#brugran

Jazali jolted and shuffled away when she heard another voice, starting to blush slightly when she realized somebody else was awake and probably saw her like this! But when it was just Brugran, she let out a small, nervous chuckle and remained seated on the ground “Oh hehe ‘ey Bru’mon...good night ta sit on da ground ain’ it!”

She looked up at the hand that was offered but awkwardly put her nervously shaking hands under her armpits and looked to his feet, refusing to meet his gaze “ “Yeh me...me face be fine. Why Bru’mon awake, ya needed ta go to da sea fo’ ya nightly salt doses?”

Bru simply stared at the little female with a rather salty frown on his face. He pulled his arm out from hers and pushed her away, although not too aggressively as he growled deeply “You know. I -was- going to help you up and give you something to drink but you can forget that now. Orange haired midget.” He barked and turned around to return to his map “I’m plotting our route! Think I’ll just go off blind all the time?”

Jazali glared up at him when he pushed her away and stuck out her tongue to his retreating back. She bent her knees closer and put her arms around them, hugging herself as she looked away with a huff and growled angrily “Fuck you, I ain’ a midget.”

The memories of those bad nightmares however creeped into her mind and made her stand up quickly before freezing, not knowing where to go. Wasn’t her fault she woke up bitchy. ...Actually it was. She let out an angry sigh and quickly wiped away a tear before shuffling forward and poking Bru’s ankle with her toe as she mumbled “...m’sorry.”

Brugran had snatched up the map and had started to look at it, ignoring the vulgar words Jaz used. His plan was to ignore her now but he heard a faint sniffle..or was it a shuffle? Her toe tapped his ankle and he heard her pitiful words. No matter how much he wanted to be gruff, he simply couldn’t and turned his head to look at her. Unfortunately for Jaz, her wet cheeks shined in the candle light and it was hard to Bru not to see it.

He sighed and put the map down “S’alright...woulda woken up pissed if my face hit the floor too..” He turned to the pot of hot water over another candle and grabbed another cup. Pouring it in there and placing leaves in the water. Jaz would recognize the smell as herbal leaves from Mulgore.

She didn’t look up and simply shuffled her feet sheepishly, kicking away at a stray dust bunny...why they were called dust bunnies anyways was what Jazali always wondered. They...didn’t look like bunnies? What a strange naming system Orcish had.

She was interrupted from her thoughts however when she recognized an all too familiar smell that made her heart ache for her missing companion and her body to untense at the scent of home and happier times.

“...I didn’ know ya carried dat wid with ya.” She mumbled in Taur-ahe before she walked over to the banister and leaned her back against it, looking over the sea.Brugran nodded as he found a spoon and mixed the drink for Jaz before handing it to her.

“My mum used to make it for me..” He replied in Taur-ahe no less. His deep gruff voice flawless with the words and syllables “When my dreams got too bad.” He handed the warm soothing drink to the little troll. He didn’t look at her as he picked the map back up, nor did he elaborate on what he meant.

“Oh! Bru gots a moo mum!” Jazali gasped but snickered and accepted the cup with a grateful nod before letting the scent just waft up her nose and comfort her with memories of barren lands and large meadows. She grinned lopsidedly and continued in Taur-ahe “Daz cool. Jaz got moo pa too...more like a grumpy moo uncle. Jaz got moo cousins too! Helps when real fam don’t get too close wid Jaz…” the last phrase had her grin turn into a firm line after an awkward clearing of her throat before she quickly took a sip from her tea and opted to not say more.

“...Where be Bru mum now? Out lookin’ for shit?”

Bru listened to her as he nodded. He’d heard her mention her ‘moo’ friend before and he could only assume that’s where she learned the tauren native tongue. Although she wasn’t as fluent as him he could still understand her. Bru let her rattle on as he finished plotting the map. He looked up when she finished and since they were speaking Taur-ahe he just kept with the flow “She is in the Barrens...last I knew. She guards caravans that travel between the outposts.”

He chuckled lightly “Although I’ve heard she has been having trouble with demons.”

