You look a bit damp, adventurer. Sorry about that. But thank you for retrieving the supplies.

Did you find the supplies?

Oh, that's a relief! It looks like it's all here. Thank you!

Find everything?

Oh, very nice. Do you see that shine? Truly, they don't make them like they used to.

Poisoned bait? As long as the fish aren't going to eat it, that should work. I'll visit Remy later to pick it up.

Yes?

Welcome back, adventurer. I sense that your first meeting with the Great Bear Spirit is the same as it is with all druids when they first start down the path of the Claw... a little bewildering, but very intense. I know it was that way with me. The Great Bear Spirit has been a part of Azeroth as long as Azeroth has existed in the heavens. We have come to rely on its wisdom and its power to fuel our purpose. The time has now come for your first test of this purpose. Listen closely...

And so it begins, Father Cenarius. And so it begins. <Dendrite makes a quick, invisible gesture in the air above him. A slight aura of power falls over him.> The first perspective of nature you must adapt to is that of the bear. I will put you on the path to understanding this aspect of druidic life, but it is you that must embrace it and propagate it - now and forever!

It's often difficult for me to establish a distinction between the Windshapers and the Al'Aketh, save that one is more overtly violent than the other. Equally slavish to their misplaced beliefs, they are both equally dangerous if left to their own devices. They see our desire to better understand this realm and its magic as a desecration of their traditions. Their small-mindedness is why our mission is so important. If not us, who will have the courage to save Zephras?

The High Order does not make it a habit to employ themselves as simple trappers and game wardens, but when performing a service such as this can lead to scholarly gain, we are happy to engage in acts of community service.

<The satchel lying before you has a few specks of what appears to be dried blood on the flap. Studying the stain you also notice that the flap also has a name embroidered onto it. It reads "Fillion Flamebreeze".>

Ah, you must be adventurer? It is heartening to see young mages eager to learn our ways and history. Come, I will explain the next steps to crafting your spell focus.

Thank you, adventurer. I can indeed feel the elemental energies in this bough waiting to be harnessed by those that have the gift to do so. This will make an excellent spell focus. Did this branch sing to you, perhaps? It has often been the case that the branch picks the mage, and not the other way around. <Belann chuckles as he gently takes the bough from you.>

So they are all dead, then. Storms curse on these cult bastards! While you managed to take out the priest and stop the cultists at the tower, I confess that I'm now doubly concerned about whatever it was you said that they were doing to the pylon. The fact that there was such a massive cache of windstones there with them tells me that they needed enormous energy for it. I have to wonder, what's the end goal here? Violating the pylon, attacking the village? To what end?

What news from the western watch?

So do you now see? Rediscovering the ancient magic of our forebears is the key to unlocking the secrets of Zephras Isle and securing our future, but in order to save our home, we must rediscover what we've lost these past millennia. Azeroth is the key. The Kirin Tor will show us the way. While we make ready to leave, you should check in with the other members of the High Order here in Valanaar. Most of them have tasks that they could use help from one such as yourself to see completed.

This is great! We've been barely squeaking by without our regular supply deliveries. I'll work with the constable to ensure that these supplies get redistributed to the townsfolk who are in most dire need.

How may I aid you?

What is this? A new acolyte seeking to serve the windlord sent by sister Sania? Truly we are blessed by the touch of the four winds this day! We welcome all who seek to bask in the blessings of Al'Akir.

Lorthuna herself was there? She's the leader of the whole damned cult! If they are making a move on Shen'dar Village and the western watchtower, we've got to be ready. What is strange is... why the watchtower? The Village I can understand, but the tower? It doesn't have much strategic significance, other than as a minor lookout post. Regardless, we will be prepared for them. They'll find that highlanders aren't as easy to catch flat footed as they might think.

It would not have been my preference to spill Windshaper blood but the blame for this pointless conflict rests solely on their shoulders. We sought to peacefully gather information, and they responded with violence. Unfortunately, word has spread and the Windshapers are already calling it a 'massacre'. They wouldn't dare to retaliate here in Valanaar, but they will certainly not forget. adventurer, you have been of tremendous aid to the High Order. Thank you.

The High Order prides ourselves in our pragmatism and logic, and logic dictates that the avoidance of conflict and loss of life is the most prudent option in most situations. <Elaadrin's eyes begin to glow and crackle with arcane energy.> ...however, the cult mistook our prudence for weakness and they are not nearly ready to pay the cost of that error.

I don't agree with the Windshapers often, but they were right to dismiss the idea of trying to engage peacefully with the Al'Aketh. My attempt to take the high road cost a dear friend his life and is a mistake I will have to live with for the rest of my days.

Every year that passes in Zephras sees fewer and fewer of those who are gifted with a talent for magic. I am glad to see young mages such as yourself participate in our oldest traditions to help keep our history and culture alive and well.

<Arynia investigates the amulets.> Do you see the foul green swirls within the gems? This is indeed fel moss corruption at work. I have heard similar reports from Shadowglen and elsewhere in the boughs of this substance turning our very world against us. I will inform my superiors of this at once.

As you inspect the fallen bark, a voice enters your mind. It is calm and soothing, cresting over you like a gentle breeze through the leaves.

Have you wrested the amulets from the harpies' leaders?

