The Illidari and accompanying allies would need to be on their way soon, to help those already at the Temple grounds with the closing of the portal. Nevertheless, Illidan understood the Archmage wanted some time alone with Sarah. He left the room allowing Khadgar some privacy with the woman who obviously meant so much to him.

Pulling up a stool, Khadgar sat quietly beside the bunk, holding Sarah's hand gently caressing her fingers with his thumb.

He was still recovering from the thought of having lost her; the contraction of his heart combined with its now fervoured beat was almost crippling. But it was also an undeniable indication of what this woman meant to him. It seemed things had come full circle, he thought with a wistful smile as he looked upon her face. There was no doubt they felt deeply for each other, and both, in their own ways, had at some point loved each other as if it were the last time together.

He, when prior to the battle in Goldshire, had learned of his pending election to Leader of the Kirin Tor, knew it meant he could never be with her the way a man should be with his woman. So, he had decided to return her to where she came from, thinking she could find happiness with someone from her own world. Before doing so, even though he hated himself for such selfishness, he had purposefully went to Stormwind and lay with her one more time. He had so desperately needed her, desired her. It was also then he realised how deeply he loved her and that added to the agony that she may indeed find someone new in her own world.

Similarly, she had loved him just as passionately. "...Grant me this one last embrace. I beg you! Do this and I will ask no more from you. Ever." She had said. Understanding the finality in her plea caused a renewed flare of pain in his chest for he now knew the true meaning behind her words. She had offered up her life for the good of Azeroth and all who lived in it. She had even tried to ensure that he would love again, "Never be afraid to love, Khadgar. Please, do not forget that."

If he had been stubborn and blind enough to the last ... He shuddered. It did not bear thinking about. "No more secrets," he whispered, gently squeezing her hand and fighting back an unbidden tear. "That goes for both of us."

It seemed fate would not allow them to be parted at any cost. For this, he would be eternally grateful; and also to Illidan. To think the Stormrage brother Sarah had so fiercely defended from the first time she had stood in the King's court was, astonishingly, the one who ensured her survival too. It was truly demonstrative of what having an unshakable faith in someone could achieve. Yes, it had altered her, but the markings on her skin were nothing more than that, in Khadgar's eyes. She was still his Sarah, even with the demonic infusion. Her death, on the other hand, would have been unbearable.

She shifted slightly, a small moan tumbled from her lips. Her fingers curled around his; whether  subconsciously or adventitiously mattered not. He brought her hand to his lips and tenderly kissed it.

A tenuous knock at the entrance announced Drew and Erik requested admittance. Khadgar beckoned them. They approached the bunk quietly. "How is she doing?" Drew asked, his eyes fixed on his friend.

"She will be fine," Khadgar said softly as if not to waken her. The Archmage explained that Illidan had tended her wounds and that she simply needed rest now. He had ensured the sheet covered her modesty, however the markings visible on her shoulders resembled the Illidari tattoos and Khadgar noticed Drew and Erik staring at them. "Yes, the cauterising of her wounds have created the markings." He explained. "I have no idea just how much more of the Illidari attributes she will possess, if any." He squeezed her hand again. "I am just very grateful she is alive."

Drew's face clouded over. "Are you saying she is somehow, like a demon hunter?"

Khadgar nodded.

"But, how is that possible, she's human!" Drew asked.

The Archmage explained. "Many, many years ago, there were demon hunters from a myriad of races, humans included. Granted they did not bear the appearance of the Illidari, but they were powerful defenders against demons nonetheless. The Guardians of Tirisfal were human demon hunters, skilled warriors."

"Yes," Drew said absentmindedly, still staring at his friend. There was no doubt he was immeasurably relieved she had survived, but he was also worrying about things from a different angle. They were not scenarios he particularly wanted to dwell upon however, and he pushed them to the back of his mind.

Arcaena entered the room. She looked down upon Sarah and smiled. Placing her hand respectfully on the Archmage's shoulder she announced it was time to go.

Khadgar nodded, reluctantly. Keeping a hold of Sarah's hand, he leaned over and gently kissed her brow. She moaned a little, but remained deep in slumber.

Khadgar looked up at Drew. "Would you mind staying with her? I thought a friendly face when she wakes might be in order."

Drew readily accepted. Arcaena, Erik and Khadgar left the room.

A cool breeze blew in from the sea and over the city of Suramar. On it, a blend of Jasmine and Starlight Rose filtered through the escharotic sulphur of fel energy.

To the north-east, distant sounds of battle echoed; screams and roars of whoever was pitted against the demons rose into the air. The fight was widespread throughout the city, but the Illidari and the accumulated allies needed to focus on one area. The Temple of Elune and its buried Tomb.

Outside the elven residence, Khadgar and Erik waited while scouts brought their Lord up to date with progress of the Pillars of Creation. "Whit ur these pillar things onyway," Erik whispered to Khadgar.

"Ancient titan artifacts, my friend. The Keepers, who served the titans, known as the Pantheon, used them to shape the world. By finding these artifacts we can use their power to close the portal to Argus."

"Argus? I know that name."

