Loraya couldn't help but marvel at how much her lover had grown during their relationship. Despite her persistent self-doubt, the nervousness that still caused her to rub her nose ridges, Lydana had become a force to be reckoned with. She was calculating, meticulous and resourceful, and although she was a scientist first and foremost she was becoming quite adept at ground combat as well.
All in all, the Romulan captain considered herself extremely lucky to be with such an amazing individual.
Even now, after being discharged from the only career she had ever wanted, Lydana was calmly setting about making her small home a suitable accommodation for two people, as if being discharged from Starfleet was the most natural thing in the galaxy.
As the younger woman fussed over bedding and assorted other minutiae, Loraya looked around at the squat little dwelling, quietly impressed with the Federation's work. Although the more modern Bajoran buildings were built with the latest materials, they had been designed to fit in with that world's pre-existing cultural aesthetic – theirs was a culture considerably older than even the humans', and they had fought against the Cardassians to preserve that culture.
Lydana's own home was small, built primarily for one person plus visitors, and a deep, earthy red in colour. It had been only sparsely furnished, since Lydana had been accepted into Starfleet academy shortly after moving into the little house. The acceptance letter had been placed in a small frame and hung on the wall that led to her bedroom; clearly it had meant a great deal to her.
Perhaps she isn't that calm, Loraya thought idly. Perhaps she's just coping the best way she knows how.
"Well," the woman in question mused, walking back into the room, "I've done the best I can. It's a good job we're already used to sharing..." her voice trailed off as her cheeks heated, and a shy smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "Yes. Well...welcome to my little home, Raya. What's mine is yours."
"It's lovely, Dana," Loraya answered with a warm smile, walking over and embracing her girlfriend. "Though not half as much as it's owner."
She relished the fresh reddening of Lydana's cheeks, and doubted she would ever tire of seeing it.
"How are you feeling?"
Once again, Loraya was amazed – Lydana's career and just been shot down, and she was worried about her well-being?
"I'm well enough, my love, but how are you?" she countered. "You have just lost everything you worked so hard for-"
"Not everything," the Bajoran responded, the smile she offered to Loraya weak but no less real. "I have my skills. I have my memories. I've grown as a person...and I have you."
Loraya held Lydana just a little tighter, stroking the smaller woman's back.
"Yes, love, you do...now and always."
"We should go to the market!" Lydana announced cheerfully, holding Loraya away for a moment. "The village has the nicest market, and you can get fresh vegetables, kava fruit, tuwaly pies...and I can make fresh Hasperat!"
Loraya chuckled, frowning at the suddenly-animated Lydana.
"Or we could just replicate them?" she offered with another laugh, but Lydana scoffed.
"Replicators never make anything taste right," she declared. "I'll make Hasperat tonight, you'll see-"
"Or," Loraya argued, pulling Lydana back from her sudden urge to shop, "we could get some rest after our very long journey and go to the market tomorrow."
Lydana actually seemed to deflate a little, her expression that of a disappointed child.
"Fine," she relented, pouting momentarily before grinning at Loraya again. "You know...despite everything, I think...I think this time will be good for us."
"As do I, my dearest. Now," Loraya added, slowly undoing Lydana's Romulan vest, "let's go and have that 'rest'."
The young Bajoran giggled, even as she tried – unsuccessfully – to hide yet another blush, and allowed herself to be dragged into the bedroom.
The following morning, Loraya held to her word. As soon as the women were awake, dressed and fed for the morning, she suggested making the trip into the village that Lydana had been so excited about the previous evening, and the younger woman almost bounced with fresh joy at being able to show her lover the world she called home.
Lydana had replicated some Bajoran clothes for them both – she herself wore a sleeveless dress of soft blue, and for Loraya she had created a sleeved top and some trousers of rich, arterial red. As they walked through the streets towards the village centre, the Romulan put an arm around her girlfriend, as if proclaiming to all of Bajor that the two of them were romantically involved. She had no reason to be ashamed – indeed, she was proud to be seen with Lydana, a woman she couldn't help but respect.
"It's so nice to see you back in skirts or something similar," she stated, a playful smile on her lips.
"Well, I missed the freedom of them," Lydana answered, looking down at her dress. "I've always favoured skirts and dresses, I find trousers too restrictive."
"I can't say I have any complaints," Loraya replied, trailing her hand down Lydana's back, "I'm all for anything that allows easy access."
Lydana squeaked in shock as her girlfriend's hand whipped under the dress to pinch her backside, and the Romulan was rewarded with Lydana blushing a shade of crimson she'd never seen before, and she laughed wickedly.
"Loraya S'Vae, you are shameless!" Lydana hissed in muted indignation, unable to be truly annoyed at the woman she loved. Loraya grinned and nodded vigorously, and Lydana let out a shy giggle in response.
"Well...I can't say I'm exactly opposed to that," she answered, wrapping her arms around the taller woman and kissing her. Finally she pulled away, as if just realising they were still in public, and smiled sheepishly. Taking Loraya's hand, she continued to lead the way into the village, hoping to distract her lover before the Romulan got any other ideas.
