The song by Enya was actually named "The Loxian Gate", and the lyrics were symbolic of Klingon culture and very spiritual.

Chapter Three

The Gates of Qo'noS

To step through the doors of the First City Hall - I felt like I was a peasant coming to stand before the king after requesting an audience. Or should I say, I felt like I was the lowly assistant of the most powerful ally of the Klingon Empire?

Chancellor Gowron was the most powerful man to stand before, even as he sat on his throne in fur and steel, robed in regality that I nearly sank to my knees, if not for the fact Curzon helped me stand with his hand behind my back, his other behind his own to hold his poise. Somehow, the feeling of the gesture was strangely comforting in this blood-lusting environment.

"Curzon Dax, to think I never thought I would see you again so soon," Gowron stated as he raised his hand as the honorable gesture in the air, then placed it over his breastbone. Curzon imitated the gesture and bowed his head forward.

"It's an honor to stand before you once again, Chancellor," he answered solemnly. "If only it was a mere social call. I am only here in the gravest of circumstances."

The chancellor hissed and reared his head backwards. "Indeed...an old enemy of yours has returned to the surface. The Albino is a man without honor. Who would have thought that you'd abandon your post for the time being and embark on a thirsty manhunt with three of the greatest warriors in my ranks who hold a place in the high history of the Klingon Empire?" he recited, closing his eyes and letting loose a series of snarls. I knew from my research on this man that his military experience - given that was what his people's history was all about - was not as high as the great Kahless, but who was I to question him? Who was anyone to question him?

"This is my initiate, Jadzia Idaris, Starfleet ensign and one of the brightest," Curzon went on, gesturing for me to step forward. "She is contended in my book to one day become my successor, but due to recent events, I cannot have her involved in my new mission which will have her life threatened. I ask that she is placed under the protection of one of your best, Chancellor."

I did my best to not look at him, did my best to control my rage. I wanted to tell him I wasn't some fairytale princess who needed protection, but here I was in front of one of the greatest men as well as several armored soldiers at his command. Curzon knew what he was doing as he knew what he had done with these Klingons decades ago. Gowron himself was looking at me now, his face unreadable and very tense without words to explain. He looked me over as though I was a targ he was intent on taming with his own hands. And then his face split into a broad, toothy smile. "Interesting that you entrust such a young woman of your own into the hands of the Empire, while you go off into honorable battle," he said, standing from his throne and going to stand before us - namely me, the young woman as he put it. I lifted my chin up at him, smiling at him now. "Jadzia." The way he spoke my name sounded like a caress to his tongue, but it was nothing more than a serpent's hiss to my senses. "Let's hope one day she lives up to your legacy - IF you see her fit," Gowron added as he looked back at Dax.

Curzon sounded so sure of himself. "I do, too, Gowron, but for now, her safety concerns me. I do not intend to drop her as I have done so to many others before her."

I closed my eyes briefly before reopening them. Two hundred years and fifty-seven - about - initiates broken down by Dax, and I had been hoping I would not be the latest. "It would indeed be a shame to have such a prize be released from her full potential, my friend," Gowron stated, raising a hand and placing it under my chin. Somehow, I did not like the feel of it, nor did I appreciate being spoken about nearly the same way Curzon did.

"She's not a prize," I heard him say coolly, cordially, and I turned to look at him to see him giving me a secret, small smile. Defending me and my honor, which I found myself grateful for. "She's a formidable woman, and even though she is still young and with more to learn, I believe she will one day amount to something."

~o~

I know I won't ever forget the way Curzon Dax stood up for me, defended me that way. I still don't understand why he was doing this, but I knew I wouldn't be stupid and think he wanted to put me down. For the Dax who was known to crack down and belittle his initiates - I don't know if I will ever figure this out with ME.

One thing was for sure: he was treating me differently than he must have others before me.

"How long will you be gone, Curzon?" I asked him when we exited the hall, and I would be taken to the home of one of the greatest Klingon warriors - one General Martok of the Ketha Province. Those lowlands were agricultural, so this renowned fighter must have been a farmer by birth, but that was only a guess until interesting research. I must confess I enjoy looking into other people's backgrounds to get to know them better.

"However long it will be, like I said before," he answered, getting into the back of the transport vehicle with me. "But first, I have to see to it that you are well accommodated before I take my leave to Secarus IV. The Albino will not run from us, I know it."

I clasped my hands in front of myself, feeling the perspiration come from the inside. I don't believe I ever recalled feeling so nervous before I met Curzon Dax; it was because I had no idea what to expect of the living of the House of Martok. Gowron had said the general was off-planet for the time being, but his wife, the Lady of the House, would make sure I would be well-cared for, and I was more than welcome to assist her if I wanted to - and if she saw me fit, of course. Klingon women were also known as the partners in battle and mothers of any children produced. And since I was not oblivious to the fact the Klingons cherished bloodwine, parties and songs of victory, the women were as much fun to party. Maybe if I wasn't needed at times, I could relieve myself with this "fun".

