As the Spring Festival was drawing closer to a close, there were still a few things that needed to be done. Among them was the Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction, which was already promising to be quite profitable. It wasn't just because of the members of Projects Cenozoic and Mesozoic who were still single, such as the raptor twins, Diego, and Norrie. There were plenty of new members who were just about to join who'll be very desirable.
The knights and horses hadn't come from Europe just to put on a show for the festival-goers. The horses were getting well past their prime and it was high time for them to be put out to pasture. However, Animalia provided a 'retirement plan' that was much more rewarding than others. To make sure the large horses didn't panic and hurt themselves as they transformed, they were taken out to a large corral at Lover's Woods. Instead of injecting each one of them with the Animalian virus, the virus was put in the water troth so that the horses would end up drinking it, much like how the Outbreak originally happened.
There weren't many people over there at Lover's Woods except for the knights, some representatives from Horizon Labs, and Mayor Clara. Abby and Samson were also there. Abby had rather liked these horses when she first met then and was eager to greet them when they became Animalians. The fact that the horses would be nude when they first transform didn't bother her at all. She's seen more than her share of naked horse people, particularly at Allegro and Diane's after-wedding party.
"Those Percherons are pretty impressive, aren't they?" asked Abby. To an inexperience observer, the Percheron looked like a Clydesdale without feathering on its legs. But there were many subtle differences between the two breeds, differences that showed that the Clydesdale was bred to be a farm horse and the Percheron was still a capable warhorse even if it was mostly used for labor in modern times. "Oh, look, some of them are drinking now," said Abby, pointing to some of the steeds drinking from the troth.
"Abby, I get the feeling you're a little too eager about their uplifting," said Samson.
"Pardon?" asked Abby, half-listening as the horses started transforming, their armor-bearing muscles being remolded into impressive physiques.
"Abby, you do remember how much we went through when all the mares wanted me, right?" asked Samson pointedly.
"Don't worry, Samson. I'd never throw you away," said Abby.
"Then could you not eyeball them so much?" asked Samson.
"I might be looking at them, but that's not saying I want to run off with one of them. I mean, I'm only human," said Abby before adding, "So to speak."
The uplifted Percherons were rather impressive horses. They were rather like uplifted Clydesdale stallions, though without the feathering. They were well-muscled and a bit taller than Samson, but Samson had his muscles deeply chiseled and honed. One of the uplifted horses, a dark grey dappled stallion, walked over to Abby and Samson. "Greetings, milady and lord," said the horse with a distinct English accent, "I am Archeron IV, of a long and renowned lineage of battle steeds. My close acquaintances call me Archy. I believe we met earlier in the stables."
"I think I remember you," said Abby, "Anyways, I'm Abigail, this is my mate, Samson, and welcome to Animalia."
"Quite charmed," said Archy, "Now what does a horse such as myself do in your enlightened society?"
"No one's really restricted to any particular job," said Samson, "You could be a farmer, a doctor, a construction worker, the possibilities are open."
"And if you're interested, there's a way you can help bring money to Animalia and potentially find a mate," said Abby.
"Do tell," said Archy.
"Well, there is an auction coming up, where bidders will be trying to buy a date with the Animalians," said Abby.
"And these 'dates', how successful are they?" asked Archy.
"Well, I can't say every one was a perfect match, but I do know one lucky girl who met her fiance at an auction," said Abby.
"And considering you're such a stud, I don't think you'll have problem finding a woman interested in bidding on you," said Samson.
"Sounds intriguing," said Archy, "I'll be looking forward to it."
The other stallions were also interested in the auction once they were informed. While their careers were uncertain at the moment, they might not remain single for long.