Servant Auction

Dance Tent

Decorations are down and extra tables are removed, but the tent is crowded with chairs set up for bidders. A large platform runs across the front of the tent, and an unprofessional-looking handlettered banner hangs over it, reading "Servant Auction." A line of chairs on the stage seat the volunteers waiting for their turn on the auction block. The only other item in the tent is a table that holds pitchers of ice water, a somewhat vain attempt to help ward off the oppressive heat."

Simkus smiles as starts to see people enter the room. He walks over to Callysto and says something to her, and then seems to hand something to her before walking away to greet Lasarah. "Greetings Lasarah."

Daine enters.

Zella enters.

Filli enters.

Lasarah glances over to him nervously, unsure of what he has talked her into. "Yeah, Greetings, Simmy," she says distractedly, looking around. What is she doing here anyway? And who is going to bid on her?

Seli nods to those who enters, as she walks over towards Simkus and Lasarah, "Seems like things have been going well?"

Calia enters.

Callysto grins and nods to Simkus. She looks around at the others entering and slips something into her pocket. Smiling at Lasarah, she smooths out her shirt and makes sure it's straight.

Simkus smiles at everyone. "Yes, thankfully, they have been going well. Just have this auction to get through and things can get back to normal."

Seli smiles, "That's good. Gathers are fun, but can be tiring things." as she then backs off to watch everyone."

Calia slips in. Ewww crowds again. However she did offer herself for the auction. Though why is anybodies guess including hers. Tucking hands behind her back she moves to Stand beside the Craftsecond murmuring "Hello Seli." Lasarah and Simkus are given winks and she tilts her head to catch up on the conversation.

Lasarah is obviously uncomfortable, and it's not the heat. "Going well so far, Seli. But who knows how /this/ will turn out." She glares just a little at Simkus. "All you have to do is get through the auction. I'll have to get through whatever comes of it."

Simkus grins as Lasarah. "Don't worry, you will get through it just fine."

Seli raises her voice just a tad to carry over the conversations towards Lasarah, "I'm sure it'll be fine. Hello, Calia."

Calia grins at lasarah and winks "You and me both Las so relax."

Lasarah isn't sure at all, but with so many people voicing their opinions, what can she say? Folding her arms with a grimace and a tilt of her head, she moves over to the chairs where the victims - er - volunteers are to sit. "When is this going to start, Simmy?" Best to get it over with.

Zella slouches by the sidelines, eyes slightly unfocused. And arms full of... feathers. Surprise, surprise. Myriad plumes drift from arms to floor, and still more waft lazily through the tent's still air, lodging wherever they happen to alight- on the ground, on the other guests, in her hair... Yep, Kyaarth's looking all Bright And Glowy, and Zella's looking all... proddy. Lucky auction.

Simkus smiles at Lasarah. "Shortly, I hope. Need to get some more buyers here before we can start to sell you."

Lasarah rolls her eyes as Zella enters. "Oh no, feathers again?" She can see another long night ahead cleaning up the tent. She leans to whisper to Simkus, "Did you know she was proddy when you accepted her for sale?"

Calia grins at Lasarah's expression and murmurs to Seli "Hey Seli? Wasn't this Simkus's and Lasarah's idea in the first place?" she questions just loud enough for Lasarah to hear. She moves to take a seat beside Lasarah and leans back trying to appear relaxed. She blinks at Zella and glances at Lasarah and Simkus "She's being sold...um...proddy?" isn't there a rule about that somewhere? Master's mind searches frantically for one and comes up with a blank. "Poor dear."

Seli watches the entrance of the greenrider. Feathers. Fun! And she picks up a couple of them to run through her fingers.

Simkus shakes his head and leans in to whisper to Lasarah. "That will make it fun for whomever buys her."

Filli stands in the corner looking around. She stands there with with a smile and just listens..

Lasarah smiles wryly at Calia. "It /was/ our idea, but I didn't know that /I/ was going to be sold when I agreed to it." She looks around again, nervously, wondering who would let her off with the least work if she were to be bought by someone here.

Simkus stands up, and nods towards Lasarah and Calia, then walks towards the enterence.

Filli goes home.

Zella's uneven gaze falls upon Lasarah. Three steps and she's there, one feather plucked out from between tight-pinched fingers. Ahem. "This is for you. It came from a wherry. The wherry wanted it. So did I." Flee! Flee! "Now it's yours. Take care of it." She's really into these clipped sentences.

Lasarah looks up at Zella openmouthed. As far as she is concerned, the wherry could have kept it. But she takes it gingerly, unsure how to treat a proddy rider. No point irritating her - holding it between thumb and forefinger she manages a weak smile. "Um, thank you. I think." Now what to do with it?

Simkus smiles as he watches Zella, then he moves toward Seli. "Greetings Master."

Calia murmurs softly "Ah Rider Zella hello." she replies "How is Kyaarth?" she asks, well obviously proddy but one doesn't want to forget to ask about the dragon. Manners you know.

Zella nods in evident approval to Lasarah. "Yes. Don't let it out of your sight." Head swivels; she tromps toward Calia, trailing a comet tail of drifting feathers behind. "She is... yes. She is. You are, too." Wha...? Do not attempt to understand; it's proddy-speak, and it's a language all her own. "I had a wherry once, you know. Now I have feathers."

Seli says, "And Kyaarth had the Wherry?"

Zella spins toward Seli, her grin all tooth. "No. /I/ had the wherry." Running is a /good/ idea.

Calia grins at Zella "you had the wherry, but now you have feathers? What happened to the Wherry?" she asks with interest.

Seli smiles back at Zella, "I presume it was a very good wherry then."

Lasarah sits, staring at the remains of this unfortunate wherry between her fingertips. And she was wondering who was going to bid on her? Zella's bidding will be, well, fascinating. Glancing over to make sure Zella doesn't notice, she gently places the feather beneath her chair, wiping her fingers on the side of her trous. Yuck.

Zella draws herself up to full height, pride evident in ever-more-toothy smile. "I didn't know what it looked like on the inside. Now I do." Beam. "It was a /very/ good wherry." Perhaps the inhabitants of the tent should pool their savings and bid on Zella being taken off the block. That might be... safer.

M'hail enters.

Sillvena walks in, soft fabric clinging to her slender legs as she walks. Blue eyes scan the crowd, a smile coming to her face as she walks over to the other people that have gathered in the tent. Hair is pulled behind her shoulders as she waits.

M'hail strides into the dance tent, undoing his flight jacket and slinging it over a shoulder as he poises just away from the crowd, scanning for familiar faces. Spying his herder friends, he waves, a bright grin splitting his broad and good-natured face. "Seli! Calia! It's me - Mik!"

"Um..." Calia blinks "You examined the inside of a wherry then ate it?" she glances towards Lasarah and actually pales. Beasthealer that she is has to pale at that thought. She flounders for just the right words and smiles "Well good for you. I'm glad you got the most use out of him." note buy Zella and soon "So what do you intend to do with the feathers?

Ceanna walks over to Lasa. "Hiya! I wanted to become a slave......"

Calia turns at the sound of a voice and grins "MIK!" wooo blue rider help!

Jorg enters.

Seli laughs at Zella's comment. "Sounds like she is RIGHT up your alley, Calia." then she turns to M'hail. "Mik!"

M'hail doesn't stop grinning, heading for the craftsecond and master as quickly as the crowd will allow, then sweeping into a gallant bow as he greets them, aqua eyes sparkling. "At your service, fair Masters," he winks cheerily.

