Chapter 11 – Heartbeats
Early evening, and a small bluebird landed at the open window hoping for its supper before it was time to roost. It looked inside the room, wary, it's cobalt head bobbing up and down nervously as it jumped along the sill. It chirruped then pecked at what it thought was an offering of a meal. It looked at the speck of paint, disappointed, the head jerking in robotic little movements owed to its confusion. Another chirrup and it skittered along the sill again hoping to find something edible at the other side. The whoosh of a door opening inside the room panicked the bird. It took to the wing, vanishing out over the city.
The flash of blue caught Khadgar's eye as he quietly moved across the room to the rocking chair at the far side of the window. Even though the war with the Burning Legion was over, he latched onto anything that was out of the ordinary or simply unexpected. Khadgar's heightened senses were borne from his fierce need to protect his family. They were his life, and ensuring their safety was a responsibility which far surpassed anything which had driven him in the past. For now, he was satisfied to find it was merely a bird which had taken flight.
His steel coloured eyes looked lovingly at Sarah as she held Ocel close to her breast. The babe's tiny fingers flexed against his mother's skin as he suckled contentedly. He was almost asleep.
Khadgar moved behind the rocker and curling his fingers round the chair's arms, he leaned into Sarah's neck, planting a soft kiss below her ear. He felt her shudder as his breath ghosted on her neck.
"You are driving me crazy doing that," she said softly.
"That's the plan," he replied.
"Hmm," her response was dreamy and she tilted her head back so his mouth could brush hers. Her lips smiled under his as she felt Ocel's tiny mouth slip from his source of nourishment. "Let me finish here then I am all yours."
With one more kiss, he smiled then left the room allowing her to tend to Ocel, putting him down to sleep.
Once properly winded and in a peaceful slumber, she gently lay her son down in his soft crib. She marvelled at his chubby little legs as they kicked for a moment, his body adjusting to the land of dreams. His chest heaved with a big sigh, and as he exhaled the tiny lips parted with a barely audible pop. Lightly touching the soft down on his scalp, she smiled her heart near bursting as she watched him. "You are loved so much Ocel," she whispered. "We will always be here for you. Sleep well, my little prince."
With one last look at the crib, she left the room, leaving the door open just a little so they could hear him if he woke.
She looked along the hallway towards the living area and her heart began to beat a different rhythm. The hall seemed to pull away from her, elongate, making her journey along it seem infinite. She nevertheless, put one foot in front of the other and made her way to the end of the hall.
Her desire was waiting for her inside a doorway to the left, and she could hear his heart beating over the sound of her own. It was one of the quirky side-effects, she had discovered, of the fel-naaru infused markings on her body. Her senses were sharper and her spiritual connection with not only the man she loved, but all things, was almost overwhelming on occasion. She had however, managed to isolate each sensation through studying and using the gift of the naaru. Now, she could reach out with her senses and practically feel him, smell him. Taste him.
She was also constantly trying to improve the telepathic ability of the naaru, and she could, although infrequently, hear Khadgar's thoughts. Until her skill was properly attuned however, they would continue coming through mainly garbled and incoherent. It was a talent she was keen to develop, but she knew it would take time. There was no mistaking the sound of his heartbeat though and as she neared the room, it's beat strengthened almost vibrating in her mind. It was comforting, reassuring, mesmerising. Intoxicating.
It was close on five weeks since they had been fully intimate. Her last month of pregnancy had proved too uncomfortable to accept him and she had been too tired to tend to his desire in other ways. He had been understanding and patient, but there were times, his control faltered. On those occasions he would walk away so she would not feel pressured to relieve him. Since she had Ocel however, four days ago, with the combined wonder of Brillyn's and her own healing abilities, she was more than ready. She was eager to love him again.
There were times however, when she wondered if she had somehow corrupted him; polluted him. Before they had become lovers, she of course did not witness such frustrations in him. His life had been all about Azeroth and protecting its people. He was focused one hundred percent on his work and aiding the champions of Azeroth to fulfil their duties and destinies. Even once their feelings were acknowledged and their love consummated, still he ensured his responsibilities were carried out in his inimitable, stoic yet charming manner.
