Much Has Happened

In recent times, there has been so much happening. I have forgotten to record my thoughts on so much.

Pipiltin has been found alive and well... she was trapped in the Emerald Dream, somehow. I could not believe this to be true when I first heard of it, but I would later find that she was very much alive. I can recall only one time before that I had felt such happiness to see someone. She has lost her ability to hear the spirits, but now possesses druidic powers. Even though she is alive and my anger has been calmed, I continue to take my fight the Kor'kron in the Barrens and help the Darkspear trolls. Pipiltin's apparent death was only one transgression against what is right, and I will admit that it why I started to fight. Many still suffer by their hands.

Because of this fighting, I have found myself tired more and more, and resting by the pond in Thunder Bluff. As I did this one day, I had found a face I did not ever expect to see again: my friend Orone, from my birth tribe. We talked for a time, telling each other what we had done since I was given to the Horde army. He has been to Northrend and worked with the Cenarion Circle to try and heal the land during the war with the Lich King. He was called to work not too long after we had started talking, unfortunately, so I do not know more. Just that neither he nor I know what has become of the other Riverwatchers.

The last thing I wish to record... I had learned who Maengun's father was, a week ago. I could not believe my ears as another name I knew was called, and Maengun responded to it during our tribe's meeting... she has a family name. She had never told anyone of her family name before, and I had assumed she had none. She is Maengun Elkhoof.

She is Mukwa's child.

I had felt foolish. Her father... I had known him all this time. But as I realized this, I also remembered that his mind was destroyed. He does not remember her. I told her what I knew about Mukwa but she still wished to see him. I would not see her for a few days after this, until I found her in Bloodhoof Village. She was distraught. I can not begin to understand how she felt, then, to have searched for him for so long, only to learn that he did not remember her...

Maengun asked me, then, to never forget her. I assured her that I could not, after all we have done together. Now more than ever, I wish to be there for her... for my family... my friends. For everyone. Until ash.

Rage

Words cannot describe the anger I am feeling. But I do not like it.

Pipiltin is dead, murdered by the Kor'kron. Others in my family have been attacked by Garrosh's armies, I have heard, and the rumors of other innocents falling victim to them is also true. Gren'mazi has closed his shop in Bloodhoof Village, for fear of his safety, and Rhezzaka's. Urukha has declared war upon the Kor'kron... she is not well. I watched her break just the other night, laughing and crying without control. When asked what I might do to help, she had told me just this:

"Kill. Kill them all."

I believe that the spirits wish to fuel my rage further... I was brought to Camp Taurajo by a shaman I met in Thunder Bluff just last night. My birth tribe had come to this post in the past to trade, in times when we could not support ourselves. It was a peaceful rest, from what I had remembered... but now it is in ruin. I was told that Alliance forces laid waste to the camp after the Shattering happened... I do not know why. It was only a trading post. I lost control of myself, and loosed my rage upon some humans patrolling the ruins. How dare they tread that ground.

I do not know if it is right, but I no longer feel it matters if it is not: those that are harming the innocent must know the pain they leave. I have spoke to Maengun on these matters... and she is willing to help any way she can. I have told her to stay away from Orgrimmar unless it is absolutely necessary, and that she may do as she wishes with any Kor'kron soldier she finds. To know she will help me calms me, even if only a little...

Today, I leave my shield here, and wield the sword left for my by Theran. If I am to show the honorless the pain they have caused to the innocent, a shield will only serve to get in my way.

Until ash.

What Am I Feeling?

Everywhere I look, I am reminded of Maengun. Her smiling face sits at the front of my mind, and the quietest mention of love causes my heart to pound. It is as if the world knows that I am in love, and wishes to heckle me at any opportunity.

On Saturday night, Urukha and Pipiltin were lifemated again, to renew their vows. The General performed the ritual, and gave a speech beforehand. He said that love must be held onto, and that one must spend each day with their love as if it were their last. Again, my thoughts went to Maengun. I had not seen her since I laid her to sleep two nights ago. I wondered if she was well. I feared, briefly, that something might happen to her, and that I would not know.

