him. Regulas was a half elf for the Concordian forest that William fathered in his earlier years. He wasn’t your typical elf though as he preferred the steady life of a farm hand working under his father as opposed to life lived in the forest with his mother. “Reg, would you mind showing our new friend here this year’s gelding goliaths?”

“No problem Pa,” Regulas answered crossing the yard to meet them. Before he could even reach his father and the masked man he was halted by a wave of fear and anxiety. That was the moment William knew that is man who stood before him wasn’t someone to be trifled with. It wasn’t clear but he spooked everyone so far just by being around them himself included. “On second thought, let me just go halter Holland out back and bring her up here…” and before he could shake two sticks his son was gone.

“Well then how about I escort you about?” William said as he despite his better judgement he put and arm around the masked man. He turned the figure and they walked towards the six massive geldings tied up upon the Ranch’s front lawn. “For what purpose were you looking to buy a horse? Surly a man like you would be here to buy one of my warhorses. The mightiest breed in all of Corone or any of the other nations, my Goliath Warhorses can carry any man into and out of combat.” He continued his sales pitch waiting to be interrupted by the masked man. If Williams’s hunch was right he was defiantly after one of his specialty breeds but was it for a good purpose or not was still to be discovered.

[Nosdyn]

When the Wilder fellow wrapped an arm around him...Nosdyn flinched ever so subtly.

However he did not resist the man for the time being. He was there on behalf of The Boss...The Boss's word was absolute. And he would suck up any personal disdain he held towards Hume kind. Nosdyn nodded towards Wilder as they walked. "Your farm is well maintained." Nosdyn wasn't much for conversation but he was making an effort to impress the fellow and his workers. The Boss had need of such horses and there would be a large deal of gold exchanged in the dealings. "My employer has need of a steady stock of these great animals." Nosdyn said carefully. "He has a large sum of gold at his disposal should you agree to do business with us." Nosdyn listened to The Wilder man's explanation of the Goliath Warhorses...suitable.

Nosdyn counted in his head how many farm hands there were...he was planning to make a hasty retreat in case the deal went south.

But in the meantime...he found that The Wilder lot was surprisingly brave and competent. Nosdyn studied Willian for a moment, and after a brief few minutes he got used to the big fellow's arm wrapped around his broad shoulders. Nosdyn was built burly, and clearly one of those daft Warrior types. A Tank by the looks of it. "Your animals are a good stock." When they arrived towards the horse's position Nosdyn looked at William. "Primary function and use will be for transport purposes. Some light combat is expected." Nosdyn had some gold on his immediate person that he'd earned...some through admittedly misbegotten ends.

Nosdyn waited for William to speak again. "By the way...Hume. I am called Nosdyn. I have information that states this ranch is called The Wilder ranch. I take it you are the Master of this ranch?" Nosdyn asked at that point wanting to get to know the fellow a little more at that point. If they were going to be business partners...Nosdyn wanted to at least be partially cordial.

[Puzzles]

“That’s right, my name is William Wilder Stable Master.” The burly man said pulling his arm off Nosdym’s shoulder. William stepped away from the man and up to Hercule, the largest of the geldings before them, placing a hand on the beast’s face. The monster of a horse stared Nosdym down practically ignoring Mr. Wilder unable to focus on anything else. The air was thick with uneasiness and the longer William was around Nosdym the more he was starting for fear for his well being. “It’s a pleasure.”

He said he wanted to use these steeds for transport and light combat, who was he trying to fool?

As the other prospective customers started to make their way across the grass the Wilder crew sprang into action. From out of nowhere dozens of people emerged to engage with the other guests. All of William’s crew was very skilled at what they do from training to farming and sales there wasn’t a single unused cog in this fine-tuned machine. It quickly became a veritable zoo of activity as the guests were shuffled from place to place awestruck at the larger than life horses all around.

Mr. Wilder wasn’t sure how to go about dealing with Nosdym though. He wasn’t one to turn his nose to a hefty profit, hell he transported seven head of horses across two countries just chasing a dollar. But there was just something about this man that made him feel like his Goliaths would be better off not being sold to him. William’s gaze turned to match Hercules as he and his mighty steed analyzed the man.

“Nosdym, I feel like I must be up front with you.” Mr. Wilder said patting Hercule three or four good times before reengaging with the brute of a man. “You’re terrifying, something about you is spooking my horses and my men.” He said this with as much genuine confidence as he could muster dealing with this person. “I’m not so sure I’m going to be able to help you, it is my duty to protect my Goliaths and I’m not buying your story.” He wasn’t completely denying this man his opportunity to buy from his stock rather he just needed some convincing that his babies would be in good care.

[Nosdyn]

The truth...is far worse than you can imagine... Nosdyn thought to himself. For a moment he pondered fighting his way off the property. But he was there for The Boss...The Boss's word was gospel. Nosdyn listened to what William said and sighed. He didn't want to harm the man...he found the fellow rather agreeable. The only other thing he considered to do was perhaps a long shot. "It is my nature by what I am...it is not something I can turn off. Though I am showing tremendous restraint right now." Nosdyn looked around for a moment. Then, he did the unthinkable. He...removed his mask.