"Yes. The original home of the eredar - draenei, as we have come to know them. It was Archimonde and Kil'jaeden, who Sargeras corrupted on Argus with promises of great power. Velen however, did not agree to his ways and he escaped, to Azeroth. Sargeras it is believed, still resides on Argus."

"Then, whit's in the temple grounds?" Erik asked, confused.

"It is Sargeras' avatar which Aegwynn the Guardian defeated and incarcerated in the Tomb there."

Erik nodded finally understanding the enormity of the task ahead of them.

Illidan approached, Erik shrank back a little at the sheer size of the demon hunter. He'd thought Kayn and Arcaena were tall - well they were compared to himself, but their Lord was positively mountainous and insanely muscular.

The demon hunter smirked at the dwarf's reaction before turning to the Archmage. "You will want to speak to your people Khadgar, we will take you to them. The Pillars, I am told, are almost complete. Their power is being harnessed."

"Thank you," the Archmage said. He felt it only right to mention particular individuals who would be present. "Your brother and High Priestess Tyrande will be aiding them with the task. Would you rather I approached them first?"

Illidan laughed, it was a low rumble deep within his chest. "I know their distaste for me is still very much to the fore, but I do not let it bother me. Not any more."

There was a hint of melancholy in his voice for all his words suggested his acceptance of the situation between himself and his kin. Illidan's runeclothed sockets faced the man before him, studying him intently. Then, inclining his head, he uttered, "Thank you, for your consideration, however."

Without further ado, he unfurled his leathery wings and they snapped open loudly. Erik flinched. Grinning, Illidan spoke to the Archmage while still facing the slightly trembling dwarf. "I believe you are capable of following us, Khadgar."

"Yes, I am." Khadgar morphed into his raven form. Erik continued flinching as he heard the Archmage's body going through the transformation for all the process was quick. The raven flew up from their position all eyes and empty sockets following him. A chorus of other transformations ran round the group as those able, provided transport for whoever needed it. Drakes, crows, deer and worgens all started out towards the Temple of Elune.

Illidan looked back at the slightly nervous dwarf. With a teasing curl of his lip that showed his fangs, he reached out and grabbed Erik by the front of his jerkin. "You however," he said in his deep booming voice, "will come with me." Illidan kicked off, rising sharply into the air; a nervous throaty scream being emitted from his passenger.

Erik, somewhat unnerved had reached the conclusion that night elves, yes, even former ones, delighted in lifting him up and shooting across open spaces. The curse of being a dwarf, it seemed.

A mass running mounts crossed the beautiful plazas and out over the expanse where some demonic activity had wreaked havoc on the city. Overhead, Illidan, Khadgar and an array of flying mounts cast their shadows below as they all headed towards the Temple of Elune.

They all hoped this would be the last battle against the Legion.

Two sentries stood outside the dwelling on the west side of the city, in case any unwelcome visitors came by. A third demon hunter, a female, Eloen, as she had introduced herself, had went in search of food for the humans they protected and some fresh clothing for the woman. She had arrived back to find the woman had woken and seemed in utter panic.

"Sarah, calm down, you're fine!" Drew was trying his best to ease his friend. Gently he was pushing her down again onto the bed.

"Fine? You call this fine?" She pulled the sheet down, exposing her bare chest and the pulsing green markings which swirled and snaked around her breasts and down to her abdomen.

Drew stared, speechless not quite sure what to make of the situation, though he did note at least the markings were symmetrical, not that he was going to say that of course.

His reaction, or lack of, dawned on Sarah and she quickly pulled the sheet up around herself again. "Sorry!" she mumbled, profusely embarrassed at her actions. "But what the fuck has he done to me?" She wheezed.

"He has kept you alive, you foolish woman!" Eloen said as she lay the clothes at the foot of the bunk and offered the food parcel to Drew. "You were practically dead when our Lord returned to us. He saw something in you which he deemed worth saving and he has healed you accordingly." She indicated the markings on Sarah's body.

Sarah felt both indignant and duly chastised at the same time. The demon hunter held her gaze. "He also thought you would sleep until morning. He misjudged that call, too."

"Hey! Steady now!" Drew stood up, fists clenched and faced the female.

It was the demon hunter's turn to feel reprimanded. She inclined her head. "Forgive me. I just reacted to her ingratitude of my Lord's gifts to her."

"Yes, well, you chose to be what you are. She did not." Drew said, excusing Sarah's reaction. "And I don't think your Lord would be too impressed that you question his decisions neither."

Eloen flinched before bowing and leaving the room.

Sarah looked at Drew. She was touched by his defensive response. It still however, did not relieve her of the horror at what had been done to her. She was alive, yes - surprisingly - but at what cost? What purpose?

Her friend retook his seat beside her and opened the parcel Eloen had delivered. There was bread, a cold cut of meat, cheese, fruit and a bottle of wine. He offered some to Sarah. She declined the food but took a generous gulp of the wine.

"Drew," she said, mildly calmer. "I don't know what this all means. I should have died, that much I know."

Stopping mid bite, he stared at her. "You knew? You mean to tell me, you willingly offered your life for Illidan's?"