Simkus smiles as people are starting to some in, might as well get this started. Simkus move to the stage, and standing at the podium he picks up the gavel and pound it on the podium to get everyones attention.

Seli laughs at the comment, "Oh really, M'hial?" she asks with a curious glint in her eyes.

Zella, for all you new arrivals to the Wonderful World of Proddiness, is handing out feathers. Suspiciously red feathers. Yummy. M'hail recieves one with a solemn nod. "I got this from a wherry. Now it's yours. The wherry wanted it." Sound familiar? "Keep your eye on it." Calia recieves a second grin. "They're... reminders."

Hearing the pounding, Callysto turns towards the podium. Ah, starting? Cally goes and hides behind a pole.

Jorg dashes in to find, that he isn't late at all, or if he is it doesn't matter. So much for all the carefully planned excuses, he'll just have to save them, a good excuse is never ignored for long. The feathers though, that is something he could do without. Might as well find his seat, oh wonderful, that includes going towards the feather welding one.

Seli turns her head towards Simkus. Yes, she is ready.

Lasarah grimaces a little, realizing the time is getting closer. "Let Simmy know, Ceanna. I'm just a volunteer like the rest of these here," she gestures to the others waiting in various states of nervousness. She makes a small gesture to greeting to M'hail, unsure if he even knows who she is, certainly she has heard his name, though.

M'hail grins at Zella, keying into the situation with a quick 'path to his lifemate, and accepts the feather with as much dignity as he can muster under the circumstances. "Greetings and humble thanks, Fair Zella," he responds, then straightens as the gavel pounds on the podium.

Sillvena turns at the pounding, noticing a smith walk in and gives them a wave before she gives full attention to Simkus.

Filli walks in smiling softly. She stands there a moment just looking about.

Blinking a moment at Zella Calia asks "Um...reminders?" does she want to know? Seli is giving her an idea and her mind begins to work "Hmmmm maybe your right." there is those surgeries to do. A grin is given to M'hail "Careful M'hail I might take you up on it."

M'hail catches Lasarah's greeting as he turns, and pauses briefly to smile at her, running a hand through his close-curled platinum hair, then loosening the ties of his tunic to unconsciously reveal his well-muscled chest.

Simkus waits for the room to get quiet before he begins. "Greetings and salutations. Can I get all of the volunteers to please move to the chairs that have been set up front for you. If everyone else will please be seated where they wish we will begin this auction shortly."

M'hail listens courteously, then sends a grin Seli-wards. "Join me, Craftsecond?" he asks, indicating his arm and the chairs up front.

'Greetings and humble thanks, Fair Zella'? Ooh, M'hail's /good/ at this. Zella directs gaze toward the podium, a quiet rain of crimson-splotched feathers drifting to the dusty earth. No matter how many fall, though, her arms always seem to be full. She thumps into a chair at the front, setting the feathers in the chair beside her with a mother's loving touch. Glare is directed toward the world at general. Oh, go ahead, /try/ to sit there. She dares you.

Seli tilts her head towards M'hail, "As you wish." she replies, taking his arm to walk up front.

Lasarah blinks at M'hail and blushes, head down, moving quickly to her appointed chair, but hair is smoothed also as she goes. Well, this auction idea might not be so bad afterall. . .

Sillvena follows the people up for bid to the seats in front claiming one where she can see everything reasonably well. She listens to those about her as she peers out at the people gathered for the auction... Legs are gently crossed and hands fold gently upon her lap. She remains quiet for now.

M'hail sees that Seli is settled in her chair before he takes the one next to her, flicking an imaginary speck of dirt from his highly-polished boots. He leans back in his chair, smiling again at Zella and her feathers before turning his attentions to the auctioneer.

Calia moves to the front to take a seat grinning at Seli. Though she dares to um...move those feathers "may I?' she asks of Zella however before she does. "I mean after all We share some of the same interests."

Jorg has no sense of self-preservation, all he wants is a seat and those are filling up fast. Oh there is one, right next to the green rider. A few steps bring him right in front of the chair and his arm rises to brush the feathers off before he remembers a bit of manners, "Is this chair taken?"

Simkus waits for everyone to get settles before he begins. "I would like to welcome everyone to this auction, the closing event for the gather that Lasarah and myself have organized for your enjoyment. We shall begin this auction with one of the residents of Xanadu Hold. Jorg, will you please step up near the podium?"

Zella turns upon Calia and Jorg both the kind of look a tunnelsnake might give a firelizard egg. "My /feathers/ are here. I worked hard for these feathers. I got /blood/ under my /fingernails/ for these feathers. /Don't touch/." And have a nice day!

Smiling to Zella Calia replies apologetically "Like you I'm being sold at auction and this is one of the last chairs left." she adds softly "Tell you what I'll hold them for you and make sure they are very safe while I sit in that chair and as /soon/ as I'm sold they'll go /back/ in that chair just the way they lay now?" wow this is gonna be a tough one to accomplish.

Jorg turns to hear his name being called by Simkus before he has a chance to respond, too bad. A happy retreat is taken to beside the podium, "Here?" he asks then moves over a foot, "Or here?" Have to make the right impression you know.

Lasarah breathes a sigh of relief. At least she's not first. And she's wondering who is going to bid on a kidlet, anyway, especially Jorg. No one that wants any work done, that's for sure - only someone looking for trouble.

Zella gives the herder master a very mistrusting look. She gathers the feathers possesively up into her arms, nodding at the chair. "They better go back /just/ the way I had them... I arranged them there very carefully, you know. So sit down. Carefully." She nods, then flashes a grin. "By the way, hi!" Mood swings? Zellers? Of course not.

Simkus smiles at Jorg. "This is good." Simkus turns towards the gathered crowd. "This is Jorg, a resident of Xanadu Hold. He has only nine turns, but he has a lot of energy and can do a variety of things, except heavy labor." Simkus smiles one more time towards Jorg. "I will open the bidding for him at this time."

Sillvena peers over at the one holdig the red feathers, and the herder master next to her. One eyebrow arches slightly, before turning her attention back to Simkus and Jorg up on the stage.

Calia nods and takes a seat blinking at Zella as she swings from mistrust to brightness. Uh oh. So why oh why are you doing this Calia "Um Hi." she responds back glancing towards Simkus apologetically and offering her arms for the feathers she did promise. A whisper to Zella is given "Sometime you will have to tell me what you found out about the insides of a wherry."

Seli glances over at Zella with a curious look then back at M'hail, "Good thing Xanadu Weyr isn't very far a way?"

Simkus raises a hand up. "I forgot to mention that any of the volunteers may also bid, if they wish."

M'hail crosses his arms before him and awaits the commencement of the bidding. Having never been to an auction before, he is intensely curious, although he keeps an eye on Zella and her feathers. Noticing Calia's seating, he shakes his head slightly, and grins at Seli. "You've a sharp eye, Seli," he responds quietly. "But proddiness can happen quickly, like, or over t'course of a week or even two."

From the back of the crowd a quavery old voice speaks out: "Oh, isn't he just the sweetest little thing... half a mark!" Yup, old grandma Teetu has decided to grace the auction with her presence.

Seli turns at Simkus' words, "1 Mark?" she says softly, although she's not sure what she'd do with having all the apprentices already."

Grandma Teetu digs a hand into her flower-knitted purse and waves a chocolate-chip cookie at the stage. "Come on, dear, I've got plenty of treats for you... two marks!"

