“Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention. We will be getting started shortly; so please find your seats.” The Auctioneer announced, standing center stage in front of the big curtains. She was a beautiful, statuesque woman who appeared to be half elf and half fox-kin; wearing a full length, form hugging, green dress, with spaghetti straps and a high slit that showed her legs; that contrasted her red fur perfectly.

The announcement brought Nita out of her musing and refocused her on the proceedings.

“We have a special treat to start the evening off. As most of you are no doubt aware; the infamous pirate Killian Larac was captured and executed two weeks ago. As a result, we are honored to offer Captain Larac and his crews’ extensive collection of runic gear for your bidding pleasure.” The Auctioneer said in a clear and carrying voice, gesturing to the curtains behind her as they drew open.

“Looks like father is well informed as always.” Evelin mused to herself, sitting forward to get a better view. “There should be some fun items on offer.”

“Anything good that won’t go for an arm and a leg?” Nita asked, interested in the items to come. It was rare for Runic items to be sold at auction. They either went to the descendants of the dead owner or were taken and kept as prizes by the people that killed them.

New rune items were always custom-made items that were immediately tied to an owner. In fact, some items would collapse if they hadn’t been tied to someone’s innate mana for longer than five years, If they were created to be bound. Though this generally didn’t occur with the more talented craftsmen like master Durgon, who could make fully independent items.

“Only rumors love, weapons and sailing related items I’m sure.” Evelin answered watching the curtains being dragged open. “Here we go.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Catherine, and I will be your host for the evening.” The half-fox-kin announced, once more taking center stage and gesturing to another woman carrying a large mace out to stand beside her.

“Now, I have the pleasure to present this beautiful runic mace. Its sheathed form is a dark-steel and silver collar. Why don’t we start at 25crowns?” Catherine asked turning a wide smile on the crown flashing sharp canines.

“I have 25. Now 30? I have 30. Now 35?” She rattled off.

“80 crowns.” A man below their box yelled.

Sitting back Evelin shook her head and fingered her placard smiling at Nita. “Too rich for me, love. Father and Vinny would have a conniption if I bought something that expensive for my collection.”

The Auction continued below them, various items coming up and being sold, many going for more than a couple kings. Nita got up and poured herself a stiff drink and took some pastries before retaking her seat.

“Oh!” Evelin exclaimed with a small clap and paid more attention to the auction.

“Next up, my I present this beautiful runic hand mirror, sheathed form is a thin bangle. Starting bid is 5 crowns. I have 5. 10?” Catherine announced.

“15.” Evelin shouted holding up her placard.

“20.” Someone below countered.

“35.” Evelin countered quickly. Silence was her answer.

“I have 35, do I have 35. No?” Silence. “Going once, twice, third… sold to the lady in booth 12.” Catherine finished.

“Really?” Nita admonished her with an eye roll.

“What it’s cute.” Evelin responded with a smile.

Nita just shook her head in response.

“So, what are you looking for tonight love? Have you given it some thought?” Evelin asked.

“Kit and I were talking about this earlier today.” Nita said debating how much to reveal to Evelin. “Carson ‘suggested’ I start a small mercenary company and I’m tentatively following his advice. Kit and I decided I would see what I could get for cheap today and see how far I can push my magic. We figured we would see what there was for mutts and cripples.” Nita explained making the bracket motion with her fingers.

She decided to not explain her real motivations, in buying the undervalued, to the woman. She was still unsure around Evelin, and her rapid change in demeaner after Nita had gotten her brand was unsettling.

“Oh? This should be fun. So, the uglier and broken the better? This sounds marvelously devious love.” Evelin said with a quick, enthusiastic, double clap.

Nita started to roll her eyes again and realized how much she had been doing it lately and settled for a shrug. “I just hope I can find some promising bargains.” Or people that need a break in a bad life. She told herself.

Looking back to the auction, Nita noticed that they were auctioning what appeared to be a set of 8 mithril lockpicks. The current bid was 10 crowns, and no one was biting.

“Shit, Kit did you catch what the sheathed form was?” Nita, interested, asked turning to Kit, who shook her head in the negative.

“Two mithril hoop earrings, Milady.” The big bear-kin spoke up.

