Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek: Enterprise, it is property of Paramount Pictures and it's creators: Rick Berman and Brannon Braga. Katharine Forrest and Suran were inspired by characters created by Sensera and Fameanon's Ginie and Sorak. Any parallels between the works with this one were unintentional.

Part III: Elves

Plush velvet, supple satins, glistening glass, proud brass, earthy brushes from sugarcane husks, faux furry animals, and snow flakes. White lights twinkled softly in the dimly lit room, their warmth chasing away the sadness that had somehow managed to manifest in the room. Nestled in the eaves of a very realistic fake tree were large maroon red velvet bows, trimmed with a hint of gold, just under them were glistening brass oversized sleigh bells. They glistened in the light proudly, their dull finish made them look older than they were adding to the charm of the tree.

Woodland animals made of wood, sugarcane and twigs were scattered through out, each of them unique in their own way. Among them was a clever silver fox, his bristles were stiff and tail curled about him, he had dark brown eyes and a dark gray snout, his pointed ears were tipped with black, as was his tail. Suran smiled affectionately at the ornament, he had selected it, because it reminded him of a certain Ambassador. Nick was professional, very professional and despite the time constraints had managed to create a beautiful tree, at least that was what his colleagues were saying.

He watched as Nick slipped another bright red glass ball on the tree, he had explained that the balls he selected represented fruit: red for apples and gold for pears. Apparently the tree was Pagan and not Christian, he had received quite the lesson from Nick, who decided that a traditional tree was the only thing appropriate for the Ambassador. The tree was originally an offering to the animals in the dead of winter, it was only later it was used to celebrate Christ.

He slowly added another faux fir squirrel to the tree, it looked quite real. Suran slowly reached in the many boxes and found one more ornament. Tenderly he pulled it out of the box, a small smile curled his lips, it was a brown field mouse, with large ears and striking blue eyes, dressed in armor with a needle as a sword and red thread around it's waist. He slowly placed it next to the fox, a brave mouse protecting the clever fox. Just as she really was, after all it was only a mouse who was brave enough to stand up to a lion, just as Scheherazade stood up to the Sultan.

Nick was climbing farther up the latter and held a beautiful glass tree topper, it was a snowflake that looked a great deal like a compass rose. Suran was shocked that the designer had gone to an antique shop to purchase it, rather than a new one. Nick placed it atop the tree with ease and was quick to flick he switch on the side to turn on the luminescent quartzes. Years ago they would have used electricity, however with this he snowflake looked even more elegant.

Suran slowly stepped back and looked at the tree, a beautiful strand of red beads wrapped around it, as well as thick white and gold ribbon, which connected the bows with bells. Nick slipped down the latter and stood beside him with his hands on his hips, "Well, I think that's quite nice, too bad it isn't in the lobby," he remarked. The room was warmer and Suran noticed his reflection in one of the small glass orbs, even he was smiling slightly.

He wasn't sure if Soval would like it, but he had a feeling Kate would. "One more thing," he said simply. Suran was confused until he noticed the designer hold out an ornament. It was a bird with a scarf, oddly it's feathers were the same color as his hair. He looked over at Nick curiously as the young man pointed to the fox and mouse, "You chose those two, I'm guessing they are family, shouldn't you join them?" he asked earnestly, a smile curling his lips. Suran nodded as he added the small animal to the group.

Nick hummed happily as he began adjusting other decorations he had picked up, including several glass containers filled with orbs, another with fake flowers. It was odd he didn't even need to tell the designer they didn't like scented things, he simply knew. Nick placed a large white wooden branch on a table as he added fake red poinsettias with green leaves and a few black candles; it was an odd arrangement and yet seemed to pull the room together.

He clapped his hands together as he looked to Suran, "This isn't for the Ambassador is it?" Nick asked.

Suran was quiet; there was no way he knew.

Nick chuckled and shook his head, "Don't worry, I won't say anything. I think this is a wonderful gift," he stated. His large green eyes twinkling as he said so and adjusted a plush throw on the back of the sofa. "All that's left is a fire," he stated as he looked to the fire place, "I think we should wait for our guest of honor though." The Vulcan nodded before looking to the young designer, "Thank you, I am well aware this was an inconvenience," he stated graciously. Nick smiled broadly and replied, "Don't worry about it, I'm glad to do it, just next year put the tree in the lobby so everyone can see it. Nothing says 'welcome' like a big ol' tree in the lobby, to humans anyway," he remarked.

