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The pacing was familiar, another comfort within these walls and had him almost smiling. Though as he murmured something Khadgar knew, he wondered if he should tell him that one of the leaders was Llane's son, Varian. Instead, he watched and listened. Coming to his own conclusions to himself, though as he said he could no longer ignore the pull of Karazhan... well, the smile did properly appear upon his face, softening his old features.

He wracked his brain for a way to explain to Medivh more of the situation at hand, though found himself coming up short. His attention was brought to Medivh attempting to thump Atiesh, but well... He didn't have it. Khadgar surprised himself with the bark of laughter that erupted out of him and moved only close enough to tease the idea of perhaps handing Atiesh to the Magus. Though he had no real want of doing it, truly, he was a little bit of a brat that way.

"There is no need for a Guardian, Medivh. However, counsel and experience are things that are needed. Azeroth has changed greatly, old friend."

The Archmage stood straighter and moved to look back at the books that he had disturbed, the coating of dust making him frown and then nod resolutely to himself. He did need to return to finding what he came for, though he realized that he should apologize for the attack.

"The last time I was here alone, Medivh... Coming to find another set of answers, there had been a Dread Lord using your form to try and tempt me into being a pawn, that is why I attacked so furiously. It was not that I thought you still possessed, more I thought you were a literal demon here to tempt me even more. Still not quite sure if you aren't one, but a little danger never hurt anyone."

The sudden laughter caused Medivh's eyes to snap over to Khadgar, eyebrows raising in surprise. In a way he supposed he understood. He knew him well enough to know his sense of humor and how it worked. Though he didn't respond with a smile or a laugh of his own, he did cross his arms (to prevent any future fail thumping without the staff in his hand) with a glint to his eye and a quirk to his mouth as Khadgar stepped forward. Again, it was hard to resist the urge to reach out and touch the other man. To reassure himself that he was actually there. Yet another reason why he crossed his arms so.

"I know..." He murmured softly at Khadgar's words that a Guardian wasn't needed. In truth, one person shouldn't have to be burdened with such a thing. All of the peoples of Azeroth must band together to protect her against the Legion. Not one. "You have earned the title more than I ever could have, young Trust." There was no denying the pride within the soft, almost gentle tones.

The mention of a demon lord in the tower however, caused a visible change in Medivh's expression and demeanor. Outrage. Pure and simple. Tightly reigned but still there, flashing like a storm cloud in his eyes and in his face. The energy around him was nearly physically palpable, though it didn't manifest visibly. It took him a few moments to compose himself enough to speak. Oh there was going to be hell to pay. He would make sure of it.

The Legion must fall.

"Khadgar." He said, voice slightly gruff. "I understand your doubts and do not blame you for them. But reach out with your senses, just like I have taught you in the past. I will not resist. Know that it is me, and not a trick." This was not something he offered lightly. To open oneself to another's magical probing left one vulnerable. Especially to magical attack. The Magus simply held his hands out palm up in a gesture of trust. The other mage would also be able to feel that had not gathered any magic to prepare himself for a spell.

All humor ended up knocked from Khadgar as his master spoke to him, told him he earned that title more than Medivh had. He wanted to refute it, though the storm that brewed within Medivh's eyes quickly shut any chance of teasing the Magus down with only a glance.

He hadn't felt that anger in over 30 years, he realized. And though he knew it was anger that the Legion had begun to defile Karazhan, Khadgar couldn't help but find the feeling all that more soothing. Such a temper when he was younger would have had him tiptoeing lightly and it drew another smile from the Archmage, almost unwillingly.

Khadgar opened his mouth, only to shut it as the offer to probe Medivh with his magic and well, he wasted no time and gave no true warning while he reached out for a hand and began to push his own magic out so he could feel the other completely. It would not be harsh or truly prodding, simply feeling around and attempting to curl around the Magus completely. It was short, but there was no lie found within his probes, it was truly Medivh.

Medivh was there.

Pulling his magic back to himself, Khadgar stared at Medivh looking lost for the second time that night. His heart thumped in staccato and he drew his eyes shut to gather his words. The Archmage couldn't bring himself to let go of the one hand and took a sharp breath before opening his eyes to truly look at him.

Everything was like how he last saw it.

Perhaps he wasn't senile after all.

Slowly he pulled his hand away from the warm palm that he had grasped tighter than he perhaps should have and found that he didn't want to let go. He did it anyways, Khadgar needed to continue to remind himself why he held himself in tight reign. He could not afford to stumble or break, no matter who it was before him.

"You are..."

He was truly at a loss for words and scrunched his white brows while tilting his head to the side in a brief studious glance. Strands of his hair fell back against his forehead, then suddenly he made a noise of annoyance and brushed the locks back and gave Medivh a truly sheepish look.

"Medivh, welcome home."

