Chapter VII. On the Green Hills of Sha'Kir.

It was K'riBrax, the fourth month of the Vulcan r'tas, their word for year. The date was 5017 A.R. in the empire. Along a shaded path on the edge of the city of Sha'Kir a young blonde girl raced. She carried herself with a confident air and a dancing gait, humming softly a tune that on Terra would have been thought Celtic in melody. She was willowy with laughing eyes of the unusual colour of violet that evidenced a remarkable intelligence. Her blonde hair when it caught the rays of Eridani, the sun of Vulcan, seemed to change colour from flaxen to orange to strawberry and back again. Her face was lightly freckled and a smile was evident. Her name was Portia Angelina Sorok and today, being the tenth T'Ved or day of the month, she was free. Free to spend the day with her friend that lived outside of the city on the green hills shadowing Sha'Kir.

Portia had been born sixteen Vulcan cycles ago on the fifteenth day of Tasmeen, the end of the year month, to her parents Sorok and Acacallis Angelina Baccha. She was a unique young girl in many ways. But primarily because unlike most of the rish-ha-vel, the Vulcan term for mixed bloods, in Sha'Kir, her father was Vulcan and her mother was Latin. Because of this, she was blonde, tall, and with vulcanoid ears tapering attractively like the ancient Sindar, the Elves of old.

Sixteen years of age did not truly define her. Vulcan years are shorter than the Hellenistic cycles, so by Latin standards she was aged ten years, three months, and six days. She knew this because Sorok, her father, was a mathematician at the Academy in Sha'Kir. Her mother had been a naval officer for The Empress in her service days and now was a communications officer of the reserve forces. Normally, Portia would have been the eldest of perhaps five children. But because of the Latin-Klingon war, she was an only child and living with her Vulcan grandparents since her mother was a younger daughter born and raised on Hellenes' moon Delos. Both her father and mother were serving in the war and had left their villa at Sha'Kir.

"Talia said to meet her at the corner near the Macedonia Estate," laughed Portia to herself as she sprinted along the olive lined path between the numerous estates and villas of the Latin-Vulcan portion of Sha'Kir.

As she ran, she glanced toward the south and her eyes lingered on the Vulcan quarter of the city and then carried toward the desert. Here on the hillsides, greenness abounded due to the terraforming effects of the Latin agronomists. Much of her world was different from the past. The oceans larger, more trees, and food was abundant. All due to the science of The Empress; yet she could feel a reserve from many of her grandparents' neighbors she could not truly understand. They seemed to resent the presence of the Latins and what changes that they had wrought on Vulcan. Tybak and S'Pan loved her. This she inferred, although being Latin and used to her mother's affection, she felt that the last seven r'tas of subdued affection from her grandparents had been less then she wished.

Often after her parents had left, she cried and wanted hugs from her grandmother S'Pan. Yet S'Pan's reserve was such that Portia was disciplined for being so emotional. Tybak generally followed her father's instruction when she was left with them. C'thia's logic lessons were added to her regular studies. Portia had small desire to follow the Way of Surak. Her nature was too free spirited. True Portia had found C'thia's, the female philosopher, ideas very interesting and it allowed her to debate with her grandfather and actively disagree with him. She loved to try and corner him on some point during their debates. Often as not, her lessons ended with Portia conceding the logic in his arguments.

Today was the tenth day. No lessons only fun. This had been a nonnegotiable item that her father had stipulated to his parents. Portia lived for the release of every tenth day and the freedom to fly from the Vulcan lessons on logic, emotion control, history, languages, and the rest. She loved to run along the paths on the green slopes of the hills above Sha'Kir.

Loping beside our young ko-tik was her pet, Tel, a half grown sehlat. Its large bearlike head, dark brown in colour, bobbed as it lazily ambled alongside Portia. Receiving Tel from her grandfather, Tybak, last fall had assured Portia that she was treasured by her father's parents, even if they were unwilling to fully meet her Latin desires for physical closeness. It had been S'Pan's thought that a young sehlat, the common pet of Vulcan children, would ease Portia's loneliness and provide her with an object upon which she could lavish affection. Also because of her excursions, she needed the sehlat's presence to provide protection. They had already had a functioning telepathic bond. Tel sensed Portia's wishes and acted upon them. Tel was just starting to grow in his tusks and was much larger than any of the larger breeds of dogs that Terrans keep. But he loved his Portia and was her companion whenever she was not in classes.

