Flying hurt a little at first, but as I ascended, it started to ease. I had been fortunate; the injury had not been critical, but severe enough to have warranted a special healing salve that rendered me unconscious for two days.

I perched on the balcony of my study. It seemed Drew had swept up all the spilt soil and broken pottery and even replaced some for Sarah. I appreciated that he took the time to consider her in that way.

I sat and stared inside. I felt both alarm and hope when I saw the empty desk. Then I saw everything was on the floor; everything that was, except the journal. I could not comprehend what had happened, but I was confident our friends would not have left the place in such disarray.

I ran circles around the balcony floor, my brain going into overdrive. Had we been burgled? Who had the journal then? Sweet Elune, my chance of being a man again had vanished. What was I going to do? Live out my days as a raven? Watch my son grow from the branches of the apple tree? See Sarah, walk hand in hand with another...?

I stopped cold, having caught sight of my reflection in the glass door. This irrational barrage of questions was not helping the situation; I needed to be calm, practical, realistic! I looked back inside.

Only the desk was clear, nothing else was touched as far as I could see, so I deduced that ruled out any thievery. So, was it possible Sarah had done it?

I flew up and over to the windows which looked into our living room and settled on the sill.

My breath caught in my throat. There, curled up in the armchair was my Sarah, and on her lap, the journal. The relief I felt was immense. 

I watched as she seemed absorbed in the book, slowly turning the pages, taking her time, reading each new segment.

See me, I pleaded. It was insane hoping she could hear me, and no less ridiculous, for what could I do even if Sarah did notice me - I would be just another raven.

Yet, I ached for her to notice me. The desire to tap on the window was sorely tempting, but I did not surrender, I couldn't, for I knew not how to convince her. So I continued to observe quietly.

I saw her clutch at her breast, then wipe tears from her eyes. I even saw her laugh a little occasionally. I took comfort in knowing that she had finally found my testament of love.

I inched to the edge of the sill, just behind the shutter as she closed the book and rose from the chair.

Chancing another peek, I saw her place it on the sideboard before she disappeared through the door to the hallway.

I heard muffled voices. Had the Newbery's decided to visit now after all?

I took flight once more, passing over the chimney pots to the front of the house and perched on the canopy above the front door. I quickly scurried out of sight as I saw Drew and the red-haired woman, along with two other men who I faintly remembered from the Dark Portal.

I could not risk being another target practice, so I waited until I heard the door close before I hopped over the tiles. As windows were open throughout the house, I could catch snippets of the conversation.

Knowing Sarah's routine when guests arrived, I surmised she was in the kitchen, no doubt arranging drinks and snacks. I moved over to the canopy above the kitchen window, and right enough she was busying herself making refreshments. The voices were low, and I could only make out the odd word or two, but there was no mistake; it was Drew and Sarah who spoke.

A bright flare emanated through the window along with a steady thrumming. I knew that sight and sound; it was a portal. With a pang of sorrow, I realised he was saying farewell.

The friendship between the two Earthlings was incredibly strong, and they would always be there for each other, even though their worlds were infinitely - and literally - far apart.

My heart ached for Sarah - now was a time she would have most needed Drew's comfort. I could visualise her tears, and in so doing, I swear I heard her sob. Moments later, the signature pop of a portal closure left the house disturbingly quiet.

I sat, feeling utterly helpless; I could not even comfort her.

More muffled voices came from the far side of the kitchen. Surprised, I moved further over the roof trying to peek through the window, but to no avail. 

I overheard Sarah; she sounded agitated."It is not Thalassian, it is Common language, English, where I come from. Look!" 

From what she'd just said, I felt a flicker of hope. I was sure she was discussing the journal.

More talk, but it was unclear, incoherent. 

Then another spoke. "Sarah, whatever you see within these pages, is a truth intended for you and only you. I cannot see it, but something else lies within these pages. I believe he intended for me to see it. I would ask if I may study this book so that I have a better understanding of its content."

Sweet Elune!

I cawed aloud with relief! I had not seen him enter the house, but I recognised that voice. Illidan! And he had seen the journal!

At last!

He would need to study it - that I knew - but the possibility I would become my human self was now very much within my reach - a pending certainty.

Now, I just prayed I would survive the transformation.