The Escort Part 2 of ?

Day 30 M/N Advent

Rated T. Complete fluff. Hopefully this little tidbit will inspire my muses and get me writing again.

Warning: Marcus/Neroon slash. Other than that nothing big.

The third part will be posted over the next few days. Sorry for the wait, but I didn't get as much time to write as I'd hoped. I was originally going to have a short fluffy fic, but it seems that I can't write short. Grrr. I have absolutely no idea the length of this fic but I will try to get it done soon.

Marcus entered the dining hall at Tuzenor with Neroon at his side. They made quite the striking sight with Neroon in an ornate black and gold formal warrior caste uniform and Marcus decked out in a lush black silk shirt and tight-fitted trousers with a forest green cloak swaying gently behind him as he walked. Instead of the jovial atmosphere throughout most of the room, the two warriors had an almost terse air about them. Neroon because he was naturally taciturn, and Marcus because he was watching the rooms occupants for danger.

The gathering of species was a bit of a melting pot. Most everyone was having a good time, although the Minbari were more reserved in their enjoyment. It seemed that although the reasoning behind the gathering was to promote unity, all the different races were keeping to themselves for the most part. The Minbari with Minbari, the Humans with Human, Centauri with Centauri and so on. It seemed that Neroon saw the same thing because he grasped Marcus' upper-arm and pulled him deeper into the crowd.

"Let us, as you humans say, mingle." Neroon commented as he strode toward the closest gathering, which happened to be a group of Narn.

Marcus was curious where Neroon would have learned the phrase because he was almost positive that he had never used it in Neroon's hearing. He didn't think the Minbari was close to any other humans that he could have asked. The thought of such a relationship made Marcus a bit uncomfortable. While Marcus' attention was elsewhere they joined the Narn and it was only once they got close that he recognizes G'Kar.

"Ambassador." Marcus acknowledged with a slight bow. "I was not expecting you here."

"Marcus... How unexpected." G'kar greeted him, a twinkle in his eye as he watched the two men in front of him. There must be quite a story here with these two men accompanying each other. G'Kar knew full well their shared history. So, it was all G'kar could do to keep a straight face when, as he clasped hands with Marcus a moment longer that was customary in greeting, Neroon actually growled at him softly. The human remained unaware of the byplay between them of course. "I must admit I took the opportunity presented to see Minbar for the first time, but what really interests me is the weapons exhibition taking place tomorrow."

"Really? I hadn't heard anything about it." Marcus commented curiously.

"One of the perks of office." G'Kar smiled sharply. "And if I am not mistaken Alit Neroon will be demonstrating the Denn'bok."

"Oh forgive me gentlemen. Ambassador G'Kar this is Alit Neroon of the Star Riders Clan. Neroon this is the Narn Ambassador at Babylon 5."

"A pleasure to meet you, Alit."

"Ambassador." Neroon answered with a small nod of respect.

"So were my informants correct that we can expect you to perform for us tomorrow?" G'Kar asked smugly.

"They were." Neroon told him. "Since Minbar is hosting this festival we decided that each Caste would display the best we had to offer. The workers will tour the great halls of our ancestors in the morning with any who wish to attend, the religious caste will read from Valen's teachings and go through a rebirthing ritual, and the warriors will have a sparring display with various weapons tomorrow night. The next day there will be a feast with song and dancing, which will close out the festival."

"And just when were you going to tell me your own part in the festivities?" Marcus asked in a low tone of voice. He made sure to keep his question generic, because he was sure Neroon wouldn't wish other to know he was uneasy about his personal safety, but the 'how can I keep an eye out with so many armed warriors about?' was heavily implied.

"I wasn't sure about your... feelings on the matter." Neroon acknowledged in answer. It took Marcus a moment for the true meaning of Neroon's words to impact, but when they did Marcus' face flushed in embarrassment. He had thought he had done a better job of distracting Neroon anytime he brought up the Denn'sha. Marcus was still uncomfortable talking about it and had dreams about their meeting in Down-below almost nightly. Some were violent others mundane, so it seemed even his subconscious didn't know what to think about the Minbari.

"I look forward to it." Marcus assured him calmly, although still unnerved by the prospect of seeing Neroon handle a denn'bok again. He couldn't prevent the niggle of foreboding he felt, nor his surety that tomorrow would bring about some kind of reckoning.