For Her

Last night I had found Annjia. I had not seen her recently, so we spoke of what I had done since we had last talked.

Again, my mind had wandered to Maengun. I asked Annjia if she was able to still feel love in her current state; I have heard that many unliving creatures lose the ability to feel emotion. To my surprise, she told me that she could, and I asked if she might help me in finding clarity. After mistaking my request as asking if she would be my mate, she had told me as the General had said: I must not question how I feel. She also said that I must show Maengun that I appreciate her. I recalled my father... he would sometimes bring a flower, or a flawless hide to my mother after a hunt. Annjia said that this was how he showed appreciation for my mother, and in turn gave to me a bundle of sweet-smelling red flowers, to give to Maengun.

Later in the evening, I sensed her presence through the tribal talisman, and asked if she might meet me on the bridge over Stonebull Lake. She agreed. I went to her, my flowers in hand. I gave them to her, and she looked at me, surprised. She asked why I had done this... and I was sure of it now. I told her that I was in love with her.

She ran away.

I would find her later, in the Commons hut. I felt weak... my heart raced, and I could not stand. I thought she would run again... but she apologized to me for running, earlier. We talked for some time... of how we felt for each other. Of her father. Of what makes her happy. She said she did feel comfortable around me, but she preferred to be alone. I had not noticed before how beautiful she was... I told her this, and she said the same of me, in turn. Then, she asked if she might be allowed to spend the night in my hut... she said she wished to sleep in a more comfortable place. She is gone this morning, but I will welcome her into my hut any time she wishes to come.

Though she had said she prefers to stay alone, and I will respect her wishes, it does not change how I feel for her. I am in love with Maengun, and I will do anything for her.

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.

A Festive Ball

Upon my return, I found an invitation to a gathering, from Westlynn. I learned from Urukha that she is no longer our Regent, and had left to pursue other interests. She is still family to me, and I was happy to receive this letter. Unfortunately, the Regent Westlynn could not come to this gathering; I would learn later from Annjia that Westlynn's blood sister was ill.

The gathering was pleasant despite this, and that almost everyone at this "Festi-ball" was elven. I spent much of the night trading stories with a taunka bull of the Argent Crusade, and trying to learn more about the Warchief and Pandaria through discussion with a troll, who appeared to have been a friend of the taunka. I had tried new foods last night; I believe the feast offered to us was food prepared in Pandaren ways. It was tasty, and unlike anything I have had before. As the night came to a close, we were asked to prepare Winter Veil stories, and there was an exchange of gifts. It was clear that the gathering did not expect larger guests, such as myself or the taunka. I was unable to pour a cup of tea for myself, as the cup was much to small and it slipped from my fingers. During the gift exchange, I was given a robe meant for an elf. Fortunately, the troll would give me a flask to pour the tea into, and one of the other guests offered to trade to me her silkworm in exchange for the robes.

The taunka had asked me at one time, if the feast of Winter Veil was a celebration rooted in my culture. I had told him that he was correct. The feast is held each year to welcome the coming of life anew. The lands sleep under a blanket of snow and ice, and in this time we are able to consider and give thanks for what we have gained, lost, or still hold dear. He then joked that, if his people knew of this holiday, perhaps every day would be a celebration of Winter Veil.

An Eventful Week

On Monday, I was approached by an orc claiming to be a Sergeant in the Horde army. I do not remember his name. He proceeded to accuse me of murder, and attempted to execute me on the spot. He might have been successful, if not for Nystia, Xhea, and Urukha coming to my aid, as well as a Pandaren stranger. I walked away with no more than a half-mended axe wound to my left shoulder, though Nystia was less fortunate. She had nearly died in an attempt to knock down my assailant; he retaliated swiftly and nearly cut her in two. Luckily, she survived just barely, and Urukha tended to her wounds. The orc is dead, I believe... he was no Sergeant. His actions were dishonorable and unjust - a real Sergeant would have brought me to his superiors. Urukha has told me that I must take care and give careful thought to who I trust.