As it turned out, General Martok now resided in the capital city, but near the wildlife surrounding; I thought perhaps it was ironic given that he was of impoverished origins, just to feel closer to home. But his wife? "Sirella is of noble birth," Curzon explained to me, smiling, "and one interesting fact is that she descends from the daughter of the second and last Emperor of the Second Dynasty." We eventually went on to talk about this Emperor Reclaw II, notably about how a coup d'état led by his once trusted General K'Trelan took him down, and left his family low for the next ten years; a new group of Klingons were elected by the people coming into the "Dark Time". This was the first and only time the people ruled the Empire.

However, I found myself pondering this Sirella, daughter of Linkassa - and supposed descendent of Shenara, daughter of Emperor Reclaw. Usually when a great ruler was assassinated, his entire family would be put to death. I should look into this when she wasn't looking just to make sure I wasn't purely speculating.

We were informed some time later that we had arrived at our destination. I looked upon the impressive structure, in awe and in disbelief that one could rise from humble origins to become great. Curzon himself had come from such roots, as did I. If he and Martok could, then so could I. Our gruff Klingon driver let us both out and allowed us to lead the way. Standing in the doorway of the entrance was a woman of grandeur with an air of pride and arrogance about her. Her smile was in no way warm, but welcoming anyways.

"Curzon Dax, what an honor."

"Lady Sirella, I presume?" he responded, bowing his head forward once.

"Imagine my surprise when Gowron contacted me and informed me you were coming to my humble home," the lady went on cordially, her stance unchanged - and ignoring me entirely, which put me down. "And the reason for your visit which...intrigues me."

Curzon laughed and beckoned me forward. Obediently and silently, I stepped forth and raised my head high, finally smiling. However, when Sirella beheld me with her eyes, it was criticism and curiosity in one. "This is Ensign Idaris, my initiate and someday successor," he stated warmly.

"My lady," I said, following the ritual of bowing my head once.

"Ensign," she repeated, "or do you prefer Jadzia?"

I told her she could call me Jadzia on informal terms, and Ensign if she needed to, as politely as I could, and she nodded her impression, though the coolness in her demeanor was obvious. She had to be like this with everyone. "My lady, may I inquire if your husband is home?" Curzon questioned.

"He is away for the time being, Ambassador," she responded, taking a step back and gesturing us both with her left hand. "I will do the honors of welcoming you both into my house."

Looking around, I was thoroughly impressed with the home. I don't know for sure how Klingon homes are well-kept as this one appeared to be, but did Lady Sirella manage on her own without the need for servants? Prideful women often took matters into their own hands. I spotted blooming flowers towering from vases, but I didn't recognize what species, given we moved at haste. Candles were placed about on display, as were figures of great heroes, tapestries...

"Have a seat, the both of you," Sirella ordered as we all came into the sitting room. She shouted an order in her native tongue to an unseen servant, then returned to us. "Would you both care for firewine?"

"Sounds reasonable, given Jadzia has yet to get accustomed to the foods and beverages of your people, so bloodwine is out of the question for the time being." Indeed, I knew bloodwine was preferred, but that did not tell me what firewine was. I had not yet said a word to the lady, whose attention shifted back to me.

"Tell me about yourself, Jadzia."

I sat up straighter, looking her square in the eyes and once more seeing no change, but I answered. "I graduated Starfleet Academy and am now in the science field, my lady. I have several interests in many subjects, and history is one of them. And I look forward to getting to know your people as my mentor has," I added, jerking my head gently in his direction without looking at him. But Sirella, though nodding, wasn't hinged.

"An intelligent brain is well sought, but amongst my people, the body and courage are more accepted. Which I am not seeing in your physicality." Her sharp eyes traveled over my body and posture, and I felt myself shrink. "Whatever quest you will seek will not be child's play."

"Precisely what I told her the moment I laid my eyes on her, Sirella," Curzon said, at the same time the firewine arrived. When I accepted my goblet after him, I peered in and saw a fluid matching the gold of the container. It smelled strongly of spice, and when I brought the rim to my lips, they tingled, and the taste burst on my tongue and all over in my mouth. My insides burned; the flavor in the aftermath was sheer fire. Afterwards, it was a tangy sweetness I enjoyed. The bloodwine I would try next would not compare to this.

"I really am prepared to learn, Lady Sirella," I insisted.

She huffed. "I doubt it, girl. If my son were here now, he would have challenged you because you are the...apprentice of the man who led our people to peace. A fragile creature like yourself would never stand a chance against him without proper training, which I happen to doubt, as well. Curzon, have you the chance to train her in the ways of the arts?" she questioned.

He shook his head. "Not yet, but I did intend to - until recent events. I shall leave it to you while I am away. I pray it will not be long...but the chance would be that I could die while I am with three of my greatest friends whose sons deserve the honor of their murderer slain at last."

