Open Going Once?

[Timothy Mered]

20th Summer 514AV

One by one the other slaves were sold and taken away. A hole grew in the pit of his stomach. It was like he'd feared, no one wanted him which was perhaps a worse fate than to be taken away by one of the many strangers. Yet some buyers remained and a cold hope returned to his tiny frame.

He hardly recognized himself in the few words that the smooth, sly slaver attributed to him. If there's anyone with a voice to die for, Tim thought, it's him. The man, with his slick features and sharp cheek, coud undoubtedly make Sunberth's worst beggars look like champions in any profession imagineable.

"And now, the child! Is there an opening bid for this growing mind?"
Tim looked up, for so long he'd thought that perhaps this was some wicked dream or illusion. But now that a dozen eyes bore into him, his fate had become an inescapable fact. Two-hundred gold-rimmed mizas? The sheer amounts of money that these people were prepared to pay astounded him. He'd never possessed or laid eyes so much coin and his eyes widened further and further as the prize was driven up.

There, the tall man with inky figures on his body raised his handkerchief and offered two-hundred and thirty coins. Bewildered, Tim's jaw dropped an inch before he snapped it shut. Blue and green clashed as he turned to face the man. There was a steely determination in that hard, chiseled face, warning him to submit and obey or suffer the consequences. Keep me safe, Tim thought as he felt the strength leave his arms. His hands were cold with sweat now. Yet he kept his gaze trained on the man, neither capable nor willing to look anywhere else.

Then it hit him again, the thought he'd kept at bay for so long with idle hope and unanswered prayer. He was going to be someone's property for live. There would be no end, not ever, not unless he escaped. His thoughts returned to Kiran, the Kelvic he'd met aboard the slave ship and his only friend during that journey. He hadn't seen him anymore after the ship had docked and Tim was certain they would never meet again.

Two hundred and thirty. Would that be it?

[Nyxie Nadira Draer]

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“The both of you need to stick close to me, and shut up unless I tell you to speak.”

He stared directly at Nyxie, knowing she’d be the one most likely to screw things up with her utter lack of respect for authority. The old geezer didn’t intimidate her; she’d say whatever the petch she wanted. But her newfound sense of responsibility kept her quiet. He reached out to grip his son’s shoulder, his voice stern as he continued to instruct them.

“Remember, this is important. We need him to trust us, so just let me do the talking. Got it?” The redhead pursed her lips and nodded. She didn’t understand why her uncle was being so uptight. Sure, the rules had changed to work against them this season. But talking to Marshal shouldn’t be too difficult; she was sure the man would listen to ideas for expanding his business. He seemed pretty reasonable.

“Father, why don’t we---” Maverick clicked his tongue, cutting him off with a dismissing hand.
“Come on Erich, I thought I could count on you to keep your mouth shut like you usually do,” he said, shaking his head as he tried to rub the weariness out of his eyes. “Don’t you dare start givin’ me sass, boy. At least Nyxie is listening to me for once,” he quirked a brow at the girl, a little surprised that the redhead wasn’t giving him any trouble. “Look, you’re both here to watch and learn. That’s it. I don’t wanna hear another petchin’ word from either of you.”

They continued to walk between the benches, trying to find a place to sit amongst the patronage. Nyxie politely smiled and waved at familiar faces before catching Maverick’s subtle glare in her periphery. She quickly shifted her gaze, her blue eyes downcast as they sat down in a comfortable spot near the podium. It seemed like they came in just in time.

Nyxie surveyed the fresh batch with a careful ear on the Sitai’s product descriptions. Each new slave sounded quite adequate, and were all soon sold for fair prices. A frail child came forth next. He was an innocent looking one, with lovely green eyes and soft features. She was sure he’d be fairly popular choice, if only for the number of years he was worth. Marshall began the bidding, and just as she’d predicted, the response was immediate. A gruff voice to her right caught her attention,

“Two-Thirty”

Nyxie watched the man trying to catch the eye of the slave he wanted, quickly realizing that she was staring too intently. She veered her gaze away from him in hopes that he hadn’t caught her looking. It was hard to tell whether he was Freeborn or Dynasty. But it wasn’t hard to tell that he was easy on the eyes.

The auction continued in its usual fashion as the Draer continued to wait and watch. Maverick fidgeted in his seat. He was never really fond of waiting, and usually preferred to have his brother go to these instead. But the Captain had no use for the auctions in recent years. Plus, when it came to matters of trade, Maverick tended to be the one that took care of things. So here he was, stuck glancing at the clock every few chimes, wishing Marshal would just hurry up and get things over with so they could get down to business.

