DALARAN.
Last month the Lion's Roar got a slightly angry letter from a reader. Lirelia Duskwhisper, expressed deep concern and disappointment in her submitted piece regarding the Quel'Elhera Academy's opening ball. Expecting an institution dedicated to Thalassian heritage, she discovered its leadership consisted of Nightborne, Sin'dorei, and even Kaldorei, prompting confusion. In a private discussion with the Headmistress, Lirelia sought clarity on the academy's goals. The ensuing dialogue became heated as the Headmistress dismissed historical events like the Sundering and accused Lirelia's group of ignorance. The article concluded with a plea to reject the academy's revisionist history, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging past conflicts and learning from them. We published their letter and concerns.
A week later or so the academy reached out to me, inviting me to visit them and volunteering to answer any questions I might have. An exclusive interview and tour of the academy was scheduled, and the following is based on that. I do need to do a disclaimer though. The Lion's Roar's expert in Elven culture, magic and heritage was ill leading up to the event, so I had to rely on what little knowledge I had of the topic. Okay, in all fairness, we never had an expert in Elven culture, magic and heritage. So you will just have to accept my questions are not rooted in such expert knowledge, but rather in what some might consider trivialities. I think they are important however.
Right, all that over. Let us visit the academy!
Upon ariving at the Quel'Elhera Academy I was welcomed and greeted by Magistrix Tryssana Silverdawn, the academic advisor of the academy and Headmistress Elayenda Emberspring. The setting was quite fabolous, if, in my own humble opinion, slightly stuffy. Large bookcases, wall to wall carpets, a slight atmosphere of magic and history.
The first question I asked had to do with the before mentioned letter.
Hardhy Lester: "I understand you find yourself rather disagreeing with the recent reader opinion in the Roar?"
Tryssana Silverdawn: "Not at all! To each their own opinions, we simply wish to paint a clearer picture of our Academy."
I don't know if that means they don't disagree, or if they simply don't mind someone disagreeing, where I a betting man I would go with the latter though.
From there I moved on to something more practical, money, administration, number of students - logistics.
Hardhy Lester: "How many students do you have?"
Tryssana Silverdawn: "At the moment, we have three students who have joined."
Hardhy Lester: "Sounds like a bit of a financial challenge then?"
Tryssana Silverdawn: "Not at all! The administration takes care of the funding, with the help of the Alliance, Horde, and the Kirin Tor who have been kind in assisting us in forming the academy."
But it was not meant to only be about numbers and money and my hosts soon offered me to be a spectator to one of their lectures.
Tryssana Silverdawn:: Magistrix Sahoenna, is currently hosting today's lecture on Kaldorei Ancient History.
As I turned my attention to the ongoing lecture in the Academy's portrait room, Magistrix Tryssana Silverdawn shared insights into the day's educational endeavour. Magistrix Sahoenna Lunasky, the lecturer for the day, delved into the rich tapestry of Kaldorei Ancient History, exploring the era coinciding with the first conflicts between the Kaldorei and other civilizations.
Curiosity sparked when Dioxus Leywhisper, a student, interrupted the lecture with an inquiry about the trolls. Despite the interruption, the atmosphere in the room remained engaged, with Dioxus Leywhisper offering a friendly smile.
I listend in on the lecture for a bit and in the midst of this, Magistrix Silverdawn proposed a brief pause to the ongoing lecture, suggesting that I might be interested in interviewing both the instructors and the students.
Hardhy Lester: "Well, first, I was mostly curious about the students. Perhaps they could each tell me what made them pick this academy?"
Dioxus Leywhisper stepped forward:
"My dear friend, look around! Aren't these halls, and the ladies that adorn them, simply majestic? Magi of skill and beauty without equal! Lady Silverdawn has poured her very heart and soul into this Academy. And I feast upon the fruits of her hard labor every single day. The very aura that permeates the air even now is a testament to this school being elite, a fertile soil to nurture and grow my talents!"
Right... moving on.
