Hearing Shade's question, the sharp-witted Claire immediately turned to look at her grandfather, only to find that he was standing sideways to her, still speaking with Elder Ule.
The witch with beautiful platinum blonde hair answered only after a long pause: "My maternal grandfather's injury looks almost fully healed. Next year's Ten Thousand Spirits Festival, he'll be able to serve as High Priest himself. I don't think I need to come here specially to participate."
Shade tried to persuade her, though not directly. He took a roundabout approach: "Then I wish Elder Harald everlasting health. But the five Great Elders are all advanced in years. Even our combined ages wouldn't amount to half that of any one of them. No one can predict the future. I've met the other priests in the tribe, and none of them can compare to you. If you ask me, you could come back every year for the Ten Thousand Spirits Festival and consider yourself the High Priestess's substitute. That way, nothing will go wrong with the festival."
"Did Grandfather ask you to persuade me?"
She asked very directly. Shade glanced at Elder Harald. "Yes."
Before Claire could question him further, Shade leaned close to her ear and added: "The Elder gave me something in return, so I agreed to help persuade you, he said."
Shade revealed the contents of the "deal," and Claire immediately blushed. Somewhat shyly, she pushed Shade away. "I can handle things with Father and Mother myself. Who needs him to say it? So if I return to town every year for the Ten Thousand Spirits Festival, can you come here every year to celebrate with me too?"
"Of course. It isn't much trouble to come here from my home."
Claire finally relented. "Then I'll think about it. If I have