Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.

"You're sure you'll be ok?"

Weyoun nodded and bowed for the tenth time. "Vamshi, I assure you, I will be fine. I'm honored by your concern, but there's no need to be worried about me."

"I'm sorry, Weyoun, I can't help it," she said with a worried frown. "She beat you half to death, and now you're leaving..."

Vamshi sighed. "If she even thinks of harming you again, tell her you're under my protection, and any action against you is action against me."

Weyoun bowed low at that, and a new glow of hope entered his heart. "You're far too kind," he said softly.

"You bring out the best in me," she whispered back, taking his hand. "I-"

They turned as the door opened, and the Female Changeling strode in without a word. She took the scene in: Weyoun looked half-terrified and was bowing his head, trembling in fear, and Vamshi still held on to his hand. When the younger Changeling noticed that Weyoun was shaking, she put her arm around his shoulders and whispered something to him. A small, soft smile graced his lips.

"Founder," he said finally, looking up at the visitor, "how may I serve you?"

"I want you back at your post. The other Vorta I put in charge of the war effort was unsatisfactory. You start back immediately."

Weyoun bowed even lower. "The Founder is more than generous. I will obey."

"Good."

Even in forgiveness, the Founder was so uncaring and cold. It angered Vamshi, and when Weyoun made to leave, she pulled him back into a tight, warm embrace.

"It was wonderful having you stay with me, Weyoun," she whispered in his ear. "Remember what I told you, and if you have any problems, don't hesitate to come see me."

She kissed his forehead, then stepped back and stroked his cheek. "You take care of yourself, sweetheart. I'll see you around."

Weyoun was positively glowing as he bowed his way from her quarters, and once the door was closed, the Female Changeling turned to Vamshi, comprehension dawning on her face.

"Those were rather intimate gestures, Vamshi."

"Your point?" The younger Changeling had been staring after Weyoun, but at the Founder's words, she turned to her.

"He lived here with you for five days, the Jem'Hadar tell me. And you called him 'sweetheart', which among humans is an intimate term, is it not?"

"I cared for him during those five days and yes, I called him sweetheart," she replied coldly. "Why do you ask?"

The Founder walked to the window and gazed out at the stars. "This has never happened before among Changelings, Vamshi, until we found you and Odo. The Solids have corrupted you..."

"What are you talking about?" Her skin prickled in fear as a possible answer came to the forefront of her mind.

The Founder turned back around. "You love him, don't you?"

"Who?"

"The Vorta."

Vamshi stared coolly at the other Changeling, but said nothing.

"I see," the Founder said with a sigh. "You are so young, Vamshi. Just like Odo. You don't understand that loving these Solids will only bring you pain."

Vamshi frowned and crossed her arms. "Loving Weyoun is the most wonderful and powerful thing I have ever felt in my life."

"Have you told him how you feel?"

She shook her head. "No...but I feel I've made myself rather obvious."

The Founder almost looked appalled, but her expression became neutral again. "If, by chance, he returns your feelings of love...how would you feel?"

"I'd be the happiest woman alive."

"And if he doesn't?"

Vamshi paused. "I...don't know."

"You'd be heartbroken, wouldn't you?"

The younger Changeling narrowed her eyes. "What would you know of love?"

"I know what it is to love. I love my own kind, in a way. We share our emotions and experiences in the Great Link. You have no idea of the wonders that await you there, Vamshi. I wish you could see for yourself."

She sighed. "Do you honestly think Weyoun can love you the way you want him to? He is a Vorta, you are his god. He will never look on you as an equal, Vamshi. I can see that is what you want...to love him as your equal."

The truth in her statement stung the younger Changeling to the core. She had a very good point; although she knew Weyoun was devoted to her, she wasn't even sure if he loved her the way she loved him.

The Founder smiled soberly. "Like I said, loving the Solids will only bring you pain. You don't need to worry about them anymore, Vamshi."

She held out her hand and Vamshi stared at it. "What do you mean?"

"Link with me."

The younger Changeling stared at her, incredulous.

"Odo tells me that the two of you have never done this. Why?"

"I felt it was a rather...intimate thing to do. And the closest family name I can think of for Odo is uncle or maybe second father."