I have never been able to mend myself or others fully with An'she's light, so I retreated to my hut for two days to tend to my wound. I grew restless, and called out to Nystia over the talisman, in hopes we could meet and talk over a drink in Orgrimmar. She was unable to do so, but allowed me to visit her at her home in Northrend, in the Grizzly Hills. We spoke of things we did in the time I was gone, and she gave to me a salve made of Zangarmarsh mushrooms that numbed the pain in my shoulder. She also allowed me to spend the night... I pray I did not intrude upon her and her mate. She claims that I owe her no debt, but I will forever remember her actions that saved my life.

At last night's meeting, I reintroduced myself to my family, and saw many new faces. Scynthe and Vivvienne introduced a new child to the tribe, born just a few days ago. I have, for a long time, found great joy in children... this world is full of much hardship and strife, and to see a child in all of its innocence warms my heart. It is my hope that soon I will find a mate, and begin a family... but I do not know when this will be. I asked them if I might hold their child, who is not named at this time. They allowed this, and Vivvienne placed the infant into my hands. As the tiny child rested on my fingers, I was able to truly appreciate this new life, and as such how fragile and delicate a life can be. I asked Scynthe and Vivvienne if I might be allowed to leave the child with the blessings of the Earth Mother and An'she; they granted me their permissions. I did so, and gave him a formal greeting before giving him back to his mother. It is a beautiful child, and I hope his life will be filled with good things.

Afterwards, I spoke with Urukha, telling her of my travels while she told me of things that happened in my absence. She asked me to check upon Nemeiah... which I had done earlier in the day, coincidentally. We spoke of the orc, and she offered her healing abilities to the tribe should they be needed. She also mentioned searching for the reason why speaking to the Light hurts her so, and finding a way to prevent it. I pray she is successful, and that this will not cause her any more needless harm. Despite this, Annjia and Urukha still do not speak to one another... it is not my place, but I wish they would talk and find a solution to whatever problem there is. I have not forgotten the incident from those months ago.

As the night came to an end, I was presented with one more familiar face... but I will write on this another time. There are things I must do now.

Letters From Friends

Three pieces of parchment are folded in half and placed between the pages. The first two appear slightly crumpled and re-smoothed.

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.

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.

More Peace

At last, the madness has ended.

On Saturday night, our tribe had traveled to the temple of Ahn'Qiraj to perform a ritual to cleanse the pendant, and ourselves, of Yogg-Saron. The expedition was a success, but it had taken quite a toll on everyone. I do not wish to recall what I have experienced, even in the privacy of my journal... just that a few of us had nearly died.

Nonetheless, the visions and whispers have ended, my blood has returned to its normal color, and I am no longer wracked with a stinging pain that came in waves. I believe the others have also been cured of any affliction, but I am not without worry. Aevelina was among the group, and when I learned of this at the start, I expressed my concern for the safety of her and her unborn child. She replied that she was aware of the dangers we were to face and that she wished to help the tribe be rid of this curse, but after the things I have experienced, I do not think I could forgive myself if something were to befall the child before its birth. I pray the Earth Mother cares for the child in the womb, and that it be protected from harm.

I have not seen anyone since that night... in fact, I have only encountered Annjia since then. I must find the others soon.

Peace

I cannot recall the last time I had looked forward to sleep as much as I had, or feeling as though I had been reborn in the night.

Yesterday, Annjia warned not to go to Tyr's Hand... I was not certain, but she appeared to be covered in blood and entrails. I thanked her and retreated to search for some peace, to Urukha's dismay. Today, Urukha called upon me to speak of matters regarding Annjia and Nemeiah, and forbade me outright from going. Around this time, she appeared again, behind Urukha. She took the form of Pipiltin, and stared. She said nothing, and started to sharpen an axe. Urukha grabbed my attention again and Pipiltin... no, the val'kyr... disappeared. Shortly after, though, she appeared again and descended upon the pond we had stood by, a bow and arrow in her hand. She took aim, and fired... I felt a sharp pain in my chest, and I collapsed.