Jazali hummed with glee as she tasted her tea, now sitting down by the edge with her feet swinging in the air contently as she heard Bru speak. She held her cup closer to her chest however and looked up to him with a wary glance “Dem demons huh…?”

She looked back down again and bit her lip, now tapping on her cup nervously “...Moki sez he be busy wid demons too...didna’ say where he was..” was all she said before she let out a muffled sound that sounded like a whining grumpy huffy sigh as she pouted and pressed her forehead against the banister.

Brugran Beastrage wasn’t very good with expressing emotions or even comforting people in distress, but that didn’t mean he was ignorant to it. He could see the worry in her face when she mentioned Moki and his eyes glanced over the sea before them. He sighed with her and licked his lips as he thought.

“You worried about him?” He said after a moment looking to her.

Jazali nodded and scratched the back of her head admitting “Jaz nah supposed ta be wid ju guys. Was gonna meet wid Moki aftah savin’ up gold an’ ditch fo’ Panda land.”

She looked into her cup and bit her lip. What was the point of being secretive? He already knew this much, he deserved to know more especially after what he had confided to her after the Zari incident. “But uh...Moki send letter. He say he be busy. But was gonna meet fo’ mah birthday.”

She clutched her cup tighter and hid her eyes behind her bangs “...den he didn’t. Say he got held up by demons. Jaz know he be lyin. He’d kick demon ass, wouldna’ let ‘em stop him. Ain’ had dis much trouble gettin’ ta reach him since Kar-”

Jazali froze and shut her mouth quickly before putting the cup down and hugging her legs; her let-down her blew in the wind and hid her face from Bru.

Brugran remained quiet as he listened. He didn’t know what to say. His orc brain thought demons couldn’t be that bad and that Moki was fine. But where would that lead thoughts? Bru had never met the tauren but he wanted to say a demon was no match for him. Jaz however looked vulnerable in this moment and even though she irritated him, Bru had still come to care about her like a little sister. He scratched his brow and walked to her, leaning on the post beside her.

“I uh...I’m sure he’s got a good reason. Maybe he’s having too much fun killing demons?” He said with a slight grin but that faded when he paused to wonder if it was the right thing to say.

At Brugran’s statement, Jazali simply let out a groan and bashed her head against the banister as she whined out “Well it ain’t fair dat he be havin’ fun killin’ ‘em widout meeee…”

Brugran however crossed his arms and asked “What were you saying though? You just stopped…”

She froze and her hands started to shake around the cup. Shit. Shit shit shit. She said too much. Fuck, how she hated her blabbering sometimes. She didn’t want to say anything but...that wasn’t fair. Her and Bru were brothers...well brother and sister, but Jazali didn’t give a damn about family pronouns. She shut her eyes tightly and took a deep breath. She hadn’t told a living soul the full story since Moki. Not even her own mum or twin brother knew about what had happened in full depth between her and...him. But. This wasn’t about simply being able to retell the tale. This was about honesty and integrity.

She looked up to Brugran with a shaky smile and asked weakly in Taur-ahe “Ey Brugran...ya mind sittin’ down fo’ what I’m gonna say?” she patted the ground beside her as she continued “Dis one be a long tale I needs ta tell ya…”

Brugran looked over to the little troll. He wasn’t prepared for this sort of thing. Consoling and heartfelt discussions were not his thing but clearly he had to. At least this was easier then telling Zari his true feelings. He gave a grunt and nodded. Pushing himself off the post and walking to the table where his coffee sat by the candle. He sat down and drank the dark brew.

“As long as I don’t need to break into my reserves.” He said patting his small keg of ale.

Jazali snickered weakly and waved a hand “Bah, Jaz don’ drink. Be shitty stuff anyways fo’ me.”

She turned to face the table before placing her hands onto her knees and took another deep breath. The problem for her  wasn’t telling the story, it was how to start it off. She leaned onto her hands and breathed out, opting to tell her tale in a language she was more fluent in, switched to Orcish “Dis ain’ a happy story. But it be a classic one o’ heartbreak. I know that nowadays I looks super cool, but believes it or not, Jaz ain’ had any friends wid kids when she was younger. A fact hard ta believe but it be true.” She sagely nodded, before crossing her arms and clearing her throat, now the joking tone fading away.

