Saekwa Cloudseeker

I had met Sister Saekwa at our tribe's tavern night, not long after I had been invited into the tribe as an initiate. She had seemed to wander away from us for some time, but returned to us while I was exploring Pandaria. She is a shu'halo tracker with brown fur and never without her companion, a white wolf named A'hok. I had known her to be quiet around others, and A'hok to be very protective of her in the beginning, but both her and A'hok seem to welcome, and enjoy my company in recent times.

I came upon her one night not long ago with a bull I did not recognize in Ratchet. He was performing a healing ritual with her, for a scar she bears on her shoulder. It causes her pain to this day, and at times she is unable to use her arm because of it. I tried to soothe the wound long ago with An'she's warmth, but I could not help. She says that the pain may be caused by past trauma. I was unhappy to hear that Saekwa held onto such a thing, but did not wish to pry. I thanked him for helping her, and we returned to the Ravine.

She had held onto my arm and leaned on me for most of the way home. I was at ill ease, but did not say anything as I wished her to feel at ease. I pray that nobody had seen us like this... I do not want others to believe that we are together, like that. There was a time when I had thought, perhaps, I might have seen Saekwa as a potential mate. I had forgotten this in her absence, but was reminded of it while we traveled home, and it made me feel even less comfortable. Maengun is my mate. I love her with my whole heart. There is no one else, and I do not want there to be another.

When we had returned home, we sat by the bonfire to talk, and relax. I brought my pipe, and the herbs I use for smoking. Saekwa had not smoked, before, so I taught her how to smoke my pipe. It was amusing to watch her... she had first tried to swallow her smoke, then when she tried again, she made many strange noises. I could not help but laugh... in turn she had thought my laughing sounded strange, and she laughed, too, and we could not stop. I did not expect this to happen, as I usually smoke my pipe while alone.

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.

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.

Aging

Last night I spoke with Mukwa... it had been a while since I saw him last. He said he had been spending much time sleeping lately, and did not know that I had left the tribe to travel for a time. He has not learned anything new of his past, though his mind is creating new memories. He has traveled to Pandaria, and like many others, has told me it is beautiful. He also warned me of the many dangers found there, besides the sha. He says I must see the Jade Forest and Vale of Eternal Blossoms if I am to travel there.

Mukwa does not know his age as I do mine, but it is clear that the years he has seen have not been kind to him, even though he cannot remember them. He once was a part of the tribe's strike force, and helped to protect our tribe, fiercely. As with my other Brothers and Sisters who were part of the strike force, a fire burned deep within him, and even when his mind was shattered he put his entire being into protecting those he loved. But, his age has begun to weigh on him. He cannot fight for us as he had before, and told me he believes it is time he lived a more peaceful life.

Mukwa still fears his past. He feels that there may be too much hardship for him to bear, and that his health and scars are proof of this. I pray this not to be true. I told him that surely there are happy memories to be found. I suggested that perhaps his mate and daughter were one of these memories, but he feels this is not so. He had told me, however, that he would gladly tell me stories from his past, should he remember them. I look forward to this.

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.

A Night at the Faire

On Sunday, I sent an invitation to Maengun to accompany me to the Darkmoon Faire tonight. I was pleased to see her when she arrived to Thunder Bluff to meet me. As I had expected, she had not been to the Faire before. I explained to her what to expect, and gave to her 10 gold coins as a gift so she may freely enjoy the Faire, and all of its games and food. She told me she was willing to accept this gift just this once... she does not like to be given coin without doing proper work.

The evening was good, and Maengun seemed to enjoy herself. She seemed to understand and enjoy Whack-A-Gnoll the most of all the games. She employed a strategy I had not seen before on the ring toss game, by throwing all of her rings at the turtle at once. It was... surprisingly effective, actually. I found humor in this, as I had been patiently throwing my rings, and had to spend two tokens in order to claim victory. Hers was won in mere seconds, and one token. She had also seemed to find amusement in the new "Merry-Go-Round," though by walking against the direction the platform turned, rather than simply riding upon it as I had. Perhaps it is better... I became very dizzy.

