Javier has a sad little look pass over his features for a good minute before he lets himself be convinced by Laisander, waving goodbye to Father Xephos. Satisfied by all the reassuring smiles that are shot his way and encouraged by the cheers and cries of joy from his fellow peers, he's off running the moment his feet hit the ground. Tousled head of hair bouncing up and down with the other children as they proceed to continue their game of tag, chasing each other around the yard before one of the elder helps herd them up for Laisander to focus them on picking a spot for their picnic. The children are excited, barely able to hold sill whilst they go around the backyard, crying out their opinions about each and every spot until they found the 'perfect' spot for their picnic which coincidentally was the exact spot they had picked the week prior, but they couldn't be trusted to remember that in their excitement. 

 Next comes the debate on what game to play after as those sent out return with all sorts of toys and props that were grabbed unthinkingly in the excitement. Working like a military faction, throwing out strategies that wouldn't work out or had the slightest kink in them until they reached a decision that everyone could agree on, but by then of course, Athena had gotten fed up and was calling them all to eat before all the food she had painstakingly set out got cold. It was a good day.

Within the church walls though, Xephos busied himself in his work. Having relit and refueled all the oil lamps, he was heading down to the west wing. Making a mental note to change the wheels on the cart or oil the joint before the whole thing came apart. It might right now if he wasn't careful. So he was careful in wheeling it down the long stretch of corridor. He was careful when he stopped at each door, careful in putting down the stopper to make sure it didn't roll away down the completely level corridor. Careful in sliding one tray out from the other before he disappeared into a room and re emerged, either to continue to the next or to grab something. 

 By the time he's finished his round, stored the cart and the trays properly, shelf all the books that have piled up on his journey to and fro, the children are already begging for a second story. It's a sight to see them, even surrounding the angel, they don't fail in making him smile when he exits the church. Staying back, he watches them from afar before Athena approaches him with an empty picnic basket hanging off her arm.

 Bowing to him, he nods back and asks, "Would you mind helping Greta on her delivery? I'll take over watching the young ones." Athena nods, leaving without a word. Obedient child, she was sure to find her own niche in this place one day. 

Settling in a shaded corner, he silently observes the children and their '[i]newly appointed[/i]' story teller.