I spoke with the General the next day, in Orgrimmar. I told him that I thought I loved Maengun, but I did not know if it was true. He asked me what I felt, as I thought of her... I had felt too much, more than I could say in either tongue I could speak. I told him what had happened, on the night of the tavern. He told me that love is complex, but yet it is simple. I must simply feel it, and not dwell upon it. If I look upon another and feel happiness, then perhaps it means I am in love.

When I look upon Maengun... I feel

The entry cuts out with a large ink blob after the last word.

Another Night at the Faire

Tonight... this morning has gone in a bad direction.

I invited the tribe to come out to the Darkmoon Faire and play Truth or Dare, a game I have enjoyed in the past and have not played in a while. It is a good way to learn more of my Brothers and Sisters, though often the dares asked of others are very lewd... fortunately, I have been spared such things. Though, I was asked to remove my clothing and approach one of the Faire's carnies, to give them a hug. The human I had found did not appreciate this gesture.

This gathering was good. But, I had decided to be fired from the cannon before I returned home for the night... I find excitement in the short flight. Unfortunately, the cannon had misfired this time, and I was shot headfirst into a tree. Blood poured from my nose, and I could not move my head without great pain in my neck. Aelandir was nearby, and summoned his flying machine to try to pull me from the tree. The attempt was unsuccessful, and I fell from the tree, onto my back... my shield. Aelandir appeared to have fallen from his flying machine, and I think I may have hit him as I fell.

He was able to mend my injuries, but I was told not to sleep for the next 2 hours. I have sat in my hut, writing to pass time. Pipiltin and Urukha's lifemating celebration is on Sunday night, and I had thought it good to prepare a story to tell. I am having difficulty finding the words I wish to say, though. My head hurts.

To Tell the Truth

I had only recently returned from the farm above me to hear Aelandir and Pipiltin speaking to one another through the tribal talisman. It occurred to me that I had only seen Pipiltin briefly since my return, and we had not a chance to speak face to face. She was offering to bring Aelandir tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches... having finished my work for the day, I asked if I may follow. I was hungry, and it had been a long time since I had tasted Pipiltin's cooking. I also thought that I should acquaint myself with Aelandir better, for the most time I have been in his company was during the night of the winter solstice. Our meal was delicious, though I had made a fool of myself once, burning my mouth and throat on the soup, then again when I had mistaken the spilled soup upon Aelandir's shirt for blood.

However, our discussion once again turned to the topic of finding a mate. Aelandir believes he loves Sister Illyana, and has gone with her on a date once. However, he was hesitant to admit this, and said that he does not want Illyana to think of him as strange. As a result, he had hidden his true feelings from her. Pipiltin told a story I had heard once before, of three trolls: two males that would not express their true feelings for a female, who also would not say to either male what she felt for them. In the end, they were manipulated due to their hidden affections, and the larger male, who had known and loved the female for the longer time, was pushed away and called simply a friend. He would watch the other male and the one he loved continue on with their life, become mated, and begin a family. The moral of this story is to be honest, and open with others about how you feel for them. Pipiltin then suggested that Aelandir write a letter to Illyana, to tell her how he truly felt. He seemed very uncomfortable with the thought, and Pipiltin would serve only to embarrass him further through the talisman when Illyana had awoken. Fortunately, Illyana did not seem disturbed by this. Aelandir seemed relieved, somewhat.

Then, Aelandir turned the topic to myself, and Maengun. I was asked if I considered Maengun to be a potential mate. I was surprised, and found myself feeling as umcomfortable as he. But unlike him, I do not love Maengun as a mate. She is a good friend, as are Annjia and Nemeiah. Though, perhaps I am somewhat closer to Maengun than others. She had saved my life, before. It was suggested that I write a letter to her as well, to explain how I feel. I thought it unnecessary, as I am sure she knows how I feel, but on the other hand I believed that it would not cause any harm. Pipiltin also gave us boxes of chocolate truffles, filled with caramel, and told us to send them to those we were writing to. For a moment, I was hesitant to accept them... I am aware that a gift of chocolate is commonly sent as an expression of love. I took them only because Pipiltin insisted, and she is not one to cross.