I had noticed that she still seemed tense, as we walked the grounds of the Faire. She was still searching. At first, I believed that she was simply taking in her surroundings, but I saw that her eyes were focused most on the other people. I had hoped that Maengun would use this night to forget about the things that troubled her... but perhaps that is too much to ask of her, now. I cannot understand her plight; I had not lost my parents until I came of age, and she had no mother from birth, and willingly (albeit regrettably) shunned her father in her youth.

At the end of the night, I showed her the portal that would return us to Thunder Bluff. I thanked her for accompanying me, as the Faire is much more enjoyable when shared with a friend. She thanked me in turn, for inviting her, then fell silent, staring at me. I wondered, briefly, what was on her mind... then she made her thoughts known before I could ask: she jumped forward, and hugged me. Before I could understand fully what was happening, she ran for the portal and jumped into it.

I do not know what I am feeling, right now... I just know that all of my emotions are good. I am still surprised, as I had not expected a hug from Maengun. But I am overjoyed to know that she has accepted my friendship. Perhaps now, she will find it easier to approach others in the tribe.

A Good Friend

Later into the night, I found Maengun in our Commons, eating the box of truffles I had sent to her, quite audibly. As I entered, she noticed, and looked up at me as though she had done something wrong. Her face and hands were covered in chocolate. I could not help but find humor in this, and briefly I wondered if I behaved in a similar way when I was given food made by Pipiltin. I sat with her to talk; she received my letter, and asked why I wished to be her friend. I told her as I have written here before: I enjoy her company, and I wish to know that she is well. She told me that the reason for her eating the truffles in the manner I found her in was because it was not often she was able to have such foods. We began to talk about various things we have eaten, and she suggested I try grapefruit. It is as she said: sweet, but tart. I am unsure if I like it, but I was told it is something one must learn to like.

We also spoke of our passions, and what we most enjoy to do to pass time. I was surprised to hear that Maengun does no such thing. She has been so focused on finding her father, and surviving on her own, that she has not thought of what else she may enjoy. This worries me, as she has recently given up on her search. I am led to believe that she now feels she has no purpose, and I pray that she does not actually think this. I had felt this, and similar things, briefly, as Yogg-Saron played with my mind those many months ago. It is the most saddening thing I have ever felt. I cannot imagine feeling this way for longer than I had.

I reminded her of her abilities in the way of the elements, and asked what else she was able to do, determined to help her find a purpose in the tribe. She reminded me, in turn, of wood carving. When I found her in Un'goro, on the brink of death, and brought her to the nearby camp to be treated, she had carved my likeness into one of her totems and left it with me as a token of gratitude for saving her, before leaving the camp with some of their possessions. I hold onto it still... it sits on a shelf in my hut, and I told her of this. It is a simple carving, but it still holds a certain beauty. She seemed quite pleased that I thought her work to be good... I believe she may create beautiful things from wood, with enough practice.

Before I left, I reminded her of the chocolate stuck in her fur, and of Stonebull Lake, to the northwest. Tomorrow marks the first full week of this month, and that would mean that the Darkmoon Faire will be open. Ever since finding some strange things in the surrounding forest during Brother Qua'nah's gathering, I have not been able to enjoy the Faire on my own. Perhaps I shall ask Maengun if she wishes to accompany me, this time. It will distract my mind from the many questions I ask of the faire, and perhaps she will find something that she will enjoy?

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.

Maengun

As the previous night came to its end, I sat by the tribal bonfire as I had in the past, preparing a pipe to smoke herbs. A spirit wolf approached me - I thought it was Pipiltin at first, but to my surprise, it was Maengun.