“People called me Ja’fon. ‘Lone Jaz’. Cuz I nah liked anehbody or aneh of da kids buggin’ me cuz of how small I was, used ta like punchin’ me like a bag or throwin’ shit ovah my head cuz I was a weaklin’ an’ I didna like hangin’ ‘round wid anybodeh. So Jaz stay by her lonesome an’ I onleh stick ‘round when ma pa or Moki would come back. But den dis kid came by.” She smiled nostalgically at the memory; she was by the beach helping a crab go back into the sea by poking it.

Suddenly this shadow came over her when a lanky red-haired kid stood behind her, grinning widely “His name was Karshii. He tells me ‘Ey, ju dat weird kid errybody call Ja’fon!’ “ She squeaked to imitate a kid’s voice and snickered “An’ I glares at him an’ tell him ‘Yeh, what’s it to ya’, but he didna’ care. He saw a lonely soul an’ he wanted a friend. So I hung ‘round wid him an’ I didna’ mind not bein’ alone anymore.”

She looked up to Brugran and grinned “Learned how ta smile too! Figured it ain’ so bad! Became easier when one day…” She hummed and pressed a finger to her chin “..believe it was spring? We was chillin’ in a hammock an’ I tells him ‘Ey Kar..Lez be mates!’ den Kar sez ‘Okee!’ an’ den we ran off an’ did our own ceremony an’ nobody knew!”

She hugged her legs closer as her eyes turned sad “...Den he had ta go fight in battle. I didna’ mind, was a bit jealous even. Plan was ta wait fo’ him anyways. Den he came back an’ was changed.” Her eyes grew distant and her mouth became a firm line “I didna’ notice back den. But he wasna’ da same. One day…”

Her breath grew shaky as her eyes started to tear up, but she hurriedly wiped it and sniffed in a deep breath before continuing “One day, we was goin’ aftah renegade Alliance soldier killin’ off troll huntahs near our land borders...but when we reach der, we sees a caravan wid him. I t’ought it was strange, considerin’ dey nevah mentioned dat he carry cargo wid him. But Karshii said dat we oughta attack anyways.”

She hugged her legs even tigher together and hid her face into her arms “...So Jaz kill human soldier. Den I go inside da caravan an’...” Her claws dug into her skin as her voice went quieter “Der uh...was kids...an’ mothahs...all slaves...dey was tied up in chains an’ dey were alive until I gots der an’ found Karshii was killin’ ‘em all...an’ I froze...befo’ I could stop him. Like I fuckin’ coward I froze an’ couldna’ feel anythin’ when I watched a draenei bebe fall dead.” She heaved in a breath and finally looked up with a tearful but determined face “...So we fights. Karshii tells me ‘We kill dem befo’ dey kill us. Ju pick ya side.’ ...Jaz didna’ wan’ his side. Jaz didna’ want da horde side if da horde be killin’ bebes. So Jaz let one human ladeh escape.”

Jazali paused for a moment, not saying anything. Just looking out into the ocean as if she could see the back of her mate walk off into the village, glaring at her with betrayal in his eyes “Was not a good day fo’ me then...We comes back, Karshii tell everybodeh dat I ‘betray da horde’ and ‘She betrayed da tribe, she let alliance escape!’...my mah didna’ believe him. She vouch fo’ mah side an’ mah mah be a scareh ladeh so nobodeh wanted ta git on her bad side.” She snickered at the memory of even the village elders taking a step back when they saw her mother’s glare, daring anybody to tell her that her child was a traitor.

“But...in da end, nobodeh really trusted me as a huntah or a warrior. So I jus’ ran away, tryin’ ta find Moki. I nevah seen Karshii evah again.” She shook her head and looked to the side with that same frown “..den big brothah Jo’Kati sell me off as slave fo’ goblins. He had a debt wid a bad group o’ gobbos that he couldna’ pay ‘cuz of his gamblin’ problem. So he didn’a have da money, so he sold me off instead, like some fuckin’ animal!” She roared the last word with a throw of the cup into a pole, smashing it into bits “I had ta fight in da arena, dey put fuckin’ chains ta strangle me wid! I barely survived on rage and fightin’ befo’ I found Moki. Den we escaped.”

