A pretty human woman exits the office door as Flora rubs her head. She had begun the long arduous hiring process, but it appears she could only find idiots, both human and non-human. But she had been entrusted with a task and she wasn’t about to fail.

Grimacing, Flora grabs her cell phone and reluctantly clicks on a contact's number. The phone starts ringing to immediately to her dismay and is answered on the first ring. A warm persuasive voice drawls, “Flora, I’ve simply missed you. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Thomas Vladimir despite being a fuckboy was surprisingly rather good at his job. (He was a model vampire citizen registered with the government and only drank blood from consenting lovers or from medical blood bags. With the coming out of magical creatures back in the 80’s many had been afraid of this particular species. One of the things that helped quell the fear among humans is how few vampires there are in existence. But more importantly, vampires are born not made and have a low birthrate. And despite having the some of the abilities out of fabled stories, vampires are quite a domesticated lot.)

“I need your help, would you consider coming to work for my employer as a talent scouter,” Flora reluctantly offered.

“I’m afraid I have a prior engagement, but thank you,” Thomas insincerely said.

Flora stops herself from grinding her teeth and calmly says, “The pay is rather good and the employer wants a talent scouter, not a pretty face or lover. I am personally vouching for the employer’s intentions.”

Thomas is quiet for a moment before casually asking, “How much is the pay?”

“Enough to even meet your ridiculous standards,” Flora firmly answered.

“Well, let me see what I can do. Where can we meet?” Thomas cheerfully asked.

“The current employment site is still under construction. We are to do the hiring for the project site. I am currently working out of an office, but I’ll text you the address. How soon can you be here?” Flora swiftly asked.

Before Thomas can answer a woman’s, sleepy mumble is heard. Thomas cheekily replies, “About an hour.” The call ends as Flora stiffens with disdain, but does so as requested. Though a pain in the neck to deal with he was good at what he did. Which was a shame to say the least.

*

Flora is busy at her desk reviewing prospective employees when the door suddenly swings open. Wearing a tailored blue striped suit, a pale tall, dark-haired man smiles revealing long incisors. The heartbreaker, Thomas seats himself cheerfully in front of Flora and says, “Well, let me see what I’m working with.”

Flora unhappily hands over the readied portfolio stating terms. Thomas nods with a pleased expression and swiftly signs the documents without any haggle. “So, who has been hired yet?” Thomas businesslike said without any of usual demeanor.

With some relief, Flora answers, “So far, me and you, plus three guards, personally chosen by the employer. But we are still going to need guards, administrators and administrative staff, craftsman such as alchemists and the like, skilled chefs and cooking staff, serving staff members, beast-tamers, front desk operators, anything else we or the employer can think of.”

Thomas let out a soft whistle. “Well, you’re in good hands Flora you did call the best.” Flora winces as Thomas carefully continues, “Are there any restrictions?”

“No, the employer permits any hires, though if I may be blunt the employer holds a dislike for elves,” Flora honestly said.

Thomas’s eyes widen and rather bewildered says, “Really? How strange. But despite that dislike, is the employer willing to hire elves?”

“Yes, why do you already have someone in mind?” Flora pointedly asked.

“Maybe. But for now, show me the prospective hires,” Thomas firmly said as Flora handed over some prospective files. Without another word the two get down to work and begin the arduous process of debating who was right for the job.