Open Going Once?

[Ahri Czesoni]

Summer 20 514 Upon the western bank there was the large Kenash Auction Hall, prepped with comfortable seats and stalls for slaves to be auction thankfully the soonest auction would have to take place in the morning which meant that Ahri had the time to rest and possibly converse with the various other slaves which were packed in with numerous kelvics, humans, the list was nearly full with the subspecies humans. Having missed a great view of the actual place which the auctions took place, Ahri would have to wait till her own selling to see how luxurious it is in comparison to her previous owners. The people who ran the hall seemed like they were in a rush when it came to housing the slaves in their cells. Apparently they might have had some issues with family some minnie revolts. Freedom was a big thing for most of the slave even the ones she was shackled with. It must have been a week since she was out in the fresh air of the outdoors, but it didn’t really matter to her all that much. A camel in spirit, as well as laziness she quite enjoyed her stay in this luxurious stall for the first three days, however after retched meals and captivity in the pitch black caused her to feel a fair bit anxious. The confinements and meal plan which was offered at this place weren’t the greatest in her thoughts, but not all owners could measure up so highly to her last ones. Sivir wasn’t impressed anything of this auction hall actually to be perfectly frank. They treated her like dirt along with the other prospect and the cells which they were locked it were small hay covered floors which didn’t even provide good insulation from the stone floor. They also had fitted a strange thick collar that was rather constricting, which she knew would choke her if she even dared to try and shift. Was quite disappointing to say the least. As there rooms were underneath it was quite cool insulated by the swampy ground which chilled the room. Normally the kelvic threads would be fine if they were one of the furry beasts but a few were not quite as use to the temperature. It wasn’t near freezing as it still was a nice warm summer, however there poor garments would surely make them regret being unable to shift. Ahri quite enjoyed the chill even if she was now shivering from it. As opposed to the long laborsome days, which would cause her to sweat out most of her daily intake of liquid. The fair skinned gal lied there in the hay with a pleasant smile as her eyes remained shut. Above their subterranean cells the full heat of the summers day would be beating down upon the stone and swamp land most likely making it quite muggy outside. Not favorable for the usual outdoor auction, but no matter how they decided it they would be in for a rare treat. The latest batch of slaves were in making this auctions surely to be quite a fruitful outing for buyers. The employees working desperately to prepare for the auction which would be happening in no more than an hour probably less. Begging that the mugginess wouldn’t become too unbearable to quickly as they were prepared. Ahri lied there her skin brushing against the prickly hay that prodded into her hide like needles. That was probably her one complaint which she really wish she had the courage to bring up to the owners. She was use to sleeping on hard surfaces but the constant prickle of grass was driving her bonkers. Rolling around she finally stood up defeated as she knew that sleeping wasn’t going to happen now. I probably haven’t had a good night sleep in three days now, she respired grumpily. Eyes drooping, muscles waning as she had been out from manual labor for what seemed like about a quarter of the year made her belief of ever being wanted by another farmer was quite poor. She wasn’t sure who would honestly take her at this point as she didn’t even think of her human form to highly. Being a camel was far more relaxing chewing and spitting without receiving awkward looks. Without even thinking she went at it again. Resting with her mouth an inch above the old hay she had decided that it would be the best meal she had in a while subconsciously. The grinding of it didn’t work all that well in her omnivorous mouth, but she kept chewing. Eventually she was fed up with attempting to choke it down blowing it out as one would do with seeds from a berry. Awaiting for the sound of metal bars opening as she knew that the time was almost upon her. “I do hope I find another kind master, maybe like Miss Oliver.” Smiling she lied back down till they would collect her. [/indent][/color][/frame2]

[Timothy Mered]

20th Summer, 514AV.

Timothy lazily opened one eye. His attempts to doze off had failed. Even though the hay was nice to his feet, the air was simply too cold, the walls too rough and the noise of the crowd above too loud. The chains on his ankles rattled as he brought his knees to his chest and impatiently tapped his feet on the floor.