As promised, Medivh didn't resist when Khadgar reached out and grabbed one of his hands. He merely lowered his eyes, studying the hand grasping his own as he remained open to the other man. He could feel Khadgar's senses reaching out. It didn't really feel invasive to Medivh. Not really. The other mage had seen him at his worst. What was there to hide? He stayed still like that, allowing Khadgar to make sure that it was him, and not a demon.

When the magical senses retreated, Medivh's eyes opened and he looked down at Khadgar's face, seeing the lost look in his eyes. He could understand that feeling, especially now. In the past, he had been too caught in the war over his soul to be really himself. This was the first time he could actually be himself with Khadgar, with no demonic influence playing him like a puppet. He heard Khadgar's murmur and his hand felt the other mage grip tighter. He returned the squeeze.

"Yes.." He whispered, lips twitching into a small sad smile. "It's really me." He didn't resist when Khadgar pulled his hand away, though he didn't want to end the contact just yet. It had been hard to show affection when in the grips of demonic possession. But in the past he did try. Touches to the hands or arms. Shoulders. Even pats to the head. Being someone who never really got any physical affection - he wasn't really sure how to give it himself. Not without much awkwardness.

However Khadgar welcoming him home, caused a sudden burst of emotion to bubble up from within him. It caused him to smile, though his eyes were bright with hidden tears. Almost hesitantly he reached out, grasping Khadgar's shoulders as he studied his face. Seeing how much he had grown. Not just physically, but magically as well. He couldn't be more proud of him. Just as he thought, feeling that physical contact reassured him that this was real and that this was happening. Next thing he knew...he had pulled the mage gently toward him, throwing caution to the wind and embracing him tightly as emotion took over.

The words made all lingering tension flee from his body and he even looked up at Medivh with a soft curl of his lips as he planted his hands on his shoulders. However, he was not expecting to be pulled in for a hug and made a loud shocked noise as his face was pressed aginst the other's chest.

The Archmage stood frozen there for a few seconds before he released Atiesh from his grip, allowing the staff to clatter loudly against the floor and sink his arms around Medivh and hug him back.

It was really Medivh.

He couldn't help the way he pressed his face closer against the other mage or how he fisted one hand in the cloak. He didn't resist the embrace and even smiled brightly against him.

"There is so much I need to tell you," Khadgar murmured from where he was pressed, voice muffled and pleased.

It wouldn't be for another few moments that he realized that he had wanted this for years. How often did he wake up from a dream that involved Medivh doing something like this? Too often, especially when he found the days harder and harder to handle. Now, trapped within Medivh's arms, he was finally able to say he knew what it felt like.

"You will... I will need to return to Dalaran soon," the Archmage muttered, voice low and rough with emotions, belying how he wasn't ready to let go of Medivh in case he disappeared and was never to be found again, "you should come with me. Even if it is you simply staying as a raven. I do not think you should stay here alone."

What a weak way of saying that Khadgar simply didn't want to let Medivh out of his sight and couldn't shove his duties off like he would've been so pleased with if it had been any other time.

"Please, come with me."

He hadn't meant his voice to be more than imploring, but instead he had sounded like he was down right near begging Medivh to come with him for his own peace of mind. He tightened one hand around the fabric he had been clutching and shifted his head only slightly so his face wasn't so obscured by both feathers and fabric. Khadgar had to wonder if it was a foolish thing to ask of Medivh, or if it would be insulting or something akin to that.

Khadgar decided he did not care and peered up from where he had rested his cheek and simply watched Medivh.

At the noise Khadgar made when Medivh pulled him close - he had for a brief moment, wondered if he had made a mistake. But just as the tension seemed to bleed out of his old apprentice, so too, did the Magus relax as Khadgar's arms slid around him. The greatstaff clattered to the ground at their feet. Medivh could feel the other man's hold tighten, and he felt a hand grip his cloak in a fist. Emotions roiled within the mage, causing his chest and throat to constrict. He wasn't certain who needed this more...and guessed that perhaps both of them did. The Magus simply murmured a quiet sound as he held him tighter, resting his head against Khadgar's snow white hair. Overcome, he closed his eyes as a tear slid down his cheek.

They stood like that in silence for an indeterminate amount of time, lost in both memory and emotion. Medivh was very much warm and alive in Khadgar's hold; his heartbeat strong and even beneath Khadgar's cheek. A warm hand soothed through the Archmage's hair. Surprisingly, the hug never reached that awkward point where one wasn't sure when to let go or if they were holding on too long. Apparently neither of them wanted to let go yet.

Khadgar's voice broke the silence, muffled against his chest. Medivh's lips twitched into a soft smile as he nodded, the strands of his beard brushing against the other man's temple. "I know." He murmured. All would be told in time. He knew that Azeroth had changed since his demise, and wished to know as much as he could in order to help fight against the Legion.

The mention of Dalaran reminded Medivh that time was of the essence. It appeared their quiet moment was coming to an end. He couldn't deny that such a realization gave him quiet sadness. He could hear the emotions in Khadgar's voice, and he briefly squeezed the other mage in his arms.

