Time Lapse between WotLK and Cata?
Through further research, we may have discovered a time-jump in the storyline between Wrath and Cataclysm, by way of Vanessa VanCleef. On a side note, it is reasonable to assume that Blizzard would put a small amount of time between Wrath and Cataclysm, as the world has already seen a multitude of large-scale conflicts in the course of ten years.
Pure logic aside, we have learned that a new quest in Westfall will allow you to watch the death of Edwin VanCleef, as he is killed by Stormwind soldiers and mercenaries. His daughter, Vanessa VanCleef, finds his corpse. She appears to be no older than seven years of age, as she is merely a small child in the cinematic for the quest. However, in Cataclysm, Vanessa VanCleef is supposed to be a young adult, leading the Defias and homeless in Westfall against Stormwind in a new rebellion.
[SPOILER][/SPOILER]
Since there has only been 2-5 years of lore between Vanilla and Wrath, it can be safely postulated that we have a time lapse between Wrath and Cataclysm. Since there are around 2-5 years of lore between Vanilla and Wrath (note that Blizzard has never explicitly stated how much time on Azeroth was between Vanilla and the start of Wrath, so our guesses are as good as yours), Vanessa VanCleef would only be around age 9-11, if Wrath takes place 2-5 years after Vanilla.
In order to be a "young adult", at least a few years must pass between Cataclysm and Wrath.
For those of you who roleplay out there, you could be faced with roleplaying slightly older versions of your characters.
The question remains: when does the time lapse begin? How will Blizzard handle a time lapse in lore, if one exists? Will it be explained in the cinematic, or in quests itself?
Leave your comments on what you think will happen.