He Shall Feed His Flock
There were only about forty people left in the great hall and were ready to either dance along with the music or just listen to it. The musicians had violins, cellos, harps, and lutes to play along with whatever song the conductor has in mind. It always fits the mood of how everyone is feeling after being part of the feast and seeing how it plays out. It was not the type of dances that most people do onstage and try to impress others around them. These were the romantic type of dances, the ones where a man and woman hold each other's hands and move around with the music.
Harald watches on as a good chunk of those who were left in the palace were getting ready for a lovely time. Truly, Harald and Julius had their moments with their wives but now seemed like an excellent opportunity to be close to the ones they love. Lagertha and Brant sat together and witnessed the musicians preparing themselves to play a song. The conductor opens up a music sheet for all the violinists and the bards to play as they also turn to the exact page as the conductor. Then, a woman with a large red dress with long red hair walked next to the musicians and closed her eyes to sing along with the music.
And so, the conductor raises up his hands, and the music plays as the men and women are looking directly at each other and holding each other's hands. Lagertha and Brant watched on as the people were slowly dancing along with an exquisite piece of music playing in the background. The lady who was with the bards walked closer to the conductor and sang:
He shall feed his flock like
A shepherd
And He shall gather
The lambs with his arm
With his arm
He shall feed his flock like
A shepherd
And He shall gather
The lambs with his arm
With his arm
And carry them in his bosom
And gently lead those
That are with young
And gently lead those
And gently lead those
That are with young
Come unto Him,
All ye that labor
Come unto Him, ye
That are heavy laden
And He will give you rest
Come unto Him,
All ye that labor
Come unto Him, ye
That are heavy laden
And He will give you rest
Take his yoke upon you
And learn of Him
For He is meek
And lowly of heart
And ye shall find rest
And ye shall find rest
Unto your souls
Take his yoke upon you
And learn of Him
For He is meek
And lowly of heart
And ye shall find rest
And ye shall find rest
Unto your souls
The music continued to be played as the citizens were dancing together and staying in tune with the music. Some of them have never heard this type of music be played, but Julius and Harald knew so much about this song. Ever since they were kids, their mother would sing to them and make sure they fall asleep with the sound of her voice. Her voice was so sweet that her sons would beg her to continue singing to them until they were both about ten years old. Meanwhile, Brant was watching the people dancing and Lagertha was watching the musicians play their instruments as the night was already upon them.
Both of them had a special interest that suited their personalities and their minds as they witnessed the lovely scene. Their hearts were already filled with so much joy as they continued to listen to the song being played and dance along with it. Some people would say they prefer the type of music where it's high and octane for the listener to enjoy. Others preferred the songs where it's moving, full of emotion, and has a huge hidden message behind it. Lagertha moved closer next to Brant and continued to stay awake because of how loud the music was.
"Hey Brant," Lagertha said.
"What is it?" He asked.
"What type of music do you prefer?" She asked.
"I mostly prefer the music where I can stay awake to it. And I like folklore music. You know, the kind where the bards sing about their adventures, their stories, and their discoveries. But, what about you? What do you most prefer?"
"Well, I love opera music. I love listening to lots of symphonies and a bunch of orchestras that are usually played on a certain occasion. I don't mind the usual type, but it can get pretty old if it's the only thing you listen to. However, everyone has their own thoughts on the music they like."
"If you don't mind me asking, is there usually an orchestra that plays near you, or do you just hear the news of when they'll play again?"
The question made Lagertha surprised yet confused, and she tried to figure out the hidden meaning behind what Brant said. There was nothing to be known or talked about when the musicians would play again.
"No, not that I could think of. Usually, when I come to the market, I have time to listen to the orchestra be played and the poets singing their songs in a tavern," Lagertha said.
"Oh. So, you're that kind of person. I get a clear viewing of them practicing a song or two," Brant said.
"You want to know something, I think you should ask your father when you can visit me and I ask my father if I can visit you," she said.
"Ah. That's too risky. The night is far too dangerous, and the road is perilous at night. But I appreciate the idea. I just don't know if that will be a possibility to do that."
Then, Lagertha and Brant continued to sit with each other and listen to the singer and the musicians play their songs, and the men and women continued to dance along with it. But some of them were tiring of doing exactly the same thing for the past ten minutes. For Julius and Lucy, those ten minutes were definitely worth it because they loved this kind of music and the way it's all played out. Erica was standing up with Harald as he sat down on his throne; he was loving the opera music and the way the guests were reacting to everything.
"Harald, remember when we first met?" Erica asked.
"Yeah. You were keeping your eyes on me for a good ten minutes and you had nobody else to go to," Harald answered.
"You were as beautiful as the sun and your appearance was far greater than anyone who has asked me out before," she said.
"You've known many men?"
"I have. Some of them were pretty, and others were far too pesky to be around. And a bunch of them were creeping once I understood. But you were much different. Who I saw on that day was a man whose ambition was higher than anyone else’s? A man who honors and wishes to continue his father's work and defend his people and city until he draws his last breath."
It was during this time that the conductor could not think of anything else to play. More people were going home, and it was getting late at night. If Julius and his wife wasted any more time, the road would be filled with night creatures and endless darkness. Then Julius and his wife walked towards Lagertha to see how she is doing and if she is already tired.
"Well. That wasn't so bad, was it?" Julius asked.
"It was a lot of fun. I don't think I've had that much fun in a long time," Lucy answered.
"Is the house too boring to be called fun?" He asked.
"Why would I think such a thing?"
"Well, you're mostly by yourself the whole day. And it mostly has to deal with the fact that I'm gone because of all the demon hunts and being the knight leader. I cannot refuse any of my brother's offers because I have no other choice. And I believe I've already told you this, but I'm letting you know just in case."
"Oh, I already know. I don't need to be reminded again."
Then, Julius and Lucy stood before Lagertha to see if she was ready to go home after such a long night. The night was still very young, and many people were already leaving the palace, and the ones who have not left are just taking the time to talk with each other. Then, Lagertha stood up and stretched her arms and was ready to move around again; the peaceful music was enough to make her sit through the entire time the bards played their instruments. Julius was seeing something a bit different about his daughter being with this man who seemed to be at the same age as she was.