The Founder shook her head. "Only among Solids do such things matter. We are Changelings, Vamshi, and such taboos do not apply to us. We are above them."

Vamshi shook her head. "No."

She tilted her head and frowned. "No?"

"I won't link with you."

"Because of Weyoun? Is that why?"

The younger Changeling glared at her. "That's just the tip of the iceberg. You're waging a war against my home, against my family!"

"The humans who found you? They are not your family, Vamshi!"

"Yes, they are!" she shouted back. "More so than you'll ever be! They raised me, loved me, taught me everything I know!"

"You say I'm waging a war against your home...Weyoun is waging it right alongside me."

"Vorta who disobey orders don't last very long," she countered. "You're waging this war, he just follows your lead."

Silence filled the air between them until the Founder spoke with a soft, sad voice.

"The Solids have corrupted you more than I thought, Vamshi. This will take longer than I expected."

"I have nothing more to say to you," she said quietly. The Founder nodded and left her alone again.

…

Weyoun tossed and turned in his bed, his back not fully healed from his severe beating. He had another doctor's appointment with Kelaren in the morning, but until then he would have to suffer. Sleeping in Vamshi's arms was much more comfortable than sleeping on the Cardassian issue beds on the station. He realized how much he missed her company.

He missed her touch, he missed her voice, he missed the little things she did for him. Was it normal to miss a Founder? Did he feel the same way about the Female Changeling or Odo? He wanted to make them happy and he wanted to be close to them, yes...but he didn't feel empty without them like he did with Vamshi. He felt like there was a hole in his heart that needed to be filled, that only she could fill. What was wrong with him?

He longed to wake up in her arms again; he yearned to feel that fiery passion beneath her kisses. If only he could feel her half-transformed hand explore him again...

His eyes snapped open at that thought and he let out a long breath. Weyoun forced himself to take a step back from his thoughts and analyze the situation. If she were any other humanoid, her attentions would clearly indicate that she was attracted to him. But she was a Changeling, surely she didn't...

He nearly gasped. Surely she wasn't attracted to him?

That would be impossible, he thought to himself. There's no way that she could ever love someone like him; he was just a lowly Vorta servant, unworthy of her attention and affection.

But, he reasoned with himself, Odo had fallen in love with a Bajoran woman. Was it so hard to believe that Vamshi could fall for a Vorta male? That she could fall for him?

As he entertained the thought further, doubt gnawed at him, and he resolved only to watch Vamshi even closer from now on to try and ascertain her feelings toward him.

But if he, Weyoun, had attracted a god...Despite himself, he smiled as he finally drifted into a dreamless sleep.

…

Vamshi wandered through the corridors toward the turbolift, and when she turned the corner and walked toward the doors, she noticed a man waiting for the lift as well. He was Vorta, but he wasn't Weyoun. He was taller, with slender, almost gaunt features. His nose was a little on the large side, and his face was long, but he was handsome in a dignified, mature sort of way. He was looking at a PADD in his hand and tapping his fingers impatiently against his pant leg. His vest was green and showcased his broad, masculine shoulders, and his other clothing was impeccably mismatched. A plaid, reddish sleeve encased his left arm, and tan trousers with subtle navy stripes covered dark brown boots. She shook her head and walked up to him.

He turned at her approach and she smiled brightly at him. He inclined his head.

"Are you Rulyen?" she asked softly. He nodded and her smile widened.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," she said warmly, extending her hand. He took it tentatively and she gave him a hearty handshake.

"The pleasure's all mine, I assure you." His voice was deep and rumbling, and she found it very pleasant to listen to. The turbolift finally arrived and they got in together.

"Promenade," she ordered, glancing at him. "You work in the infirmary?" she remarked quietly. Another nod. He seemed reluctant to meet her eyes, and she shook her head.

"Rulyen."

He looked up at her.

"That's better...How's Kelaren?"

"She's...in perfect health as far as I know."

"I'm glad to hear that," she said, looking down at the floor for a moment, then glancing at him pleadingly. "Do you remember what happened last week?"

He frowned. "Kelaren received a call to help Weyoun."

She nodded. "She came at my request. I still feel I owe her for that..."

She smiled and shook her head. "Well, that's all over now." She glanced at him. "I have a question...how did you get your name?"

