Walking through Stormwind with Ocel strapped to her in the baby sling, Sarah tried to focus on anything other than the last words Khadgar had thought before sleep took him. She stopped at various stalls, some of which were actually offering nothing whatsoever that she wished to buy, but it just kept her mind occupied on different things. She had decided to go visit Erik and Gwen. Drew would be there as well and he would understand her way of looking at this recent shock discovery. Until she reached the cottage on the outskirts of the city, however, she needed distracted so that she wasn't a bad-tempered and equally foul-mouthed individual in charge of an infant. Not a good combo, no matter what.

She made her way over the bridge to the canals and headed for Gallinas, the wine shop which stocked Dalaran Noir. It was a fruity but fairly weak wine, however, Gwen favoured it and so that's what Sarah decided to buy for her. Next, she thought to try and locate Thomas Miller the roaming baker. If she listened, she would soon hear him shouting out his bargains for the day.

Ocel chortled away in his sling, looking up at her now and again as she greeted passers-by with smiles and cheery salutations. A number of them stopped to speak, all ooh-ing and ahh-ing at Ocel's little smiling face. Well, he smiled that was until a worgen approached. He happened to be the very warrior, Elias Buckley, who fought alongside Drew against the Burning Legion. When he stopped to say hello in his wolf form, he nearly scared the life out of Ocel.

Citizens stared as the babe screamed uncontrollably. Sarah tried to comfort him and quickly told Elias to show his more sedate side to Ocel. After a series of cracks, snaps and other noises of a body altering shape, the worgen morphed into its human Gilnaen form; an average man with a kindly but weather-beaten face, framed by light brown hair and a beast of a moustache which trailed down to his jawline. Gradually, Ocel quietened.

"I am so sorry, Sarah, I didn't mean to scare the lad," Elias said, very embarrassed.

With Ocel now calm and starting his happy chortle again, she wasn't too put out. "No need to apologise Elias. He will have to get used to worgens anyhow. Give him time."

Elias smiled as Ocel grabbed onto his finger. "He has a fine grip, he does."

"Yes, and he is often reluctant to let go." She watched as the Gilnaen man waggled his finger, playing with her son, who as she predicted, wasn't for letting go. "Oh, by the way," she said to Elias. "Drew has returned for a visit."

"Has he now?" Elias beamed. "I will have to catch up with him then. Is he staying with you and Khadgar?"

"No, he's at Erik's. I'm on my way there now actually once I get hold of Thomas Miller."

"I saw Thomas but a few minutes ago in Trade."

As if on cue, Sarah heard the familiar intonations of the baker nearing them. She looked along the length of the alley that separated the canals from Trade District and there he was, about to make his way around the back lane. She waved to catch his attention. "Thomas!"

He stopped mid-chant and looked down the alley. With a broad smile on his ruddy face, he nodded and smoothly changed direction, mindful not to lose any of his wonderful bakery goods from the large woven tray he carried. A thick leather harness held it securely in place and fastened around his back and shoulders. This enabled him to serve the public without the goods slipping from the tray.

"Mornin' Sarah," he said with a flourish, embellishing his cordial musical delivery.

"Thomas," she smiled.

Elias moved aside with Ocel still refusing to let go of his finger. The boy was fascinated by his new friend who now kept making funny faces at him.

"And what be ye wanting this fine mornin'," Thomas asked Sarah.

"Well, I'm going to see Erik and I was hoping you have..."

"His favourite banana bread?" Thomas grinned, his eyes sparkling, head nodding with that 'in the know' look on his face. He took great pride in remembering his customers' favourite breads and pastries.

"Indeed," she smiled as he picked one up and secured it's wrapping before handing it to her. "May I also have some of those delicious spiced croissants," she asked, pointing them out.

"Certainly, Sarah and how many be ye wantin'?"

Sarah turned to Elias. "Are you able to join us at Erik's just now?"