He slowly placed the mask in his packs, after folding it carefully.

"Perhaps...like this...seeing eye to eye would be better for you." Nosdyn didn't know many Hume customs. He was still learning but he knew they were an excitable bunch to say the least. He blinked for a moment against the harsh sun light. His blue, marked skin was visible at that point He had many racial markings and no hair. Horns and some spikes protruded from his scalp. Nosdyn had brilliantly coloured amber/gold eyes. In some lights he would be considered handsome insofar as Demon stock went.

"I was hoping to have avoided something like that as I was trying not to cause too much of a stir. But I am here on behalf of my employer." Nosdyn explained for the second time. Again the thought to flee out right crossed his troubled mind but he did not want to report failure to The Boss. Nosdyn held his ground though and he was doing everything he could to complete his mission. He wasn't there for sympathy or to place a sob story on the man's shoulders...Nosdyn was not like that.

He was there because that was The Boss's will.

That was all that mattered.

Nosdyn felt a little bit nervous and felt exposed at that point. All eyes on the ranched immediately turned towards The Haidian. Nosdyn felt very uncomfortable at that point. "I don't want any trouble with your farm hands...I just want to conduct our business." Nosdyn said trying to ease the man's tension if he could.

Though he knew what the man was likely feeling was the effect of his own natural Panic Aura. Nosdyn sighed again...

[Puzzles]

Finally the truth had come out yet it didn’t startle the stable master. From the moment he the Hadian stepped foots on the farm he and all his mighty steeds knew something was as different about him. In all honesty William couldn’t let it bother him, despite his true feelings, for if he did it would rock the foundation of their entire Ranch. When William is scared everyone was scared.

“I see,” the burly man said. “I genuinely appreciate you honesty. Please let us finish this in my office.” He finished directing Nosdym towards the large building behind them. Faint whispers could be heard coming from every direction. Nothing was said loudly enough for either of the men to hears as they made their way to Mr. Wilder’s office but one would assume its wasn’t flattery. This would be William’s first experience personally dealing with a being from Hadia and from the looks of things he assumed his name had been spread to all reaches of life.

The two passed many different rustic rooms as the made their way through the building. In several there were elaborately designed pieces of art constructed entirely with different pieces of horse tack. Each room dedicated to one style of horsemanship or another and labeled as such. William’s office was just past the “War Room” at the end of the hall next to a large bay window that overlooked the fast rolling hill on the horizon. William wasn’t sure how to continue with this line of discussion but it was a true show of faith and respect for the Hadian to out himself in such a manner so he knew he must show the same level of respect.

“Alright Nosdym,” William said as he stepped into his office and sat down behind his desk. “You may have a seat,” there was a brief lapse in conversation as Mr. Wilder contemplated how to start. “Or you can stand. Whatever is most comfortable for ya.” In the halls a few unassigned farm hands curiously lurked just out of site. It was harmless as none of William’s crew would ever dare risk a large sale and it wasn’t often that Mr. Wilder had guests in his office.

“So let’s talk numbers,” he started a direct line of communications. He was still worried about how Nodym might react to his questions but it had to be done. “How many horses are you looking to purchase? When do you need them?” How can I be sure ill receive compensation for our cooperation?” They were simple question but they were necessary evils.

[Nosdyn]

(Moderator Note: this portion of the thread is purely for RP Mechanics. I'm not using Nosdyn's personal gold for a reason I'm using the gold that was given to him by The Boss for this mission. Thanks in advanced for understanding. Purely an RP Mechanic from here on in!!!)

Nosdyn removed the backpack from his person which contained various odds and ends.

Included in that was the payment that The Boss had prepared for the horses...a handsome gold payment indeed. The numbers would add up on legal papers and documents. But the purposes would be for Underworld dealings. Nosdyn removed a large and heavy pouch from his backpack and slammed it deliberately heavy on the table that separated Nosdyn and William. Nosdyn nodded and took a seat after that. He was trained by The Boss to handle minor business dealings when needed. To get things done. The large sack...upon further inspection was filled to the brim with a handsome gold piece. The way that the gold was amassed would not matter in the long run. What mattered was that Nosdyn kept his word. He opened the sack and gold spilled out on the table.

"Five Thousand gold pieces, now." Nosdyn hesitated and then continued. "All in advanced for the services rendered." Nosdyn rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "The Boss is prepared to pay your Ranch a significant bonus upon successful delivery of the animals." Nosdyn continued at that point, his amber eyes narrowed. "For this dealing...The Boss wants five of your finest animals. Including the one that will be for me. That is a bonus deal. Six all together in this deal. If the job is done well...expect more business dealings down the road." Nosdyn was clearly a fiercely intelligent individual. It shone brilliantly in his eyes but he was a dark sort of intellect. Probably involved in really shady stuff...stuff that men like William would do better not to think about.

Nosdyn sat back against the comfortable chair he sat in. His eyes remained narrowed and he was concentrating on what would be William's reaction. He knew The Boss wanted to secure a deal and that was enough for Nosdyn. Nosdyn waited with a surprising amount of patience and restraint. I could have killed your men and taken your horses. But I have to go by what The Boss says...I will abide for now. Nosdyn had to keep his dark temper at bay at least for the time being. He did not want to cause a big scene on The Boss's dime.