Naturally, as her lover, she relished the tender and passionate Khadgar but, now being a recognised citizen, and putting herself in the typical Azerothian's shoes, she sometimes wondered if the original Archmage was becoming lost. Was it possible for two very different versions of him to reside in the one body? He seemed to carry out his work diligently still, no-one had said differently certainly.
Or was it more to do with the fact that sometimes she overheard him in his study, speaking to someone, even though he was alone. She knew of course, who that someone was. She had overheard him one day saying, "I miss you old friend, I could do with your council." The late and sorely missed Vindicator Ocel, close friend and confidante. It had been nearly ten months since the paladin had died, but every day Khadgar thought of him. It had been partly the reason she had chosen the name for their son. A form of love and respect for the great man who gave his life on the battlefield for Azeroth, his family, his friend.
A brief wash of guilt swam over her. Its very presence halted her in her tracks. She had never experienced that before. She listened to her heart; it had thrummed a little too rapidly for a moment or two. Expect yer emotions tae be a' o'er the place fur a gid few months lass, Brillyn had told her. She swallowed, hoping that was all there was to it. She gave herself a little shake. Of course it was!
She felt a tug. His heartbeat was pulling her to him. She closed her eyes. From behind her lids, she could still see the glimmer of white gold that had started to pulse from her markings. She was responding to him, to his longing, his need. His desire. She was almost at the door.
"Sarah." It was no more than a whisper, but she heard him.
Stepping into their living area, she found him standing near the window, two glasses of wine in his hands. She smiled. It somehow reminded her of the first time he took her to Dalaran, before the war with the Legion had really begun. There he had thrust a glass in her hand demanding she drink while he downed his wine in almost one gulp. The memory of him wiping his chin with the back of his hand caused her markings to flare again.
His eyes turned to meet hers. He took her breath away. Dressed in casual leather britches and a plain white shirt tied loosely at the neck by a fine cord, her lower abdomen went into overdrive at the sight of him. His broad pectorals were outlined under the shirt and her eyes traced the ribbing of his abs where the shirt's material dimpled over them. Her eyes flew up to his once more. His mouth curved in a knowing smile.
This was ridiculous. They were practically married, had a child and yet here she stood as if it were the first time they were going to engage in passion. She could feel the fabric of her full length shift graze her nipples. She jumped slightly at the sensation. None of this was new to her. And yet, it was.
He stepped towards her, offering her a glass. "I wasn't sure if you would want this as you are nursing."
She smiled. How like him to consider such things. She accepted the glass. "One will not hurt. I am from stock who drank and smoked during and after pregnancy," she said. "I think I turned out okay."
He moved closer, snaking an arm around her waist. Leaning in, his mouth was mere millimetres from hers. "Oh, I'd say you're more than just okay, Sarah." The way he breathed her name almost made her fold, but she caught herself, quickly placing her free hand on his forearm. He leaned back a little and they clinked glasses, then each took a sip. She looked up at him. The soft flares from her markings glowing through her shift, reflected in his eyes giving them a strange, titanium quality, more pronounced than his usual grey. She watched, breathless as in a split second they darkened, his pupils dilating to the max.
The urge to launch her glass across the room and tear the shirt from his back was overwhelming. He read the desire in her eyes and took the wine from her, laying both glasses down on the occasional table next to where they stood. As his eyes met hers once more, he rested his hands on her hips.
"Khadgar," she whispered. "How I have missed you."
His lips brushed hers. Her need for more coursed through her and she pressed her body forward, but he held her in place, keeping a whisper of space between them. A sound like a small whelp tumbled from her lips.
"I know it has been a while," he said, the hunger in his voice being forcibly kept at bay, "but allow me to savour you."
His words caused her to flare, the brightness pulsing between them. Keeping his hands on her hips, he used his fingers to pull her shift up inch by inch while he traced soft kisses round her throat and towards her ear.