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[Ahri Czesoni]

Ahri would stand there taking any caressing which this woman wished for her. Smiling ever so slightly to show she was fine with the gentle pet she had received as she was the lone slave now as the child was surely wanted as the bids started climbing from two hundred closing her eyes she prayed to the only goddess she knew hoping that not only herself but all those sold today would receive kind owners. Especially herself. The only thing to do now was stand about obediently while the price climbed for the child. It must have been an honor to be sold for such high amounts she couldn’t honestly remember her original price. Feeling her hair pulled back and tied her face would now bled through in preparation for her own bidding to begin. (Feel free to skip me as I will just be standing here till tim is bought ^^)

[Vice]

Two-thirty. A Konti turned to look at the human who bid, her features twisted into a scowl as she raised her handkerchief, a soft voice calling out to the crowd and to Marshall,

"Two-hundred and fifty."

Though, immediately afterwards, the Konti was interrupted by a young man, rough in features and obviously Freeborn in appearance, lacking the proper dress befitting of the trends,

"Two-sixty-five."

The words were nearly ignored by Marshal, who scoffed at the man's appearance, but he relented, nodding slowly before he called out the number again in response.

Marshal continued motioning to the crowd, beseeching them to continue onwards with the bid before the last cry came out, the same Konti from before staring at the child with an exasperated, almost desperate expression,

"290!"

FootnoteAlright, this should be the last round for bidding before new things start to happen.

[Jed Radacke]

Jed's attention was drawn to his side, the tickling feeling of other eyes on himself. He had been so caught up in trying not to appear nervous, that he didn't realize someone had been looking at him. Breaking his concentration on the bid, Jed turned to see ocean blue eyes focused on his own. A single corner of his mouth turned up accompanied by a quick wink. Her eyes darted down before Jed got a real reaction out of her, but he let his eyes linger, willing to catch her attention like she had caught his. A quick glance to the two men sitting next to her told Jed that she was a Dynasty member. Unlike his own dynasty the others could clearly be identified. Their groomed faces and expensive clothes flaunted their money and told all of Kenash who they were. And these where the Drear, a particular Dynasty that Jed wasn't actually certain of his family's relations with. Before he could dwell on it more, the sweet voice of a Konrath sounded next to him.

"250!" The number turned Jed's attention back to the bid. If he wanted the boy, he would have to make a bid that no one bothered to top. But he had to make sure he would be the last to bid ... Its all in the tactics. Jed told himself, adjusting in his seat so his back was straighter and his position less relaxed. "265!" Jed turned to see the Freeborn place his bid on the boy. A conceited smirk accented Jed's raised eyebrows. He was not going to get shown up by a freeborn. If he didn't buy this boy for necessity, it would be for pride.

Before Jed could open his mouth, his voice was replaced by that same soft bell who had bid earlier. Two-ninety. 20 ... 15 ... 25 .... Jed counted the amounts people where adding to his slave. His smirk still in his face, Jed turned to the Konti beside him, nodding once out of respect before raising his hand. Not today Konrath."Three-Thirty." Jed had originally decided to raise it by fifty but at last minute when lower than his choice, forty more was plenty enough and he didn't want pride to buy the boy from pride instead of necessity after all. Settling back into a relaxing position, Jed let his ice blue eyes sort through the crowd, ready to challenge those who thought to bid above him.

PC/NPC Talking -- Common -- Thoughts

[Timothy Mered]

20th Summer 514AV

Again and again voices would call out, ten more mizzas would be offered, then twenty more still. A mad fever had settled over the patronage and Tim felt that it was less about him than it was about some misplaced sense of pride. Amidst the excited faces he spotted a woman with ivory skin and icy eyes. Next to her stood the man that had bid before. Not a word was exchanged between them, and he couldn't tell if they were rivals, friends, or mere acquaintances. Indifferent to the conclusion, Tim hung his head low and sucked in a ragged breath. He heard a scoff in the crowd when the price was raked up yet again by the strong, confident voice of the tattooed man. "Preposterous!" he thought he heard a burly voice mutter. Yet, no other bid came. Not one tick later, and bot five ticks later too.

Shifting his weight onto his other leg, Tim shot a confused look at the Slaver. When would it end? The slaver no doubt preferred to maintain the madness for as long as possible, but with every passing tick Tim wished that it would end. One second he belonged to the fat man in purple garments, the next he was property of the tall, muscled man again. Neither looked too kind, and the more money they offered, the less steady he felt.

[Nyxie Nadira Draer]

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Was that a wink? Nyxie blinked, trying to figure out whether she’d only imagined it. Their eyes connected for a fraction of a tick before she looked away; the fleeting moment now only a memory. She felt his lingering gaze on her now, and couldn’t help but smile at the thought that he’d noticed her. The redhead continued watch the stage while she casually arched her back and combed through her hair, flipping the red strands to the side. The smile quickly turned into a smirk when she realized what she was doing. But why stop? The man was clearly good-looking; it was only natural to try and garner more of his attention, if only to fuel her self-esteem.

The bidding resumed, but Nyxie’s mind was elsewhere. She was too preoccupied with thinking of ways to introduce herself to him. Just when she’d decided to pose a carefully worded question, he raised his hand.

“Three-thirty.”