Farewell Before Introduction

Our Tuskguard is led by Jindal. He is our General. I do not know this shu'halo very well, for I have not had much chance to speak with him. But I do know that he has been with the tribe for a very long time, and in the times I have seen him, he is very focused on his duties.

I write this because he came before us this past Thursday, and told us of something that many of us did not know, for he does not speak much of his own troubles. He had been unable to come to terms with the death of his mate, Dustrunner, and yesterday, he held a funeral for him. I did not know him, but I am aware that he was a Burning Tusk, and I wished to pay my respects for a fallen Brother. Pipiltin and the General shared stories of Dustrunner, and I wished I had been able to meet him. He was a true Burningtusk from what I have heard, and I pray that he walks with the Earth Mother, now.

I also pray that the General is able to move on, and begin healing. He says he does not wish to trouble us with his problems, but I will let him know that I am willing to listen, should there be something troubling him. I do not know if I would be able to help, but I may try.

Under My Wing

To my surprise, Maengun chose to attend last night's tribal meeting. As I expected of her, she spoke quietly and sparsely, and seemed withdrawn. Afterward, I approached to speak with her, to ask how she fared... I did not have this chance during the night of the solstice, when she left us early in the night.

We sat under Mu'sha's watchful gaze for a time and spoke of many things. She confided in me that she was shy, and wished to know some more of the others in the tribe. She was interested to know if there were many more shu'halo in the tribe, and how many of them were female, to find others to bond with. As I write this, I remember that she only had her father during her childhood, and has been alone ever since she ran from him. She has not known anyone she might call mother. I can only name two females in our tribe, and I have not seen either in very long. She had said that she would try to speak with females of other races... I hope that they can offer the bond that she seeks. She also seeks to better herself in the ways of the elements. I suggested she seek out Pipiltin... I do not know if there is anything for her to learn. I still see the smoking corpse of the devilsaur in my sleep, at times. Though, I am not a shaman, and I have proven my incompetence in such things before. Despite this, Pipiltin had somehow opened my ears to the spirits. I think, if there is anything that Maengun must know, it is Pipiltin that will show her.

As I am unable to help her in the ways she needs, I had offered to take her under my wing... to allow her to come to me if she felt lost, as others, especially Pipiltin, had done for me when I was an initiate. I was not sure what to expect... on one hand, I thought she would reject my offer, and say that it would not be necessary. But, I have seen that she has begun to open her heart to me... she spoke of a painful memory before, and just earlier asked me to hold a secret for her. She thanked me. I am happy, for I now certain that she sees me as a friend. I pray she will soon open up to others in the tribe, and find a place in our family.

Departure

I have decided that I must train myself further.

I have spoken with Pipiltin and Urukha about this. While I do not feel shame or remorse for the things I should not, I feel as though I am... missing something. I wonder what else there is to know about myself, and An'she. Theran had taught me much, and my travels about the world had bestowed more knowledge upon me, but I cannot help but feel that there is more.

I will be meeting the other Sunwalkers in Thunder Bluff, and I wish to learn more from them, and hone my ability in combat and the defense of my family, and friends. I understand this will be difficult, and may take a long time. I will leave this journal in my hut, for the tribe to find should something should happen to me.

I will admit, I fear that with my departure, the Burning Tusks may disappear as my birth tribe had. I shall keep my talisman close to my heart, and pray that the An'she's gaze warms them and keeps a careful vigil so that I may return to them, stronger and able to protect them from harm.

Until ash.

