The Leine Bhois

Emma sat quietly in the flitter as Sarek drove them to the city of Portree to initiate one of many tasks required of the next hours. Stopping in front of an ancient home, and as they approached the front door. She knocked three times and they waited. A light came on and they heard the sound of footfall padding quietly down the stairs. The door was opened by an older woman both confused to see Sarek and surprised to see Emma.

"Come in out of the cold, the both of you," she said.

"Thank you, Mrs. MacGinnis. My husband, Sarek," Emma said respectfully.

"Hello," she paused. "Emma, it's late."

"Yes ma'am, I've come to ask you to make the leine bhois for Da, please."

The 'death shirt' was specifically made near the time of death, and was the final garment the decedent wore. Emma held the fabric her mother had chosen close for a moment, and then offered it to Ailis.

"I wish it not necessary, but I'll begin immediately. Ieuan and I'll deliver it on the morrow, dear."

Will held Anna in his arms and they continued to talk, delving into memories, approaching things left unsaid for many years.

"Ann, thank you for Emma. She is so much like you it's uncanny," he said, falling silent as he thought about his child.

"When I look at her, think about her mannerisms, she is a clone of you in so many ways. Those eyes, especially," Anna replied.

"Would you do something for me, love?" He asked.

"Anything."

"Is that PADD around here still? I would like to record a message to Skelan. It bothers me that I'll not know him."

She looked at him for a short moment and then rose to retrieve the device. After she brought it to him, she left him in privacy to compose a letter to his grandson. Stepping quietly through the hall, she walked down the stairs to find Ken and Sorel sitting in the living room talking quietly next to roaring fire.

Ken paused momentarily and looked at her expectantly. "You ok, Anna?"

"Aye," she replied. "Have Sarek and Emma returned yet?"

"Not yet. Will you come and sit? I will bring you a cup of tea if you like," he offered.

She stood for a moment and looked at Ken, thinking of the sacrifices he'd made for her and Will in the past.

"No, thanks, Ken. I need a breath of fresh air actually. You gentlemen stay warm," she answered as she donned her coat and scarf, and then stepped outside quietly.

T'Kar and Jenny had been talking about the prospect of her attending the Vulcan Science Academy when they were both distracted by the sight of Anna walking through a dormant garden, a fresh layer of snow collecting on the ground as she walked.

Excusing herself from the kitchen table, T'Kar poured a cup of steaming theris-masu and stepped outside to join Anna. Hearing footfall crunching softly through the snow behind her, she turned to see T'Kar with one arm outstretched, offering the hot beverage.

"I am sorry this time with your husband has turned into a fiasco," Anna said softly.

"While this situation is most unfortunate for you, it is no inconvenience for us. We are honored to provide any service that you require."