Chapter 4: The Memory

I don't claim to be having any knowledge in security or tactics, but why the hell would you leave the most valuable item/person unguarded during an invasion? Couldn't you have moved it/him/her to a more secure location at least?

(Azsuma)

A Draenei hunter wearing dark green and carrying an Elven bow quietly made her way past a demonic patrol. Slowly making her way up the incline she came to a low cliff that gave her just enough cover not to be seen easily. In her ear a gnomish communicator buzzed and Varian's, AKA Varick's, voice came through, "Are you in position?"

The marksman tapped on the reply button twice to indicate she was in place without have to speak. Last thing she wanted was the group of imps to hear her before she got her shot off. She quietly counted down from thirty in her head and when she reached one the Legion tower in the distance exploded as did two smaller structures next to it. Demons and Eredar swarmed like ants from a destroyed anthill, but she was looking for a specific one. The local second in command of the Legion forces in the area. There! The Dreadlord flew down and started yelling out orders. Novazul took aim and then fired. She didn't even wait to see if the shot hit before she pulled out and used the stone that Khadgar had given her to teleport her back to Dalaran. As the spell started to activate, she activated her communicator and replied, "The package has been delivered." Demons swarmed her location just as she vanished.

She reappeared in a small room in the Hero's Welcome to see one of the inn's staff already waiting for her with her normal armor cleaned and ready as well as a warm meal on the small table next to the bed. "I hope your hunt went well," said the Human woman as she handed over the armor, "Archmage Khadgar left word that he wishes to speak with you at the Citadel."

"Thanks, "the Draenei nodded and added, "I'll just go to my room to clean up some before going to see him. "

For some reason, the hostess giggled as the hunter made her way upstairs.

(Violet Citadel)

"Ah, Nova, thank you for coming. I have a matter of some urgency that requires your…unique talents, "the Archmage greeted the hunter with smile as he walked over to her. Turning to lead her towards the other council members, "The Order of the Silver Hand have reported that an extraordinary luminescent object has emerged from the Felstorm and is currently falling towards the coast of Suramar. What I find most curious about this occurrence is that the object was reported as having 'cut a swath' through the Felstorm itself. "

Novazul nodded her head in agreement, it was curious and anything that can harm the Fel would be of vital importance. "What would you have me do?" she asked.

"Will you investigate?"Khadgar asked, "If you would, I will make the arrangements to have a gryphon to take you."

After reading the report in full and then grabbing a few elixirs of water breathing, Novazul made her way to Krasus Landing to where her ride waited. As she neared the Suramar, Khadgar contacted her through the ring that she had put on just for this mission. "Keep your wits about you, Nova. If we noticed the object shooting out from the Felstorm, so too did the Legion."

"Tell me something I didn't already know, "the hunter grumbled under her breath.

As they passed a rather large city, Khadgar added, "Look there, to the north! Gaze upon the Nighthold of Suramar! What secrets are kept inside?"

"Mind on the mission, Archmage, "the hunter muttered but this time with a small smile . A little later the gryphon landed on a sandbar and Nova sighed as she dismounted.

"Somewhere in those murky waters is our mysterious object, "Khagdar said and she swore she could hear him smile when he said, "Time to get your feet wet."

Novazul chugged one of her elixirs before wading into the water. After a good while of searching and fighting off the local wildlife she came across what appeared to be a fresh crater. Thanks to the elixir's properties she was able to say, "Archmage, I believe I found the crash site but the object isn't here."

"Those beasts, "Khadgar sighed referring to the local gilgoblins, "must have dragged it into a cave. Please continue the search."

Nova nodded as she looked around and then headed to the closest underwater cave. Once she entered and got out of the water she found the object but noticed one rather big problem. "Why can't it ever be easy, "the hunter sighed as she reported to Khadgar, "I believe I found the object but a giant has it."

"And there is only one way to separate a giant from its treasure, "the Archmage grimly said, "You know what to do."

The hunter nodded as she mentally kicked herself for retiring ol' Gezza. She hated fighting alone but she knew her mission. She silently made her way behind one of the larger stalagmites, then took aim and fired.

After a good few minutes of dodging a club and getting soaked by water attacks, Novazul fired one last arrow into the giant's open mouth finally killing it. She then took hold of the strange object, her fingers tingling as if she could feel the essence of the Naaru from it. She gasped silently but then shook her head. "Target has been acquired, "Novazul reported through the ring.

"Excellent!"Khadgar exclaimed and then said, "Hurry back to Dalaran and meet me in the Chamber of the Guardians. Safe return, my friend."

Nova's lips narrows at the 'my friend' but she took a calming breath before chugging her last elixir of water breathing. It was going to be a pain lugging this thing back to the gryphon.

(Chamber of the Guardians)

Of course he would be in the library, Novazul thought as she carried the object through the halls searching for the mage. She shook her head with some humor seeing the Atiesh being used for something as mundane as a reading lamp. Khadgar was apparently so engrossed in one of the books that he didn't even notice her arrival. The Draenei took a few moments to silently observe the cause of her recent frustration. She knew she wasn't being fair to the Archmage by being so cold to him since he obviously didn't even remember what happened that last night on Draenor, but it still hurt. After all they've been through how could he say those things.