I should have known this was being used to twist the spiders of this land. I have heard whispers of this substance being the source of much of the corruption plaguing us. Though this is not the original, it is an older sample and may yield more information than what we have obtained so far. Normally I would have you send this to Darnassus for further study. However, it is best we kept this quiet for the moment, or Dolanaar will never recover its reputation. I trust you to do the same.

Thank you for your help. Please, accept this to help with the costs of the vial and water. Now, to make the salve. It should only take a moment.

<Tallonkai lowers his voice.> Does Xethorr still walk freely?

The harpies have become afflicted by the same foulness showing up throughout the forest. I'm sure that is what ails Sentinel Eralya as well. We must hurry. It won't be long before she succumbs to her injuries.

Sometimes I find it hard to distinguish between the blind zealotry of the Al'Aketh cult, and the stubborn refusal of the Windshapers to change. If they truly believed the winds would guide us, they should be sensing the direction the winds are blowing and flow with them rather than against them.

<Eralya has stopped responding verbally. Only a weak, gurgled exhale confirms life.>

Wonderful! You made it, and saved Henze. The Light is with you for sure, adventurer!

Here in Stormwind, I am responsible for putting paladins on the path to greater virtue as they devote themselves to the Light and defend Azeroth from the Scourge and other threats. The time has come for you to take your first step towards being truly virtuous. If you accept it, I will give you a Book of Divinity. In studying it, you shall learn some about the Light, and what is expected of you. If you understand it, and are capable, then you will succeed in attaining greater abilities.

Hello again, adventurer. How goes your studies of the Tome of Divinity? Then you should be prepared to have yourself tested. There are always tasks to be done throughout the city and our lands; acts of compassion and understanding; people who need help; creatures to slay. By proving you have the patience to help others, especially those who are less fortunate, you prove that you are a servant of the Light and of sound mind.

Th... thank you, stranger. I was returning from an assignment at the Overlook Standing Stones when I was suddenly ambushed and attacked by Windshapers. They forced me over to the mouth of the cave and left me there, barely conscious and bleeding. The last thing I remember before blacking out is a massive winged beast emerging from the cave and scooping me up. I think it's safe to say that if you hadn't come along, I'd have been dinner for that beast and its younglings.

Those shrieklings are too dangerous to be left to nest this close to Valanaar. However... they are the least of our troubles.

Oh, hello, luv. How go your adventures? Oh, I'm so glad to hear you're doing well. Oh, me? Thank you for asking--I'm doing well, all things considered. The increase in tradesmen has kind of put a damper on the amount of leather and cloth people are willing to part with these days, so it's been tougher to make clothing for the children at the orphanage, but we'll manage. By "we" I mean my husband and I. He's up in Ironforge trying to seek help from the citizens there.

Thank you again, adventurer.

A letter from Aonda. What's that crafty highlander been up to?

<Valennia's expression darkens as she reads the letter.> Aonda trusted you to deliver this and she speaks highly enough of you in this letter, so I'll try to trust you too. Before we speak further, I need to consult with the few peacekeepers I have left here and formulate a plan in case the cult strikes here next. Enjoy your stay in Valanaar for now. If you are looking to keep yourself busy, there are plenty of townsfolk that can likely use the help of a strong young adventurer like yourself.

Hello and welcome. Rathiril sent me a magical missive about you and he mentioned you had some promise. With you standing before me now, I can see why he suggested you seek me out. You have a vibrant arcane aura about you. Few enough of us anymore have the aptitude, let alone the will, to do what is needed to save our home. Do you have the boldness and strength needed to aid The High Order? I suppose we will see.

Thank you, adventurer, thank you so much! The children will be so pleased, and you've saved me so much time. I'll now be able to focus on the children's other needs, and hopefully my John will be able to return home sooner than we thought. Thank you again, adventurer. I knew I could rely on the charity of others. The Light be with you.

I hope my John is having better luck in Ironforge. He so dislikes his trips there because it leaves the kids and me alone, but he knows it must be done. He's so kind-hearted. Some years have been easier than others, but this one's been rougher by far. It's almost as though something in the air is signaling a huge change. Who knows though?

What? Alvarion is alive?

You've returned so quickly, adventurer. And what have you accomplished in your time away from the Cathedral? Have you helped a noble cause? Perhaps you've learned the value of charity or some more about your obligations to the citizens of Azeroth. Tell me, who have you helped and how.... Well, I'm impressed, adventurer, those are surely the actions of one who follows the Light and values others above oneself. Such sacrifice will always be rewarded in time.

*cough* Pleasure to meet you, paladin. Don't mind my wounds, the good priest here can take care of ol' Gazin this time. I won't be needing the power of that Symbol of Life you've got there... not yet anyway. So, Duthorian sent you to speak to me, huh? Fair enough. I'll tell you exactly what befell me and my friend Henze. And with any luck, and some skill on your part, perhaps you can still help us all.

Thank you, brother. Seeing you wield the Symbol of Life, may I assume Duthorian or Gazin sent you? I fell to the Defias spell casters while Gazin and I tried to get their plans from them: I was able to hold on long enough to allow Gazin to escape, but in the end, their magics overwhelmed me. But you were able to bring me back: the ability to use the Symbol doesn't come to just anyone, adventurer. It bodes well for you that you were able to empower it with your own faith.