The pleading tone, and Khadgar shifting his head, caused Medivh to look down at the Archmage's face just inches away. He...hadn't intended on going to Dalaran. Being with the Bronze Dragons made him more aware that his presence might cause some...stirrings among the older mages who might remember him. Also the somewhat reclusive Magus wasn't really of a mind to be in any city. But...Khadgar....

He uttered a soft shaky sigh - his own eyes filled with emotion as he studied the other man's face. Azeroth needed his help. Khadgar needed his help. How could he say no?

"I will remain to offer what aid that I can. But I must exercise caution." He said gently. His own voice roughened with emotion. "But first...what were you looking for. Perhaps I can help you in your task?"

Feeling the hand smooth through his hair picked up a shiver that went down his spine and the coarse beard hairs tickling against his temple had him realizing how close he was to Medivh. That alone nearly made him gently pry himself away because it screamed too much physical contact and he was very tired.

The steady thrum of Medivh's heart had almost forced the anxiety from the anticipated response to leave as fast as it began. It wasn't until he heard the answer that he completely relaxed and accepted that yes, he would have Medivh's counsel in Dalaran in some form at least.

It wasn't until Medivh mentioned that he perhaps offer him insight on his task that he had turned to the books for answers on, that he slowly released his white-knuckled grip on the back of Medivh's cloak and began unwillingly untangling himself from the dark haired mage's hold.

"Ah, I have a question to ask first," Khadgar began, finally stepping back completely, "do you have any idea where anything is in this Library Medivh?"

Medivh felt Khadgar loosen his hold and almost reluctantly, let the other man go. Without a staff to hold or lean on, he wasn't really sure what to do with his hands so he merely crossed his arms again while trying to retain as much dignity as he could at the situation, and at Khadgar's question.

"Hrm...point taken." He said grudgingly. "However since you had organized it, I have a better idea where things are...." It had been a long time since he had stepped into his tower though - and things could have been easily taken or moved around. Besides, that's what a quick divination or finding spell was for. It made it quicker to find a lost item.

Restless, he paced again - idly running fingers along the edge of a shelf, brushing away at the dust. His mind had always been so busy, that aspect of him never changed. The energies of the tower tugged at him, around him and beneath - always distracting but also comforting.

"It has been so long..." He found himself murmuring. "It is good to be home again." The candlelight accentuated the shadows of his face. Not as heavily lined as in his previous life when Sargeras had taken such a toll on him physically - but he still had shadows under his eyes betraying lack of proper sleep.

The younger mage bent to pick up the great staff off the floor, murmuring an apology to the adored weapon, before he lit up the room with it. He let it go soon after, allowing it to float next to him and help him better watch Magus from where he stood. Just taking in the way Medivh moved and how the raven feathers caught the light of Atiesh.

Something twisted in the pit of his stomach and Khadgar did not wish to name what he was feeling in that moment. He could, if he truly wanted to, call it longing, but Khadgar had long become friends with said emotion and this was more... potent than that. Maybe it was more than just simple longing.

He stood immobile next to the staff left to him by the man brushing up the dust with the tips of his fingers and he, as a whole, seemed like he was always in motion. It reminded him of the first time he watched Medivh take the steps of the tower two at a time and it caused his lips to tug into a soft, perhaps even sad, smile.

Khadgar couldn't tear his blue eyes off of him, like if he looked away for even a second he would disappear and the man would find himself alone. As if a whisper of wind swept Medivh up on its breeze and carried him out as if he was smoke or dust.

Briefly, he wondered how he must've looked standing there just observing the former guardian with what he was sure was a gaze that could only be considered bittersweet.

Oh yes, he was happy, but his stomach and heart were protesting that Medivh would be gone again after the Legion's defeat and Khadgar would be left to continue on. His heart ached more at that thought reverberating through his skull, bouncing against the sides and making his head mind begin the same thought process as his heart and stomach. Troublesome, traitorous parts of his body that held him him enraptured by the dark haired male before him.

The Archmage could still hear the steady lub-dub of Medivh's heart against his ear if he really tried, letting it become the beat of some piece of music hidden away in his head. He knew then, he would truly never be able to let the Magus go in any way. They had not been together long and there was the heavy glint of Sargeras in every memory he had, however, he remembered brief instances like this. Where Medivh was almost like a child in his wonder and perhaps this would just join the many other memories that he had of the Archmage when the time came for Medivh to once again leave.

The white haired man's hair began to fall back into his face and Khadgar simply gave up trying to brush it out of his vision as it was not going to cooperate this night (At least he assumed it was night outside, The Light knows how long he had stood there going through the books, rearranging and cleaning as he went along). It was enough to draw him back into the now, that there was a massive threat headed their way and he had a reason – and very glad for that reason he was now – to be within the library of Karazhan. He almost didn't want to come out of his revere, wanted to stand there and watch the elder mage continue fuss with the books that Khadgar would have to put back in order after he was done. But, he had come for a reason and the thought of the message that Turalyon had sent back with Light's Heart, he needed to focus.

