Staring into the flames of the crackling log fire, she settled back in the armchair. Sinking into the generous throws and cushions she possessively gripped the neck of a bottle of Dalaran Red. Wiggling her cold toes contentedly in front of the glorious heat, she sighed as its warmth slowly spread up her legs. She was mesmerised by the dancing flames; they were hypnotic, drawing her in, inviting her to relax and reflect on all that had happened.

Sarah had grown rather attached to the little cottage at the top of the hill just outside Stormwind's city gates. She had acquired it a week ago all thanks to her friend, Erik Longmaster, Supreme hunter. His self proclamation always made her smile.

The dwarf hunter had taken Drew out for a night of drunken debauchery. The thought of those two out drinking together amused Sarah no end. Erik seemed to have adopted Drew. Perhaps he saw him as a substitute for Thaerei, the night elf mage who died during the battle in Goldshire almost two years earlier.

Her mind wandered back to the day she, Lukha, Anduin, Thaerei and Erik had went hunting in Elwynn Forest. Having playfully teased the night elf about his being the dwarf's hunter pet, Thaerei had quickly dispatched the boar which Erik had in his sights with a frost bolt. The action had pissed Erik off, but the night elf had merely done it to demonstrate he was the best "pet" Erik had. They had been close friends and regularly engaged in little competitive jousts all in good humour. Thaerei's calm nature and dry humour complemented Erik's brashness. They worked well together. It was an interminably sad day when the young night elf died in battle. Sarah took a swig from her bottle to try stem the sadness at his loss.

While the task ahead posed all sorts of dangers and threats, she was strangely calm about it. Perhaps the influence of the naaru had instilled an inner peace. She knew not, but it was a nice place to be for now.

Even her feelings towards Khadgar were not quite as tinged with bitterness as they were a few days ago. She still played their most intimate moments back in her mind, she could not deny their beauty, no matter how things had turned out. And yes, she felt a stirring when she looked at him still. But she had come to accept that she had stepped into his world, where his priority was to make certain decisions and choices for the good of Azeroth. There were certain events and destinies she, a mere visitor, would not be able to change. He had told her that a long time ago: another memory flashed, of them standing at the bottom of the Keep's steps, her weeping about the pending outcome of The Broken Shore invasion, "There are some things, Sarah, that cannot be changed, no matter how desperately we wish them." How true his words resonated with her now.

She settled back in her chair and with another swig of the Dalaran Red, contemplated the days ahead.

It seemed a pub crawl had met with Erik's approval, and they were now in the Old Town at The Pig & Whistle, having already frequented The Blue Recluse in the Mage District and The Gilded Rose in the Trade District. The two friends had already consumed enough between them to knock out an elek, but Erik made sure Drew had plenty food on his stomach this time. He was darned sure the boy wasn't going to pass out after just two jugs of ale while on his watch.

"Now then lad," Erik said, wiping his mouth with back of his sleeve. "It's about time we got ye a wuman."

Drew spat out his ale in disbelief at the dwarf's words. "What!?"

"Ye heard. Now, whae in here meets yer requirements," Erik started scanning the patrons and the staff.

"Erm, I can decide on that myself, thank you very much," Drew protested, but laughed nonetheless.

"Well, see onything?" Erik raised his bushy eyebrows questioningly.

Drew punched Erik on the arm. "You make it sound like I'm at a farmer's auction. They are not cattle, Erik."

The dwarf had a twinkle in his eye as he replied almost in a whisper, "Oh I dinnae ken aboot that lad, have ye looked closely at some of them in here?"

Slap!

"Hoi!" Erik glanced behind him, massaging the side of his head where Elly Langston, the long-suffering barmaid of the tavern, had just smacked him.

"I heard that Erik Longmaster. Any more cheek and you're out!" she stared at him.

"Aww, Elly, ma wee darling. Ye know I didnae mean you." He leaned over to Drew, and whispered, "The ex," he pointed in Elly's direction.

"In your dreams dwarf," she said with another slap to his head.

"I'm goin' tae complain tae the management. This is victimisation!" He scowled, rubbing his head again.

"I am the management you daft bugger," she said, smiling as she collected their empties and started to move away. Erik went to smack her behind but she was ahead of him and quickly dealt another slap, to his hand this time.

"She loves me, really," he said from the side of his mouth.

Drew found Erik highly entertaining and he enjoyed his company immeasurably.

A scuffle towards the door caught their attention, and they followed the crowd as they merged towards the entrance and outside. Following other patron's gazes, Erik looked up. "Muradin's beard!" He gasped, seeing what had grabbed everyone's attention.

The sky was literally moving with leathery wings. Moonlight caught the membranes as they beat and glided their way across the city and the glint of armour and weapons sparked. Luminescent green, gold and red eyes and tattoos flickered and rippled in their hundreds. Drew and Erik stepped further out into the street, turning in circles as the stream of demon hunters seemed endless.