Vallen enters.

Seli turns her head back to see the Grandma. "His grandma?" she whispers to M'hail, like Mik'd know. "2 and a quarter?"

Jorg looks out at the crowds happily waiting for the bids to come, and there they do. Of course, some encouragement never hurt. The kidlet turns to the side and flexes first one scrawny arm and then the other, I'm not sure what you were intended to see, but I hope you enjoyed it. Oh and throw in a smile, one of those that shows all the nice crooked teeth, yumm.

Dale walks in and bows to all the people walking to the side waving to all those he knows before trying to figure out what is really going on, "Good day to you all."

Zella perches restlessly in her chair, quiet. For now. One hand clenches comfortingly about a feather, and broad grin is quite a contrast to past viciousness. What's going to come next, crying fits?

Simkus smiles as the bids come in. "I have 2 and a quarter marks from the Herder Master for Jorg. Do I hear 2 and a half.?"

Calia of course is watching the auction curiously and sending Zella Surreptious glances arms full of feathers. What will happen next? Master tries to second guess Zella however she really has no ideas. Not a Dragonrider you know.

Vallen strides into the hall, eyes flashing, looking for his nephew. The scene in front of him confirms his worst suspicions. "Jorg!" he thunders! "What are you doing up there! That's so . . undignified!" Realizing the bidding has actually started, a dark scowl crosses his face. Too late to get him out of this, except by bidding. "Three marks!" he shouts angrily.

"Three and a half! Don't worry, Jorgy, you won't have to do any work..." Grandma Teetu tsks at the new arrival's stormy entrance. "Oh, don't scold the boy, he's just having fun..."

Amalthia enters.

Seli shakes her head at Simkus.

M'hail twists one of the feathers into one of the ties to his tunic, then smiles at Amalthia as she enters. "Look Seli, it's Amalthia," he notes to his friend.

Simkus smiles. "Three and a half from Grandma Teetu. do I hear four?"

Vallen glares at Grandma. "The boy's got to learn! No work? He'll earn back every mark I spend on him!" The words are spit out furiously as Vallen's goatee is twisted tighter and tighter. "Four! and that's more than you're worth!" he adds with a glare.

Jorg smiles encouraging at the granny, what could be better then to be paid to go to 'granny's' house? "I'm good at catching things too," he yells out, got to let them know all they are getting it's the only way you know. "And um, um, I like to swim." Okay Jorg maybe you should just be quiet now?

Covering her mouth to keep from chuckling Calia grins and nudges Zella "This is turning interesting hmmm?" Best not wonder whose gonna buy Zella, that's a downright Scarey thought.

Amalthia grins when she sees familiar faces, but she's blushing, knowing she's late. Well, she's the headwoman, it just took her awhile to get away is all. She waves slightly to Seli, and M'hail, as she makes her way towards the chairs for the volunteers waiting their turn on the auction block.

Grandma Teetu favors the kidlet with an encouraging smile. "You can swim all you like, dear... Five marks!" She turns a wide-eyed gaze to Vallen. "Oh, sir, that's all I have, and I'm so lonely in my old age... You don't know how I need a companion to spend my afternoons with... Pleeeease let me buy him?" Blink blink. You wouldn't deprive an old lady of friendship, would you?

Seli nods to Amalthia, "Hi!"

Zella beams cheerily at Calia. "Oh, yes, interesting as a dried wherry spleen..." Grin. Ain't she just the cutest thing? She sits back, idly toying with a feather. And don't get her started on the intestines.

Seli hears Zella's comment, and blinks. She whispers to M'hail, "I hope everyone has a iron stomach at this rate."

Jorg grins out at the nice old lady, Vally wouldn't spend /that/ much on him, would he? All this boy can do is hope, and if need be supplement this old lady's funds, not that he can find much of his money, but you never know when a pretty rock may tip the scales.

Simkus looks at the back at the grandma. "I hear five marks for Jorg, do I hear five and a quarter?"

Vallen turns towards the old lady, face set in anger, but her kind words actually making an impression. Besides, he really doesn't have that many marks anyway. Best to keep them for himself. As for her, she'll soon find out just what kind of 'bargain' she's getting. "Sold!" he shouts, pointing to Grandma. She can /have/ him!" He shakes his head, folding his arms angrily across his chest.

Sillvena stands sliding her way out of the tent, perhaps she has stage fright? Well no she has a lesson to teach, but no one can really tell that. She slips out the exit giving a brief wave to the occupants of the tent.

Sillvena leave Dance Tent.

Simkus smiles at the transaction in the back. "Five marks going twice."

M'hail does and grimaces slightly, then grins as Jorg and the granny are paired up. "One down," he comments, shifting slightly and causing his tunic to open further...

Beasthealer Master glances at Zella a moment and chuckles "You didn't happen to keep this wherry about so /I/ can see your work did you?" dried spleen indeed. The auction is momentarily forgotten as she murmurs under the babble "What /else/ did you study?"

Vallen shakes his head in disgust at the boy. Getting off way too easy, he'd say. He turns on his heel and stalks out of the tent, muttering under his breath - something about dignity and family honor.

Vallen goes home.

Zella bats eyes at Calia, confusion coloring glance. "Study? Keep? I didn't /dissect/ the thing..." No, dismembered is more the proper word. Yummy. "I'm looking for a herdbeast, but everyone's being so weird about it." Can't imagine why.

Grandma Teetu waddles to the stage, ancient legs quivery with the effort. "Here you are, dearie! Have a cookie, do; I've plenty more at home..." A kidlet's dream, indeed, if not exactly limber.

"Oh." Calia responds with a soft laugh "I see. Well..we've herderbeasts in the back pastures just for rider visitors." she comments quietly. "you can find some there."

Jorg almost splits his face in two as he jumps off the stage to his buyer, never mind the fact that this is intended for the other party's benefit, he likes the look of this nice granny type. Well family honor isn't in existence, but a love for cookies is. "Thank yuh, where you wob yoh like me to sit?" (Where would you like me to sit?) Hey you try talking trough a mouthful of cookie, it's not easy.

Simkus smiles at the granma. "Sold for five marks to Granda Teetu." Simkus looks at his list of volunteers. "If you come up here you you can take Jorg with you, after leaving your marks on the podium." Simkus looks at his list again.

Edlor enters.

M'hail joins the general cheering and applause that greets the Grandma and her prize, winking at the lady as she passes him. Sweeping his gaze around the room, he spies Edlor and nods in greeting before looking back towards the podium and the next victim...er, /volunteer/...

Grandma Teetu sets five mark-pieces on the podium, patting Jorg on that adorable little head. "Right over here, dear; we'll be home soon enough..."

Simkus puts the marks in a pouch that is sitting on the podium.

Quiet cheers are heard from gathered Herders for the first Herder to be auctioned!

Callysto claps and whoops for the Senior Apprentice. "Go Lasa!"

Brell enters.

Jorg nods happily and follows the little old lady, it's not hard to keep up at the pass she sets. Remind you of a canine at his master's heel? I don't see why at all. . . .maybe its just the excitement? "GOod luck Lasa!" he calls back, this acution thing doesn't seem as bad as he though it would be.

