Waiting

As the days passed, Salandria and Will grew tenser. The messengers had returned with their mission complete, but the new recruits they hoped for had so far failed to materialise.

Salandria had never felt more vulnerable. It was one thing to know that the days of hiding was over. It was quite another to literally announce your intentions to Azeroth and simply sit and wait for the consequences. Worse, what if there were no consequences? What if simply nobody cared?

She knew Will took the failure to heart. It was something they'd worked on together and was uniquely from the world they'd shared. His fighting skills were improving day by day and he was increasingly well respected within the camp but Salandria knew he still felt isolated in this strange place. She smiled as she watched him duck off to another history lesson with Caruur. He was determined to get to grips with the complicated history of this land, although she knew he didn't have a great knack for academics.

She surveyed the remains of the Ravenwind camp. A lot of rebuilding had been completed; the reduced size of the rebels meant that there was little to be destroyed in Varian's attack in the first place. A sense of order and purpose was restored to the camp once more and many of the inhabitants kept themselves busy with a new zest for their cause. She vowed she wouldn't let them down again. They needed support; new bodies and new talent and if her original plan didn't work, she'd simply think of a new one.

She opted to go for a long walk in the surrounding jungle. It lacked the beauty of Eversong Woods that she longed for, but it allowed her solitude with her thoughts. She couldn't help thinking on the loss of Nu'neren, the troll scout brutally murdered in this jungle by Varian's forces. She didn't fear for her safety though, despite the Green Crescent's recent exposure. She feared only for the others in her camp. Besides, it didn't appear anybody was paying attention to them.

She walked for a long time, letting thoughts drift in and out of her mind. It was easy to reach an almost meditative state when wandering aimlessly through the trees. She stopped at the edge of a clearing, conscious she may have wandered too far. When she looked up, she saw Darshan meditating.

She knew she should turn around and leave him in peace but she couldn't help stopping to look at him. His handsome features were relaxed and serene and he wore his blue hair loose. It was unusual to see him meditating, even when he was at his happiest. He was always more comfortable embracing the wild ways of the druid and cheerfully skipping the parts about inner peace and communing with nature. If her memory was correct – and it was, memories were all she could think about in recent weeks – she'd only seen him mediating a couple of times and every time he'd swiftly given up, cracking one eye open with a grin and crawling over to tackle her to the forest floor where they invariably spent some time rolling around. When she teasingly scolded him for his lack of concentration, he claimed that sex with her was his version of becoming one with nature. She leant against the nearby tree, smiling to herself at the memory and when she raised her head, Darshan was looking straight at her.

She immediately straightened up and ran her fingers through her hair. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude."

"That's alright, you didn't."

The silence hung heavy between them as Salandria tried to think of an excuse to leave.

"It's probably a bit strange to see me mediating", Darshan offered.

Salandria let out a little laugh. "Yes, your feeble attempts were exactly what I was thinking about." She coughed a little, hoping her words wouldn't prompt the same sensual imagery she had in her head. From the sheepish smile he gave her as he stood up, she knew they had.

"I was never the best at the more spiritual practices. I need to learn though, I'm far behind on my training."

"Well...I should go and leave you in peace", she said, turning away.

"No, I think I've spent enough time by myself for today. I'll walk you back."

Salandria nodded her acceptance and they headed back towards the camp in silence. As they went, she examined the scenery around her in an effort to not look at him. This was the first moment they'd spent alone since the showdown with Raenysa and it was damn awkward. She felt like a teenager being walked home by a boy for the first time. She could almost feel the unspoken words building up inside him as they walked. How could one person be so familiar and yet so strange?

It seemed like it was only a couple of weeks since they'd been together and happy. But she'd lived another lifetime in between, only to be thrown back almost exactly where she left, as if leaving a vivid dream. But the distance between them betrayed the amount of time that'd passed. Their long history seemed to stretch between them as they made their way to camp, both desperately searching for a safe topic to discuss.

"The posters don't seem to have worked", Salandria finally admitted.

Darshan merely nodded in response.

