Dazed

Thursday night began a long string of surreal events. It is over, but I am still confused.

As I had written before, I had been officially accepted as a member of the tribe on Thursday night, at our tribal meeting. I am honored that the tribe considers me to be one of their own, to know that there are others willing to lay their lives down for me if need be. I am willing to do the same for these people... my family. I must consult with someone on finding the best way I can do this.

When the meeting ended, I was transformed into a rabbit. I do not know how... perhaps there was someone with one of the branches I had found in a Noblegarden egg? Because of this, I was unable to assist our tribe with the expedition into Blackrock Mountains, or Valtirus and Blanche with their research. Blanche had said that my altered form would last for just an hour, but I did not return to my natural form when I expected to. It was not until the next evening that Aevelina and Scynthe would find me in Bloodhoof Village, where Scynthe would quickly solve my problem. It was painful to me, as his power is fel-based, but he quickly offered me a stone that quelled the pain quickly. I did not feel any ill effects from it.

After this, I had retrieved the stone and flowers I had gathered for Theran's grave, and visited Kazak'guul at our burial grounds. The witch doctor could not find Theran's spirit, which told him that my mentor was still alive. I smiled and thanked him, but I was hiding my confusion. I was happy to hear that Theran was alive... but... I had seen him dead with my own eyes, and laid him to rest with my own hands. What had happened? I could not find an answer. My head spun, and I finally succumbed to my urge to drink.

I do not remember the rest of that night very well, the firewater clouds my memory. I do know that I had actually encountered Theran at the bonfire in Bloodhoof Village, and he appeared to have answers to my confusion and questions. I have a feeling I had made a fool of myself, however...

The Witch Doctor, Kazak'guul

I was unaware that our tribe housed a troll witch doctor, named Kazak'guul. I met him proper yesterday at the dedication of the tribe's burial grounds, which he was apparently responsible for building. He seems to be a kind troll, though he emits an unsettling aura, and his gaze seems to pierce my being.

He is adamant about caring for the spirits of the dead, and seems to have no qualms with tearing someone apart who might disturb them. I watched him become quite restless at our tribal meeting, when Valtirus said something that suggested doing research involving the dead, and Kazak'guul threatened him before Valtirus corrected himself and made it clear he did not plan to do such a thing.

Urukha had supplied me with a jug of rum yesterday as we approached the gates of this hallowed ground, for dedication to the witch doctor's "loa," their word for ancestral spirits. We were assured that this was merely a token of gratitude in good faith, and not a sign of dedication to the spirit. I believe he called him "Bwon Samdee." I should be sure of this, as I do not wish to invoke Kazak'guul's anger due to ignorance.

After the dedication, I spoke with the witch doctor and learned of the "loa" and the significance of what myself and the others had done within the burial ground. Curious, I asked him if he was able to commune with the spirits of the dead... I am still troubled by Theran's passing, and I have been unable to pay my respects to him in the way I wish I could. He told me to return later with something of significance to the spirit.

We met later that night. I had brought my greatsword with me, the weapon Theran had given me as a gift, for realizing my potential as a Sunwalker under his watch. I explained to Kazak'guul that I wished to construct a memorial to Theran, and let his spirit know personally that I was doing this. Kazak'guul said he would seek out Theran's spirit, and was honored that I asked him to do the task. He will see within the next few days, when he locates Theran.

My friend... I am sorry I have not been able to be there for you, even in death. I shall visit your grave at Red Rocks next time I am in the Ravine.

Mukwa Elkhoof

I first met Mukwa at a jousting tournament in Northrend. I was an outsider to the tribe at the time, invited to attend as a gesture of kindness, and to meet the members of the Burning Tusk's family. Theran was still alive, and my mentor, so I had asked him to come with me, and I had also met Pipiltin, Urukha, Doso, Valtirus, and Mahalaka at this gathering.

I could immediately tell that there was something wrong with Mukwa; he has clearly aged, and one would think that an elder Shu'halo would be a source of great wisdom. Mukwa, however, was opposite. He was childish, and simple. That is not to say that I dislike Mukwa or think I am above him... I was just surprised. He is a kind Shu'halo, very loyal to the tribe, and a good friend. Despite his simple nature, he shows talent in druidism and potion brewing. In fact, it was explained to me once that the cause of Mukwa's simple mind was his druidism; he apparently favors the form of a bear, and staying in this form for much too long ate away at his mind. I was not aware that this could happen... but it seems that the abuse of any power has consequences. This even holds true to me, even, as An'she has burned me on occasion for trying to channel his power selfishly.

Last night, Mukwa was excited about creating a "smart potion," after admitting he was ashamed of his poor memory and confusion at something Blanche had said to him. I had offered to help Mukwa by testing his creations a while ago, so we met shortly after by the tree in Orgrimmar. His potion was a success... as the drink's effects set in, it felt as if a veil around the world was lifted. I saw and considered many things that I had simply accepted, and I heard myself using orcish words I had never heard before. It was strange and felt unnatural, however. This feeling came to pass quickly, and the effects wore off within the half-hour.

Mukwa was quite pleased with these results, and seemed intent on finding a way to make them permanent. I am worried for him, as I am aware how fickle alchemy can be. I have been told before that one small change can drastically effect what the potion does to its drinker. I pray that he does not damage his mind further, and that his actions will not anger the Earth Mother.