Author's Note : Events begin immediately following the story 'What Large Teeth'. (Full story order : 1 - Kissing Frogs; 2 - True Love; 3 - What Large Teeth)
The voyage to the Seleya Forest was a somber one. Stonn found a corner to sit and spent the entire trip meditating and fasting, only accepting water. Spock spent his time instructing the others about Seleya Forest as even Leonard had never been to the Vulcan settlement there. Sections of the trees and some of the animals were considered sacred as it was believed that the katras of the dead Sons and Daughters of Vulcan would continue on inside of them, remaining to guide their kin.
When the Enterprise docked at a neutral spot, Spock rode ahead alone to seek permission for Stonn and the others to enter. Stonn was still keeping himself isolated so James quietly asked Leonard why Stonn would need permission to enter since he was a Son of Vulcan himself. Keeping his own voice low, Leonard tried to explain.
"As you noticed when we were with Lady Amanda, she doesn't eat flesh of any sort. She adopted that diet after Spock was born as none of the Vulcans eat flesh. For Stonn to have not only eaten flesh, but living flesh from human children and the elderly? While it isn't likely they'll hold him at fault, he's violated more of their taboos than I can count. Odds are they'll keep him well away from the general population until he undergoes a ritual purification of some sort."
Spock returned before dark accompanied by four priestesses. The robed women silently went to Stonn, surrounding him as they escorted him from the ship. Spock waited until Stonn and the priestesses had departed before speaking to the group.
"We are being allowed entry and will met with some of the elders, but not today. We may enter at dawn. A group will be waiting for us inside the forest to guide us. Take care not to stray from our guides as you have been offered a rare privilege."
James found his eyes kept going back to the tall icy-white mountains in the distance. Those were bound to be the ones that surrounded Vega. By his estimate, they would likely take two to three days to reach by horseback. A nudge from Leonard brought his attention back to what Spock was saying.
"While not strictly necessary, it would be considered polite to refrain from eating meat from now until we depart. Most of my father's people would not comment on it due to politeness, but the smell of meat is sickening to most of them and tends to cling to those who eat it."
James smiled brightly.
"We certainly didn't starve from the bounty of Lady Amanda's table, so I am certain a short break from eating meat will not do any of us harm."
Pavel cleared his throat before venturing another thought.
"Perhaps it would be wise to wake very early and bathe before meeting our guides?"
Leonard smiled and nodded his agreement.
"An excellent idea. In fact, I believe I see enough ingredients along the edge of the forest to make us a batch of soap that won't contain any animal fats to use for our morning baths."
The brief pleased expression that formed on Spock's face was enough to convince them all that the idea was highly approved of. Nyota took it a step further and asked Leonard to immediately make a batch of soap so that they could launder a set of clothing for each of them. The clothing was hung to dry well before dark and with the steady winds off the water, they were sure to dry in plenty of time.
By the time the sun began to rise, the group was well-scrubbed from head to toe and dressed in the fresh clothing. The group waiting on them was led by Sarek, who took in the group's appearance - and more subtly, their smell - and was very pleased at the efforts they had made to not offend their hosts. All of the guides had been expecting to have to endure the odor of meat and some were even visibly shocked to find it wasn't an issue.
The first part of their journey needed to be single file, but once they were closer to the heart of the Vulcan area, they were able to ride three abreast on good roads. Sarek rode between Leonard and James, both asking and answering many questions. Sarek studied the two princes more closely when he noted that most of their questions were in regard to the land of Vega.
"My people and the Vegans have long traded both workmanship and knowledge, but their kingdom recently cut off all contact with the outside without explanation."
Leonard and James exchanged a glance before Leonard sighed.
"We suspect we know what the reason may be for their actions. Stonn told us that he praised both the grace and beauty of Vega's princess, which led to the jealous rage of the witch that cursed him. It would not be out of character with her previous actions if the witch also placed a curse on the unfortunate princess."
As Sarek remained silent, James continued.
"The witch has also cursed Prince Leonard and myself. We cannot settle anywhere until we break it by ending ten enchantments. Nine now that Stonn is free from his wolf form."
After another minute of contemplation, Sarek spoke softly.
"I doubt that the Vegan guards will allow your entire group to enter, but I believe that I could convince them to allow the two of you entry along with Spock. Do you truly believe you can undo whatever curse was laid on their pearl?"
"Pearl?"
Sarek gave a slight gesture that might have been a shrug.
"That is how they have always referred to the child since the day she was born, though her proper name is Cordula - yet another name for a sea jewel. They considered her appearance as proof that she was marked by their moon goddess, who is depicted with hair dark as night and skin pale as a full moon. I must warn you that if something has happened to their princess and you are not able to break the curse, they are unlikely to allow you to leave alive."
Leonard had already suspected as much. A princess that was considered touched directly by the gods was not a princess that her people would treat lightly.
"Our thanks for the warning, but I have faith that we will be able to end whatever curse was laid on her. We must find out from the people whatever the conditions are that were laid on the curse and meet them."
"And if you cannot?"
A smile formed on James' face as he answered.
"I believe that we can, Lord Sarek. We have bested her before this and I see no reason why we shall not continue. Besides, someone must stop the woe that she is bringing to the world and it seems as if fate chose my companions and myself to do the deed."
Sarek met James' eyes, then gave a nod.
"Today, you will rest and feast with my people while I send word to the Vegans. Tomorrow, I will escort you to meet with their representatives and from there, we will see what the fates have in store."
