[Animayhem]

He returned to Tyra and saw that the auction had been postponed and he had mixed feelings in regards to the notice, as it would mean one more day of uncertainty. Not bothering to dismount, he headed straight for Amruthar.
He arrived at Daeris's house, opened the door and stepped in. Both Daeris and Alyisse were at their usual places by the fireplace.

He greeted both warmly. Alyisse had turned and nodded while Daeris stood up and approached him.

"Any news?, he asked.She shook her head no and then she mentioned she had "business" to take care of at the cabin. He frowned slightly having an idea of what. She then asked him to stay and watch over Alyisse as since the auction announcement too many nosy people, in her opinion, where hanging about. He agreed as since this whole mess started, he had been Alyisse's protector.

After Daeris left, he sat down next to Alyisse and gave her a warm smile. She looked almost the same way as they first met. She turned to him and finally spoke of her feelings on the matter. Briefly in her life with Max and what she had strived for. She was glad finally she could experience reverie again, the Elven meditative state. He smiled at that knowing that the drugs she had relied most likely had prevented her from doing so in the past.

She thanked him for allowing her to experience what is what like to be free with Daeris assistance as well. He smiled outwardly but was saddened that this might be the last chance they would be together. She then laid her head on his shoulder her eyes closing. He did not stop her as she would need all her strength and resolve at the auction. As he looked down at her peaceful countenance, he thought back to the beginning, even then she sought his help. He remembered how he set her at ease after she was collared and most recently all the times he healed her. Seeing her suffer through the withdrawal was very hard but she had pulled through. He felt however, that could change he prayed it would not.

He had lost all track of time when heard the door open. He softy asked her awaken but she did not. He then gently moved her over more on the pillows upright her head against the wall. It was not Daeris but the tribune. Marister stood and greeted him. The tribune asked if Daeris was about and Marister said she was on business and that he thought it was she at the door. Both he and the tribune sat in the chairs looking at Alyisse. Marister explained that she was in reverie and he did now when she would come out of it. The tribune nodded and pulled out a book and started to read. About thirty minutes later,Alyisse came to and seeing who else was here ,rose a bit too quickly wincing slightly. Both he and tribune asked her if she was all right at the same time. She explained her back ached from the training she had done. Marister suggested she take a hot bath and the tribune concurred.

She returned dress in a black and grey robe. Marister smiled as it was one of the things he left before. Noticing she still seemed a bit stiff in her walk he got up and brought over a dining chair for her to sit as he felt she needed more back support.
He smiled slightly as he saw Alyisse's confusion at the treatment she was receiving but when the tribune did not object she sat.

Shortly afterward, Daeris arrived much to Marister's relief. After a few moments Marister had a quick private chat with Daeris. He then bade everyone goodnight and went upstairs to avail himself of one the bunks.

---

The dreaded day of the auction had arrived. Marister prepared himself, mostly mentally for the event. He walked slowly and when he arrived he saw Alyisse standing in the middle of the platform which was in between the dwarf merchant and caravan.
She looked beautiful in the sun and though she rightfully lowered her eyes, she was standing proud and defiant.

Marister looked about at those who had already gathered and nodded to them. He had expected most of them. They were, Ne'Umbria, Maximilian, Adhukoth, Mirella, Daeris, Shianne. Unexpected entertainment was being provide by a goblin and a gnoll which seemed to get on Mirella's nerves. Marister for the most part blocked the commotion around him, his focus was mainly on Alyisse. Max was anxious to begin but was reminded that we had to wait for Mistress Jutta.

A woman in red arrived but it was not Mistress Jutta but Mistress Renee who was also a close friend of Daeris which gave Marister some hope though his expression was neutral. The tribune arrived shortly afterwards as well as Amalia.
Everyone's attention went to the slave pen gates which were opened suddenly. Mistress Jutta stood there, just surveying the crowd smiling. She welcomed everyone and set the rules for the auction having whispered them to the slave master.

The opening bid was two thousand gold. Surprising many. However overall it was conducted in an orderly fashion and naturally as the bids went up there were reactions from those who had gathered. The crowd had grown larger. The final bid was twenty-thousand gold and Baxter was awarded Alyisse. He could not stay, so he asked Daeris to watch over her until his business was done.

Marister had just planned on going back to Tyra but Mistress Jutta mentioned she had work for those who might be interested. He hesitated at first but felt he could at least listen if nothing more than to change his mind. They met in a room at the tharchion's palace but instead of the tharchion the hierarch was there. Those that were in attendence were promised a payment of five thousand gold. Although he needed the gold he could not participate and mentioned such. Djed happened to be there and made a snide remark about him but Marister ignored it and has soon a Mistress Jutta and the heirarch left, he made his farewells as Mistress Renee had wanted to speak to Daris, Shianne and Alyisse alone.

Marister debated on where to go but decided to go to Daeris house and wait he could collect his thoughts there easily enough. After sometime Daeris and Alyisse arrived. The three of them discussed Alyisse's new status and what the future may hold. Before he left once again he spoke to Daeris in private while Alyisse availed herself use of the tailoring models in the other room. He was glad to hear that Daeris's situation at the cabin was no longer a concern. He was about to leave when Alyisse came out, her armor having been tailored. he smiled warmly as it was like the one she had with Max. He bade them both farewell.

He rode non-stop back to Tyraturos. He wondered if the chapter in his life known as Alyisse was closed. He then thought of Amalia and felt now that Alyisse was settled they should talk again. He composed a letter, had it sent and went back to his home, sat in the bear rug, staring at the fire in meditation.