Zella nods at the offer, grinning once more. "That'd be lovely... no feathers, but such a tough hide! You don't know how difficult it is to get to the good stuff..." Scarlet-speckled feathers waft as she gestures, drifting into the laps of those seated near by. Zella voices a sopranino yelp. "Give those /back!/"

Lasarah gasps, slowly standing and walking hesitantly to the podium. In the entire gather, this is the moment she has most feared. "Here I am," she says weakly, hand on the podium for support. "Get it over with, Simmy," she hisses through clenched teeth.

Calia claps at Jorg and chuckles then sits back comfortably to watch, she thought she was next but supposes it's a good thing she's not. She blinks at Zella's words and murmurs "Um you gave them to them Zella." Calia tries for diplomacy with the proddy rider. And probably fails miserably but /hey/ she tried

Simkus smiles at Lasarah. "This is Herder Senior Apprentice Lasarah, my assistant for this gather. She is capable of doing a lot of hard work, and can even do mental work, as she is smart." Simkuu grins. "I will once again open the bidding."

Edlor watches as the auction progresses. Which of the vict....er....volunteers will be best?

Zella returns to tunnelsnake mode, snatching up her precious cargo with fierce glares all 'round. "Trying to steal my feathers... get yer /own/, you bums..." Grumble mumble. She subsides, watching the action through half-lidded eyes. Hmph.

Jorg turns around once he sits down and opens his sack. A /lot/ of digging latter he comes back to the surface and calls, "A forth of a mark for Lasa." Hey the bid fits the bidder's size after all.

Callysto smiles, raising her hand. "1/2 mark for the Herder!" She bites her lip, hoping Lasa wont hate her for this.

Simkus smiles as Jorg, then Callysto bid for Lasarah.

Edlor nods as he thinks of what his own Herder coulddo for him. "3/4 of a mark!" Hopefully they take Healer marks. That's all he has!

Amalthia grins. "You'll be fine, Lasarah!" she calls encouragingly, as she looks out over the crowd, wondering who's bidding, and who's not.

Lasarah offers a another weak smile, wondering to herself just how smart she is, to get herself in this predicament. Fractions of marks? And the kidlet just went for five? Maybe she should work on looking cuter . . .

Brell pipes up "1 mark!" as she slips through the entrance of the tent.

Jorg turns back to the block, "A half a mark and a pretty rock," he calls. Who can possibly beat that after all? You can't put a price on a rock like /this/ one.

"Hmmmm" master thinks to herself "1 1/2 Marks!" she knows what lasarah is capable of. And Masters' been saving a long time.

Simkus smiles as the bidding heats up, with Master Calia getting in on it.

Callysto again raises her hand. "1 3/4 marks!" She grins at Lasa and Simkus.

Flessa eyes Calia impishly and also ups her bid " 2 1/3 marks!" is called out, grinningly

M'hail elbows Seli and murmurs softly: "She could help Jorg when he goes t'granny," he comments, with a wink at Brell as she enters the tent.

Seli chuckles at M'hail, "Yes, that is true enough. Although I'd bet Lasarah would be doing any work that'd really need to be done."

Calia laughs softly giving Lasarah an impish grin she arches a brow wondering where the apprentices have come up with so many marks, gaze turns to look at Seli and brow goes up before she chuckles at Brell. Calia will wait for now.

Simkus grins at Lasarah as more bid on her. "I hear 2 1/3 marks for Lasara. do I hear 2 1/2?

Edlor thinks as the bidding goes on. Maybe it's too rich for his blood. After all, a full "3 Marks, for the Lass!" is he nuts? He can't believe he just said that... Out loud? Yes Out loud. "3 Marks" he restates as he raises his hand.

Flopsy enters.

Lasarah shifts uncomfortably, wishing desperatly that she could bolt. At least she's being bid on, and now a full three marks? She smiles gratefully at Eldor. She's beginning to approach kidlet prices.

Simkus smiles. "Three marks from Eldor. Do I hear 3 1/4?"

Callysto shouts out: "3 1/4 marks!"

Brell glares kiddingly at Edlor and glances down at her money pouch quickly before yelling " 3 1/2" She defiantly says and holds up her first finger and beams up at Simkus!

Honey enters.

M'hail picks up Honey.

Calia crosses arms over her chest and sits back "hmmmm" she replies softly watching and waiting. This is getting rather rich blooded "Four marks." Calia states quietly but loud enough to be heard. Not a yell. Oh no.!

A golden firelizard sweeps into the tent behind a wealthy holder and his entourage, trilling as she finds Mik and settling herself upon his shoulder in a proprietary manner. Around her neck, paired with the colours of Fort Weyr, is a rather small Journeyman Herder knot in yellow and white.

Simkus smiles at the Herder Master. "I have four marks from Calia, do I hear 4 1/4?

Callysto bites her lip. "4 1/4 marks!"

A trader in the back looks up in time to see who is being bid on, a sturdy herder girl. She'd do well to rub down his tierd horses and to sheer the sheep. He raises his hand and calls out "Four and a half," loud enough to be heard in the front.

Simkus looks to the back at the trader. "Four and a half. Do I hear five marks for this young, hard working herder?"

Lasarah actually allows herself a smile at Cally's bid, relaxing her iron grip on the podium just a bit, but tightening it again when the stranger in the back bids - what was that? four and a half marks? Looks like he'd really make her work, too. Eyes plead silently plead with herder friends. Bid! Bid!

Callysto aks. Um... um... "Oh... 5 marks!"

Brell glances down at her pouch and again and shakes her head, sighs but says "5 1/3 then!"

The trader chews his lip in thought, this is getting high, maybe. Yes, "Six marks and that's it. I'm going to go broke if I go much higher."

Callysto smiles at Brell, but then looks back up at Lasa--then bites her lip. /Very/ hard. "6 1/4 marks!"

Callysto pages, "I /do/ have an IC reason for having the money...."

Simkus glances at Lasarah, then to the trader in the back. "Six marks..." Simkus ooks as Callysto goes higher. "six and 1/4 marks."

The trader throws up his arms, "I don't know where you young people get all this money. I'm out."

You paged Callysto with: Simkus pages, "ok, jsut remember I only gave you 3 3/4 marks, so you have to have an ic reason for the rest. :)"

Calia arches her brow at Callysto and Brell "Me either maybe we aren't working them hard enough." she glances over her shoulder at Seli inquiringly then to Brell and Callysto with promises of work to come.

Simkus looks around the room. "Six and a quarter, going twice."

Brell shakes her head "No more from me!" is said

Simkus raises the gavel and stikes it on the podium. "Sold to Callysto for 6 1/4 marks." Simkus smiles at Lasarah.

Lasarah runs her hand through her hair in distraction, smiling nervously at Cally. Where is she getting all these marks? Well, nevermind, she's awfully glad she has them. Working a day for Cally will be getting off easy - even if she has to clean the porcine pen for her. White-knuckled fingers relax, and she actually lets go of the podium, even breathing a little. There, that wasnt so bad after all.

The trader shifts and moves to lean against the wall, hopeful the next one won't go so high. The idea of highered help is to make you life easier, not to go broke, right?

Simkus looks at the list. "Ok Callysto, please come up here and you may take Lasarah with you, once you leave the marks."

Edlor looks over at the group of volunteers and makes an interesting discover. He knows who'll he'll be bidding for!!!

You paged Zella with: Simkus pages, "question: anything in particular you would like me to say about you when you are up to be sod?"

Amalthia looks over the crowd once more, wincing when she sees Edlor. Uh-oh. That could mean trouble for her. Hrm. but it's too late to back out now... she can just hope he won't bid on her. healers... bah!