I had met Maengun in Silithus, and then again later in the Un'goro crater, during the time my camp was there. In the beginning, she was hostile and rude toward me, and insisted that she did not need my help. This would change soon, when she was attacked by a venomhide ravasaur and fatally poisoned. I found her in the jungle, alone and dying, and I could not leave her even though she insisted that she was well enough alone. I brought her to an explorers' camp nearby and paid the goblins for an antidote, and she would soon make a full recovery. Despite my telling her that she owed me no debt for what I had done, she insisted that she did... and the next day, she would get the change to repay this debt. I became the prey for a devilsaur, a creature I was told did not exist anymore, and Maengun came to my aid, dispatching the beast. She feels that she had repaid a debt, but like with Nystia, I will remember this for as long as I live, perhaps even longer.

In the crater, she told me of a mission she set herself upon, and expressed regret for something she said to someone long ago. Last night I learned that this mission was to search for her father; she had, in anger at his need to hide her from the world, told him that she did not love him, and ran away. When she returned to her home later, he was gone, and she has been searching for him since... until now. She has given up on her search. I tried to encourage her to not give up, but in doing so, she recalled these painful memories and the thought that she may not see him again, and became upset.

I am happy she had found the tribe after we parted ways a month ago, but I am angered with myself for causing her needless pain. I wish to help her, somehow... and it is not just because she is now family to me. I still feel that I am responsible for ensuring she is in good health and spirits.

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.

I Have Returned

Yesterday, after three long months, I have finally returned home, to my family, and my friends. It has been too long.

I returned to the Burning Ravine first... it was quiet, and nobody was to be found. I found a notice about a gathering later in the evening in the commons... a "night of debauchery," and went to my hut to find the clothing needed. My hut was just as it was when I departed. I found my robe and hat, a leather harness and loincloth I recieved from the Regent some time ago, then this journal. I wanted to write in it then and record what had happened to me while I was gone, but my desire to find someone and speak with them was greater. I changed into my robe and departed for Orgrimmar, to sit by the tree in the Valley of Honor.

I sat for some time, watching others pass by. It felt good to be in the city again, though now there are people in the city that look like bears. I learned later that they are called "Pandaren." I was eventually joined by Gren'mazi and Nemeiah, both of whom were very pleased to see me. The feeling was mutual. Gren'mazi wished to know what I had done in my time away, and Nemeiah expressed concern for my well-being. She said she had been to a place called "Pandaria" looking for someone, but afterwards spent some time there to admire the land - she says it is quite beautiful. I must go there sometime.

I attended the night of debauchery, eager to see my family again, and changed my clothing to the harness and loincloth I carried. The gathering was a contest to determine who was most appealing while wearing the least amount of clothing. I do not remember much of the night... there was a very tasty alcohol being served, and I know that I drank too much. I remember vague images of Jindal and Urukha doing things I did not expect of them, and the reactions of others towards something Urukha did while being judged. I also remember winning something, a tankard holding a strange rabbit-like creature. I do not know what it is called.

I also vaguely remember being in Orgrimmar while drunk, and talking with some people... I believe a pandaren and a goblin. I think Nemeiah was there, as well. I hope I did not do or say anything foolish in my drunken state. My head pounds still, even long into the day. I have not left the hut, and writing this has taken much effort. But I am still happy to be back with my family, despite the pain.

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.

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.

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?

To Hearthglen

Yesterday I encountered Nemeiah again in Orgrimmar... she had come to the city to retrieve a package she sent for. Our discussion three days ago was still on my mind, so I asked her if I could know where Tyr's Hand was, to travel there on my own and perhaps find some answers to my questions. To my surprise, she offered to bring me to a place called Hearthglen, a place the Argent Crusade call their home, telling me that if I wished to learn about "the Light," it was a better place to do so than Tyr's Hand.

After retrieving her package, we boarded a zeppelin to Tirisfal Glades, what I understand is now the home of the undead that call themselves Forsaken... a heavy air hung over the land, one that filled me with sorrow. This would change, thankfully, as we moved towards the Plaguelands. As we approached the healing land, the air became lighter, and An'she cast his light upon us effortlessly. The rest of our walk was pleasant.