The Gilnaen was still making Ocel giggle with his endless array of gawkish expressions and looked a little embarrassed when he realised both Sarah and Thomas were staring at him. He cleared his throat. "Erm, thank you but I have errands to run this day. Please do, however, tell Drew I will be up tomorrow or the day after."

"Of course I will Elias. It was good to see you."

"Likewise, Sarah." He turned back to Ocel, who had never taken his eyes off the Gilnaen. "And you little man, you look out for your mama, now won't you?" He waggled his finger trying to gently free it from Ocel's grip. "Think my finger is numb now," he said to Sarah with a smile.

She managed to get Ocel's attention by shaking his rattle and finally he released Elias' digit. The Gilnaen said his farewells, affording Sarah polite obeisance before he turned towards the lane that ran north along the canals. She watched as he morphed back into his worgen form and bounded on all fours to his destination. She faced Thomas again. "That will be four then please, Thomas."

"Four spiced croissants coming up," he smiled.

She placed them, along with the banana bread into her basket and fished out her money pouch. Dropping silver in his hand, she thanked him and made her way up through the alley he had come from. She smiled as she heard him announcing his produce to the public whilst he continued along the canals.

She loved Stormwind. The buzz in the city had returned full swing since the end of the war against the Burning Legion, and it was so good to see hope and happiness on the citizens' faces again. Restoration work was still being carried out on some of the parts of the city, but it was all coming together nicely. It was looking new, shiny and clean again.

The sun filtered through the filmy canopy of clouds, forming a rainbow to the north-west of the city at the harbour, where a brief shower must have fallen but moments ago. Thankfully the rain did not venture inland, instead, it took itself off over The Great Sea.

The hustle and bustle of the Trade District provided a sense of reassurance, hope, gaiety and camaraderie. She may have been imagining it, but it seemed that everyone got on just that little bit better nowadays. Perhaps their pulling together when their lives depended on it had somehow made them realise petty differences were exactly what they said on the tin. Pointless. Long may it continue, she thought.

Flower beds were all showing off their vibrant colours of spring and the scents from the flora mingled with the homely smells coming from the bakeries, and the enticing aromas of ham, eggs and exotic coffees from the inns as they still served up breakfasts to their patrons. Birds sang as they flitted between the branches of the budding trees and saplings. It was delightful.

A little girl suddenly ran straight into Sarah, the impact causing the girl to stagger back then fall on her behind. Her face instantly started to crumple, more from embarrassment than being hurt. Sarah put her basket down, then knelt to the little girl, one hand cradling Ocel's head in his sling. "It's okay," she said softly, hoping to prevent the girl's threatening tears from bursting forth.

"Luna! Watch where you're going, child!" A woman came running towards them. When her eyes flashed recognition of who the girl had run into she blanched. "Oh! I do apologise Miss..." Her eyes flitted to Ocel. "I mean, Madam...erm, Mistress Khadgar, oh dear!"

Sarah tried to suppress a laugh. Had she not once asked the man himself if there was a Mrs Khadgar? She had almost drowned in embarrassment once it spilt from her mouth, but it was all she could think to name his wife if he'd had one. Now, this woman was in the same predicament but calling Sarah by the name. "Sarah is just fine," she said, smiling while she helped the girl to her feet. She patted down the girl's petticoats and straightened her lemon dress, brushing away the powdered dirt from the fabric.

"Oh!" the girl exclaimed. "You are the demon lady?" Bright blue eyes beamed from under her blonde lashes and her golden ringlets bobbed softly as she bounced excitedly on her toes.

Sarah blinked, quite taken aback by the question. "Erm, demon hunter, yes."

"Luna!" the woman chastised again then looked back at Sarah. "I apologise, she is such a nosey child who does not know her manners. I will tell her mother of this when I get her home." The woman was wringing her hands nervously.

"It's quite alright," Sarah assured her. "She is doing no wrong." She turned back to Luna.