“Thanks!” She said then louder called out. “11crowns.” Holding up her number. When no one bid further she was quickly announced as the winner.

“Really, you’re going to have a permanent set of earrings?” Evelin reproved Nita in a mocking tone, before letting out a short laugh, shaking her head like Nita was crazy to make such a fashion faux pas.

“What? They could become useful, and I don’t have to bind them to myself; besides, cheap.” Nita said defensively. Telling herself it might be smart to have picks that no one could remove from her person, without killing her. She also had an idea for an alternative binding spot, that made her blush slightly.

“I think I will get more use out of my mirror love.” Evelin answered competitively.

There was a commotion behind the door then it opened suddenly, and Evelin’s father strutted in followed by a couple large bear-kin that looked a lot like the one already in the room. He was a large, bald, rotund man with cheeks and nose red from a life of drink. Nita found it hard to find any resemblance between him and Evelin. He paused to study Kit momentarily before turning to Evelin with a wide grin. “Dear daughter! Have I missed anything special?” He asked his daughter.

“No father, mostly nautical items and a couple simple weapons so far. I bought a mirror and Nita got some lockpicks.” Evelin gave her father a quick rundown.

“Good, good.” He said approaching the balcony to see what was currently on offer, a dark-steel dagger that was already over a king, before turning his attention back to the girls. “Lady Alexander, a pleasure, as always.” He said giving her a short bow.

“Otto, you know I prefer Nita.” Nita admonished. “This is Kit. She is one of mine.” Nita said gesturing to Kit.

“Nita finally got her brand and found Kit here at a steal in Ashville, guess what she paid!?” Evelin said, deciding to try playing Nita’s game forward.

“Just tell me, my dear.” Otto said giving his daughter a patient look, while taking a closer look at Kit, he gave an approving nod.

“You’re no fun!” Evelin said with a pout.

“3-chits.” Nita said casually. Studying the sword on offer below.

“Impressive. You’re here to start filling out your collection then?” Otto asked.

“Yeah, I have a couple Kings to spend. I thought I would hang out and see what I could get. The Count wants me to consider starting a mercenary company, and I figured I would see what I could manage with the capital I have.” Nita said. Though I'm not comfortable owning people like you. Collection is such a dirty word when you say it. She groused in her mind trying to make her decision sit better with her values.

“Smart.” Otto said with an approving nod. “Don’t borrow if you don’t need to.”

“You should consider a few freemen, for your band. Slaves are not always reliable: sometimes forcing people into dangerous situations backfires. You have to acknowledged these weaknesses; I've had to repurpose or sell plenty of slaves. Freemen know what they are getting when they sign-up. Just that choice, can make a big difference. Especially, if they have prior experience. In fact, a couple experienced freemen would be best for you, starting out. Kit here has obvious experience, so you lucked out there, but you won't always be that lucky. If you only focus on slaves for purposes other than battle, you won't go wrong. There are plenty of desperate free people willing to throw themselves into danger.” Otto said steepling his fingers.

Nita acknowledged his advice with a considering nod.

A set of two beautiful moon-steel kukri were presented below and Nita perked up; remembering Kits proficiency with the blades. Nita put up bids for 20 then 45 crowns, but the price quickly shot up over a king and she sat back with a sigh.

“Don’t worry mistress, they were sized more for a large man.” Kit said, reassuring Nita.

“Huh, I should have thought of that.” Nita admitted, giving Kit a grateful nod.

Giving up on the runic part of the auction, Nita turned to Evelin and asked. “So, you wanted some work done?”

“Yeah.” Evelin said slowly. She looked at her father warily, then coming to a visible decision she shrugged. “I had the royal fleshy do some work on my breasts, as you can see.” She said gesturing at her chest. “At the time it looked good, but I’m afraid. ‘cough.’ My left nipple is now noticeably lower than the right.” Evelin explained embarrassed.

“Uh yeah, that’s a quick fix. I’ll do it later I need to see what I’m doing to get them straight, and.” Nita said with a giggle, then gestured at Otto to finish.

“Right.” Evelin said getting up to pour herself a stiff drink.

Otto let out a laugh at his daughters’ discomfort.