When we arrived in Hearthglen, I saw a number of interesting things. Most importantly, we came upon a statue of the Highlord of the Argent Crusade, and learned that he holds a weapon that could kill the undead just by being close... this included Nemeiah. I was alarmed, for I heard that she was able to commune with this "Light," yet it could still harm her. I asked her what "the Light" was, why it would do this to her, and it is then that she suggested that we sit and talk about it.

We entered what she called the "town hall," and there she explained to me that "the Light" is everywhere. Anyone may open themselves up to it or turn it away by following or defying three virtues: Respect, Tenacity, and Compassion. I became conflicted, and wondered again if the things I have been taught were false. Nemeiah told me then that I should not forsake tradition, and she suggested that the Earth Mother and "the Light" are "seperate, but unified."

I realized that doing what I can to aid the Earth Mother has also made others around me happy. I shall continue to do what I have been doing, for it is right... even this "Light" believes so.

Sunwalkers and Paladins

Last night I encountered an undead woman I had not seen in a few moons. Her name is Nemeiah. I had first met her when she was being harassed and threatened by a typical goblin: loud-mouthed and self-centered. I managed to scare the problem off, and I remember we had talked for a short time afterward... but I do not remember what about. I am not upset by this, for Nemeiah did not remember who I was when I saw her last night.

I believe she is a part of what is called the Argent Crusade... she explained that they are a group of people which are accepting of all races, and they have been working to cleanse the Plaguelands, which I understand sit on the northern end of the Eastern Kingdoms. Nemeiah mentioned that she, and others in the Crusade, follow teachings of what is called "the Light." I had heard others mention "the Light" before, and had always assumed that they spoke of An'she. Curious, I asked about this... Nemeiah replied that An'she and "the Light" are not the same, even though those that follow the teachings of "the Light" and Shu'halo who look to An'she are granted similar abilities.

She mentioned that those who are not Shu'halo and fight with my abilites are called "Paladins." Nystia had said that word to me the day before when I explained to her what a Sunwalker was... she said that they wore platemail armor into combat, had abilities like mine, and were rude. Nemeiah confirmed this... however, she said that paladins were beings of virtue, and acted in similar ways that I do. I am confused.

After our conversation, I am left wondering about "the Light." Perhaps I will go to Tyr's Hand one day and find this out... I hope it will not go against what I have been taught, or anger my ancestors or the Earth Mother.

Mukwa's Newest Potion

After the tour Sunday, I had travelled to Orgrimmar and found Mukwa and Pipiltin under the usual tree. Pipiltin ran off shortly after I had arrived, but Mukwa asked for me to stay so he could test a newer potion of his. Unable to assist in any other way, I stayed with him; I was uncomfortable with the effects of his last potion, so he told me I wouldn't have to test this one. Upon drinking it, Mukwa addressed me sternly and assured me that he was well. I was surprised, until I remembered why I was watching him.

The potion worked, and Mukwa was deep in thought. He spoke carefully and with more weight on his words than before. I am happy to see that the potion was successful, however I am worried. Normally, Mukwa is cheerful and capable of only thinking of the moment, but with the ability to see more than he was usually able to, he became troubled by his short memory, and regretful of his actions. He spoke of his mind being destroyed... what I was told about his druidic powers causing this was a myth. He told me, while it was understandable to assume this, it was not the cause of his condition. I tried to assure him that he should not be ashamed of himself, and again apologized for being unable to do anything else for him.

During this, Aevelina approached us. She seemed ill, but assured me she was fine. I was growing tired and asked Aevelina to stay with Mukwa in my stead, afraid that I would fall asleep and leave Mukwa without the vigil he asked for. She told me I could go, and I left her with An'she's blessing, to strengthen her if she was indeed ill.

To tell the truth, I am not sure if Mukwa's pursuit of his lost memory is wise. His regret for his actions and sadness in knowing that there was lost memory suggests to me that maybe it is something that should not be found. This... is not my decision, though. I will tell him of my concern next time I see him, but I am willing to help him in any way I can. May An'she bless him, and the Earth Mother watch over him.