Portia rounded the corner at the end of an estate and spied her friend Talia standing in the shade of several small citrus trees near the entrance to the villa of the House of Macedonia. Talia waved as Portia neared her. Talia was only about a month younger than Portia, but she was the typical girl born in a rish-ha-vel family. Her Father was Latin, blonde, tall like the Vulcans, but he had blue-green eyes. So Talia's younger brother looked little like her. Hadrian was his name and he favored his father, Eolus Abundo Silvanus. Talia favored her Vulcan mother, T'Kon. She also was tall, typical of Vulcans, slim, and had dark brown hair. Her eyes were interesting in that while they looked generally brown, the sunlight would cause them to appear to have golden flecks. She and Portia were very close.

Today, they planned an excursion to the desert's edge that lay north of the green hills. Portia was familiar with the area, having successfully completed the Kahs-wan Ritual over a year ago. Talia was considering undergoing the ritual next year but was still uncertain. So it was Portia's thought that seeing the edge of the desert would allay some of Talia's concerns.

"Talia," cried Portia, out of breath as she stopped near her friend.

Tel was about to leap up on Talia when she kneed him in the chest and he flattened down, disconcerted as only a sehlat can act when chastised.

"Portia, I have missed you! It is most agreeable for us to socialize," replied Talia. Her right hand rested on Portia's left shoulder as Portia stood before her. Portia returned the greeting then gave Talia a quick hug.

"How are your ko-mekh, Hadrian, and Abelia?" asked Portia.

"They are well," answered Talia smiling. Talia like most of the mixed race children of the Vulcan system lived with her mother. Being Vulcan, typical of most of the mothers of the Latin-Vulcan children, she was not in the military and did not leave for the war. Talia's mother, T'Kon was a warm, nurturing Vulcan mother closely bonded to her children. She interpreted the Way of Surak more liberally then most Vulcans. This fact was probably due to being married to her Latin spouse Eolus. Hadrian was a year younger then Talia and Abelia, the baby sister, was four years Talia's junior.

"Ko-mekh packed us much food for our excursion but wants us to return before late afternoon," said Talia. "She desires you to visit for a while before you return to your mekh'als."

"Ah, I like that thought," replied Portia. "Then we must make haste if we wish to see the edge of the desert to the north. It lies at least fifteen kilometers from the outer most estates."

So off went the two young girls, basket of food in hand, water bags upon their backs, and a half-grown sehlat in tow. They sang merry little songs about love, the empire, boys, flowers, and trees. Since they were rish-ha-vels, they could travel much faster than pure blooded Vulcans. The fifteen kilometers to the desert's edge could be easily covered in an hour. Tel would slow them and he required water more frequently than either of the two girls.

When they were better than three-fourths of the way to their destination, they slowed to a walk to allow Tel to rest and cool off. His big tongue hung out of his large mouth and he panted heavily.

"Portia," asked Talia. "Is Tel overheated? Perhaps we should stop for a while and give him some water."

Portia mentally commanded Tel to sit and then she felt his drooling tongue. "Yes, let's rest under those tur-nik trees and allow him to drink."

So Talia and Portia seated themselves under the shade of the few native trees that lined a small water hole while the young sehlat leap into the water to cool his hot furry body. They could see the heat haze rising from the ground as they neared the desert. Less grass to cool the surface, the biome was more like old Vulcan here.

"Portia how is life down in the old quarter?" queried Talia.

"The same as always. My mekh'als are somewhat aloof especially in public, but they have changed some as have I. I really wish this war would end; I miss my mekhs very much. Yet, it has provided me with the opportunity to really know and understand both mekh'als. I will cherish this fact. It is logical to find some goodness resulting from this conflict."

Talia nodded with sympathy. "I cannot imagine how it is for you, Portia. I have my ko-mekh and siblings. I miss my sa'mekh greatly. But it has been very difficult for you with both being gone. Yet you sound happy. Are you required to not smile when you are at home?"

