Of Romulans and Warrior Kings
Chapter Twenty-Six
A Light on the Pathway
Nyota woke up with a start. It took her a few minutes to remember where she was-in Paris, France, in Spock's family's home. She could not believe what had happened to her, Spock's proposal, their mind meld...
She wondered if it would be proper for her to go down to the lower level. She really would love to have a cup of coffee. There is a light tap on the door.
"Pardon mademoiselle, the master has requested your presence for first meal. There are clothing designed for use around the residence in the closet."
Nyota's comm signals, she presses accept, Spock's voice intones,
"Nyota, I sincerely hope you are rested. I await you in the dining room."
As she exited the room, a young girl is present to take her to the lower level where Spock is at the base of the stairs. He offered his arm and guided her to the dining room, the table is set for two. Hot dishes were set up on a server. Spock helped her plate and brought it to her, helpred his own, seated himself and then he spoke.
"Nyota if it would please you we could visit the Louvre before we return to the Academy.
She nodded in the affirmative, and smiled broadly.
"It has been one of my wishes to see the Mona Lisa."
After a pause she stated,
"Spock, this house is quite beautiful but is everything always so formal here?
"Yes. Because of my father's position, the staff has always been formal toward him and by extension, myself. Each Vlulcan family treasures their heritage, their lineage. My mother however, is easily approachable and has been close to several of the older women on the staff. She is responsible for this home's décor. The guest quarter are furnished with Terran furnishings. Our quarters are furnished in the traditional Vulcan style. The furnishings are very sparse, walls ablaze with the colors that reflect Vulcan, crimson, orange, gold, yellow, and coral. These colors are also reflected in wall hangings or tapestries. For me, coming here is like a visit to my home on Vulcan. My father was so very pleased with my mother's interior design abilities that as a gift to her, he commissioned a gardener to plant and tend one hundred rose bushes on the grounds.
As he finished speaking, an elderly Vulcan woman approached Spock and bowed. Spock rose and bowed low to her, a Vulcan matron he had known all of his life.
"Hello T'Mela. I am pleased to see you again. You are looking healthy and content. The managing of this house seems to agree with you. How is your family? Since we have seen one another I understand your daughters has presented you with three grandsons."
"Yes Osu Spock, they are all progressing very well in The Vulcan Way
"I wish to present to you my friend Nyota Uhura from the United States of Africa. We are associates in one of my classes at the Star Fleet Academy."
Nyota rose from her chair and bowed. She spoke in flawless Vulcan. "dot-ta tor Vulcan ko-mekh. Nyota sampsj tr vlitau dot-tor." (Honor to Vulcan mother. Nyota pleasures to pay honour)
T'Mela, nodded to Nyota and replied, "Talah sanosh la svi' kelek t' Osu Sarek sa'fu t' Skon t' kelek t' Surak." (Find pleasure in the home of Sir Serak, Son of Skon of the House of Surak.) In French she continued "We wish your stay to be pleasant and rewarding. Spock, will you return for Second Meal?"
"No, T'Mela, we must return to the Academy but I thank you for our First Meal.
If my friend is agreeable we will visit the Louvre and after take a boat trip down the Seine and then return to San Francisco.
T'Mela bowed low and backed out of the door.
Nyota whispered, "Spock why the deference?
With his hands behind his back he thought before answering.
"Nyota, it is not me personally that would require this action. This action is a relic of respect and homage to my lineage. My family traces their line directly to Surak, the founder of Vulcans' School of logic. My grandmother, TPau, is head matriarch of Vulcan."
Nyota processed his revelation. It is presented without pride or arrogance. He is supplying facts that could have been attained by anyone seeking information about him. His family's position if transferred to Terran would be one of royalty.'
Spock's dignity and grace is mirrored by every Vulcan she had observed, no matter what their station, thus is not indicative of who he is personally but what he was as a Vulcan.
Standing opposite her Spock observed his guest and mentally acknowledged her natural grace. She carried herself like the descendant of kings that she is. There is no disgrace when one is in her presence. It is of great import that the two of them are together in this place, at this time. Both of them of noble descent. And now, both of them pledged to one another.
Spock returned to his seat and Nyota and him shared a tender glance. "Nyota, I am pleased that today's activities are agreeable? But if we are going to accomplish everything we wish we should leave as soon as possible."
Smiling, Nyota nodded enthusiastically. Spock escorted Nyota to her room and said he will await her down stairs. She showered, dressed in her refreshed Star Trek uniform and returned to the lower level of the house. He is transfixed because she has allowed her hair to flow free, tumbling around her shoulders and down her back. A sight that inspired a breathless response,
"You look extraordinarily beautiful, My Nyota.
Smiling up at him she remarked,
"Let us hurry and see the beauty who has endured for centuries.
Spock nodded and placed his hand at the small of her back and guided her out to the bright Parisian morning.
They left the residence and welcomed the breeze as they walked toward the Louvre to see in person the portrait of the woman with the almost smile.