The heat of Vulcan burned like a blazing oven. Lorna would cook like an egg if she stayed out in it for any extended period. The thin air forced her to take deep breaths. It didn't take long for all of her energy to evaporate from her body along with her perspiration.
"We should find you some local attire, my wife." N'Vek found the climate uncomfortable as well, though he endured it without complaint. He hadn't spent most of his adult life in the Romulan navy for nothing.
"Good idea," she agreed, shielding her eyes with her hand so as to take in the view around her.
The space port of Shikahr poised on the edge of a high plateau above the merciless plains of Vulcan's Forge. A lone predator hovered in the air, riding a heat wave in search of its next meal. Rather than the mythical smithy of an ancient Earth deity, the expanse looked to Lorna like hell itself. She was beginning to regret her choice. But after seeing that N'Vek's curiosity was obviously piqued, she held to her resolve to see their "vacation" through.
"Ah," said N'Vek, noticing her distress, "We mustn't forget our tri-ox." He produced a hypospray from his travel bag, and injected her in the arm, then administered it to himself.
"You need it, too? I couldn't even tell you were having trouble." In little over a second, her head cleared, and she found the conditions significantly more bearable.
N'Vek nodded. "Not as high a dose as you require. Romulus has its harsh regions, but most parts are pleasant. The gravity and oxygen levels are comparable to Earth." He took a deep breath as tri-ox began to take effect. "I find I have a new respect for the Vulcans now that I'm here."
After checking into their hotel, N'Vek expressed the desire to see the market place. He suggested it would be best if they didn't try to do too much this first day, but rather they should give themselves time to acclimatize. Lorna suspected that this was more for her benefit than his. Given how tired she felt, she wasn't about to object.
"I'm following you, handsome," she said, pecking his cheek. The medication soon gave her a surge of new energy, to the point where she felt giddy with the increase of oxygen.
N'Vek smiled, took her hand in his, and led the way.
The marketplace brimmed with activity. Lorna was astonished at the lack of noise. Even in crowds, the Vulcans were serene and reserved. There was no haggling. Merchants simply stated their price, and customers paid it.
N'Vek indicated a particular stand that had caught his attention. "Vulcan coffee. Let's get some for tomorrow morning."
The farmer greeted them. "I do not recommend you purchase this product. Consumption by humans will cause paralysis, and in some cases, death. I do not posses sufficient information about its effects on Romulans."
Lorna started at his statement. "Er, thanks for the warning."
He dipped his head. "If I may suggest, I sell a variety of spiced tea, which is an agreeable alternative."
N'Vek agreed, and purchased enough for a few mornings' trials of the beverage. Next, they meandered over to the clothing merchants. He promptly selected a few loose-fitting tunics and trousers, then turned to Lorna. "Now let's find something pretty for you."
It wasn't exactly like shopping in Paris. Offhand, there didn't seem to be anything that caught her eye. Everything looked the same: dull, drab, boring. "You pick something," she said, determined to not act like a wet blanket, "I'm completely at a loss."
N'Vek seemed to like the idea, and after a few moments of scanning the booths, led her to the one that pleased him. He chose a pale blue kaftan, decorated with elegant embroidery, and a matching veil to shade her from the sun's intense rays.
"It's beautiful," she agreed, delighted that he had been able to find what she could not. In truth, the myriad of sights and sounds had overwhelmed her senses, and everything was starting to run together.
"If you're looking for more variety," said a feminine voice, "you should try the midtown marketplace."
Lorna turned to see another human woman, whose own attire suggested that she was a person who knew much about Vulcan fashion and dress. She looked to be around Lorna's age, and had lovely blue eyes. Blonde tresses extended past her veil.
"I confess my true purpose for coming to these vendors is to people-watch," she continued, "since this location is closest to the space port."
"Thanks for the suggestion," Lorna answered.
"I'm Irene. My husband is the ambassador to Alpha Centauri."
Lorna smiled, and introduced herself and N'Vek.
