May your past be the sound
Of your feet upon the ground.
Carry on.

~Carry On -Fun~

It was a slow process, but Cordana regained her strength little by little. Khadgar took her for walks around the tower, then around the garrison where the rebuilding after the attack was still ongoing. She was very glad to get out and stretch her legs, despite the pain it caused at first. The physician looked her over at the 2 week point, then at 4, then at 6. He deemed she was well enough to go about regular activity. As expected, that was not good enough for the Warden.

Cordana took to training with Jaaral's men, to get back into shape. She felt slow and cumbersome, but despite her injuries she was still quicker and more deadly than his men. Jaaral himself, however, was another matter. The big Draenei was difficult to best, and Cordana had to gracefully concede defeat.

"Once I am back 100%, I shall ask for a rematch, Commander," she said amiably.

"I look forward to it, Warden," he said with a laugh. "I better get training, for I feel that I may be in trouble once that day comes. Even compromised you are a fine warrior and the Archmage is in good hands indeed."

The compliment pleased her.

"Khadgar, " she said that night over dinner. "I am ready to begin work on the mission again. What we discussed about the Observer."

"Alright," he responded. "Tomorrow we shall speak with Jaaral, and prepare to travel. It will be up to Lady Toriona to look after the garrison while we are gone. We must make sure she is up to the task."

Cordana felt alive again, being able to move about freely. She looked forward to carrying out their mission, coming one step closer to destroying the dreadful warlock Gul'Dan. The sooner he was gone, the sooner they could return to their own timeline and life could return to normal.

She curled up in Khadgar's arms that night, both of them full of anticipation of the day to come. They were both tired and fell asleep almost immediately.

The morning came quickly, and after their usual rituals of bathing and gearing up, Khadgar made them a portal to the garrison. Jaaral was in his war room with his wife, discussing something with his mission specialists. He looked up when Khadgar and Cordana entered.

"Greetings, Archmage!" said Jaaral. "And Cordana, I am pleased to see you looking so well. We will make quite a team!" He laughed and gestured to them to have a seat at the carved wooden table.

"I have spoken with Toriona, and she will see to matters here while we are away. Have you had time to think on our travel plans?"

Khadgar held a chair for Cordana, then sat down beside her. She felt strange sitting at the table with him rather than stealthed silently behind him in a corner somewhere. He had said that he wanted her closer to him, more as a companion than a protector. She was not sure how she felt about the change in her role. She believed herself more comfortable unseen, preferring him to make his decisions and she carry them out. Cordana was not a tactician. She would rather just observe, and fight, but if it made him happy, she would do as he asked...when within the confines of the garrison or Tower at least.

"I had hoped to leave by this afternoon if all was in order, Commander," said Khadgar. "I have filled Cordana in on what we plan to do. She is well versed in dealing with demons of any kind. I wish to observe the shadow council village I discovered during my scryings. However, they hide themselves rather well, and to push through their defenses would raise an alarm. Having an Observer under our command would keep their suspicions at bay as we can use the creature to do the scrying for us."

Jaaral looked slightly puzzled. "As a warrior, I am not educated in the ways of magic. How can the demon be made to help us? They are not known for their eagerness to assist anyone!"

"A demon's will can be bent to the one who has dominance over it. If we break it's will, or otherwise subdue it, I will be able to use it to see what I wish to see. But first we must find such a beast. I have an idea where one might be located but I will need to be careful."

At those words, Cordana turned to him. "There is a danger to you, Khadgar? You did not tell me this."

He patted her hand. "It is alright, my beloved," he said smoothly. "I do not wish Gul'Dan or his spies to know I am seeking him. I must be careful with the amount of energy I send out magically, my power is like a beacon to those who also are so inclined. I will be able to sense the Observer, but it is you and Jaaral who must hunt and capture him."

Cordana didn't like the sound of it. "If Jaaral and I are off seeking this demon, who will protect you? No, it is my duty to remain at your side. We must bring others with us to assist Jaaral."

Khadgar smiled at her. "Your concern for me warms my heart, but this is war and in war risks must be taken, Cordana. I will be fine. I can take care of myself while you are away."

The Warden was not convinced. Too many times the Archmage's arrogance had gotten him into a bind. Yes he was incredibly powerful, but he thought too much of himself and was often reckless with his own safety. "It makes me uncomfortable, Khadgar," she said, knowing that he would not take her seriously, and she would do his bidding regardless.

They spent a bit of time overlooking the map, with Khadgar pointing where he had gotten the strongest readings on a potential demon. The creatures preferred to hide in grottos or caves, and there was one location which had several of each, and there was also an abandoned Kaldorei outpost, Starfall, in the area which they could secure for their use.

It was less than a day's journey away, and if they left immediately they could reach the outpost before the sun set.

Khadgar was concerned about Cordana walking the entire way, and insisted she retrieve her Moonsabre. Jaaral was more comfortable walking or jogging along, and the Archmage could easily transmogrify into his raven form. He did so, and rode on Cordana's shoulder.

When they reached Starfall, they were surprised to find that it was not abandoned after all. There was a sacred moonwell present, a Kaldorei Priestess of the Moon, several sentries and a chronicler. Cordana was happy to see her people, and they were honored at her presence: Wardens were feared and respected. She explained why they had come, and was immediately led to the Chronicler.

"My name is Daesha," the older Kaldorei said. "I have information for you that will help you in your quest. There is a powerful and dark presence in the village to the south. We have felt it wax and wane, it has no permanent place there but comes and goes often. We have been unable to get close enough to find out what is going on there, but there is definitely something evil in that village."

Could Gul'Dan be making an appearance in that place? And if not him, one of his lieutenants?

"Daesha, in your time here, have you ever seen or heard any stories of demons?" Khadgar was hopeful that their search might not take as long as he feared.

The Kaldorei nodded. "There are always rumors floating about. Sometimes it may be true, other times its just there to keep outsiders away. The scouts here are very careful and avoid the village regardless. We are here to dedicate the moonwell, nothing more."

Khadgar thanked Daesha and let her get back to her tome. He spoke to the Priestess, Daelas Moonfang, and the sentries as well, but no one had anything else to add. He conjured a few tents, and made them as comfortable as possible, especially for Cordana. She sank down onto the sheepskin and furs with a grateful sigh.

The Archmage knelt down and lay a hand on her forehead. "I know you are not quite where you feel you need to be, physically," he said kindly. "I thank you for your support in this, Cordana. It means everything to me to have you at my side."

She smiled at him. "I just wish to have a bit of a rest. Than we can begin our search."

He nodded and stood. "I will be just outside, with Jaaral, having a look at the map."

As it was, she slept far longer than she intended, and Khadgar left her alone. When night fell, Jaaral went to his respective tent, and the Archmage removed his battle gear and found a place under the blanket with Cordana. He gathered her drowsy form into his arms, holding her close, her head on his chest. She draped an arm and a leg over him, but did not awaken.