Welcome back ladies and gentlemen. I have something here for you today: the next chapter! I really like this chapter even though it took me a good while to write. I'd say about maybe 8 hours to write it and a good 3 hours of revision. That usually means a good chapter is coming. It is one of my favorites that I have written of all time. No action this time, but there is plenty of little surprises and hints for coming chapters. So I hope you guys enjoy when you read and maybe you'll see some coming plot elements. :)

Chapter 3

Everything was quiet. There was not a sound from anyone in the room, the ropes of the lift weren't groaning, and the sounds of the city below seemed to be miles away. The Underlanders had eyes for Gregor and Margaret, but Gregor only had his eyes trained on one person. The most beautiful, wonderful, and amazing girl he had ever met: The queen of the Underland, Luxa, who was currently in a state of shock. She was on the floor, eyes wide and mouth open as she stared at Gregor. Gregor himself was stunned by how gorgeous she looked that he couldn't speak.

"Well somebody has to say something, so I guess it'll be me," blurted Margaret from behind Gregor. As soon as she spoke action seemed to resume. The lift started to creak and groan again and the hustle and bustle of the city streets could be heard like the sound of a busy beehive. Gregor swept his gaze across his assembled friends just in time to see Mareth striding towards him. Mareth was quite competent with his prosthetic leg now and was able to cover the ground between himself and Gregor in two sure steps. Mareth grabbed the other man in a big hug which Gregor returned. It was just as strong as it used to be, yet it was not as crushing. Gregor was bigger and stronger now himself and the hug was between two friends. They broke apart and looked each other in the eyes, both smiling big dorky smiles.

"It is good to see you again, Gregor," Mareth said.

"Just as good to see you too. It has been far too long," Gregor replied patting Mareth on the back as he turned to look at the next man approaching. Vikus, moving slow and steady, using his cane was smiling large. He looked like his old self, full of joy and pride whenever he saw Gregor. Gregor took a few steps to take the strain off the older man, who only chuckled at it.

"Oh, Gregor. You treat me like an old man." Gregor smiled at this. "It is good to see you again. It has been many years and a long time since I have seen you or any overlander, for that matter."

"To long indeed. And in that time you have seem to have grown, so much stronger than when I left," Gregor smiled as he looked into the eyes of the diplomat before him. There were tears in Vikus' eyes. Vikus quickly brushed them away and smiled at Gregor. He gestured to Gregor's left and when Gregor turned Howard was standing there.

Howard had grown taller in the time since Gregor was there. Taller and stronger, Gregor realized as he had to look up a bit to see Howard's face. Gregor was a solid 5'9, but Howard stood above 6 foot. And at this close vicinity Gregor could see the tiredness in the older man's eyes. For being only 22, Howard looked older and wiser, like a man who had lived many years longer. He also looked extremely worn out and tired. Overworked perhaps. It shocked Gregor to be honest.

"Welcome back, Gregor. It is good to see you," came the stiff, but friendly reply. Gregor realized now that Howard was more professional and more mature. He was always friendly with Gregor, but the two were never close. Not like how Gregor was close with Vikus or Mareth.

"It is good to see you as well," Gregor sprang back with some jovialness and laughter. Gregor took Howard's extended hand and they shook hands. A smile crept across Howard's face as the two men reconnected. Finally, they let go and Gregor looked for one last person. Of the four people who were there to greet him only three had approached him. Mareth and Vikus were talking with Margaret as Gregor looked over to Luxa.

She was still sitting on the ground, tears running down her pale cheeks. Gregor walked over to her and kneeled down in front of her. He lifted her chin with his fingers, using as little pressure as he could. She willingly looked him in the eyes, her face tear streaked and a small smile on her mouth. He brushed the tears from her cheeks and a bigger smile crept across his face. Gregor stood and offered her his hand. Her soft, cold hand enfolded inside Gregor's as he pulled her up ever so softly. They stood there looking each other in the eyes, both just smiling and enjoying each other's company.

"I've missed you so much, Luxa," Gregor whispered to her as they stood there. Luxa smiled and stepped towards Gregor and punched him in the chest. Gregor was shocked by her sudden turn to violence and anger. However, Luxa was still smiling and tears still crept down her cheeks.

"You stupid boy," Luxa whispered back, "You couldn't even send a note to tell us you were coming back." She hit him again as he started to smile. When he started to laugh she hit him again, but he just kept laughing. Even she started to chuckle a little bit then.

