The silent anticipation riled up the increasingly large crowd. They debated on how to properly use their slaves, ridiculing them, mostly in hushed whispers between the aristocrats, making Bastian's skin crawl. A pudgy, curly mustache gentleman stepped forward declaring the auction had started. The crowd clapped and cheered. While one by one, a prisoner was thrown forward to be judged how little their entire lives cost them. Bastian glanced at each of them squarely in their eyes, before looking away.

[i][color=0072bc]"Maybe this was just a waste of time..."[/color][/i] Bastian thought before noticing the second row of prisoners were lead to the front of the stage, he clenched the hilt of his sword. Bastian started elbow checking anyone in his path, knocking several straight on their heads. Leaping up on the stage, receiving many insults and jeers from the audience. The guard's getting in defensive positions, surrounding the pudgy man. 

[color=82ca9d]"What the hell is you're problem? No one is allowed on this platform but official members of the-"[/color] The pudgy man sneered but fell silent when Bastian completely ignored his shrill voice. Instead, walking up to Elizabeth and raising up his sword into the air and slashing through her ball and chain with an effortless swing. One of the guards hastily grabs the pudgy man's shoulder. 

[color=fdc68a]"Sir! Look at the beastfolk's necklace...he's one of the cursed!"[/color]

[color=82ca9d]"What? Stand down men! Don't get to close to it!"[/color] The man commanded, causing the guards to slowly back away from Bastian. Bastian turned around and tossed the leather bag of coins that dropped directly below the pudgy man's feet.

[color=0072bc]"That's my bid."[/color] Bastian said coldly. [color=0072bc]"Anyone else challenge my bid? I'll fight to the death for it."[/color] Bastian declared with his blade raised to his chest. Answered by the dead silence of the crowd.