She smiled slightly at the memory of their first meeting, in Outland. Where he gently pulled her away from A'dal, explaining that the Naaru was rather busy with safeguarding the city from the demonic forces that have already ravaged her one time homeland. Back then he looked rather scruffy and aged. His long white hair and beard as well as he well-worn robes that along with the curse she later found out made him appear much older than he actually was. But still he proved to be a good friend in those dark times. The first Human she felt she could actually trust. Her travels on Azeroth have proven that Humans were a rather mixed bag and often being mistaken for a blue demon in those early days did not make things any easier on the hunter. But Khadgar…the obvious trust the Naaru had in him made him safe. By the time Kil'Jaeden was defeated, they would often be found at the World's End Tavern taking in a show together or the mage explaining some Azerothian customs to the Draenei over drinks. Shaking her head to escape the memories she gently cleared her throat to get the mage's attention.

Obviously slightly startled, Khadgar turned abruptly. The mage then chuckled at himself and said, "Welcome back. Let's see what you have there. Hmmm…."

Novazul placed the rather large object on the soft rug in front of the mage. Khadgar frowned and slowly reached down but just before he touched it, a bright light radiated out from object as it floated upwards. Once it was in the air and vertical, an image of a human paladin emerged from it.

"Azeroth, "the image said, "I pray that this message…"

(If you played Legion, you know what happens here. If not…why?)

Novazul didn't know whether to snarl or cry. How by the Light could he have left O'ro unguarded during a Legion invasion? But to see and actually be part of his long lost son's death… The hunter sighed as she took the portal back to Dalaran to make her report. Khadgar tried to comfort her but she would have none of it as she abruptly turned to leave.

Unseen by her, Khadgar looked towards Kalec as if asking him to follow. The human shaped dragon nodded, curious with what was going on between the Human mage and Draenei hunter. The former Aspect hurried over to catch up and said, "Huntmaster…"

Novazul stopped and sighed before turning. Crossing her arms she allowed Kalec to catch up before saying, "You can tell Archmage Khadgar I'll be fine. I'm just heading to the inn to get cleaned up and catch some much needed sleep."

Kalec gently prompted her to continue moving as he walked along side her. "You don't need to hide your pain, "the dragon said softly, "Seeing your home destroyed…"

"The Exodar was never my home, "the Draenei growled. She then calmed down and more gently said, "It was a means to escape and nothing more. I lost my home years ago and have come to terms with it. I'm just…frustrated with what has been happening. My people blindly follow a religious leader that preaches peace when we are in a time of war. The Alliance has lost its High King and General for what? Human and Worgen forces is currently being lead by a man that is more concerned with his revenge against Sylvanas than fighting the Legion. The current Human King is unable to garner the support he needs due to his age. Don't even get me started on the Night Elves and the suppose help that the Horde is suppose to give. If it wasn't for the Kirin Tor, Dwarves and Gnomes I firmly believe we would have already lost this war."

They reached the open doors of the Hero's Welcome and before entering, she turned to Kalec and said, "I apologize for ranting, I know it's not your fault and you already have…"

"Don't think about it, "Kalec said with a concerned look, "It sounds like needed someone to talk to. I'm surprised, Khadgar the one you normally discuss these things with?"

"Don't, "the hunter sighed pinching the bridge of her nose, "Let's just say, Khadgar isn't the sounding board he use to be and leave it at that. Thank you for listening and good evening."

As the hunter turned to enter the inn, Kalec considered what was said or rather not said. He then decided on his next course of action. He started to walk off back to the Citadel to confront his friend, Khadgar.

(Khadgar's Private Chambers)

A small chime pulled Khadgar out of his report reading. He took a sip of his tea as he cast the spell to determine who the person was and to allow them in.

"Welcome to my humble abode, Kalecgos, "the mage said standing up to greet the former Aspect, "What brings you…ok I don't think I like that look."

The frowning half-elf form walked over to the Human and asked bluntly, "What happened between you and the Huntmaster? After she saved me from Sathrovarr, you two were as close as two peas in a pod. And then right after being key in the defeat of Deathwing, we got together to reminisce. She couldn't stop talking about you. Now it appears she barely tolerates you."

"Please, "Khadgar sighed tiredly as he sat down, "It doesn't…"

"It concerns me about as much as my relationship with Jaina concerns you, "Kalec said as he crossed his arms, reminding the mage the number of times he pushed the dragon to talk about how he was feeling with Jaina's disappearance. He knew it wasn't really the same, but he owed the little Draenei.

Khadgar surrendered and sighed. "To be honest I don't really know, "he said, "We were the closest of friends up until that last night on Draenor. We were both rather deep in our cups you might say and from what I've been told things got rather…heated between the two of us."

"Heated?"

Khadgar opened a desk drawer and pulled out a camera. He then blushed slightly as he handed it over. A blue eyebrow rose as Kalecgos flipped through the images and said, "It's obvious that you didn't attempt to force yourself on her since she seems to be the one towering over you."

"I just wish I could remember what happened, "Khadgar sighed, "If I knew what happened after those images were taken…"

"That's easy enough, "the dragon said to Khadgar's surprise, "If you had Atiesh with you. Due to its unique nature and that it is now attuned to you; we should be able to use it to show what happened."

Khadgar literally face palmed and muttered, "Why didn't I think of that?"

To be continued…