"Hello, young Master. I am Bradshaw, your butler. Please follow me to your quarters."
Bradshaw walked to a door, pushed the button, and the door slid open, "Sir, please enter. Time is of the essence, as Commander Fallon will be back for you in slightly less than a quarter-hour, and we must get you into your ceremonial outfit for the honor bestowed upon you tonight. We will catch up on things at a later time."
The Master bedroom was to the right of the moving box but central to the staircase to the second, elevated floor. The first high floor was for family gatherings, while the main floor was for entrance, guests, and entertainment.
Alaisdair asked, "Why didn't we just use the stairs?"
Bradshaw replied, "Because we are hurrying to get you ready. Simon, here is the young Master and, as usual, cannot remember. He needs to be kitted immediately, as Commander Fallon will be here within ten minutes."
Simon had all the clothing in readiness. "Thanks, Bradshaw. See you at the ceremony. Just send Commander Fallon up when he arrives."
"Okay, Master, strip to your skivvies - just drop. I will deal with it when you leave."
Alaisdair never had anyone attending to his personal needs, but he knew a voice of authority and did what Simon told him to do.
Simon adjusted the ties on the second sandal when Fallon entered the room. The room had a privacy divider, so anyone first entering needed to advance further into the room to the private area.
Fallon beamed with pleasure when he saw the young Master ready to leave.
"Thank you, Simon, for constantly rising to keep us looking presentable. We shall see you at the ceremony - I know you will not be late."
"Come, Alaisdair, let me inspect your dress. Your blue tunic is considered only for royal blood, and it covers your knees. The leggings are, in contrast, also in a royal color, as is your collar. - soon, you will learn the reasoning behind the design. I also see Simon allowed you to keep your Ocarina."
"Yes, he did. He said it was an essential part of my dress. So why do the leggings only come to below my knees? I am used to having coverage to the waist. And I feel slightly undressed," Alaisdair said.
"Come, we will talk on the way as I do not wish to keep our King waiting. He needs patience with all his responsibilities, but we don't want to be the cause of adding more."
Alaisdair thought that the King had a short temper. However, he may need to reevaluate because he only knew the King briefly. In fact, it was less than a day.
"I have some questions," Alaisdair started to say, but looking at Fallon's face, he said, "but they can wait until we do whatever next needs to be done that the King says."
Fallon is surprised by the spot of wisdom Alaisdair has acquired over the day's events and thinks that Alaisdair will be quicker to learn to temper his impulsiveness. Finally, however, Fallon decides on caution and says, "That is a wise decision, and I have found that sometimes just waiting a bit, the answers to those unvoiced questions are answered."
"Yes, Sir. I shall try to think before speaking," Alaisdair quietly answers.
The King was pacing when Fallon and Alaisdair arrived. Alaisdair thought he saw flashes of the panther's face, but he must be mistaken.
The King roared, "Well, it's about time you two showed up!"
Alaisdair put his head down and tried not to smile.
Fallon told the King, "We are on time, probably a few minutes early, but I understand your anxiety. Today is not yet over, and much has already been accomplished. What do you think of our Master's outfit? It was made to your specifications."
The King walked around Alaisdair and inspected him closely. Then, he said, Master Tailor has done an admirable job. See that he is given more work and up his wages. I believe, too, he has another child on the way."
Alaisdair was ready to ask the King a question when he saw Fallon had his finger in the one-minute position.
Fallon asked, "King Steward do you have anything to say to your Master Monster Hunter before we head for the King's dais area at the banquet?"
"Hmmm, yes, I want to caution you, Alaisdair, to listen to all said tonight at your celebration. Do not ask questions. Save them for another day. And, another thing. I was told of your aversion to killing anything, even to eat. So, tonight we have an entire vegetarian fare. Although some will look and taste like meat, be assured it is vegetable. Anything else, you wait until we are alone to speak."
"Yes, Sir." Alaisdair saluted and then bowed.
Fallon stood at the door awaiting The King and his young Master.'Your Highness, Let us proceed. Your subjects are awaiting your presence."