Oil Painting

Taelan did not expect that at such a formal banquet, the host, Alex Barov, would ask a child such a question.

Daelin Proudmoore was drinking with Tirion Fordring, discussing issues regarding tax increases for the Orc Internment Camps and the trolls. These were hot topics lately; the Archmage Antonidas of Dalaran had already begun researching the lethargy affecting the orcs within the camps. Meanwhile, the Amani Trolls had begun large-scale sacrificial rituals, and there were even rumors that Blackmoore, who managed the camps, was training the orcs to prepare for a rebellion.

Karandra's focus, however, had always been on Jaina.

Only Lady Katherine frowned with sensitivity.

Taelan Fordring stood up and bowed to Alex in apology: "I apologize, this is my first time at Caer Darrow, so my mind wandered just now!" After a moment of thought, he said earnestly: "If I can pass the Initiate Paladin assessment at the end of the year, I will undergo training in Lordaeron and then join the Order of the Silver Hand. As for Dalaran, I may have the opportunity to study there in the future!"

"I suffered a minor injury, and the Archmage Krasus helped me. If I wish to recover my memories and stop the headaches, the master suggests I should go there to study for a period of time."

Hearing Taelan Fordring's reply, Alex offered a few words of praise and expressed his hope that Taelan would seek out Jandice Barov if he ever encountered difficulties, before saying nothing more. Katherine, however, nodded in appreciation.

The small interlude passed quickly, and the steward Lussen arranged rooms for everyone. As the eldest daughter of the family, Jandice was assigned to look after Jaina and Taelan. After all, they were all children and would have common topics to discuss. When the four of them were sitting around the fireplace in Taelan's room drinking tea, Jandice noticed that when Taelan Fordring and Solarian communicated, they were actually using Thalassian.

Ever since Taelan Fordring had mastered Thalassian, they had begun using it for their conversations. This made things easier for Solarian, who had lived away from home for many years. Since following Prince Kael'thas to Dalaran, she had not returned to Quel'Thalas for many years. She constantly missed the green trees of Eversong Woods and the beautiful tulip gardens, where the radiation of the Sunwell on Quel'Danas would surround you. It made you feel warm, like a mother's embrace in childhood!

Now, she loved staying by Taelan's side; he constantly radiated a warm Holy Light. It made her feel that even away from the Sunwell, she would not suffer from a craving for energy. She also discovered that as Taelan's strength increased, the Holy Light he radiated became more and more intense.

From the question posed at dinner, Taelan could see that old Barov's hatred for Lordaeron was unchangeable. He had no ability to influence him. The man was a key link in the Lich King and Kel'Thuzad's plague plan! In the future, once he decided to act, he would inevitably face the insane retaliation of Kel'Thuzad. He was currently powerless to resist. The only person he could influence was Jandice Barov, and she had been studying in Dalaran. Her family must be trying to establish a connection with Dalaran through her to obtain protection.

His time studying abroad in Dalaran would be the best opportunity. Getting familiar with her now would lay the groundwork for the future.

The night passed without incident. The next day, Taelan woke up early out of habit. There was no way to do morning exercises here, so he began meditating as soon as he rose. Now, through his persistent efforts, Taelan's meditation technique had improved from the primary level to the intermediate level. Yesterday, he had consulted Solarian, who explained that meditation techniques were divided into three levels: primary, intermediate, and advanced.

His meditation efficiency had now greatly increased. He could command more Holy Light, and his control had improved by a full tier. This also indicated that his meditation practice had reached its first bottleneck; to ascend to the advanced level, it was not just a matter of accumulating time, but required a qualitative change in the energy within his body. Only by reaching a brand-new height in his comprehension of the Holy Light could he advance to the high tier. Only upon reaching the high tier could he utilize it more effectively! In other words, the progression from primary to advanced was an accumulation of quantity—increasing the amount of Holy Light controlled and the speed of absorption—while the advanced level was a qualitative improvement, allowing for more efficient output of the Holy Light.

At this moment, the system's role for Taelan Fordring became even more apparent; it prompted Taelan that only by raising his Occultism from primary to advanced could his meditation technique be upgraded. Occultism had no prerequisites and was considered the foundational knowledge for a spellcaster. This meant that Taelan's primary profession should be a Priest, with Warrior as a secondary! In the future, he would most likely become a Protection Paladin, rather than a Retribution Paladin like his father.

When Taelan finished his meditation before the first rays of sunlight appeared, he had just returned from a dream world that felt both illusory and real. The door was pushed open, and Jaina, with her beautiful golden hair, walked in. She pulled on Taelan and said: "You're up so early! Time for breakfast!"

"Uncle wants you to put on your formal attire; the great painter Rivelle has already agreed!"

In Dreams!

The painting that had moved countless people was about to appear! In the original timeline, this was the most important item to Taelan Fordring! It represented family and warmth! It was also the happiest time in Taelan's life! Together with that small warhammer called the Blessing of Tirion Fordring, it constituted Taelan Fordring's childhood!

Taelan immediately retrieved the formal attire he had prepared in advance and, with Jaina's help, put it on! Taelan had never dressed so formally before; the upper body was a small black tailcoat with a white shirt, and the lower body was a pair of slim-fit trousers! They suited Taelan Fordring, who appeared quite tall compared to other children his age. After he was dressed, Jaina looked him over, helped him tie his bowtie, and then pulled Taelan into the dressing room. She looked at the handsome Taelan in the mirror and nodded with satisfaction! It was then that Taelan Fordring noticed Jaina was also wearing formal attire—a silk dress, white on top and purple on the bottom, with a silk shawl draped over her exposed shoulders, wearing the ribbon hat that Taelan Fordring had given her. A white belt was cinched around her slender waist, and she carried a small red bag.

Taelan Fordring stared blankly for a long while! Jaina's cheeks flushed, and she whispered: "Does it look good?"

Jaina, you really are fitting for the occasion! How does this dress look so much like the Robes of Arcana produced by Scholomance? It's exactly the same! I suspect they might have been made by the same tailor; otherwise, why would they both be inlaid with malachite? You're just a little girl, why are you dressing so maturely?

Taelan Fordring could only say: "I can only say it is exceptionally beautiful!"

Jaina said happily: "You're such a sweet talker! Let's go! Artists are very busy people!"

The two walked out of Caer Darrow castle. Tirion had indeed chosen the riverside. Today, Karandra looked very happy! She was wearing a white dress with a black sash around her waist, her soft golden hair draped over her shoulders. Tirion was dressed quite casually in everyday clothes and trousers. However, he had clearly trimmed his beard!

Karandra watched as Jaina pulled Taelan Fordring over, and she happily pulled Jaina toward her.

Tirion Fordring said a few words of thanks to Rivelle! The painter looked carefully at Taelan Fordring and Jaina, smiled brightly, and then told them to stand still.

Thus, Tirion and Karandra stood behind them, Karandra placing her hands on the shoulders of the two children. Taelan Fordring felt Jaina leaning against his shoulder as she stood still. She had no intention of moving away, and not only did Karandra not say anything, but even Katherine was watching this family with a smile on her face!

After waiting for quite a while, the great painter Rivelle finally let everyone move about freely, while she returned to the studio to apply paint to the oil canvas. This period was just for finding inspiration and using charcoal to sketch the figures; the true creation would come next! Jaina ran over to inquire and heard that it would take at least a day, meaning it would be finished tomorrow!

Tomorrow, he would be able to see that painting! But something felt wrong!

I wish everyone a smooth life! Also, thank you to the book friends who voted for me. Thank you.

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