Tirion Fordring and Daelin sipped rum as they watched the children huddle together over the old book. They exchanged a smile. When they were young, the responsibilities of their countries and people, along with the burdens of daily life, had weighed on them. Now, in middle age, their only hope lay in the next generation. Such was a parent's heart!
Because two souls had merged within him, Taelan Fordring had a remarkable capacity for learning. As he followed along with what Jaina read, studying it word by word, he soon memorized quite a few sentences. Jaina exclaimed in amazement, "If you switched to being a mage, you might find success much more easily than as a Paladin!"
But Taelan Fordring knew he didn't have much time! The Battle of Grim Batol and the Third War would soon come! Greater dangers awaited him, and he still had a long way to go.
Archmage Krasus had surely recognized his talent and wanted to train him to take his place in saving the woman he loved. In the original story, Rhonin had only managed to rescue Alexstrasza thanks to an extraordinary stroke of luck—and plenty of good fortune besides. So Krasus needed someone he could trust more to help him.
He had to work hard. Every day Alexstrasza remained under control, Deathwing grew stronger. The world of Azeroth couldn't do without the Dragon Aspects.
Alexstrasza was the most steadfast warrior against the Burning Legion! Even after the Orcs had harmed her and no one had come to save her, she hadn't complained. She had simply shouldered the responsibility of the Dragon Aspects in silence.
She fought for the world harder than the Black Dragon who had fallen into darkness and the maddened Blue Dragon! Ysera, gentle and unconcerned with worldly struggles, was not suited to lead the Dragonflights in standing united against their foes. He had to grow stronger quickly and share this burden! She had carried it alone for far too long!
With Jaina's help, his understanding of the world's magical system had deepened. Jaina suggested that he buy some books written in High Elf the next day to use as study material. After all, it was best not to let a mage he didn't yet trust see the Dragon Codex. Taelan Fordring admired how clever Jaina was. He knew that showing the book to another mage would be like using a salted fish for a cat's pillow.
The next day, Tirion Fordring took his son to visit the famous tragic prince! Born to great status, he had suffered one disaster after another until his kingdom and family were lost. His love had ended before it had even begun! All he had left, perhaps, was that wishing coin and the taunts of his rival in love!
Later, he had led his people against the Undead, only to be betrayed by the "genius" Garithos. After joining Illidan, he had been deceived again, and ultimately plunged into the abyss, dying in Outland, far from home.
The prince greeted Tirion Fordring warmly. When he heard that Tirion planned to open Hearthglen and allow his private trading company to establish a shop selling magical supplies, including High Elf goods and specialties, he thanked Tirion sincerely. As soon as he learned that Tirion wanted his son to study High Elf, he immediately appointed his follower, Grand Astromancer Solarian, as a special envoy to accompany Tirion to Hearthglen. She would serve as Taelan Fordring's private tutor, teaching him High Elf and High Elf combat skills, while also managing the Hearthglen branch of Kael'thas Trading Company.
High Elves had long lifespans! Most of them were multitalented! Solarian was an astromancer, but she also knew a great deal about training for close-combat professions.
The arrangement benefited both sides. Prince Kael'thas would receive large quantities of grain and gold through the deal, while Hearthglen would gain not only magical goods from Quel'Thalas but also substantial tax revenue. After the banquet, the father and son had just stepped out of Kael'thas's luxurious mage tower when an apprentice of Antonidas invited them to the Violet Citadel.
When they entered Antonidas's study, Taelan saw three people seated inside. One was Antonidas, another was his mentor, Krasus, and the third was an Archmage dressed in a rather soiled robe. His face was somewhat pale, and a powerful aura of magic radiated from him. He was clearly a mage of legendary caliber.
Could it be that cat lover?
Taelan Fordring politely greeted Antonidas and his mentor. Then Antonidas introduced the other man. "This is an Archmage of Dalaran. His name is Kel'Thuzad."
It really was him. But he probably hadn't yet heard the Lich King's whispers. He was simply a homebody for now, and hadn't started studying necromancy.
Taelan Fordring greeted him politely. "Archmage Kel'Thuzad, it's a pleasure to meet you!"
Kel'Thuzad merely nodded. "I know you! The little goblin told me about you."
Antonidas took an ornate box from his desk and cast a spell. Violet light flashed, and the box opened. He took out an ornament shaped like a purple eye and handed it to Taelan Fordring.
"Ding! You obtained the Violet Eye Pendant!"
Violet Eye Pendant
Trinket
Quality: Epic
+40 Intellect
Use: Each spell cast within 20 seconds grants a stackable effect that restores 21 mana every 5 seconds. The effect ends after 20 seconds. Skills that don't use mana won't trigger this effect. (2-minute cooldown)
Mom won't have to worry about me running out of brainpower anymore!
System, did you write these wisecracks just to mock me?
"Ding. No!"
Looking at this piece of gear, which had been absurdly overpowered back in the day, filled him with nostalgia. It was a prized drop from Nielas Aran, the boss of Karazhan! It not only gave a whopping 40 points of Intellect, but even without counting the spell critical chance that came with Intellect, it could boost his mana pool by a huge amount. Its active effect made it the king of mana regeneration. Once he reached level 12 and learned Zeal, he would practically have an endless supply of mana whenever he activated it. Even Fist of the Heavens, which consumed mana like crazy, would be available for several more casts.
As Taelan Fordring took hold of the Violet Eye, a cool sensation seeped into his mind, and the headache that had been bothering him lately disappeared. He no longer had to expend soul power to sustain his skill tree. He also wouldn't have to keep worrying about running out of mana.
Seeing his son's brow relax, Tirion Fordring immediately stood and thanked Antonidas! He knew that even if this was only a replica of the Eye of Violet, it was still an immensely precious treasure. "I don't know how to thank you, Archmages! Is there anything I can do for you?"
Antonidas smiled. "Tirion, don't worry about it. Master Krasus traded one of his own treasures to the Council for it. You can thank him!"
Tirion Fordring immediately bowed to Krasus and Antonidas, promising, "Thank you both for everything you've done for my son. If Dalaran ever needs anything from me, please let me know!"
Krasus smiled. "This is my apprenticeship gift to Taelan! We'll be spending a long time together. Taelan, put it to good use! You will surely have a responsibility to bear in the future. Grow up quickly!
"I've heard that Solarian has been hired as your private tutor. She's a warmhearted legendary spellcaster. Make sure you learn all you can from her about High Elf Occultism!"
Taelan Fordring bowed. "I will, Master!"
They chatted for a while longer. Krasus's vast knowledge left Tirion Fordring and his son deeply impressed. Kel'Thuzad alone remained silent. He watched Taelan Fordring with envy for a moment, then looked away.
After Krasus had escorted them away from Antonidas and his apprentice, he told Tirion Fordring, "Archmage Kel'Thuzad envies Taelan's constitution. The mages of this world must channel the power of the Elemental Plane before they can use it. But Taelan can directly absorb energy from nature and transform it into Holy Light within his body. In other words, your Holy Light belongs entirely to you. You can use it as you please!"
Then he added, "You're still young. Don't become obsessed with power. Build a solid foundation and cultivate a strong heart—that is what true strength means!"
I'll post this first, then revise it. From now on, I'll update in the afternoon. Most people don't have time to read novels in the morning anyway!
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