“...I liked that cup…” He half-grumbled as she chucked it but he laid a hand on Jaz’s tiny shoulder. A brotherly hand that was meant to comfort and soothe. He didn’t know what to say but opted to continue listening.

She shook her head, as if to calm herself down before she sighed “I still gots dis though..me wedding ring…” She tapped her nose ring with a hateful frown “...Be one o’ da maneh t’ings I don’t like about me. I be keepin’ dis ‘cuz it remind me ta not make my mistakes again. Ta choose who I be lovin’ now wid care. Onleh person I can trusts wid mah life be Moki…”

She snorted and punched Brugran “Ju be a close second tho.”

Brugran started to wonder what Maimagena would say as he listened. Something about the Earthmother watching...which probably wasn’t the best thing to say. “Jaz...I’m...not good...with...consoling but I’ll say what I can...bare with me…” He said awkwardly as he smiled at her shoulder punch.

“You are no traitor nor are you dishonorable in anyway.” He sighed and pulled his hand back to scratch his beard. “Mum always said...to show compassion and empathy takes more strength and courage then to slaughter….if that makes sense?”

He looked at Jaz and continued “And if I see your brother I will break him for you. There is nothing more disgusting and foul then to betray someone. Even worse if it’s family…” He stroked his beard for a moment and sighed “I understand why you hate goblins now…” He nodded as he patted her back.

Jazali didn’t do anything and froze up immediately when she felt Brugran’s hand on her shoulder, admittedly being afraid...rather terrified of what he had to say. She looked up and shakily wiped away her cheeks...body fluids were awkward around nose piercings after all. Her eyes widened as she heard words that she hadn’t heard from anyone besides Moki’s lips, telling her what she hadn’t really known she needed to assure her fears. It did not erase them, but to hear from a fellow brother that they thought she had strength! The one thing she was told all her life she didn’t have due to her stature…

She let out a tearful snort and hid her face bashfully when he threatened to kill her brother “Sure, why doncha bring back his tusk when ya break him, would realleh make me day.”

She nodded when Bru told her he understood her prejudice, simply looking down at her feet...if one observed underneath the fur, they would notice the smallest pale scratch marks on her ankles “They da shittiest tings ta ever walk dis earth fo’ me...they fuckin’ shocked me fo’ fun...put shackles wid knives on da inside on me feet...everytime I sees a disgustin’ gobbo…” Her voice went even darker and her fists clenched angrily  “...I jus’ wanna rip their throats out.”

Brugran nodded and patted her again “I think that too, and Mai kept trying to tell me they’re not all bad...I have yet to meet a nice goblin yet though.”

“Daz ‘cuz nice gobbos don’t exist, dey all shitty nuttbrains dat reak o’ everyt’in smelleh.” She huffed and crossed her arms, because she had yet to meet anything in existance to have proved her otherwise.

He pulled his arm away and held his now cold up of coffee, before he said with a grin “But I’ll git’cha his tusk. I don’t let people close usually but...You’re alright Jaz. Like a little...sister.” He playfully punched her jaw, which was more of a tap than anything.

“Besides...who says you can’t fight?” Bru gruffly said “I’ve never seen anyone throw a dagger as good as you.”

Jazali blinked at Brugran and let out a dorky unlady-like snort before beaming “Well Bru’chaado bettah keep ‘is word and I ain’ gonna break ya cups.” She leaned over and placed her head on his shoulder; she couldn’t really help herself due to how tired she started to feel.

The little troll mumbled out “Jaz can’t help t’inkin it. Been told all mah life I ain’ good enough ‘cuz I’m just...me. But I like me. So I don’ wanna be a huntah like mah famileh. I left ta tell mah ma da truth aftah we gots Ukri. Aftah years o’ lyin’ and findin’ out, she kicked me out mah home. She now say dat I ain’ gonna survive if I ain’ a huntah.”