It was odd, but this notion of having a tree indoors was growing on him in the most peculiar way. Somehow it brought life into the bleakly colored room, and just that alone was enough to make him wonder if there were lessons that could be learned from Humans. Of course they had learned of their resilience and respected them for their drive, but never once had they thought of the philosophy of the culture.

Nick continued to work in the background, cleaning up the boxes as he went, only for Suran to hear his communicator ring. The aide was quick to answer it, "Osu," he said simply. Soval responded rapidly in Vulcan and he looked over at Nick who was still cleaning, knowing that he still had the dinning room to do. "The decorator is here sir, no I can ask T'Vok, of course," he said slowly. He then hung up and looked at Nick.

The designer had been nothing shot of diligent, his work ethic was impressive, "Nick, I must go meet the Ambassador and Minister as well as greet the Denobulan Ambassador, I am leaving T'Vok with you. She will help you with what ever you need. Once you are finished cleaning please wait in the study and the Ambassador will compensate you for your services," instructed Suran.

The young man smiled and lazily flicked his wrist, "No sweat, I'm just happy it's up. I can handle the cleaning," he stated. Suran nodded, he made a mental note to ask the Ambassador to put a tree in the Lobby, perhaps it would make people see him as less intimidating. Suran quickly left as T'Vok entered. She was dressed in a thick lavender robe, her gray eyes watched the designer curiously. As he was leaving he heard Nick ask T'Vok to pick up a pile of boxes and bring them into the dining room.

Suran walked down the stairs to see that the Denobulan Ambassador Kessil wearing a dark green dress, with a gray wrap, her hair was swept away from her face and she was flanked by an aide and her security team, her blue eyes were locked on the pair of Vulcans before her. "Welcome to our Consulate Ambassador Kessil, I hope your trip was comfortable," said Soval cordially, there was one thing people couldn't complain about and that was the Ambassador as a host. She smiled warmly and Suran quickly stood behind Soval, "The designer is in your study, T'Vok is with him," he whispered softly.

The Minister's brows knit together as he glanced over at Suran, obviously he hadn't been informed of just what the Ambassador had in store. Then again, it had been rather quick in assembling the string of events and in reality the only ones informed were the security teams. "It was pleasant, thank you," said Kessil her voice was nodded before looking at Kessil.

Ambassador Soval had decided to wear a long dove gray ambassadorial robe with a silver and gold liner. Rather than his traditional robes he had selected a tunic and pants. The tunic was vine green and the pants were black. He looked slightly more relaxed than usual. The large sleeves were lined with the same silver and gold theme.

Minister Kuvak was standing beside him in a dark green robe with a lighter green inner robes, his eyes seemed to stand out even more in this set. They weren't the official robes of the Minister, but they still demanded respect. He looked sterner than Soval did, which was unusual, usually it was the other way around. Soval was the one who looked severe.

"Thank you for inviting me, now tell me one thing Soval, why?" she asked. In that moment Suran realized he had no idea just what Soval was planning and neither did the Minister, the Ambassador had yet to tell him where he had been. It was unusual, considering he had usually confided in Suran. He watched the features of he usually guarded man before him soften, "I took something important from a young girl I met years ago, and I want to give it back to her," he replied earnestly.

Kessil's expression shifted to one of confusion as she examined him, it honestly reminded Suran of a glance one would give a specimen under a microscope. Soval didn't even flinch, he continued softly, "That day, I stole the world of a little girl who had nothing else. I caused her pain, and if this will help her, then I will do it," he paused as he clasped his hands before himself. Suran was thankful there weren't any other Vulcans present, they would frown upon this exchange.

"Max gave his life to shield me, and until a day ago I didn't realize what that truly meant. He was so much more than I ever knew," he began, "tonight we are doing this to give back to a little girl and many others, just what I stole and broke."

Kessil was quiet, her icy gaze softened immediately as she listened to the harshest Ambassador give her his reason. Instantly Suran understood, his reason was Kate and Max, the two humans who cared about him, and would do anything to keep him safe. "I see," she whispered, "then we should meet with Major Forrest. I'm sure she will be surprised to see the itinerary for tonight." Soval nodded as he looked to his small security team and then to Suran, "Major Forrest has been instructed to meet us at my private residence, she still believes the one plan is still true," he stated.