After her experiences at the hands of the Tal Shiar, Loraya found being on Bajor immensely soothing. The people, the atmosphere, the breathtaking scenery...everywhere she looked, she found something new to marvel at, something else to take her mind further from the torment she'd endured.
She had no doubt it did wonders for Lydana, as well, who even now was not free of her own nightmares. But what she found most calming was not the beauty of the world, the people who inhabited it or their culture – it was sharing it all with Lydana. The majority of their relationship so far had been spent aboard one ship or another, and often in combat. To spend some time together, without their crews or duties to distract them, would allow them to truly get to know each other, and that was something Loraya looked forward to.
As Lydana browsed a fruit and vegetable stall, looking for the perfect ingredients for her planned meal later that night, Loraya looked around at the small village. Despite the world's entry into the Federation, they had managed to retain their cultural identity, with low buildings that looked as if they were made of some kind of clay or something similar. There was a spirituality to the people that they never seemed to have lost, as well, and as she thought of that she spotted what appeared to be a temple. She frowned, looking at the men and women outside of it, some in orange robes, others in robes that were more ornate, wearing tall headdresses that covered all but the face.
She was still looking when she felt her lover's presence beside her once again, fussing with her small shoulder satchel as she finished putting away her purchases.
"What are you looking at?" she enquired gently, following Loraya's gaze. "Oh, the temple! That was where I spent much of my time after the Steadfast got back to dock," she explained, and Loraya nodded in understanding.
"I've...been thinking lately," Loraya stated, and Lydana focussed on her. "Romulans...we don't have much in the way of an established faith, and lately..." she sighed wearily. "Lately, I haven't felt any particular divine guidance or comfort. But you, my love...you seem to be doing better since you re-discovered your faith. Tell me, do your Prophets have any problems with other races?"
Lydana smiled at her, putting a comforting arm around her waist.
"No, Raya, the Prophets don't care what world you hail from. Only your heart, your spirit, your motivation. But I can't explain it that well – if you want, we can go in, maybe talk to one of the Vedeks?"
Loraya seemed to think about this, and eventually she gave Lydana a slow nod.
"I think I would like that, yes," she said quietly, and Lydana took her hand and led her towards the temple.
Inside the temple, peace and tranquility reigned. It was a quiet, almost solitary place, and as soon as they entered Loraya spoke in muted tones, as if speaking any louder would anger her lover's deities. Lydana pointed out the alcove where one of Bajor's sacred Orbs, known as the Tears of the Prophets, would sit when it visited the temple, and Loraya listened intently as the younger woman spoke about the strange artefacts that often granted visions to those who encountered them.
Suddenly, a soft voice behind them interrupted the hushed conversation, causing them to turn.
"Lydana?"
They looked around to see a small, plump woman in the robes of a Vedek, and her rounded face lit up when she recognised Lydana.
"Lydana, it is you!"
"Vedek Kaym!"
The two of them embraced, and Loraya was struck by just how tiny the Vedek was – she'd thought her own girlfriend to be one of the shortest women she'd met, but Vedek Kaym was even shorter still.
"Loraya, this is Vedek Kaym – she's the one who helped me when I was here last," Lydana explained, and the Romulan stepped forwards to be introduced in turn.
"Vedek Kaym, this is Loraya S'Vae, of the Romulan Republic. She's-" her cheeks heated again, and Loraya suppressed a chuckle - "she's my girlfriend."
"Well, this is a surprise!" the small Vedek stated, looking between the two women in astonishment. "I'm certain your parents would die of shock if they knew – and I assume you have neglected to inform them of your return? No matter. Regardless of their opinion, I welcome anyone who offers our Lyddie the love she deserves."
"I do love her indeed, Vedek," Loraya stated, "and I respect her a great deal too. I owe her a lot...and I would give anything for her."
"Well said, my girl!" Kaym said cheerfully, clapping her hands together with joy. "So tell me, what brings you two here?"
Lydana gestured to Loraya, who seemed to struggle with what she wanted to say.
"I...well, I was wondering...I wanted to know more of the Prophets, Vedek," she managed, and the tiny woman gave her a warm smile.
"My dear child, I would be honoured to tell you of our Prophets, but may I ask why you're interested?"
There was no aggression or unkindness in the question, just simple curiosity, and Loraya thought for a moment.
"I have seen how Lydana has changed since she returned from renewing her faith – she's grown immensely, become more capable than ever before, and I think her faith has given her a strength of spirit that she felt she lacked. I want to know more of them so that I may understand more of the culture my lover comes from, and in turn understand her better. And...I want to believe in something greater than myself. I think the Prophets are precisely that, and I want to know them to see if I am worthy of them."
Kaym smiled again, taking Loraya's hand.
"My dear girl, all are worthy in the eyes of the Prophets, and if you wish to know more of them, I will be glad to teach you. Come, let us talk."
With that, the diminutive and cheerful woman led both into the main hall of the temple, and began to tell Loraya everything she knew of Bajor's Prophets.