The journey to Kenash had been a long one. Long enough to dull his feelings, but not quite long enough to eradicate basic instincts. There was no greater injustice than this, he thought bitterly. He wasn't afraid of being sold, it was in the slaver's interests to not starve him or any others. It were the buyers he was concerned about. To be someone's property, for life. Who even knew how long that would be? Some of the men he'd talked to aboard the ship that had carried him here had been slaves for years and years, and the tales they told had failed to comfort him.

And then there was the branding. A lump formed in his throat at the mere thought of having some ugly insigna burned onto his skin. He'd seen a few slaves in Sunberth with strange marks, but had never thought that other humans had forced those upon them. As far as he had known, such treatment was reserved for cattle. Was he cattle? Maybe to them he was.

Pehaps worst of all was the waiting. The endless waiting. He wished it to be over already so he could calm his mind and think of what to do next. Day and night he'd prayed for Yahal's guidance, to keep him on the right path. He'd seen what slavery had done to the minds of older men and women. Some had turned into soulless, empty shells whose gazes were always fixed on some point in the distance.

Would he become like that too? Maybe Sunberth wasn't quite as bad a place in comparison.

Maybe.

If.

Perhaps.

A soft sigh escaped his lips as he tried to think of his future. Sunberth had forced him to think about that every day but now, his mind returned nothing but darkness. For now, he concluded, he would have to sit and wait, just like the mindlessly grazing camel on the far side of the stall.

[Vice]

Bright laughter escaped Marshal Sita's lips as he checked the time on his pocket watch, noting the steady tick of the gadget slowly moving the minute hands towards the highest time mark. It was nearly midday, Syna's light burning strongly and indicating Summer's ascent into being, marking the time for the auction. While the Sitai allowed patrons to but slaves at any given time, it was the auction when they were flaunted, prepared and set before a crowd, presented for all of Kenash to see the wares that the Sitai had. The majority of the time, this was for house slaves, those too young or too worthy to spend a life in the midst of the plantation fields, though exceptions were made. But as Marshal thought about the five slaves that he had lined up for sale, he couldn't help but wonder their ultimate fate. The thought gripped him.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In the basement floor of the Auction Hall, two young women, each branded with the Freeborn's brand, made their way to each slave. Three slaves passed through the process, faces washed, hair oiled and perfumed so that they were fit for presentation before each one of the maidens made their way to a slave. To the child, a short, slender Freeborn, likely no more than fifteen years of age, approached. A pretty thing, her dark tresses were tied back into a ponytail, her body unadorned save for the plain clothing that her profession as a groomer encouraged her to use. She made her way to the child with a rag in hand, carefully sweeping any dirt from exposed skin before she spoke out to him, a kind smile placed upon her features as she motioned to small, plain set of clothing,

"Here, put this on. You've been picked for the auction, 45. Are you ready to meet a new master?"

The question was left to hang in the air before the groomer undid the shackles that held the child slave to the floor. The groomer let the slave be, locking the door to Timothy's stall behind her before she worked to replace the bindings upon the feet of the slaves, utilizing a long, snaking chain to bind all three together. The slaves trudged forward, leaving two links to the chain open for the slaves to be prepared as the second groomer worked upon the woman. Fingers pressed to the tight collar upon the Kelvic woman's neck, a giggle escaping her lips.

The process was repeated upon Ahri, the rag sweeping dirt and grim from her face before applying a light touch of make up to accentuate her features. The collar was re-fitted upon her neck, the chains undone in order to allow her to change as she muttered, a sharp tone in her voice,

"Go on then, put that on. You're being sold today, 32. You need to look your best. You have two chimes to put on your clothing and approach, then we'll be on our way."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Upstairs, Marshal Sitai was beginning his final preparations for the auction, placing a collection of red handkerchiefs within small baskets near the entrance, to be used by those wishing to buy. He also set the stage where the slaves would be enchained to, given enough space to move and be presented, though both ankles would be bound to the stage. The Sitai moved to the staircase, calling out to the groomers,

"It is already passing noon! Mina, Sora! Complete the task, buyers will be coming soon."