Without another word he lead the group to his residence, it was a rare event that he would take another Ambassador to such a place, but Suran had a feeling this was all for Kate. It was an attempt to welcome her into his home, a welcome which had been open to her but she never responded to.

A small smile curled Suran's lips as he followed the Ambassador, perhaps even Soval could learn a lesson about happiness.

~*CW*~

Sadness filled her heart, she hadn't had a chance to drop off the gifts, which meant many children were going to wake up without the gifts she had picked up from the toy-drive, simply because of a party for the Ambassador. She wasn't too angry with him, there were simply some things he didn't have a say in, and this party was probably one of them. He had been probably told that if he didn't do such an even it would look odd.

The Ambassador had requested that she wear a dress suit, rather than her MACO uniform. She had opted for black dress pants and a matching vest with a light blue shirt. She walked through the hallways slowly, her oxfords tapping against the floor as she did so. A bag was swung over her shoulder, it was a black duffle containing the three gifts she had purchased for Soval, Suran and Minister Kuvak. In truth she didn't know how to present these gifts to them, Chirstmas was a human holiday and didn't want to offend them.

The average person would look at her in this moment and ask her reasoning. Vulcans weren't known for great shows of emotion, and yet she was going to give them gifts on the one holiday which was seen as one of Earth's largest. She continued walking through the foyer and sighed, her reason was foolish- at least it could be seen as such. Her family had left her, and she had no one left who wanted her. At least Soval hadn't attempted to send her away, at first he had and she had a feeling it was because he disliked the idea of her possibly following in her father's footsteps in death, but over the past month he had allowed her to work for him.

The cold Ambassador had shown her concern that one night she had been crying in the hallway, and even when she was nearly injured he had shown it. While Soval was distant, strict and stoic in nature, Kate felt as though he were one of the only people left who hadn't alienated her. He had somehow become as important as her father, even if her feelings toward him were different, they weren't paternal they were something else.

Suran had been kind from day one, he was always attempting to get her to see the positive aspects of life. He often had lunch with her, and they would talk about the recent changes in policy or what ever Earth book he had been reading. The elder Vulcan offered advise when she found she needed guidance on issues not involving Soval but others as well. As always he asked her to see the logic in her actions, which many would assume to be a stereotypical Vulcan, but the fact that he was willing to teach her this was new.

Kuvak, well even though she didn't know him well, she had no qualms with him. The Minister was courteous when ever he spoke to her, and she always could rely on him when it came to understanding security protocol. It also seemed odd for him to give gifts to Soval and Suran and not the Minister, she really didn't want to offend him.

Somewhere along the way, this group of Vulcans was probably the only thing close to a family she had left. Kate rounded the corner and walked toward the privet residence, her eyes were on the sidewalk as she moved, it had snowed again and she really didn't want to fall. Kate noticed the increase in security immediately as well as spotted a few guests, Denobulans and oddly an Andorian. She tilted her head to the side as she watched the one Andorian open the door to the residence, he didn't even hesitate which meant that this man in question may have actually been a friend of the Ambassador's.

When she had first been instructed that the location of the event had changed she was confused, the Privet Residence was traditionally off limits to those who weren't the Ambassador or his privet staff. Yet, he had opened his home for this event. She walked up the steps and slowly opened the door, she had expected to be greeted with cold walls, only for her eyes to fall on a sight which looked as though it had come out of a picture book. Blue eyes widened in awe as her lips parted, the shock of the sight swept through her so greatly that she hadn't realized someone was taking her jacket and duffle into another room.

Standing erect in the center of the foyer was a massive blue spruce, at least it appeared to be one. It's eaves decked in glass orbs, shining in the light as the small lights glowed warmly. They were red, gold and a few were silver and bronze. A thin thread of red beads was slipped throughout, they were tiny and reminded her of freshly strung red cranberries. Thick white and silver ribbon wrapped around the tree delicately, it's presence was exciting and it seemed to caress the tree tenderly.

