As soon as Alaric saw Liadrin's expression—caught between wanting to say something and hesitating—he knew the girl had already given up.
She was just too proud to admit it openly.
Not wanting to push her further, Alaric decided to drop the topic and asked, "So, how is it? Feeling the Holy Light and controlling it with your own power—does it feel much better?"
The girl blushed, hesitated for a moment, then, as if she couldn't hold it in anymore, began to complain.
"You're right. The feeling of sensing the Holy Light is completely different. I finally understand—it's really driven by a spirit of goodness, justice, and purity, and not by devout faith… But from this perspective, the Holy Light is indeed a very positive force."
"Exactly," Alaric nodded in agreement, listening as Liadrin continued to speak passionately.
"I think the power of the Holy Light can be stronger than we imagine.
Anyone with a pure and steadfast heart, someone with a will to protect and a sense of justice, can wield this power. So, there should be many more people able to use the Holy Light.
At least in Quel'Thalas, we have many warriors who could do it. It's just that their blind fanaticism for the Light makes it impossible for them to access it. What a shame."
It seemed Liadrin had indeed changed her mind. Alaric had considered this before, but in the presence of so many fanatical believers, it was nothing but a fantasy.
"It's a shame," he agreed.
"And those human brutes I trained with, they're crazy. They pray so many times a day, but the Holy Light doesn't give them more favor just because of that…
Honestly, I don't dare to share my thoughts with them. Whenever we discuss the power of the Holy Light, I can only nod and pretend to agree, so afraid they'll attack me for saying something wrong."
Liadrin began venting about the other original Paladins, which made Alaric look at her with a strange expression.
"You were just like them at first."
That was what Alaric truly thought, but of course, he didn't say it out loud. Instead, he nodded repeatedly, signaling his support for Liadrin.
"And that Turalyon—he's a joke. After talking to him, I think he's the most open-minded of the lot, but guess what? He still can't use the Paladin's powers.
Can you believe that? And here I thought we were both priests, but he can't even measure up to me as a warrior now. How embarrassing."
It seemed Turalyon's inability to wield the Holy Light would become a well-known piece of history among the high elves. No one would have imagined that he would become the most accomplished and longest-living among his peers.
"And one more thing," Liadrin lowered her voice, looking serious. "You can't tell them anything I just said, okay? I'm telling you this because I trust you. You gave me the Holy Seal, so I feel safe confiding in you."
"Don't worry," Alaric patted his chest confidently. "I'm reliable."
So, Alaric spent time with Liadrin in her training grounds, mostly listening to her talk while he nodded and occasionally offered his thoughts.
After a while, Liadrin suddenly realized something and awkwardly asked, "Um… have I been talking too much?"
"Not at all," Alaric smiled and shook his head. "I'm enjoying our conversation."
"Really? Really?" Liadrin's face lit up with a smile. "That's so great. You have no idea how lonely it's been for me.
The more I master the power of the Holy Light, the less I have in common with those guys.
Honestly, they're either too fanatic or too clueless to even wield the Light properly… No one would talk to me, and I was so lonely.
I spent all my time just training alone, until I was exhausted and went to sleep. That's how I've been surviving."
"You've really been through a lot," Alaric comforted her, patting her hand. "But you won't be so lonely from now on."
"Really? Really?" Liadrin's eyes lit up. "Does that mean we can leave and go fight the orcs together?"
Alaric looked at the excited and expectant Liadrin and, despite feeling a bit sorry, shook his head.
"Not quite like that…"
Liadrin's face immediately fell, and seeing her disappointed expression, Alaric felt as though he had just committed some unspeakable crime.
"Well, actually, there's some good news," Alaric quickly added, trying to cheer her up. "Archbishop Faol told me he plans to form the Silver Hand Order with you all as the core.
Before the war starts, he'll recruit new soldiers, and you'll be the ones to train them. When that happens, I'll recommend some high elves to be your subordinates."
Liadrin's expression immediately brightened at the news. Having more of her kind around would be a comfort after months of isolation.
"And there's more good news," Alaric continued, painting an even more vivid picture.
"There's a very strong warrior coming, someone around your age, and she doesn't believe in the Holy Light. So, you two will probably have a lot in common.
You could even learn some warrior techniques from her."
Alaric was referring to the high elf warrior, Lor'themar Theron, also known as the Dawn Killer. She had distinguished herself during the battle against the Amani trolls due to her exceptional strength and later participated in the conflict against divine power.
After that, Alaric established a rapport with her and invited her to join the Silver Hand. She wasn't particularly high-ranking but was eager to improve her personal strength, so she readily agreed.
"That's amazing!" Liadrin clapped her hands, her excitement evident. "I'm really looking forward to it."
"Yeah," Alaric said, "so you'd better get ready to take on responsibility. There will be dozens of high elves joining the Silver Hand as new recruits, and as one of the first, you'll be their instructor and commander."
"What… what?!" Liadrin was surprised by this news. "I… I can't do it! Leading so many people, I've never tried anything like that!"
"True, this might be a bit overwhelming for you," Alaric said, looking at her uncertainly. He offered gentle reassurance.
"But every first time is tough, right? You have to believe in your abilities. At least in terms of your strength and talent as a Paladin, you're exceptional. Plus, you're Archbishop Vondar's apprentice.
Your teacher is about to become the Grand Archbishop of Silvermoon City, so don't let him down."
"Is the old man going to be the Grand Archbishop? I knew he could do it!" Liadrin's spirits lifted at the news about Vondar.
"Okay, I understand now. Don't worry, Mr. Sandor, I'll work hard and make sure to be a good instructor. I won't let you down!"
With that, her gaze softened, and she looked at Alaric with a touch of emotion.
"Thank you for everything you've done for me, for us. I'll never forget your kindness."
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