[Ahri Czesoni]

Summer 20 514 Ahri’s eyes had closed as if prepared for the slumber when she twitched with the sound sound of life entering the basement. Having escaped such a branding process Ahri grimaced looking upon the horrendous marks upon one of two woman. The insignia which marked these slaves were foreign to her. Indeed Ahri knew a fair amount but the Freeborn’s must have been a group which Miss Oliver neglected to mention to her for some odd reason. Her head craned up from the dead grass as the woman chimed in with the same type of approach which she heard was given to others. Having neglected to clean herself they wiped off a fare amount of dirt which she quite enjoyed crusting her skin till her bronze skin gleamed through once again. As the clothes were offered she looked at them a bit sad. She had enjoyed her rags which were gifted to her, but she knew that in order to be bought she need to look her best. Staring at the long snaking chain ahri frowned feeling that this was unecissary, even back at her last estate he didn’t seem to worry that she would run off as she was quite loyal in her works and here she was having chains and shackles everyday. How she wished her new owners would be sympathise with her. The grooming she received was quite pleasurable. A delightful grumble escaped her lips as the grooming came to an end. Recognising the sharp tone in the woman’s voice ahri obeyed readily as the chains were unclasped from her body. Working the new pair of clothes over her head adorned her shoulders. In half the time given Ahri would have herself dressed and approached her place in the chain waiting for herself to be shackled in. She hadn’t recognized any of them but they were all of different ages one being a child who was probably half her appearance in age. As they would be lead forward Ahri would follow in pursuit not to be the one that caused a debacle, because she felt like a few others already didn’t like her for reasons she couldn’t explain. From there Ahri could only wait for orders. [/indent][/color][/frame2]

[Timothy Mered]

20th Summer, 514AV.

Timothy was rudely awoken from his quiet contemplations. Before him stood a girl, sweet-looking and not many years older than himself. He considered she was the first pleasant face he'd looked upon in quite some time. The rag surprised him and he wrinkled his nose as the stains and filth were wiped from his face. Was she a slave too? He saw the brand on her wrist. For a slave, he thought, she looked quite nice. Maybe he'd worried too much.

Her touch was kind but hurried and fleeting and Timothy was unable to form a question before she asked him one.

"Here, put this on. You've been picked for the auction, 45. Are you ready to meet a new master?"

"Yes miss," he said, shaking his head in contradiction to what he'd deemed wise and polite to say. Fortunately, the girl didn't seem to notice. He wondered what her name was, but pushed the petty thought out of his mind as the door slammed shut. Rubbing his ankles he looked over to the pile of clothes. At least they were fresh. Rough too, but sturdy he imagined. He wondered what would happen to his old clothes as he pulled the ragged remains of what had once been a respectable shirt over his head. His new garment tickled the skin underneath. The lining was rough and the shirt several inches too large. Still, he was quite happy to have exchanged them for his old clothes.

It wasn't until he was done putting everything on that he noticed the fluttering pulse underneath skin and cloth. Merely looking at it made him feel weak and wobbly so het set his gaze on the door instead. Yet no matter how hard he trained his eyes on the lock, he couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom that poisoned his mind. Another chime passed and he still wasn't sure how to pose. His hands were like lead and he couldn't help but shift his weight from left to right and back again.

He prayed to Yahal, in silence, that his Master or Mistress would be a nice one, even though he had little understanding of what that encompassed. Keep me safe, he prayed. Keep me safe and true.

Soon enough the door would be opened and he'd be the last one to join the chain. To his dismay, he wouldn't be able to look past the woman in front of him. Someone amidst the countless faces that awaited him, and those he was chained to, would spend more money than he'd ever earned in his live to have him as property. Unless no one would have him, which was a possibly worse thought still.

[Jed Radacke]

It hadn't been a spur of the moment descision, to get another slave. His parents had cut off his money and now he made all of it himself. A rather hard job to do by yourself. After one year with his own business, he purchased one slave to help him, but it became apparent over the years that he needed more help.

