Ships in the Sky Chapter Ten- The Armoury
Malcolm led the Elf through the ship to the armoury where he had placed the weapons. Opening the door he motioned Legolas in.
'I put them over here. I also unstrung the bow, I thought I'd best. You know how bow strings stretch if you leave them too long.'
He lifted the weapons from their place on the shelf and handed them to Legolas, who nodded his thanks.
'They are beautifully made. That bow is a real work of art, it must be a pleasure to use.'
'You use a bow?' questioned Legolas.
'Yes, when I get a chance, not much chance on the Enterprise though. Not the space really.'
'You are welcome to try my bow if you would like. It was made in Lothlórien by a master bow maker and given me by the Lady Galadriel.'
Malcolm blushed, he realised that he was being offered a great honour.
At this moment T'Pol entered the armoury, she nodded a greeting to Malcolm.
'Lieutenant.'
'Sub-Commander, I best be getting on. I'll take you up on your offer Legolas, after you've beaten that Klingon fellow.' He left the armoury.
T'Pol turned to Legolas, 'You should be practising with the bat'leth. I have researched with the Klingon protocol database. If you fight well, you may be granted kra'qu, mercy.'
'I have said that I will fight with my own weapons.'
'Your weapons will not stand against those of the Klingons. And you can't use your bow.'
'Then I will use my swords.' He drew the two ivory handled swords from their scabbards, twirling them as he bought them to the guard. 'They are well made and strong. They were made by my father's father.'
T'Pol rewarded him with a raised eye brow, 'I would like to test their tensile strength. I do not wish you to go into battle ill prepared.'
Legolas nodded and sheathed the blades. He did not understand this beautiful woman- why did she treat him with such scorn and hostility? He found her compelling, her beauty drew him to her as none had done before.
'Vanimle sila tiri,' he whispered.
'Auta miqula orqu' the reply flew from her lips. He stepped back, surprised by her Elven curse.
'I'm sorry. I didn't mean to insult you. I meant what I said. I wouldn't say such a thing lightly. Kwenta amin I'narn,'
'There is none to tell. I am not Elven, I am Vulcan.'
'But you cannot deny the feeling that you have. I have felt them. You can't hide from them.'
'My emotions are controlled. my feelings are illogical and are not relevant.'
'Cormlle naa Tanya tel'raa' he stepped forward pulling her into his embrace. For a moment she seemed to yield, for that moment she looked into his eyes and saw everything that she kept held deep within her soul, all the yearnings, to laugh, to cry, to love! She pushed her hands against his chest, trying to break away, but he kept her imprisoned. She pushed harder; he pulled her fully into his embrace trapping her in his encircling arms. She struggled, trying to break free, but he was strong, too strong. Using one finger he lifted her chin until she was forced to gaze up at him.
'Amin naa tualle,' he whispered.
'Elen sila lumen onentilmo' she replied. She was tired, tired of the constant struggle to hold barriers in place, tired of always being on the outside looking in. She leant against his chest, feeling its rise and fall as he breathed, smelling his perfume.
'Yallume' she breathed.
He lifted her face again, bending towards her as she strained up to meet his lips.
'Hoshi to T'Pol,' the intercom squeaked. They flew apart like startled birds, and T'Pol blushed as she stepped to the panel to answer the summons.
'T'Pol here, what is the problem?'
'It's the Klingons; they are demanding that we hand over Legolas now. Have you any idea where he is?'
'We are in the armoury. Is the Captain aware?'
'T'Pol, Archer here, the Klingons have six Par'tok cruisers stationed around the Enterprise. Is Legolas ready?'
'I am ready Captain.'
'T'Pol please show Legolas to the shuttle bay. Phlox and I will escort him to the surface.'
'Captain' interrupted T'Pol, 'Permission to also attend. My experience in dealing with Klingons may be of use.'
'Permission granted.'
Legolas drew his quiver and swords onto his shoulder. He then pulled T'Pol into his arms again, crushing her protest with a kiss. She pushed him away.
'The Captain wants us in the shuttle bay, you should concentrate on what lies ahead. I am worried that your weapons will not suffice.'
'I have carried these swords for over two thousand years they have never let me down. Come, we will talk of this no more. The Captain awaits.'
They drew apart with reluctance and made their way through the ship to the shuttle bay, where Archer was pacing up and down on the platform looking worried.
'Are you sure you're up to this Legolas?' he asked, 'You're only just out of sickbay.'
Legolas nodded, 'I am well Captain. Phlox can confirm that.'
Phlox had just entered the room, 'Yes, yes. I've never seen anyone heal as quickly, but yes he's quite fit.' He grinned at T'Pol. 'I've also bought along a full medical kit- just in case the Klingons aren't prepared.'
She glared at him and climbed down the steps into the shuttle, followed closely by Legolas. As soon as Phlox had got himself settled, Archer piloted them away from the ship. Legolas stared out of the window, the stars enthralling him. He still could not believe that they were in the sky high above a world. Archer rolled the shuttle around and proudly flew over the Enterprise.
'She is a thing of beauty, your ship of the skies Captain Archer,' the Elf murmured.
Archer smiled, 'Yes she is, our biggest and best.'
He dipped the shuttle's nose and began the descent to the planet's surface.
Vanimle sila tiri –' Your beauty shines bright'
Auta miqula orqu' - 'Go kiss an orc'
Kwenta amin I'narn - 'Tell me your tale'
Cormlle naa Tanya tel'raa' - 'You have the heart of a lion'
Amin naa tualle - 'I am your servant'
Elen sila lumen onentilmo' - 'A star shall shine on the hour of our meeting'
Yallume - 'At last'