Sirella sneered. "The Albino, ha! Dishonorable he is. And you can't take this one with you?" She let go of her goblet and gestured to me with a flicking finger. I felt like I was being left out.

"Not to risk her life, no. If she is to become Dax when I am gone, if she proves herself worthy, then I am to keep her safe here with those I trust. Can I entrust you and the general, lady?" There was an almost pleading hint in his voice despite his calm exterior, one that even Sirella could not ignore.

"Very well." Her sigh was almost inaudible and unseen. "Jadzia will remain with our House until your mission is completed. We'll see to it."

"Then it is settled." With that, Curzon Dax arose, and I followed him, but he turned me to face him, hands on my forearms and keeping me in place as he forced me to look him in the eyes. "Remember what we discussed, my dear?" he asked softly. I nodded, and he smiled. "Make me proud and I will keep you amongst the top - and I will do my best to not be killed and come back for you."

However it would be, I had no idea what to do if he died before I returned to Starfleet and the Symbiosis Commission. I just hope my future would not end before it began to live. You may lose one battle, but the war was far from over.

~o~

Klingon living was by no means pleasant. Everywhere I looked, I felt heat and glimpsed rough furnishings. Even my bed was serving as a slab in a cell rather than a pleasant end of the day rest. But Klingons were not pleasure-givers, Sirella reminded me.

"Your worthiness to become Jadzia Dax one day is in question," she mused, half to me and half to herself, standing beside me. "I can certainly see why: a competent, intelligent girl with the timidity of a young animal." I turned my head halfway around and could not help but clench my jaw. Now that my mentor was gone, the man who negotiated the Khitomer Accords before I was born, she could insult me any time she wanted. I might be Curzon Dax's initiate, hopeful to carry his legacy one day - maybe, but my hopes would not dampen - but I wasn't him.

"I won't disappoint you in any way, Sirella," I ground out, clenching my fists. "What do you want me to do in order to prove it?"

She snorted. "For now, I'll settle on you enjoying your first night; freshen yourself up and join me at the dinner feast in three hours. I do not tolerate tardiness, however." She turned to leave, but paused halfway. "You can languish in the bath however long you wish, but do not stay in long enough to lose your precious flesh." I cringed at the term of phrase but did not let her see it. Sirella said no more and left me alone. It was going to be a long time to earn that woman's favor if I was going to live in her house.

My new garments would not yet arrive for some time to come; Sirella had a personal tailor of her own, but for now, I was given a remarkable dress uniform for dinner. The tunic was an elegant, exotic print with billowing sleeves and a slightly plunging neckline, the trousers tight brown leather with matching boots reaching my knees. But first, a bath was in order. The tub was constructed of exquisite river rocks, the water steaming and floating about the room, surrounded with lit candles. I stared at the sight, nervous because Sirella's words came back, but I needed to be clean if I wanted to impress Lady Sirella - and any other guests she could have invited and didn't tell me. I wasn't going to take any chances.

My uniform gone and my hair let out of its clip, I stepped into the water, hissing at the scorch on my naked skin and my spots searing moreso. But once I got used to it, pleasure washed over every inch of my body that I subsided under, then ducked my head without getting it entirely underwater. I don't recall such ferocity when cleansing your body back on Trill. My nipples tightened at the boils. Sitting back up, I allowed myself to be cooled temporarily by the air before picking up what looked like spicy products as well as musk to do the final touches for my hair and skin.

When I was finished, I had no trouble with finding the dining hall, and there was the mistress herself at the head of the great table, where I glimpsed several Klingon dishes, and while some of them looked delicious, others did not, but I smiled respectably and bowed my head. I did learn to speak some Klingonese in school, but I had yet to wholly master. "Thank you for the invitation, Mistress of the House," I said fluently, which pleased her even though her smile was nothing like my own, or even my little sister whom I missed.

"Welcome, my humble guest," she responded, then gestured me to sit to her left. I stood behind the chair but did not sit, as she did not say I could. And then Sirella's attention diverted to the opposite. "Ah, our other guest arrives."

"I anticipated you would have more company," I said, not thinking better of it until it was too late. Her eyes were sharp on me again.

"Did you?"

"Forgive me for being late, Sirella."

"Lady, in front of our new guest," she said sharply, jerking her head in the direction of the speaker - and it was only one. Following her gaze, I thought I would drop at the sight of the Klingon man who had arrived. Vivid amber eyes met my blue ones, mingled with the same surprise as I knew I had, as if he never thought he would see a Trill in his presence...and I could not tell what else I saw in his irises before Sirella interrupted the voiceless meeting, and our eye contact was severed at once.

Firewine was a Klingon beverage, but not explicitly detailed that I had to come up with something definitely in its name. XD And Jadzia is in for hell as she learns how to live amongst Klingons.