For a good long while Valkyrie had debated whether or not to shave down the next captive on the block to make her conform. In the end she had decided that no, her mop of hair was sure to appeal to someone in the same way that little tree climber's odd feet had.

She tugged the hefty woman forward and positioned her on the well worn spot. The woman was spirited but Valkyrie would take no guff. Either she would comply or she would pay for her insolence.

In a loud voice she said, "Gather 'round, the next auction is about to begin."

""

She had fought with everything she had against these...these heathens! But in the end they had overpowered her and thrown her in a pit with some other unfortunates. Runa had not let them break her, no matter how badly they treated her. Her usually brushed mane was messy and tangled, but she hadn't the chance to clean herself up since her capture. One by one they were poked and prodded like cattle to the slaughterhouse, and when her turn came she reluctantly made her way forward. They could poke and prod all they wanted, but it wouldn't be enough to break her. As she was roughly forced into her position, she stared at the passersby with an air of anger and hatred and her head held high. She would get out of here, one way or another. And one day, they would all pay for this.

She had not spoken since her capture, instead reverting to her more primal nature and only responding to them with growls, snarls, and the occasional snap of teeth. For all they knew, she didn't speak at all. Maybe if she played dumb, she'd be let go. But then again...maybe not. She would not bow to anyone, and if this was her only means of escape, so be it. She would play their little game...for now.

Delicate paws carried the young one through the woods, curious as he saw the amount of wolves there. For the most part he had stuck by Melanthios, his cousin, hiding behind their larger form. He was officially two years old now, a young man, though the male didn’t feel it. He was still so small… hardly an impressive creature by size standards. Heck, Acere’s foxes were just as big as he was… if not bigger by now!

But… someone caught his eye. There was a strange woman calling to others to gather around… and… a slave? Gav furrowed his brow as he took note of the mane on the girl’s head. Before Melanthios could utter a word of warning the winged boy was off, Houdini mutter a curse as she hung on to her companion’s fur so she wouldn’t fall off.

“Dammit Gav!” The rat chattered.

The multicolored youth ignored her. His green eyes were fixed on the slave as he drew close, slowing before shifting his gaze to the one in charge.

“...How much to start?” The winged male asked. He had seen this sort of thing before, back in his homelands… it wasn’t uncommon for slaves to be traded for other goods. As a Kedieo he had, in a way, been spared from that fate… only to be dealt a cold hand in other ways. Had he been in another family his kin could have been killed when he was a pup… and he could have been sold off with whatever siblings he had.

this was amusing. Huntington had come to the market looking to trade her flourishing herb stock for other items, but she seemed to have stumbled upon a slaving auction. avoiding the large groups of rowdy patrons, she would slip behind a ginger man as he asked to offer on the mixed-blood girl. though the girl had a dire wolf at her disposal, she saw potential in making more of a splash. even if she did not have much t offer, it would be amusing to just be considered. she was nothing without a bit of entertainment. "I offer ten percent of my herbal garden and my services as a healer for your band for half a season" her quiet tone spoke from behind the winged man as she slid up. ""

Melanthios was not pleased when their smaller cousin broke away. He was still so naive… and was going to put a lot more work on them if he drew attention to himself. Ah well… she couldn’t really fault him for being how he was…

They followed after Gavroche, striking in their own way. It was… a bit funny how the two were related, really. Gavroche was so small, with wings to boot… and they were a massive, scarred bright red wall of wolf. Their own mane and the massive collar about their neck were just… extras.

It became clear what had caught their cousin’s attention. A woman for auction… one with a mane. Melanthios’ fiery gaze swept over her calmly. Just as Gavroche was used to their behavior so too were they. The beast stood beside their cousin, tail swishing back and forth thoughtfully. For now they remained quiet, not wanting to betray what they suspected were Gav’s feelings. There was no way he’d keep her as a slave forever…

That wasn’t Gav’s way.

But keep her around to help her? Yeah, that had Gavroche written all over it. They just hoped the kid knew what he was doing.

Ahhh and here came competition. Best start thing thing off then, hmm?

“A fair offer,” Melanthios rumbled.