Her hands slid to his upper arms and she clung to him, trembling with the anticipation. With eyes closed, her head lolled back. His kisses intensified. A moan escaped her as the fabric of her shift bunched up above his hands, his fingers now touching the soft skin of her hips. His touch was light, gentle, there was only a slight scrape from the callouses on his fingertips. His hands moved round, cupping her behind, squeezing lightly. Now he pulled her into him pressing his arousal against her exposed skin.
She gasped and her eyes sprang open. His mouth took hers, his tongue sliding across her lips and exploring within. Her arms slid up to his neck, once more her lids lowered as his kiss deepened. One hand shifted to her lower back and he pulled her to him again.
This time he groaned, as her hardened nipples pressed against his chest. He almost faltered, relinquishing his restraint. Trembling, he held tight to her. "Why is it that I feel if I do not love you, I will cease to exist?" he breathed.
His question held a hint of fear, and it caught her off-guard. She pushed her fingers through his hair, raising his face to hers. Her eyes searched his. Where had that come from? She wondered. Sensing her uncertainty he smiled. "I only meant, without you, there is no tomorrow."
She felt the sting of tears. Sometimes the intensity with which he loved her was frightening. Although his words were beautiful they also held such sorrow in their simple truth. This was all and more that she had ever desired and dreamed of, and yet sometimes she wanted to flee from its depth, as if it was beyond all comprehension. Now she understood the saying, 'no pleasure without pain'.
Bending his knees slightly, and with his grip round her behind firm, he lifted her. She melted against him, feeling their hearts pounding against each other. His scent, his muscles, the warmth of his skin sent ripples of pleasure coursing through her, becoming more urgent with his every caress and warm breath ghosting on her skin. He moved to the sofa and gently lay her on its large soft cushions, lowering himself upon her. She smiled as the fervour in his eyes met hers.
"What?" he asked, brow creasing slightly.
"It still feels like the first time with you. My heart is racing."
He groaned as his eyes slid shut for a moment, a warm smile on his lips. "I have not forgotten that evening." Looking at her once more, with his voice having taken on husky timbre, he said. "It will always feel like this, I promise you."
He inched down. Brushing the fabric of her shift up, he exposed a breast and his mouth closed on her hardened nipple. She inhaled sharply as the sensation from his lips and tongue spread out and tantalised every sensory cluster in her body. She writhed as his lips vacated her nipple allowing the Spring night air to hone in on the area his mouth had just moistened. The contrast of temperature made her gasp. Kisses travelled lower, his large hands held her in place, while moving down in unison with his lips.
She was swirling deeper, drawn into a torrent of wild, carnal sensations. Her head turned from side to side on the plush cushions as each kiss heightened her desire. Her entire body was aching from her need for him.
The demon markings seemed to almost hum as their luminescence pulsed, growing brighter with each beat. She could not control them. All focus was on Khadgar's touch as it brushed her skin, his kiss, his breath and ... his tongue. He had just reached her most intimate place.
"Oh god!" she cried, inhaling sharply, her body tensing. The room was instantly awash with white gold.
Distantly, a sound not from within the room itself, reached her ears. It was faint, but it was there nonetheless. Still she was spinning, soaring from her lover's kiss.
The sound came again, this time sharper. And over that she heard Khadgar groan. His tongue had stopped lapping, his lips removed from her flesh. A cry of despair left her. "No!" She looked down at him and his eyes, though blazing with passion, darkened over with irritation.
The sound came once more. A knock at the front door.
Instantly, Sarah's markings dulled, snuffed out like a candle. The suddenness of it surprised Khadgar and he looked at her, his eyebrows hitched high. She furiously tugged down her shift, lifted her bottom for it to pass down over her legs before she pushed herself up. Swinging her legs out from under Khadgar's arms, she then stood, smoothing the fabric down, making sure she was decent. Emotionally however, she was anything but.
The Archmage was still on the edge of the longue looking up at her. She snapped her head round and glared at him. She had been overflowing with desire just a few moments ago, in utter bliss, desperately aching for him to take her. Tears threatened. The moment was ruined. By some imbecile at the door! All this, Khadgar could read in her face as clearly as if he had been reading The Stormwind Herald.
