Dear heavens to betsy, would you please stop shaking?
I dug my fingers into my knee to suppress the nervous jitters. The squeak of my chair was just subtle enough for me to hear, but I was sure he could hear it too. His long slender ears twitched as he looked over the first page of my resume. The anxiety in my chest was building as he silently reviewed.
By the gods, can you please just say something? I'm a nervous wreck over here.
The being sitting behind the big wooden desk was one of those elves that had a gentle face. His long green hair was thrown up in a messy bun. I thought it added to his friendly demeanor. The only thing odd about him was the long black coat he wore over his shirt. It's hem stopped all the top of his knee high boots. It wasn't obvious now that he was sitting. If one didn't know any better, they'd just assume it was a normal coat.
"You have been blood letting for ten solar cycles?" He asked.
Finally!
"Yes, sir."
He turned to the next page.
"How long have you specialized in pediatrics?"
"Uh, ten solar cycles, sir."
His eyebrows shot up his forehead as he looked up at me with bright white glowing eyes.
"You have been blood letting infants since receiving your training and licensure?" His question held genuine surprise.
"Well, uh, yeah, it was the only job I could get at the time, and I needed the work." I said sheepishly.
Ugh, that was probably a bit too honest.
"You are not intimidated by difficult situations?"
"No, sir."
Another page turned.
"How long will you be residing on the island?"
"I already submitted my application for permanent residency, I'm just waiting for the approval letter. If I find a job I'll be able to save up for my residency hearing."
If you get a job? Common, you gotta be more confident than that.
He hummed in thought. Gathering all my papers, he tapped them on the desk and placed them in a neat stack on the corner of his desk. His glance flicked back to me.
Sweet lady fate, be gentle with me…
"I will be honest with you and say that I was looking for a being with an average skill set to ease the work load on the staff in my stable ward…"
My heart fell.
Alright, always another classified section I can ruffle through...
"…but I find your experience to be exemplary. I would like to place you in my critical ward. Would this suite you?"
I felt my heart jerk back up to my chest.
You bet your sweet niblets it would! That's where all the exciting action happens!
"Yes sir, I would very much like that." I said, trying to keep my voice in check.
A smile formed upon his lips. I could see that he was pleased. It made happiness grow inside of me.
"Then it is settled. I would like you to return tomorrow at noon so we may review your drafted contract and have you sign the finalized version."
He stood up and I did the same. He held out his hand. I took it. I was sure to be firm with my handshake. With that I gave him a very low bow.
"I am grateful and honored to have the privilege of working under you, Master Druid. I promise to only bring valuable assets to your team." I said with the deepest humility I had.
I heard him lightly chuckle. When I straightened, I noticed his smile had grown.
"I am in no doubt that you will. Please refer to me by Haelorn, that title is far too tedious." He seemed amused.
I grinned at him, "Yes sir."
"I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Ms. McGuire. I wish you a pleasant afternoon."
"You as well!"
With one last quick bow, I left his office. Just as I was leaving through the door, a young man with ashen blonde hair and hazel eyes walked up. He had a smug grin on his face as he slipped passed me with a wink.
"Hey, you handsome sap, I thought I'd…" His voice faded as I walked down the hall.
Well, that's weird. Didn't realize Haelorn was so familiar with his staff.
As I walked, my body felt lighter than air. Such a heavy burden had been lifted from my shoulders. I hadn't expected to find work so quickly, and work that I actually would enjoy. Walking down the palace steps, I made my way into the city. Since I still had the rest of the afternoon, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.
I'm gonna treat myself to something good! But I gotta get out of this gods forsaken dress!
The elven city was gorgeous compared to the human city I came from. Thelmnaes was known for the massive girthy trees that grew on the island. The majority of them served as residences. It was either a tree house on top, or a house hollowed out from it's middle. The winding cobble streets followed their circumferences, interspersed with antique slopped roofed buildings. The strings of colorful lanterns were always swinging gently in breeze that came in from the bay. Long bridges above them connecting the trees added to the mystical atmosphere.
My apartment, if you wanted to call it that, was in one of those towering trees at the edge of the city. I climbed the spiraling staircase sunk deep into it's bark. I passed the landings of my neighbors, watching the ground getting farther and farther away.
It still gave me the heebie jeebies everytime.
I jiggled the key into my lock.
Ugh…
My place was a mess. Boxes and crates were still all over the tiny sitting room. Carefully I tip toed around. Thankfully I didn't trip on the way to my room. I finally flung the dress over my head. It landed somewhat neatly on my bed.
Well, that's probably the only organized thing around here.
I pulled on a set of cotton leggings, a baggy shirt, and a jacket. As I wiggled my feet into my leather slippers I finally felt comfortable.
So much better than that stupid dress.
I checked myself in a small mirror by the door. My hair didn't look too bad. The breeze somehow always made it a fluffy mess. I liked to keep my mousy brown hair short on the sides and back. There was just enough on the top and crown of my head to be able to style it. Or leave it wet to dry later. I usually just let it stay parted to the side. To much work to make it any fancier, simply because I was lazy. I brushed the bangs out of my face to examine myself a bit further.
My greenish blue irises were completely glaring against my blood shot eyes.
Yikes...
It was understandable though. I'd been unpacking, trying to find work, and polishing up my resume since the beginning of last week. I was surprised I wasn't worse for wear. At least I didn't look like I'd aged ten cycles. I still looked like I was almost twenty seven.
Grabbing a couple of silver coins off my letter stand I bounded back down the stairs. It was time to treat myself, and I knew exactly where I wanted to go.
The noodle shop was a little hole in the wall kind of place. Even for being so hidden, the smell coming from it was unmistakable. The scent filled my nose long before I'd even turned the corner. I paused after stepping inside. Closing my eyes I inhaled the smell of beautiful beef broth mixed with sweet starch deep into my lungs.
Ah, so glorious.
With a grin and a gurgling belly, I walked up to the counter. I hoped to the gods they spoke some Proto.
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