A with a few fake birds were perched in her eaves, all of them different in shape, size and color. There were even clusters of bright red poinsettias, bunched together with the occasional woodland animal peaking out from behinds their petals. It was as though the tree had brought the woods with it, when it had been brought inside. There wasn't a single indication of Christ present, which was unusual, most decorators used the nativity motif. Yet, this one had selected nature as his muse.

Around the base was a miniaturized town, complete with a model train going around it. Each of the houses of the town was hand painted, with small figurines set up through out, a gaggle of geese, carolers, a sleigh, a postal worker, a dog, children having a snowball fight and many others. She looked at the miniature replicas of old Earth street-lights and the lights in each of the buildings.

As she drew nearer she realized just how large the tree was, she was dwarfed by it. In that moment she felt as though she were a child again, as he father brought the tree in for her to trim. She heard chatter and looked over to see Ambassador Kessil as well as the Andorian and Ambassador Soval chatting. The Minister was holding a steaming cup of tea and Suran was placing out another tray of crackers. She slowly entered the living room to see yet another tree before her, this one was slightly shorter but seemed far more personal.

A smile curled her lips as she looked at the animals made of natural materials, they were warm, traditional and oddly adorable. She slowly walked around the tree, a smile curling her lips as she felt a forgotten warmth wrap around her like a blanket. Woodland animals made of wood, sugarcane and twigs were scattered through out, each of them unique in their own way. Among them was a clever silver fox, his bristles were stiff and tail curled about him, he had dark brown eyes and a dark gray snout, his pointed ears were tipped with black, as was his tail.

Just beside the fox was a mouse with large ears, dressed in armor, armed with what looked like a sewing needle. It's blue eyes seemed to glow in the light, and it's fur was a warm brown. A thin red thread circled its waist. It stood before the silver fox and off to the side, just behind the fox was a bird with a scarf.

"It's such a beautiful tree," said a soft voice off to her left. Kate turned slightly to see the Denobulan Ambassador standing beside her with a cup of tea in hand. She had a soft smile and the glow of the lights made her appear even gentler than she thought possible. "It is, I like this one better than the one in the foyer," she commented as she looked at the three critters near the top of the tree. The fox reminded her of Soval and the bird was very much like Suran, but she couldn't figure out who the mouse was.

She was drawn from her thoughts once again when the Ambassador, "Strange, he had never suggested a gathering this time of year, and from what I know these trees are a new addition as well as all the other decorations," Kessil stated. Kate stared at her in bewilderment, she thought this was an annual event, only now did she learn that it wasn't, causing her to wonder just what was occurring. "From what Suran told me, he had spent the last day attempting to find a designer and put this together, most unusual for him," she remarked before lifting her white mug and taking a sip.

Just as she was about to ask a question Soval approached them, he was holding a dark red velvet bag with golden cords attached to it. It looked like a sack that Santa would carry, which really confused her. The Ambassador was dressed in robes that were not only welcoming but oddly less formal. The dove gray made his dark skin bolder and his brown eyes bright, it also made his hair look steel colored rather than light silver. His lips were firm and yet she noticed his expression was softer, she wasn't sure if it was the lights or if he was actually expressing it.

Soval stopped a breathe from her and placed the bag on the floor at his feet before reaching into the folds of his robe. Kate's curiosity was piqued by this action, he had yet to say a word to her, and yet there he was reaching into his robes. Slowly he pulled out a dark ruby red hat with white fir trim, a small tuft was attached at the end and she stared wide eyed at the item in his hands. "You need this," his voice was gentle as he spoke, nothing like the cold and harsh tones he was known for using.

Kate stared at the article in his hand and slowly collected it, she didn't understand why until she looked over to see Suran putting a dark green velvet cap on his own head, it had a pointed end and she stifled a laugh, he did look like an elf. Her fingers ran over the fine material, it was of higher quality than the one her father had, the one which was now threadbare and falling apart. It was odd, the thought of replacing it had appalled her in the past and yet she accepted this one.

Slender fingers wrapped around the trim as she slipped it over her head, it was snug and warm. She lifted her gaze to the Ambassador who had slipped a similar hat on his head made of matching dove gray fabric. There was a slight green tinge on the tips of his ears and it took her a moment to realize that he was in fact blushing, an endearing sight.

