12
It took a while to get everyone calmed down again. Luxa demanded that by the time they returned the soldiers have a better strategy for monitoring the lake. They all looked afraid of her. Wynnora and Howard argued again, this time about medication. Wynnora did not want to act "loopy" from a pain killer. Gregor helped by suggesting they play rock, paper, scissors for it. After a brief explanation, Howard won, and Wynnora took the medicine. The fliers and Ripred slept now, and the Underlanders sat around the fire with Gregor.
Gregor looked over his shoulder to make sure his cousin was ok; she was putting something away in her bag. When he turned back around, Howard asked a question.
"What does this 'baka' mean?"
"She called you an idiot," Gregor replied. There was no sense is sugar coating it. Howard nodded.
"I assumed as much."
"And is this one of the words that Overlanders have made up?" Luxa asked.
"No," Gregor said. "It's Japanese. Another language. Wynn's mom was from Japan, and she always used Japanese when she lost her temper. I guess Wynn picked up her mom's habit."
"She scolded me for saving her life," Howard said, more than a little annoyed.
"Do not pout, cousin," Luxa said. "Such a look does not become you."
"Yeah. You're a lot cuter when you smile," Wynnora said. She scuffed her feet as she limped over, and Gregor thought she looked a little drunk.
"You need not insult me further, Overlander," Howard said.
"Win. Nor. Uh," she corrected him slowly. "And usually that's considered a compliment." Gregor doubted she was trying to compliment him though.
Greogor changed the subject to the negotiation again, and the Underlanders went over their strategy again. Wynnora sat down next to Gregor, and talked as if the other two were not there.
"What was Ares like?" she said bluntly. They all fell silent.
"What?" Gregor could not believe she would ask like that. "Is the medicine making her act weird?" he wondered.
"What was Ares like?" she repeated. "He was your bond right? Like best friend. You should talk about him."
"You know not what you speak of, Overlander," Luxa said clearly angry. Wynnora ignored her.
"He was stubborn. And loyal. And strong." Gregor said. He was surprised that he wanted to talk about his bond. Wynnora nodded.
"You talked about him the most when you told me about the prophecies and junk," she said, and smiled. "It would be a shame if you never talked about him again."
"Well I guess I have you to talk to now."
"Yes," she smiled bigger. "I am such a good listener," she giggled. Gregor appreciated what she did. Though he was slightly embarrassed that the mention of his bond's name made his eyes water, he was happy his cousin said something. She was the first person who knew about the Underland, and was willing to listen to him.
"Yeah, well maybe we can talk about this another time," he said. He meant it too.
"Sure thing, bud," Wynnora giggled again, and laid back. She started humming, and Gregor felt like things were almost normal.