A Good Day

My day yesterday was long and accomplished. The tribe's crops are plentiful and healthy, and the Regent's study is tidy and organized. I still have not seen any trace of armadillo in the farm, despite Annjia's warning long ago. I wonder now if I have been fortunate to not have seen any, or if this concern is false.

Later, I went to the raptor pens to visit my raptor, and took it out to the plains to give it some practice and exercise. Together, we had come across another attack on a nearby camp by some quilboar, and aided in the defense of it. I believe my raptor is pleased. I have not found a name for my raptor, nor do I know if it is male or female. I shall speak with Zau'tal sometime, and ask about this. Perhaps this raptor has been named already?

I returned to the mesa where Pipiltin taught the tribe how to speak with the wind, to meditate further and speak with the wind, again. Later, Pipiltin would tell me that the wind spirits are mischievous, and my attempt at conversation is proof of this. Any questions I had were often met with vague answers, or more questions. There were numerous times when the wind tried to carry my hat away... as I think about it, I am reminded of Keikio, and how she had tricked me the first time we met.

At the end of this day, I came to Orgrimmar, satisfied with what I had done. I would find Pipiltin and Urukha under the tree, speaking about animal spirits... Urukha wishes to be bound to the spirit of the wolf. I think it is fitting - the wolf is a leader, and cares much for its pack, its family. She has always put the tribe first in her decisions, and would defend the tribe from harm even if it would put her at risk. Pipiltin asked if I had tried to speak with the other elements, then offered to show me where I might have ease speaking with the spirits of water. I look forward to this.

Then, Annjia brought news to me about Nemeiah - she had done something very hard, and was recovering at her home in Tyr's Hand. I shall make an attempt to visit Nemeiah soon. Strangely, Annjia was not wearing her armor... I asked if it had become damaged again, for that was the only other time I had seen her in plain clothing outside of the tribe's gatherings. This time, though, she said that it was too warm, and was dressed lightly because of the heat. I have not seen her do this before.

Annjia, Urukha, and the Burning Tusks

After the tribe's first lesson in spirit walking this past Sunday, I spoke with Pipiltin, and she had mentioned that Annjia no longer considered herself a friend of the Burning Tusks. I did not like to hear this, and was not aware that there was a problem between her and the tribe. I sought out Annjia, and found her in Orgrimmar two nights later.

At the risk of causing her grief or anger, I spoke of what Pipiltin told me two days ago. To my relief, Annjia did not become upset with me, and we talked about what has happened. It appears that Urukha and Annjia are at odds with one another. I would later learn from Urukha that Annjia had departed somewhere for a time, and felt she had changed after her return. Annjia refuses to speak of what she had done during her absence, and Urukha feels that this secret may threaten the Burning Tusks. I have not sensed a change in the way Annjia looks, or acts, but at the same time, I understand how Urukha feels. A number of horrible things have befallen the tribe in the past months, one of which I had fallen victim to. She wishes to keep the tribe safe while it is in her care... but... at the same time, I do not think Annjia and her secret is a threat to us. I do not know what to believe.

I have angered Urukha. She had believed that she made the decision that Annjia would not be a friend of the Burning Tusks, but last night, Pipiltin and I explained that we had spoken with Annjia about this, and that it was Annjia that had withdrawn on her own decision. Urukha became very angry, and left us. She would later speak to me in private though the talisman, and express her disappointment that I did not tell her about this. I feel I have hurt one I hold close enough to call sister. I became upset for angering her, but Pipiltin assured me that I am not at fault. She had assumed Urukha already knew about this, and Annjia told me to attend to my own matters, and worry not about this. Pipiltin believes that Urukha will soon forgive me for my mistake... I pray so.

Listening to the Wind

The tribe's first lesson in spirit walking was last night. Pipiltin led us through the lesson, and joining me in learning was Urukha, Zeyda'lei, Kazak'guul, and Maugus, an undead human warlock that has recently returned to the tribe after becoming wayward for some time.

