The Oil Painting

Taelan hadn't expected Alex Barov, the host, to ask a child such a question at such a formal banquet.

Daelin Proudmoore was drinking with Tirion Fordring, discussing matters concerning increased taxes on the Orc Internment Camp and the Trolls. These were hot topics lately. Archmage Antonidas of Dalaran had begun investigating why the Orcs in the internment camp were so listless. Meanwhile, the Amani Trolls had begun making sacrifices on a large scale. There were even rumors that Blackmoore, who ran the camp, was training the Orcs to rebel.

Karandra, meanwhile, had only been paying attention to Jaina.

Only Lady Katherine frowned perceptively.

Taelan Fordring stood and apologized to Alex with a bow. "I'm sorry. This is my first time in Caer Darrow, so I got distracted just now!" After a moment's thought, he added earnestly, "If I pass the Initiate Paladin examination at the end of the year, I'll train in Lordaeron and then join the Order of the Silver Hand. As for Dalaran, I may have the chance to study there someday!"

"I was injured, and Archmage Krasus helped me. If I want to recover my memories and stop having headaches, the master advised me to study there for a while."

Hearing Taelan Fordring's answer, Alex praised him briefly and said that he could turn to Jandice Barov if he ever ran into trouble. Then he said nothing more. Katherine, however, nodded approvingly.

The little interruption soon passed, and the butler, Lussen, showed everyone to their rooms. Jandice, the eldest daughter of the family, was assigned to look after Jaina and Taelan. They were all children, after all, and would have things in common. When the four of them sat around the fireplace in Taelan's room, drinking tea, Jandice noticed that Taelan Fordring was speaking with Solarian in Thalassian.

Ever since Taelan Fordring had mastered Thalassian, the two of them had started using it to communicate. It made things easier for Solarian, who had spent many years away from home. She hadn't returned to Quel'Thalas in years, not since following Prince Kael'thas to Dalaran. She missed the green trees of Eversong Woods and its beautiful tulip gardens. There, the Sunwell on Quel'Danas bathed you in its radiance, warming you like your mother's embrace when you were a child!

Now she liked staying close to Taelan. The Holy Light constantly radiated warmth from him, making her feel that even away from the Sunwell, she wouldn't suffer from a craving for energy. She had also noticed that as Taelan grew stronger, the Holy Light he radiated became more powerful.

From the question Taelan had asked during dinner, he could tell that old Barov's hatred of Lordaeron was beyond changing. He had no way to influence him. Barov was a key link in the Lich King and Kel'Thuzad's plague plan! If Taelan tried to do anything in the future, he would inevitably face Kel'Thuzad's vicious retaliation. He was powerless to resist for now. The only person he could influence was Jandice Barov, and she was studying in Dalaran. Her family must have wanted to use her to establish ties with Dalaran and secure its protection.

The time he spent studying in Dalaran would be his best opportunity. Getting acquainted with her now would plant the seeds for later.

The night passed without incident. The next day, Taelan rose early as usual. There was nowhere to exercise here, so he began meditating instead. Thanks to his persistent efforts, Taelan's meditation technique had advanced from the beginner level to the intermediate level. He had asked Solarian about it the day before and learned that meditation techniques had three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

His meditation had become far more efficient. He could command more of the Holy Light, and his control had improved by a whole tier. This meant that his training had reached its first bottleneck. Advancing to the advanced level required more than simply putting in the time; the energy within him had to undergo a qualitative change. Only when his understanding of the Holy Light reached an entirely new level could he advance to the higher tier. Only then could he use it more effectively! In other words, going from beginner to advanced meant accumulating more Holy Light and increasing the rate at which he absorbed it. The advanced level, however, meant using the Holy Light more efficiently—a qualitative improvement.

At this point, the system's role in Taelan Fordring's progress became even clearer. It informed him that his meditation technique could only advance once his Occultism rose from beginner to advanced. Occultism had no prerequisites; it was fundamental knowledge for spellcasters. In other words, Taelan's primary class should be Priest, with Warrior as his secondary class! He would most likely become a Protection Paladin someday, rather than a Retribution Paladin like his father.

Before the first rays of sunlight appeared, Taelan finished meditating and returned from a dreamlike world that had seemed both real and unreal. Just then, the door swung open, and Jaina came in, her beautiful golden hair shining. She took Taelan by the hand. "You're up so early! Come have breakfast!"

"Uncle wants you to put on your formal clothes. The great painter Rivelle has agreed!"

In Dreams!

The painting that had moved countless people was about to be created! In the original timeline, it had been one of the most important things in Taelan Fordring's life. It represented family and warmth, and marked the happiest time in his life! Together with the little warhammer called Blessing of Tirion Fordring, it made up Taelan Fordring's childhood!

Taelan immediately took out the formal clothes he had prepared and put them on with Jaina's help! He had never dressed so formally before. He wore a black tailcoat and a white shirt on top, with fitted trousers below! They suited Taelan Fordring, who was much taller than the other children his age. Once he was dressed, Jaina looked him over, tied his bow tie for him, and led him into the dressing room. She gazed at the handsome Taelan in the mirror and nodded with satisfaction! Only then did Taelan Fordring notice that Jaina had dressed up, too. She wore a silk gown, white above and purple below, with a silk shawl over her bare shoulders. She also wore the bowler hat he had given her, decorated with a bow. A white belt cinched her slender waist, and a little red purse hung from it.

Taelan Fordring stared at her for quite a while! Jaina's cheeks flushed. "Does it look good?"

Jaina, you really know how to match the occasion! Why does that dress look so much like Robes of Arcana from Scholomance? They're practically identical! Maybe they were made by the same tailor. Otherwise, why are they both set with Malachite? You're just a little girl—why are you dressed so maturely?

Taelan Fordring could only say, "I can only say that it's exceptionally beautiful!"

Jaina beamed. "You're such a sweet talker! Come on! Artists are always busy!"

The two of them left Caer Darrow Castle. As expected, Tirion had chosen a spot by the river. Karandra looked especially happy that day! She wore a white gown with a black sash around her waist, her smooth golden hair falling over her shoulders. Tirion was dressed casually in everyday clothes and trousers, though he had clearly trimmed his beard!

When Karandra saw Jaina leading Taelan Fordring over, she happily went to take Jaina's hand.

Tirion Fordring exchanged a few words of thanks with Rivelle! The painter looked closely at Taelan Fordring and Jaina, then smiled warmly and told them to take their places.

Tirion and Karandra stood behind them. Karandra rested her hands on the children's shoulders, while Taelan Fordring felt Jaina lean against his shoulder. She showed no sign of moving away, and Karandra said nothing. Even Katherine watched the family with a smile!

After a long while, the great painter Rivelle finally told everyone they could move about freely. She was going back to her studio to add color to the oil painting. She had spent this time finding inspiration and sketching the figures in charcoal; the real work was only just beginning! Jaina ran over to ask, and was told it would take at least a day. The painting would be ready tomorrow at the earliest!

Tomorrow, he would get to see that painting! But something didn't seem quite right!

Wishing everyone a smooth and happy life! Also, thanks to the reader who voted for me. Thank you.

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