She let out a dry scoff and drawled  “I don’ see why. Daz why Jaz wanna go to Panda land.” The Darkspear looked up to the sky with a small hopeful smile “I onleh hear da best tings about dat place an’ da monks I meet...Jaz wanna be a monk someday. Onleh Moki believe dat tho…” She snickered at the thought, but it was true.

Bru stared at Jaz in confusion “Bru’chaado..?” He wasn’t sure if that was an insult or compliment but she seemed cheery enough. Maybe it was a good thing? Still he listened and grunted every now and then but his head turned to her when she said she was kicked out.

“She kicked you out?” He growled deeply, clearly annoyed at this “Because you didn’t want to be a hunter? You mean using a bow right?” He was angry now thinking about it and it showed, since he was horrible at hiding his emotions.

“Maybe you’re better at throwing a dagger? Maybe you punch better? Who says you have to use a bow.” He went to angrily drink his coffee but suddenly stopped and groaned when it was cold. He slammed the cup down and spilled some of the drink.

“She was onleh worried cuz I be shit with weapo-” She tried to defend her mother, but quickly jolted back from his shoulder when he slammed the cup down, hurriedly putting her foot away from the spilling.

“And who says you wouldn’t survive?! Jaz. I don’t respect the weak and feeble. You are neither. You punched a naga so hard in the snake dick the other day that you made his ass a eunuch!” He said loudly, his booming voice echoed in the air.

“More than that, me and Zari wouldn’t let you die. You survive just fine with us.” He growled as he pushed the drink away from him “You know if you wanna learn to punch people, should train with Trobu. Not bear monks.”

She blinked up at Bru and couldn’t do much but stare in surprise that he would defend her so, even after reaching the naga analogy she felt her smile start to grow, not as fully and bright, but more touched and heartfelt. She snorted and blushed slightly at the very thought of being tought by her favorite tree “Heh, if onleh. Nah, Jaz don’ wanna bug Sash and Trobu wid teachin’ me.”

The large orc nodded to her. She had a fair point. Having Trobu teach her would mean she’d be bugging Sashrui. And it was quite obvious to Brugran that she could barely deal with Trobu, let alone the mayhem the pair could cause.

The tiny Darkspear scratched the back of her head “But...Jaz realleh wanna know monk teachings. Dey give advice on bein’ in control, not lettin’ ya rage be ya onleh source o’ power. If Jaz ken learn ta be powerful, even widout punches, just imagine dat brothah!” She grinned widely and hugged herself excitedly as she looked up to the sky with hope.

“Hrm fair enough…” He said with a shrug, “Maimagena could teach you...but...she works with spears. And lions...And is damn scary when angry. Scare the rage right outta you.” He chuckled as he calmed down. Silence fell between them and he patted her back, rather roughly but it wasn’t intentional.

“You’ll get there.” He said with a genuine smile. “If that idiot Raz can make it to Pandaria and back, you can too.” It wasn’t the best line but it was all he could think of.

“Let’s get back to bed. Got an early day tomorrow.” He said standing up with a stretch.

Jazali snickered when Brugran described his mother “Maimegemeemamee? Daz ya ma righ’? She soun’ like an angreh moo ladeh like Moki…’cept Moki smoke an’ dat make ‘im more chill.”

She chortled happily and let out an ‘oof’ when patted by the large orc’s hand, but nodded happily “Yeh, Jaz gonna get der someday!”

Jazali bounced up and ran up to her hammock to clamper up “Okee dokes!”...she paused halfway before quickly clampering down and running up to hug Brugran around his neck tightly and muffled against his skin “Bru’chaado be best chaado.” before quickly running up to her hammock again and rolled to face away from him.

Brugran Beastrage chuckled “Mai-ma-gen-na. But yes...she’s my mum.” He smiled and chuckled as she hugged his neck, wrapping his arm around her to return the hug. Although he was quick to let her go. He wasn’t used to this affection but he was trying.