Absinthe assured them he had just the wolf in mind, taking them into the cave system. As they neared the entrance, he turned to his bear companion. "Wait here, Bast, stay with her." He ordered two of his companions. Leaving the bear and cat to guard their wares. He knew they wouldn't let the goods out of their sight. Turning back, he followed their guide past the guides and into the dimmer world beyond. Absinthe had paused, waiting for the Warlord to enter with them.

Here, he was apparently to leave them. The Warlord raised a brow at his wording. Did their slaves get a choice in their owners? "Of course." He agreed politely, letting the smaller wolf go on ahead. Thus far, he had found their guide to be agreeable and accommodating.

At the boys word, he leaned lightly against him, bumping his shoulder in a silent gesture of support. "Your doing grand. Let's see what things are being haggle for here to get the gist of what they find to be valuable" he suggested.

With the assent of his clients, he slunk off deeper into the cavern. As he got closer, he could catch the glint of lamplight off the ember-dappled coat of the servant he sought. Picking his way between stalls and the stilled forms of other clients browsing the merchandise, the dark male eventually found himself closing the distance between himself and Lia. She was a bit on the larger side, and would have been ill suited to a role alongside a smaller female. However, her delicate form and plush curves spoke of good breeding, and she was very well mannered at the worst of times. She had her back to him, fixated on one of her many daily maintenance chores no doubt. Clearing his throat softly to warn her of his approach, he brought himself over to her right side and lowered his head so he could speak quietly with her. "Miss Idalia, I'd like you to join me for a consult with these two fine gentlemen at the entrance." he murmured, his accent wrapping smoothly around the syllables and turning the offer into something with a little less room for argument. He didn't look behind him, he knew the two titans were still there- he could faintly hear the low undertones of their voices even at this distance. "The Warlord has brought his godson, Artorias, in search of a handmaiden for a princess. Grooming, cleaning, and mingling with the upper echelons of the southern region at times. They specifically requested a beautiful servant, and I believe you will thrive in that role." he explained, and then lifted his head from where he was speaking close to her ear. Lightly brushing his shoulder against hers, he guided the emberling slave to face in the direction they would be headed. With a flick of his charcoal tipped banner, the barest suggestion against her hocks, he strode back towards the pair with the girl in tow. There was more than enough time for her to voice any concerns to him on the short trip across the cave, if need be, but he had little interest in dawdling or dragging her to these men by her tail. Perhaps he could save her from being completely destroyed by the abuse of the marauders by trading her at the first opportunity, and allow her the potential to heal and flourish in a new role. The wraith quickly rejoined the pair of clients with Idalia by his side, and dipped his head politely to them in greeting. "My lords, allow me to introduce Miss Idalia. She is one of our prized servants, and I believe she would be perfectly suited to the role my lord Artorias is looking to fill." he purred, glancing briefly at the sunfire girl before fixing a curious gaze on the males before him. For the barest moment, he was reminded of what he used to be- heir to the throne, headstrong and haughty. It was hard not to lift his chin and square his shoulders when he lightly quirked a brow at the sapphire marked male and asked "What are you going to offer in exchange for her service, my lord?" auds twitched forward the barest inch, eager to find out what would come of the Warlord and his godson when asked to put a price on their latest pound of flesh. ooc. I was thinking Idalia posts, then we resume Art/Seer/Abby after that? Up to y'all lol "speech" STEP IN LINE, EVERYTHING WILL BE JUST FINE

At the sound of a throat clearing beside her, Adelia was quick to drop what she was doing, and turn with a bow. Ready to serve whoever required her. When she saw it was Absinthe, a little smile peeked through her muted expressions. Like the hint of a sunrise on a cloudy morning. In a life filled with horrors, she was become attached to the small kindnesses of the of the head slave.

As his words registered, she glanced past him at the bulking Titan forms of the two men. She bulked a little at the intimidating sight of them, but matched her steps to Absinthe regardless. She knew better then to let her fears control her.

The man spoke of becoming a hand maiden to a Princess, and she let herself consider that for a moment. If they desired her for her beauty, perhaps she was to be an ornament, more then a toy. Pampering a Princesa didn't sound too difficult, and any sharp tongue the girl possessed would surely be an easier fate to face then the endless hunger of the marauders. "Its my pleasure to serve" She said softly to Absinthe, hiding any fear of this new unknown future behind the words.