Despite himself, he let out a small, rumbling laugh. "My progenitor was quite...opinionated and loved to express himself whenever possible."

She grinned. "So that's why you're named 'quarrelsome'."

He nodded and she laughed out loud. "Fascinating...and your colleague is 'little bird', correct?"

"Yes, that is what Jumana means...and the name fits, actually."

"I haven't had the pleasure of meeting her, so I wouldn't know," Vamshi replied as the door opened onto the Promenade. "But perhaps I could come with you and meet her, if that's alright with you."

He inclined his head. "We would be honored by a visit, Founder."

"Would now be a good time? Is she in today?"

He nodded and led her across the Promenade to the infirmary. She saw Kelaren and a Bajoran nurse hard at work at a console, and the Vorta turned at her approach.

"Founder!" she breathed, bowing her head. "We're honored by your presence."

Vamshi spread her arms wide, inviting her forward, and once the Vorta came closer, she pulled her into a warm embrace.

"Again, thank you for all that you've done. Did you get my gift?" she asked softly.

Kelaren pulled the pendant from underneath her clothes and held it in her hand. "Thank you," she whispered, tears nearly brimming in her eyes. Vamshi grinned.

"I'm glad you like it, Kelaren. Is Jumana in yet?"

The Vorta nodded toward the door, and a short, petite female stepped over the threshold. The Changeling looked over her features with curiosity. Where Kelaren resembled a graceful swan, Jumana looked more mousy. Every feature was small except her eyes; those were wide and so innocent looking. Kelaren was taller than Vamshi, but Jumana was the shortest Vorta the Changeling had ever seen. She stared at Rulyen for a second with wide, purple eyes before turning her gaze to the floor.

"Jumana," Vamshi said, smiling. The Vorta nodded. "It's good to finally meet you. You're right, Rulyen, her name does fit."

She felt eyes on the back of her head and she turned. Her grin widened and she held out her hand to the newcomer.

"Fancy seeing you here," she said softly. Weyoun glanced at the other Vorta gathered as he took her hand. Kelaren was trying to hide her murderous stare, but Jumana and Rulyen didn't seem to mind him being there.

"So you're all here now. All four of you...I look forward to getting to know you," she said with a smile to the other three Vorta. "I'd love to stay and talk, but you have your work and I have mine. I'll see you around the station."

She shook Rulyen's hand one last time, stroked Jumana's cheek and gave Kelaren a warm hug. But when she came to Weyoun, she stared into his eyes and winked before exiting the infirmary. Kelaren led Weyoun into the other room for his checkup, but Jumana and Rulyen lingered in the foyer.

"We've found favor with a Founder, Rulyen," the little female breathed. "I can hardly stand it..."

Rulyen smiled at the young woman and put a friendly hand on her shoulder. "Don't get used to it, Jumana. Most Founders don't act that way."

"But she did. Oh, Rulyen..." She turned to face him, and he laughed at her positively glowing expression.

"I'm happy too, little one. Come...we have work to do."

…

Weyoun was walking on the Promenade later that day when he noticed an old Bajoran woman standing in front of the music shop. The shop was closed; he knew from his close observations of her routine that Vamshi usually had lunch with Jake about this time, but was only gone for maybe half an hour. He walked up to the woman.

"May I help you?" he asked, his voice diplomatic and smooth. She turned and frowned at him.

"I'm looking for Vamshi, the Changeling who works in this store. You wouldn't happen to know where she is, would you?"

"She usually takes a lunch break about this time."

"With the Emissary's son, no doubt. She never knew how lucky she was..."

He tilted his head, curious about how this woman knew Vamshi. "May I inquire...why are you looking for her?"

"She has the code to the lock, young man. And I should think that she'd be happy to see her Nana again."

"Her Nana?"

"Yes, young man, didn't you hear me? I half raised that little ball of energy when she came to the station. I was really surprised when the Constable asked me to give her a job, and I thought it would be a disaster. But the Prophets sent that little Changeling to me straight from the Celestial Temple itself. She has been more help to me than any other assistant I've had in all my days."

Weyoun smiled as the woman gave Vamshi such high praise. He could tell that she was strict, but he noticed a soft streak in her when she spoke of the Changeling, and it warmed his heart.

