Jon found himself mesmerized by the deep emerald wells he looked into. To say that T'Wen was intense was an understatement. As a woman. She was one of the most magnificent ladies he had ever had the priviledge of being acquainted with. Neither spoke. Just stood there considering each other. Soval and the Reldai stood off to the side and watched. Neither spoke. Just regarded each other and nothing else in the room had any significance. Then with a gesture, T'Wen lifted her hand indicating she wanted to leave the room. Jon nodded and offered his arm. She seemed taken aback for a moment, then acquiesced by placing her hand on his arm and allowing him to lead her past the reception and into the hall way. He looked at her indicating for her to decide which way to go, she gave a small nod then moved left guiding him down the hall. As they went out of sight around the corner. Max, Abigail, Soval and Genevieve had been observing them and turned to each other.
"Well, we can only hope that they can find something in each other to relate to." Genies comment spoke volumes for what everyone was thinking. Max and Soval just looked at each other and nodded. Then turned back to the reception. Orratt and Bridgett stood there amongst the guests socializing. Strangely Orratt actually appeared healthier, but for a Vulcan looked pleased. Bridgett simply glowed being happy for this big change in her life. Soval and Max eventually made their way to the newly bonded couple. When they stood before the two. Soval looked over at Genie then back to Brigitte. His adopted daughter could see the approval in his eyes and her happy smile only got wider. She mouthed a thank you, to which Soval nodded. Holding up his right hand with index finger raised. He said One moment and turned to Orratt.
"I will not bother you to inquire on what you've found in your meld, it appears you have something more important to attend to. It can wait til you return. Those too may be awhile before a decision is made. Go ahead and go. This time is yours."
Turning back to Bridget, her gave her a ghost of a smile then turned away. Max stepped forward and gave his grand daughter a hug. "Enjoy yourself sweetie. Have a wonderful life."
She whispered I will. Then looking at Orratt. She nodded and her new husband took her hand in the human manner and led her to the door. And themselves took their leave. Outside a short distance down the hall from the meeting room. T"Wen had stopped and with Jon looked out upon the botanical gardens that literally wrapped around the consulate. She simply stood there in silent contemplation while Jon stood along side, allowing her this time. He kept his eyes out towards the gardens below, not intending to intrude on her. Finally she came to a decision and turned her head to look up at him.
"May it please you to walk the gardens OSU?" She asked somewhat formally to Jon's surprise.
He replied. "Sure." And led off to the near by stairs. Reaching the gardens below, she led off down the path to the right of the entrance they come out of. Jon couldn't help but be impressed by the non earth plant life that filled this sliver of ground between the consular building and the high wall that ran along the street side. And it was balmy in there. Amongst this garden had been planted several large oak trees. One that had a bench running around its trunk. Which T"Wen guided Jon towards. Coming up to it, she'd led him around til the tree blocked the building before sitting down. Leaning forward, she put her face in her hands and massaged her cheeks. Raising her head. She'd looked around for a moment before giving him his attention.
"It is difficult OSU. And I fear that my Federation Standard is not quite adequate." She led off.
"Please call me Jon, T"Wen. We need not be formal."
She raised an eyebrow at that. But nodded and appeared to think for a moment.
"May I meld with thee Jon?" She asked.
"If it helps. Then I have no objection." Was Jon's answer. She started to bring her hand up to his face, fingers starting to spread to contact his psi points when a voice cut in to the moment,
"That may not be wise at this juncture T"Sai. Not this early in the betrothal."
Both turned. Startled to find Soval coming around the trunk of the tree they'd been sitting behind. Admiral Forest beside him. To Jon's surprise. Soval came to stand before her and get down on a knee to look her in the eyes. Speaking softly.
"fai-tor du yearn tor nam-tor hau t"sai, tonk'peh du nam-tor fam dvun hakausu, ish-veh ri tor ki' ish-veh telsu yontau k' wuh flan'es du thy tushat."
She lowered her eyes. Looking like she wanted to break down. The sight was enough to shock Jon. Even when T'Pol had been compromised by her trillium-D addiction, she'd never betrayed so much emotion. Jon realized just how fragile T'Wen was at that moment. Closing his. Jon sighed quietly. Realizing what he'd been asked to do. He was being asked to be her anchor when no one else would. In the eyes of any Vulcan male, she was not only damaged goods, but a hazard. A stigma that she's never asked for nor wanted. Jon turned his attention to Admiral Forrest, who'd been watching him. They both seemed to understand what they were witnessing and it saddened both of them. Soval put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently. As if to say it would be alright. Looking up at Jon Soval addressed him.
"Please forgive me Jonathan. But this is the first time she has been able to function in a semi-public setting. We are getting ready to dine at the reception dinner, and had came out to invite you both. If it is agreeable."
Jon looked at T"wen then back at Soval and nodded. Getting back to his feet, he reached a hand out to T"Wen and helped her up. Then the four started back to the building.
Vulcan translation
I know you yearn to be joined T"Sai, but you are still healing, it would not do to have your telsu burned with the intensity of thy grief.
fai-tor du yearn tor nam-tor hau t"sai, tonk'peh du nam-tor fam dvun hakausu, ish-veh ri tor ki' ish-veh telsu yontau k' wuh flan'es du thy tushat.