"You're a Romulan?" Irene asked, sizing him up. "How interesting. My home is just up the way," she pointed to a grand estate build on the mountainside. "If you're inclined, please visit me. I don't see many other human women, and I admit I get lonely sometimes, especially when my husband is off world attending to his duties."
"We'll consider it," Lorna replied politely. They bid Irene good day, and continued to browse.
As the sun climbed to its highest point in the sky, business owners closed down their shops. "It's nearly the hottest part of the day," said N'Vek. "Let's go back to the hotel and rest."
They spent a quiet afternoon in their room while N'Vek retold one of the Old Vulcan stories from his childhood. Still fatigued, they ate an early dinner. After a brief stroll in the hotel garden once the sun went down, they retired for bed. Lorna fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
That night, Lorna dreamed...
She was wearing a gorgeous silk dress and genie pants, under a glimmering sheer overlay. On her feet were matching golden slippers that curled at the toes. A jeweled headband and veil completed the ensemble. Her appearance was worthy of the legendary Scheherazade herself. If only N'Vek could see her now!
She danced for joy in the courtyard of the sultan's palace, twirling all the way around the magnificent fountain in the center. After her jubilee, she was tired and decided to rest underneath the blossoming magnolia tree, the branches of which partly hung over the water. The pool was large enough that the trickling of the fountain barely moved the water's surface at its extremeties. Fish with long, graceful fins danced their own aquatic ballet underneath the lily pads.
Lorna sighed, and leaned over the pool to check her reflection. Her hair was quite dishevelled, and her gaudy jewelry needed adjusting. As she primped, a second reflection materialized. With a start, she whirled around to see the strange man behind her: but no one was there.
Very slowly, she peered over the side of the pool once more. His reflection was still there.
"Don't scream, princess," he said gently, "I won't hurt you." He looked exactly like N'Vek, but his clothing made him appear as though he belonged in this wonderful fantasy. Why was it she could only see his reflection?
"Who are you?" she asked, "Are you a jinn?"
His golden earring flickered in the sunlight when he shook his head. "The jinn are of earth. I come from much farther away. I am a gogumba, of Vulcan."
It struck her as odd that she should know about Vulcan's existence in this scenario. I must be dreaming, she thought, hoping the revelation wouldn't wake her. She was enjoying this game far too much for it to end so soon.
"Are you trapped in another dimension—I mean, a sort of netherworld?"
"I'm not trapped. I can come out, if you wish."
Lorna held her breath. "Please...do come out."
His reflection vanished, and she heard a rustling in the tree branches above her. The "gogumba" climbed down from the tree.
"But you're a...a," she held her hand over her mouth.
"Don't be afraid. I said I wouldn't hurt you."
"You lied to me!" She put her hands on her hips.
His lips curved roguishly. "Not exactly. I really am from Vulcan. Or at least, my ancestors were."
"You shouldn't be here. Don't you know it's death to look upon the sultan's daughter?" She wasn't sure how she knew that, but chalked it up as part of the dream.
"I had to meet you. I've looked upon your beautiful face before," he confessed, "And I fell in love with you instantly. Please don't send me away."
Suddenly, there were voices coming from inside the palace. The sultan's guards! Terror filled her heart...
Lorna's eyes popped open.
She was in her bed at the hotel. The dream was over.
"What a story that will make!" She giddily flicked on the bedside lamp and snatched the PADD, which she kept on the nightstand for the very purpose of recording these ideas that struck during the wee hours.
Beside her, N'Vek moaned. He rolled over to glance at the clock. "You do realize it's three in the morning?"
"I just need to make a few notes."
He sighed and turned back to his side, pulling the pillow over his face. "It's a good thing I love you."
"And I love you, my gogumba," she giggled.
"Your what? No, never mind. Tell me in the morning."
Thank you, all who read and review! I'm especially grateful to "Mrs. Riley" for requesting this story. Yes, encouragement goes a long way with me, LOL! The ideas for some of my most enjoyable stories, including Romancing the Romulan, came as suggestions from reviewers. But I'm pretty sure I'm not the only writer who laps up reviews and complements! ;-)