"I am here looking for something, anything that could help me awaken an artifact that was sent to us to help in the war against the Legion. I have reason to believe that perhaps one of the Pillars of Creation could help with. I am just at a loss as to how or even which one. I came here for answers, as I did before, on the Pillars of Creation."

Only instead of finding an answer, he found Medivh.

"I do not want to damage the poor thing by using the wrong Pillar..."

Khadgar finally strode to stand shoulder to shoulder with Medivh and glance at the books he was looking at.

"This," Khadgar murmured with a soft snort, "would be where the romantic epics are, Medivh."

He couldn't stop the smile that grew upon his face nor could he stop the soft laugh that busted out of him as he realized that he may not actually remember what this section was. Even if he was sure it was the romantic epics that Medivh had collected, he still wasn't completely sure.

“I could be wrong, however,” Khadgar admitted and then moved from the Magus's side and began look for where he thought the tidbit he needed would actually lay, fingers beginning to dance across the spines of the tomes knowingly occasionally stopping to brush off dust so he could get a better look at what he was touching.

He used the chance to detach himself from the intense urge of simply drawing Medivh back within his grasp and cling like a toddler missing their parent. There was no time for it, there was no time for anything but work really and maybe, while he glanced at the ex-Guardian from the corner of his eyes... Well, perhaps maybe he did deserve to attempt to sleep for more than a few hours. He could tell the other was just about as sleep deprived as Khadgar, though he never really thought of why he could be, at least when he was 17 he could chalk it up to the green eyed mage being eccentric.

Now that was his excuse for anything he did and yes, perhaps he did take a bit more amusement in it than he should...

“When was the last time you slept, Medivh?” He finally settled on, pausing in pulling out a book to really look up at him. “You look more in need of a goods night rest than I apparently do. Perhaps you should find a place to settle down for a short while, I doubt I will be able to concentrate on attempting to find the book I am in need of right now as you are here."

Was that rude? Khadgar hadn't meant it as such, he honestly doubted he could do anything with the Magus's presence being so intensely distracting. He didn't think there was anything that could distract him more than Medivh right at that moment. Instead of searching for the information, he was taking to standing around and staring at the man like a lost puppy.

He supposed that one night of simply catching up with the man would serve him well in getting him back on track. Instead of him attempting and becoming frustrated when all of his attempts landed him back in the same place, he could simply focus on his want for the moment.

Khadgar rationalized that one night without him vigilant and focused would not end the world, at least he didn't think it would. Though Azeroth had proved him wrong before and truly, was it him not being on guard if he was still vaguely able to make sense of things if it happened?

Edited 2016-09-26 15:59 (UTC)

Medivh wandered restlessly among the shelves, aware that Khadgar had used Atiesh for more light, but unaware of the other mage studying his every movement with a wistful, longing expression. The Magus was lost in his own mind and whirling emotions - unable to process them all.

His emotions had always been intense and confusing and mixed as far as his old apprentice was concerned. That had never changed - though some of the nature of those emotions seemed to have evolved over time. Even now, he could remember as if it was yesterday quiet moments playing chess, or deep conversations over meals. Spirited debates or magical training. Quiet moments where the demonic presence wasn't as prevalent - though thinking back - Sargeras had always been there, staining every experience.

Along with the good memories came the bad. The time when he had walked in on Khadgar in the library, thinking he was a thief and attacking with a wave of magic. The murdering of Moroes and Cook and all that transpired beneath the tower. His own death.

Yes. Both intense affection and joy, mixed with intense shame and regret. Even now, sadness hung about him like a silent cloud - seen mostly in his tired eyes. In his second chance at life - all of his focus and efforts and energies had been put towards trying to make up for all the horrible crimes of his past. To make up for his failures. Rage flitted about within the other emotions too. Rage at Sargeras. Rage at the Legion - wishing he could just obliterate all of it. And so his emotions flitted back and forth rapidly - as if unsure what to settle on first. That, combined with being immersed in the heady comforting energies of Karazhan - gave him an almost dazed almost distracted expression as he wandered lost in it. It was Khadgar's presence that helped keep most of the rage at bay, though it lay in wait. Just the thought of their recent contact - holding him and running a hand through his hair was enough to soften his heart.

Khadgar was speaking. Pillars of creation? He felt a flash of recognition and he straightened slightly from where he was leaning against a shelf. "Pillars?" He murmured. "Yes...yes...I know this...." He sounded almost distant as he thought hard on it, continuing to walk slowly to another shelf and stare without really looking at the books on it. It was when Khadgar suddenly stood at his shoulder that he came back to himself, looking over at the mage at the remark about romantic epics. The other man's laughter pulled a grin out of him, green eyes twinkling as he uttered a soft chuckle of his own.

