which expansion to buyFollow

So I've been playing EQ for a while, off and on since 2000. And I'm usually way behind on the expansions and almost always have to solo because i don't know anyone. I just signed up for 30days on EQ and I think it's about time to get a Merc. However I don't have expansions SoD and on. So, my question is, should I spend $20 on House of Thule and get some mercs and have some fun, or just buy Alaris for $40 bucks? Obviously it isn't a ton of money either way, but I am a cheapskate grad student.
By the way my main is an 80wiz, but i would love a healer merc for my 61 pally and 53 ranger (as well as rezzes for my Wiz). Thanks!

I let myself get 3-4 expacs behind and finally re-upped with VoA.

If you plan on casual dabbling with breaks... save 20 bucks and buy HoT since you won't be needing the content (spells, levels) any time soon.

Then, next time they have a station cash promo you could buy VoA with that discounted station cash. Odds are (assuming you play casually and they keep the current expac cycle) is that you might want to shell out the 40 bucks for the next expac after VoA and just get VoA for free then.

I've paid full price for content over the years -much of which I have never used or barely scratched. I doubt they ever get me "current" again unless they release a new race with level 1-80+ content.

Thanks guys. I went with just getting HoT because i figured I wouldn't touch VoA stuff for probably a year, since I'm such a casual player. Just having fun with my new mercs so far. Thanks everyone!