Underland Chronicles: 1 - The Border's Edge (A Gregor the Overlander FanFic)

Chapter 21

Pandora was standing waist-deep in an Underland bath. The smell of strong herbs permeated the air from the medicine-steeped tubs. A nibbler pup was in her hands, and she gently massaged shampoo into its ash-caked fur as she cooed softly to calm it down. Soon, he was his natural shade of red that shined in the bright torchlight, and his fur felt like down in Pandora's fingers. Once he was completely clean, Pandora guided him to the edge of the pool and helped him out to the nearest attendant.

Before another dirty nibbler pup was handed to her, she glanced at the tub on her left, where another Overlander attendant was washing a pup. He was whispering encouragement to the frightened nibbler in between bites of food. A pudgy toddler was sitting at the edge of his bath, spooning out a meal and forcing it into his mouth. Pandora guessed he had been in the water for a while.

Finished with his pup as well, he smiled at Pandora as he turned to hand off the nibbler to another attendant. "They'll all find their place again," Pandora said to him, "I just know it."

An attendant came over and handed a nibbler pup to Pandora. She cradled it in her arms, softly patting its head to calm it down before she submerged it in the herbal water. "You don't need to be scared any longer my friend," Pandora cooed. "All will be well in the end."

Pandora awoke with her face plastered to the side of her moleskin. Her neck was slightly stiff, and she had drooled on the page, but she felt refreshed. The happy dream had put her in a better mood after her ordeal several hours beforehand. She wondered how long she had been asleep.

Someone must have found her in the Overland Museum, because a blanket was placed on her shoulders and a mug of water sat nearby. Pandora took a long drink before standing up. After hiding her private journal, she folded the towel, picked up the mug and her moleskin, and left the room to head up to a higher floor in the Palace.

"Greetings, Pandora," Vikus said cheerfully when he saw her.

"Hello, Vikus," Pandora responded just as cheerfully. He attempted to hug her, but with her arms filled, she couldn't hug him back.

"I'll let an attendant take those from you," Vikus said, gesturing for a servant to come over.

The servant took the blanket and held out a hand to take the mug. "I'll keep my journal with me," Pandora replied when he tried to take the moleskin, "but thank you very much."

"Hungry?" Vikus asked.

"Very!" Pandora laughed. "I feel like my stomach has shrunken down three sizes!"

"That is good then, for I have asked the chefs to prepare a large meal. Do you mind if we eat in Luxa's room down in the hospital?"

"No, not at all."

"I'm sure she would appreciate the company," Vikus said, leaning against his cane and holding onto the stair rail as he descended.

"Do you need some help?" Pandora asked. If Vikus was anything like Rose, she thought, then he would adamantly refuse.

"No, I am quite capable," he responded, walking to the next set of stairs, "although it gladdens me to know that you care so much. Thank you."

Four chairs surrounded Luxa's hospital bed, and it wasn't very long until servants brought in five large dishes piled high with steaming food. They placed one on Luxa's lap and propped her up with pillows. Vikus accepted one and Pandora accepted another.

"Who else is joining us?" Pandora asked as the remaining two trays were placed on the empty chairs.

"Ripred is on his way," Vikus said, "and Nerissa will be here shortly."