Next day arrived, and although we'd agreed to visit with some of the people I'd spoken of the day before, there was a particular individual whom I was most insistent on seeing first. Illidan.

I wore a simple cloak over my more than casual attire, so as not to draw too much attention. I compromised with Sarah, agreeing not to let all un-sundry know of my return until we had duly notified key individuals. 

With all the necessary baby items packed in a bag for Ocel, we moved to the garden where I conjured a portal to Suramar. 

I pulled up the hood and slipping my arm around Sarah's waist, moved forward. But she stood rigid. I looked at her questioningly.

She smiled warmly and slid the hood from my head. "No," she said. "You're right, no more hiding. We will deal with any questions as they come, from whatever source."

"But I thought..."

She shook her head. "Our friends are understanding people, and they will not quarrel about who knew first. As for the general populace, they can only be relieved to find you alive and well. I do, however, agree the person you need to see after we visit Illidan, should be King Varian."

I smiled, then I kissed her. "Very well," I agreed. 

"Sarah!" A small voice called. "Hello, Sarah."

We turned to see Dane sitting atop the garden wall, waving enthusiastically. We watched as the boy's jaw dropped when he saw me. 

"Uh-oh," Sarah muttered. "You've been rumbled."

"That's alright, I'm glad he saw us. I will tell you about that little escapade, but first..." 

I walked over to the apple tree and stood looking up at Dane. I raised my arms and he jumped down.

"You're alive!" he said in an excitable whisper.

"Very much so," I replied with a smile. "And partly thanks to you and your family."

Dane jumped up and down. "I knew it! You were the raven I rescued."

"Yes. But, would it be too much to ask you to keep it a secret for a while?"

"Sure thing." The boy drew his thumb and forefinger across his lips. "My mouth is sealed, Sir."

I ruffled his hair then conjured a couple of icecreams. "Here, one for you and one for Sade. Now, hurry along before they melt and remember, not a word."

Dane nodded his head, stepped to move away and I did likewise.

"Archmage," Dane said quietly as he appeared at my side again. "How will I explain these?" He held up the icecreams.

"I told him to give them to you Dane," Sarah intervened. "So just say I gave them to you."

"Right! Thank you. Bye." And with that Dane ran off to the lower gate entrance.

I stood beside Sarah, watching Dane as he closed the gate and ran next door. "Neat way of ensuring he didn't have to lie to his parents about the icecream," I commented.

"Well, he's such a little sweetheart, I couldn't have him all flustered when Ellen asks where he got them from. Those kids think you are the bee's knees."

"They are sweet, and I promised them a magic show apparently."

"You had better not disappoint them then."

"I won't. But for now, shall we?" I gestured to the portal and we stepped through.

We arrived only a few yards from the house where Illidan had taken Sarah all those months ago. His new abode was only a short distance away.

Ocel had already dozed off, snuggled close to Sarah's breast as she carried him in the sling.

I felt profound joy as we walked the paved streets. Here I was, walking side by side with the woman I loved fiercely, together with our beloved son. 

Although it was not the first time we had embarked upon a family outing, remarkably, it felt as if it was. 

I felt like a proud peacock; puffing out its chest and displaying its grandeur by strutting and fanning a resplendent tail. I did not, I hasten to add, puff out my chest, nor did I strut, but the emotions associated with such a display were firing within me in an ever-increasing pulse.

We greeted people as we passed by; a nod of the head, a quiet "hello" and each reciprocated politely. One or two stared. I assume they thought I looked familiar although no-one stepped forward to enquire. They simply whispered between themselves.

I glanced at Sarah. Her lips curved into a soft, knowing smile. I took her hand in mine, and we continued over a small footbridge.

A few yards to the right, a winding path led us through exquisite gardens. The sweet perfume from Starlight Roses filled the air. Their soft pastel shades dotted among the deep green foliage formed a wide archway which opened to an ample courtyard.

Illidan seemed to like his luxury. I could not help but smile; he certainly deserved it after all he had endured and suffered.

On approach to the front door, we heard someone roar. 

From the right, we saw a seven and a half foot Night Elf come running around the side of the building. Ahead of him by a few yards was a young Nightsaber bounding straight towards us. It was merely a cub, but it certainly gave its pursuer a run for his money.

It was extremely amusing watching the huge Elf trying to capture a little cub as it dodged between the shrubs and hedging.

"Is that...?" I asked Sarah as I pointed to the Elf.

She slapped my hand down, reminding me not to be so rude by pointing. "Yes," she replied, with a playful smirk. "That's Illidan."

It was then the amber eyes locked with mine.