Master Of None

"Well, we can't say we didn't hide it on purpose." The high priest was all smiles since he had seen everyone's reaction. "I knew that the king and queen were announcing their daughter's birth in a few months. Who do you think sent the healers to check and use their skills to tell them what kind of baby they were having?" The high priest spoke as if it was obvious. 

"And when they said they wanted their party to be the announcement since we had finally figured it all out, I said that they needed a worthwhile performance to celebrate it. Alice has been working on that song all month." The proud fatherly look radiated off the high priest while Alice wanted to shrink away in embarrassment. 

"The song was definitely one of the most beautiful I have ever heard. And the falling leaves were like a rain of harvest. I don't know how you can imagine something so perfect." Walker was not hiding his amazement in the least. It was something that he didn't ever want to understand and learn. He feared that if he did then the magic that he felt might be gone.. 

Naturally, Alice became even more embarrassed and red making the situation a little awkward. "Do you want me to help you to a seat? I can leave some of the potions Remey gave me? I even have a tea blend I can ask the staff to make for you. Remey said it would soothe the joints and bones from traveling." The suggestions were brushed off by the high priest. 

"I won't be staying too long. I have a few things that need doing even though it is the harvest festival. But, I would not mind if you took me over to the seat reserved for me by the king and queen. They have been waiting for me to come over." With a quick glance, Walker found that the king and queen had cleared their space, and a chair and small table was resting in front of them now. The guests had calmed and they had seated themselves. There was already tea steaming in the cups. 

"Then off we go." Walker lent a hand to the high priest as he sat down and lifted the cup to his lips. "Perfect as always. I am blessed to sit here today. I hope you do not mind my rudeness, but lately, my body has not been up to the task unless I am in the cathedral." Walker had expected to be dismissed as soon as the high priest sat down but he was not. 

There was a slight worry that he had ditched Lisa but soon found that Midnight and Onyx had pulled her toward another table with food. It was as if he had been totally forgotten in comparison to a fluffy looking steamed bun. He couldn't help but slightly curse their love of food before realizing he also loved food. 

"Now, your daughters' performance was brilliant. It is always an honor to have you here with us." Alice gave a small bow and the high priest showed a loving smile. "I hate to rush this, but I know you are planning to retire. Have you thought of someone to take your place?" The king had jumped right to business in the middle of a party. 

"Ah, I knew you would be asking. I am still looking for the right person. I would choose Alice, however, she deserves to be free of the binding that comes with my position. There is a great world out there for her to see and I will not be the one to stand before that coming to light. I do plan on putting a hand out at the summit planned though. I have the feeling that the holy lord wishes me to journey there and find a pure healer."

"I believe that is a wonderful idea. Many will be in attendance from all walks of life. I think you will be able to find more than one candidate. There will need to be one that opens the cathedral in the Genesis city, correct?" The queen had a small smile that said she was expecting this sort of answer. 

"I agree with you, my queen." There was nothing more to be said about the matter. The king and queen looked as if this was the best possible answer. It would only support the new city more and even attract more people there at the start. 

"Why don't you two run off. I hear the festival is starting outside and I would hate to hold you in a stuffy party like this." The king could read the situation much better than Walker had expected. 

"This is a wonderful party. And again, thank you for giving my sister such an opportunity. I can't wait to see what she learns." The king and queen nodded to Walker. Alice didn't hesitate at all to turn herself to the high priest and give a slight hug before pulling Walker away. 

"Why the rush?" Alice was pulling him away much faster than he had expected. She had never been so bold. Yet, when he saw that she was pulling him toward the rest of the group at the door he knew. "When did everyone get over here? We're ready to leave?" 

"We just got together. We saw Alice make a few waves to us and figured it was because we were just about ready. The festival is in full swing and it's almost dark." Gil pointed at the window. He was right. The sun was almost set and they should be leaving. Walker had completely lost track of time after the song. It was time for them to head out in to the festival. The true harvest festival started after the lanterns were lit and the ghosts were said to roam the streets.

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