"Eh..I'll take your word for it." He said, turning to continue wandering. He paused though, to silently study the way Khadgar's fingers danced along the books and scrolls as he searched. "I still retain all that my mother placed in me at my original birth. I will offer what knowledge I can." He assured. Silence resumed as both men moved about the shelves - though Medivh was a lot more distracted than Khadgar seemed to be. The sudden question about the last time he slept caught him by surprised, and he blinked over at the Archmage, brows furrowed in thought.

"The last time I tried? Or the last full sleep I had?" He quipped, not offended in the slightest at Khadgar's words. "I tend to put that as a second priority when existence is at stake." He would catch naps when he could and consider it a success if it wasn't disturbed by visions or horrific nightmares.

Perhaps is was more that Khadgar could not keep his attention on anything but Medivh, Khadgar had to wonder as he mulled over the answer his question over the other's sleep. It did sound familiar to him, as he said the exact same thing whenever he was attempting to balance everything all at once.

"Is there truly a difference between them?" He asked off-handedly, only slightly curious if there was a difference between them for Medivh before closing his eyes to focus and try to think of another way to attempt to get his awkward request for simply just to rest next to Medivh out in the open.

Bluntness would always work, though he thought that was to forward and Khadgar had noticed he nearly shied away from the prospect of more touches from Medivh from both his tired state and the reaction such things usually brought with it.

"I ask because as I do not believe I will be getting much done tonight from how distracted I am, I was going to find somewhere to rest for a short while. I missed my second nap and find my mind focusing on other things."

"Hrm...perhaps....or perhaps not." Medivh folded his arms, cocking his head slightly. "Any rest without being disturbed is a luxury to be honest." He huffed a sigh, the feathered mantle shifting as he shrugged a little. "It has been far too long since I have last properly rested. If it's not a battlefield, it's horrific visions." He started to pace again, agitated. He really missed his staff.

He hesitated for a moment before turning to face Khadgar again with a quiet expression. Considering.

"Perhaps we can both take this lull to at least attempt at rest then. We will be of no use to our allies if we do not."

The discomfort of Medivh was not lost on Khadgar and well, he could fix one source of it and reached out for the floathing great staff. He brought it down and handed Atiesh to the Magus, urging him to take the staff.

"I would like that," he murmured roughly, allowing himself to look as tired as he felt. His other hand gingerly reached out to touch Medivh again, though he paused and pulled his hand back. His blue eyed gaze fixated upon the floor and move the hand to his brow to rub lightly.

Too many feelings all one time and he needed to sort them out when he had a moment alone, but he knew touching... well, it would need to be done sparingly until he managed to sleep for a short while. If only so he didn't manage to put his head back onto Medivh's chest and not move for who knew how long.

"There are only few places within the tower still suitable for such a thing, one of which... is here. I apologize for that, I have not been back upon this early for more than two years in the first time in years."

Medivh's green eyes watched the movement of Khadgar's hand - aching to reach out for it, but he restrained himself. He had never experienced such urges to such an intensity before. Or at least...perhaps he never got a chance to. His eyebrows rose and he glanced from the staff to Khadgar when it was offered to him. After a stunned silence, the Magus couldn't help but approach and reach out to rest a hand on Khadgar's shoulder. He slowly shook his head.

"Khadgar." He murmured, tones soft, though there was a quiet sad look to his eyes. A small smile softened his features. "Keep it. You have earned it more than I. In the end, it chose you."

He looked about them, considering a good location to at least attempt rest. There was some some quiet sitting areas off the main room of the library - and perhaps the old reading couches were still there. The kind that one could lounge on.

"Come. We can use one of the smaller sitting rooms. I believe there are couches to lounge on that will suit our purpose."

Edited 2016-09-27 01:49 (UTC)

"I was not telling you to keep it, Medivh," Khadgar pointed out, brows raising as the hand was set upon his shoulder. "You are fidgeting without something to hold." Maybe he was a slight bit amused that Medivh assumed he was giving him the staff back.

Atiesh would be his one reminder in the end, when Medivh left after the Legion was dealt with he decided it wasn't worth arguing with the ex-Guardian over and instead made an agreeable sound at the suggestion that they move to one of the dusty couches would be better than the floor against a book shelf.

"Lead the way," he suggested and did not stop his hand from setthing on top of the one against his shoulder, "I am beginning to see what the Champions believe about me. For the most part, at least."

At the words that Khadgar didn't mean for him to keep Atiesh, the Magus straightened and lifted his chin slightly - a slight hint of a flush on his high cheekbones. "Hrm. I knew that." He quipped finally, though his lips turned up at the corners as Khadgar touched his hand. Despite the mis-assumption, he did mean what he said. "I'll figure something out..." He added quieter. There was plenty of staves that he could use as a temporary focus until he could return to the Caverns of Time. Perhaps he would look to find one when they went to Dalaran.

Medivh gave the Archmage's shoulder a squeeze before letting it go, turning to lead them both to one of the smaller rooms off of the main library. "Oh really?" He said, looking over his shoulder at Khadgar's words. "Don't tell me you've picked up my bad habits?" He teased lightly.