Portia smiled. "Not true, I smile some but I have adapted to meet some of their expectations. I know they enjoy my presence. It is subtle but I notice it. And just think I probably would not be fluent in seven languages if my mekhs were home. Sa'mekh'al is a good teacher of many things. Sometimes though I start reading about the old myths of Vulcan just to irritate him. I ask him about the god Tel-alep and he tells me my time would be better spent reading Surak. Then I remark that Surak is boring and I know he is angry. He tries not to show that he is vexed but when we start our little debates I realize I have pinched a nerve so to speak. One of these days I will best him and not rely upon silly girlish statements to annoy him when he starts to get the better of me in our discussions."

Talia laughed loudly, startling Tel. "Naming your sehlat Tel-alep was just mean Portia. Especially since your sa'mekh'al, Tybak gave him to you."

Portia giggled, covering her mouth with her finely shaped right hand. "I know. I am somewhat of a mean little vixen. Or perhaps a little witch."

Both girls giggled at Portia's whimsical criticism of herself for a moment.

"So Talia, inform me of interesting events at our school. I miss seeing you every day, but it is interesting to attend classes with the Vulcans. I challenge them often and usually best them in logic discussions."

"Well yesterday, while training with the Elders, I was partnered with Octavian Sari Ares when we practiced fencing with the katana,' said Talia.

"I imagine you bested him easily?"

"No, I let him disarm me twice. He was quite elated that his skill has improved so much."

"Talia, you are so deceitful. He will see through your ruse soon. What will he think when he realizes you let him win?"

"That perhaps I think he is cute," smiled Talia.

Portia looked north toward the desert. It appeared less than two kilometers away. They had rested for about fifteen minutes. She turned to Talia.

"Enough lirl'k has passed. Let's eat our lunch and give some to Tel. It will not be pleasant to dine out in the sun."

Talia nodded assent and the two girls consumed about half of the food given to them by T'Kon. They ate all the fire fruit and most of the bread. Tel ate the vegetables and some of the other fruits in the basket and then ate the fish that the girls did not want.

Then after resting for another ten minutes, the two friends along with the sehlat resumed the trek to the edge of the desert. It was more difficult travel now as there were fewer trees to shade the heat from Eridani and the ground became rockier. Yet in less than a V'hral, a Vulcan hour, the two girls stood on the edge of the hot Vulcan desert. Not Vulcan's forge near the lava plains where all young Vulcans go to test themselves with the Kahs-wan. But still it was a desert and dry.

Portia eyed Talia as her friend looked over the barren yellowish red landscape. They could make out the greyish shape of the Al-Stakna Mountains far in the distance. Occasion tur-nik trees stood out against the bleak desert floor. The ground slowly rolled away from them in a shallow depression for many kilometers. A lone shavokh soared in the sky searching for food. Tel sat resting, his large greenish tongue hanging out of his huge mouth. He looked up at the girls.

"It is so bleak and arid. Very uninviting," remarked Talia softly. "The Elders say it is like Mars or T'Khut."

Portia sensed Talia trepidation. She gently wrapped her right arm about Talia's slim waist and gave her a friendly hug.

"I did it. You can succeed also. I will help you prepare."

Talia's frightened eyes turned to Portia's face and registered thank you. Yet Portia noted that the uncertainty was still evident.

"I am unsure. Portia you are so brilliant and strong. I am everything that is not you. I cannot imagine even trying to accomplish the Kahs-wan in two r'tas. To think that you did it one r'tas ago is…" Here Talia's talk stopped and she mused on what Portia had accomplished.

"Don't compare yourself to me. I did it to escape my mekh'al's oppression. I was free from studying Surak and C'thia for ten t'ved. It was wonderful."

"That's not how I remember you telling me when you returned. I recall you being very spent and your ko-mekh trying to free herself from your embraces. And I certainly know you like studying the philosophy and ideas of Surak and C'thia."

Portia laughed and then replied, "Well, true, I really endured the Kahs-wan for Sa'mekh'al. Also an ordeal seems easier once it is completed and lies in the back of your thoughts. Ko-mekh acted so angry with me because I forgot that Vulcans do not embrace in public. Yet, secretly, I knew she was elated at my uninhibited hugs. She just could not show it. After that though, she and I are now much closer. She suggested I receive Tel. Also Sa'mekh'al was so proud, not that anyone could tell by looking at him. But I sensed his pride and his struggle to justify this emotion. Now when Sa'mekh'al is off to his job, Ko-mekh'al and I sing and play music. We also study different art techniques together, drawing, sculpting, and painting. She tells me that most of my work is 'aesthetically pleasing'. I smile at this and she does not lecture me on my lack of emotion control. It is our secret and I share it with you Talia."