"I didn't have a lot of time to send a note. I just had to hope you would want me to come back and I didn't kill myself getting down her." Luxa shot Gregor a curious look and Gregor shook his head. "It's a long story. Sad and long," Gregor said lowering his head,"It's not a story for now. I'll tell everyone later."

"Don't worry, Gregor," a quiet voice came from behind the two. "Your sister told us everything. We are very sorry for your loss. A very sad and terrible time for the two of you. You are always welcome here."

Vikus had walked up behind Gregor and Luxa, cheeks wet with tears. Gregor looked at Margaret and mouthed thank you to her. He had not wanted to talk much about his family's deaths even to those he loved. It was a major challenge for him to ever talk about the death of a loved one. He would tell Luxa though. She needed to know as well as anyone. Luxa walked with him to a small sitting area off to the side of the room where he sat her down. He looked her in the eyes. Her purple irises looked back into his showing concern and worry.

"This is hard, so i'll just start at eh beginning. Before me and Margaret came back down here, there was an accident and my mom, dad, and Lizzie died." Luxa's mouth dropped open before she grabbed Gregor into her arms. She held him for several moments, just to let him know she was there. When she let him go she saw that he had not cried. He was strong enough to not cry anymore. Gregor sat back and started to explain the entire incident to her. Luxa was quiet except when she needed to ask him a question about what a car was or how things worked.

"That is terrible, Gregor. I am so sorry for your loss. Not just your parents, but your wonderful sister as well. It is so tragic." Gregor just nodded his head a few times before looking around the hall. There was nobody left except for him and Luxa. Vikus, Mareth and Howard had all left to go about their days and Margaret must have gone to bathe.

"When did your sister start going by her given name, Gregor?" Luxa asked him suddenly. It was a surprise to Gregor who had been sitting quiet, contemplating.

"A few years ago. She felt that Boots made her seem to childish, but she also won't go by anything else. Margaret is the only thing she'll go by now." Luxa nodded in understanding, "I'm guessing I should go bathe and get out of these clothes. Anything special going on I need to know about?"

"No, Gregor. Once you bathe, we shall eat and then you shall be given a room same as Boots- I mean Margaret. It shall be quite befitting for you I think." Gregor nodded before the two embraced and parted ways. Gregor walked away not even a few feet before he turned around and watched Luxa walk away. He just had to say one more thing to her before she had gone to far.

"Lux," Gregor called across the empty hall. Luxa spun around and looked at him. "I love you so much," Gregor continued.

Luxa paused, contemplating her response. "I love you as well, Gregor. More than you know," Luxa replied before she spun on heel and walked gracefully around a corner. Gregor was happy, but also confused at Luxa's pause. Perhaps she was just surprised at what he had said. "Yea that's totally what it is," Gregor thought. He pumped his fist a few times before taking off towards the way to the bath..

Gregor worked his way through the palace and after being gone for so long he was slightly lost. He passed dozens of doors and hallways that lead deeper into the huge palace. To places he hadn't ever had time to really explore. As he turned a corner he heard the slight sound of running water ahead of him and he hurried towards the sound. That was the easiest way to find a bath. After a few more hallways and a flight of stairs, he saw the entrance to the bath and walked inside, going to the men's side on his right. The 'locker room' had not changed. The stone benches and empty cavities were the same as they had always been.

Slowly slipping out of his slightly sweaty clothes, Gregor began to relax. He picked up his clothes and laid them out on the bench. He kicked off his worn out sneakers and placed them next to his clothes. Even though, his clothes were going to be burned, Gregor still wanted to be neat. He walked into the bath and stepped down into the running water. He sat on the bench and let the steaming water rush past him. The heat was soothing on his body. He hadn't even realized how tense his body had been. The running water eased the knots out of his back and loosened his stiff neck. He ducked his head under the water and grabbed some of the underland shampoo from a bowl next to the bath. It smelled wonderful and he lathered it all over his body. He washed every inch of himself including in his ears and between his toes. Content with his wash, Gregor Leaned back, closed his eyes and nodded off.

Water lapped into Gregor's nose and he shot awake. He coughed a few times as the warm water ran down the back of his throat bringing mucous with it. How long had he been asleep? Not knowing the answer, Gregor hopped up and out the water grabbing a towel from the hook on the wall. He quickly dried off his hair and body before waltzing into the changing room. Laying out for him were a nice smoky purple set of clothes. Gregor slid the soft clothes on and slid his feet into the straw sandals that were on the floor.