The girl was looking at her curiously. "You don't look like a demon hunter. Where are your horns and your wings?"

"I'm a different kind of demon hunter," Sarah explained. She lowered her collar a little to show some of the tattoos. "I do have the markings though."

Luna eyes widened. "Is it true you beat the big fiery one?"

"You mean Sargeras?"

Luna nodded.

"I played only a part in it, but there were many others involved, including King Varian and Prince Anduin."

"That scary one they call the Betrayer too, I heard."

The child's guardian caught her breath, obviously mortified at her audacity to speak of such things.

Sarah smiled. "Yes, but Illidan is not only Lord of the Demon Hunters, a great sorcerer and defender of Azeroth, he is - well... will I tell you a secret about him?"

Luna nodded enthusiastically and leaned closer so Sarah could whisper. Sarah bent towards the little girl's ear but spoke loud enough for her guardian to hear. "He is really a pussycat at heart. He looks scary, but he is kind, and a lot of people did him a great injustice for many, many years."

Luna's eyes were so wide now that they looked like they might pop from her head. "What's an inj – injus – in..."

"A great wrong," Sarah explained. "They said he was something which he was not."

The girl pursed her lips, thinking for a moment. She then leaned to Sarah's ear. "You mean like when Estelle says I'm nosey with no manners?" she whispered, nudging her head in the guardian's direction.

"Yes, but that's between us, okay?" Sarah whispered back, just for Luna's ear.

Luna smiled widely. "I like you Missus Khadgar. Estelle likes your husband by the way. I think many ladies do. I hear them talking when they are doing needlepoint."

"That is enough Luna!" Estelle said rather shrilly, obviously utterly embarrassed her crush had been disclosed to none other than Mrs Khadgar.

Sarah guffawed. Oh, the innocence of children. They said it like it was. She was not about to confuse the child however by telling her Khadgar was not her husband. "Well then, it must mean I have the most handsome man in Stormwind."

"In Azeroth, the ladies say," Luna confirmed as her eyes dropped to Sarah's basket. "Oh! Croissants!"

Estelle tsked loudly, which made Sarah grin all the more, though she desperately tried to conceal it. "Would you like one?" she asked Luna.

"Yes please!"

"There you go then," Sarah handed one of the croissants to her. Luna's slim fingers curled around the pastry.

"Thank you, Missus Khadgar."

Sarah stood upright and gently arranged Luna's ringlets that had ended a little awry from her fall. "You are most welcome Luna. It has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Likewise."

Sarah watched as the still embarrassed Estelle led her ward away, rather hurriedly, and disappeared up the lane towards the opening to Cathedral Square. Sarah glanced down at Ocel, whose baby blues looked back up at her. "Seems daddy still has it," she said to her son with a small laugh. "I think I might have be on my guard." With a gentle kiss on his forehead, Sarah proceeded with her walk to Erik's cottage.

As she rounded the gates at The Valley of Heroes and out onto the bridge that exited the city, she couldn't help but smile when she saw only the feet, part of the robe and the base of his staff were all that remained of the statue of Khadgar along the promenade. It had been a representation of his 'older' self following the defeat of his master and eventual friend, the Guardian Medivh.

It had never been a very flattering likeness, he'd claimed, even when he was the wizened old man of days gone by. Sarah had to agree and she was pretty sure Estelle and her friends would be of the same opinion. Now, he was a handsome, strong, almost regal man, the ageing curse having lasted its apparent lifespan before rejuvenation began its journey back in time so-to-speak.

He had spent time, many years ago, he'd told her, searching for spells to end the cruel hand that fate dealt him; or rather, the spell which Medivh had cursed him with. He had never been truly successful, he did not think, anyhow. He had just woken one day and found that some brown age spots had lessened on his hands. Over a period of about two years, his face and body gradually regained its youth and vitality. Granted, he had spent too long in the body of an old man to be returned to the age when he was originally cursed, but it had all seemed to rectify itself by the time he hit his early thirties.

