Story of an Exile ~ Chapter 9

"...And this, young one, is very important. Whisper the words I gave you and concentrate. Yes, very good. This will keep your pet healthy, Huntress," the trainer finished explaining to Vabira how a hunter uses her magic to heal her companion, her pet. She did as she was told, and watched the magic of her elven blood generate at her fingertips and flow to the animal. The cat mewed at her and began to purr. The trainer nodded in approval.1

Out of the corner of her eye, Vabira saw a short, stout creature also nod. He had been leaning against the wall, watching. She supposed he was waiting to speak with the trainer. Next to him lie a large creature, similar to a cat though bigger, built of more muscle with a stubby tail and short ears. She turned to him, curious of his action.2

"Nae bad, lassie. Nae bad a'all. Ye hae talen', I'll say tha'," Vabira's ears twitched at his speach as she tried to understand what he was saying. He pushed himself away from the wall and came closer; his pet stirred, but grunted and fell back asleep. Vabira backed away defensively, not knowing what this man was. The trainer behind her placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, signaling that this little man was a friend.3

"Greetings, Gorgen. I hope the Night and Darnassus finds you well?" the trainer smiled down and clasped hands with the shorter male, Gorgen, in a friendly hello.4

"Tha' it does, Jekile. Tha' it does. An' who be this bairn?" Gorgen gestured with both hands down Vabira's frame. She was trying to decide whether she should be insulted ornot. She jerked in surprise as the cat she had taken as a pet bumped the back of her legs, upset with being ignored.5

"This is Vabira. Vabira, this is the dwarven hunter, Gorgen. He comes to us from lands of ice," Jekile smiled gently at the huntress.6

"Dwarven?" when she spoke, hervoice was soft with wonder.7

"There are creatures other than elves, Little one. You have seen a few about the city: humans, which are the taller pale creatures, gnomes, which are the creatures that are very short, and dwarves. I suppose he are something in between." The young elf nodded in understanding and the dwarf chuckled.8

"Ye elves and yer understandin's," Gorgen shook his head in amusement. He turned to Vabira, "Ye look ha'f starved, lassie. Join me fo' a meal." Gorgen nodded and begain to walk away; slowly the silver-eyed elf followed with her cat at her heals. "Broghrad! Wake up, ye lazy bear! We're gettin' food!" the bear's ears twitched and it rose to it's feet, bounding after it's master.9

Vabira looked down at her own pet, mumbling in confusion, "Bear?" The feline just mewed.10