“My cousin and I counter that offer with the following, then. A full season of healer services from the kid,” She gestured at Gavroche. “Filling two stores with herbs for use once we leave, healing lessons for those willing to learn during the season and…” The beast rumbled. “My hunting services during the period of time as well.”

"heh" Huntington spoke mostly to herself, amused at the fact it was finally getting serious. no one had approached the mixed blood and the band leader with a good offer until she allowed her services in. "I concede" t'was a fun emotion, to realize you were the one behind the wheels of change. it was also quite amusing to see how this realm worked. she resisted a crazed smirk as she turned around to exit. though she did call over to Valkyrie as she went off. "if any of your people need herbs, I will trade less... favorable objects for them. I will be around." objects meant people, and less meant simple things for other simple things. she only wished to practice her skills and bartering, and even if she could not assist the Hjarrandi Band she would get something out of this. / EXIT ""

The rust marked Nightingale only appeared at the market so that he might find his love and return her to his side. However, he found himself recognizing a kindred spirit and found himself drawn to the wild looking canine. He wasn’t sure if she was even a wolf, but the look in her eye and the way she held herself told him if he was able to garner her freedom she would be the perfect wolf to help him either enact his revenge on the vikings for taking his shadow or helping him to rescue her one way or another.

Oxide wasn’t sure what he might offer as a counter. He was by himself in the endeavor. ”I’ll offer my services of a tracker for a season, I know the ins and outs of the eastern lands and would hunt as well. I also offer two knives made from the antlers of a whitetail deer, along with its pelt. I’m a decent fighter, and will offer my claws and teeth to your cause for that same season.” He wasn’t two wolves, but he thought his offer outbid the last easily.

Everything was fine until another wolf showed up. Gavroche’s ears flicked back as he listened. No… what if this guy would hurt her? Just take her to use the poor lady? The winged boy’s mind frantically began to turn. Something to offer… something to offer…

“I-If you like crafted things then…” Gavroche lifted his head, speaking more boldly now. “Twenty feathers.” He gestured at his wings. “Five of each color. Houdini, my companion, can craft them into accessories or weave them into fur. She’s good with her paws… and uh… If you like pelts of animals ‘dini and I can get them off the animals that Mela fells during our time with you and--”

“BREATHE CHILD.”

Houdini scowled down at the winged kid as he was reminded that, you know, you have to breathe to be able to keep talking. He was panting from the effort of talking so fast. Gods, remind her to keep this kid holed up in the future.

“That, in addition to the previous offer, plus whatever Mela might want to add.” Gavroche finally managed to get out.

Melanthios’s fiery gaze flicked to the newcomer. Hm… well, a shame, but they’d definitely need to up the ante to outbid him, hmm? Their cousin’s rapid speech betrayed him… and Melanthios sighed.

“Peace, Gavroche.” The red beast flicked their gaze to the winged boy. “We’ll see to it that you get her.” They remained confident and calm. If their cousin so desperately wanted this woman saved then so be it. They would not deny him.

“Wolves see my scars and assume that I have lost a great many battles.” They allowed a small smile to play on their features. “But it just proves I can survive the hits. I, too, am no stranger on the battlefield. In addition to the previous I can offer my fangs and claws to your cause as well. Maims, warmongering, anything may have need of.” They hummed thoughtfully. “We’ll also extend our services for a season and a half.”

“...and if that isn’t enough, well, I’m sure we can sweeten the pot a bit more.” They glanced at the competition. “No hard feelings, but what that runt wants, he’s gonna get even if I have to move heaven and earth to get it.”

 

Valkyrie cast a sly look between the bidders. She cast a nod after the little woman but said nothing as she left - now was not the time for such things - and then returned her attention to the bidders. There was a bit of back and forth and then finally the giant red one's bid went unchallenged. How nice. Valkyrie very nearly rubbed her paws together in glee. Now she had a jolly red giant and a little winged one for a season and a half. That pleased her.

She dipped her head to Melanthios before barking, "Sold!" loud enough for anything watching and those occupying the nearby stalls to know of her success. Stoking the auction atmosphere and all that.

Her gaze roved between the two wolves. "You will have three days to gather what you need and once you are ready to join us, you will begin to repay your debt immediately." To Melanthios who had put a time limit on the offer, she said, "A season and a half. Not a day less or the girl stays mine."

""