Blue eyes scanned the room as the door was held open for him, a freeborn held it on his own way in. Jed could hear the gentle shuffle of Matilla behind him as the two entered the Auction hall. Master and his slave. Hopefully, he would have another by the end of the day. The hall was only moderately crowded, more people than Jed would have liked, but he had no say in the matter. "Matilla." He said simply, motioning towards the basket of red cloth by the door. She nodded, snagging one of the handkerchiefs and holding it out for him to take. Jed was not confused by the submissive behavior of his lifelong slave, although he wasn't used to it. The laid back words and sharp tongue of his favored slave was what he usually got in return for demands, but not today, not in public. Stringing down the row of seats, Jed took his to the side off the stage before them, not particularly picky about where he sat as long as he could see the products.

Before sitting, Jed's eyes flew to the clock resting on the wall. "A little past noon, when will it start?" He muttered to Matilla who stood next to him. It was uncomfortable being there, the Sitai family in charge of his own purchase of slaves, it aggravated him even though he knew he would have come to the auction hall anyway. Standing somewhat taller than the rest of the kenashians in the room, he let his eyes scan over the seated people, seeing far more freeborns thank dynasty members. That was another thing that didn't seem right, freeborns could now own as many slaves as they wanted. Deciding to ignore the politics of the families, despite their aggravations to him, he took his seat on the edge of the crowd.

Matilla reverted back, the old Kelvic shuffled to the wall, where she would stand with the rest of the slaves that were already owned, waiting for their masters to make another purpose. Jed lingered on her for a moment, thinking of the sweet woman's reaction to the slaves beig sold, but said nothing to her. She had been Radacke bred and had never gone through the auction hall, unaware of the treatment of the slaves.

He turned his attention back to the stage, deciding to check out what was for sale. Leaning back in his chair, he lifted a foot to rest ankle on knee and began rolling up his sleeves. More women than men stood in the auction. There was even a child standing attentive, wide green eyes floating through the crowd, lingering on some faces and gliding right past others. Another woman stood beside the boy, her tanned skin reminding him of a desert creature, and her stature was not quite human. Kelvic The word hung in Jed's brain and he turned one last time to glance at Matilla.

None of the other slaves seemed to catch the Radacke's eye. His selection was limite to five, so he didn't have the room to be picky, but he could leave here empty handed or otherwise. There was no rush to gain an extra hand. The Kelvic would provide him with short term help, defiantly not a permanent fixture, which could be preferable. Jed didn't know how well he did sharing his work and certainly not for a long time. But with Kelvics, there was the very real risk of bonding or some complication with learning skills. The race had always seemed to be more of a pet-type, like Matilla, than the working type.

The boy on the other hand could learn. He had years ahead of him and wasn't likely very educated. He would be worth the time to teach if he lasted longer, able to work harder. But the boy was simply a child, he may not understand his predicament as a slave or have a habit of causing trouble, which Jed would have no patience for.

Jed eyed the clock on the wall, finished with rolling ha sleeves and surveying the products. He had made his descision. For some the potential flaws outweighed the potential benefits, for others they did not. Although Jed knew he still had time to decide. When the auction started, he would learn more about each slave, he could make his descision then.

PC/NPC Talking -- Common -- Thoughts

[Ahri Czesoni]

Summer 20 514 As the slaves before Ahri shuffled forward, she would slowly march behind them in what ever mood the rest seemed to have. However, from merely their body language she could that at least two in front of her were not quite enthused about it as she was. The kelvic quite enjoyed meeting a new master. As they emerge from the building she had been looking down toward the ground, however it would seem to the common observer that she may have actually been observing the manner which the rear of the slave before her walked. As the broke through into the upper level she winced as the shading of the basement was far darker than that of this surface room blinking a bit till her eyes had grown attuned to the new lighting. As the sun kissed upon Ahri, her bronze tanned skin from working the fields fortunately hadn’t ruined her tone. Most slaves pale with complexion from what she imagined seemed like they hadn’t worked a day in her life and she wanted them to know that she was hard working and willing meet whatever needs her master may have. Looking up and out toward the crowd Ahri obviously was new to the auction hall not genuinely enjoying the greedy eyes that were now staring at the five of them who were standing up on the stage. Watching the owned slave she was now attempting to get a good look at their face checking if any of them seemed droopy or happier than the rest. However they all were quite well trained so it was impossible to see without checking for lashing marks which would have been covered by their clothing. Shuffling sideways she would now looked beside her to the child who stood beside her. Frowning she pondered how old he must have been when he just began his life as a laborer. Particularly fortunate, Ahri knew that she was spoiled at a young age and decided it was best to remain quiet. Awaiting the next order to head up on stage the kevlic stood in the back. Unwilling to insult anyone by staring her gaze fell to the ground quite bleakly. [/indent][/color][/frame2]

