[Cid glances towards and taps her foot with his own in acknowledgment. There is definitely something going on with this point as she suspected, but what? It's not as if it's the first jewel encrusted piece. Was there another code word they missed?
They won't be able to dwell on it for long as the bidding soon closes out at eight hundred thousand doubloons, a little higher than the previous but still highest so far. And soon it is time for the main event, an item that no one knows about but has heard that it will be a rare treasure, the likes of which no one else will ever have. The lights dim, the curtains pull back and...
There are audible gasps, a mix of awe and discomfort as the curtains reveal a large statue of a baby pygmy whale...a large crystal statue. At first glance, it looks like it's just a statue made of crystal, but when the light shines on it just right, one can see a darker shadow within, obscured by the way the crystals are cut and the jewels that decorate it. But even more disconcerting is that is "framed" by ivory bone, polished to shine brightly and constructed as if to appear like a cradle.
"This, ladies and gentlemen, is a masterpiece called Ocean's Birth, a piece to celebrate and honor our patron leviathan, Elah and the magnificent whales that swim through our oceans. All proceeds on this item will be sent to the Whale Conservation Project that serves to protect this beautiful creature.
And please, do not be alarmed. While it is true that the bones you see here are genuine, they were taken from remains found on one of those dreadful hunting sights and from specimens that were already approved for research. Everything was properly cremated and returned to the waves.
Thus, with the funds from this particular auction, the Conservation Project will be better able to find and help endangered whales. Now, let us start the bidding..."
While some relief trickles through the audience and bidding begins in earnest, there are still many who feel uneasy—least of Cid and Benedikta.]
no subject
They won't be able to dwell on it for long as the bidding soon closes out at eight hundred thousand doubloons, a little higher than the previous but still highest so far. And soon it is time for the main event, an item that no one knows about but has heard that it will be a rare treasure, the likes of which no one else will ever have. The lights dim, the curtains pull back and...
There are audible gasps, a mix of awe and discomfort as the curtains reveal a large statue of a baby pygmy whale...a large crystal statue. At first glance, it looks like it's just a statue made of crystal, but when the light shines on it just right, one can see a darker shadow within, obscured by the way the crystals are cut and the jewels that decorate it. But even more disconcerting is that is "framed" by ivory bone, polished to shine brightly and constructed as if to appear like a cradle.
"This, ladies and gentlemen, is a masterpiece called Ocean's Birth, a piece to celebrate and honor our patron leviathan, Elah and the magnificent whales that swim through our oceans. All proceeds on this item will be sent to the Whale Conservation Project that serves to protect this beautiful creature.
And please, do not be alarmed. While it is true that the bones you see here are genuine, they were taken from remains found on one of those dreadful hunting sights and from specimens that were already approved for research. Everything was properly cremated and returned to the waves.
Thus, with the funds from this particular auction, the Conservation Project will be better able to find and help endangered whales. Now, let us start the bidding..."
While some relief trickles through the audience and bidding begins in earnest, there are still many who feel uneasy—least of Cid and Benedikta.]
I call bullshit.