"Nana!"

He heard a jubilant shout behind him and turned to see Vamshi and Jake on the other side of the Promenade. The Changeling ran into the woman's open arms and didn't let go for a full two minutes. Weyoun nodded to Jake, who had followed Vamshi, and his eyes sparkled as he watched the young Changeling embrace the old woman.

She finally pulled away, and there was chatter back and forth for a few minutes as they quickly caught up with each others news.

"How was your trip to Bajor, Nadani?"

The old woman smiled. "I hate to leave my home again, Vamshi. Which is why I came here."

Vamshi frowned. "What do you mean, Nana?"

"I'm giving you that music shop and retiring to Bajor."

The Changeling gasped, and soon the woman was being nearly crushed to her chest.

"Oh, Nana, how can I thank you?"

"Just take good care of the shop, and I'll be happy with that. May you walk with the Prophets, Vamshi."

Nadani took a hold of her ear, and Weyoun recognized the ritual from his meeting with Kai Winn. The Changeling closed her eyes and let the woman hold her for a moment.

"Your pah is strong...I can feel it, Vamshi."

The Changeling smiled and kissed the woman's forehead. "May you walk with the Prophets as well, Nadani. I'll never forget you."

The woman touched her face, then walked away toward the airlocks. Vamshi turned to Jake and Weyoun.

"I'm going to miss that woman," she said sadly, but then her eyes glittered with joy as she looked at the music shop. Jake took his leave, promising to have lunch with Vamshi the next day.

"Can you believe it, Weyoun?" she said softly, taking his hand in hers and squeezing it. "I own that shop."

She pulled him into a tight embrace, and as he was in her arms for those few moments, he could feel her joy in the way she touched him. He closed his eyes and relished the moment, so he missed Major Kira staring at them from down the Promenade. Vamshi let go and headed off toward Odo's office, no doubt to give the other Changeling her good news.

It was only as he resumed his walk that he noticed the Major looking strangely at him. He nodded to her, but she didn't approach him. She simply headed to the security office.

He remembered that Dukat had assigned Damar to security detail that morning as Odo hadn't come out of his quarters since last night. He knew the Major would be jealous of what was going on in those quarters, but it wasn't his place to interfere with the Founders' affairs. He realized Vamshi might also be upset about this new development, but even he conceded that her rightful place was in the Link. She was a Founder after all.

She approached him and touched his shoulder. "Have you seen Odo?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

"The last I heard, he was in his quarters...with the Founder."

Her gaze hardened at that, but she simply shook her head. "Thank you, Weyoun...I'll see you around."

She walked away, and despite the fact that another one of the Hundred would take his place in the Great Link soon, his heart was weeping at the sight of Vamshi so downtrodden.

That night, Vamshi heard the door buzzer, and Jake walked in. He smiled at her.

"Weyoun asked me to deliver this to you."

He handed her a box, and she didn't feel like opening it with Jake still in the room.

"Did Kira talk to Odo?"

Jake nodded. "She said he wasn't himself...it was like he didn't care anymore."

Vamshi shook her head. "I'll have to get in there and knock some sense into him. I know he probably linked with that gelatinous..." She trailed off, not finding a word fit for how much she hated that Founder.

"We'll figure something out. Everything will turn out ok, Vamshi."

The Changeling nodded. "I hope so, Jake...I hope so."

He left and she sat on the couch and opened the box Weyoun had sent her. As she saw what was inside, she gasped.

His colored pencil art piece was inside. Swirls, zigzags, circles and squares in blue, purple and red danced around the page. It was a cacophony of shape and line, but it fascinated her and held her attention. She immediately got up and ordered a black frame for it from the replicator, and she fit the piece in and hung it on the wall. She stepped back.

It looked better from a distance, and it did not fit in at all with any of the soothing décor Vamshi had chosen for her room. But she didn't care. She would cherish that piece of art, that riot of a gift from the man she loved. She stared at it for over an hour, wishing Weyoun were here with her, until she picked up her sketchpad. She worked furiously until the computer chimed that it was 0500, and she felt her body's need to return to her natural state. She put down her things and transformed in her bucket, and despite the seemingly hopeless situation with Odo, she felt better.