Callysto grins and eagerly walks up to the podium. She fishes out 6 1/4 marks and lays it down, looking at Lasa. "Come on!" and she jumps back down.

Simkus puts the marks into the pouch on the podium. "Up next will be Xanadu Weyr Wingsecond Zella. Will you please join me up here Zella?"

Lasarah steps down off the podium, leaning in to whisper to Cally. "6 1/4 marks? Cally! Where did you get all that? But don't get me wrong, I'm grateful!" Following Cally, she sits down inthe audience, fingering her small pouch of marks.

Seli claps for just a moment. "This should be interesting...." she says quietly, then nudges M'hail with her elbow. She thinks he'd been the best option for Zella at the moment.

OoOops. Feathers! Calia scrambles to put the feathers in grabbing form and offers them to Zella. Sea-green eyes twinkle merrily "Your feathers Wingsecond? You'll need them for...um...something." what she doesn't know but is sure Zella will figure it out.

M'hail fingers the red feather, then checks his belt pouch for marks. "Aye," he replies, appearing more attentive than before. From outside, blue Eurydath warbles into the night air.

P'tala enters.

Zella peers about in sudden apprehension. If she leaves her precious feathers in the seat where anyone could get their grubby paws on them... Finally she lurches to the stage, all the cargo in tow, and blinks at the audience with vague hostility. "I know all the parts of a wherry. Especially the good parts. Bid already." The... good parts. Mmmm.

Simkus smiles as Zella comes up to the podium. "This is Xanadu Weyr Wingsecond Zella, rider of Green Kyaarth. As you can see she comes accessorized with feathers of her own." Simkus grins at the audience. "What do I hear for Zella?"

Seli glances around, and laughs, "1 Mark?" she starts off. Hey, having a rider of your own could be interesting.

M'hail seems to like feathers or is there something about their owner? Whatever the cause, he raises his hand and opens the bidding: "2 marks!"

Simkus smiles as Zella comes up to the podium. "This is Xanadu Weyr Wingsecond Zella, rider of Green Kyaarth. As you can see she comes accessorized with feathers of her own." Simkus grins at the audience. "What do I hear for Zella?" (repose)

Outside the tent, Kyaarth adds her alto screee to Eurydath's warble. Fun, fun, fun...

"Yikes!" is Calia's response as she gets sort of almost yanked from her chair from Zella's grabbing. Sitting back she leans against her chair and grins at Seli. "3 Marks!"

Simkus grins as the bidding starts off higher then before. "Two marks, three mark now from Calia."

The trader watches as the newest arrival walks up. A female dragon rider no doubt, his hand goes into his pouch as he finger what is laid in there. She could save him a few long wagon trips. It worth it, "Seven marks. This is all in the name of business you know."

M'hail jingles his belt pouch and raises his hand: "Eight!" Let the battle begin!

Edlor thirows up his hand. "1/16 of a mark!" Maybe this bidding won't go as high if it starts lower. He reels as he is overtalked by the Herder.

P'tala raises a brow as Zella moves to the stage, laughing delightedly. "Tenrks!" she calls out gamely, not entire /sure/ she wants a proddy greenrider. Hearing M'hail, she moves towards him and whispers, "I'll give 'er to you if I win...?"

Simkus coughs for a second. "Seven marks from the trader in the back, now eight, Ten marks from P'tale."

The trader shots out, "Eleven, come on, you're riders you don't really need you do you?"

Seli raises an eyebrow at P'tala, and wonders to herself. He wants the rider, and Eurydath gets the dragon?

Zella clears her throat, coughing as a feather drifts by her nose. "...And the gall bladder rolls really well if y'give it a push, and the broncheal tubes can be fashioned into a /gorgeous/ necklace..." She doesn't quite have the hang of this entice-the-crowd thing, yet. Give her time, folks.

M'hail bows from his chair, then sighs, indicating himself overbid. He bats his eyes at the comely proddy one, then glances away towards the trader at the back. Well, mebbe reading the auspices in wherry guts really /isn't/ his cup of klah after all.

Simkus smiles at Zella. "Eleven from the trader in the back."

P'tala cheers. "Bronchial chords! Bump it up to twelve, m'lad!" she says, glaring purposefully at Mr. Trader. Bring it on...

The tent flaps ripple gently as green paces outside, grumbling under sulfurous breath. She thought /she/ was the disgusting one...

Brell rummuges through her pouch and grins at what she finds, but dosen't say a word at the moment

The Trader is starting to reconsider, is the time saved worth it? "Well, I'll go to twelve and a half."

The blue dragon pokes his head towards the entrance of the tent, peering for a brief moment at those within before being obviously warned out by a mirthful Mik. "Dragons!" he remarks in a rather indulgent tone.

Edlor shakes his head and can't believe it. "All that for a Green Rider." Has Pern gone mad?

Simkus grins. "Twelve marks from P'tala, now 12 and 1/2 from the trader in the back."

Lasarah blinks at the crowd. All this bidding for someone who makes jewelry out of body parts? Apparently she has misjudged what makes a maiden attractive among this group.

Calia merely chuckles she dropped out a long time ago. She has better things to spend her marks on. Not that she doesn't /dislike/ Zella but babysitting a proddy rider /can't/ be fun.

Simkus smiles. "Twelves and a half going once."

P'tala smirks at the trader and bows gracefully to him. (You can buy your very own WeyrSeconds for Dummied for only 49.95 marks.) Winking at Zella, she first calls, "Man enough to go for thirteen?" Of course, it's just a question...

Zella's attention is caught by a comment near the front row. "For a /green/ rider? And is there anything /wrong/ with a green rider? Because I happen to /be/..." She's halfway off the podium to Edlor, vehemently waving a feather, when a drudge taps her on the shoulder, clearing his throat apologetically. "Oh, all right..." Back to her place, trudge trudge trudge.

A shrug is given by the trader, "Are you bidding 13?"

M'hail chuckles to himself as Zella reacts to the comment. "And such a greenrider, to be sure," he says, with a nudge to Seli beside him.

P'tala's grins. "Yes, that was a bid"

Simkus smiles as the trader and P'tala discuss the situation. "13 marks from P'tala."

Seli chuckles softly back to M'hail. "Apparently."

Calia glances at Seli and M'hail and chuckles softly eyes dancing as she watches the bidding "g'head M'hail you know you want to do it."

Edlor shrugs as the Green rider retakes her place on stage. "See what I mean?" he whispers, sorta under his breath.

"Well then you can have her." The trader shoots back, "By the time I cut the profits of the consumers she'll scare away I'll be loosing money if I take it higher." 'Sides it should be fun to watch what this pushy rider is going to do with her prize now that she has it.

M'hail winks at Calia, but shakes his head, aqua eyes piercing. "Ah, but p'raps there be others who've caught me eye," he says, softly, smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, then returns to his interest in the bidding.

Simkus nods his head. "13 marks going twice."

Simkus smiles as the trader and P'tala discuss the situation. "13 marks from P'tala."

Simkus nods his head. "13 marks going twice."

Edlor looks, up at the Weyrlingmaster then back at Calia. He just shakes his head.

Glancing at M'hail a blush colors Calia's face but she does tease "Yes....I'm sure their are." she doesn't even consider who nope.

Seli keeps her eyes up towards the podium for the moment. Wondering as she oft did when M'hail was still at the hall.

Simkus picks up the gavel and bangs it on the podium. "Sold to P'tala for 13 marks." You may come up and collect you prize, and the feathers. Please leve you marks on the podium."

