*~Winter: Solaria, Cycle 3 of Kalendryas, Era XIII Post Fractum~*
Northwest of Zenith, in the heart of the rolling hills of the Arakmatan Frontier Lands is where one could find the nomatic pack of dorins who branched themselved from the Graw'Shata clan, but still remain very close with their bretheren, and are still concidered Graw'Shata.
The Graw'lak Ritual had just finished three brightenings prior for young Asharr, who was now ready to explore the lands of the Allerian Empire away from his pack. HIs first plan was to go to Imperia to see the sights of the city and smell the sea drifts in the breeze. The young dorin was now 9 years old, concidered an early adult by the dorin society, but the other races may see him still as a young pup and take advantage of him. So it was up to one of the elder dorins of the pack to teach the new adult to defend himself in such a case.
"Asharr!" An older sounding voice called out in the dorin language. It was the voice of one of the pack elders, Shik'ka. He walked up to Asharr, who was busy helping one of the hunters stretch some leather for waxing, and put his paw onto his jet black shoulder.
"Has your paw fully healed from the Graw'lak Ritual?" Shik'ka asked, still in the dorin language.
The furry head of the newly declared adult turned his head and gave a smile, then looked down at his paw and replied.
"Serale, Shik'ka. Yes it has scarred over." Asharr raised his right paw for the elder to inspect for himself.
"That is good news, Asharr, then rise and follow me." Shik'ka instructed as he turned and started walking toward an open space past the moveable huts that dotted the area they inhabited for the hunting season.
Asharr turned to his hunter friend and gave him a slap on the back as he stood up.
"I'll be back, my brother. Do as much as you can without me... I wonder what Shik'ka wants with me..." He then jogged up to Shik'ka until they were walking side by side. Asharr was much taller than his elder, and a lot larger in muscle, but the pack knew all to well that Shik'ka was not one to be messed with, for the elder knew the ways of unarmed combat. When Shik'ka had turned a man many eras ago, he traveled to Medonia where he learned the Zinn'ka art of Rhingorda from an elven master, in which Shik'ka then modified for his dorin body, which included alot of teeth and hind leg strength.
As the two dorins walked, Asharr, curious to know what was going on, looked over at Shik'ka with wondering eyes. Even though the elder was faced forward, he could see Asharr was confused so he explained.
"No doubt you're wondering why I've summoned you, Asharr. I hear you plan on traveling to Imperia towards the end of winter. In my travels to Imperia, I have seen what kind of city it truely is..." He paused for a moment when they arrived to their destination and turned to the jet black dorin, who's red mohawk blew wildly in the wind.
"It is a place full of thieves, assassins, and pirates. A place where, even though you are tall and strong, they will find a way to try to take advantage of you, rob you, or even kill you. But as a child of Aslan, you have the strength to learn how to protect yourself, Asharr. I, Shik'ka, wish to teach you the Zinn'ka I have learned on my travels, and have had to use numerous times."
Asharrs black tail started to sway back and forth as a large grin appeared on his face. He had seen Shik'ka practice his Zinn'ka a few times before and had wanted to learn since he was a pup, but now that it was a reality, he was at a loss of words. The large dorin cleared his throat and commented.
"Shik'ka... I do not know what to say! I am honoured that you have chosen me as a student. May the hands of Aslan guide me and allow me to master this art!"
A smile befell Shik'ka's face as he placed his paw on Asharr's shoulder and said.
"It brings me great pleasure to do so. You have proven yourself a worthy child of Aslan, as I am sure he will bless your travels and studies. So, then, are you ready for your first lesson, my student?"