We began by telling each other about what we do, or where we look for our power. I, of course, look to An'she and earn my abilities from his light, and from the spirits of my ancestors. Of the others, I learned that Pipiltin speaks with the spirits of the land in Winterspring. Urukha looks to her ancestors as well, and wishes to be bound to the spirit of the wolf. Zeyda'lei feels that she draws the power of light from within her heart, and Kazak'guul earns his abilities from his Loa, "the Bwon." I am disturbed, however, by Maugus's powers... he says power through fel is granted through pacts with demons, and by harvesting the spirits of the dead. The others seemed as shocked as I was at this, and Kazak'guul was clearly angered at this.

Pipiltin continued with the lesson after this. We were to be seated, and to relax however we felt most comfortable. I removed my helmet and gauntlets, to feel the grass and earth below me, and the wind around me. I closed my eyes, and breathed calmly, and to my surprise... I heard the wind laugh and speak to me. I do not know what I have done differently this time, but I am much more at ease now. Pipiltin offered to show me other places in the world where I may find it easier to commune with the elements, and I plan to travel to these places to meditate.

I think, maybe, that I was blessed with good fortune by the Holy Light. Prior to this lesson, I traveled to the Eastern Plaguelands in hopes of aiding the Argent Crusade in its cleansing of the land. I went to Tyr's Hand after this to visit Nemeiah, and found her with Annjia in the library. We spoke with each other briefly, and when I said I would be leaving, Nemeiah lent to me a string of beads that aided her in her prayers, as a token of good fortune. I held onto these beads during the lesson. Afterward, I wrote a letter to Nemeiah thanking her for allowing me to carry these, and asked her to tell me when she would be travelling to Kalimdor next so I may return them to her.

War

The tribe is at war, now, with the spirit of a mother worm. I have heard that the illnesses that befell some of my family, and were only recently cured, come from this spirit. It has been held at bay for now, but Urukha feels that this is not enough. We must lay this spirit to eternal rest, or else we may suffer further. Pipiltin will be training me, and others, as Spirit Walkers, to defend the tribe from dangers from the spirit realm.

I am worried. When I was only a calf, I attempted to learn the ways of the spirit world. I wished to be a shaman, like my mother, but as hard as I listened, I could not hear the spirits of the earth. Pipiltin assures me she will be able to teach me what I need to know to become a Spirit Walker, and I pray that our efforts will not be in vain. She has told me to do things to please An'she and the Earth Mother.

Lughnasadh

Last night, the tribe celebrated Lughnasadh. I am unsure what this means... perhaps I shall ask Siuliaruin next time I see her.

What I am aware of is that it is a day of bonding. I had arrived late to the celebration, and saw the end of a bonding ritual between Zeyda'lei and Zau'tal. If I am understanding this correctly, they are not lifemated, but it is a similar ritual, to last until Lughnasadh next year. I am happy for them, and especially Zeyda'lei. She had told me of things troubling her once before and found she had travelled a rocky path in life, and to see her happy and finding family in the tribe makes me feel happy.

We began to share things we had created. A troll named Etsuni had joined us in our celebration, but I did not notice her until after Siuliaruin finished the ritual. I am aware she wishes to become part of the tribe. She showed us her talents as a scribe, bestowing us with hardened skin from a glyph she had recently learned how to create. Siuliaruin had a potion that affects the mind much like the one Mukwa had created for himself. Zau'tal showed us two weapons he created - an arrowhead that creates noise in flight to disrupt those who fight with the power of the earth, arcane, or demons, and a type of weapon I have not seen before, capable of returning to its owner after being thrown. I did not have anything to show... instead, I recited the song about apples I created from Truth or Dare with Pipiltin. I felt a little foolish, but Vivvienne, Etsuni, and Siuliaruin believed it to be a good song.

