Sarah sat in bed, arms wrapped tightly around her legs, chin resting on knees. She thought of the passion she had shared with Khadgar; the way he'd kissed her, touched her, loved her. But the smile which curved her lips was tainted with worry. Staring out of the open window, she could not shake the sense of foreboding which simply refused to recede.

She had come to Azeroth armed with nothing but knowledge of the then, imminent future. That was now the past, and she had no idea what even the present would hold let alone the future.

She tried to think rationally. These people had been battling demons and foes of all descriptions for millennia; long before she'd arrived on their shores. It wasn't as if her presence had suddenly altered their ability to fight. She knew there were immensely powerful and brave individuals in Azeroth who would indeed prove to be formidable foes to the Legion. But, that feeling of dread she had felt in her chest as Khadgar had closed the chamber door, was still lingering. She could not fathom what was irking her so desperately. Simply fear for the safety of the man she now cared for so deeply? Most likely.

Once she was washed, she dressed in her own clothes. The gowns had been wonderful, but she felt they were to be worn when times were more joyous and preferably Legion free. Her jeans, T-shirt and over shirt were more appropriate attire for now, she felt. It was good to get her trainers back on too; like walking on air.

Now what? she wondered. If only she could do something useful. She was ... redundant though! She had no magical powers like her beloved Khadgar, no fighting skills such as Ocel and the warriors she had mingled with at the banquet. Heck, she didn't even know how to heal people unless it was as simple as sticking a band aid on them and having them swallow some paracetamol. She slumped down on the bed again, her eyes raking over the crumpled, untidy bedding. She afforded a smirk. No doubt Rowena and her colleagues would giggle when they came in to tidy up.

Her eyes lifted as birds flitting past the open window caught her attention. She rose, wandered over and looked out at the courtyard below and the city beyond. It hit her then just how much out of her depth she truly was. Everyone else in this world had something to contribute for the good of the Alliance - or the Horde. She ... had nothing.

Since the first day she woke in Azeroth, only occasionally had she wondered how she even arrived there. It had been all too easy to become absorbed in the world with all its colourful characters, beautiful cities and magical beasts. With nothing more to offer the people however, she had time to dwell on the subject. Was she perhaps lying in a coma on Earth? Had she been so horribly mangled in a car wreckage, that she was doped to the eyeballs, and this was a mere hallucination? Would she ever wake up? Would she be able to walk or talk again? Her heart started to pound. If she was going to be left as a mere shell of her former self, then she never wanted to wake up; she never wanted to leave Azeroth. But then, what was to become of her here? With all things changed from the game, and her knowledge exhausted, she knew not what lay ahead. Was she going to die here? Would the Legion succeed in routing the planet of its peoples? She slumped against the window frame.

What now? she wondered again, despondency starting to take hold. I can't bear sitting here wondering, worrying...

A knock on the door startled her. A moment or two later another knock sounded. She sighed. It was probably the maids coming to do their chores. She crossed the room and opened it. Utter surprise washed over her when she found Prince Anduin standing before her. "Good morning." He beamed his ever-endearing smile.

"Good morning to you too," she replied. The melancholy lifted slightly as she looked at his youthful face. He seemed eager to share something with her.

"Come Sarah, you need some company. I want you to meet some people."

She inhaled deeply. It was not that she was ungrateful for his consideration, it was more that she had never felt least like socialising than she did right now. The Prince sensed her hesitancy. Concern crossed his young face. "Is something the matter?" he enquired.

Forcing a smile, she shook her head and breathed out slowly. "No, nothing," she said, not wanting to burden him with her concerns. "Who am I going to meet then?" She stepped out and closed the door behind her. All along the corridor, guards were posted outside the rooms. She gulped. Had they been there all night, she wondered. A slight flush spread over her cheeks.

Always astute, Anduin caught the look of disquiet in her eyes. He followed her gaze. With the corners of his mouth trying to suppress a smile, he whispered, "The morning guard. They are posted along the halls while the housekeeping is being carried out. It has only been a recent order to things, since ... well, since the Broken Shore really. Merely precaution, nothing more."

Sarah understood and nodded. Relieved to hear they had not been privy to certain sounds from her chamber during the night, she was still somewhat disappointed the royal household felt the need for such action.  It seemed Varian had taken into consideration Jaina's warning of a possible Horde assault after all.

The Prince gesticulated that they move ahead. He led her to the gardens of the keep where she saw Lukha waiting with two others. The draenei hugged Sarah when she saw her, then she turned and introduced the newcomers.

A night elf by the name of Tharaei Swiftfeather stepped forward. He was a promising mage and had aspirations of one day being trained by Khadgar himself. Tharaei bowed low and bade good morning. Sarah responded in kind.

Tharaei was not afraid to admit that by asking to accompany his friend Lukha, he'd thought he may have a chance to speak with the Archmage. His apparent disappointment was etched clearly on his face when Sarah informed him Khadgar was gone on the King's business. She couldn't help but feel a little sorry for the elf and so promised she would speak with Khadgar on his behalf when the Archmage returned. Tharaei smiled his gratitude and bowed again. Sarah welcomed him into their group.