She grinned again remembering some of the entries in his most private of journals which she had, ashamedly, read during her 'incarceration' in Dalaran. He'd made up for lost time when it came to affairs of the heart. They left him guilt-ridden mostly, although it had not stopped him from trying.

Finally, he had found love, with her. And happiness; he was now a family man. One who dared to try and keep vital information from her though, she reminded herself a little bitterly. Fair enough, she desperately tried to convince herself he was doing it for all the right reasons, as he saw it, but it was still wrong. This, she would prove to him.

In order to keep her displeasure at bay about the matter, she allowed her mind to recall his wonderful breakfast that morning. She sighed, a wash of delectable desire coursed through her. Who could not love a man who did that for his woman? The smile faltered slightly as she admitted it may have been tainted slightly by his deliberate attempt at dodging the subject of his meeting with the orcs and the potential danger they reported.

She glanced down at Ocel to find him with his eyes now closed. He did like a sleep. She felt her heart swell at the sight of his little contented, slumbering features. Who knows, she thought, just maybe, this morning might have led to a little sister or brother starting their journey into Azeroth. She wondered if the light of the naaru which she had been imbued with, perhaps increased her fertility. Not that, going by last time, she needed a great deal of help in that area.

Her smile then faded completely as another thought came to mind. If The Void, as Khadgar had surmised, was coming their way, then perhaps another child would not be the best thing to hope for right now.

With a bit more determination in her stride, she set off again towards the cottage.

As she crested the top of the hill path, she saw Gwen outside mercilessly beating a rug. It was draped over a taut line stretched from an iron hook on the edge of the cottage to a tree that stood sentinel overlooking the meadow below. With each thwack she gave it, Gwen let out an almighty grunt. Clouds of dust billowed up and out from the rug.

"You're doing a fine job there Gwen," Sarah shouted as she neared the dwarf.

On hearing the voice behind her, Gwen twisted round. A sweet smile that was accentuated by deep dimples lit up her face. "Sarah! Oh! And ye've brought the bairn!" She immediately threw the mattenklopper aside and strode over to Sarah. "Oh, this is joyous!" she beamed. Her face betrayed a little disappointment that Ocel was sleeping, but Sarah assured her he wouldn't be for long, it was probably just with the motion and her warmth that he had succumbed to a snooze.

"Hi!"

She turned to the door and there was Drew leaning up against the frame watching them. Sarah suppressed a smirk as his five-eleven frame almost filled the doorway. Judging by the look in his eyes, he hadn't had a particularly restful night, and she couldn't help but wonder if his 'guest spirit' had been plaguing his dreams.

There was a transpicuous sadness behind his eyes. An uncontrollable urge to go over and hug him for the longest time washed over her. Though they now literally lived worlds apart, he was still her best friend and anything which troubled or upset him would concern her too.

What the hell! She removed the baby sling and passed Ocel to Gwen who was over the moon to be holding the baby. Then, downing her basket she strode over purposefully and threw her arms around her friend. He clung to her, head buried in her neck. Both taking comfort in the embrace, their friendship had just been reinforced.

"I really need to talk," she mumbled into his T-shirt.

"Yeah, I think we both do."

Gwen understood the connection between them; Drew had spoken at length last night about it. Besides, an opportunity to babysit was right up her street, even if it was only for a little while. "Off ye's go now, huv a wee blether. Erik's hunting the now, but he'll back sin enough. And ah've got mair visitors due soon whae ah'm shair ye'll baith be delighted tae see, but it's a surprise, so off ye go." She then hurriedly took Ocel and the basket of goodies into the house. Sarah and Drew wondered who was coming but made their way a little further up the hill for some short-term privacy.

They stopped at the small rise overlooking the meadow and beyond, to the mountainous north. A tree offered a little shade from the now bright sun, and something for the two of them to relax against while they spoke.