The mission mattered more than anything else.

At that point, Nosdyn produced a small document hand written by The Boss. The document in question detailed where the horses would be delivered to in Corone. One of the safe houses near Radasanth herself. Nosdyn handed William the document. "The Boss has left me with detailed instructions in this document. If you can deliver the horses there to the specified place...consider us long term partners." Nosdyn said calmly.

It was oft said The Devil could kill folks with kindness...Nosdyn was no such devil but he was rather a cunning a beast. He preferred to react and adapt quickly to various situations as they called for it. There was a great war being waged...a war that Nosdyn intended to win. For that...he would need allies to manipulate and corrupt. For that he would need William as an associate and perhaps...to play Devil's Advocate.

[Puzzles]

It almost seemed too good to be true, a sack of coin and a buyer willing to clean out his inventory; William didn’t quite know what to do. On one hand he would make a sale so large that it would practically make his season in the first day, but on the other what life would he be allowing his beasts to live. It’s true that he bread the mightiest warhorses in all the land and it’s true that the life of a Hallowmane was lived under the weight of powerful warriors but still this felt wrong on some level. How would his associates feel about this shady deal?

Just then Mrs. Wilder entered the room walking up to her husband side with eyes on the strange figure. Dust seemed to fall off her with every foot fall, she had just gotten done showing a stud and decided to come be nosey since William was nowhere to be found. She smiled wide at the sight of the large sack of gold sprawled on the table not knowing the full extent of the deal. William worried about how Cheyanne would feel if she knew exactly what her husband was about to get the estate into.

“It seems that your employer is very eager in this endeavor. I’m sure that we can come to an agreement that suits both parties.” He said raking in the bounty off the table with both hands. He quickly stowed the coin the top drawer of his desk before standing. “How about you put your mask back on and we step outside and take a look at what steeds are available right now?” Everyone standing in the hall seemed to scatter like roaches as the Wilders and Nosdym began to leave William’s office.

The three of them all made their way out the back of the building and towards the Wilder Manor stationed in the very rear of the complex. Mr. Wilder’s home was a large colonial style mansion he built with his own two hands surrounded by fenced in fields. As the three of them entered four larger than life horses appeared from behind the house and began sprinting towards William and Cheyanne. They didn’t appear aggressive but due to their big size they didn’t need to be in order to be dangerous. William put and hand out in front of his wife and another high up in the air gaining the beasts attention.

“Whoa!” he yelled at the top of his voice. The four Hallowmanes nearly stopped on a dime before turning slowly continuing towards them. Mr. Wilder had a surprise for Nosdym; these were the Wilder Ranch’s most prized possessions. These horses were first generation Emaculite, a cross breed between Kanaan and the fiery Desmondian horses of the Tular Planes. These Hallowmane hybrids had a red tint to their fur and are gifted with the ability to endure much hotter climates than a regular steed. The Emaculites still stood roughly twenty two hands at the should and could carry just as much as a regular Hallowmane but thanks to their split heritage they could endure much more.

“I’d like you to meet the family,” William said as he reached over the sturdy fence and began petting the neck of one of beautiful red horses. “These girls are our most valued horses. As a token of cooperation and my personal gift, I’d like you to choose any one of the Emaculites as your personal mare.”

[Nosdyn]

Eyes peered at Nosdyn and William who now wore his mask covering his exotic head.

Whispers were spreading across the ranch like wild fire about the mysterious new Demonic guest.

Many of the ranch-hands had ill seen an actual Demon before...let alone one native to the Tular Plains.

Nosdyn didn't mind it really...he considered the situation at hand rather amusing but was always on his guard as a result. Nosdyn looked at William and nodded. Then he turned his attention towards the red horses. He could smell The Tular scent on them. They had fell blood in their vessels. One of the mares immediately looked at Nosdyn...unassuming and unafraid. That one will do... Nosdyn walked towards the mare carefully and looked at the majestic beast. They were all fine animals...

However, that particular animal had a certain distinct mix of the fell blood. The blood reacted to Nosdyn's presence and Nosdyn's own demonic blood reacted, in turn, to the horse. There was a resonance effect for a moment or two as The Fell blood synced. Both Nosdyn and the horse had a glow about their forms. Nosdyn walked forward as the syncing effect occurred, his hand reaching out. The beast never once stepped away from the sometimes deeply harmful effects of Nosdyn's panic aura. It seemed to welcome the panic aura. Nosdyn placed his hand atop the horse's long face, upon the side of it. And surprisingly enough...Nosdyn was quite gentle with the animal.

Nosdyn petted the majestic mare very casually and stared directly into her eyes...also unafraid.

The two immediately bonded.

"This one." Nosdyn said calmly. "She has the correct mixture of Fell Blood." Nosdyn explained and petted the mare one more time before walking back towards William. "I appreciate your business, William Wilder." Nodyn suddenly extended his large, sinewy hand for the farmer to shake to seal the deal...