Nyxie shook her head, slightly disappointed. Perhaps it was best to wait until the auction was over. The man was obviously more intent on overpaying for a fairly unskilled child.

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[Jed Radacke]

It didn't look as if anyone would outbid him. His tactic worked, he was taking a bet on this child, but the unhaltered potential appealed to Jed. He wouldn't mind training the child, even if all the child could do was wax completed projects and hammer nails, any help was enough. It was unlikely that the kid would be incompetent though, at least Jed hoped so. Time could only tell him if he made a good investment or not. But Jed had noticed the smile that had resulted from the wink, a smile that Jed had the chance to chase.

As single velvety seat stood between him and the fiery redhead he sat next to. Leaning back on his chair, he lined his arm along the back of the empty chair. Indigo sleeves were rolled just past his elbow and one could clearly see the tattoos inked over his muscles. The unusual art was worn proudly, mixed it with the faint scars of not only his defeats but accomplishments as well. Jed wasted one last glance on the child, he would have time to understand the slave later, he would only have the young Drear's attention for so long. Leaning closer to the woman who had caught his eye, Jed attempted to catch hers again. A light smile rested on his lips, the openly friendly expression didn't quite seem to fit the intimidating man's face, however genuine it actually was. Before he spoke, he turned a single palm up to the woman, an offer for a hand-to-hand. "Why, I don't know how you can keep the entire Suvan hidden in your eyes, but I don't think I've ever seen the ocean glimmer with as much elegance as you. I'm sorry but I have to know who can capture not only Laviku's jewels but Ivak's fire and hold them together so gracefully." The words were low, meant to only be heard by the Drear beside him. Jed kept his tone even, his eyes resting in hers to gauge her reaction to his flattery. Should she take his hand, he would gently pull it in, resting his lips on her knuckles with the lightest pressure before returning her hand back into her possession. "My name is Jed Radacke, may I ask yours m'Lady?"

OOCWhoops I had to flirt ... If I am messing with the post order or anything, feel free to yell at me. xD

PC/NPC Talking -- Common -- Thoughts

[Vice]

There was no retort. The Konti woman was astounded by Jed's bid, by far and wide overbidding for what she interpreted as nothing more than an adorable child to bring her the wine from her cellar. He had such a long life ahead of him, but by no means was that worth more than three-hundred. The Konti scowled at Jed for stealing her slave before she quickly rose up, turning on her heel and quickly exited the Auction Hall. The words, "Well, I never! What an awful, awful man!" spewed from the Konti's mouth as she made her way onwards.

Marshal Sitai could not help but chuckle at the situation, shouting out, "And... sold! To the young Radacke boy."

The Sitai unchained the slave child, his attendant guiding Timothy towards the back room of the Auction Hall, where, as with the rest of the buyers, the exchange would be made. The exchange, if all went smoothly, would take no more than two minutes, a hired guard keeping watch of both the slave and the exchange of mizas while the task was done as the final slave was to be sold.

"And our very last slave! A pretty thing and a Kelvic to boot. Surely she will be useful!"

Cries rang out, primarily from an Akalak and a blonde, but clearly human woman, the bidding battle reaching to "650" before a dark-haired man rose to his feet, flashing a look at Jed if he returned to his seat before he spoke.

Glen Radacke's voice rung out with clear intent, his lips curled into a smile as he said,

"740."

The Radacke, unlike many of their family, was not intimidating in the least, giving off an air of friendliness and banter, but in this situation, he was entirely serious.

"750."

Another voice rang out, a Vantha with currently bright yellow eyes, but Glen would not forfeit the Kelvic.

"775."

Eyes darkened at the steep increase in bid, and the auction was over. Marshal Sitai unchained the Kelvic slave, as well, his attendant guiding her over to the room where the transaction would be made.

AhriHi, I did up your transaction right away so you can immediately go on to do threads yourself. If you'd like to linger in the Auction thread for a little while, feel free to control Glen as a temporary NPC, or I could do so for you. If not, then you can both bow out ^.^

[Timothy Mered]

20th Summer 514AV

And just like that, it was over. Chained only by the looks of the guard that guided him to a cool, spacious room, Timothy stopped worrying about his freedom and began to worry about how he was supposed to behave next. Already he’d forgotten what his new master looked like, but he was soon reminded of it. Up close, the man resembled something between a bull and a hound. His features were hard and chiseled and Tim was unable to meet the man’s eyes for more than a few ticks at a time. “Hello sir,” he said, after all the ceremonies had finished. He extended his hand only to retreat it when a silent gasp of horror passed through the room. Quick to make up for his mistake, he bowed instead only to veer back up again and assume perfect posture, hands folded behind his back. Filling his lungs with courage Tim breathed, “whereto, Sir?”

NoteI am not sure if I should post whatever interaction follows between Jed and Tim here, or if that should go into a other thread. Also, I hope the mention of Jed in the exchange room isn't considered godmodding as Jed obviously will have to go there to fetch Tim.