"Before I forget, I met your 'brother in arms' the worgen, Elias Buckley in town. He said will come to visit you tomorrow or the day after." Sarah told Drew.

Drew recalled fighting next to the warrior during the war with the Burning Legion. "I'm surprised he remembers me."

"He never forgot how well you fought together. He always asks for you so he is delighted to hear that you're back."

He smiled. He was suitably flattered that he had made an impression on a warrior worgen no less.

So," Sarah started. "You look tired. Bad night?"

Drew almost took her hand but thought twice about it in case of the spiritual visions. She nevertheless was willing to take the risk, and as her fingers curled under his they were relieved to find it was just their two selves who were present. "No, no. You first," he said.

She didn't need to be persuaded. With a sigh, she began to explain how the power which she had been imbued with, not only enabled her to hear heartbeats of those close by but now she was also able to read people's minds. It was something she had been experiencing for a few months but all had been garbled and incoherent; until this morning when she tuned into Khadgar's thoughts. She revealed what she'd 'heard' and how it made her feel.

Drew squeezed her hand. "Sarah, the man loves you, and your son. You are both vital to him. It was never clearer to me than last night when I visited you. I saw how he looks at you – and Ocel. And I see the same in your eyes for him."

Sarah's mouth twitched at the corners. She had not considered Drew would observe such a thing. Nor had she expected it would be Drew who hammered home that no matter what, Khadgar's reason for trying to keep information from her regardless how pissed off she was about it, truly was out of his love for her and their son.

Drew continued carefully. He'd had a turbulent onslaught of emotions last night, attacked in dreams from every angle. He'd got out of bed and ended up talking into the wee small hours with Gwen, explaining the friendship he valued with Sarah.

A lot of old feelings had risen again along with some new, more powerful ones which had left him surprised to say the least. One thing he knew he could not divulge to Sarah, was how he had felt about her. Having seen her and Khadgar last night, he could never confess now, it would be both pointless and unkind. It was strange to think that he had literally gone from believing he was in love with her one day to - well - having strong feelings for someone else, who, annoyingly - kept coming into his mind.

He took a deep breath. "This is probably going to sound all mixed up, and in truth it is, but here goes." Another deep breath was taken. "At the time, it was difficult for me to try return to normal, knowing that you were – here, of all places and with Khadgar, expecting his baby! It um, it hit me hard - my best friend was never coming back to our "reality". I'm fine with it now, though - oddly." He swallowed, then continued. "But this is where it gets weird. In one day, I went from being miserable, missing you being around, to finding ..." He stopped. Exhaling loudly, he ran his fingers through his hair, ruffling it somewhat making it look all wild and unkempt. He was struggling to describe all these strange emotions.

She leaned her head against his shoulder. "Bernie?" she finished for him.

"Yeah," he breathed. "But Sarah, it is so – complicated. Uncertain. I – I do and I don't care for her. I think." He paused again. "I feel some kind of weird connection but then I believe she just – used me to get here." He scooted round so he was facing her. "With you and Khadgar it is crystal clear. I can see it a mile away, the two of you are so wrapped in each other; you connect. And his reluctance to tell you what is going on, I can understand why. He's terrified of losing you. You and Ocel. I get that, I really do. But – what I'm going through? Well, it feels like it's not just me anymore – it's like I am having – two lots of emotions. Like I'm two people." A forced slightly bitter laugh fell from his lips. "Am I schizophrenic or something?"

"No!" She tugged on his arm. "I think it's the spirit in you." She simply said.

"In an odd way, that's all I hope it is. I still don't know who he is though. But I feel he loved someone as fiercely as you two love each other. And I sensed that same kind of reluctance to impart something just as Khadgar has in telling you about his meeting with the orcs. I think whoever this is kept something from his woman; I'm sure there was something he had to do, but he didn't tell her. He wanted her to be safe, out of harm's way. It's a bit muddy, to be honest. I just get random glimpses." He paused.