They arrived before the giant wolves and her eyes briefly grazed over the white marked wolf, and the younger blue. Even she could admit he was handsome, with an easy face. The sheathed sword he wore was an interesting anomaly. She stopped when her companion did, and sank demurely to the ground before them, lowering her head. "My Lord's. It's my pleasure to serve you." She whispered in gentle tones

"Speech"

Artorias couldn't help but feel a little proud at Sirius' compliment to his performance so far. He still felt very out of his element, but knowing he was doing a superb job of being polite and professional went a long way to boosting the boy's confidence. He was eyeing some of the exotic furs lining one of the stalls when the sound of Absinthe addressing them pulled his attention away. Artorias glanced up to find their host had returned with a new fae at his side, introducing her as Idalia. Instantaneously, Artorias was struck by how young the girl was. She couldn't have been older than he was, a good half foot shorter than him, with a slender and feminine build. Her coat was striking, looking as if the young woman had been pulled from the smoldering cinders of a wildfire, and her dazzling amber eyes seemed to mirror his, though a few shades darker. If Artorias' eyes were a live fire, hers were the wiping embers left in the wake of the flames. He blinked a few times to try and mask his initial surprise, unable to take her eyes off of her. He had asked for a good-looking wolf and Absinthe had delivered in dividends.

The wolf named Idalia bowed before him and Sirius, voicing her willingness to serve. Her voice was soft, melodic almost, and her behavior demure and rehearsed. How long had she been a slave for? Artorias found himself fascinated by her, intrigued by the mystery she posed to him. Absinthe described Idalia as one of their most prized servants, and the young brute could believe that. Taking a step closer, Artorias began to inspect Idalia closer, looking between her flame-kissed eyes and over the intricate markings on her delicate features. He moved around her side, inspecting her posture, her structure. She seemed perfect, checking every box he had mandated to Absinthe. His expression remained still and measured though, giving away nothing as Absinthe slipped seamlessly into the negotiation phase. This was where the real test would begin, and Artorias did not want to start off by letting his poker face slip.

"Tell me why she's one of your most prized servants," he asked of Absinthe, not turning his gaze away from Idalia. Artorias was indeed pleased by what he saw before him, but he had to know what made her so valuable, what she was capable of. After a moment of consideration, Artorias turned his gaze back toward Absinthe's bourbon-colored eyes. "I have a pristine crocodile skin and teeth, an assortment of hardened steels and rare metals, some jewelry found in nearby ruins, and several bottles of alcohols including Hallowed wine that can only be produced by my pack. Would this be acceptable to your employer?" Artorias glanced around the cavern briefly at the number of guards looking over the traders once more, wondering just who ran this operation. He already knew he wasn't going to leave without Idalia—he'd felt a connection with the fae as soon as he'd laid eyes on her—and he had a few more valuable things he could trade if Absinthe refused his first offer. Artorias didn't exactly know the going rate for a slave.

"Artorias Carpathius"

One big happy family

Artorias has two ravens named Corbin and Eira and a fox named Argent. Assume they are within calling distance at all times.
As his mate, Briar may enter Artorias' threads unless marked Private.
____________________

