Frog Venom

Last night in Orgrimmar, a troll of the Tribe named Jeh'k offered home-brewed Frog Venom to the group of us. Urukha and I had our share, and she eventually went to sleep there beneath the tree. Unfortunately, she mistook my nearby presence for Pip’s and I had trouble detaching her. Westel assisted with our eventual separation, and then I flew her back to her home.

Pip was away with a new mission. I do not know the details but am concerned. There is a demon involved, and that makes me anxious. But it is not of the same variety that caused Mirtai's current ailment.

Vivvienne delivered to me a new hood that she fashioned. I did not realize how much I missed the old, until I no longer had it. I am very pleased with it, and feel as though I am myself again, in a way. Without it, I received far too much attention.


Tonight is Hallow's End. Today, I hunt candy.

Paladins

I do not like paladins. This appears to be a concept that many understand, but do not accept. They are arrogant, abrasive, and more often than not, they lack the chivalry that is supposed to be synonymous with their profession.

Most seem to assume that my dislike arises from being a Death Knight, and the rather opposite ways we employ power. But it is not just this. Paladins are responsible for a great deal of the injuries that I have received. Primarily, the Holy One. There was also a group that came close to my former residence and I was forced to use violence to defend the place. I was damaged severely.

On occasion I meet a paladin who is determined to sway my view by demonstrating their own supposed valor. One in particular, Yana, stubbornly succeeded in garnering some of my respect. But most fail rather spectacularly, much to my amusement. Another, who apparently aided when I was felled by Shadowstep, makes attempts at conversation. He is improving. But my general opinion remains.

Sister

This is what the Regent called me. She said that while I may not have undergone the official process of joining, I am in the eyes of many Tribe members a Tribesmate myself.

I do not know what to think of this. For so long I have valued my independence; it was something taken from me and was extremely difficult to restore. But when I claimed to be alone, even Shadowstep argued that I still had family in the Tribe.

If my enemy saw this easily, why do I struggle to acknowledge it? Am I concerned that the interests of the Regent or the Tribe will interfere with my personal ventures? Am I afraid of what they may think of me, or ask me to do? That I will be forced to obey a command?

That I would welcome any directive or authority at all?

Perhaps I am not so different from Mirtai, who grapples daily with the loss of the Master. ----No, that is foolish. I am nothing like her.

Night Two, Finale

It is done. Shadowstep came to the meeting place last night and I vanquished her utterly. I am damaged again, but quite content to bear these wounds in exchange for her demise.

I arrived and she was waiting for me, but was hidden and out of reach. She appeared and I began to speak of my surrender in exchange for mercy. She descended and drew nearer until she was close enough to strike.

Her bloodied shirt I presented as a trophy to Urukha, and later reported to the Regent directly on what occurred. Both were pleased to different degrees, but were satisfied.

I am quite overwhelmed. Shadowstep, my old enemy, is gone.

Night One

Shadowstep did not appear last night. I must admit some feelings of relief, but concern as well. I was overjoyed to return home intact, but I do not know if my plan will succeed.

It is having some effect, though. Urukha spotted the notice and confronted me before I went. She asked if I needed any help, and I declined. Truthfully, I was surprised that she did not ask what it was I planned to do. But I still think it best to face the rogue alone, to not spook her or endanger anyone else.

The Plan

Today I begin. I will travel to Brill in Tirisfal and post a public notice to Shadowstep, as I am certain she has contacts there that know my name. I will offer peace, and then will see if I can dispel the threat from her.

No others have I told of this, because she is cunning and will suspect an ambush. I must be alone with her in order to succeed. This is what I post:

Notice to the Shadow:

I seek to meet with you to discuss 

the terms of my surrender.

For the next three nights I will wait at 

the cold hearth. After, I cannot guarantee 

your survival, as you are hunted.

No danger will be brought there. 

My only wish is to speak.

-Annjia

Motivation

I am calculating a plan to resolve the situation with Shadowstep. 

While I was injured and incapacitated, D.A. hunted in my stead. I was very distressed when I learned this, as they tend to avoid combat, or any activity that might involve dirt. By them taking this risk, I felt that I had failed my duty to protect them. I somehow slept through it all and could not stop them.

It would not have needed to happen had I not been attacked. If I had nullified the threat from Shadowstep before all of this, the circumstances would be different at present. This is why I must conclude this hostility by any means.

But first, the rogue must be found.