Home

Doso hosted a tour of our home last night, the Burning Ravine, or "Piki'alo Hetawa" in my native tongue. I had known that the land was reclaimed from the quilboar; the large thorn vines are still rooted in the hills. I did not know, however, just how much effort had gone into shaping the ravine into what it is today. Members of the tribe, past and present, have all given their share of hard work to make this their home. I feel guilty asking to live there; I was not a part of building the ravine. I wonder what I can do in turn for the tribe allowing me to live in their home...

It is an honorable thing to do, but keeping the presence of a quilboar spirit in the tribe's home does not sit well with me. I hope that this does not come up again, as I despise the quilboar and do not want anything to do with them.

Spirits

After attending our weekly tribal meeting last night, I had found myself wandering around our home in the Burning Ravine... I need to send a letter to Doso, asking for a tour and a hut I might call my own. I have been reluctant thus far, as I have never lived in one place for long. I have always traveled, since my birth along the river, and up until now. Lately I have found myself with little to do... perhaps this is why I am considering a permanent home?

I had been guided by spirits of my ancestors for a long time. Since I was a calf, my dreams and meditation have resulted in messages left to me by the spirit realm, hints at what I must do to better myself, aid those in need, or both. They had shown me the path of the Sunwalker, and guided my travels throughout Kalimdor, the Outland, and Northrend. They gave no clear objection to my choice in seeking out the Burning Tusks. Of course they did not approve of the choices in lifestyle a number of the tribespeople had made, but they did not send any signs saying that I was doing something wrong.

However, my spiritual link is coming undone, or I have been abandoned. I do not know which is the case. I was led to Northrend in order to aid taunka refugees still suffering from the war brought on by this "Lich King" years ago. In the midst of this work, the spirits stopped appearing to me. Meditation is relaxing, but I see nothing. My dreams reflect what I had been doing rather than what I should be doing. I finished the work I set out to do, bid the tribe I had been working with farewell, and set out to return to the only home I knew, with the Burning Tusks.

I feel lost. I consulted with Pipiltin, as she is a shaman and constantly in tune with the spirit world. She supposed that I had angered the spirits, or that I am being tested. I have angered my ancestors before, and it was made clear to me that I had when this happened. They did not disappear. She said it is also possible that the spirits are watching me silently to ensure I am capable of making correct choices on my own.

I am nervous. Ancestors, if you are watching, please guide me. Give me some kind of sign that I have not strayed from my path.

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.