5
The next day, Gregor woke up from a pleasant sleep, washed, and ate. Wynnora had not slept much, but stayed up doing her homework on Regalia instead. Luxa showed up to their quarters very early. She wanted to go over a few more things with them. It was evident that his cousin had already learned it, so she went off to explore the city. Luxa stayed and tutored Gregor. After a few hours, they took a break for lunch.
"Where is Howard and Ripred?" he asked.
"They will both be returning from the Fount very shortly. I will need them both, along with Susannah and York, for this evening." She looked at him now. "Gregor?"
"Yes?"
"I request that you wear a Regalian uniform at the ball." Gregor was a little taken aback from this. He hardly considered himself a soldier, and he definitely was not Regalian. He made this clear to Luxa, but she did not seem to care about these things. "It is true you are not Regalian, but it is also true that you have sacrificed more than many people have for this city. You have fought alongside its soldiers, and," she blushed slightly, "you have fought to protect its queen."
Gregor could not object. He could not even look at her. She was way too pr-
"Geez, what am I thinking?" Gregor scolded himself. He agreed to wear the uniform, and was thankful when an Underlander interrupted with a message. Howard had arrived with his family and Ripred.
"I will come at once," Luxa said, and Gregor followed her to the High Hall.
When they entered the Hall, Gregor recognized Howard's family at once. York was a mountain of a man, Susannah looked kind. The youngest, Chim, had grown a good deal since Gregor saw her almost six years ago, but she looked like she had Howard's demeanor. The twins, Hero and Kent, and Stellovet looked as snobby as last time. Gregor hoped Stellovet would not be as rude this time.
Howard reintroduced everyone, along with his newest little sister, Anima who was no more than two. Apparently her parents were killed in a spinner raid after the war, and Howard's mother fell in love with her and adopted her. Gregor could not help but smile at the little girl as she reminded him so much of Maggie at her age.
"Now that all the hellos are settled, can we get to business?" Ripred asked gruffly.
"I would like to," Vikus replied, "However, I wanted Wynnora to be here as she will be involved."
"Well where is Wynnie then?" Gregor shrugged. "Let's just get started without her. The boy can fill her in later." Luxa agreed, and broke them down into teams.
Howard's parents would stay together, and speak with Janor. Vikus, Nerissa if she is well enough, and Ripred would speak with Roth. Howard and Wynnora would speak with Rodrith. These were the three most powerful council members and most opposed to the mission, so they had to be convinced to get others to at least agree to discuss it. The plan was to get them all to agree to attend an optional meeting about the mission the day after the ball. Gregor would be with Luxa, and would talk to all three members. He could not be happier about the arrangement.
Gregor and his cousin had learned key facts about each of the council members, and hoped he would be of some help. He started racking his brain to remember everything when Ripred interrupted his thoughts.
"I thought I told you to bring your little sister last time."
"If you behave yourself, my parents will bring her down for a visit." Ripred pretended to be insulted.
"I always behave myself."
"Sure you do, you oversized gerbil," Wynnora said. She came up behind Ripred and tugged on his ears. As usual he snapped at her fingers.
"Have you missed me, Wynnie?" the gnawer asked.
"Oh, of course I have, Ripred," she replied sweetly. "It's been almost two years since my life has been in danger. I was beginning to wonder what I would do without your threats or bad ideas." Gregor thought back on the few times Wynnora almost died, and they had all been Ripred's plans. He was oddly amused by this.
"It is good to see you again, Wynnora," Howard said warmly, and introduced his family. When he got to Anima, the toddler leaped out to hug Wynnora. She gasped and stepped back. Gregor laughed, Luxa and Howard tried to hide their laughter, because his cousin had stood up to giant spiders but was afraid of a child. She blushed and apologized to Susannah.
"Sorry. I'm really terrible with kids. I'm really no good with them at all." Susannah brushed it off, but Stellovet decided to say something.
"That is quite alright, Overlander. You do not need to be." Everyone got quiet at the jab, except the twins who snickered, and Gregor felt himself get angry.
"That is enough, Stellovet," Howard's mother said. "The children must get ready for later. You go with them." Stellovet pouted at being grouped with children, but obeyed.
Howard's parents seemed apologetic for their daughter, then excused themselves and left with Vikus and Ripred.
"You sister seems nice," Wynnora said dryly.
"You would be the only one to think so," Howard replied in the same tone. Gregor recalled hearing him refer to his sister as "wretched" before. He knows she is rude.
"Perhaps we should all prepare for this evening," Luxa suggested, and they all left to get ready.