Erik Longmaster, Supreme Hunter, or so he called himself, was a close family friend of Lukha and Taril.  Lukah's husband was also a keen hunter and he and the dwarf had become firm friends over the years. He had requested, demanded really, that he meet the human who changed the fate of King Varian. Sarah welcomed him into the company also.

"And what of your husband then, Lukha? I was hoping to finally meet him," Sarah said.

The draenei sighed and explained he was among those who had gone to fight the Burning Legion in Kalimdor, along with her uncle. Sarah had not realised Vindicator Ocel had left these shores. She placed a comforting hand on Lukha's arm. "I'm sure they will look out for each other and come home before too long."

Lukha nodded wistfully, "I hope you are right, Sarah."

"Aye," Erik interjected a little sulkily, "but they widnae take me, wud they, 'cause of my deformed leg." He looked at each of the companions in turn, expecting some sympathy.

"Which one?" Tharaei asked drily.

After a moment's stunned silence, Sarah started to laugh. She knew she shouldn't, but the night elf's impassive expression as he'd asked the question struck her as incredibly funny.  Her moment of inappropriateness was soon relieved as her mirth was joined by Anduin and Lukha. The draenei explained that there was a genuine camaraderie between the dwarf and the elf and Sarah should expect to hear quite a lot of teasing between the two.

"You of all people, mocking the afflicted!" Erik scolded, pointing a dumpy forefinger at Lukha. Then his face broke into a smile and hearty laughter pealed from his rounded little belly. Tharaei, tall and slender, stood with arms crossed and merely smirked.

"Ach, this Keep's getting' a bit stale is it no', pardon me Yer Highness, nae offence meant." Erik bobbed his head.

"None taken. What do you propose, Supreme Hunter?" The Prince smiled.

The dwarf puffed out his chest with pride. "Well, a wee spot of huntin' comes tae mind."

"You propose hunting. With that?" Tharaei asked pointing at Erik's bow.

"Aye! Rabbits, laddie!" Erik rolled his eyes. "Maybe some boar if we're lucky. And there's nowt wrong with ma' bow, I'll have ye told."

Tharaei shrugged.

"That sounds fun!" Anduin said. "I'll get some bows and quivers for the rest of us from the weaponry."

"Your Highness!" Lukha protested. Her almond shaped eyes were wide.

Sarah was very grateful for this proposed distraction. She was more than willing to venture out so her mind wouldn't be constantly worrying about Khadgar. With a bit of luck, Erik might even teach her how to use a bow. "Lukha," she smiled, "Prince Anduin is not a little boy anymore. He faced far greater terrors than rabbits and boars, in Pandaria." She was already heading towards the arch that would lead them back into the Keep. Tharaei and Erik were following closely. "Come on," she beckoned the draenei. "It will be fun."

Lukha started after them. "But, the King..."

"Is busy!" Anduin laughed over his shoulder.

Anduin had led them through a series of secret passages in the Keep which brought them out just shy of Northshire Abbey. Dusting themselves off, they proceeded east along the river.

They stopped near a fallen tree and for a while, Sarah and Lukha were tutored in the art of archery. Anduin, quite skilled with a bow himself, stood behind Sarah, helping her with her aim. Erik smiled awkwardly at Lukha. Plainly lacking what all the others possessed - height - he had no option but to ask Tharaei to assist Lukha while he merely voiced direction. The result amused the dwarf. The women were not natural archers.

After a while, it was time for Erik to show off his finely honed skills. Further downstream was a plump boar snuffling around a small crop of peacebloom. The group huddled down behind some rocks while Erik moved out from behind cover and readied his aim.

"Where's your pet?" Sarah whispered.

"Huh?" Erik grunted, a beady eye glancing back at her over his shoulder.

"Don't you hunters have pets?"

Erik chuckled mischievously. "Oh! Well, ah don't really need to use mine for hunting here. But in answer to your question ... There!" he said jabbing his thumb at Tharaei. The night elf narrowed his eyes at the insult. "In need o' mair trainin' though, he's a bit rough aroond the edges," Erik continued chortling, taking aim again.

Before he had a chance to release his arrow, a bright blue frost bolt shot past his ear freezing some stray strands of hair and the edge of his beard. He watched in disbelief as the boar squealed once, then fell on its side as stiff as a board. Erik lowered his bow and glared at Tharaei.

"But, I'm learning quickly," the night elf mage explained, with a slightly smug grin playing on his lips.

Sarah and the others suppressed their laughter as they ducked back down behind the rocks. The silent laughter was agony, causing a major stitch in Sarah's side. Anduin and Lukha were almost as helpless.

"I hud that!" Erik growled.

"Obviously." Tharaei replied, glancing at the rocks where he heard the wheezing trio.

"Ye'll huv tae defrost the buggerin' thing now tho'!"

The laughter now drew Erik's attention and he strode over to the three giggling individuals behind the boulders. He was about to say something when the sound of beating wings suddenly caught everyone's attention.

