1) Introduction

"So, you want me to hire you," muttered the griffin, staring across at the dragon. He actually towered over her, even hunched over in the seat like he was right now, but the placement of her claws on the desk signaled that she was not to be trifled with. Her talons were unsheathed, and tapped constantly at the wood.

"Um, yeah," he replied, sounding somehow nervous despite the size advantage. "I mean, I know your tunnels and stuff are all sized more for griffins, but, I, I, er..."

"You're going to ask me for that favor, huh, Kirak, old friend? Even after we've been separated for so long..."

"Well, only if you can handle it. I mean, I wouldn't want to intrude, Aral..."

"Fine. I'll introduce you to the main cataloger today. She'll tell you how things are organized in this place. We do have some larger spaces that might be more suited for you."

"Oh, thank you, Aral!"

"Don't mention it. You better hope your interview with Miss Shrike goes well. She's the one you have to worry about-I can give you the chance, but she'll be the one to determine if you are suited to working here."

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"So, you want to work here, dragon?" asked the slender griffoness. While Aral was built around a mix of an eagle and lion, boasting brute strength as an advantage, Miss Shrike had the slender build of a heron, crossed with some sort of cheetah. Even as she spoke, she dashed around the room, picking up various objects and placing them in new spots. Even watching made Kirak feel dizzy.

"Yes. Aral said I could try."

"Try? Hmm, 'try' is the operative word. You'll have to deal with a lot, you know. This is nowhere near the easy life I think you're expecting."

"I know that! I know how your catalog is organized in three-dimensional space, with each book or scroll or whatever having its own location, that a trained cataloger-like you-can name with absolute position. I know the work that must go into returning each piece to its proper place."

"So you've done your homework, then. Fine. Catalog these." She shoved a pile of various papers she had been carrying into his claws. "Don't disappoint me."

"Yes, yes, ma'am!" muttered the dragon, bowing hurriedly and rushing towards the actual archives.

"I expect you back here at this same time tomorrow!" she called after him. He stopped.

"Wait-you mean I got the job?"

She snorted, an odd expression on her heron face. "Of course you did. Now go. Don't bother me again. If you have any questions, ask Aral." And she turned back to the documents on her desk. "I still have to restore these. Ugh-the damage!"

Kirak smiled slightly. So he'd made it, eh? Well, that was just fine with him.