Alaisdair felt buoyant and full of energy after the happy ending for King Samir and Queen Ada of Griffith. Having a hunt end in joy, not bloodshed, was an aim deep in Alaisdair's spirit.
Alaisdair stayed amazed at the stairs that took them from the plateau to the area of the sliding door. He had many questions but was learning to keep silent until a suitable opportunity arose. He knew the King valued silence, as did Commander Fallon, but Fallon was friendly when he was not in his Commander role. The King was, well, always the King in whatever form.
The King stepped up to the seat that, for the King, turned into a throne. When Alaisdair sat in it, it turned into a comfortable chair that turned in a full circle. The throne looked solid and majestic, with King Steward seated.
Fallon indicated a stump, and Alaisdair sat. Another silent "wow" shaped his mouth as his seat also conformed to make a comfortable but solid chair.
He looked, and Fallon's stump was identical to his seat.
"What do you think of my living furniture, Alaisdair?"
"Well, Sir, I think it is a marvel and would like to know how it works," said Alaisdair to the King.
"You need to ask one of the Chips," said King Steward.
"Who are the Chips, Sir?" asked Alaisdair, confused.
"You're sitting on one and Commander Fallon on the other."
"Whoa," Alaisdair exclaimed as he jumped to his feet and looked at the stump. Then, he looked at the King and said, "Are you saying this stump is alive, and I have been sitting on it?"
"Hi," said the stump. My name is Chipster, and I am a nephew of Big Red."
"Hello," said the other stump that Fallon was still sitting on. "My name is Sir Chip. I am a brother to Chipster. Twin, but there are a lot of other Chips around the forest. And we are all related to Big Red. My wife is Betty, the service table in the King's dining area. Chipster has yet to get hitched."
"Alright, now that we are all acquainted, it is time to discuss the next Monster Hunt. The Pegasi. The Pegasus has yet to be corraled," said King Sol.
"Sir, we should put off the discussion of the Pegasi until the morning. This is because we have the preparations for the fete tonight to celebrate the success of Master Monster Hunter," Fallon said.
"Not to worry, Commander Fallon, the kitchen crew is amid all preparations," King Steward replied, " But you are right, my friend, we should be in a celebratory mood, not one arming for a hunt."
"Thank you, Sir. I want to show our hero of today his sleeping Quarters." Fallon said.
"That will be fine, Fallon. Please have him attired properly and return here with him by sundown. Then, we shall make a royal entrance for this ceremony."
"Yes, Sir," Fallon saluted and turned to Alaisdair.
Alaisdair had been daydreaming about the face and voice of his intended spouse, one he was sure he may have met earlier today, so he missed what Fallon and the King were discussing.
Alaisdair was startled when Fallon said, "Come, Alaisdair, and we must prepare for tonight's festivities."
Alaisdair jumped to his feet, almost tripped, but righted himself and saluted Fallon, 'Yes, Sir." Then he saluted the King and bowed.
The King said, "Remember what I said about the dangers of daydreaming, son." Then, addressing Fallon, "I shall see you both, anon."
"Follow me and pay strict attention to our walk. Finally, we shall pass the entrance to the outdoor seating areas for tonight's banquet and celebration of your victory."
Fallon continued to walk and talk, giving instructions, "Pay no attention to the attendants at the fete. We are merely walking through at this point. Please take note of the King's table to the right as we pass. You will be honored to sit with him this evening at that raised area, and I shall also be there."
They continued walking and descended a set of steps to the barracks area. There was a smaller building than the separate barracks surrounding it, yet it was a family-sized house in the middle of the settlement. Fallon went to the house and opened the door.
"Please enter, son. This is your quarters when you are in this Kingdom. Your clothes and your attendant are awaiting you in the master bedroom. The rest of your staff you will meet later. I will be back in a quarter of an hour, and within the half-hour, we need to be back in the King's lair."
"Yes, Sir, Commander,' said Alaisdair, adding, "Sir, where is the Master Bedroom?"