Amidst this, a few death knights had descended upon us and began to bother us. I planted myself firm and prepared to fight if needed, but it seems they only wished to disrupt our ceremony, and not cause actual harm. When it was clear to them that they were not welcome, they left us alone. I was relieved, for I am unsure if we would have been victorious in battle against them. Still, I would not have hesitated to lay my life down to protect my family and the one wishing to join us. If that was to be the end of my life... then I would have fallen knowing that I had done so selflessly and with honor, and that my spirit would return to live with the Earth Mother, and my ancestors.

Tyr's Hand

Last night, I encountered Annjia in Orgrimmar. We spoke briefly, and were joined by Pipiltin. I had been searching for Urukha to ask if I may travel to Tyr's Hand now that Annjia tells me it is safe, and hoped that one of them might have seen her that day. Sadly, they knew as little of her whereabouts as I. Annjia stated she was leaving for Tyr's Hand and invited me to come, but I could not, not until I had spoken with Urukha. Fortunately, I would find her later that night and she would grant me permission to visit Tyr's Hand.

I had heard from Pipiltin that there was a restless worm spirit living in the Western Plaguelands, responsible for the illness the tribe had overcome only recently. I thought it prudent to borrow a wind rider from the tribe, and flew over Tirisfal Glades and the Western Plaguelands. I could not fly over the Eastern Plaguelands; the road to Tyr's Hand was as Nemeiah warned. As I came to a bridge, the air and clouds started to become thick, and the land was dying. The wind rider refused to continue past this point... I do not blame him for this. He agreed to stay by the river to wait for my return, and I travelled the road by foot.

My arrival in Tyr's Hand was relieving. The earth was still ill and Mu'sha's light could not touch us, but the air did not suffocate. Annjia and Nemeiah found me, and Nemeiah was quite pleased to see me - I received a hug. Unfortunately, Annjia could not stay, and returned home to deliver a package she carried. Nemeiah then led me around Tyr's Hand, showing me how she and the other members of the Argent Crusade lived. The buildings were large, and carried a certain kind of beauty, though they felt cold to me - I find more comfort in the huts often built by my people, from wood and animal skins, rather than the stone and cloth favored by the humans.

During her tour, Nemeiah showed me a library, though all of the books within were written in the humans' tongue, Common. She offered to translate anything she might think I would like. In return, later, I had offered her the tribe's help with tending to a garden she wished to grow behind the building she lived within, should they be willing to do this. She was surprised at this offer and thought it to be much too kind, but I thought it to be fair if she were to begin translating a book from her library for me.

New Visions

At last, the spirits of my ancestors have reappeared to me in my sleep. The messages and images were fleeting, but unfamiliar. What is clear is that I must travel south. I was shown a dense forest... perhaps Feralas? But, the elder I had seen atop Sky Father Spire pointed more towards Thousand Needles...

I must follow this vision... but alone, as I have in the past. I shall bring this journal with me, should my journey turn grim, and I will keep my talisman close to my heart.

Urukha and Pipiltin shall know of my departure. I do not know if... when... I will return, or where it is I am going, exactly. Time will tell. My ancestors are watching over me.

Urukha

Urukha is an orc in the Burning Tusk Tribe, and Pipiltin's mate. As I have written, we met first in Northrend at the jousting tournament, where I was first introduced to the Burning Tusks. She is a huntress, but like her mate, is also in tune with the spirits of the land.

Despite our differences in race, Urukha and Pipiltin are the closest things to siblings to me that anyone could ever come, as I had been born an only child. While I had not been drawn to her initially, with Pipiltin as my mentor I could often and easily find Urukha when Pipiltin was unavailable, usually under the tree in Orgrimmar. She would always be willing to listen to what I had to say, and to help me where it was needed. Over time we grew closer, enough for her to come up with a term of endearment for me, "Big K," a name which she calls me to this day.