Arn'thiel Silverfall: "To advance upon my skills and knowledge and reach the goals I set for myself."
Article continues after the ad.
Hardhy Lester: "But could that not be achieved at another academy? Why this one?"
Arn'thiel Silverfall: "Because the staff present around you are experts in their field. They have enough to offer to grow."
Speaking of the staff, then Sahoenna Lunasky who had been conducting the lecture we interrupted gave her reply to my question as well.
Sahoenna Lunasky: "Unity and understanding stand at the forefront of our mission. Elven bloodlines have long been divergent, and many tragedies and misunderstandings were born of this. Hence, we seek to sow the seeds of renewal and unity. Through shared legacy and differing views."
Nothing but praise it seems from the staff and students alike. But then again, I didn't really expect otherwise.
After my questions Sahoenna Lunasky resumed her lecture. She delved into the early religious wars of the Kaldorei. The professor shed light on the struggles against splintered Troll Empires, particularly the Gurubashi, Amani, and Zandalari. A notable quote emerged as she touched upon the invocation of the Night Warrior during these conflicts:
"The rites of the Night Warrior seemed to have been first invoked during those conflicts, though the information about it seems to be particularly elusive."
The lecture progressed, exploring the border wars and the struggle for land and resources against trolls. Magistrix Lunasky, with a touch of mystery, hinted at redacted history and the Night Warrior's involvement, leaving the eager student Dioxus Leywhisper captivated.
As the lecture touched on the complexities of coexistence, Magistrix Silverdawn hinted at upcoming social etiquette lectures, hosted by Lady Nightsworn. The scope of the current lecture expanded, promising a deeper exploration of Kaldorei history and its intricacies in the sessions to come.
Stepping away from the ongoing lecture, I seized the opportunity to delve into the administrative aspects of this unique institution.
Hardhy Lester: "So you said you have three students currently, how many can you accommodate?"
Magistrix Emberspring, humming a tune to herself, responded with a commitment to prioritize safety and well-being in accommodating students. When asked about a maximum student limit, she highlighted a focus on quality over quantity.
Hardhy Lester: "And are all faculty positions filled currently?"
Magistrix Silverdawn revealed the Academy's eagerness to welcome new faculty members, expressing a preference for teachers to choose their subjects. The administration employs a material submission system to ensure alignment with the overall guidelines of the Academy.
Hardhy Lester: "You mentioned field trips; that sounds dangerous? Are the students put in danger?"
Magistrix Silverdawn assured that field trips are carefully planned and scouted, with a dedicated Vanguard ensuring the safety of students. The balance between classroom lectures and field trips, according to her, provides a hands-on approach to learning.
Hardhy Lester: "What are the future plans for the students? How long would an average student be expected to attend the academy? Are there exams and tests at the end of studies?"
Headmistress Emberspring outlined the Academy's flexible approach to course durations, emphasizing regular testing and the potential for extra lectures. The Academy also plans to offer specialized courses in areas like battle, strategy, and command.
Hardhy Lester: "What are the requirements to join as a student?"
Magistrix Silverdawn clarified that the primary requirement is being an elf, with exceptions made out of safety concerns. The Academy's exclusivity for elves stems from its commitment to preserving elven traditions and history.
Hardhy Lester: "But couldn't non-elves benefit from learning about the tradition and history of elves?"
Magistrix Silverdawn explained the Academy's focus on elven heritage, culture, and history, rooted in a desire to promote unity among elvenkind. While not ruling out open lectures for non-enrolled students, the emphasis on elven-specific teachings remains.
Hardhy Lester: "How would an aspiring student go about applying?"
Headmistress Emberspring encouraged interested individuals to contact the faculty directly or attend public events hosted by the Academy and Magistrix Silverdawn clarified that teaching positions are exclusive to elves, but non-elves are welcome to join expeditions and other endeavors as part of the Vanguard.
In closing, Magistrix Silverdawn and Headmistress Emberspring extended warm invitations to anyone curious about the Academy.