Chapter XI. The Trip to Lothlórien

Shortly before Father returned after the end of the war, Pater Theos made an odd request of me…

I remember it well. I was intrigued by his task. Lucia and I were at the church library studying the morning of the day that we would leave to travel to the capital to meet with Father.

"Marcus, I want you to start studying this small booklet, it contains a new language that few on either Hellenes or Gondor know. It is the language that Klingons speak and use, in their words it is known as tlhIngan. I want you to learn it. It will take you several years to master, I think, based on your abilities. But listen to the words on your book, and do the lessons I encoded into it. No slacking, do you understand?"

"Yes Pater Theos, but why do you want me to learn this language?"

"I have reasons, I will tell you when I deem it is necessary," answered the priest. He folded up my book and handed it to me.

Lucia had looked upon us as he told me his wishes. She closed her book and asked, "Do you wish me to also study this language of our enemies, Pater?"

"You may if you wish Lucia, but still I want you to primarily continue your studies of science and mathematics. That is your forte, languages seems to be Marcus' special abilities. And remember, the Klingons are not really the enemy. They were just misguided as people often are by the true enemy of us all. Now that the conflict is finished, many of the Klingon worlds will join with the empire."

Lucia just studied Pater Theos for several moments. She, like me, could not conceive of the Klingons as not being evil and the enemy. We generally ignored Pater Theos' instruction about forgiving the Klingons and praying for our enemies. Finally she asked, "Are you certain that they will become part of the empire and be viewed as Latin subjects?"

"Sic, I am certain," answered Pater Theos. He smiled in his kind thoughtful way and continued, "Lucia, Marcus, remember the way instructs us to love our enemies and strive to make peace with them."

We both sat and brooded over this repeated revelation of his that Pater Theos always attempted to instill into our psyche. As we both mused upon this statement, Pater Theos interrupted our thoughts.

"So I suppose you both, your mater, and avus will be going to the capital to see the return of the IX Legion?"

"Yes Pater. We leave later this morning. We are traveling with Drusilla, her mater and her avum. We use the rail lines to get to Lothlόrien," I answered excitedly.

"Of course, Avus would like to go but Mater decided they needed to stay and watch the estate," added Lucia.

"I suppose your mater, being a Vulcan, is trying to show no emotion about your pater returning soon?"

"Sic Pater Theos, but I think she fails at it. I can tell that she is anxious to see Pater, just as Lucia and I are. She smiles some and yesterday I caught her singing a little song as we worked in the fields."

"I would add Pater," said Lucia. "Mater is very changed now after the good news. She appears to be as I remember her before the war."

I smiled at what Lucia had stated and nodded agreement.

Pater Theos smiled, "Well, with the war ended, we are all happy." He looked at the sundial in the garden by the church. Noting the time Theos turned and said, "Marcus and Lucia, hurry home, I do not want to keep you overlong and risk the wrath of a Vulcan mater on me. May the Creator go with you, my alumni. I will have all of you in my prayers today."

"Thank you, Pater Theos," I replied and off we went for home.

Pater Theos stood in the doorway and viewed our departure. Lucia turned back and waved to the priest as we left the village of Kolir.

Since Mother had decided that my great-grandparents, Ignatius and Adela, needed to stay and care for of our estate, Arvi had asked them, along with other close neighbors to manage her farm also. Julius's father was also in the Legion at war. His name was Justinus Augustin Max. Julius's mother was named Fauna Crotus Aquila. She lived with Arvi on the estate. She also traveled with us to the capital. Great-grandmother wished to go but did as Mother asked. We thought we may stay at the capital, Lothlόrien for several days so it was important to leave someone behind to manage the farm.

"No telling how long The Empress will keep us kanlar." Mother had stated as we packed.

We stood in the common room, bags in hand as Mother reviewed all instructions with Great-grandmother Adela. I was anxious to leave since I could never remember travelling to the capital before. Lucia remarked that we had when Father left as we packed, but since the start of the war, travel had been restricted to aid in the war effort.

"We will be staying at Livina's villa when we arrive tomorrow afternoon," said T'Naa to Adela. "I will contact you upon our arrival."

