I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to sharpen my skills, since I'm rather rusty. I used to dabble in writing quite often but I haven't focused on it for a long time.
This will most likely be a collection of random short stories following Gazini and her various adventures/daily life. I might post small paragraphs at a time, or long entries. I might do a continuing story or have them all unrelated to each other. Who knows. xD Either way, I hope you enjoy reading them. ^^
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Gazini sat with her back against a palm tree, enjoying the cool coastal wind at Sen'Jin Village. On such bright, clear days the distant Echo Isles were easily visible. She stared out across the ocean, indulging in the simple pleasure of doing nothing. Despite having moved on to greater and more difficult lands, Sen'Jin would always be home to her. During the rare moments when she had free time, she liked to return for short visits.
A powerful wind rushed by once more, rattling the fish on their drying racks. It pulled loose strands of her blood-red hair, but she merely tucked them into the large braid that curved back over her head. Inhaling deeply, she uncoiled her body and shifted into a standing position. It was time to go.
She walked away from the beach, up towards the huts of the village. The baked red earth was scorching; but to the tough, leathery soles of her feet it was merely warm. With a sharp whistle she called out to her mount, Zulu. The tall raptor came eagerly striding to her side, his vivid green scales standing out against the rust coloured tones of the area. She gave him an affectionate pat on the rump and inspected his saddle and harness. They had been freshly cleaned and cared for.
"Off so soon, mon?" came the deep voice of Zjolnir the raptor handler. Gazini turned to see him approach and greeted him with a wave. "Dis be your handiwork?" she asked, motioning towards the saddle. He smirked in reply then reached up to adjust the buckles around Zulu's neck. "Well someone has ta be takin' care of da raptors, mon. It's mah job you know."
She laughed and jumped up into the saddle, thanking her old friend. It was him who had found her such a stunning creature. She had specifically requested a green raptor when she was younger, as green was one of her favourite colours. She had grown sick of staring at red everywhere in Durotar, and wanted a companion who would remind her of lush jungles. Though it must have been difficult to acquire, Zjolnir somehow obtained a clutch of green raptor eggs from Stranglethorn and had raised Zulu from a hatchling.
Gazini had been present for most of the raptor's growth, socializing with him often in order to get him accustomed to her. Raptors were known for being fierce and headstrong creatures, capable of gutting a Troll with a single slash of their deadly talons. Yet with determination and perseverance even their strong instincts could be overwritten and turned to loyalty. Zjolnir and Xar'Ti were the prime examples of this, both of them being the best raptor trainers in the tribe. Gazini had always had a natural affinity with beasts, and her bond with the green raptor had been evident from the start.
Zulu had been with her ever since as a loyal mount and steadfast friend.
As the two traipsed through the village, Gazini paused at one of the doorways. Vel'rin Fang was busy ministering to a pile of tiger furs, preparing them for tanning. She well remembered the early days of the hunt, stalking the mighty felines that resided on the nearby islands.
"Gazini, it be good to see ya." he called out without turning. His senses had always been sharp. She dismounted in order to step inside his hut. Among the various skinning instruments and hides that adorned the floor, there were also prized pelts that were his trophies of the hunt.
"How's da hunt been for ya?" he asked, putting his work aside to speak with her. She told him of her upcoming ventures into Stranglethorn, and the plethora of challenges that awaited her there. He seemed pleased by the news, knowing that she thrived on the thrill of the hunt.
"Dere be one dat I be hearin' of...closer ta home it is." he began, a mysterious spark in his eyes. She listened intently.
"Dey say dat he rules over da Barrens, a fearsome king among lions. His fur be black as night, and his fangs sharp enough ta pierce armor. Da Tauren call him 'Humar'."
Gazini ran a thumb absently over the knife at her belt. Such a worthy opponent certainly intrigued her. If she brought this Humar's pelt back, her reputation as a huntress would raise even higher. Yet just then another thought struck her...
She stood up suddenly, and Vel'rin grinned up at her. "Ah, your blood craves ta battle against him now, don' it?" She nodded silently, not voicing what was really on her mind. She would not say anything unless she succeeded in her plan.
She bid farewell to him, and he urged her to take a bundle of dried jerky for the trip. She accepted the food gratefully and mounted on Zulu once again. As they rode off with the sun hot on their backs, she grinned to herself. Leaning down to scratch her raptor under the chin, she nodded towards the west and said,
"We be off to da Barrens."
