The Embassy was located within the grounds Wollerton Stead, just west of Stormwind Keep. 

Illidan, Arcaena, Sarah and I teleported about four hundred yards away, nearer the lake.  

Sarah, as a close friend of Prince Anduin and indeed his father, could confidently walk into the encampment without raising any questions. The only thing she worried about was the likelihood of people extending condolences, be it spoken or offered via bow or curtsey; she said it was frequent happenstance when she ventured from our home. 

She still had some concerns people may not take kindly to finding out their mourning was for nought. Others, granted, would view my presence differently and be happy to see me returned, alive and well. But either way, it was not something we had time to deal with - we needed an audience with the King.

With that in mind, she suggested I don my hood, its ample fabric keeping my identity concealed. I agreed. I did not want a lot of fuss, shocked faces, or accusations greeting us either; that privilege would belong to Varian. 

As for Illidan and Arcaena, with their appearance so different from what they once were, they would be looked upon as visiting dignitaries from Kalimdor, several of which often visited our fair city. Their attire reflected such status, thus reducing any unwarranted attention.

I noted a few heads turned as we progressed. Most nodded a greeting, or look of compassion for Sarah, with a slightly more hesitant salutation for Night Elves and myself.

The site was still very new. Construction continued, labourers were busy erecting huts around the perimeter of the camp. These would offer services and trade goods. Others would loan shelter and food going by the cooking aromas drifting out across our path.

Outside the most significant building - unmistakably the Embassy - horses were tethered. They whinnied, flicking their tails and manes, keeping the ever-present flies on the wing. 

A young boy ran about with a wheelbarrow and shovel keeping the way to the entrance free of equine deposits.

The building itself was relatively understated. Then again I supposed, it was early days. 

This war, by what I had gleaned so far, was going to be old school—Alliance versus Horde. 

But what if, as Illidan suspected, the Old Gods were using this as a ruse? What if, as we battle each other, the real enemy rises and takes control of Azeroth? I trusted Illidan's instinct and felt it crucial to have this brought before the King of Stormwind.

With a somewhat heavy heart, we entered the Embassy. Some heads turned as we crossed the threshold, mildly curious as to who we were.

Everyone looked first at Sarah, nodded, then their eyes drifted over us. 

It was the most bizarre feeling I must admit. From the depths of my hood, I looked at familiar faces, each of them staring back in varying degrees of interest or indifference.

It became clear to me these individuals were battle-weary, yet their resolve was nothing short of admirable. These were my people, my extended family as it were. I also considered some of those Horde-side in the same way; therefore, this imminent war weighed heavily upon my heart.

It was with a lugubrious philosophy that I walked further into the large room, still feeling many eyes fastened to my back. 

It saddened me to think we never seemed to be free from battle; the perpetual need to prepare for war. 

I thought of Sarah and our son. Our precious moments spent as a family was already counting down to zero. It was another promise I'd made which I was going to be unable to fulfil. I could never seem to get it right - no sooner would I plan to spend time with them; it all fell apart.

Sarah glanced at me over her shoulder. "Don't!" I heard her whisper to me.

"What?"

"Feel guilty. It is what it is. And I am here - with you - because I choose to be."

Again, I had been lax in remembering her ability to read my mind. We were going to have to discuss this at some point.

"We will," she whispered, with a smirk. 

It took all I had not to brush fingers with her, but I could not risk even a small show of affection in such a public setting.

King Varian stood at the rear of the room on a platform affording him a commanding view over the gathering.

Beside him, Genn Greymane, the stern King of Gilneas, and leader of the Worgen stood with arms folded over his chest. He was listening avidly to Varian, nodding his head accordingly. 

My eyes scanned the area - no sign of Anduin. Was he already posted in Lordaeron? Low laughter and some chatter from the recess to the left of the two monarchs, informed me he was still in Stormwind. I was relieved.

Genn's eyes locked on Sarah as she neared the podium where he and Varian stood. He grunted and with a jut of his chin, indicated someone approached.

"Illidan!" I heard a female voice whisper from behind us. 

I turned slowly and saw Modera with Kalecgos standing close by. Several heads turned to look at the individual my colleague had addressed. Some gasps sounded along with mutterings of disbelief. Inwardly I groaned.

Illidan, I noted, did so audibly. Under different circumstances, his discomfort would have been comical, but there and then I felt his awkwardness as plainly as if it were my own. 

Glancing back at Modera I saw embarrassment flush her face and followed quickly by surprise as she locked eyes with me. Whether simply ashamed by her outburst or she read the warning on my face, I knew not, but she stepped back and lowered her head.

Turning my attention back to Varian, I was a little dismayed to see the exchange had not gone unnoticed. 

He turned to face us squarely, and after his eyes quickly scanned our Night Elf friends and me, he fixed his stare on Sarah.

"Your Majesty," Sarah offered with a small bow.

I saw Varian's mouth twitch. "Formalities?" he quizzed. "Do not attempt to try to fool me, Sarah. What is going on here?"

His tone was neither accusatory nor condescending, but it was time for me to step in. "It is not Sarah's doing, your Majesty," I said quietly.

The King's eyes focused on me. I watched as recognition flooded his face. 

I lowered my hood and gasps resounded around the room. A few moments of stunned silence passed between us, then Varian ordered the doors to the Embassy closed. 

He took a tentative step towards me. Genn remained where he was; the lupine features rippling beneath his human skin, eyes glowing gold.

"I should have known," Varian said, his hand reaching for mine. His mouth split into a broad smile. "Old friend! You have come back to us." He shook my hand warmly, sincerely.

I was surprised by his instant acceptance. There was no recrimination in his tone.

The King looked at Sarah, me, and then he looked at Illidan and Arcaena. The Night Elves had him noticeably stunned, yet there was no doubt he believed who stood before him. "I see there is much to explain," he said, still smiling. "But, I'm afraid it will have to wait because..."

"I agree," I injected. "And I have heard what has been happening. I was also hoping to speak in private."

"Khadgar?" Prince Anduin beamed from the recess. "Is it you?" He came forward, and he too grabbed my hand in greeting.

"Yes, Anduin," I smiled at the Prince. 

The young noble's eyes moved to Sarah, questioningly.  

"Sarah did not know until recently either," I said.

The Prince's blue eyes shone, pleased by the answer.

I looked at Sarah and noted her attention fixed to the recess from where Anduin had emerged. I followed her gaze.

Two red eyes peered out from the shadows.