A/N: Prompt for Day 4: favorite character. Takes place during the beginning of "Last Auction Heroes".

Surreptitiously Surveying in a Slovenly Situation

Johann winced as yet another plate shattered nearby. These lowlifes were all the same, drawn to brutality like Swedish horseflies to exposed skin. Still eavesdropping on the two ruffians discussing the Grimborn auction, he spared an expeditious glance to verify the map's presence. He swiftly concocted a stratagem when one of them vacated the table.

With such a tumultuous setting, it was a small matter of a well-placed foot and some innocent misdirection to set a brawler upon the remaining hunter, thoroughly distracting him. Heart hammering like a Gronckle's wings, he procured the prized piece of parchment, slipping stealthily away.