The Princes and their companions found themselves themselves to be the center of attention as they entered ShiKahr, the largest settlement of the Sons of Vulcan within the Seleya Forest. Most of the attention was curiosity, but there was more than one voice raised in anger that a human, Prince or not, was wearing the cloak of a Vulcan healer. More voices demanded to know where he had gotten it from.

"He received it from my hands."

Lord Sarek's words made most fall silent, but some still protested, gesturing toward Spock.

"He is not even of partial blood as that one is. Besides, only a healer should present a cloak to another healer and you are no healer."

Spock's eyes hardened, but he remained silent and let his father continue to speak.

"The cloak was presented by another healer. I was merely the courier. However, if there is one here who is both a healer and disputes his worth?"

A woman's voice stopped all the talking and mutterings. Her deeply accented speech was soft, yet commanding.

"Prince Leonard, come to me, child. Give me thy hands."

The crowd parted as if by order and the group saw an elderly Daughter of Vulcan seated in what could best be described as a portable throne. While Leonard had only heard Spock speak of their Matriarch, he had not a single doubt that he was looking at Empress T'Pau and he obediently moved to kneel before her before offering up his hands to her. Unlike the dry, chill touch of most aged, her hands proved to be soft and warm and, as she took hold of his hands, some of that warmth seemed to travel into him.

There was a long silence as T'Pau closed her eyes while continuing to hold onto Leonard's hands. While she never smiled, her eyes opened and had a softness to them as she released Leonard's hands before laying her own hands atop his head.

"He is worthy to wear the colors and cloak. Are there any here who doubt my word?"

James had to put forth an effort to keep his features neutral despite his amusement that not a soul who had complained earlier gave out so much as a murmur of dissent at the declaration from their Empress, though a whisper flowed like a current when T'Pau gave Leonard her blessing before moving her hands from his head.

Leonard remained kneeling as she looked over the rest of his companions.

"All of you are welcome here as my guests and I shall expect you to sup with me tonight."

James stepped forward and gave a deep bow.

"It would be our great honour to attend, M'lady."

At a nod from T'Pau, eight men stepped forward, four to each side as Leonard got to his feet and moved out of the way. In a smooth motion, the men moved in unison and lifted the throne. The crowd quickly moved to allow them to carry T'Pau back inside the central building of ShiKahr. Once she was gone, Sarek gestured to a smaller building.

"Leave your beasts outside and they will be attended to. Let us go inside and talk of Vega."

"With good will, Lord Sarek."

So saying, James paused only long enough for Leonard to rejoin him and they entered the building together, closely followed by their companions. Plenty of seating was available for all and several platters of breads, cheeses and fruits filled the table along with pitchers of cold water and decanters of wine. Once Sarek invited them to help themselves, Scotty poured himself a healthy measure of the ruby red wine before offering to pour for everyone else. Sarek, Nyota, and Hikaru all accepted Scotty's offer while Spock poured water for the rest.

Once everyone had a beverage, Sarek began to speak again.

"You will find Vega to be an unusual land. Almost all of the citizenry are small of stature, but sturdy."

James frowned slightly, trying to picture the citizens.

"How small of stature are they?"

Sarek narrowed his eyes as he considered the question, then gestured to the table.

"The chest of most adults would be near equal to the height of this table, though there are some I have met that their chins would likely be level to the table. As I believe Stonn has already mentioned, they are superb craftsmen and I have rarely seen metalsmith work or gem-crafting to match theirs. If there is a way into Vega over the mountains, I have never heard of it. There are only three entrances that I am aware of, each requiring a long passage through tunnels that are not very accommodating to those taller than the Vegans."

Leonard chuckled at that.

"Little doubt that is why they have managed to live such a peaceful existence."

"Quite so. The journey in will be uncomfortable unless they offer to allow you to ride on their beasts. The animals are very sturdy - do not fear harming them. If a ride is offered, I would advise you to accept."

Nyota glanced down at the bracelet encircling her wrist.

"Are we still so sure that the witch caused whatever problem their princess has? Jealous she may be, but I do not think a diminutive beauty would be viewed as a threat."

Sarek seemed amused as he responded.

"And you might well be right, however, the royal family are all of like height to those of us here. The Vegan healers can tell on a child whether they will be as most citizens or not. Those who will grow to be our heights are considered marked by the gods and raised as a member of the royal family, with the eldest male and female being the king and queen. And yes, that means that they are not necessarily wed to one another. There have been few of those births and there are currently only three members of the royal household: King Aeropus, Queen Eirene and Princess Cordula."

Shaking his head, Scotty refilled his goblet.

"No wonder they would be in such a state then. How old is the lass?"

"The Princess will turn sixteen within a few days. Before contact was cut off, several of our people had been invited to attend the celebration as sixteen is considered the start of adulthood among the Vegans."

James raised his goblet.

"Then I hope with a bit of wit and luck, we shall have Princess Cordula awake to celebrate her coming of age."

Sarek raised his own goblet and the others followed suit.

"May it be so."