"Perhaps you were right and it's just not the kind of thing that will work in Azeroth."

Darshan looked over at her, taking in her disappointed face. He wanted to agree with her but she looked so disappointed, he held his tongue. True, he didn't think those posters and leaflets would be very effective but if he was being honest, he also desperately wanted her to let go of everything in the other world. It's all your fault, he reminded himself.

He was still struggling to choose the right words when they emerged from the jungle to the outskirts of the camp. Before he could speak again, Will hurried towards them. When he saw the night elf, he narrowed his eyes, glaring at him. Darshan's instinct was to glare right back, but then he remembered that, to Will, he was the one who intruded on their happiness. He silently cursed Varian for the day he ruined his life.

"Why the sad face, beautiful?" Will asked Salandria. Darshan's stomach dropped as he listened, but urged himself to keep silent. He was becoming better at that.

"To be honest, I thought our plan would start to pay off by now."

Will grinned. "Well then, I've got something to show you that's going to make you really happy." With that, he grabbed her hand, almost running towards the centre of camp. Darshan was left alone on the outskirts, unsure whether he should follow or indeed where he should go.

The new recruit wasn't exactly what Salandria had hoped for. She watched as the emaciated man gobbled down the stew, gravy dripping on to his unkempt beard. She waited patiently for him to stop his noisy eating before speaking.

"You are very welcome to the Green Crescent, Yohan. What brings you here?"

The man eyed her up and seemed to choose his words with great care. "Same as you I suppose. Peace, an end to the fighting and all that stuff."

"Do you truly care about the cause we're fighting for? This isn't an easy life you've chosen."

"Easier than most."

Salandria nodded. "I see. What skills can you bring to us?"

"Ah, I can do lots of things. Pretty good with my hands. I can make things, fix things. Your camp's looking a bit sparse. I'm sure I can improve the living situation for you all."

She looked him up and down. It was clear to her the man was starving, probably a bandit or at the very least running away from something. He had probably seen one of the posters and thought he would show up for a meal ticket and somewhere to hide. Despite that, he could be useful and she could hardy turn him away after such a poor start to their recruitment campaign.

She gestured to Will who was standing near the table, his face eager with excitement. "Will, could you show this man around the camp. There are still areas in the north side desperately in need of repair. After a short rest, I would like Yohan to start immediately."

Will nodded and gestured for the man to follow him. Yohan looked a bit displeased at this immediate start to work but followed him without complaint anyway. Curious onlookers began to drift away and Salandria approached Caruur who was standing away from the action.

"This is good news, isn't it? It shows our methods are working."

"With all due respect, my friend, it's only one person so far. We've just announced our existence to the entirety of Azeroth and in payment we've received a man who clearly just wanted a decent meal."

"But perhaps he'll be the first of many?" Salandria heard the doubt in her own question though. "You think I did the wrong thing don't you?"

Caruur inclined his head towards her as he answered. "No, not necessarily. I see your logic but these are untried tactics here. That doesn't mean they're wrong, we just need to wait and see. But you must remember this world is very different from the one you left. Suspicion and violence reigns supreme here. A few leaflets promising an alternative may be tempting but is it enough to get people to leave their homes and into the jungle?"

"If it's not, then what are we doing here?"

Caruur nodded slowly but remained at Will who was giving an animated tour to an unimpressed Yohan.

"He's happy anyway", Caruur said.

"Yes. I worry that he hasn't quite grasped the danger he'll be constantly living in. He really believes this propaganda war could work."

"You believe that too. You wouldn't have tried it otherwise", Caruur reasoned.

"More of a hope than a firm belief. But we need to do something different. Everything's changed now, we can't just continue on as we were before."

"I agree. Which is why I think we should approach Jaina Proudmoore for her support."

"Jaina? What makes you think now is the right time to approach her? We've discussed this on and off for years."

"I believe I was wrong in advising caution on that one", Caruur conceded. "She's a natural ally for our cause. When you left, all hopes of diplomatic ties went with you. Now you're back, perhaps now is the time to do it."