The Denobulan Ambassador placed a hand on Kate's shoulder causing her to shift her attention to the woman. She was also sporting a dark green hat it stood out against their pale skin and oddly worked with the long dress. The Andorian, who she now recognized as Commander Shran had a navy blue one on his head, with silver scroll work around the base, it looked as though he had plucked his out of the snows of his home world, the frost had slowly worked it's way into the fabric. It was then she realized even the Minister had put one on. Her brows lifted as she looked at them in confusion.

Even thought it was quite the sight to see them participating in Terrian customs, she didn't understand why. Her eyes fell on the sack again, it rested by the feet of the Vulcan Ambassador and she wondered just what was in it. Soval's eyes flickered to the clock on the mantle, "Now then, we should depart or we will be late," he stated and with ease hoisted the sack from the floor just before proceeding to the exit.

"Sir?" called Kate, as she raced after him. She didn't have details about them leaving the consulate, she was about to grab her phaser when Soval called, "No, not tonight, I have extra guards." Kate stared at the wall of Vulcan security guards, it was met by a human unit used to protect the Denobulan Ambassador. Suran nodded as he walked past her and the Minister paused, "Come young T'Sai, I believe there is something important for us to do," he said simply.

Kate nodded as she slipped into the flitter, sitting next to the Ambassador who was waiting for the parade of vehicles to be loaded and ready to leave. After a moment it was confirmed and the pilot quickly pulled away from the residence and headed toward the gates. "Where are we going?" asked Kate curiously. She couldn't imagine a single place the Vulcan Ambassador would go wearing such a hat and actually allowing himself to look like an elf. He was far too sincere for that.

Soval looked over at her and replied, "Some place important." The answer was vague and she felt as though she were being dragged of to a secret location for negotiations with the Andorians, only with the Denobulan present it didn't seem so. She seemed to sense Kate's apprehension and said, "I'm Kessil, for tonight I would appreciate it if you called me such." She had just been given the honor of using Kessil's name without titles. Kate smiled a little, she loved the fact that Denobulans were friendly. "Then call me Kate," she said as she felt that familiar warmth spread through her.

Kessil seemed to accept this and nodded, "Tonight, call me Kuvak," spoke the Minister, "Since this isn't official work for Vulcan." If it wasn't official business, then why were there three Vulcans in a diplomatic convoy, was beyond her. This wasn't normal in the least, usually there would be a frenzy of radio chatter and yet, it was quiet. Her blue eyes fell on the Andorian, "Call me Shran," he said simply.

Now she really wondered what they were going to be doing, the only one who hadn't asked her to discontinue using his title was Ambassador Soval, she had a feeling the magic of the hats hadn't been that powerful. Soval was the kind of man who wouldn't allow himself to be demeaned to such a state, he had worked hard for his post and she knew he took pride in the achievement, even if Vulcans weren't supposed to feel such an emotion.

The flitter slowed and only now did she look out the window, now confusion took hold, they were outside the Hospital she was supposed to deliver gifts to. The flitter came to a halt and the delicates slipped out, leaving a stammering Kate watching them. Soval was the only one to notice her absence and he turned to her, "I believe this was your task," he said simply. Kate slowly left her seat and noticed that the guards were carrying several sacks, each of them a different color but still beautiful.

Kate stood before them and watched as Shran hoisted a midnight blue sack over his shoulder, it had silver cords and tassels that matched his hat. He was smiling a little as he did so, "Come on Pink Skin, we are going to see smaller pink skins, and I can't wait to see their faces," said Shran broadly, his joyous tone made her smile. Suran had an emerald green bag in his hand, as did the Minister and she looked over to see Kessil holding a ruby red one.

Her eyes fell on Soval who was now holding out a plush velvet sack that was identical to his own out to her. "I believe this was your original mission for tonight," he stated firmly. Kate wrapped her fingers around the sack and smiled, she was going to be able to give the toys. The group moved into the lobby and were shown to the pediatric ward, several Vulcans stared at the Minister and Ambassador as they walked by, yet it wasn't confusion but a slight smile curled their lips.

The nurse who was guiding them was chatting with Kessil about their medical practices and some about the patients in this specific ward. She looked out of the corner of her eye at Soval, he looked comfortable and confident. Despite the hat, which he managed to make rather attractive looking, he showed her a side of him she had never seen. A tender man who oddly was doing this, his reason unknown, but she was still touched by the action.

