The worn down white fabric of the tent rippled with the strong morning breeze and hurried feet disturbed the soft movement of the sand dust. The noise grew as the working shift changed, the returners' dusty uniforms clung to their bodies as they staggered to the resting tents with half lidded eyes. Small chatter and some louder and more confident orders drifted on and off audible range as the indecisive waft changed directions.
The smeary eyed interns hurried to start their shift. They squinted against the bright rising sun and patted their less dirty beige pants. Two lines of people walking to opposite directions, all extremely tired, carrying their excavation tools.
Groups of the freshly woken workers formed along the large square terrain. The important zones and findings were outlined by several wooden poles with swinging ropes connecting them.
The first area was still fresh, four steps deep at best, that's where most of the people that left the tents stayed, starting their work. To the right, sandy steps led further down, into the initial and most precious area where the golden and silver pieces of the great Targonian civilization had been discovered. They believed that there was much more under the initial rubble.
Climbing down those stairs was Biscuit Krueger, a Jewel Hunter, her blonde hair was fastened into a simple ponytail instead of her usual two. Not for practicality, since she was sporting her pink dress with not a spec of sand or dust. She reached the place and was met with the sight of another spotless person. A tall skinny man wearing a tailored red suit, his dark straight beard reached his chest and his bald head was reflecting the morning light.
Mr. Sol gave a tight lip smile and his two burly bodyguards squared up, inspecting the short blonde lady for any threat. Their shoulders fell and they backed away.
"Miss Krueger." An intern approached, gasping for air and landing her hands over her knees for support.
"Good morning, Martha."
"Oh, Mr. Sol. Good morning. Welcome." Martha turned to Bisky once more. She was one of those responsible for the project and excavation after all. " We- We found something."
Mr. Sol cooed, hands clapping together but Bisky was already rushing to Martha's post, right at the back, the deepest point of the excavation. Martha and Mr. Sol followed her soon after, finding a large shimmering golden jewel half buried in the sand. Bisky used her brush to uncover it further and pulled it out, holding it in both hands.
Her eyes sparkled in joy as the sand escaped between her fingers and the jewel shone with a magical radiance of its own. Silence stretched for a single beat. Everyone in the dimly lit area stood in awe.
A tiny squeal left Martha, Mr. Sol took two steps forward and reached to touch the smooth sphere. Bisky hissed and pulled it closer to her chest.
"We must inspect it first, Mr. Sol." She gave him a tight lipped smile and hurried to the largest of the tents. The two followed closely. Inside, she carefully laid the jewel over a clean cloth and dusted it gently. Bisky grabbed her appraisal tool kit, placed her magnifying lunette over her right eye and inspected it thoroughly.
As her hand was reaching for her steel calliper, Mr. Sol cleared his throat. "That will be all Miss Krueger, my team will take it from here."
"What?"
"You've done a great job leading the excavation." Mr. Sol clasped his hands behind his back and strode further into the tent, continuing calmly, "I am glad you reached out after finding the celestial disk. Now that I've got proof of the existence of the jewels, I shall expand the search with my own resources. Your services will no longer be needed."
"But I- I have all the research already done, I have certified knowledge of precious gems and extensive field experien–"
"That will be all, thank you, Miss Krueger." His bony fingers closed around the vibrant golden jewel, lifting it up above his head to admire its mild translucence under the light.
Bisky clenched her hands, nails digging into her skin. Her eyes narrowed in anger, but she released a resigned sigh and packed her things quickly.
Martha's eyes were watery as she too started to pick up her belongings. Bisky left her behind to join the other supervisor and instruct them to assemble the volunteers. A bell rang, tired workers trailed back to the tent area and sleepy ones left their tents.
The crowd chattered excitedly, hoping for good news. It took one look from Bisky for them to quiet down.
"Listen everyone. We've just been laid off. Pack your things, a bus will be here at noon and then later at 17. I'm sorry." With that said she grabbed her large backpack and walked into the distance.
Some workers rushed to pack while others formed groups and whispered questions in confusion.
💎💎💎
Bisky was scrolling through the hunter website, continuing her search for the remaining jewels of the Targonian celestial disk set.
"THAT FUCKING OLD MAN!" Her hands hovered over the bright screen that displayed the large golden jewel soon to be auctioned off in Yorknew.
She gripped the table and the wood cracked under her fingers. She took a deep breath, her hands returned to their normal dainty size, and she bit back the curses she had muttered over and over during the last few weeks.
She'd get that jewel. A mantra she repeated as she packed her bags and headed for Yorknew.
YOU ARE READING
JEWEL THIEF ➴ Biscuit Krueger
Fanfiction«on hold» » The famous double star hunter, Bisky, has her eyes set on a rare set of jewels. One of those jewels leads her to the Phantom Troupe. (co-written with @bordalo_)