Adela nodded, adding, "Tell my ko-fu to visit before the winter. Her sa'telsu is back from the war, so they have time. She knows we have the space for them."

T'Naa nodded assent and replied, "I will offer the invite. But Adela you know Brutus and how he can be."

Adela looked T'Naa in the eye indicating agreement and understanding. She turned to Lucia and me and said, "Come my little loves, give Ko'al a kiss and hug as you leave. I will miss you much."

Great-grandfather came into the common room, followed by one of his dogs. He smiled and stated, "Mistress of the House of T'Naa-Marcellus, I have readied the horses for you and your kanlar. I await your instructions, my ko-su." He then bowed with a flourish.

Lucia and I both laughed, Mother gave her rare soft Vulcan smile that she seemed to give more frequently since we had learned the war was over and Father was returning. "Ignatius, you are so silly," replied Mother. "Come my kanlar we leave to meet Arvi and her skann at Kolir."

We left our villa astride our mounts, waving adieus to Great-grandmother and rode the short five kilometers to Kolir. Great-grandfather accompanied us so to take ours and Arvi's horses back once we left Kolir.

At Kolir, we went to the council house and received passes to travel, using Father's credits he earned during the war. Currency was not used much in our society any more. Rather the military gave credits for service that a family used to procure traveling passes. Credits were also used to purchase items we could not make ourselves or barter for, such as the books everyone carried. Other than that, everyone generally raised all their own food, grew crops and livestock for clothing, and used local material to build structures. Villagers and neighbors worked together to aid each other. It was said on our world that no one was an individual entirely but all were parts of a whole.

Kolir, like all villages on our worlds, had a depot that led to an underground high-speed rail system that crossed the continent. This allowed for mass transit of the population if they wanted to visit friends at other villages that were long distances away or if, as we did today, needed to travel to the capital of the planet. Our world was odd, in that it had few large cities. It was felt that they were a drain on the environment and generally unproductive. No above ground highways, because we walked or rode horses for short distances. Small rock paved trails were laid between the sides of estates in a grid pattern of two kilometers in length. Each square contained two to four estates. Most industry was localized cottage type, but some factories were on the planet or its moons. Generally these again were subterranean in nature and produced armaments and other materials that the empire needed. We recycled everything, nothing was wasted; resources were precious even if they were abundant on Hellenes.

With the purchase of the passes we met up with Arvi, Drusilla, and Fauna. Great-grandfather aided us getting our bags down to the underground platform and sat with us as we waited for the train to arrive.

He listened patiently as Arvi and Fauna again reviewed instructions about the care of their villa and estate. He smiled and nodded and saw me watching. Covertly, he winked at me and I silently laughed. Within fifteen minutes, we heard the train approaching and we rose excited and anxious.

"Ignatius," said T'Naa. "I hope you and Adela are not hurt and angry that I wished you both to remain behind." She eyed him with some concern.

Great-grandfather gave Mother a hug and said, "No T'Naa. It is better for you and the kanlar to go alone to retrieve Gratius. Someone needs to remain and take care of our home."

"Adela could have come. I feel I may have…"

Ignatius interrupted T'Naa saying, "She is fine and understands. Gratius is our kanlar'al, but your sa'telsu. We are content with you and the kanlar going. We will see you all when you return. I will miss my Marcus and Lucia. I will especially miss the Mistress of our House." He gave Mother a gentle hug and kissed her left cheek.

Mother returned the hug, kissed his left cheek and whispered, "Ignatius, you are too kind and thoughtful. I think of you as nearly a sa'mekh to me." The years on Hellenes has softened my mother's aversion to personal contact in public. She had grown especially close to Great-grandfather; he appeared to provide a father's comfort to my mother.

He smiled and returned, "Hurry or you will miss the train and give my ko-fu Livina my love and a kiss."

My mother nodded and pressed Great-grandfather's hand. She boarded and stood by the doorway as the train moved away from the station. We all waved and watched as he returned the salutation and then mounted the stairs.