P'tala's resolve quavers, and she looks towards the tentflaps to see a green head poke in. "This is all your fault. I hope you take care of her. Remember that-- never mind..." she mutters, Celaenoth faking a nudge towards Eurydath. His fault. Really. The teacher's always to blame. "We won, see?" she asks, eyeing the podium and tossing the already counted-out marks onto it. "C'mon Zells. Take those feathers and do something productive with them." Grin, thank you, thank you.

Simkus looks at his list. "Next up will be Seli"

Zella blinks down at the crowd, mercurial gaze falling upon who actually might win her services. "P- P'tala?" So some bit of sanity still remains? "/Oh/, no. No no no- /hey/!" She rounds on Simkus, glare snapping back into place. "She does /not/ get the feathers! They're mine!" She draws them close, protective. About half fall to the floor. She doesn't notice. "Oh, Faranth, not P'tala..."

Lisel enters.

Seli stands up, turning a slight shade of red as she progresses up towards the podium, and turns to face the crowd.

M'hail sends a wink towards Seli as she passes him, and smiles, jingling his belt pouch once more.

Edlor nods to the Herder Master as she enters. "well, Lisel, how have you been? It's been turjns since I've seen you!"

P'tala smirks at Zella, tilting her head to a side. "C'mon, you can do it. Up and away, y'know? Ooh, is there any wherry left on those feathers? Celaenoth's got a request already. She's getting a bit lazy to hunt and all, so, um... Well, she's got a firelizard, but you know dragons and fish... -- oh, right, and you wouldn't happen to want any more? 'Cause you got quite a bit into my hair that day..." Blah blah blah. Poor Zella.

Yes. Poor Zella.

Simkus puts the marks in the pouch. "This is Herder CraftSecond Seli." Simkus heasitates as he tries to think of something appropiate to say about his craftsecond. "She is a hard worker. What do I hear for her?"

Brell blurts out "3 marks" before she can help herself and turns a bit red

M'hail doesn't turn red, but calmly and clearly bids: "3 and a half marks."

The travler shifts. This one would know the ropes well even though she might not have as much free time so, "Five in the back."

Calia calls out "4 Marks!" she grins at M'hail

M'hail takes the bull by the horns and rises to meet the trader's gaze. "6." Need he say more?

Edlor shakes his head. Are these riders made of marks?

Lisel grins, seems she made it here just in time. With a little shake of her head she's not quite sure she believes what she sees, the Craftsecond auctioning herself off, and with a quick nod she notices the bidder. Her attention is caught by Edlor, "I'm doing well, thank you, and yourself?" She asks curiously, still trying to take in the surroundings.

Yup, we are.

Zella wrinkles nose at her garrulous captor. "I'm comin', I'm comin'... I'll get you yer fish. You'll see. Don't need Kyaarth's help." From outside, a raucous shree. From inside, a grumbly sulk. Aren't we a happy little pair of lifemates. "And don't touch the feathers!"

"I'll go to seven," the travler puts in.

Simkus smiles as the bidding goes faster then he can keep up with. "I hear five marks from the trader in the back."

Simkus grins. "Seven now."

Edlor nods to Lisel. (There are too many Herder Masters here!! Sheesh!) "I'm doing well. I finally got my knot back and took a position at the main Hall. I work with Apprentices now. "

Zella leave Dance Tent.

Seli glances over the crowd towards the Trader. That could make for an interesting time. She thinks to herself, all the while trying to smile out to everyone.

M'hail clears his throat and bids louder this time. "9!"

Simkus looks over to the dragonrider. "I have nine from M'hail."

"I fold," calls the trader, "You guys just can't keep this proffitable could you?"

P'tala flicks her head towards the back of the tent, holding a short whispered conversation with her prize as she shuffles off. Run away, run away, poor, poor Zella. Green head again pokes in and whuffs to a good little rider. "No." Durn.

Seli raises an eyebrow at M'hail. Then laughs softly. "The trader's /trying/."

Simkus smiles and looks over the room. "Nine marks, going twice."

M'hail beams, with a solicitous bow towards the trader, then awaits the final word from Simkus, aqua eyes twinkling merrily at the Craftsecond. "Know anything 'bout dragons, Master?" he grins, once again jingling the marks in his belt pouch.

Seli shakes her head, "Not /that/ much. But I have a feeling I'll be learning?" she replies.

Edlor checks his purse nervously. He looks back from calia to M'hail several times. He's wondering if he'll be able to win his prize. He looks away, just to mask his eyes. No need letting everybody know how he feels!!

Calia merely chuckles at M'hail and Seli's words leaning back comfortably. Yep this could be funny.

Simkus bangs the gavel. "Sold to M'hail for 9 marks."

Simkus looks over the list. "You may come up and claim your property M'hail. Please leave your marks on the podium."

M'hail grins in delight, striding up to the podium and plunking down his nine marks. "Herdercraft all," he notes to Simkus, with a wink, then courteously lends his arm for Seli to step down from her perch.

Seli places her hand on M'hail's arm, and steps down from the podium. "At your service, good sir."

P'tala cheers with reckless abandon. She's allowed to be happy, aye wot! "M'hail!" Grinning and winking at Seli, if only in hopes of catching the woman's eye, she calls, "Watch yourself, Master Seli. He'll drive you into the ground working." Evil WLM.

Simkus looks at the list. "Next up will be Calia. Please join me up here." Simkus puts these newest marks into the pouch.

M'hail laughs at P'tala's words. "Aye, I'm a taskmaster or so they tell me," he tells Seli, glancing towards the Weyrlingmaster knot on his shoulder, still new enough to surprise him from time to time. He sees Seli to her seat, then resumes his own place to watch the bidding for Calia.

Ack spotlight! Why did Calia ever agree to this. Standing reluctantly she moves towards Simkus trying her best not to blush or anything. Be gracious your a master remember? Calia smiles at Simkus then smiles at the crowd, smile faltering. Yikes lots of people out there. Though it returns.

The trader squints up at the knot, a master herder? Today is his day alright. "Three for the master." Who says you have to wait till they tell you to bid?

Edlor shifts his attention to the podium. There she is. Let's see what he can do!! "I'll open with 5 marks!" He looks up and smiles at the Herder Master.

No body escapes this travler /that/ easy. "Try six on for size."

Simkus is surprised to see the bidding start before he introduces Calia. "For those of you who don't know, the is Herder Master Calia. The current bid is 5 marks from Eldor."

Lasarah winks with a little smile to Calia. Now that the worst is past her, she is beginning to relax and enjoy this a little. Too bad the bidding has so quickly passed her limit, though. She shrugs, settling down into her chair. Guess all she's here to do now is watch.

Simkus looks to the trader in the back, "Six."

Edlor returns in kind. "7 1/2 Marks for the Herder Master!" He smiles as the adrenaline begins to pump.

Gads. Calia shifts once but stands still. Still flashing smiles at the bidders. Oh well if Simkus isn't going to say she will "I'm a beasthealer." she comments.

Simkus smiles. "7 1/2 marks from Eldor"

M'hail blinks as the trader and Edlor exchange opening salvos. He fingers his belt pouch and shakes his head. "They've already outbid what I'd left in me belt pouch," he says to Seli.

The trader laughs, "You people must be made of marks and unless this master can fly me places I'd rather save my small pile thank you very much."

at M'hail's comment. "Sorry?"