The hallway was empty when Gregor left the bath. He turned and headed back the way he came, going back up to the high hall where the dining room was. On his way he passed several servants who, after he passed, would start chatting very excitedly about him. However, he never caught much of what they said except for his name or Luxa's name. The way they were acting seemed just a little odd to Gregor, but what did he really know? He hadn't been here for years and he didn't even know what had happened since he left.

The dining room was sparsely populated and there was very little activity when Gregor walked in. Luxa was standing with Vikus and Margaret was talking with Hazard in silent tones.

"Hey guys. Sorry if I'm late. Kinda fell asleep in the bath," Gregor said breaking the silence. Hazard looked up with red puffy eyes and ran over to Gregor. The 13 year old grabbed the older and taller boy in a embrace. Gregor patted him on the back and returned the hug. Margaret must have told him about Lizzie's death which would really have hit the halflander hard. Lizzie and Hazard had grown rather close in the time that she had been in the Underland. Gregor let go of him and looked around the room. The other three people were looking at the two boys and the silence grew longer and longer. Gregor decided to break the silence yet again.

"I hope I'm not the only one that's starving."

"Of course not, Gregor," Vikus responded motioning towards the table,"Let us sit and enjoy ourselves." Luxa went and sat first as customary of her position. As soon as she was seated, everyone else took their seats. Gregor was seated to Luxa's right, next to Margaret. Vikus sat across the table from Gregor and Hazard across from Margaret. Servants carried food in. The meal consisted of baked fish, several types of mushrooms, other vegetables, and bread. Jugs of water were placed along the table. Gregor truly loved the food here and everytime he ate it he felt energized.

"Gregor, I am certain you have been wondering what has happened here since you left," Vikus said after the servants had left. Gregor could only nod as he had already stuffed his mouth with food. Neither he nor Margaret had eaten much that day, before the funeral or after. Luxa looked between the two with a crease on her brow, her food barely touched yet.

"Truly, the Underland has been quite peaceful after your efforts in the war of time," Vikus continued,"We have been in peace with the gnawers and all other species for many years with only slight border disputes on occasion. We supply the gnawers with supplies and they assist us with other tasks. It has been a wonderful alliance brokered between Luxa and Ripred and kept that way ever since. Ripred has been informed of your arrival by now, I am hoping. Maybe he will be here tomorrow even."

That news perked Gregor's attention. He had been wondering where that rat had been. He wasn't sure how much he wanted to see him though, but it was inevitable that it would happen sometime. Might as well get it over with sooner rather than later.

Vikus continued yet again,"Here in Regalia things have been quite well, also. We have grown our population and the city has expanded even. We have constructed a new portion of the city to the west and increased agricultural area and usage of lighting. All of this brought on in recent years by our Queen." Vikus shifted his gaze to his granddaughter who blushed from head to toe. Gregor looked at her with pride in his eyes. She had been doing a great job as queen he could see.

"And of course as Queen, Luxa needs to marry a suitable man to become King," Vikus said with some tentativeness," She has had several choices so far which she has all denied."

Luxa shot daggers towards her grandfather, as Gregor looked between the two in shock. He had figures she would have to marry someone. All royalty did. But to have been shown men like they were prized cattle was weird to Gregor.

"Her Uncle York is bringing a man from the Fount in the coming days for Luxa to meet as well."

Gregor choked on the fish he had just put in his mouth. He pounded against his chest a few times until he coughed it up. With that he excused himself from the table and walked calmly out into the hall where he sat down on a couch. His head fell into his hands as he mind started to race. She would have to marry a underlander it seemed. That makes the most sense. she doesn't even have to know them or love them. It is a political marriage perhaps or maybe just tradition. "Who Knows," Gregor thought," I guess loving her means nothing, when shes gonna have a courter here in just a few days."

"Gregor," called a soft voice from behind him. Luxa stood behind him, looking nervously at him. Gregor patted the couch next to him and she glided over to him and sat down putting her arms around him. They sat like that for minutes before Gregor abruptly stood up and started to pace.

