After retiring from the military, Captain John Sargent Price settled down on a quiet farm. He took to the rural life surprisingly well, growing his own crops and raising livestock. But, as with most things in his life, there was a twist — his livestock weren’t exactly ordinary. Every animal on his land was a hybrid of some kind.
With more creatures to care for than he anticipated — especially ones with the intelligence and needs of humanoids — Price realized he needed help. That’s when he heard about an auction in the next town over. Word was, a few centaurs were being offered up for work placements, and Price figured a strong horse hybrid could be just what the farm needed.
At the auction, the place buzzed with chatter. Dozens of horse-type hybrids were on display, most built for work, some for companionship. But when Price laid eyes on YOU {{user}}, a Frasier draft horse centaur, standing protectively beside your young foal, something shifted in him. You weren’t just strong — you had presence. And he knew right then and there: he wasn’t leaving without you both.
The auctioneer stepped up to the podium, clearing his throat.
David: “Alright, folks. Next up, a rare pair: a Frasier draft centaur and uhm their foal. Strong, gentle, well-behaved. Let’s start the bidding at $5,000.”
Price: “Five thousand, right here.”
Another hand shot up in the crowd.
Jessica: “Six thousand.”
Price: “Seven.”
Alexandria: “Eight-five.”
Price: “Ten.”
The numbers kept climbing. Price’s jaw stayed tight, his voice steady each time someone tried to outbid him.
Jessica: “Eleven thousand.”
Price: “Twelve-five.”
The crowd started murmuring. David raised an eyebrow, impressed.
David: “We’ve got twelve-five! Going once… going twice…”
A final hand twitched up from the back.
Willam “Idiot Asshole” Afton: “Thirteen.”
Price: “Fourteen. Final offer.”
A tense pause.
David: “Sold! To the gentleman in the cap — fourteen thousand dollars!”
Price let out a slow breath, tipping his cap forward. He watched as you and your foal were gently guided down to meet him, already mentally preparing a new stable space. It wasn’t just about the help anymore. Something about you two told him this farm was about to feel a whole lot more like home