"It is a beautiful secret, Portia," answered Talia smiling, her tension lessening. Then she turned sad, one lone tear traced a small trail on her right cheek. After wiping the tear away she said, "I have never felt the embrace of either of my mekh'als. Vulcans are so odd! Not to touch each other, how are children even conceived?"

Portia laughed long after Talia's remark. The Portia replied, "Talia, you must visit your mekh'als. And Vulcans touch. Do not your parents perform the ozh'esta when they depart from one another? Does not you mother provide you with affection in your home? So do not believe those tales that Vulcans have no emotions. You realize they have very strong emotions that they must control. That is a lesson taught by …"

"Surak," interrupted Talia. "Portia you are forgetting your Latin half and becoming more Vulcan all the time. I would not be surprised if you start colouring you hair a darker shade just so you look more Vulcan."

Portia held up her hand to perform the ta'al and with a flat emotionless face said, "It would only be logical for me to embrace my better half." Then she started to giggle and added, "Yes dark hair so I would look more like a true Vulcan like you Talia."

Her mirth caused Talia to laugh and even Tel started what could be described as barking. Then after some discussion about the desert and the ritual of the Kahs-wan, they decided to return back to Sha'Kir. It was early afternoon so they knew that they would need to hurry to return at the hour requested by Talia's mother, T'Kon.

As the girls and the sehlat neared the villas and the refreshing shade of numerous tree belts that encircled the Latin estates it was evident that something eventful was transpiring. They heard much noise, like shouts of happiness and glee. They exchanged questioning looks and hurried to the nearest villa gate. They looked through the bars of the entrance gate and saw the residents of this House dancing in celebration.

"Talia, this is the House of Ares. There is Octavian with his brothers and his Ko-mekh, Sari."

"Ah, so it is," returned Talia, flushing a little, but still intrigued. "What are they celebrating?"

As the two girls viewed the ado, they were espied by Olivia Sari Ares, the eldest daughter of the house. She was three years older than both Portia and Talia. She was at least fifteen centimeters taller than either. She was rather haughty and did not like Portia Angelina, since Portia had beaten her in finals scores two years previous. Also she was envious of Portia's violet eyes and blonde hair. So whenever she saw her nemesis, she went out of her way to try and bully Portia. Generally Olivia was not very successful in this since Portia's intelligence and confidence provided her with armor against Olivia's attacks. Today though, it mattered not. Olivia was just too happy. She quickly ran toward the gate and the girls.

Talia saw her coming toward them and stepped back away from the gate. Portia stood her ground ready to duel with Olivia.

"You two seem very flushed, dirty, and sweaty," remarked Olivia, somewhat snidely.

"Amazing," answered Portia. "Talia, it is just amazing to me that one as remarkable as Olivia Ares can determine that we are hot and tired with so little evidence to detect." Then she added in her best imitation of a Vulcan master, "It is only logical that she would conclude this fact."

Olivia ignored the comment and just gave Portia an evil sneer. "Great news from Lothlórien but since you are so rude, I do not think I will tell."

Before anyone could comment, Octavian run up to the girls and shouted, "The war is over, the war is over! We just heard it from The Empress's own lips on the book inside. Talia, Portia the war is over! Olivia, Sa'mekh will soon return!"

Olivia could not help but smile and hugged her brother. She ignored Portia and Talia. It was just too great a day. Her father would return. The Klingons surrendered and peace was back. Portia and Talia stood outside the gate mouths agape, almost in joyful shock.

"Is it true, Octavian?" asked Talia softly, shyly.

"Ah, Talia! It is true! Praise to the Creator! Thanks to the Lady! Thanks to Galadriel! It is true!"

Portia turned to Talia. "Hurry Talia, we must return to your family, this is great joy. I must return to my mekh'als. Yes Octavian, praise the Creator!" she cried, with joyful tears painting her rosy cheeks.

She hugged Talia. Tel, overcome with excitement, bounced on his four legs and started that weird husky coughing sound that resembled a dog's bark. Talia, all she could do was stand silent, still trying to comprehend it all. Then both turned and raced down the ivy covered path towards home followed by the sehlat Tel, still adding voice to loud din from all the villas on the verdant hills overlooking the city of Sha'Kir.