A smile spread across his face causing hers to become even more stern. He held his hands up defensively. "I did not invite anyone," he said, struggling to hide the mirth in his voice. He glanced at the entrance as the knock came again, more persistent.
"You're laughing! You find this funny?"
"No, actually. I'm as irritated as you are, but your display of annoyance is amusing, I have to admit."
She huffed. And huffed again. "Coming!" she shouted. Or I would have been if you hadn't interrupted, she thought grumpily at the door. For once, she wished she could somehow project her power and blast whatever individual was on the other side of that door, across the sea to Kalimdor.
Khadgar just managed to nip a laugh in the bud, as he rose from the sofa. He slid an arm around her waist and brought his mouth to her ear. "Later, Sarah. I will love you as never before. Be patient until then."
Finally, the hint of a smile crossed her mouth. "Are you answering the door then, or am I?"
Kissing her temple with a smirk, he said he would answer it and allow her time to calm down. She nudged him playfully in the ribs.
As Khadgar went to the door, Sarah moved around the living area igniting the wall lights. Their flames flickered and spat into life, the soft evening shadows in the room dispersing as more light filled the room. The sky was darkening, night's soft indigo draping her blanket over the coastal city. The last slivers of peach and pale pink were just disappearing on the horizon.
From the hallway, she heard the unmistakable raucous laughter of Erik. She smiled. He had been visiting every day, sometimes just for a few minutes while he was tending to business in the city. He was always welcome as was Gwen, who she assumed was with him although she did not hear her.
"There ye ur lass," Erik said from the doorway. He came shuffling in, his eyes sparkling.
Sarah moved forward to greet him. Her disappointment at the inopportune disturbance was almost forgiven on seeing him. He was always cheery when he visited. And tonight he seemed particularly so.
"Ah huv a surprise fur ye!" He said, rocking back and forth on his heels.
His obvious excitement intrigued her and had her wondering what on Azeroth had him so upbeat. He turned to the door, she followed his gaze. Khadgar stepped into the room and moved to the side. A knowing smile played on his lips.
Her brow furrowed. She looked back down at Erik, who flexed his bushy brows and indicated the doorway again with a nod of his head.
Her hands flew to her gaping mouth as she saw Drew enter the room. A split second later she was running across the room and throwing her arms around her best friend. Drew staggered back a little from the impact, careful not to drop his gifts. Soft laughter flowed round the room as the two friends showed their delight at seeing each other again.
Erik moved over beside Khadgar. He looked up at the Archmage who was smiling at the reunion in front of them. His eyes fell to Khadgar's waist and the slightly dishevelled shirt hanging over his belt. "Uh huh!" he muttered.
Khadgar looked down at him, puzzlement having replaced the smile his face held a moment ago.
Erik nodded at Khadgar's belly. "Ah see her home-cooking's gan doon weel, onyway," the dwarf said knowingly.
The Archmage looked at his stomach, his hands automatically resting on it. "What's that supposed to mean?" he asked.
"Weel, yer fillin' oot a bit. No that ye didnae need it mind ye wur a bit peely wally."
The comment was overheard by Sarah and Drew who turned to see Khadgar's look of concern. "Erik!" she scolded while trying to keep a straight face.
The dwarf was genuinely taken back at the reprimand. "I wisnae bein' rude," he explained. "Ah wis actually..." His eyebrows knitted together as he searched for the words. "Complimentin' him on lookin' bigger. Ah mean, better! No!" He looked back up at the now frowning Archmage. "Ah dinnae mean ye didnae look gid onyway, ah jist meant..."
"I think you should just stop now Erik, you've dug yourself a big enough hole." Drew smirked.
Erik folded his arms feeling both embarrassed and foolish - and also duly reprimanded.
"Come on now," Sarah coaxed their guests. "Move through why don't you. Grab a seat and I'll get some drinks and..." She briefly glanced at Khadgar who still seemed to be inspecting his waistline. "...Snacks." She finished with a chortle.