ooc. skipping Seer as requested by Sea <3 Surprise flickered briefly over the blue and black mask of the young male, amber gaze drifting over the brilliant markings that covered the girl. Then, as quickly as the shock had appeared, it was replaced by the cool mask of professionalism. Absinthe tracked his gaze, noticed the slow roll of his attention across the length of Idalia's bodice. "Tell me why she's one of your most prized servants," the boy demanded evenly, continuing his assessment of the girl before him. Tail slipping between his thighs to sweep slowly across his hocks, he kept a keen eye on the boy to ensure he didn't get too handsy with the girl. The Warlord had seemed eager previously to steer the conversation away from carnal interests in the servants, but the dark servant reserved no trust for strangers. In his time he had seen the depravity of wolves, witnessed the cruelest debasement possible, and wouldn't find himself especially shocked if Artorias stuck his nose between the girl's thighs as part of his inspection. He would be quick to knock sense into the larger man, certainly, but he would not be horrified or caught unawares. "Miss Idalia is of fine breeding, acquired from the wife of a baron who was none too thrilled to find her own daughter growing more beautiful than she. She comes from quite the pedigree, and formal etiquette comes naturally to her- right Miss Idalia? " he purred with a quirk of his brow, glancing in her direction. Once more his accent was proving itself useful, the lilt on his syllables accentuated the praise he offered up for the slave girl. He neglected to mention that Augustus had taken her by force from the men her mother had originally sold her to- the ones who had been kind enough to give them drinks and talk all night long about their latest conquests and acquisitions. "She has proven thus far to be exceptional at following direction, with an eye for detail and a sharp memory. Despite that rather... willowy frame of hers, Miss Idalia is more than capable of carrying heavier loads as well, we've been relying on her to keep the lamps well stocked, and replace them when necessary." he opted to leave it at that, as the more he spent referencing the girl's beauty, the dirtier he felt. Once he had a moment to himself he might need a drink to wash the taste of those words from his kohl-dark tongue. After a few moments, Artorias made his offer. Swirling whiskey optics meeting with half-blind brimstone. "I have a pristine crocodile skin and teeth, an assortment of hardened steels and rare metals, some jewelry found in nearby ruins, and several bottles of alcohols including Hallowed wine that can only be produced by my pack. Would this be acceptable to your employer?" the sapphire marked male questioned, and the high-born influence reared its ugly head in the dark furred male. Hellfire gaze drifted to his right, searching the craggy back wall for the hollow where Augustus watched intently in the shadows. It didn't take long to locate the sunset form of his master, bright eyes focused intently enough to immediately pin Absinthe with his stare. There was no way Augustus had heard the details, but he was taking the opportunity to engage in some theatrics. The once-prince rarely found the opportunity to make use of the skills that had been developed among the nobility, and he wouldn't pass this one up. Augustus, to his credit, didn't turn down the opportunity to impose his power upon others. He pointedly looked away from Absinthe's prying gaze, surveying the rest of the market instead. Thus, the servant found his tapered crown tipping sideways, examining the portion of the loaded cart outside that was visible to him. "If you were to add one of those bear skins to the deal, then I suppose my master would be willing to part with Miss Idalia." he countered, meeting Artorias' eye with a cool, disinterested expression and a flick of his tail. It was time to see what was to be made of the boy, in earnest. "speech" STEP IN LINE, EVERYTHING WILL BE JUST FINE

Lia held herself low, head bowed before the two men, but tipped ever so slightly upwards. Allowing her a chance to see the reactions of the men as they took her in. The Warlord sucked in a breath, and the sword warrior beside him widened his eyes in surprise. Neither made a comment on what had startled them so, and quickly her worthiness was being tested.

The young Lord stepped closer, his eyes roving her body. She glanced demurely up at him over her lashes. His gaze lingered on her face, and she held herself still, letting him peer or touch as he pleased. She could feel the eyes of their Master on them in the distance. Knew the punishment of disobedience. Knew that the harshness she had tasted could so very easily be worse. Her life was at their beck and call, and she would do whatever she must to see another sunrise. She blinked slowly and gently at the blue wolf, a light upwards twist cresting her subtle parted lips, before he moved onwards to survey her sides.

She held herself so still as though it was as easy as breathing. Her half crouched form showed no strain on her muscles. She gave no indication that hearing her life's story spoken from the lips of a wolf she almost considered a friend meant anything to her. Keeping her face open and demure. “I can service wolves in any circles you wish, if it pleases you My Lords.” She agreed, her voice soft and smooth, just loud enough to be heard. Other than that one soft input, she remained quiet and still. Her posture subservient.

"Speech"

Artorias listened to Absinthe detail Idalia's history, her circumstances for ending up in the slavers' possession, and her functions and abilities that made her so valuable as a commodity. The blue-furred heir hadn't missed how their host had placed emphasis on Idalia's pedigree and beauty. He could not deny that she was a gorgeous wolf, but it did make him wonder just what purpose they saw Idalia as filling—or what purposes she'd already fulfilled. He thought back to Iris, to how she had told him she'd been used as a sex toy to her previous owners, and though he hadn't seen any signs of physical harm or mistreatment on her, Artorias silently wondered if she had been subjected to a similar fate. He hoped she hadn't. But it had made his resolve to take her away all the stronger, to remove this beautiful, shy creature from a possible lifetime of torment and abuse. Artorias still didn't know what kind of leader or master he would be, but he knew one thing for certain: Idalia would be safe if she was his.

