I've been so self-conscious about my writing lately. Feeling very much like I'm not all that good at writing in the first place, and it's really clogging up my ability to get a chapter out at a timely rate. I keep ending up rewriting them over and over, because it never feels any good. It's been especially bad with the last few chapters, including for Boombottle. I know I just need to power through it, but it's hard to stay motivated when I feel like I suck, haha...
Zami had always hated cities. It was always too crowded and noisy in cities. It didn't matter if it was Thunder Bluff, the Undercity, or even Orgrimmar. But at least he had some kind of passing familiarity with those cities, and the inhabitants didn't all stare at him like he had two heads. Darnassus was a different story entirely. And, as a result, Zami quickly found himself completely lost.
First he had tried to go north, as he remembered going that way with Mythene. But when he finally managed to stumble upon the inn, Mythene was nowhere to be seen. A quick conversation with the innkeeper revealed that she and Cassene had left a short while ago. With no other leads, Zami hoped maybe Mythene had gone to the Temple of the Moon to find him, and so he went all the way back. But she wasn't there either.
After at least an hour of wandering around the city aimlessly, growing increasingly anxious, Zami finally gave up. If he couldn't find her, then she'd just have to find him. And if that were to happen, then he'd have to be somewhere visible. And thus, he made his way for the bear-shaped tree at the middle of the lake.
Once he'd arrived at that little islet with the bear tree, Zami noticed that there seemed to be some sort of building or stall built out of the bear tree itself. It appeared to be some kind of bank or storage center. Curiously, he approached for a better look. And as soon as he did, he heard a very familiar voice shrieking in Darnassian from around the other side.
"Whaddya mean it's empty?!"
Zami perked an eyebrow and leaned to look around to the other side of the tree. As soon as he did, his suspicions were confirmed and he couldn't help but smile.
"Now you listen here, lady," Jazax scowled at the bank teller, "I know for a fact that I had exactly 657 gold, 23 silver, and 63 copper."
The night elf at the counter perked an eyebrow skeptically, to which Jazax shrugged unenthusiastically.
"I count it often, alright? I find it relaxing."
"Well, I'm sorry, sir," The night elf looked down at a parchment in her hand, "But currently, your account appears to be completely empty."
Zami paused for a moment to wonder how every bank always seemed to instantly know everyone's account information, before approaching beside Jazax, who looked on the verge of a heart attack. Before Zami could say anything, Jazax cleared his throat, seemingly regaining his composure, and leaned against the teller window.
"Look, dollface, obviously there's been some kinda mistake here, right?" He said, pausing to give her his signature cheesy smile, "So why don't you run on to the back and check again, huh? Wouldja do that for me, darling?"
The night elf stared at him flatly, completely unimpressed by his attempts at flattery. But after he shot her another nervous grin, finally she rolled her eyes. With a deep sigh, she turned and disappeared from the window for a moment. Jazax looked hopeful, until she returned, wearing the same flat expression.
"I checked again, sir," The teller monotoned, "Your account is still empty."
Jazax tapped his green fingers nervously against the window before furrowing his brow.
"Well, okay then," He admitted, a bit awkwardly, "But can you at least tell me the last couple transactions?"
"That I can do," The banker nodded, turning to look at a different parchment, "Let's see…"
Zami wondered again how the bankers knew everything, before deciding to just excuse it with magic and cease considering the matter.
"It looks like two of the last three transactions were from Booty Bay, in the Cape of Stranglethorn," The banker said as she eyed the parchment, "And one was from Everlook in Winterspring."
"Yeah, that sounds about right," Jazax nodded absentmindedly, before doing a doubletake, "Wait, what? Did you say Everlook?"
"Two deposits set earlier this summer, three moons ago. And then one withdrawal, of the entire account, dated two weeks ago."
"No, no, wait. That ain't right," Jazax furrowed his brow, turning to face Zami, "I was with you guys on the ship."
Zami nodded, recalling how that voyage had taken a while to sail from Stranglethorn to the Veiled Sea. At least two weeks, he wagered.
"Is there anyone else with access to your account, sir?" The night elf asked.
"No way!" Jazax hurriedly shook his head, before pausing to put a hand on his chin, "Well, I mean… no, no. Definitely not… err, maybe?"
The banker looked at him flatly, simply perking an eyebrow.
"I mean, there ain't no way-that can't be-unlikely that-I mean… y'know?" Jazax stammered, looking increasingly flustered.
Zami cocked his head to the side, watching the goblin quickly grow very anxious. He even started to nervously wring his hands.
"Well then," The banker cleared her throat, unfazed by the scene, "I believe that would be the source of your confusion. Perhaps you should speak to this person and resolve this matter."
Jazax furrowed his brow, turning away from the banker and walking over towards the water's edge. Zami followed him, both curious and concerned for his friend.
"Ya seem nervous," Zami commented, stating the obvious to get the ball rolling.
"Yeah, no kiddin' huh?" Jazax scoffed, "I can't believe this. I really can't believe it."
"Dat someone stole ya money?"
"Not just someone," Jazax sighed, glancing up at Zami, "There's only one person who I ever woulda let anywhere near my money."
"Syrise?" Zami cocked his head to the side, but Jazax shook his head.
"Nah, not her," Jazax said before adding with a grin, "I learned my lesson. You don't give women access to your money."
"Women?" Zami blinked, "Wait, do ya mean-"
"Oh, yeah," Jazax groaned, covering his face with his hand, "It's definitely gotta be her. It's gotta be Tezz."
Jazax lowered his hand, looking over at Zami with a pained expression.
"Y'know," He sighed, "My insane ex-wife?"
