Chapter 35: Grindstone

Oz peered up over her tablet, her mind whirling from the last few days of work. Only once she was happy the siblings and her new family were comfortable at the temple once again, stocked with needed produce and what she could drag through, she returned through the warp door. As much as she wanted to remain in their world, forgetting her problems back home and living a pioneer lifestyle, she was still a hunter.

"Miss Kasper." A scared voice spoke up from the front desk, the assistant quaked under her sudden inspection. The suit was ill fitting, too baggy yet too tight at the same time. Oz snapped her tablet cover shut and tucked it back into her purse. She stood with purpose, taking her time and smoothing out the soft fabric of her blouse.

"Chairman Orion will see you now." The assistant motioned to the now open door of the guildmaster's office. Oz gave the young hunter a small nod before walking in, closing the door behind herself. The expression on the tall man made the hours of primping worth it.

Taking the sibling's words to heart, the woman wore the very best she had. A blood red silk blouse, with a large flouncy bow right off the side of her neck. The swish of the professional dress pants gave the illusion of an impossibly tiny waist, tricking the eye with proportions. The shiny red heels and sparkling jewelry finished the look. She took the time to brush her hair into a slick ponytail, purposely showing off the scar across her eye. As well her newly pointed ears.

A flush warmed Orion's chiseled cheekbones, barely peeking above his beard. His dark eyes quickly scanned her face, lingering far too long on the scarred eye then her ears. He stood quickly, unbuttoning his blazer as he did.

"Hunter Kasper, how may I help you?" He said, Orion's voice only slightly wavered as he spoke. 

"I won't use up too much of your time. I would had simply had the front desk do what I needed but they refused to listen to me. Saying due to my Rank I had no right to reserve my own dungeons." Oz said, purposely locking her eyes with him.

"...I'll speak to them. Tell me what you need."

"Four Dungeons. Reserved."

"Four?" The pen in his hand fell onto the desk in his shock. "In a month?"

"No. Today. I'm going to be busy. I need to fulfill my dungeon requirements for the next month as soon as possible. I can't let the hunter commission think I'm not working, can i?" Oz smirked. 

"Four...Dungeons in a day?" He repeated. 

Oz nodded, "Quickly." She motioned then for him to use his computer. "I have a busy few days coming up and I need to get this out of the way. Oh and page Mr. Smith." She paused as a cruel smile warmed her face.

"We have business."

~Elsewhere ~

"Damn beast!"

YIPE!

The golden beast crumbled into the filthy snow, fur matted with blood and mud. Still the beast refused to bow down, the strangling chain around its throat made it impossible to run. The slavers were cruel looking elves, their skin a muddled blend of blue and dark navy. Red tufted spears in hand as they tried to box the golden beast into the awaiting trap behind it.

SNARL

The beast returned the hateful yells with a monstrous roar, eyes pupil-less and white as it barred massive canines. A long furry tail whipped back to forth, alive and thrashing about like a furious viper. The elves jumped back as the tail snapped out long needle-like hairs that embedded themselves into the ice encrusted stones.

"Get the damn beast already!" called another guard, "We don't have all night! The King's escort demands the pelt of a golden cat for his bride!"

SNARL!

Another wave of roars sent the elves back only a few inches before they were encouraged by their spears. The golden beast snarled louder, scratching at the strangling chain looped around its fluffy neck. Acid spit dripping from its frothing maw, cowering against the stones.

"What are you doing!" A feminine voice called out over the winds.

Elves looked over at the sudden voice in confusion. "Milady?" One called out only to let out a painful yelp.

THUMP THUMP THUMP! DING!

The handsized stone bounced off their helmets with painful accuracy, leaving the small group with horrid headaches. Many were knocked to the snow, knocked out and groaning from the ringing in their heads.

This confused the beast, ears low in worry. A low growl escaping as something shifted over the way. A hood of white bobbed over the stones until finally they jumped over the last stone. A kind elf looked over to it, the beast wagged and offered a low whine.

"Aw poor thing. Don't worry, you'll be safe with us now." Said the she-elf in a soft gentle tone, but in her hand was a slaver's chain. The beast whined low as she approached closer. The smile on the she-elf's face didn't reach her eyes, darkened with greed.