"I'm worth it sir." Calia replies. Well shards might as well try "I'm one of the best beasthealers on pern."

Simkus smiles. "7 1/2 going twice."

Amalthia hrms softly and looks into her beltpouch. she's just got enough... "8 marks!" she calls out. she's actually bidding? wow.

Simkus looks over at Amalthia. "8 marks."

Edlor turns back to the trader, and smiles. "No. Just waiting for the one that will give me my credits worth!" he turns back to the podium and points,. "She's the one for me!" He tunrs as he almost loses his place. "Ten marks!!"

"A beast healer ehh?" says the trader, "Well that changes things, I'll give you nine. I've got a few sickly animals and this might turn a profit after all."

Simkus turns back to Eldor. "Ten marks." Simkus quickly realizes that this Master is selling for more then the CraftSecond.

The trader pauses a moment then calls, "Ten and a half."

Amalthia shakes her head and sighs. "I only have 8 with me." she tells Calia. she would save the master from the healer, but... she just doesn't have enough on her. she wasn't expecting the bidding to get so high, afterall..

Simkus smiles. "10 1/2 from the trader."

Edlor shakes his head. "15 marks!" He continues, under his breath, "I've a score to settle..."

Brell ventures a small "10 3/4?" but then shakes her head as Edlor tops her /almost/ highest amount

Simkus chokes for a second after that bid. "15 marks from Eldor."

Calia glances at at Edlor a moment sea-green eyes puzzled "A score to settle?" Calia tucks hands in her pockets in confusion and merely shrugs

M'hail peers curiously at Edlor. "Fifteen marks?" he gasps in surprise. "I didna think t'halls let apprentices have that many marks at once!"

"It doesn't change things /that/ much though. Take her if you are going to go that high, don't you guys have bills? I guess not." These comments courtsy of your friendly local trader.

Simkus smiles. "15 marks, going twice."

M'hail takes an elbow from Seli and peers more closely towards Edlor, blushing slightly crimson as he notes the journeyman's knot upon his shoulder.

Simkus bangs the gavel down. "Sold to Eldor for 15 marks. Please bring them up here and you may take your expensive property.

Mina enters.

Calia arches a brow face turning a deep shade of red. Shards. She adds with a faint blush. Shifting a bit she winces as the gavel hits home. Oh well she'll give it her best shot can never say she didn't at least.

Seli leave Dance Tent.

Edlor walks up to the podium and pulls the saved marks ands hands them over to Simkus. "He takes a quick look at his new property. "A little more than I expected to pay."

Mina glides into the tent on light feet, offering polite smiles to those she knows and stopping several times to exchange words with those aqquaintances. Chuckling at the display before her, she unobtrusively takes a seat near the back, amused to observe.

Calia stiffens at Edlor's words, but just gives him a smile and waits for him to pay.

Simkus smiles and puts the marks in the pouch on the podium. "Next up will be Callysto."

Lasarah looks up to the Master with new respect. 15 marks? Wow, she must be a better beasthealer than even Lasa thought. She wonders why the healer would pay so much for her - no doubt there are some new techniques he hopes to learn. That's the only reason, right?

Calia steps off the podium chin up and moves back to the back of the tent. Waiting to decide when she's going to meet Edlor for whatever work he has for her to do.

Edlor walks back to the back of the tent with his "property". He takes her by the wrist. "Come with me." He smiles, playfully, at Calia.

Callysto skips over to the stage and beams a wide grin at everyone as she stands there, though one can see a hint of red in her cheeks. "Okay, here I am!" She says brightly.

M'hail rolls his eyes at the proprietariness of the healer and nods to Calia. "It's for a good cause," he murmurs, although his seatmate has left the tent already.

Calia eyes Edlor then her wrist, then with an ever so sweet smile she follows Edlor out. Hmmmm anyone recognize that look? Giving M'hail a nod she manages to smile before stepping out proudly.

Brell waves at the master as she is led out and then throws a amused glance toward Lasarah, and patiently waits for the bidding to begin again

Simkus smiles as Callysto comes up. "This is Herder Apprentice Callysto. She already knows how to do lots of chores, so she would be perfect for someone looking to get out of some. What do I hear for her?"

The trader looks over the appy carefuly, herder true, but not even a senior appy. "How about a mark?"

Callysto blinks rapidly at this and mumbles "only a mark?" but then pastes another of her patented smiles back onto her face.

Edlor leave Dance Tent.

Simkus smiles. "One mark from the trader in the back."

Lasarah fingers her pouch, mentally counting. After all, Cally paid 6 1/4 for her. "1 1/2!" she calls out, winking at Cally.

"Yes only a mark," the trader mumbles, "you start low and then go higher, two marks."

Simkus grins at Lasarah, one bought vlounteer trying to buy one of her own. "1 1/2 marks from Lasarah, now 2 marks from the trader."

Amalthia grins at Cally. "4 marks!"

Lorien> Eurydath rumbles grumpily as he rearranges himself on the courtyard, jewelled eyes whirling gently as he turns his head towards the newly arrived humans. He watches them curiously.

Simkus grins at Amalthia. "4 marks."

"Try five," calls the trader. See, start low and go up.

Simkus looks to the back of the room. "Five marks."

Callysto grins back, and glances around at Lasarah meaningfully.

Lasarah opens her pouch, looking in again and scowling. Grimacing, she pulls it shut. 5 marks? All she has is 5 1/4. Well, Cally bid for her . . ."5 1/4!" there it goes. All of it.

Simkus looks over the crowd. "5 1/4 from Lasarah."

The trader shrugs, "You guys have passed me by agian. I just don't see the point." A sigh, "Will I ever get any decent help for a resonible prise?" probibly not.

Simkus grins. "5 1/4 going twice."

Callysto looks hopefully at Lasarah and seems to be holding her breath...

Simkus raises the gavel and bangs it down. "Sold to Lasarah for 5 1/4 marks. Please bring them up here and you can take her down with you." SImkus wonders how that situation will work out.

M'hail applauds, grinning at the two apprentices as the one bids for the other.

Lasarah half stands in anticipation, emptying the marks into her hand, stuffing the now empty pouch in her pocket. As the gavel sounds, she is already on the stage, handing over her coins, and leading Cally away. "See, now we're both off the hook!" Poorer, but free. Not a bad situation after all.

Squealing slightly, Callysto almost launches herself off the stage with Lasarah. "Oh, thank you thank you!" she says softly!

Simkus takes the marks and puts them in the pouch with the others. "Next up will be Amalthia."

Amalthia swallows nervously. oh, sure, /now/ she's nervous. "Simkus, how did you ever talk me into this?" she mutters good naturedly as she makes her way up to the podium.

Simkus smiles at Amalthia. "This is XanaduWeyr Headwoman Amalthia. She is a good organizer. Also, she has good fashion sense, helping me with what I am wearing now. What do I hear for her?"

M'hail purses his lips as he considers Amalthia and then the contents of his belt pouch. "I'll bid one mark," he calls, with a grin and a wink towards his friend.

The trader thinks a moment before calling out "Two, she can help the ladies with their clothing selections then."

Simkus looks around the room. "Two marks from the trader."

M'hail glances towards the trader, then tops his bid. "Three!"

Simkus looks towards the dragonrider. "Three marks."

The trader shrugs, "Try four."

Amalthia laughs softly as Mik only bids one mark, grinning widely as he bids more. Good, good... she always did want to spend more time with Eurydath...

Simkus grins at the trader. "Four marks. Do I hear 5?"