The room the Magus led his old apprentice into was small and a cozier size compared to the cavernous high ceilinged library. Tapestries lined the walls, and an unlit brazier was in a corner. A small table and chairs dominated the middle of the room and a large lounge couch against the far wall.

With a wave of a hand - Medivh lit the brazier with magical fire that had no need for wood, but would warm the chilled space a little. Finally he stepped to the door and set a protective ward out of old habit. Fingers of a single hand danced - tipped with the arcane as he set the spell and without a staff to thump - he simply thumped his foot on the ground. Arcane energies flashed in a circle at his feet, spreading outwards and disappearing. Yes, he was linked closely to Karazhan and he would sense presences good or bad on his property - but this would add extra insurance. It would also wake them if they ended up sleeping too deeply. Absolutely nothing, not even a dreadlord could creep up on them now.

Finally, he tugged back his hood and headed to the lounge couch with a weary sigh - sitting on an end and rubbing his face. He was emotionally exhausted as well as physically.

Khadgar couldn't help but raise his brows in awe as he watched even the faintest blush spread acros Medivh's face for making the wrong assumption about Khadgar's offer of Atiesh to hold for the moment. For a few seconds, Khadgar couldn't hear anything else over quickening sound of his heart in his ears and then smiled at the man. But the man was squeezing his shoulder just as fast and turning away to lead him to where they'd rest. The Archmage perhaps, wanted to tease him over it, but instead... well he lifted the greatstaff and used the ornate top to bonk Medivh lightly on the head.

“It would be a temporary fix until we could find another,” he said firmly. Though he dropped the subject as suddenly he was being accused of picking up Medivh's bad habits and it was his turn to blush. First his ears went, then it travelled over his cheeks and down his neck. Khadgar was faintly sure that he should refute what was said, but instead he simply hit the Magus over the head once more.

“I am human, despite my attempts at being... well, ever alert. With the looming threat of the Legion, I am always looking for ways to help the Champions.” His head tilted defiantly and maybe he sounded a bit petulant at the implication that he purposely picked that bad habit up. “I find sleep gets in the way of possibly progress of such.”

Khadgar would've said more, but they were already in the room and it was lit up by Medivh. Wonderful, this should've been his first idea to rest in, though he knew that it was definitely not to say anything bad about his character. His piercing blue gaze scanned the room and allowed his gaze to stop on the pile of books that he had left so long ago. He didn't move forward, instead turned his attention on Medivh and his sudden cascade of black hair falling out of the now down hood.

“I thought it was strange not to see you with long hair,” he murmured quietly, “I assumed it was cut for whatever reason.”

But just as Medivh was pulling his hood down, Khadgar moved into the room properly and sat down to at least get some of the stiff leather and cloth off of him. He paused mid way taking off his gloves, looking up at Medivh (and maybe warily scootching Atiesh toward himself with a foot).

“It's uncomfortable to rest in some of this.”

At least he was being honest.

If it had been anyone else but Khadgar bonking him lightly on the head with their staff, they would have gotten an earful from an irritable Magus - but instead, his old apprentice got a bemused snort and a roll of the eyes. He couldn't help a self satisfied smirk though at the response to his teasing jibe. He didn't need to see Khadgar behind him to know the Archmage was blushing. He could hear it in his voice.

Once they were situated in the room, he glanced over at Khadgar when the other man sat on the couch. The fire from the brazier cast a warm glow on his face, softening his features, causing his green eyes to stand out and his dark hair to contrast starkly against his skin. He smirked a little at the hair comment.

"It grew out." He said simply. "Hard to find a barber in a battlefield." He raised a brow as he worked on undoing the clasps on his mantled cloak. "I prefer it long anyway." He offered a sound of agreement in his throat, agreeing with the fact that sleeping in layers of clothing could be...uncomfortable. Out in the field, there was no luxury to change into something preferable. One pretty much slept where they were, in what they were wearing at the time.

With a sigh, he removed his cloak, draping it over the back of the couch. He wore a sleeveless tunic, and a tabard over that - belted at the waist. Loose and comfortable trousers were tucked into leather boots, worn from traveling. He wasn't a wall of muscle like a warrior, but he did have a lean strength in his frame with healthy fit muscle tone for one his age. He wasn't your typical mage. He worked on removing the bracers around his forearms before tugging off his boots. Ah...much better.

He settled back against the couch. Trying to figure out how to relax his busy mind enough to get some sort of rest. Being overtired didn't help.

Khadgar had a moment to pause as he listened to Medivh, before he started up shedding the heavier parts of his blue tunic (it hit the ground with a loud thump) and was left in was sleeveless white undershirt he wore. His belt was moved from its spot haphazardly sprawled to being put with his tunic, followed by his gloves, bracers and boots. He felt under-dressed, though the Archmage was infinitely more comfortable sinking back into the couch after the weight was off.

