Tense Conversation Between Greymane and Lor’themar in Shadowlands Epilogue

After the battle with Garona, Greymane leaves her behind. Lor’themar is left feeling betrayed and angry at his king’s abandonment of their common cause.

Greymane and Lor’themar have a heated chat after the events of the Shadowlands epilogue, demonstrating that some old faction wounds persist despite Sylvanas’ judgment.

There are some story spoilers ahead.

King Greymane, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Lor’themar. Regent Lord, says Greymane. Lor’themar: I’m hoping Sylvanas Windrunner’s destiny gives the Alliance some peace. Greymane exclaims, “Peace?” Regent Lord, you stand in the Shadowlands. Inquire of the souls she has sent here whether they are at ease. Greymane responds, “That’s something I’ll never know.” Not as long as the monster who murdered my kid is still alive. Lor’themar: Okay, I see. My people, too, are plagued by monsters’ actions. Greymane asks, “How about you?” Do you have any hopes that the ranger-general you served returns from the Maw? Or do you want to be reunited with your warchief? Lor’themar: I’ve known the Windrunners for the most of my life. Sylvanas was both a hero and a friend to me. The banshee who almost brought the Horde to destruction, on the other hand, was neither. Greymane responds, “Then you shouldn’t have obeyed her orders.” Salutations, Regent Lord. King Greymane, good day, Lor’themar.

While Lor’themar is hopeful that Sylvanas’ severe sentencing would bring the Alliance closer together, Greymane isn’t having it. Greymane has lost his son to Sylvanas, and his people have lost their homes twice to her invasions—Gilneas and Darnassus. While some Horde commanders are quick to condemn Sylvanas today, why did they obey her commands in the past? Greymane also poses a question for which Lor’themar has no clear answer: why did they accept her orders in the past?

Lor’themar privately expresses sorrow about his involvement in passively aiding Sylvanas in a different chat during the Shadowlands epilogue:

We sin’dorei aren’t strangers to tragedy and sorrow. My people have been slaughtered, my empire destroyed, and everything I hold precious has been desecrated. When Silvermoon finally returned to the realm, Sylvanas extended her hand to welcome us into the Horde. Those days are no longer with us. The Banshee Queen’s destruction and loss to Azeroth are almost unquantifiable. The fact that I stood by and saw so much of it unfold still bothers me. Perhaps judgment will come for me as well in the end.

Greymane’s skepticism matches the feelings of several Alliance members after the Fourth War’s end. While some Azeroth inhabitants were eager to move on, many who had been personally harmed by Sylvanas were wary. Following the Fourth War, 7th Legion Marines, Night Elf Sentinels, and Stormwind City Guards all express dissatisfaction with the Battle for Azeroth: Battle for Azeroth: Battle for Azeroth: Battle for Azeroth: Battle for Azeroth: Battle for Azeroth: Battle for Azeroth: Battle for Azeroth: Battle for Azeroth: Battle for Azeroth: Battle

Stormwind City Guard: Do you believe the Horde as a whole is blameless? They’re as much to blame as she is. I propose that we fight to the bitter end. Marine of the 7th Legion: They’ll need it. These ceasefires with the Horde are always short-lived. Sentinel of the Night Elf: Despite all the news of the conflict coming to an end, Sylvanas is still on the loose. Is it possible that they’ve all forgotten what she did?

Tyrande’s sentencing of Sylvanas in the Shadowlands epilogue implies that she has progressed beyond sheer vengeance, as her sentence focuses on soul rejuvenation in the Maw rather than slaughter, yet her closing epilogue line also indicates ongoing animosity with the Horde.

Tyrande: The Horde has inflicted a terrible wound on my people. You may never win my trust, but you have my gratitude for correcting the situation.

Looking forward, Anduin is unlikely to rule the Alliance in 10.0, since he informs Greymane he intends to stay in Shadowlands for a while, and the Sylvanas book clearly indicates he subsequently joins her in the Maw. Anduin tells Greymane that Turalyon will continue to reign in his absence:

Anduin: In my absence, Turalyon will keep the Alliance secure. And I’m certain you’ll keep an eye on everyone we care about… Wolf, the old one.

Turalyon is a less pacifist than Anduin, and his Stormwind Throne Room Dialogue reveals that he is eager to strengthen the military and reclaim lands:

The Alliance suffered much during the Fourth War. Our military strength is dwindling. The nobility of Stormwind are eager to see our fortifications resurrected.

It was an excellent starting step to reclaim Stromgarde. Perhaps there are more ancient Alliance assets that might be acquired.

With Greymane, Turalyon, and Tyrande all being wary of the Horde, and Anduin no longer in the picture, the Alliance’s destiny might change with Patch 10.0.