She nodded.

Drew was suddenly furious. He threw down the food, having instantly lost his appetite. "You stupid bitch, Sarah! And ... and how selfish!"

She was astounded at his words. "What?" She spat out some wine she had just drank and sat up, clutching the sheet with her free hand.

Drew turned furious eyes to her. On seeing her worried expression, he relaxed a little, although he was still flabbergasted at her confession. "You are my best friend! I would have been lost without you. I love you for god's sake! And what of poor Khadgar? Have you any idea what it did to him when he thought you were dead?"

She shrank back. It had not even occurred to her just how deeply they would have been affected. She had just been so blinkered into bringing Illidan back for the greater good. "Drew, I'm so, so sorry to have caused you all pain and worry, but think what the outcome would have been if I had not done what I did? You would have all died! You, Erik, Ocel, Khadgar..." her voice faltered. She could tell by the look on his face, someone dear to her had indeed been taken from them. "Who?" she breathed.

"Ocel," Drew replied, noticeably pained by the loss.

Sarah's mouth dropped open and her eyes welled instantly. She had such adoration for the draenei paladin. He had been the one who helped her get the whole crusade moving and arranged for the audience with the naaru. He had been brave and righteous and loyal. She dreaded the news being broken to his niece, Lukha, who worshipped her uncle and loved him dearly. He was also Khadgar's lifelong and dearest friend. That, in particular, saddened her even more. She knew he would be hurting terribly from the loss of his friend.

Drew explained what had happened, how the whole front line of defense had been taken down by Gul'dan. Sarah could picture Khadgar's face at seeing his friend dying in front of him. Tears traced down her cheeks. Emotions were battling within her - deep sorrow, guilt, anger, love, hate, righteousness, vengeance. Contradictions all rolling up into one massive unnamed, dangerous entity. From somewhere far away, a voice pierced her thoughts. "She awaits you."

Drew, staring into space, had been telling her how Illidan then dealt death to the demons. He fell silent for a moment or two then looked at her again. His eyes widened. The markings on Sarah's body were pulsing, becoming brighter; blindingly bright. Her eyes looked almost opaque as they took on an eerie inner glow. "Sarah!" He grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her. The markings slowly started to dim, her eyes shifting back to their normal hazel brown.

She was momentarily disorientated and blinked rapidly as if trying to clear her eyes. "What ... what is wrong with me?" she asked her friend. "I don't know why this ..." she gestured the markings over her body, " ... has been done to me. But, I feel something ... inside me ...I don't know what it is ... something, slumbering almost."

"I believe you! I just saw you light up like a Christmas tree." She looked stricken, so he quickly altered tact. "But Sarah," he cupped her face, forcing her to look at him, "the main thing is you're alive. I don't think you have the slightest clue what that means to us."

"She awaits you!" Sarah's pulled from Drew's touch, eyes darting around the room. No-one was there apart for Drew.

"Are you naaru?" she questioned in her head.

"Something wrong? Sarah?" Drew asked with growing alarm in his voice as he noticed her eyes flitting from one side of the room to the other. She held up her hand to silence him.

"Are you naaru?" she asked again.

"No, but we know of them and they of us."

She gently pushed Drew back and swung her legs over the bed reaching for a tunic which Eloen had brought in the pile of clothes she had delivered. Drew tried to protest, but she shushed him again. She sensed whoever this was communicating with her was not a threat, but she needed to know more.

"Who awaits me?"

"Think! You know the answer to that question."

She took a moment, casting her mind back through pages and pages of lore.

Who could "us" be? She wondered. We know of them and they of us. She awaits you. She repeated the words over and over in her head. Through the fog of countless canon and non-canon stories and references, she deliberated who was communicating with her. They had to be powerful. They were waiting for her to finish something. The only thing needing finished was to close the Tomb of ... Could it be? She shook her head in denial. No! It was inconceivable.

"Yes!" the voice confirmed.

"Oh my god!" she said aloud but more to herself than Drew. She pulled the tunic over her head and stepped into a pair of soft leather pants and boots. Again Drew tried to persuade her to rest, but she shook her head. This needed doing. Then and only then, would things be over.

She swept the gossamer aside and stepped out into the main room where Eloen stood near the front door. The demon hunter turned on hearing her enter.

"What are your orders?" Sarah asked striding towards her.

"To guard and protect you from any demons that attack."

"Then guard and protect me while you fly me to the Temple of Elune. I must speak with the allies and Illidan."

"What? Sarah! Are you mad? You have been injured." Drew spun in front of her halting her progress to the demon hunter.

"Yes, I was. But as you have seen, and ... Eloen?" She waited for the Illidari to confirm her name with a nod before continuing. "...has informed us, Illidan has healed me."

"You still need to rest," he said, utterly frustrated with her.

"I will get plenty rest when I'm ..." she almost said dead, but quickly rethought it. "...finished doing what is needed." She moved round him and looked at Eloen. "Now, take me to the Temple. Drew, either come with me or stay here, either way I'm going."

Eloen smiled and quickly turned to leave, Sarah moving close behind. Drew sighed deeply, but still, he followed.

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