The nurse pushed the doors open to the ward, the air was filled with sadness and pain. Kate hummed, his wouldn't due and after a moment she walked over to a boy who was looking out the window listlessly. "Hey there," she said brightly, causing the boy to jump and turn to her. His eyes widened at the sight of her and the group, "I just wanted to say, Merry Christmas," she said as she reached into the bag and pulled out a rather soft bear. The young boy's eyes lit up as he looked at her, a smile curving his lips and immediately he launched himself at her. Kate placed the bear on the bed and wrapped her arms around the child, "THANK YOU," cried the boy. Kate chuckled as she rubbed circles in his back.

It was after that when all the children seemed to notice the presence of these special individuals. Soon laughter replaced the sadness as toys were pulled free of he elegant velvet bags and placed in the hands of children. Kate gently pat the boy on the head as she left the room, the sight before her warmed her heart. Usually she was alone when she gave gifts, it was a sad affair and yet there she was with this unusual group who seemed to radiate warmth.

Her blue eyes fell on Shran who was grinning as he played with a remote controlled hover car, racing another boy. She smiled as she watched the Andorian's blue tongue poke out of the corner of his mouth, and twisting the controller as though it were the helm of a ship. He was sitting on the floor next to a boy who was quite clearly schooling him. Shran pretended to struggle, but she could tell he was enjoying "losing". Especially since they had managed to make a nurse jump.

Kessil was sitting next to a few children handing out puzzles, she demonstrated how to move the parts of a few of them and explained the rules. Kate had expected the Vulcans to gift puzzles, not the Denobulan, but as she taught the children the more she realized that the idea must have come from Kuvak, who was standing beside her demonstrating aptly how they were solved, which earned a glare for Kessil.

Suran was handing out books and a few dolls to girls. His tone was light and oddly he seemed to relax as he did this. She watched the young children slowly collect the books, holding them as though they were sacred, earning a gleam of approval from Suran. She chuckled as he handed another girl the works of a few poets and defined words she didn't know the definition of.

Yet, among all the chaos and acts of kindness was the one act she hadn't expected. In a room all alone slept young girl. She had curly brown hair, and delicate features, her small fingers were twisted in her pillow case. From what she had picked up from the chatter of the nurses, she was very sick. Her breathing was raspy and white blood cell count elevated. Her face was twisted slightly and her blanket had slipped down her small form. Standing before her bed was the familiar dove gray robed Ambassador. His pointed ears contrasted greatly against the fuzzy trim of the hat.

Kate watched curiously as he reached into the ruby red bag, his movements were tentative and slow, as though he feared waking her would hurt her. Then again, she had a feeling this was the first time the girl had gotten sleep. Soval pulled out a beautiful brown rabbit, with long floppy ears, large black eyes, and a bright green bow around it's neck. It was a relatively large stuffed animal and she could tell from where she was standing that it was soft. With great care he placed the stuffed rabbit in her arms, a small smile curling his lips as he did so.

The young girl mumbled in her sleep as she wrapped her arm around the critter and held it closer to her chest. A smile of warmth swept across the Ambassador's lips as his gaze turned softer, Kate felt her breathe leave her. Never had he shown such emotion, and she didn't dare move a muscle in fear that as soon as she did the spell would be broken. Long olive toned fingers wrapped around the hem of the blanket. With ease he pulled it over the slumbering child.

The Ambassador slowly left the room, his robes whispering as she did so, the sack of toys once again in hand. Kate was quick to leave the doorway and smiled to herself. That was one of the most magical moments she had witnessed and in many ways felt honored to. Soval was always in control of his emotions and yet in those moments he wasn't, it was a display she swore she would never forget.

~*CW*~

The familiar feeling of someone watching him caused the Ambassador to look up from the child he was tucking in. He hoped it wasn't Shran, he would never hear the end if it was. He had honestly invited the Andorian to lift things, he didn't think he would stick around. Shran was always difficult, but he seemed to get along with human children and seemed to serve as an adequate distraction, just as long as there was enough power in the hover car. His dark eyes fell on the window across from him, only to discover he last individual he anticipated to spy on him, Kate. Her crystal blue eyes had returned to a brighter level, she smiled tenderly, her lips arching in a beautiful bow as she watched him.