For some time I was not sure of how close we were as friends... no, as family. This changed one night, however; Pipiltin had become gravely injured while helping the tribe find a cure for an illness, and to mend her, I believe I was told that Urukha had channeled some consciousness through Do'xian to do so... or was it the other way around? This resulted in Do'xian gaining some of Urukha's memories. I approached him following this and he turned to me on the verge of tears, to tell me I was just like a brother to him, something I had not ever seen him do before to anyone. When I had later revisited this memory with a rational mind, I realized that Do'xian spoke as though he was Urukha, and was I honored to find that an elder of the tribe considered me to be one of her own.

I have noticed that Urukha is very concerned with appearance, of her own and those around her. I found this strange at first, as she is missing an eye... I have seen many hide such injuries as this. However it was not until later that I learned she did wear an eye patch until Pipiltin insisted she remove it. I feel that this concern is silly. I have always seen clothing as a tool to protect one's body from the elements, and in recent times, to protect others' eyes from what they do not wish to see. I have never seen clothing or armor as more than this, however Urukha has insisted on clothing me in garments I normally would not wear. I will admit I feel foolish when she insists I wear something new, though the garments she gives to me manage to be very comfortable while satisfying her standards of appearance.

I do miss the hide vest I lost the night I traveled to Elwynn in my sleep... I wonder what has happened to it?

Discomfort

After our meeting last night, Pipiltin, Urukha, and I gathered as we usually do in the Regent's study after the tribe's weekly meeting. This is a time when the elders sit in wait to listen to the concerns of the tribe, and when I, as the tribe's head scribe, record the important things said during the meeting onto parchment to be kept safe for the future.

This night, as it would seem typical lately, was quiet. Only the three of us occupied the hut all night, and Urukha and Pipiltin discussed their matters while I focused on my work. My concentration would break, however, on a certain point of discussion: things we do when nervous or upset. Pipiltin attempted to conceal her feelings about something troubling her, but Urukha pointed out that when she did this, she would rub at her neck. Pipiltin became frustrated, but Urukha noted that many did such things, myself included. I was made aware that I tend to scratch at my mane behind my ear when I am troubled, and Urukha draws symbols in the air with her fingers when she is nervous or upset. I do not think I would have noticed these things if they were not said.

As the hour came to a close, Pipiltin began to speak of an endeavor they were working on, and procured a scroll. Intrigued, I asked what this was about, and she told me that Za had given her a scroll describing different positions two people could take. At first I had assumed she spoke of combat stances, to improve how one would defend themselves or fend off an attacker. To my surprise, it was a list of different ways two people could mate. She happily showed me the list and explained a number of them, but I could not look at the scroll, or her... I will admit that I am intrigued by the contents of the scroll, however I did not want to think of Pipiltin and Urukha in the act of mating. I was also made uncomfortable by the fact that I have not found a mate of my own, and wondered if this scroll is something I should have been looking at. I do hope I have not done something to disappoint or anger my ancestors...

Honoring the Flames

Yesterday evening I spent much time in Orgrimmar, listening to the Midsummer tale weaver's stories of Midsummers past. His tales gave to me a better understanding of this celebration, and inspired me to honor the flames this year. I was also moved to snuff the bonfires lit by those deemed enemy of the Horde, upon hearing tales of atrocities committed by them during this festival.

I returned to the Ravine to gather my armor and prepare, asking one of the Wind Riders in the service of the tribe if it would not mind helping me in this task. While reluctant due to my weight, he agreed to help me in this task, and we set out for Orgrimmar. I called out to the tribe on my talisman to share my intentions, and Nystia, Caelyssa, Siuliaruin, and an initiate I had not met before, named Alexir, responded to my call. We gathered at the zeppelin tower and began to plan our route through the Eastern Kingdoms, beginning in Strangled Thorns Vale and travelling north.

Our travels were safe until we reached Goldshire, where we were ambushed by a group intent on protecting their bonfire. I attempted to fend off the attackers to the best of my ability, but we were overwhelmed. I am not sure of what happened to the others, but for a time I was knocked unconscious and left for dead. I came to my senses near Siuliaruin, and the others eventually found us. My head ached, but I thought little of it and pressed on... this would come back to me later in dwarven land. I became dizzy and unable to stand. Nystia offered to take me home, and Siuliaruin created a portal to Thunder Bluff for me.