Salandria broke out into a smile. "Caruur, this is wonderful! It's exactly what we always said we should do! Is it wrong to be so excited about being a diplomatic envoy? Does that make me a nerd?"

Caruur chuckled. "I'm not entirely sure what a nerd is but I confess I'm rather excited as well. I've always wanted to meet Lady Proudmoore. I rather think we'll find a kindred spirit in her."

"I'll bring Will as well. It will be good to have a human with us when we arrive in Theramore and I'm sure he'll be thrilled to get out of this sweaty jungle."

"And Darshan?"

Salandria paused to consider. "No, I think it best he stay here. One of the three should always be at camp if possible."

"True. But is that the only reason you want him to stay?"

Salandria pursed her lips in annoyance. "Nothing gets past you, does it?"

Caruur merely raised an eyebrow, waiting for her response.

"It hasn't been easy", she admitted. "Having him around is extremely confusing to me. I feel like both sides of myself are at war with each other. It's not so bad when there's a few people around but I'd rather stay focused on this mission instead of having to be on guard all the time."

"It can't be easy", Caruur said, patting her shoulder.

"It should be. It should be so easy. I've lived as Ava for so long without any knowledge of him. He tried to kill me! That should be more than enough to sever any feelings for him."

Caruur shifted as he stood. "I'm afraid I'm no expert in matters of the heart. I chose a different path a long time ago. But I do know that emotion is rarely as straightforward and logical as we'd like it to be or as you are. Don't be so hard on yourself. Denial of feelings only tends to make them stronger."

Salandria considered his words briefly, then smiled. "I'm older than you, how are you so wise?"

Caruur gave a little shrug. "I find great wisdom in knowledge and in nature. Perhaps it's a shaman thing."

"Maybe I need some shaman training", she grinned.

"You've got the mind and intellect of a great politician. Allow me to have my profound nuggets of truth."

The pair laughed out loud at that and, not for the first time, Salandria thanked any deity who may be out there for bringing the tauren into her life.

"I better go tell Darshan about the mission…and the fact that he's staying here", Salandria reluctantly said.

"Allow me. You have to inform Will and get the preparations in order. We'll leave first thing tomorrow and there's lots to do."

Salandria squeezed his arm in thanks as she went to find her boyfriend, although she was a little ashamed at the happiness she felt about not confronting Darshan. She hoped her courage would be better when it came to representing the rebels in front of Jaina Proudmoore.

Darshan wandered around the camp aimlessly until finding Eshara. He hoped she was alone and not in the company of Amber. Darshan couldn't fault her for seeking out companionship – she'd spent most of the last three centuries with Malik – but couldn't fathom why she chose the disagreeable warlock as a suitable replacement. Amber's temperament hadn't improved since her release from the medical tent though Darshan thought more could have been done to atone for her wrongful accusation. Not that he wanted much to do with it. Warlock and their shadow power offended his druidic sensibilities.

But you would have used it. If it meant vengeance for your family, a little voice whispered to him. He gritted his teeth in anger, but accepted his self-admonishments. He would be a better man if it killed him.

For now his luck was with him, and he found Eshara leaving the wash area of the camp alone. Good to know Amber didn't follow her there as well. She gave him a weak smile when he approached her. He hugged her tightly, this pale imitation of the strong-willed, energetic woman he cared so much for.

"I would ask how you are, but I know the answer", he said.

Eshara drew back from him, looking deep into his eyes. He was shocked at how tired she looked. "No, my dear boy, I don't think you really do. But let us walk regardless. It makes me happy to see you in good health. You are what's most important now."

They began a gentle walk around the perimeter of the camp, Darshan's arm supporting her weakened frame. "I'm as well as can be expected."

Eshara frowned. "Are the other two giving you a hard time?"

He shook his head. "Truth be told, they are being much kinder than me than I deserve. The hard time is mostly coming from myself."

"Oh Darshan, it's not your fault – "

"No, Eshara", he cut her off. "It may have been a plot of Varian's, but I'm the fool who fell for it. I should have had a bit more faith, a lot more patience. Like you once counselled me."

"Once?" she asked, incredulously.