Seeing the Magus in such a state was something that prickled in the back of his mind, it was more intimate than when he had sat upon the floor of the man's bedroom waiting for him to awake from his two-week nap and he had been wearing less then. Perhaps it was just the light drawing his eyes down Medivh's arms and pausing on one particular spot. He wasn't sure if it was right to have the urge to bite at a shoulder or his triceps, but it was a tempting idea that roved through him. He dismissed it and shook his head free and moved to look at his hands.

Though Khadgar would always say he was sure he was repulsive due to the curse he was laid with, there are many who disagree. The Archmage was handsome in his own way, they would say. He was tall, broad-shouldered and surprisingly lean under all the layers of blue he tended to wear. He was no warrior, that's true, but he did have muscles that proved to help him when carrying heavy things. Khadgar never particularly heard any Champion say such things, though it could just be that he didn't hear it because he didn't want too and liked to hold staunchly to the suggestion that he was unattractive as a way to get out of ... attempting to find someone to spend the rest of his life with.

(He didn't want anyone, he told himself sometimes, though he knew it was a lie.)

Rolling a shoulder, the mage twisted suddenly to stretch out to let his sore muscles roll and relieve themselves. He didn't particularly remember to tell Medivh about the mark on his shoulder, the important spell that had saved Azeroth from Sargeras a second time if only by chance. Perhaps it was the thought of the demon that brought his eyes back to Medivh and down towards his neck.

There was a scar from where Lothar had beheaded him and his stomach sank to his feet as he wondered if there was one from where he had stabbed the ex-guardian. Quickly he glanced away and focused back upon the floor, ignoring the nauseous feeling that began to form with knowing there were marks from where it had happened. But it wasn't like Khadgar didn't have scars of his own now, because he had plenty of them, most on his forearms and chest from where he poked too hard at something and it... exploded, or a fight he got into that had turned to another mage sending a fireball at his chest. That was one of the more nasty patches of scar tissue he had, ugly and not at all sightly.

Before his mind could tangle down the road of self-loathing and anger directed inward, Khadgar wracked his brain for something to say so they could focus on something else.

“Varian named his son Anduin.”

Well, that was a bad topic and he was already rubbing his face because, how do you tell someone that Llane's son had died against the Legion?

As an after thought, Medivh tugged off his belt and tabard and draped them neatly with his cloak, leaving the sleeveless tunic on. With the warmth of the fire in the brazier, it was getting much cozier in here now. During all this time, he had been watching Khadgar out of the corner of his eye, noting every scar, mark or exposed skin. He told himself it was a natural instinct to 'check' to see if he really was okay...but...in a sense he couldn't help but eye the snow white haired man in the firelight.

He quickly looked away - rubbing at the scar along his neck absently. It wasn't common for him to disrobe this much either. He wasn't a vain person, but he did do his best to be clean and neat in appearance. He never really thought of himself as handsome or ugly - he had never really considered how he looked to others or worried about it much. He sat poised on the edge of the couch, wondering just how to get comfortable. He saw Khadgar stretch and smiled to himself slightly, glad that the other man was able to get comfortable. Medivh's main problem was that he wasn't used to 'relaxing'.

"Hmm?" He murmured at something Khadgar said, looking over. When it registered he smiled a little, eyes softening. "Really? How old is the lad now?" He leaned back on the couch in an attempt to get comfortable with a soft sigh.

It was honestly less that Khadgar was stretching to become comfortable and more that he was honestly simply just stretching out to soothe the aches that seemed to appear out of no where.

He caught Medivh rubbing at the scar along his neck and wanted to say something that would soothe him, but he doubted there was anything to say that could even remotely do anything but seem awkward and out of place.

"19," Khadgar finally replied, having to wrack his mind for Anduin's age, "a fine priest and he has proven himself worthy of the crown Varian left him." At least in Khadgar's opinion Anduin would be the most celebrated king of all of Stormwind's history. He would learn that while he could not use his words to fight every battle, that his words were still his greatest ally. Khadgar couldn't help but be proud for the current King of Stormwind.

"Varian died upon the Broken Shore in a way to allow his allies to escape," Khadgar glanced down and watched the floor flicker with dancing shadows, "He gave his life so Champions and the other leaders of the Alliance could survive, we do not know of how he died, but he will be remembered non-the-less. I will take you to Stormwind before we leave for Dalaran. I will have to use a portal for both, but you'll find the reasonings rather intriguing."

Khadgar offered his old mentor a half smile, though he quickly returned his pensive gaze to the floor as he wracked his brain for what to do.

"To Stormwind, because I think you should meet the boy. You may like him."

Medivh tried shifting position so that he was leaning more against the high arm of the couch, sitting so that he could face Khadgar directly and fold his legs in front of him. "Ah...a priest. Hm, they grow so fast don't they?" He mused as an aside. He had never met Anduin, but his father - he knew of from afar in Stormwind. Varian was only a young boy at the time.