I slept at an inn in Thunder Bluff on Pipiltin's recommendation, and awoke with no ails. I pray that the others are safe and in good health, and wonder if they had decided to press on without me. I believe I am feeling well enough to continue our quest tomorrow night, but I must prepare. I will tell the tribe of this tonight at our circle.

As It Was... Almost

It feels like it has been too long since I have been able to sit by the tree in Orgrimmar and relax. Last night I did just this, and encountered Za sitting among some friends. He came over to me and dropped a bag of smoking herbs into my lap, which I took gratefully and with thanks. We began to discuss recent events, but then the interruptions began... I believe Za called it "happy hour," and likened it to the tide of the ocean rolling out and leaving refuse behind on the sand when it was once clean. In retrospect, I understand this comparison now.

Our topic was lost, so I had decided to smoke some of the herbs in my pipe while I waited for this happy hour to end. I realized I had no fire to burn the herbs with, and asked if anyone could do this. A goblin behind me offered me a box of matches, though they were much too small for me to use. He lit the pipe for me and I thanked him. He seemed a nice fellow, despite feeling the need to attach a device to his bow that would launch small animals... I do not understand to this day why goblins feel the need to disrespect the Earth Mother and her creatures.

Pipiltin arrived not much later, after I started to feel the calming effects of my herbs. She had been away from us to tend to some work to please her Loa. We briefly discussed what had happened since I had seen her last, and what the tribe planned to do in the coming days. Meanwhile, Pipiltin gave Za one of her popcorn balls, the ones she made with a secret mix of herbs. The herbs had a fast and quite noticeable effect on Za, as he began to insist the goblin's companion animal was able to talk and fetch drinks. To my surprise, the latter proved to be true, and the animal returned to him with a cup of frog venom brew, and slice of a lemon.

In the midst of this, Urukha came to us, though she did not have much to speak of, and fell asleep on her mate's lap not long after her arrival. I had spoken with her earlier in the evening; her voice over the talisman lacked emotion and she seemed troubled. Having not seen her in the days since the incident at Storm Peaks, I had hoped that having her see me in good health would lift her spirits. Unfortunately, it would seem that it only irritated her. I asked if there was something I could do to help her with, but she asserted that there was nothing I could do. I wonder what is troubling her?

Black Blood

I am not well.

Two nights ago I was called by Ferak with good news: he had found a way to remove the pendant from my neck. He asked me to meet him in Storm Peaks, so I gathered the armor Pipiltin created for me when I had told her I was following the Earth Mother to Northrend. Ferak used the power of the talisman to summon me to his location quickly, and we began to talk.

Quickly, things turned grim. I heard the whispers again, and ignored them... however Ferak was affected. Perhaps he had been under Yogg-Saron's influence the entire time... I do not know. He told me the solution was simple, and then suddenly attacked me: I was to die, and the pendant would be unbound from me. We exchanged blows... I did not wish to fight him. I blinded him temporarily and ran for cover, to summon help. I called out to the tribe through the talisman... Westel, Zeyda'lei, and Gurdijef came to my aid, and were able to subdue Ferak and bring him to his senses.

While in hiding, I noticed that the blood seeping from my wounds was black. This frightened me. We were taken to a nearby camp to be mended and explain what had happened. Nobody could tell us what the black blood meant, and we decided it best that Ferak and I be secluded and separated from each other, should this be a disease that can spread through touch or breath. I am resting alone in my own camp in northern Mulgore, and Zeyda'lei has volunteered to keep watch over me and ensure I stay well.

Ferak said that he did find some kind of solution for the pendant that did not involve my death, and the others have agreed to rally the tribe this coming Saturday to do this cleansing. I pray to the Earth Mother that this will be the solution to our problems... today I have not felt well and the visions are becoming worse again.