As the platform faded and the artificially lighted tunnel swallowed the railcars, we found our booth on the train. I settled into a seat near a window and took out my book and started studying my lessons. Lucia did the same. As I sat there studying some Klingon, I felt a foot brush against my right calf, I jumped slightly and looked up from my book. Drusilla eyed me and smiled, her eyes glanced at Lucia. Then she mouthed to me, "Marco, get Luci's attention."

I nudged my sister and she glanced at me somewhat irked until I pointed at Drusilla. She looked and Drusilla, still smiling covertly, glanced at our mothers. They were distracted, discussing what our plans were upon arrival at the capital.

"Let's go visit the refreshment car," mouthed Drusilla. "We are not going to waste our time on the train studying."

Since the thought of an excursion about the train was more appealing then studying lessons, Lucia turned and asked Mother, "Mater, may Marcus and I go get an ice from the refreshment car?"

Before Mother could answer, Lucia turned to Arvi and continued talking, "It would be nice if Drusilla could accompany us?"

Our mothers looked at one another, nodded and then Mother replied, "Sic, but do not take too much time and no mischief. Remember you are the children of the House of Marcellus and act accordingly."

We were free from adults and we hurried from our berth and quickly found the dining car. I was excited at the sight of everything on the train. I commented on this to the girls. Both just laughed at me.

"Really Marco," said Drusilla. "Sometimes you are so childish, don't act like this is the first time you have ridden on a train or gone to the capital."

I quietly sulked for a moment and thought, "Luci and Dru have not ridden on trains as I can remember. Sometimes I just wish…"

Before I could finish my angry thought, Drusilla turned her ebony eyes on me and said, "Marco, get me a cherry ice, what do you wish Luci?"

Luci looked at me a little concerned but then replied, "I would like acai."

Drusilla smiled at me, touched my cheek and said, "You heard the requests, go my little man and get them. Meet us at the back table and get some chocolate also." She then turned and with Lucia moved to the rear of the dining car and secured a table.

Once she touched my cheek, my heart raced and my mind fogged over with the excitement that Drusilla always induced in me when she made requests. I hurried and obtained the ices and chocolate, using credits off my book. Then I made my way to the table. I smiled as I placed the ices on the table.

Before I could sit, Drusilla asked, "You did not want an ice?" She smiled so sweetly at me. I just stood still for a moment.

Lucia looked at me and said, "Marco?"

My mind returned and I replied, "I forgot mine." I left to get one.

Lucia smirked at Drusilla, then said, "Dru, you enjoy giving my little frater orders."

Drusilla laughed and said, "Yes, he has such an infatuation for me. I like having a little servant to order about."

Lucia laughed and added, "Not so small anymore, he is as tall as me and a little taller than you."

"Yes, rather nice. I do not have to reach high for things, he can if I ask."

Lucia smiled and then asked, "Dru, you do like Marco?"

Drusilla smiled. "Shh, he returns."

I returned and sat down by Lucia. She gave me an odd concerned look. I ignored her. As I started to enjoy my favored ice, Drusilla nudged my knee with her foot and said, "Marco, why did you not sit by me? I am hurt."

I flushed and quickly moved to the other side and sat by Drusilla. She smiled and said, "There that is better. Let me try some of your ice."

"Dru," I asked as she drank most of my drink. "Are you staying for the parade and celebration at Lothlórien?"

She sat my half empty drink in front of me and answered, "Yes, Mater said we were. Hopefully, I will get to see The Empress." She looked at me then Lucia.

"I can ask," responded Lucia somewhat coolly.

"You two are so lucky to have The Empress as your aunt," said Drusilla with a twinge of envy. "I do not understand why your family does not just live at the palace."

"It is not our place to live there," replied Lucia seeming vexed. "We live on our estate. It has been in our family handed down from eldest daughter to eldest daughter for almost five thousand years. It is the same for you."

Drusilla laughed merrily and give me a hug. I shivered in delight. She then said, "True, odd though that both our grandparents never had daughters. Our maters, being outer worlders, now own the estates. Luci, you and I will own them in our time. Perhaps, Marco, I will couple with you and we will live together when it is time."

Upon hearing this from Drusilla, my world erupted in ecstasy. Couple with this beautiful Orion girl, it seemed surreal. Lucia looked at Drusilla almost mortified. I wondered why she looked so shocked. I could see anger as her face turned a light shade of green.