Erik led Drew into the living area while Sarah went to the kitchen, followed quickly by Khadgar. She opened cupboards to find glasses and plates, then crossed to the larder and selected some pastries with other savoury snacks which she arranged on a bigger plate.
Khadgar stood, arms folded, his behind leaning against the sink. He watched her preparing everything for their guests, a sulk firmly in place on his usually handsome face. "Don't put too much out, I won't be eating," he said with a huff in his voice.
Sarah bit back an urge to laugh. "What's got into you?"
"Your home cooking apparently," he replied drily.
Keeping her back to him so he couldn't see her struggling not to laugh, her shoulders trembled from her mirth. she placed the glasses and plates on a tray. "Since when did you become vain?"
"I'm not vain. Just ... aware."
"Of what? The out-spoken words of a dwarf?"
Khadgar grunted.
Sarah had enough of his little huff and turning she closed the distance between them. Placing her hands on his abdomen, allowing her fingers to explore, she raised herself up on her tip-toes and planted a small kiss of reassurance on his cheek. "Everything there is as it should be. Perfect! Now stop being such a Johnny and help me carry these through." She turned, picked up the tray and handed it to him.
"What's a Johnny?" he asked as she ushered him through the hall towards the living area and their guests.
"Johnny Awesome," she winked. "Vain blood elf?" She raised her eyebrows.
"Who?" Again he checked his waistline.
She sighed and shook her head. "Never mind, just get your rippling abs through there."
Laughter filled the room as Drew related his arrival at Erik's house and the greeting he'd received from Gwen. He also commented on the gibes between the two dwarves. Erik just shrugged but giggled now and again. Sarah was well aware of the bickering between Erik and Gwen, but she equally knew there was genuine affection between the two.
Drew mentioned Sarah's flat, asking what she wanted him to do about it. He asked if she needed some of her belongings portalled through. Her answer was simple. She had all she needed here. The only thing she would have liked was her laptop, but there was no point as there was no electricity. Erik suggested that some engineers may be able to help, but she decided to let it go. The circuits she reckoned would be far too sensitive for anything they could come up with.
She gave Drew free rein to do as he wished with her belongings and issued her bank details, telling him where her card was, so he could take back what money he had paid out on her behalf. If he could pay off any bills she had lying, then close the accounts she would be grateful. She would issue him with the online accounts she could remember, passwords, usernames and pins where required. She would also draft up a mandate giving him permission to act on her behalf in case the banks were awkward. Whatever money remained he was more than welcome to - she had no need for it in Azeroth.
It had been a strange conversation to have. Almost as if she was erasing her existence, which in effect, was exactly what she was doing. She expressed that if he did not wish to carry out the 'closure' then he was free to let it slide. Her landlord would soon step in and remove everything anyway. The only thing she really wanted him to have was access to her money. As long as he accepted the money back which he had paid out for her, she would be more than appreciative.
But, Drew, still the faithful puppy, assured her he would do everything necessary. The finer details they would address another day.
He then presented the gifts he had brought, including the spruced up teddy bear. Sarah was overcome by his generosity and the beautiful items he had given for Ocel.
"Would you like to see him? He is sleeping, but that's alright."
"Sure," Drew smiled.
She carried through the things he had given her, and they slipped into the nursery. Sarah folded and tucked the items of clothing into the set of drawers near the window, while Drew stood over the crib, looking down at sleeping boy. "He has his mother's good looks anyway," he said.
Sarah laughed lightly. "Better say its Khadgar's good looks, I think he's a bit self-conscious after Erik's comments earlier."
Drew laughed too, but it soon faded when she asked him about the clothing. "I'm well impressed by these," she said. "Did you pick them out yourself?"
He continued watching Ocel for a few more moments before turning to her. "No. I had someone help."
Sarah stopped in mid-fold of a romper suit and looked at him, eyebrows cinched. "Oh? Who is she?" She asked smiling.