Staring out over the meadow, he tried to understand what was happening, but it was all so elusive. Tiny wings fluttered across his vision. "Butterflies! God! Always lots of butterflies!" He suddenly continued. "And –" His eyes flitted from side to side as if inwardly searching for an answer. Nothing! His fist thumped the tree trunk in frustration. "Like I said it's all mixed up, I can't see it any clearer. It's bloody confusing – and upsetting at times."

Sarah rubbed his arm and moved in closer. He slipped his arm around her shoulders. "I feel like he's trying to tell me something. Something important. And although I know very little about this Void, I cannot help but feel it is connected. But there are obstacles - or something missing, like a key, a link..."

Sarah worried that her dearest friend was experiencing so much turbulence. He looked almost done in by it all. "And Bernie?" She asked tentatively.

He looked straight at her for a few moments, then lowered his head, shaking it at the same time. "I honestly don't have a clue, Sarah. I was thinking maybe she is connected, but how? Then I think, I'm just pissed off with her, clutching at straws, hoping she really didn't just – Use me to get here."

Sarah afforded a sympathetic smile. "That, to me, sounds like you are really quite fond of her, Drew. Perhaps trying to slot her into this spiritual mystery is your way of trying to give yourself a reason to keep hoping she's the real deal. And just maybe, she is! I mean – stranger things have happened. Who knows that better than us?"

His shoulders shook with soft laughter. "Yeah, that's true. What are we going to do about all this then, Sarah? What's our plan of action this time round?"

She sighed. Scanning the horizon, she thought for a moment or two. They had achieved amazing things last time but they had had the advantage of a collective knowledge from the game World of Warcraft. This time they were running blind. Plus, some very unexpected things had happened since then. She was a mother. A very hormonal mother, which was to be expected, but it did tend to discolour her thinking. She was also a demon hunter. A pretty clueless one at that. Different to those in Illidan's ranks and with none of "her kind" around to glean information from, she felt useless apart from her recently discovered abilities. All she knew was they were facing the ultimate enemy. The Void. Yet she and Drew actually knew little about it other than it was capable of razing Azeroth and any other planet that got in its way. It could literally undo all of creation.

So, she made a decision. The only other beings who would know anything about it would be those who had prophesied Illidan would do battle with the Void. Those same beings could also enlighten her about her powers and perhaps aid her in understanding how to use them in this up and coming fight. She did not for one second, believe she was like this for no reason other than to be a mother.

She turned back to Drew. "I need to know more about these powers which still lie dormant in me. And there are only certain individuals which will be able to help me. We need to go to Shattrath in Outland, Drew. I have to speak with the naaru again. We need help though, and not Khadgar this time. We have to look for a mage."

"Just as well my cousin is here then," a familiar voice said as a shadow fell over them. They looked up to see Lukha with another beautiful draenei woman beside her. Sarah and Drew stood up to hug Lukha and welcome her companion.

"It is good to see you again Drew," Lukha said in her wonderful melodic accent. "This is Umrii, my cousin. She is visiting with her husband Lhadral, they are from Darnassus." Hands were shaken and heads bobbed in welcome. "Umrii has been desperate to meet her father's namesake. I had promised to bring some things to Gwen this morning, and when I saw you both up here, I thought we would just come up and say hello first. It seems most fortuitous that we did, especially as we overheard what you said just now."

"Well, perhaps you should hear all before ..." Sarah began.

"I am the mage you seek," Umrii intervened, stepping forward. Her voice, although it was imbued with the same delicious accent as Lukha's, was also like honey, sweet and smooth, instantly captivating Drew and Sarah. "My father helped you reach the naaru before because he believed in you. Although I sense this is being done without Khadgar's knowledge, who was my father's best friend, I am certain it is nonetheless for the greater good of Azeroth. I, therefore, offer my services and will do the same as my father. I will help in whatever way I can."