Carrier Pigeons
It's the end of May, finally a warm enough afternoon for Spock and T'Pela to play outside without jackets. They are on their third bucket of sidewalk chalk. Today's projects are a rhino and an elephant. These children like to work on a large scale. Amanda sits in the gazebo, stitching another star for Spock's quilt. She sees them out of the corner of her eye. Sulen, the gossipy accountant and his wife T'zana are out for a stroll. They are the "unofficial" carrier pigeons of the Vulcan Embassy. Wherever these two go, they take all the latest "news" with them. They are not malicious, just nosy blabbermouths.
Amanda has only met T'Zana a few times. The old woman has a degenerative joint disease which keeps her inside much of the time. Today, the old couple are making the most of the warm sun. It is a bit of a struggle for T'Zana however. Amanda decides some kindness is in order.
"Sulen and T'Zana, would you honor us with your presence for tea?"
"It is we who are honored, Lady Amanda. Thank you for this most gracious offer."
Amanda escorts her guests to the patio, where the sun is warm and the chairs are padded. "Please excuse me a moment, while I see to our tea." Amanda goes inside and asks T'Rysa to prepare herbal tea, fruit, and some of the delicious honey cakes she is famous for. (Ever diligent, T'Rysa always has the tea kettle hot and a fresh batch of "goodies".) The hostess returns to the patio, and takes a seat.
T'Zana speaks first. "Your son is quite the artist, also very patient and quite willing to share with his friend. He must have inherited these qualities from you. I knew the Ambassador as a child, and he was not quite so amiable. We have a son Sarek's age, they were classmates. Skel found him to be rather selfish and arrogant, which I fear is common for the oldest son of a house. I believe the word I am looking for is "brat." It seems you have mellowed him somewhat, my Lady. You are to be commended."
"Your words honor me, T'Zana. Spock and T'Pela, go and wash up for tea." The children obey eagerly.
"Sarek says that you will be returning to Vulcan with us at the end of June."
"That is true. It is time to get to know our great-grandchildren. I have found a suitable successor for myself. T'Zana hopes the warmer climate will ease the discomfort in her joints, allowing her to return to her weaving."
Here T'Rysa arrives with a large tray of refreshments, assisted by the children. Tea is served.
"T'Zana, I did not know you were a weaver. What do you make?" Amanda is very curious about the fiber arts.
"Mostly rugs and wall hangings. I have acquired a large supply of various Terran yarns to take home with me. I do not believe I can weave large items anymore, so I will attempt smaller, more decorative ones."
Spock and T'Pela had each drunk a cup of tea and eaten two honey cakes. They ask to be excused. Amanda gives her consent.
"My Lady Amanda, I understand that you are also a fiber artist. I saw the lovely quilt you made for little T'Mair. Are you working on something now?" T'Zana is also curious, it seems.
"I am, but it is a long term project and also a secret." She walks to the gazebo and then returns with the star block she has been working on. The old Vulcan woman admires the fine stitching of the embroidery on the block.
"This is a six-pointed Star of David, or a mogan. It is the symbol of the Terran children of Israel, also known as Hebrews or Jews. My mother is Jewish, and raised me in that faith, one of strong tradition and connection with the past. There are other blocks, including one that honors my father's Irish heritage. I will include these in the quilt I am making for my son, along with others that symbolize his Vulcan lineage. It is to be given to him when he turns twenty-one. He does not know of this."
"You honor us with your confidence, my Lady. It shall not be betrayed." Sulen was not accustomed to anyone telling him something they wanted kept secret, and he understood why. However, he and T'Zana would not fail the Ambassador's gentle wife.
"Again, we thank you for the rest and refreshment. Sulen, let us see the children's work."
The old couple voiced their admiration of the drawings, and then parting greetings were exchanged.
They slowly headed back to their quarters, chatting with those they met along the way. The "carrier pigeons" took the news of the sidewalk depictions of an elephant, a rhinoceros, and a giant panda. However, the "secret quilt" project was never mentioned.
T'Rysa came out to pick up the dishes. "It is true, my Lady, what T'Zana said about the Ambassador. He could be insufferable at times. Spock is a much more pleasant child. This is to your credit."
"Thank you, T'Rysa." Will wonders never cease!