"Well…maybe twice", he said. Eshara gave a faint smile in return.

"I don't feel at home here anymore", he continued. "I feel like an outsider."

"It's only been a couple of weeks. You need to give it time to establish yourself once more. You are the heart of this operation."

Darshan dropped his head. "I've failed everyone. Most of all myself. I'm don't feel fit to lead."

Eshara stopped abruptly and took his chin in her hand, forcing him to look into her eyes. "My darling boy, you are very dear to me. You saved me from those assassins. You're the reason I have so much faith in this cause. Many of the people here chose you to lead them. You've so much potential you haven't even seen yet. But I can see it. A thousand years on this earth gives me some right to tell you what to do and how to think. I know there's greatness ahead of you. You first need to believe in yourself and then you need to figure out how to unlock it. My only doubt is whether I'll be around to see it."

Darshan patted her hand. "Don't say that. You're like a mother to me. You have many years left in you yet."

"There you two are", a voice called, as Amber approached them. "I realise I'm interrupting a beautiful moment." Yet the warlock didn't move from their side.

"That's alright, Amber. I was leaving anyway", Darshan said.

She smirked. "No, you weren't. You've been at a loose end ever since you came back."

Darshan opened his mouth to object but she waved him into silence. "Don't worry, I'm not judging you. You're the only leader around here that hasn't tried to kill me yet."

"I believe they apologised for that."

"And what good will apologies do me? I still have the bruises to show for it."

"I tried to kill Salandria when she didn't deserve it. Yet I'm back here."

Amber snorted. "Yeah, as a third wheel."

Eshara looked like she was about to interrupt when Caruur rounded the corner, nearly running into the trio.

"Oh, please excuse me", the tauren said. "Darshan, may I have a word with you?"

"Another intrigue, is it?" Amber asked. "I think we've had enough of those."

Caruur frowned down at her. "This matter concerns Darshan only. He has been chosen as one of our leaders."

"I know he has. But nobody chose you, Caruur. He should decide what's secret and what's not. Not you."

"And certainly not you, Amber. If you wanted more respect in this group, you would do well to behave in a more amiable fashion. You have much potential but you steadfastly refuse to show it. It's something you should seek to rectify before you do irredeemable harm to your reputation."

"Like be seem as a traitor? Loyalty to the incompetent leaders around here doesn't equate to loyalty to the cause."

"If you cannot see how your refusal to cooperate damages us all, then I'm afraid you have proved yourself unworthy of any kind of trust", the tauren replied sharply

"Enough", Darshan intervened. Amber looked like she was about to summon a very nasty curse on the tauren's head and from Caruur's expression, it was clear the redhead got under his skin. Darshan respected Caruur and tended to agree with him in his observations but he also knew Amber deserved a bit of trust given recent events.

"You may speak freely in front of Amber and Eshara today" Darshan said.

Caruur looked surprised but nodded respectfully. "I've recommended to Salandria that we approach Lady Proudmoore about a possible alliance and even ambassadorship. It would do us a great deal of good to have such a prolific and powerful ally on our side and she's the obvious choice. She's decided to visit her tomorrow and Will and I will accompany her. That means it is left to you to take leadership of the camp. I trust this is satisfactory."

Darshan considered the short speech, his temper rising. "And Salandria couldn't tell me this herself?"

"She's busy making preparations. I offered to approach you." Caruur continued more softly. "We need one of three of you to always be in camp, if possible. Will has yet to see much of Azeroth and you're a natural choice to welcome anybody else who may come to enlist."

Darshan took a deep breath to calm himself. He knew Caruur spoke sense – and without malice – but he still couldn't help feeling left out of the discussion. "You're right", he said, stiffly. "I'll be happy to be in charge of camp. I look forward to learning the outcome of your meeting with Jaina."

Caruur nodded again and turned on his heel to leave. As the tauren got further away, Amber turned to Darshan with a smirk. "Feeling a little left out?" she asked.

He didn't reply because for once she was right.

Will was eyeing the hippogryph as if he couldn't decide whether to eat it or shoo it away. The hippogryph was returning the compliment.

