The Young Hunter's Tale- Darnassus.

Darnassus, the capital of Teldrassil, was not like the crowded warrens of Kalimdor or Azurath. Dwellings were built into the ancient trees that towered into the sky. Wooden buildings clustered in the trade district, and the impressive Temple of the Moon stood at one end of the city. Ponds dotted the central area.

Into one such pool the young Hunter awkwardly cast his fishing line. Having recently learned the trade, he thought it wise to be able to catch his own food as well as hunting it.

Clear laughter rang out behind him.

He turned to see a young lass dressed in leather, a Druidess by the looks of her, fishing pole in her hand, smiling at him.

"You have not fished before?"

His face flushed. "I'll admit to this being my first time."

"It shows, Hunter. Watch me, and learn?"

He nodded to her and observed her cast expertly into the pond, move her bait around in the water, and suddenly pull in a grouper, thrashing on the end of the hook.

He was watching her, though, and missed all the finer techniques of her skill, in favor of enjoying the movements of her lithe form. Such is youth, regardless of race, or time, or place.

Her name was Jassilis. As they fished- she expertly, he poorly- they talked of what brought them here, to the capital. Youth and the desire of adventure seemed to walk hand in hand under the bright sun of Teldrassil on this day.

She was an expert fisher; for every fish he caught, she hauled up several, to his rueful observation. He told her that he typically spent his time improving his leatherworking skills.

"Oh- a leatherworker!" She gazed down at her worn leggings. "I have been in need of a new piece of armor for a while now..."

His face reddened, and he vowed to make her a better pair this very day. She smiled and protested, but he would not take no for an answer. He gathered up his pack, and telling her he would return, he set out for the city gates.

He roamed the wooded shore of Wellspring Lake, hunting deer. He struck down three fine does with three expert bowshots, and set about skinning the hides, using the magic passed down for millenia to cure the hides at a touch, and then he began to sew the leather, fitting it in the well-known pattern that he had done many times.

He returned the next day to the capital, and he was surprised to meet her at the Warrior's Terrace. He took the leggings out of his pack, and handed them to her.

She smiled and laughed, and started loosening her belt. His face burned red and he turned his back while she changed into her new armor.

"It is wonderful!" she exclaimed, standing proudly in her new garment, giving him a dazzling smile, and she hurriedly told him that she was late for an engagement , and turned and ran off between the marble pillars.

He started to call her back, his heart sinking. Instead, he waved and yelled "Fare well" as she disappeared down the broad avenue leading towards the Cenarion Enclave.

He sat upon the magnificent stone terrace, lost in thought, a conflict of emotions welling up inside of him. He sat there still as sunset came upon the ancient unchanging capital, the shadows lengthening across city.