Under the Oak Tree - A Sip of Momentary Grace

Act V - A Pleasant Encounter

"My Lady!" A cheerful voice exclaimed. She recognized this voice from anywhere and saw Yurixion skip towards her.

"How are you doing?" His bright, youthful energy was refreshing during this time of stress and she smiled at him.

"Yurixion, I-I am well. How are you?"

"I am good. I am on my way back to the conference room," He grinned. Yurixion truly adored Max and wanted to talk to her for a little while longer. He looked at her outfit in amazement and cupped his face with both his hands. "You look absolutely marvelous! Mind stunningly beautiful! Is there a special occasion? What is it?"

"T-Thank you. I-It's Riftan's birthday." She looked away and said quietly.

"Wow! Sir Calypse's birthday is today? I will wish him well right away! What do you have planned?" He jumped up and down adorably, like an excited puppy.

Max gulped, should she have stayed silent? What if Riftan did not want others to know it was his birthday because they were busy? Would this embarrass him? But she could not bring herself to damper his joy and answered his questions.

Then it hit her, she remembered that Yurixion and Garow had prepared for her a delicious meal of fish with a variety of sauces when Riftan and the other Remdragon Knights had left for the Capital.

"We are having d-dinner together... Yurixion, what was the name of that large fish you had caught in the valley?"

"Oh, my Lady is so thoughtful. That is Oakley! Is the kitchen preparing that for your dinner?"

"I want to ask them to do so... I wish I could do more for the Lord's birthday."

"Sir Calypse would be more than happy with anything that the Lady plans out for him. The Lord is-"

"Yuri! They are asking where you are!" Garow rushed over with a blank expression on his face, as though he was used to Yuri's antics and erratic disappearances.

"My Lady." He bowed to her.

"Hello Garow. S-Sorry to have kept Yurixion away."

"Oh please pay us no mind, but we must be on our way now." The two boys bowed politely. Garow grabbed Yuri's arm and they left in a hurry back to the conference room.

"Garow, did you know it is Sir Calypse's birthday today?" Max heard Yurixion tell Garow enthusiastically as they scurried away from her sight. She sighed.