Wait...it registered what Khadgar said. He spoke of Varian in the past tense and his expression fell as realization set in. "Varian?" He sighed and shook his head. "No..." He was silent for several long moments, eyes lowered. "I hadn't seen him since he was a young lad." He turned his head away. "I also know about his father Llane. And Lothar. I hope they all find peace." He also knew about the sacking of Stormwind too...and the idea of seeing it again, soothed the initial ache of loss.

He nodded after a moment, looking up at Khadgar's small smile. "I would like to see Stormwind yes...." He murmured softly. "It has been so long." Stormwind was more of a home to him than Dalaran could ever be. It was where he grew up with Llane and Lothar. It was the time of his life where he could be a boy and things were normal - before everything went down hill when he turned 14. He offered a small smile back though it didn't quite reach his eyes - not wanting to worry Khadgar about his mental state. He'd survived worse.

It was obvious that the smile didn't reach his eyes and Medivh was attempting to make sure he wouldn't worry about him. Perhaps in a mistaken attempt to not pile one more worry upon his shoulders. He still remained silent, thinking of what else to say, now that he knew Medivh had seen much of what had happened, though Varian's death was news and news that Khadgar was rather distressed over.

Khadgar's gaze returned to the floor as he tried to relax his mind into allowing the need and want of rest to set in, but he was restless and his hands itched to do something while he mind began wandering towards the notes he had left behind.

Now that he was sitting there, next to Medivh, he didn't feel like he could watch and be justified in his staring at the ex-guardian and his mind had decided to run through simulations of what he would return too. Perhaps the Warlocks summoned another demon and this time it would -- he stopped short and his face turned a paler shade in near fear.

"There... is something we do need to discuss before any visits can be had..." He was dreading the reaction he was going to receive for Medivh finding out of Demon Hunters and admittedly, the more crazy of the two in his opinion, warlocks. "Warlocks, like Gul'dan are among the ranks of this world's champions. It is a common place to find them with their demons nearby and the casual use of Fel magic..." That would probably be the harder sell, really. "They are fighting for us, but I feel I need to warn you not to react adversely. I do not condone what they do, but I am not in any position to tell them what they can or cannot do. There are also..."

He sighed.

"How much do you know of Illidan Stormrage, Medivh?"

They had settled into a comfortable silence. The kind that normally happened between two people that were close. It was funny how it always happened that way. They had been apart for so long, and now that they were together it was as if no time passed between them. And now there wasn't a demon getting in the way of things.

Medivh glanced at Khadgar, frowning at his facial expression. Before he could ask what was wrong - his old apprentice's words caused him to frown further with concern. Something they needed to discuss before any visit...what?

The first sentence out of Khadgar's mouth caused all the color to drain from Medivh's face, his eyes wide and blazing with visible outrage. The change in mood was so incredibly fast, going from concerned to raging - as palpable as a thunderstorm around the ex-Guardian. His posture immediately tensed, straightening ramrod straight as a muscle in his jaw worked - words fighting to burst forth from his bloodless lips.

Casual use of fel magic? Demons nearby???

The Magus jerked from the couch - looming over it. Don't act adversely??

"THE FOOLS!" He thundered, turning away from Khadgar, muscles tensed and straining as his fists clenched tightly. "All the efforts of keeping the fel from Azeroth over aeons and it was ALL FOR NAUGHT!" He punctuated this by upending the table in a paroxysm of rage. It partially splintered when it hit the wall in a loud echo of noise. He was not just talking of the Guardians of Tirisfal (of which he failed in that duty utterly) - but other factions that worked on keeping the demons out since the Great Sundering. "You might as well let in the entire Legion in! Invite Sargeras for tea!" He raged, kicking at the remains of a table leg which knocked over a chair.

He stood there, panting raggedly. The question about Illidan Stormrage had registered but he had no idea why Khadgar would ask such a thing. He mulled over an answer - attempting to calm down. But it was hard, knowing that such...people if they could be called such...were allowed to just wander free or even alive.

"Brother to Malfurian Stormrage. Known as the Betrayer to his people. Locked away for 10,000 years...Why do you ask such a thing?" He snapped finally, voice hoarse. He of course knew of Illidan in the Nexus though he did not interact with him directly.

Khadgar rubbed his fingers against his brow, attempting not to flinch from the raging tempest that was Medivh's temper. It was harsh and unforgiving and Khadgar could feel the words vibrate his bones. He had been about to react when Medivh seemed to calm down.

Medivh was like the sea, he realized. Raging one minute then calm the next, there was no true way to predict the weather that the oceans would bring them on a voyage.

Then came the words he suspected he would hear from the ex-guardian's mouth, exactly what most had known before hand. This would not be as hard of a sell as Warlocks, he surmised, well he hoped so at least.

"Because his Illidari will also be around, they've joined the campaign against the Legion. The warlocks, while troublesome and doing things they shouldn't, are also a part of that campaign, Medivh. Perhaps the view of Fel is not so cut and dry as we had thought back then. Just..." He sighed. "Do not interact with what's left of the counsel of them."

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