This artwork - Kalecgos - I just loved this picture of him so much, I simply had to include it. I do not know the name of the artist, but all credit goes to them, whoever they are.

Dedicated to NatalianaVint

Next day, I witnessed Sarah panic for the first time in a very long while. The unmistakable sound of a portal manifesting in our home reached our ears, and she was in a state of increasing disquietude as it escalated.

We were in the living room, I was holding Ocel, and the shimmering magical conveyance appeared directly in front of me. 

I felt no concern for I could sense its source. I simply stepped back a little and drew Ocel's attention to the swirling effervescent pool of colour. I looked at Sarah. She was trying to mask her irritation.

Two individuals emerged, both Archmages of the Kirin Tor -  Modera and Kalecgos. I was most pleased to see my colleagues, and going by their expressions; the feeling was reciprocated.

Modera swept forward as if to hug me - she must have noted my surprise and at the very last moment, she simply clasped my free hand in both of hers and smiled – warmly.

"Khadgar!" she breathed, shaking my hand enthusiastically. "I am so happy to see you up and about again. Welcome back, Archmage. We are truly euphoric that you are returned to us."

I chanced another glance at Sarah. It seemed Modera's proclamation did not improve her mood. Inwardly I sighed. Her recent reluctance for me to meet with others – others with whom I had a strong affiliation, no less - was most perplexing at times.

"Thank you, Modera. It is equally wonderful to be back, I can assure you." 

After a moment's hesitation, Modera stepped back and afforded Sarah a brief nod.

Kalecgos, also a former leader of the Azure Dragonflight, stepped forward; his handshake firm and sincere. "I cannot tell you how pleased we all were when Modera broke the news." He said with a broad, friendly smile.

"And here was I thinking you would all be relieved the old boy was gone." I laughed.

"You do yourself an injustice, Archmage. Your leadership is second to none, and you are highly revered." A flash in his blue eyes hinted he'd just suffered a stab of guilt following that statement. I knew his thoughts had flown back to Jaina Proudmore, my predecessor – their affair was no secret, but it was not something discussed openly either. It just – was.

"Please, both of you, take a seat and tell me how things have been." I gestured to the sofa and chairs.

Sarah offered a measured smile to both, announcing she would bring some refreshments then vanished into the kitchen.

Kalecgos' eyes fixed on Ocel. "Your son is very much like you, Archmage."

"Why thank you. You are the second person to say that, most see him like Sarah. And uh, please address me as Khadgar when you are in my home."

The former dragonkin nodded obeisance as did Modera. They proceeded to tell me how the news of my survival had been greeted.

Sarah had asked Illidan to forward an invitation to Modera that was how she'd learned of my survival. On her return to Dalaran, Modera then called upon the other members of The Six to attend a meeting where she informed them I lived.

"Initially, there had been a profound silence," Modera explained. 

I stifled a smirk as I visualised the group's usual contumaciousness, followed by their relief, knowing their leader was not buried under rubble after all.

According to the two Mages, The Six were keen to have their leader back, but Modera had advised them I was still recovering. Sarah had not wanted me to be moved during my recuperation. With empathy, they'd all accepted Sarah's wishes.

This news surprised me. It was not the fact Sarah had refused for my recuperation to take place in Dalaran; that much I understood and accepted. Nor did the High Council's indulgence of the situation amaze me.

What did strike a note was Modera's compassion in the matter. Renowned for her scorn towards 'relationships' involving members of the Kirin Tor, I found myself intrigued by what had changed in her. 

Quite why it fascinated me I didn't know, but perhaps the return from my avian existence had birthed a new, more defined curiosity; the complexity of human emotions.

Sarah returned with a tray of "nibbles" as she called them – small pastries and savouries and one or two sugary ones for the discerning sweet tooth (namely me). Both Modera and Kalecgos preferred soft drinks to wine at this time of day, so we all enjoyed some Arcberry juice, recently imported from Suramar.

As Ocel had unexpectedly dozed off, Sarah took him from me and placed him on the sofa between us, covering him with a soft blanket. She then sat, slightly stiff, listening to our conversation.

 "How long before you are back in office?" Modera asked. I caught the look in Sarah's eyes, and it was one of quiet impendence.

"As soon as possible, Modera," I replied. I felt, more than saw, Sarah tense. Not wanting to draw attention to it, I pursued news of the 'outside' world.

The High Council had kept my resurrection quiet for now, but before too long, perspicuity on leadership throughout the magical communities would be demanded. It was, therefore, paramount that my survival was made known sooner rather than later.

I had hoped they also had news about Draenor, for all the Dark Portal was destroyed. It had been the physical doorway, yes, but the rift between the worlds had to be somewhere – it had survived before. My colleagues reported the location of such remained unknown at this time.

"Hopefully, Drek'thar survived the battle and is also trying to uncover the rift. I think it would be prudent to offer aid to the people, so I want that rift pinpointed," I voiced.

"Yes, of course," Kalecgos agreed.  "There are, however, other matters which I think will take precedence." 

"Such as?"

The former dragonkin looked to Modera before continuing. That brief glance forewarned me that it was something grave indeed.

"There is trouble at Lordaeron. The Forsaken have bolstered their numbers, and the Horde have descended upon the old city in droves under the command of Warchief Sylvanas Windrunner."

"It would seem old feuds have raised their heads again, Khadgar," Modera added.

I felt a crippling disappointment, and that was putting it mildly. I had hoped with our unity against the Burning Legion and the Void, that there would be a willing renunciation of age-old hostilities. Yet again, I had gravely underestimated the bitterness between races. Or, to be more accurate, some of their leaders.

"And what says Varian to this?" I asked.

"Anduin wishes to take up the Alliance's banner for this, Khadgar," Kalecgos said.

"What?" I stood so suddenly that my movement stirred Ocel from his slumber.

Sarah gathered our son and his blanket, holding him close to her chest. "Excuse me. I will tend to him." She gave a curt nod to our guests and then disappeared into the nursery.

I sighed audibly, flustered by Sarah's obvious displeasure.

"Do not!" Modera said quietly, holding my gaze. She smiled, uncertain.

Had it been anyone other than Modera, I would have viewed it as a warm smile, but the classic ice queen persona she possessed, made the expression appear somewhat forced. Unfair of me, I suppose, but some things were going to take time for me to adjust.

Modera checked the doorway, no doubt to see Sarah was not within earshot. "I saw first-hand her pain when she thought she'd lost you at the Dark Portal," she said in a whisper.

Her words took the wind from my sails.

"She loves you very deeply, Khadgar, allow her time to adjust to yet another potential change."

I think my mouth went slack, but Kalecgos saved the moment by stating it was time for them to return to Dalaran.

He promised to keep me informed of the status quo further north. Then with another heartfelt shake of hands, they left the way they'd arrived.