"I had nae idea there was so mony o' them! Ah thought most had perished. Apart from Kayn and his troop I mean." Erik was stunned.

As was Drew. He had yet to meet with the Illidari. "They are heading in the direction of the Keep!" He said, already heading for the bridge. Erik scuttled behind him.

Kayn Sunfury, along with his Lieutenants landed on the the steps to the Keep's entrance. He immediately lead them and his army up into Stormwind's bastion towards the throne room and King Varian. There was a renewed purpose evident in their strides. Stormwind guards, normally unfazed by anything were compelled to watch as demon hunters in droves followed the appointed leader of the Illidari.

Drew ascended the steps two at a time, while Erik did his best to keep up. He stopped and tried to catch his breath, bent over with his hands on his knees. Drew looked back, and returned to help his friend the rest of the way. As they reached the main entrance, a raven skiffed across their heads and flew up into the Keep's hall way.

"Khadgar," Erik wheezed, pointing at the bird.

"He really does that? Wow!!! This just gets better every day!" Drew enthused.

They pressed up the hallway, but were immediately halted by the guards. "Oh, come on!" Drew vented his frustration, clenching his fists.

Erik tried to placate the guards who were readying to restrain the young man. "He's a friend of Sarah Metcalfe, he's here wi' hur... although she's no' here at the moment..." Erik was getting flustered himself trying to explain.

The guards however, recognised the name of Sarah Metcalfe and fell back into formation. Again, Drew was astounded at the impact his friend must have had in this realm. He checked around them to make sure they were being given the clear before moving forward again. They reached the main chamber, and Drew dragged Erik in front of him so he could see what was going on.

Khadgar had already morphed back into his human form and was standing in front of the King of Stormwind. To his right, was a blood elf demon hunter, tall, proud and strong, with long dark hair pulled back from his face. He appeared to be their leader. Next to him stood three more Illidari. A night elf female, a night elf male and the most beautiful creature Drew had ever seen.

A female blood elf. She had all the customary markings of the Illidari, but she was still breath-takingly stunning. Her hair, golden silk, worn loose and full with an ornate headband, had him entranced. Even with her bandaged eye sockets she was beauty unbound, with inviting full cherry lips, imbued with the promise of unlimited pleasure. Drew tried to press a little nearer hoping he could hear her name if introductions were warranted.

There were only two other dignitaries present, Prince Anduin and a rather lupine looking older man, Genn Greymane, Drew guessed, who stood close to the King. Considering the lateness of the hour, Drew assumed the throne room was less occupied than it normally would have been for such an attendance.

Varian Wrynn welcomed the Illidari leader and his army, but he nonetheless seemed a bit taken aback by their unannounced appearance.

"Your Majesty," Khadgar spoke. "I regret I was not able to arrive in time to prepare you for this audience."

Varian Wrynn nodded acceptance of the Archmage's apology and indicated he continue. It seemed to take Khadgar a moment to compose himself before he spoke. "Sarah Metcalfe has returned to Azeroth."

King Varian and his dignitaries were momentarily surprised and stunned. Prince Anduin particularly, also appeared pleased by this news. Khadgar continued. "She is here to aid with a final assault on the Legion." He paused as he caught sight of Malfurion and Tyrande enter from one of the side passages. He pressed on. "She has also enlisted the naaru to assist in the resurrection of Illidan Stormrage."

Malfurion stepped forward. "No! This is impossible!"

Khadgar turned to the Archdruid and calmly assured him it was not. Once more she had come with information from her world which had not been recorded anywhere, to his knowledge, in Azeroth. The naaru had confirmed her account of what she presented to them.

"And why have we not heard of this development until now?" the King asked.

The Archmage seemed somewhat repentant. "Her presence was unknown to me until two days ago. In that time I thought it wise to confirm if her information was valid by seeking an attendance with the naaru in Shattrath, before presenting it to the court. I then took it upon myself to inform the Illidari. I did not expect however," he eyed Kayn almost in reprimand, "that they would assemble here so quickly."

The king moved closer to the assembled demon hunters. "Kayn, what say you of this? Are you here in support or to protest?"

The demon hunter looked around the attending dignitaries. "We believe the outsider. The confirmation from the naaru strengthens her proposal. Naturally we will do whatever is required to bring our Lord back, and put an end to the Legion. We are prepared!"

Malfurion and Tyrande exchanged concerned glances.

Varian Wrynn stepped back and studied those present. "We will need to discuss this at length," he said. "Khadgar, bring Sarah to us in the morning. I will have word sent to our allies' generals to attend also. Kayn, settle your people for the night, we will talk more tomorrow."

Drew's eyes followed the beautiful blood elf until he could see her no more. A tinge of disappointment flooded him that he had not heard her name. He reckoned there was time for that formality later however. He turned to Erik. "I think our night out has come to an end."

"Aye, lad, me too. Let's get hame and tell Sarah."

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