"Why didn't you tell me, Luxa?" It was such a simple question

"It had not come up yet. And I did not want to worry you with it. It does not matter to me who they ask for me to marry. I will choose none of them as long as you are here," Luxa said. She locked eyes with Gregor, who stopped pacing and held her gaze. The two stood there in the empty hall just staring at each other like that for what seemed like an eternity.

The couch beckoned him over and Gregor sat down on it testing it out like sticking your foot in a pool to test the temperature. Luxa leaned over into him and laid her head on his shoulder. Gregor reached over and brushed her hair out of her face. Purple irises looked into Gregor's face and he smiled. Luxa had been telling the truth as he knew she had. This just proved it to him. She would never love another man, never marry another man, probably never touch another man. Her eyes told the story for Gregor to read.

Their fingers intertwined as they sat there. Gregor stroked her cheek with his free hand and Luxa snuggled against his shoulder more. It was a lovely sight to anyone who walked by, however neither Gregor not Luxa noticed any of them. An army could have stormed through the hall and neither of them would have lifted a finger to do anything.

"Can we stay like this forever?" Gregor asked Luxa.

"If only it were so, but I have regal obligations to attend to on the morrow," Luxa replied as she sat up. She tried to stand but Gregor grabbed her hand. She spun around to look at him, and instead was pulled into a kiss. The two stood there kissing for the longest time. They came up for air only to dive back in again.

They finally broke apart and Luxa looked at Gregor's face. She planted one more kiss on his cheek as she headed off for her royal apartments. Gregor stood and watched as she walked away from him. He would stand there all day if he could as long as it meant he would get to see her. It was the perfect reunion for Gregor. Back to the city he loved, to the people he loved, and the woman he loved. It was more amazing than Gregor could imagine.

In his thoughts, Gregor hadn't seen where he had walked and he was now utterly lost. He didn't even know where his room was. Wandering the halls would have lead to a strange night and Gregor figured he would need some rest. I mean if Ripred was gonna show up the next day that would mean training and more training and with the way that crazy rat worked people Gregor would need as much energy as he could muster. The halls were empty beyond the castles servants. Many moved from room to room cleaning or changing bedding. It was a late night thing to in the palace, so they could do other jobs during the day hours Gregor tried to ask one if they knew where his room was, but they nearly fainted because he talked to them.

Gregor finally found his way back to the high hall and looked to the balcony. Mareth was standing there alone, looking out over the city. Gregor walked over to him making as much noise as he could so as to not surprise his friend. Right before Gregor was next to him, Mareth turned and looked at Gregor. He beckoned him over to look with him.

"It is late Gregor and yet you are still waking. Why may I ask?"

"I couldn't find my room, mostly," Gregor replied before asking a question himself,"Why are you still awake, Mareth?" Mareth looked at him with friendly eyes. Tired eyes even.

"Isn't the city beautiful at night?," Mareth asked evading the question. Nodding, Gregor looked over the mosaic that the city became when looked at from such a height. The street paved in shimmering multi colored stones looked like a masterful piece of art. Art that had taken generations to fuss over and complete. The minimal torch light caused the picture to blur and shift as the light flickered. It was the most beautiful thing Gregor had ever seen.

"Let me show you to your room," Mareth said bringing Gregor back to reality,"It is the least a friend can do." Gregor didn't question it not the fact that Mareth had avoided his original question. If he wanted to answer he would, and Gregor would give him the time he needed. It was the least a friend could do.

It was a short walk to Gregor's room and Gregor realized he walked past this spot several times in his wandering. He drifted through the thick curtain that served as a door and took in his surroundings. The room was nice enough for what it was. A stone bed with layers of comfortable blankets was in the corner, several chairs and a low table for sitting, and a bureau sat against the wall. It had a basin with water and a shined piece of metal for a mirror. Seeing this, Gregor washed his face and looked in the mirror. He was gonna need to shave soon he saw, but had no razor. He figured he would ask Vikus about that in the morning. He splashed some more water on his face before taking off his shirt and pants and climbing into bed. It had been a long, long day and Gregor needed to sleep. Badly. As soon as his head hit the pillow he was asleep.

So what did you guys think. There's a lot of fluff stuff here and lots of good lead ins to the next few chapters. Leave me your ideas and what you might wanna see me do with character relations and stuff because those aren't set in stone yet. Also tell me what you think of the story in general guys. Reviews are highly beloved because they help me make the story better and make myself a better writer for you guys the readers. So guys go and REVIEW! Haha. Anyway, I'll see you guys next chapter.