Absinthe was quiet once Artorias had made his offer, seeming to consider the trade's value. Artorias noticed the dark-furred man peer up and he followed their host's gaze up to the shadowy walls. Fiery eyes studied the cavern, spotting the shadowed silhouette of a wolf only moments later. For Absinthe to immediately default to this wolf's approval... this had to be the big boss. Artorias' gaze didn't linger long, just enough to identify the head of the slavers, then turned back down to Lia while the demure fae gazed up at him, smoldering eyes veiled behind long lashes. Absinthe countered his offer, requesting one additional bear pelt be added to the total. Artorias' lips pursed while he considered the price of the wolf before him. He held her gaze while she spoke, lyrics mellifluous and entrancing. She could service wolves in various circles in many different ways. The double entendre was lost on the young Artorias at the moment while he considered renegotiating. Was that what was expected of him? Would it come across as weak if he accepted the price?

Now it was Artorias who glanced away, looking back to their cart of tradable goods, then looking briefly to Sirius. He was shopping with the Warlord's wallet after all, and he didn't want to be too loose with his offers or too stingy and risk losing Idalia. Seer gave him a curt nod, little more than a dip of his chin, but that was all he needed. Artorias looked back to Idalia again, lifting a slow paw to carefully caress the soft fur on her cheek and tilt her head one way, then the other while he considered her. In actuality, he was taking in this moment: the moment where he possessed his first wolf. Was this rush of adrenaline speeding through his racing heart what Sirius felt every time he took another wolf into the Armada, when another wolf became his? This possessive protectiveness to keep her safe and his—his. His paw dropped, and the corner of Artorias' lip twitched upward into the ghost of a smile while he looked into her eyes. Idalia was his.

"Deal." He spoke without looking away from Idalia, not wanting to miss the look in the girl's eyes when she realized she was leaving this place. Artorias looked to Absinthe and gave a flick of his head toward Sirius' bear and the cart of goods. "Some of the items are a little heavy. I'd see about getting some wolves to help us unload the goods." Fiery amber eyes flicked back up to the nooks in the cave wall for a beat, then back down to Absinthe with an easy smile. "Do let your master know you've been a tremendous help, and thanks to you, if Idalia is as quality as you claim, he has a new repeat customer in me. Whenever your business is in Boreas or Auster, seek me and my pack out down south at the castle. I'd be happy to work with someone professional like yourself." Artorias glanced back down to Idalia. "Do you have any belongings you need to gather?" He didn't know if slaves were permitted to have personal items or not.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Corbin" | "Argent"

One big happy family

Artorias has two ravens named Corbin and Eira and a fox named Argent. Assume they are within calling distance at all times.
As his mate, Briar may enter Artorias' threads unless marked Private.
____________________

Absinthe gave freely the information on his slaves history, and the Warlord glanced back at the fire marked woman. How her birthright as a noblewoman had been taken from her. His godson surveyed the offered wolf. Looking her over up and down, his expression passive and giving away little. It wasn’t until he returned to the front of her that Sirius saw a spark of something familiar in the boy’s golden gaze. He would have this wolf.

Despite the growing possessiveness, he had the spatial awareness to follow their guide's eyes to the shadowy alcove, and see the outline of the puppet master. The Warlord noted the man as well, but mostly his eyes were for Art. Watching the way a determination, a need, fell over his eyes. When Art glanced his way, Sirius gave a subtle nod. Yes, he understood. Art wanted this wolf, wanted to call her his. That possessive streak was something Sirius could understand all too well. Mine.

Artorias agreed to the deal. His eyes held to that of Lia’s for a long moment, before he finally glanced away again, returning them to their host. The Warlord stepped in, placing a paw on Art’s shoulder for a second. “You belong now to the Armada, Idalia” he rumbled. Which was true in part, though ultimately her fate lay with Art.

"Sirius Fatalis"