Raphtalia

"Come closer, good sir!" the merchant's gruff voice echoed through the dark corridor, heavy with the stench of dampness and suffering. "Today I will show you something very special, a unique product, although… in a delicate state." With slow steps, he dragged a chain that rattled on the stone floor. At the far end of the cell, the figure of a semi-human girl, with long ears and a drooping tail, could be seen huddled against the wall as if she wished to vanish into the shadows.

"Look closely. This little girl is a demi-human from the raccoon tribe," the merchant explained, raising a lamp to illuminate the young woman's face. "Her name is Raphtalia. Though she now appears thin, trembling, and ill, don't be fooled. The blood of a strong and resilient people flows in her veins. When well cared for, these demi-humans grow quickly, reaching physical maturity in a short time. An investment for the future, without a doubt."

The girl looked up for only a few seconds. Her dull eyes, surrounded by dark circles, reflected the trauma and despair of someone who had lost her childhood far too soon. Faced with the lamp's glare, she closed them fearfully, clutching her knees.

"Of course, of course, I understand what you're thinking," the merchant continued, with a twisted smile. "What good is a sick and cowardly slave? But here's the catch: her price. For just thirty silver coins, you can take this half-human with you. Thirty! A bargain, considering what a healthy specimen of her kind would cost."

The merchant gently tapped the cage with his cane, causing Raphtalia to startle and her tail to twitch nervously.

"She is obedient. She will not dare raise her voice or disobey. Fear has tamed her better than any whip. All she requires is a master willing to invest some time in strengthening her. With proper training, she could be a shieldmaiden, a servant, or even a warrior. Believe me: these demi-humans can wield weapons with natural talent."