When Drew's mouth did not react similarly, she placed the romper in the drawer and closed it quietly. She walked over to where he stood, his hands still on the edge of the crib avoiding her eyes. She touched his arm.
In that instant, her ears filled not with three heartbeats as expected – Drew's, hers and Ocel's – but a more distant fourth thrummed steadily too. She glanced to the door thinking perhaps it was Khadgar or even Erik. But no. There was something...different. She could not understand it though. Faded, partial images floated across her mind - butterflies, a celebration of some kind, a wedding perhaps? She blanched a little at the sight of a city, destroyed, merely rubble, and felt such terrible sorrow. A clawed hand then crossed her view and the vision turned red. She broke contact with Drew. The images and the distant heartbeat evaporated.
Drew noted her brief reaction. The demon markings were pulsing their brilliance, just a little, a hint, but enough for them to show through her shift.
"Sarah?" his dark eyes searched hers. Whatever had just happened, was odd to say the least. "Something wrong?" his voice had an air of concern.
She shook her head, still at an utter loss as to what had just passed. "No. Nothing." She would give it some thought later perhaps, but now was not the time. She swallowed quietly, then smiled back at him. "So. Tell me. Who is she, your mysterious shopper friend?"
Drew took a deep breath. He had been wondering how he was going to broach the subject certainly, but Sarah had opened the way for him. Now the opportunity was here, he wasn't particularly looking forward to spilling the beans. Truth was, it may turn out harmless, but something in his gut told him, as long as Mick was involved, it had the potential to be ... troublesome, anyway. "That is something I need to speak to both you and Khadgar about." He replied.
"It's that serious?" she jested. "Where have you been hiding her?"
There was no sparkle in his eyes, merely an underlying concern of some description. "I haven't been hiding anyone, that's part of the problem. I've basically just met her. And I think I've screwed up - big time."
Sarah could accept if he wished to speak with her about relationship problems, but the need to involve Khadgar was something she didn't understand.
As if reading her mind, Drew took another deep breath. "It involves Azeroth. Here. Now."
Another knock came to the front door. Sarah looked towards the hall. "Busy place tonight," she commented, before she turned back to face Drew. She almost touched his arm again but decided against it. Instead, she gave him one of her warmest smiles. "Don't worry Drew, we will discuss whatever is bothering you. I'm sure it's not as bad as you think."
Khadgar joined them a moment later. "A moment please," he said to their guest.
Drew nodded and made to leave the room. "You have a good looking son," he said to the Archmage as he levelled with him. He considered Sarah's words earlier. "He looks like you, Khadgar. No doubt he'll make you proud."
Khadgar's mouth split into a wide grin. "Thank you," he said. "Most people say he looks like Sarah. You're the first to say he's like me."
Drew inclined his head to hide a grin, then left the two of them in the room as he went to rejoin Erik.
The Archmage looked at Sarah. Her heart skipped a beat. Then it almost thundered to a stop. She knew that look. Something important had come up.
"I'm sorry," he said crossing the room to hold her. "I have to leave."
She placed her hands on his chest. "What! Now?" She could hide the disappointment in her voice.
He tightened his hold around her. "Yes. Kayn just gave me a message. Illidan wants to meet with me in Dalaran."
"Illidan? What can he want that is so important to make you leave tonight?"
"Something strange is happening within the Dark Portal. Two orcs came through to inform us."
"What? Is that even possible? I thought it was only one way now."
"Well, they have found a way through and they have something to tell us, which it seems Illidan is quite excited about."
Sarah, not one to interfere in Khadgar's work, still did not understand why he had to go now. If it was something the Lord of demon hunters was getting a jolly from why didn't he just deal with it himself? She voiced her opinion.
"It is only hypothesis just now Sarah, but it needs my input. If it is what Illidan suspects, we must investigate this thoroughly - and sooner rather than later."
A shiver ran down her spine. Although she had an inkling as to what Khadgar referred, she nonetheless found herself asking the question. "And what does he think it is?"
The Archmage's arms tightened around her. He planted a kiss on top of her head before answering. "The Void."
