Chiani simply shut her eyes and let out a slow breath as the barker tried to regain the attention of his crowd as some distraction broke out. She wore barely anything just to show off her skin and body. Sapphire scales so small they appeared like glossy skin, she'd been washed thoroughly to make sure they shone. The scrubbing had left the fins lining her arms, back, and legs very sore, enough to leave her battling back tears... situation notwithstanding.
Collared, cold, and frightened... her family would have been proud of her for such composure. Every cold breeze made her antenna twitch and her knees creak. "If I may have your attention back ladies and gentlemen... for a first among my items, I have a Meriad. No, I assure you all she is the genuine article."
"Meriads have fish tails instead of legs!" Someone yelled from the crowd. It made a burst of hot anger flit through Chiani's veins. To suggest she was anything like a fish was insulting. She did not suggest humans and the like were related to cattle. Once again she was forced to calm her mind, anger would achieve nothing.
"As you can see good sir, her tail is the source of such rumor." The barker put a hand underneath Chiani's tail and lifted it, making her stiffen... it was her only covering on that side. "See how it flattens, much like an incredibly long fin? This is where such rumors arose." The barker's hand slid down the side of Chiani's tail, making her shudder again. "As you all can very well see, it is a choice example of a truly rare people. I will start the bidding at ten thousand riol."
It had only been a few weeks that Chiani had been stolen from the water's warm embrace and thrust into such a hopeless destiny... but she had never been so frightened as to just how many hands went up to secure her as a prize. The price skyrocketed, and soon only a few hands continued to move. Finally, it came down to two. One was of regal bearing, the other dressed as one would to travel a long way. Chiani did not have the chance to give it further thought when only one hand remained in the air. "Sold for twenty-one thousand riol!"
Chiani knew what this meant. As long as she wore the collar she was forced to obey. All she could do was stare at her buyer. The guards took the chain and led her down the stairs and to her new master...
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