Gregor the Overlander,

Ripred has promised to send this letter on Nike to Lizzie. So I feel sure you will get it. Eventually.

Ripred let me borrow the pens and books of paper that Lizzie has supplied for his letters to her. They are excellent! They make writing so easy. The pen almost writes by itself. And to carry the ink within the pens! Ingenious. No more cumbersome quills and scrolls. I immediately showed the pens and paper to Vikus. Though he could not hold the pen with his right hand, he made marks on the paper with his left. His scrawled message says 'Our hope returns.' I am afraid it is too difficult to read. Though he has mastered the art of feeding himself with his left hand, writing still needs much practise.

You asked about the hospital and if I am a doctor yet. The hospital is much the same as when you were a patient here, and no, I am not a doctor yet, though I learn something new about healing people every day. I do enjoy healing the afflicted, no matter the race. Though the rats are often contentious patients. They continually try the patience of our doctors. I am not the most patient person here. It is part of the reason I am not a doctor yet. If Vikus could talk, he would regale me of my more patient ancestors, I am sure.

You wanted to know about our marriage laws here in Regalia. I assume this interest has something to do with your designs on Luxa. Gregor, we already discussed this, did we not? As the eldest male in the family in residence in Regalia, I feel I must urge you to consider that any designs you have on Luxa to be useless. The people of Regalia will never tolerate an Overlander connected so closely to their queen. I am sorry to be the one to break it to you, but it will be nicer coming from me now than from the Regalians in several years when Luxa is deemed old enough to marry.

As to marriage in general, the Regalians have only one marriage partner for life. You can see how important it is to choose your partner wisely, especially for a queen. Your situation as an Overlander does not lend itself to an open welcome. I am sad for you. But I did not write the laws.

Your references to this Doogie Howser and TV shows are most curious. The Overland must be a wondrous place. I hope to see it someday.

Though I miss you a great deal, it is good that you are not here.

Yours in conflicted caution,

Howard