The council had much to say on the subject of Regis' decision. Some of it, at least, was favorable. But he cut their display of opinions short, as he had no further use for those, and set them about their work making the kingdom ready for a betrothal. The rest would occur quietly, beneath the surface of an already-chaotic kingdom. No whisper of their plans could reach NIflheim. Regis could only pray that, if there had been imperial betrayers still in his kingdom, Reina would long since have sniffed them out.
The war council that convened was an odd one, and hinted of days long gone. Captain Ulric presented, along with a few of his highly decorated Glaives. The regular army was kept well out of the way, for they would do little good in this situation when the Glaive could move more quickly and efficiently. In addition to them, Clarus and Cor flanked Regis and, as he was present with no clear-cut duties assigned yet, Weskham presented as well.
No sooner had they all assembled in the war room than a knock came to the door. When given permission to enter, Avun peered apologetically around the room before fixing his eyes on Regis.
"I'm so sorry, Your Majesty. It's Master Sophair—"
Before further explanation could be given, Cid pushed his way past Avun, who looked affronted at this treatment.
Cid came to stand squarely inside the door, arms crossed over his chest. "You kids forget what yer daddies told ya? If you're gonna charge off into trouble, take a mechanic. 'Cause he's the only one of you numbskulls who can solve a damn problem."
In spite of the tension in the room, Regis smiled. He stood surrounded by his old friends—every last one of them, down to those he never thought to stand beside again.
"It's alright, Avun," Regis said. "Join us, Cid. We would be pleased to add your expertise to this particular problem."
"Damn right you would." Cid shot Avun a glare and took his place next to Clarus, at Regis' side. "Kids couldn't find your ass with both hands."
Clarus grinned. Cor crossed his arms over his chest, expression unchanged from one of stony disapproval. Weskham tossed his head back and let out a low, rolling laugh. Those Kingsglaive in the room exchanged perplexed looks and a shrug or two.
"Well," Clarus said. "Now that the whole crew is present, I suppose we can begin."
"You know, I'm surprised at you, Clarus," Weskham said. "I would have expected you to be the first to oppose Regis charging into Tenebrae?"
"You try to oppose him in this," Clarus challenged.
Regis pursed his lips. "No one is challenging anyone. The decision has been made and discussion has moved on. You are here, I presume, because you are well aware of that and intend to help rather than hinder."
He looked between Clarus and Weskham, holding each of their gazes for several moments before releasing them. Cid and Cor he had no concerns for. Neither of them would attempt to prevent him from going to Tenebrae. And for now, at least, neither would Clarus or Weskham.
"We have work to do," Regis said.
Planning consumed the bulk of that day, and was still unfinished by the time they adjourned for the evening. Regis had nightly commitments that he was not prepared to set aside. Not even for this. Whatever else would happen, his priorities remained with his children. And he intended that they should know that.
The following day was similar in many respects. Planning and preparation for departure continued during the daylight hours; when Regis was working beside his old friends he felt complete in a way he had not done for many decades. There was an energy about the Citadel. He drew it in and thrived on it. He felt more a prince and less an old man tasked with too many responsibilities. They teased Cid for his age and Cor for his youth, though time had shortened every distance between them, while Clarus, Weskham, and Regis were thick as thieves in the heart of it all.
At night, he sat beside Reina's bed while she endeavored to Dream the result of his excursion to Tenebrae. Night after night she Dreamed much the same: multiple paths forked out from a point and she could not discern which actions led to which ends. It did nothing to console her. Indeed, it did little for Regis' confidence in the situation, but he had trusted his life to his brothers' hands many times before and he would do so again.
At last the morning of their departure came. There was no dawning of a glorious day, for they would leave in the cover of pre-dawn. Even if they had planned to leave later, the storm would have darkened any coming of the sun, as it did every morning.
"The boat is waiting," Weskham whispered, in spite of the fact that they were very much alone in his rooms with no one to disturb or overhear them. The dark had a solemnity about it that demanded quiet.
They stepped out into the hall together. Clarus waited for them there.
"Cid has the engine running," he said, falling into step beside them. Even he kept his voice quiet and subdued, as if the silent Crownsguards along the hall should be kept excluded from this conversation. "And Cor is overseeing the Glaive."
They passed by Crea's door and then the twins'. It was hours before the time when they would wake. Much too early to disturb them with farewells, but even so it felt wrong to walk past without seeing them. With any luck they would return to Lucis this evening, nearly before his children had noticed he was gone. Unlikely, given that both twins had proven themselves sensitive beyond their years, but he hoped for it anyway.
The twins' bedroom door was but a few paces behind them when it opened. Reina, holding Chika the Chocobo to her chest, peered down the hall at them.
So much for a quick and unnoticed departure.
"Reina, my dear, it is very early. Go back to bed. I will see you when we return."
She rubbed sleep from her eyes and resettled her grip on Chika. "I just wanted to tell you that you'll be okay."
The daughter telling the father that all would be well was not usually the way of things, but his was not a usual family. Nevertheless. "Reina. You are not meant to Dream without supervision."
"I didn't Dream, Father. Not really. The Burgundy Man told me."
"Regis, we must make haste," Clarus said.
He retraced his steps and knelt to hug her fiercely. One goodbye, at least, he would have before departing. He kissed her hair and held her out at arms length. "Be good while I'm away."
"Regis," Clarus said.
Reina nodded and he released her, rising to return to the others.
"I will be back as soon as possible," he told her.
Thin and meaningless as the assurance was, it was the only one he could offer her. She seemed to accept it, for she merely stood in the middle of the hall with an unreadable expression on her face like the strange clarity that sometimes followed a premonition for her, and watched him go. The elevator doors closed on that view of her.