"It's perfectly safe", Salandria called from behind bird, where she was loading up supplies.

"It's basically a glorified ostrich and we're going to fly across the continent on it. There's no safety belts!"

"Hippogryphs are one of the safest mode of transport. And we don't have much choice if we're to reach Theramore Isle, we can't ride Kodo all the way there and even if we could it would take days.

"Your logic is perfect but that doesn't mean it's safe. Any statistics on the air accidents with these things?"

Salandria rolled her eyes and poked her head around the mount to look at Will. "You're behaving like a tourist."

"A tourist! I'd be lucky to be a tourist, then I could leave here at any time!"

"You're welcome to stay but if you want to visit Theramore and get out of this sweaty jungle for a while, you're going to have to get on the glorified ostrich."

Will stared at the hippogryph once more and he swore he could see a glint in its crazy eyes. But the thought of leaving Salandria go off on another potentially dangerous mission without him was too much. He sighed. "Fine, ostrich ride it is."

"I suggest you make peace with her before you do. She knows you're talking about her."

Will reluctantly patted the animal's head but she head-butted him out of the way and – was it possible? – snorted. Caruur was already seated on his mount and trotted towards them.

"Ok, I think we're ready to go", Salandria announced. "Will, you get on the back here and I'll make sure she's calm before I get on the front. Just hold tight and you'll be fine."

Will walked to the side and grabbed on to the saddle. There were no stirrups to assist him, so he grabbed the leather and ungainfully pulled himself up, sprawling across the back of the hippogryph. With a wobble he seated himself upright and Salandria leaped gracefully to the front of the saddle.

"Hold on tight", she warned and suddenly they were rising in the air. Will let out an unmanly shriek and grabbed Salandria's waist tightly shutting his eyes tightly. The wind carried the sound of Caruur's bass chuckle to him and he reminded himself to scold the tauren when they were on solid ground once more.

The hippogryph soared upwards and eventually the flight path smoothed out to a gentle glide. "Open your eyes", Salandria said gently.

Will squinted reluctantly at first but his eyes opened wide when he took in the lush green landscape beneath him. Far into the distance, he could see the vivid red of the Barrens creep closer.

"Wow", he whispered.

"I know, it's a beautiful sight. I think you'll really like flying" she replied. "Just try not to look down."

Will often did things he shouldn't do but in this instance decided to take his girlfriend's advice.

By the time the isle of Theramore came into sight, Will had sufficiently relaxed enough in the saddle to try and twist his head around Salandria's neck to get a better view.

"Will you stay back for heaven's sake! If you like it so much, you can steer next time!"

"I was always a better driver than you", Will pointed out.

"Excuse me! Who knocked off their side mirror last year?"

"It was a really narrow street, that car wasn't built for those kind of roads."

"I managed perfectly fine there – " Salandria's words died down and she drew the hippogryph to a gentle halt while Caruur pulled up beside them, his eyes fixed on the scene below them. Will peered down and realised the smoke he thought was coming from chimneys was actually as a result of the several ruined buildings. What should have been the centre of Theramore was simply a black crater in the land.

Will could feel the tension knot up in Salandria's back. "I'm guessing this is not what it usually looks like", he offered.

"No", she whispered softly. She looked to Caruur who was equally taken aback. "We have to find out what happened"

"It might be dangerous", he replied.

"It could be very dangerous" she agreed. "But we can't turn back. Perhaps we could offer Lady Proudmoore some assistance."

Caruur nodded and the pair began a swift descent to the Isle. Will automatically reached for his sword and drew comfort from knowing it was there. Inside he was shaking but reminded himself that he'd fought in a battle before and he was with two very experienced fighters. But nothing could prepare for what he was about to see.

A/N: To answer your question Lystric, yes Garrosh has definitely heard of the Green Crescent but they've been so quiet in the last few years, he's never really paid any attention and certainly wouldn't have been keeping an active watch on them. He's so wrapped up in furthering the Horde, I think he'd be blind to a threat from anywhere else. Hope that clears it up!