Soval smiled as he finished tucking the girl in, he would never tell her that he had caught her watching him, but had a feeling that one day she would know. He left the room quietly and watched as she approached another young girl. He watched the cold expression leave her, as the same glimmer in her eyes that she had as a child returned. She spoke to the young girl in hushed tones and didn't mind being hugged, in fact the more hugs she received the more he watched the hardened warrior retreated and the young and loving girl return.

The hat she wore made her hair seem even more golden, like a lion's mien. Even though he found the hats to be childish and utterly irritating, he decided that they weren't too bad since they produced this result. Her smile warmed the room, it was infectious and with each laugh she gave the children seemed to gain just a little more happiness. According to Logic this entire notion was ridiculous; the focus should have been to get the children better through medicine, not giving them hope. Yet, there he was watching a young woman allowing for a warm atmosphere filled with love and kindness. An atmosphere that he himself wished to remain part of for as long as possible.

A tug, he felt a tug at his sleeve and looked down to see the young girl who had been asleep when he gifted the rabbit awake. Her large brown eyes looked up at him as she clutched the stuffed animal to her chest as though it were her treasure. "Are you an elf?" she asked softly. A chuckle was heard on the other side of the room and he shot a scathing glare at Shran who was laughing hysterically, "A GRUMPY ONE," he called. The Ambassador slowly knelt on the floor before the girl and took off the hat, "No, I am not an elf," he replied.

The girl looked slightly upset and he slipped the hat off his head, "But you have pointed ears," she remarked. Soval knew that elves in books also had pointed ears, but they were shaped very differently from his. He wasn't about to argue the anatomical difference between them and nodded, "I do, however, I am not an elf. I am a Vulcan," he replied. The girl tilted her head to the side in curiosity, "I thought Vulcan's weren't nice." Soval arched a brow at the child and wondered just where that had come from.

Soval noticed not even Shran laughed at this, and he shook his head, "We can be pleasant, in fact we usually are, people just don't understand us," he said slowly, "they tend to misinterpreted our actions." The girl tiled her head and her brow furrowed, he could tell she didn't understand a word, "believe our actions to mean something else," he clarified. She hummed thoughtfully and then looked over at Kessil, "Her name is Kessil, she is the Ambassador from Denobula," he replied.

Kissil offered a welcoming smile at the introduction and then the girl turned back to her, "So Vulcan's aren't mean? Then why do you always look so sad?" she asked. Soval was frozen, sadness. It was impossible for her to detect that emotion, "You always look as though you lost something important," she elaborated. Soval bowed his head, his grieving had been so apparent that even a child noticed it. "In fact, you look the way she did last year," the young girl said as she pointed at Kate.

He looked at the floor, knowing he had caused her pain, "Its been difficult," he admitted. The girl was still until he felt a small hand on his shoulder. He stiffened under the touch, he forgot humans found comfort in touching, and briefly wondered when it was the last time Kate had been touched or allowed her self to be touched by another individual. He looked up to see a smile, "Don't worry, this year she looks happy and for a while, you did too," the girl reasoned.

He looked at the girl and watched as she pulled her hand away, "Thank you for the bunny, he's really nice," she said. Soval nodded before rising, he watched the girl walk away with the small rabbit in her arms. Somehow a child, a human one, had seen through his mask of being the perfect Vulcan and into his emotions. He knew he wasn't obvious, and wondered briefly if Kate had seen his sadness.

Soval looked over to Kate and noticed that she was putting a young boy to bed. Many of the children were falling asleep and the nurses began to clean up the toys. Even Kuvak was tucking a child in and he placed a bear in the young boy's arms. Perhaps this trip hadn't been for naught, since he had never seen the Minister willing to work with children both human and Vulcan. Kate was picking up a dropped stuffed elephant and quickly placed it with it's owner.

"I welcome all of you to join me at the Privet Residence," he invited as they walked toward the door, the empty sacks in hand. Kessil shook her head and replied, "As kind as that is, I wish to return to my residence. I have some work to do." Soval nodded and looked to Shran who was rubbing the back of his neck, "I have to report to my government, they will wonder if you killed me," he stated.

The Andorians were always a little difficult when it came to dealing with other species, Vulcan's in particular, it hadn't helped that they had been enemies for nearly a century. He nodded and turned his attention to Kate, "I will join you," she replied softly. Soval nodded, glad she had agreed, he had one more thing to do before the end of the evening.