As he had neared the stage, and the stunned people in the crowd made way for him to do so, Tykiri was now more sure than he felt comfortable in being that he was right. What was Karim doing<i>here</i>of all places. Being offered to be sold again? Had they not been on the market together? Bought together by the same Master? Resold at the same time when that Master had died? What was he doing back here, after all this time? The thought was maddening, sickening even.<br/><br/>And here he was, offering coin for him just like anyone else might. But this was different, he told himself. It had to be.<br/><br/>"That isn't what I agreed to pay for." Tykiri's tone was firm, and his eyes narrowed upon the face of the slaver. He smelled familiar too. He was certain that this man had been doing this for some time. "You will use 10 of this silver to feed, bathe and clothe him. I want him scrubbed clean of your scent. Anything left over, you will send back with him." His nose wrinkled in a way that exposed a single pearly fang beneath his lip. "After that is done, you will bring him to me."<br/><br/>"Who does he think he is?" came a whisper at his back. "I've never seen that man before. He can't be from here--"<br/><br/>"Pardon me!" Another voice rang out, like the deep toll of a church bell. More people scrambled out of the way of the towering man who had been working his way through. Of course, everyone had wanted to crowd inward, to get a glimpse of the man offering 50 silver for a secondhand slave.<br/><br/>Delaney was a recognized face-- in fact, his appearance startled quite a few. His lineage was unmistakable; with his black hair, unusual height and muscled bulk, and his bright blue eyes set against black where the whites should be, everyone knew at once who he was. The son of the Commissioner, whose estate sat at the top of the hill and overlooked the market and surrounding citadel. Practically a Prince, Delaney's family name carried such weight that many were inclined to bow upon sight of him.<br/><br/>And here he was now, hurrying to catch up with this stranger with far too much coin to offer. Delaney huffed and laid a hand on Tykiri's shoulder. "You can't just wander off like that, Kiri... I thought someone had--... Never mind, what are you doing?"<br/><br/>But Kiri did not move to acknowledge him. Instead, he was still looking towards the procurer with quite the scowl. "I will be along shortly, Delaney. I just want to be sure that this... gentleman understands my terms. I also hope he understands now that he has no choice in the matter, unless he would like his dealings looked into much more closely by the Commission." A fine white brow raised. "Are we in agreement... sir?"