[Timothy Mered]

20th Summer 514AV

Not before the cold steel was locked around his ankles once more, they moved forward and up. The tall, tanned woman in front of him shuffled ahead, and Tim, with drooped shoulders, followed her example. Neither the pace or posture of those before him did anything to comfort the crackling barrage of questions that besieged his mind. Who would he be sold to, if at all? What was expected of him? Was he supposed to look up or down or not to look at all? With every step his mind retreated further from his limbs until they simply moved him along without thought.

Now up and out, he squinted his eyes and took in the crowd. The marble benches they were seated upon, which had been dully placed above the product on display, immediately set the tone. No matter how deep he'd retreated into his mind, even he could sense the excited buzz in the air. To those positioned above him, he realized, this was an entertaining and necessary exercise. He'd seen an auction of cattle once and could guess the purpose of the red cloths in the hands of the interested. As soon as his eyes had adapted to the blinding radiance of the sphere in the sky, he could begin to make out the different faces.

Most buyers, he noticed, were male and of a rich and excited disposition. The many pastels and hues in their clothes were like a garden of wildflowers. Deep blues, warm oranges and pompous purples. If he'd been among them, he would've marveled at the clothing and architecture which was quite unlike the sloppy shacks he'd seen in Sunberth. Amidst the vast crowd, his eye lingered a few ticks too long on a particularly tall and muscled man who looked more the butcher's type in spite of his garment.

As soon as he tore his gaze away, in fear of upsetting anyone, he was confronted with another face, the one of the women next to him. Her look, though neither comforting nor kind, put him somewhat at ease. She reminded him of Nance, even though their appearances were worlds apart, except for the eye. That little dance of the eyebrow was enough to regain his composure. "Good luck," he muttered ever so silently, his lips barely parted and for a moment he doubted she'd even heard him, but didn't dare to risk another try. It was a stupid thing to say, he reflected, as luck would not have driven them to this life to begin with.

He settled his gaze to the section of the crowd in front of him. Perhaps it was rude to stare, but if there was a time for defiance without immediate consequence, Tim wagered now would be it. Thinking of Yahal strenghtened him. Would the God of the pure and faithful bow to any man or cower away in fright? He thought not. No, his God was the God of the knights, he'd been told, the God of the steadfast. And so he remained, visibly struggling to stand the tallest he could and blitz the onlookers with a sharp scowl that ocassionaly dipped into a far less confident look.

[Vice]

The Freeborn had chained the slaves to their tethers without a word, the ascent to the stage uneventful, though Marshal Sitai hummed excitedly as the possibilities coursed through him. Five slaves, a rather small variety for the day, but these slaves were unusual in other courses of events. The camel Kelvic and the child especially. Slaves were inspected before they were brought into the auction. Tests of beauty, strength, intelligence and competence were brought up, and the most interesting or otherwise brilliant slaves were auctioned off. The rest, the cattle that drove the plantations, were not awarded such a lavish honour.

Marshal Sitai noted the patronage of the evening first, the faces of two Akalaks, a Konti, a set of Dhani eyes, and the facial structure and posture of two Radackes all present and view-able. A set of Dynasty folk that joined the Freeborn rabble, and this was merely a cursory glance. A bright smile cast itself upon Marshal's features as he motioned to his merchandise, his voice easily sailing through the room, charisma and confidence radiating from each syllable uttered as he reached for his hat. He removed it and flourished his arm, an elegant bow bringing his body parallel to the floor before he rose,

"Welcome! Welcome, my dear, honoured guests! I am, of course, Marshal Sitai, your dedicated servant. We are all here for a purpose. Some to serve others, and the rest to buy servants, and today, my dear friends, this will be done. I have five exceptional specimens to show to you this afternoon. The first, a Kelvic. Valuable in their own right, but this one seems to have experience as a slave. Obedient and in excellent condition, this lovely specimen is available for any who would wish to purchase. Our next, of course..."

