With Blizzcon 2009 a week away, Blizzard launched Patch 3.2.2 which introduced a new Alliance quest near the portals in The Silver Enclave (Dalaran).  The Horde had a different version titled An Injured Collegue a few patches ago leading you to the Rise of Elders in Thunderbluff.  The quest didn’t have much of a purpose besides luring you to witness an amusing discussion between two Tauren about Mu’sha and the Night Elves.

The Alliance version, however, discusses cryptically the coming of something that may threaten Azeroth. The Highborne have returned.  Something urgent has made them leave the walls of Eldre’Thalas (Dire Maul) to seek audience with High Priestess Tyrande. Something so dire that foretells a … Cataclysm?

Though people see both quests as mere babbling, with no purpose, it does flare up the rumor that all races will get new classes they didn’t previously have.  The Tauren quest hints of Tauren Paladins who may fworship the sun’s Light instead of Mu’sha.  While the Highborne would join the Night Elves to justify Night Elf mages. Hmm.

 

A CAUTIOUS RETURN

Daros Moonlance (The Highborne): A moment of your time.

Change is coming.  It has drawn us out of the ruins of Eldre’Thalas and into the wide world once more.  I have come to research this city and cannot stray from it, but if you are inclined, I have an errand for you.

My collegue set out for Darnassus to speak with the High Priestess there, that we might come to an understanding.  Take this journal to Mordent Evenshade in the temple.  It may help in his diplomacy mission.

Archmage Mordent Evenshade (The Highborne): I suppose I should not be surprised at this cold reception.  We have long been in hiding, and the separation from our brethren was necessary.

That time, however, is done.  Whether the residents of this young tree come to accept us or not, the Highborne are returning to light, and we wil not turn our backs on what we are.

It seems I have time to talk.  What is this regarding?

(Daron’s Journal)

Ah, the writings of Daros.  He always was meticulous about tracking progress.  His words may aid in explaining how far we’ve come.

You have my thanks for bringing this to me.  Perhaps we will see more of each other once it is understood we mean no harm.

Archmage Mordent Evenshade: Sentinel, I would speak with your High Priestess.

Sentinel Stillbough: You must wait for an audience.

Archmage Mordent Evenshade: Must I?  I doubt Tyrande has more pressing business.

Sentinel Stillbough: You show some nerve coming to Teldrassil, Highborne.  Your kind are unwelcome here.  We have not forgotten the War of the Ancients or the minds behind it.

Archmage Mordent Evenshade: The lure of power is great.  Mistakes were made.

Sentinel Stillbough: And we would not see those mistakes repeated.  Return to your exile.

Archmage Mordent Evenshade: I will not return until I am heard.  There is too much at stake.  There is a change on the wind, and we cannot ignore it.  I have traveled from the dust and ruin of the past to come to an accord.  The time may soon come when the kal’dorei require the knowledge and skill we have to offer.  I will wait, Sentinel … but I will have my audience.

(Archmage Mordent Evenshade looks over at the moonwell with a sigh.)

Sentinel Stillbough: Take your gaze off the moonwell, exile.  The power within is not yours to wield.

Archmage Mordent Evenshade: Calm yourself, Sentinel.  I do not seek to use it.  I am merely … remembering.

Sentinel Stillbough: Recalling your treachery?

Archmage Mordent Evenshade: Enough.  I have been apart from this for centuries.  The well within this temple may be a pale spectre of the Well of Eternity, but it still holds the same … beauty.  Purity.  I had forgotten.  I do not believe admiration and wistful thoughts are against the societal norm.

Sentinel Stillbough: Watch yourself, Highborne.

Archmage Mordent Evenshade: You were the one who challenged me for merely looking.  I still await my audience with Tyrande.

Sentinel Stillbough: In good time.