Five days had passed since the collapse of the Dark Portal when the Void was expunged from the planet of Draenor.  In that time, Sarah had remained at Lukha's house with Ocel. 

Going home was a journey she was still trying to find the courage to make. Entering those four walls would be very painful for her, but she vowed she would do it today, after the memorial service. She would need time, however, before she felt able to care for her son without the young draenei's help. Lukha, as always, was so kind and understanding. Gwen was also keen to help and offered her services willingly.

Apart from a few close friends, she had not communicated with anyone other than some rather unexpected visitors, two days earlier. She had spoken at length with them. They had conveyed their sympathies and promised she would find peace in her heart, in time.  

When asked if there was anything they could do to help, she thought long and hard about what she wanted to ask them. Her answer had taken them by surprise. It was something that would be given consideration if, indeed, the need arose.

Now, she sat in the summerhouse in Lukha's garden, Ocel gurgling and cooing in his portable baby seat next to her. 

A butterfly danced over the bright blooms and then drifted over to the infant. His eyes fixed on it as it fluttered in front of him, his little mouth breaking into a smile. The butterfly landed on his leg, its proboscis dabbing his soft skin. Ocel chortled, drawing Sarah's attention to the insect on his leg. 

She watched as it opened and closed its orange and azure wings - a flash of colour, then a dull powdery sepia, a flash of colour, sepia, a flash of colour... She smiled wistfully as Tiene and Camnath came to mind.  It was symbolic of them in so many ways - a token of their love for one another, their emergence from sorrow to find each other again, even their spirits, another evolution and still together - everything about them had been represented by a never-ending chrysalis and rebirth. She wondered if they now graced the planet again, their divinity held within some little boy and girl somewhere, waiting to meet again. 

Desperately she tried to push aside the feelings of hopelessness for her own existence. Her daunting future as an immortal. Although she knew it was morbid, she also wondered if Khadgar's spirit may find another host so-to-speak. Would she meet him in years to come? Would his 'new self' recognise her? She reached up to wipe away the tears that flowed over her cheeks.  

She glanced at Ocel again. He was still chortling at the little butterfly. Her brow pinched and she chastised herself for being so self-piteous when here she had the embodiment of true love in the form of her son. In him, Khadgar would live. She would make sure he knew how amazing his father had been, of all his achievements, and some of his foibles, the things he liked and didn't. Ocel would grow up knowing his father as if he was breathing and living beside them. 

A loud whirring came from the north and intensified as it drew nearer.  An engine. The noise made the butterfly take flight and moments later a huge shadow crossed over the garden.

 Sarah rose and stepped out from the summerhouse glancing up as Lukha, Taril and Umrri came to get her. Lifting her eyes skyward, she was astounded to see a Horde zeppelin hovering, turning, then making it's way to the turrets of the city's Keep, home to the monarchy of Stormwind.

"That's the Regent Lord of Quel'thalas arriving," Lukha explained when she saw the bewildered expression on Sarah's face. "For today only, Horde ambassadors and those wishing to convey their condolences are welcome in the city."

"Oh," was all Sarah could muster. She was so dreading this. She wanted to grieve in private, but the world decided to pay homage to Khadgar and so it was turning out to be an enormous and stately affair. 

It was her understanding that the Kirin Tor had erected a commemorative statue in the new section of the public gardens in Stormwind. She supposed it was better the mages having used magic to construct it as opposed to masons, for it would probably have taken weeks if not months and that would have dragged out the whole sorrowful event. The statue would be unveiled at the memorial.

Lukha brought Sarah's cloak forward and draped it around her shoulders. "Shall I bring Ocel's pram?" she asked.

Sarah nodded her head. "Yes, thank you." Lukha turned and headed back to the house to prepare the pram. 

 Sarah bent down and picked up her son. He had not long been fed and changed, so she expected he would sleep soon, especially with the motion of the pram. She looked at his little face. His eyes locked on hers. Although still the infant blue, they would soon be the same steel grey of his father's. 

She felt a burning sensation in her chest and took a deep breath to combat it. Umrii placed a comforting arm around her shoulders and led her inside.

Music: SO I COULD FIND MY WAY by Enya

https://youtu.be/aLDLpqZdhX0

As they neared the gardens, Sarah could hear the quiet thrum of many voices. Her heart was in her mouth, she was not equipped to deal with the magnitude of out-pouring emotions. 

 She trembled as they turned in at Cathedral Square. Although she knew Khadgar had reached out to many in his lifetime, had been well loved and respected, she still was not prepared for the numbers of mourners present. 

They filled the gardens on all sides and continued down ramps towards the harbour where they lined the docks. More still stood on balconies over-looking the gardens and atop the roofs of many surrounding buildings. 

She faltered and a steadying hand caught her elbow. She turned to see Drew at her side, a look of quiet sorrow in his eyes. She looked ahead and the crowds parted, opening an avenue for them to progress towards the enormous covered statue at the centre of the gardens.

In front of it stood King Varian with Prince Anduin on his right. A number of high ranking Alliance officials stood next to them, including King Genn Greymane, Prophet Velen of the draenei. Tyrande and Malfurion also present stood beside King of the Gnomes, High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque. Queen Regent Moira Thaurissan of Blackrock who hailed from the Bronzebeard clan stood beside none other than Jaina Proudmore, the one-time disgruntled leader of the Kirin Tor. The remaining members of the Six stood close by.

On the King's left, stood the Horde's delegation led by Lor'themar Theron, Regent Lord of Quel'thalas, also the brother of Tiene Firefury albeit in association only and being a close family friend of the Firefurys.  With him were his loyal advisors, Ranger-General Halduron Brightwing and Grand Magister Rommath. Standing beside them was none other than the orc Earth-Warder and World Shaman, Thrall, with his life-mate Aggra at his side. Finally, Baine Bloodhoof, High Chieftan of the Tauren. Waquro and the orcs Belmar and Hagus were also in attendance.

Most of these individuals had never met with Sarah before, yet they, like her, knew who each other were. All afforded her the mark of respect and bowed graciously as she took her place to the far right of the Alliance delegates.

Try as she might, she could not focus on the eulogies of the King of Stormwind nor the others who wished to express their deep-felt respect for Khadgar. Even with all her close friends nearby, she so desperately wanted to be away from them all. 

She noted the obvious pain Illidan felt as he stood with his head bowed throughout. There seemed to be an unbreakable bond between them, almost like twins she supposed, in that they could feel each other's pain. He was not able to look at her though, and she understood what he was thinking. Their agony was building as each minute passed.

Eventually, she was called upon to unveil the statue. She lifted Ocel into her arms as she wanted this moment to be shared with him. She held his tiny hand, and together they tugged the cord to reveal the stone image which would stand in honour of his father, the late Leader of the Kirin Tor.

 Only quiet sobbing of the masses could be heard as the huge covering fell away and landed in deep folds at the foot of the statue. Sarah's eyes scanned the sculpture, her heart swelling as she saw in minute detail the very image of the man she loved deeply. It stood regally, guarding, watching over the city and its inhabitants.   

  A short fanfare sounded and heads were lowered, all offering their sympathies in their own silent prayers.  

The measure of love, respect and the profound sense of loss for Archmage Khadgar was symbolized that day in the copious amount of tears shed in Stormwind by the multi-racial nations of Azeroth.  

Sarah's eyes once more travelled to the face above,  chiselled so perfectly in stone.  The stoic determination and peerless devotion to Azeroth and its people depicted in the firm jaw and creased brow was just so Khadgar.  

"Farewell, my love," she whispered, "My heart is forever yours."  She blinked slowly and her own tears then flowed with that of a grieving nation.

☸