Theran Sunhammer

Before I knew of the Burning Tusks, I had sought out family in Mulgore upon returning to the Barrens and being unable to find my birth tribe. I was accepted into the Stonecalf Tribe, and it was there that I met Theran. He was an elder Sunwalker, and as I have said before, my former mentor. During my time with the Stonecalves, Theran personally taught me many things about An'she, and my power, that I did not know. With his aid I was able to realize my potential and work towards it more clearly; I was gifted an ornate, yet effective greatsword, for my progress. It is in my care to this day.

He was a kind bull, but very strict and honor-bound. I was once reprimanded by him for walking around Orgrimmar without my vest; he was afraid that I would dishonor the Stonecalves by showing my body. I did not understand why he thought this at the time, but now I see why, especially after seeing the reactions of those around me when I had lost most of my clothing in Elwynn Forest, and I had returned to the orc city to find a Burning Tusk. There are too many that think one's body is something to be hidden.

My greatest regret is that I had lost contact with Theran following the disappearance of the Stonecalf Tribe. It wasn't until a month ago that I would see him again... dead. I had returned to the Stonecalves' home in the mountains surrounding Mulgore, as I usually do to see if anyone had decided to do the same. I found an orc and two goblins there, and while apprehensive at first, I noticed they stood around his body, performing a Shu'halo death ritual for him. My heart grew heavy... Urukha and Kazak'guul have both told me that I should not feel so, as my presence may not have saved him. But I still wish I had spent a little more time with him, as I cannot now. His brothers-in-arms and I had laid his body to rest at Red Rocks, and his spirit appeared before us. I was thanked for being there, even if only for a little time.

Recalling these events burdens my heart again, and I must gather things for Theran's grave at the tribe's burial ground. I had visited his grave finally, but his body was missing. I am puzzled, and I wonder if Kazak'guul has found his spirit yet. The urge to drink grows stronger... I must meditate. Alcohol would only numb my sadness for a short time. An'she, I pray to you to grant me the strength I need to carry this weight on my heart.

Pipiltin Sharptusk

Pipiltin is my mentor within the tribe, a very passionate troll shaman. She is very impulsive and not afraid to speak her mind... at least, what is left of it. The night I had been invited to join the tribe as an initiate, she had explained to me that half of her brain had been removed, and she had lost the ability to read, write, and speak correctly. I had noticed this when we first met at the jousting tournament; as with Mukwa, I noticed there was something amiss about the way she spoke and acted. She and Mukwa are examples as to why I take great care with judging those around me. Dismissing someone based on a first impression proved to be a foolish choice on many occasions, a choice I am glad to not have taken.

As she acts mainly on impulse, she can be unpredictable at times, and it can be frightening. I had once arrived to a meeting between the two of us much later than we had agreed upon, and was knocked around, even shot in the shoulder as a lesson. I feared for my life, as I had never seen her enraged before. I had learned that day three important life lessons about fear.

1. Keep on guard, and expect the unexpected.
2. Hold oneself with pride in combat regardless of how you feel; it affects how well one can defend themselves.
3. Never cross Pipiltin.

On the other hand, her unpredictable nature can be harmless, and just confusing. Yesterday I had approached Pipiltin and Urukha by the tree in Orgrimmar, wearing the robes I had found in a Noblegarden egg. While Urukha simply stated that she approved of my clothing, Pipiltin became excited, yelled that I was "so cute," and jumped into my lap as I was seated to give me a hug. I was caught by surprise, but I welcome it and returned the embrace. It is a reminder that I am accepted as family by her and the tribe, the very reason I had approached the Burning Tusks.

Pipiltin is also the tribe's chef, and her cooking abilities are unmatched. We share a love for apples, and she has made various meals and treats from the fruit, not counting what was prepared for the apple festival last month. That is all I can say on this subject for now... I do not wish to hunger myself. My mouth waters already...