Their mirth gradually subsided as they all looked skyward. "Think your father has sent out gryphon riders to find you?" Lukha asked the Prince.

Anduin shook his head, glancing up at the trees. "I don't think so," he said. They waited. Nothing more could be heard nor seen. Anduin rose from his grassy seat and helped Sarah and Lukha to their feet. He offered to carry the boar over his shoulders.

Erik protested. "Och, let the mage carry it. It was his kill!"

The Prince shook his head and proceeded to the carcass. 

"Yaise that floaty spell thing ye dae," Erik barked at Tharaei.

The night elf grinned. "That is a gift priests possess, small one, not mages."

"Ah! Yer no' sae perfect efter a' then," the dwarf taunted, a satisfied smirk twitching the edges of his moustache.

"I can, however..." Tharaei began, as swirling amethyst wisps formed in his hand. "Turn you into anything I please." The magic essence pulsed.

"Gentlemen!" Lukha announced. "Please! Stop this."

The dwarf and night elf glanced at her, their faces momentarily serious. Tharaei's spell diminished and he lowered his hands. He exchanged a look with Erik. Next, the two of them burst out laughing. Lukha seemed confused at first but Sarah's small chuckle from behind soon had her giggling again. "Oh! You two! I should know better by now," she said, shaking her head.

"Aye lass, ye should!" Erik responded.

With the boar on Anduin's shoulders, the group moved on. A little further ahead, Sarah realised they were near where Khadgar had found her. Stone Cairn Lake.

"Murlocs!" Erik hissed, adopting a crouch.

Sarah raised her eyebrows. "Those little things? They can't do us any harm, surely."

"Rob ye blind, the wee gits, would," he grumbled. "Gid fer target practice tho'," he said, raising his bow and readying an arrow.

"No! You can't," Sarah pleaded.

"Oh, but ah cun!" Erik said taking aim. Just as he was about to shoot, Tharaei placed a hand on the dwarf's shoulder.

"Whit now!" Erik growled. He glared at the mage whose eyes were fixed on something above them.  All of them looked up.

There in the branches above their heads, three demon hunters crouched, watching the group keenly.

Two were female elves, one blood, the other night. The third member of the troop was a male night elf. Sarah thought the female night elf was the one who had reacted to her at the banquet. Their eyeless sockets made it difficult to know exactly who or what they were looking at, and their presence was a little unnerving. 

Anduin, forever the gallant young Prince stepped forward. Dropping the boar from his shoulders he looked up at the demonic trio. "Good day. Can we help you?"

The blood elf sniggered, her blonde hair falling over her shoulders in soft, buoyant folds. Her colleagues soon joined in the mirth. Even their laughter had a slightly menacing timbre to it.

Sarah, although still as fascinated as she was when she first set eyes on the Illidari at the banquet, did not, however, appreciate their rudeness. She stepped forward so she was level with Anduin. "His Highness asked you a question. It is deemed polite to speak in response, rather than snicker."

A small sound escaped Lukha's trembling lips. Erik moved closer to her, his hands tightening around his bow.

"Sarah, it's alright," Anduin reassured.

The female night elf tilted her head in his direction. "Prince Anduin.  Heir to the throne of Stormwind," she said slowly. Her tone was not threatening, it had, in fact, been merely an acknowledgement. She spread her wings and glided down, landing gracefully in front of the young Prince. She circled him, her movements a little jerky, almost automated.

Anduin never flinched as she moved in closer. His eyes merely followed her. "These are my friends," he said calmly. "This is Lukha," he indicated each of his companions with an open gesture of his hand. "Tharaei, Erik and Sarah."

The demon hunter encompassed them all. Herding them like sheep. Her tattoos shimmered, ripples of fluorescent green coursing over her skin. She stopped in front of Sarah. Her head raised slightly. She inhaled her scent. Her lips curled over her elongated canines.

The intrusion of her personal space rendered Sarah on edge. She did not like this at all. She felt the hairs at the nape of her neck prickle as the Illidari indulged in a second, more audible sniff. Sarah stumbled, trying to edge away from her. The two elves still perched above the group laughed softly.

"Happy hunting," their inquisitor said, a lop-sided smile pinching her lips.  With a snap, she unfurled her wings and swooped up into the canopy once more. She communicated something to her two comrades, then they all took to the air and vanished from sight.

A few moments passed, before Erik exhaled loudly. "Well. That was ... interestin'.  Anyone for some ribs?"

The tension now replaced with relief, the group couldn't help but laugh with him. Anduin picked up the boar once again. Erik promptly started marching off towards Stormwind.  Lukha, Anduin and Sarah smiled after him.

"Ahem," Tharaei cleared his throat loudly, indicating the portal he had just conjured.

The dwarf turned. He huffed. Rounding his head, making his neck crick loud enough for the others to hear, he slung his bow over his shoulder and marched back towards the group. He grunted as he noticed them all smirking. Just as he stepped into the portal, he heard the night elf mage telling the others, "He's in need of more training of course. He's a bit rough around the edges."

Erik was sucked through before he could respond.

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