Chapter 10

Pirovania was built to amaze the eyes of its beholders. The house, obviously immense though it merged seamlessly into the mountain behind it, was carved of a brilliant, white quartz-like stone. It jutted from the irregular mass of land behind it in a series of flat-roofed terraces, covered walk-ways and connecting staircases. The mountain itself was covered in trailing, flowered vines, bushes sporting enormous multi-shaped leaves and miniature trees. Here and there through the vegetation, its bald face of gleaming crystalline could be glimpsed.

Kira and Rathaus beamed onto Pirovania's meticulously manicured lawn in the late evening as the shadows laid claim to its corners and edges. The early evening displayed the scene at its best. The dark, glossy grass was highlighted with bunches of light-reflecting flowers that glowed amid beds of darker flora. Dark forest surrounded the lawn on three sides providing the secure feeling of an enchanted fairy-land. Overhead, an opalescent violet sky reigned over the magnificent vista. Kira gasped as she took in the enormous lawn and looming manor house. Rathaus beamed, obviously pleased by his wife's reaction. Light streamed from its numerous windows, bathing the couple in its warm glow. "What do you think?" he asked. "I had all the lights turned on, just so you could see it."

"It's amazing."

"It is," he replied confidently. "And this is just the main lawn. Tomorrow, you can roam the house and grounds to your heart's content. Pirovania is full of all sorts of unexpected surprises." He leaned over and gave her a light kiss on the lips. "But now, why don't we go in and get settled. I can't wait for you to see your rooms."

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That first evening at Pirovania, Kira sat by the crackling holofire reading, while Rathaus sat across the room going over estate business. It was a pleasant, quiet night, and Kira felt warm and cozy in the little study. When he had finished his work, Rathaus walked over and sat by his wife, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "Nerys, darling, I hate to leave you so soon, but I absolutely must go to Betazed tomorrow on business that can't be delayed."

She looked up from her book, annoyed. "But we just got here. I thought we were going to spend some time together. Wasn't that the reason we left Deep Space Nine in the first place?"

"I know the timing is horrible, but this business can't be postponed. You run a space station, surely you understand. I'll only be gone a few days and after that, we'll spend the rest of our vacation together."

"I could come with you. I've never been to Betazed. It's supposed to be beautiful. We can tour the planet together between your meetings."

"I'm afraid, I'll be tied up almost constantly. We wouldn't have much time to sightsee." He squeezed her shoulder. "You can have fun exploring Pirovania on all your own. I'll have Alsasia, our housekeeper, show you around and answer any questions you may have."

"I'd rather travel with you, but since you'll be so busy, I guess I can do without you." He smiled at her. "That's the spirit. Now there are a few things we need to go over before I leave. You'll oversee most of the estate in my absence. My foreman Goltar will advise you and do most of the work. Goltar sometimes needs to be reminded that he's not in charge." He went on to explain some of the basics of how things were carried out.

"Of course, you're welcome to anything here. In fact I want you to look around. This is your home now. The computer in my office is, however, is not part of the rest of the system. It's for my personal business outside of the estate. Please don't use it. There are a few things I want to keep to myself for now, at least until I get used to sharing my life with someone else"

"Of course, there are things you want to keep private. I respect that."

"Good. I'm glad that's understood. I'll leave early in the morning while you're still asleep. You shouldn't be disturbed that early. He stood up and took her hand. "Now why don't we take a moonlight walk before we go to bed. It's a lovely night."

"That's a wonderful idea," she replied as he led her from the room.