"Dru, don't say such things to Marco. He is only ten."

Drusilla laughed. "He lives on a farm; he knows how lambs and kids are made." She turned to me and caressed my shoulder with her shapely green hand. I noticed that she had painted her nails black. I felt something I could not understand, but it was very pleasant and I blushed greatly.

"Marco, you know what it means to bond or couple," said Drusilla with a soft purr. She smiled and her black eyes seemed hypnotic. I just nodded and did not say anything.

Lucia was irked at this point and said, "He does not know and it is inappropriate to discuss this." She rose and took my hand. "Come Marco, we need to return to our car."

Before we could leave, Drusilla said, "Luci, I am sorry. I was just teasing. Please let us stay for a moment longer. Finish your ice. We have chocolate to eat."

Lucia hesitated. I was hopeful, since I did not wish to leave. I was enjoying myself seated by Drusilla. She had wrapped her bare left leg around my right leg under the table. I had no desire to depart from such pleasant surroundings. Lucia looked at me and then Drusilla for moments.

"We will stay, but no more talk about coupling."

Drusilla nodded and laughed and looked at me with a smirk. Lucia could not tell that she was massaging my leg with her small shapely foot. I just sat there like a complacent idiot and never said a word. The rest of the afternoon I spent enjoying the physical presence of Drusilla and not hearing a single word the girls spoke. But I remember thinking to myself, "What does coupling mean?"

We sat in the dining car for over an hour and watched the countryside pass by as we looked through the windows. Actually, the windows reverted to viewers once we left the depot station. What appeared to be pleasant vistas of the Hellenic southern continent were really images of the countryside played on the screen. Always changing and only stopping when the train halted at a depot to load more passengers. At each depot stop, the window cleared and we could see activity occurring at that specific loading point. Once moving again, the images started up with the colorful panoramic landscape that was above the rail way and changed as we traversed to the capital.

Lucia and Drusilla noted the time and decided to return to our booths. Just as we were leaving, Drusilla leaned near me and whispering in my ear in Kolari, said, "Sometime Marco, I will tell you about coupling."

It was near early afternoon of the next day that we entered the capital. We had traveled approximately four thousand kilometers in thirty hours. The train was rapid, but it made many stops along the route. By the time our trip to the capital was complete, the train was very full. North we had travelled. The capital, Lothlórien was near the equator of the planet and overlooked the ocean. It had been the capital for almost the entire five thousand years since the founding of the empire.

Lothlόrien, from the legend of Empress Galadriel, was named for her former home on Middle-earth, so said Pater Theos. It was a beautiful city, but not large, perhaps having only thirty thousand inhabitants. It was situated back in the valley of the river Mornos with the Kyllini Mountains to the North and was near the Agea Sea. It was a breath-taking sight when you could view the valley from atop the cliffs above the Mornos. Numerous waterfalls could be seen.

Besides the palace of The Empress, it was the home of the I Legion, The Red Guard of The Empress. A cohort of five thousand active legionnaires, whose mission was to provide for the security of the capital and The Empress, was stationed at the royal palace. The bishop of the realm resided also at the capital in a basilica that sat near the palace. The service academy and university were also in the capital, acting as a staging area for all of us and a school for some. When we came of age on Hellenes, our parents sent us off to the service of The Empress for the required time.

All Latins whether pure or mixed blood and other citizen races were required to enter the academy. You were given examinations and the results determined your future role in the empire. Everyone joined the military, spending ten years in the university and academy, then service to The Empress. Once completed, you were usually two hundred years old, well educated, and could choose to remain in the legions or navy or go to the reserves and return to the estate of your mother if you were the eldest daughter. If you were male and you married an eldest daughter, you would return with her to her mother's estate. If you were sons or younger daughters and did not marry, then you generally remained in the active corps. Eventually most of us married and went to the colonies on various moons or planets to establish a villa and farm. The saying for us Latins if you decided to leave the active service was 'It is time to raise cows'. This meant that you wished to return to the agrarian life and live peacefully and raise a family.