The Sitai went on to mention an Akalak slave, strong and stalwart of mind and body, an Ethaefal woman, beautiful though with trauma that required training to overcome, and a human, a woman newly brought into Kenash. Though it was with the last that he seemed to animate once again,

"Any, my friends! We have a child! Alone and seemingly abandoned, this inquisitive lad is available for sale. He demonstrates a clear competency for learning and a keen intelligence and a voice to die for. Perhaps a future personal slave, my friends. In any case, we shall begin with the Akalak!"

Bids went on and on, a fast pace kept, Sitai's expertise in handling the crowds showing with his smooth words and ability to spot the handkerchiefs the moment they rose. A total of seven chimes passed and the three were sold, the quick pace of the auction allowing the process to flow smoothly.

"And now, the child! Is there an opening bid for this growing mind?"

The word, "200!" rang through the air as the first bid was placed, an attendant moving to further groom the Kelvic, Mina noticing a stray movement of hair,

"Unfortunate that you're last, dear 32... But, you'll find a master... The auctions always do..."

A hand caressed Ahri's cheek as the Freeborn tied the slave's hair back to allow her face to be seen in full as the auction continued on.

"210!"

[Jed Radacke]

"Any, my friends! We have a child! Alone and seemingly abandoned, this inquisitive lad is available for sale. He demonstrates a clear competency for learning and a keen intelligence and a voice to die for. Perhaps a future personal slave, my friends. In any case, we shall begin with the Akalak!" It was a little unsettling Jed, how fast the bidding actually went. Barely ten chimes in, and three of the slaves were sold. Even if he had wanted them, he didn't know if he would have even had time to raise his hand. Jed's eyes flew to the last two, deciding that he would need to think quick on who to buy. Who would be more useful?"And now, the child! Is there an opening bid for this growing mind?"

Jed twirled the kerchief in between his fingers, he didn't need to worry. Jed's eyes flicked from the Sitai to the slave for sale, his decision made. The boy had nothing but potential, and that was what Jed needed at the moment. He could teach the boy what he needed him to do. "200!" He heard the first bid, straightening in his seat. He didn't raise his hand immediately, would another be interested?For obvious reasons, Jed hoped not, but knew that he would have contenders. The slaves were running out, the auction happening so quickly that people would make their choice quickly, just as Jed had."220!" As the Radacke heard the words, his kerchief was raised in a flash.

"Two-Thirty." He spoke loud enough to be heard, but focused on keeping his voice even. Jed did not bid an abundant amount, sure that someone would bid after him. His own budget would allow a bit more than simply two-hundred-thirty golds, but he would take as low of a price as allowed. He didn't want to seem desperate for the boy, or he would incite those who would bid simply to raise the price. Jed did not let his eyes wander, focusing on the product. Long digits itched to twist the kerchief, tear at the seems a bit, relieve his nerves. But Jed stood there, still as a stone, leveling his gaze with the boy. Should the slave catch his eye, he would bear the full force of Jed's nerves, transformed into unemotional ice blue eyes. He was his slave of choice that day, and one that Jed would've liked to walk out with, or go empty handed to try again another day.

Whether that was a good thing or not would be present after the first few interactions. Jed had his own reputation, aside from his family's, for cruelty. But he also found himself on a personal level with his slaves more often than the rest of his family. Things like emotions came in handy for discipline, but it was also important to keep a slaves working hard. Most of his family believed the way to do so was through force, which Jed also thought to be very efficient. However loyalty was key in keeping the perfect slave, as Matilla had proved to him throughout their lives. Jed decided not to think too much about owning the boy. Like finding a pet and asking to keep it, it is best not to get too attached until you were certain of the results ...

PC/NPC Talking -- Common -- Thoughts