World of the Beasts
It only took Kristal a few seconds to compose herself and follow Race into the meeting room. The older people where happy to have their tea which Race had poured. Amber gave Kristal an apologetic smile. “I forgot that you have never used a stove, but thank you for the effort Neko.”
“You are much too kind to them Elaine,” the old man spoke, “They are only animals.” Kristal bit her lip so hard she thought she would make it bleed. “Animals or not, they disserve our kindness for their work and devotion. That is why I throw the party every year. Speaking of it, the preparations are coming along nicely, and I think this year I will finally get every Creature to attend.”
The old women clapped her hands, “Oh, that would be wonderful! Don’t you agree Sam?” “Yes,” the old man grumbled, “Will you again turn down our offer? You know we would gladly help with the finances.” “Yes, I’m afraid I must. I have more then enough money, more then I’ll ever need. I would rather it go to a cause such as this, then have it sit and do nothing,” there was the slightest suggestion of smugness on Amber‘s voice.
“I told you she had it under control. Stop pestering her about it!” the old woman slapped Sam’s knee lightly. “Did you hear dear? We have a guest staying with us. The most interesting young lady. She has traveled across the whole of the north! I can’t imagine all the things she has seen.” “Really? I think I would like to meet her.”
“Well, if you both are only going to chat all day, I will be going. Race!” The old man stood and huffed out the room with Race close behind. Kristal took one step after and caught herself. Biting her lip, she forced herself to stay. “That is just like him! I will see you later dear, and stop by anytime, you are always welcome,” the old woman gave a warm smile before she too stood and left. Soon the sound of the carriage being pulled away could be clearly heard.
“Race is quiet handsome, wouldn’t you agree Neko?” Kristal blushed as she realized she had been caught staring at him. “Yes,” was her soft reply. Amber gave a sigh. “I do not know what they did to him. We were in love…..and then he became like that. I think it has something to do with that collar. Well, you can go rest in your room. Your sword shall be returned to you tomorrow, and we will go have a walk around town. How does that sound?” “Great,” Kristal smiled.
Kristal didn’t remember the rest of the day well. She remembered eating food she had never seen or heard of before, and meeting the other inhabitants of the house. The thought of Race not even acknowledging her made her shut down. “Why? Why Race? I came all this way, struggled so long FOR YOU TO FORGET ME!!” she screamed in her room and hurled a pillow at the door.
The outburst calmed her. “Yes, I need to be calm. I’m in unfamiliar territory, and even Amber Rose had said that he wasn’t acting himself,” the thought of the bunny girl and Race together made her chuckle. “There would be a lot of girls back in the valley that would be disappointed. Mom would make such a fuse about how beautiful she was, and Dad would give Race a pat on the back and make him blush like only he could.” Kristal LotusWolf smiled to herself, imagining her family together again with the new member.
No sooner had the dream blossomed, then it died in the reality that was all around the cat girl. There would be no reunion. Not as long as Race didn’t even know himself.