M'hail furrows his brow in concentration. "Five," he calls back, hoping it will be enough; after all, since he moved to Fort Weyr he's had no time to visit Malthy much.

Simkus looks back to the front of the room at M'hail. "Five it is. Do I hear 6?" Simkus looks to the back of the room.

The trader calls out "Six, Its always good to have the headwomen on your side, even if it is just for one day."

Simkus nods his head. "Six marks for the headwoman. Do I hear seven?" Simkus looks back up at M'hail/

M'hail sighs heavily, then shakes his head. "I only had 14 marks, and I already spent 9 on Seli!" he replies, giving Amalthia a sorrowful glance.

Amalthia pouts at M'hail, then looks back at the trader. Hrm... well, it can't be /that/ bad with the trader for a day, could it?

Simkus looks back over the crowd. "Six marks, going twice."

Simkus bangs the gavel down. "Sold to the trader for six marks." Simkus smiles. "Looks like you finally got one. Come on up and pay for her."

The trader walks up to the stage calmly, he knew there was a bit of sense in the crowd somewhere. Counting out six assorted marks onto the podium he wispers to his purchase, "Do you know how to brush runners or will I have to teach you?"

Simkus looks over his list. "Only one person left. M'hail, will you please come up here?"

Amalthia laughs softly at the trader. "I know how to brush runners, don't worry." she grins. "I know a lot that might surprise you." just wait until he sees his wagons when he gets up in the morning... hehe.

M'hail leaves his heavy riding jacket on his chair, striding towards the podium in his rolling gait. He grins at Amalthia as she leaves, giving her a saucy wink and a murmured: "Eurydath and I'll come visit ye soon, like."

Amalthia goes with the trader through, after she gets down from where the podium is..

Amalthia grins back at M'hail. "You better." she tosses back at him, knowing she doesn't have anywhere near enough marks as she'd need to bid on him...

Simkus grins. "For our last volunteer we have M'hail, Fort Weyr Werlingmaster, rider of Blue Eurydath. All that work with firesacks have given him lots of muscles, which I do believe he wants to flex and show off." Simkus smiles. "How much do I hear for him?"

Brell glances down at her pouch one last time and looks desiscive and calls out "5 marks!" quickly before anyone else can.

The trader would be hard to be suprised, they better look good or um, else. That's it. With a pleased geture he calls her off to the back of the tent and goes thorugh out into the day, might as well start her working if this on the clock.

Lisel in a random moment of insanity actually decides to take a bid, it's Mik afterall. A curious glance is shot to Brell, 5 marks is a high bid....but she can top it. "6 marks."

Amalthia grins. "8 marks!" she calls out, before she'll head out with the trader...

Simkus smiles as Brell acts quickly. "Five marks from Brell. 6 from Master Lisel, 8 from Amalthia." SImkus grins. "Do I hear 9?"

Lisel nods to Simkus, "9 marks."

M'hail obliges the auctioneer by flexing his arms, posing to the audience both in profile and head on, and grinning with each bid. His aqua eyes sparkle as he hears the bidding raised by Amalthia to 8 marks, then he runs an absent hand through his close-curled platinum blonde hair.

Brell raises her bid quickly and says "9 1/2 marks!"

Simkus watches M'hail flex for a second. "9 1/2 marks from Brell."

Simkus looks over the room for bids. "9 1/2 marks going twice."

Lisel is not to be outdone. "10 marks." Where does an apprentice get marks like that?

Lasarah settles in her chair, eye on the Craftmaster. Bidding on this flexing rider when poor Kith no doubt is working hard at home? Hmmm, this /is/ interesting.

M'hail's tunic is completely unlaced now, showing off splendid pectorals and solid arms, from caring for his lifemate, blue Eurydath and all of the weyrlings too.

Simkus smiles and looks at Master Lisel. "10 marks."

Simkus looks at Brell. "10 marks, going twice."

Simkus points to Brell. "10 1/3 marks. Do I hear 10 1/2?" Simkus looks back at Lisel.

M'hail flushes slightly as he peeks at Lisel from his place upon the podium, then he winks. A good worker is Mik, journeyman herder before he was a 'rider, farmer's apprentice before he went to herder, still in his prime...

Lisel sighs and nod, "10 1/2." It's a fair price for a good rider.

M'hail grins angelically, adding one last flex before he relaxes to listen to the bids.

Simkus smiles. "10 1/2 marks it is." Simkus looks back towards Brell. "Do I hear 11?"

Simkus grins. "10 1/2 marks, going twice."

Brell looks like she wants to say more, but then risks a glance at the Master Herder and then shakes her head 'no' at Simkus and sighs, but grins widely over at Lasarah.

A blue head pokes through the entrance flap of the tent and croons curiously towards Mik, who smothers a chuckle with a bare shake of his head which causes the dragon to withdraw.

emote raises the gavel and bangs it down. "Sold to Master Lisel for 10 Simkus raises the gavel and bangs it down. "Sold to Master Lisel for 10 1/2 marks. If you will please come up here and pay for you property." Simkus looks at his list.

Lisel nods to Simkus and makes her way to the front stage, her hands already working to gather the necessary marks to pay for the rider. Marks are offered to Simkus as a slightly evil grin goes off to Mik.

Simkus looks at the list one more time, takes the marks and puts them away in the pouch. "That will conlude the auction, and the gather as well. I hope everyone had a good time." Simkus gathers up his stuff and steps away from the podium, walking down beside Lasarah to discuss some things.

M'hail pretends to ward off the evil grin, following Lisel off the stage and gathering his jacket as he goes. "Well then," he grins, "Have ye anythin' in mind for me t'do for ye, Masterherder?"

Lasarah takes a deep sigh, looking over the mess in the tent . . . wherry feathers, discarded cups, eveything. But the gather is finally done. With a tired smile, she turns to Simkus. "we did it! It's over! and no one got hurt!"

Brell grins and dosen't look a bit disappointed "Heh, and I got to keep all of my marks!" she pipes toward Lasarah happilly

Simkus nods as he walks over to Lasarah. "Yep. we need to go over a couple last things, but it is all over but some small stuff." Simkus grins at Lasarah. I do have a little bad new for you though.

Lisel spends a few moments pretending to contemplate that question seriously, "Well we've got some foals to halter break, and then you get to help round up the yearlings." She smiles, '"That or you can join me for a glass of wine and tell me how weyrlife is going."

M'hail smiles happily and nods his assent, then, with a bow, he heads towards the courtyard - no doubt bound for the fields and the foals. "Aye aye, Masterherder!"

M'hail leave Dance Tent.

Lasarah blinks. "Bad news? But it's all over! We finished! And everything went so well!" At least she thought it did. Was there something she missed? "What is it, Sim? Did someone get sick from the food at the dance? I knew it was hot in there, but I didnt think the food would spoil . . ."

Simkus smiles. "Nothing that bad. I am sure you were wondering where Cally got so many manks to spend on you, I am here to tell you." Simkus pulls out his own pouch and turns it upside down, and nothing falls out. "We wplit you. I own you for half a day." Simkus grins.

Lasarah's mouth falls open and she turns towards Sim with a confused half-smile. "You spent all your marks, too?" The entire reality dawns on her, and she pulls back in mock anger. "and I spent all my marks trying to get out of it!! Well, you better not work me too hard. And no porcine pen!" Jaw is set, but a little smile curves the corners of her mouth. If she has to work for someone, Sim is a fine choice.