Urukha called for help, and Pipiltin answered swiftly. Pipiltin said she could feel a strong spirit within the pendant, and the three of us flew on her drake to Winterspring. She performed some kind of ritual to draw this spirit from the necklace... the voices and apparitions ceased, though I could see it took a toll on her. We were brought back to the Ravine through the talisman's summoning magic, and Urukha made sure, again, that I safely made it into a bed in the Commons.

Once again, I am thankful to be surrounded by others willing to ensure I am safe. I do hope I am not becoming a burden...

Annjia

The Burning Tusks often consider outsiders to be a part of them, though they do not undergo the rites and rituals than an initiate must to become a tribesmate, and they are not given a talisman. Annjia is one of these people. She is a elven death knight, and a good friend of the tribe. As with other elves, I can smell the taint of the arcane on her spirit, however it is not as strong as it is on others. There is also another strange and unpleasant scent that comes from her spirit, but I have not sensed this on anyone else yet, and do not know what it could be.

In the beginning, I felt uneasy around Annjia. She often wears a set of black platemail armor and speaks softly... I am ashamed to admit it, as I am larger than her, but I was intimidated in her presence. I had also made a foolish assumption about her shortly after we had met, based on what I was told by a shu'halo death knight long ago, and thought I had offended her. However, as time passed, I had noticed that she was seen as a friend to the tribe, and I found it easier to speak to her. We talk of many things, and she appears to have knowledge of shu'halo customs, as she did not require me to explain things that I often must to others, such as An'she and the Earth Mother. She is the first and only person to call me "Sunwalker" as if it were my name. It is strange, but I do not mind... I am a Sunwalker.

Annjia is also acquainted with Nemeiah, something I was pleasantly surprised to find out, and Annjia thanked me for going with Nemeiah to Hearthglen last week. I learned through Annjia that there is trouble at Tyr's Hand, and Nemeiah does not want Annjia to visit until the problem is taken care of. I wish to help, but Annjia told me that I should not, as Nemeiah does not want harm to come to either of us... I will be told when it is safe. I pray that no harm comes to her as well... Earth Mother, please watch over Nemeiah, and the people of Tyr's Hand.

Nemeiah spoke to Annjia of our walk to Hearthglen, and this led to talking about the Plaguelands and their recovery. She has an interest in a certain flower that is said to grow in the Plaguelands, called "Arthas's Tears." Annjia described it as a purple flower, much similar in appearance to another lily that grows in that forest. I told her that I plan to visit Silvermoon occasionally, and I would not mind searching the Plaguelands for this flower if time permits. Perhaps I might find out more about this flower in the elven city, as well...

A Chapter Begins

It has been about a week since I have returned to the tribe after wandering away in my sleep. Pipiltin had given me a new talisman to replace my lost one, Annjia was kind enough to bring me back to our home so I could gather my things I did not bring to the club, and Urukha and the Regent have offered me new clothing to replace what I have lost. Uwharrie had even dug up a tabard for me to wear in place of my missing vest. I personally prefer to wear little, or nothing; the feel of An'she's light on an uncovered body during the day is a welcome feeling, but I am aware that most others would rather I respect a certain decency, and cover myself when I am among others in a city, or camp. I do not mind.

Much has happened in my absence; the cause of illness besetting the tribe was found out, as well as a cure. I am worried for everyone that is ill, and would like to help however I can. I must speak with Pipiltin about joining an expedition to find the materials for treatment.

I have been seeing unclear images from a dream I believe I had the night I wandered off. It is bothering me... there are images that give me a happy feeling when they flash in my eye, but a few unsettle me. I had encountered Zelevia a few nights ago, and asked her if she might be able to aid me in remembering these images in greater detail, perhaps even remembering the dream from which they came from. She agreed to meet with me at a later time, as she was preoccupied. Until then, I have purchased this journal as a means for exploring my thoughts.

I am blessed to be surrounded by so many that are willing to lend me their aid. May the Earth Mother protect them, and allow me to return these deeds however I can.