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 IV: A Scoop of Hope and Just a Pinch of Magic

The warmth emanated from a fire which had been lit in the hearth, it's light dancing as it flickered and popped. It casted shadows about the walls and made even the tree seem more brilliant. Gone were the Denobulans and the Andorian, all that remained were three rather quiet Vulcans and a young woman who was now looking at the large tree. She was slowly shrugging out of her jacket only to find a pair of hands wrapping around the shoulders of it. She stared as Suran took her coat and hung it in the closet. The Minister was standing in the doorway leading to the living room. He was still in his long robe, yet his eyes didn't seem as distant or stern. There was a light in them that Kate was certain hadn't been there before.

No longer were the Minister's features schooled in a careful mask of indifference, there was a subtle hint of a smile. The corners of his lips were curved and his eyes seemed brighter, she had been told that Vulcan's didn't smile. For the longest time she believed this was so, only now to know it was a ridiculous notion. Of course they could smile, it was rare, but that meant it was even more precious. They also smiled differently, it wasn't about their lips as much as it was their eyes.

Kuvak's posture was relaxed slightly as he looked to Soval, "I believe tea would be appropriate," he suggested, "Shall I brew it?" The Ambassador stared at him for a moment, "It is agreeable, however I will brew it," he stated. Kate was confused until Suran looked over across the room. She followed his gaze to see a young man standing with his hands in his pockets. He had bright green eyes, dark brown hair and a pair of large framed glasses. His green shirt was pressed perfectly and she noticed a pair of black suspenderes over his shoulders, holding up his gray skinny jeans. He was wearing brown dress shoes and held his hand up.

He looked at Suran and smiled broadly, "Don't worry about it, T'Vok has been great, she showed me a few rooms in the consulate and seemed quite curious about our customs," he stated as he looked to the Vulcan who was now standing at attention. The young woman was draped in a lavender robe and had short brown hair with hazel eyes, an unusual color for a Vulcan. Soval nodded, "It is most agreeable that you found her company to be such," he stated.

The young man tilted his head and shrugged before saying, "She was great, I was wondering if it were at all possible to learn a little more about Vulcan design." Soval slightly relaxed and replied, "It would be beneficial to have a designer on earth who understood our culture. It would also aid in showing the rest of humanity that we aren't that different." The designer was glowing at this, and it was then Kate realized that in that statement was a rare compliment, a compliment paid to him from the man who was considered the most difficult ambassador.

The Ambassador stepped forward and said, "I am Ambassador Soval, I thank thee for your service. I am aware it was rather inconvenient." Kate was quiet, a question was just on the tip of her tongue as to the identity of this man. The young man nodded and replied with ease, "Don't worry about it, I was more than happy to do it. Besides, I now have the claim on the first Christmas tree for the Vulcan Ambassador," he winked at the end to Kate. She giggled a little, at his antics, knowing that the only other person in the room who probably understood the gesture was the Ambassador.

He looked at the rest of the group and suddenly realized they didn't know who he was, "Oh, I'm Nick," he said and added what she swore was a 1,000 watt smile. Soval nodded as he gestured for them to enter the living room, "I will get the tea," he said, "and compensate you," as he turned to Nick. The young designer turned on his heel and began to follow the Ambassador from the room. Kate watched the two leave, her eyes followed them until they were out of sight.

She sighed as she entered the room, once again her eyes fell on the towering tree. It's warmth filling her as she gazed upon it. Even if Nick was the designer, the tree felt as though it were something only the Ambassador would appreciate. She looked at the critters and smiled, she didn't understand why, but seeing them made of needles and twigs that had fallen made the room feel alive. Suddenly Kessil's words came back to her, this wasn't something he did every year and the hospital event certainly wasn't.

While the outing was welcomed, especially since she didn't have to break her promise, it made her wonder how he knew what she was going to do and why he had done such a thing. Soval didn't display emotions easily, in fact at times he was harder to read than a majority of Vulcans she knew, and yet… yet he had walked quietly into that little girl's room and given her the bunny. Not only did he ensure the rabbit was in her arms but he had tucked her in gently, as though he were a guardian. She smiled at the thought, in those moments she had seen a side of him no one else ever had.

Her blue eyes fell on a golden glass ball, staring back at her was a young woman she had glanced at in the mirror but never examined. This entire series of events was new for the Ambassador; there wasn't a reason, or even a remote notion of logic in this. A chill swept over her and she wrapped her arms around herself, while this tree was nothing like the one her father put up, it emanated something similar. "Are you cold?" asked a soft and full voice, it wasn't as smooth as Soval's but just as cultured.

Kate turned to see the Minister watching her, his gray eyes locked on her form and she only then realized she was shivering. The young blonde nodded and blushed slightly, "No, I was just… nothing," she said quickly, she didn't want to show them how emotional she was. She had done more than enough of that for the evening. Kuvak arched a brow, "I do not believe you," he deadpanned.

She winced slightly, of course he could tell. She was probably an open book to him, "I was just wondering why he had done this," she said as she gestured around the room. She had never seen anything quite so beautiful or the amount of detail in such work. While the designer was responsible she had a feeling there was more to it. Kuvak blinked and replied after a moment, "I'm not sure, I do know that he didn't want to prevent you form carrying out your promises," he replied.

Promises, it was simple and yet, she wondered just why he would desire such a thing. Kuvak used promise, rather than commitment, meaning something far more intimate.

~*CW*~

Earthy Coaco, delicate vanilla, a touch of cinnamon, a pinch of nut meg, a little orange peel and the scent of green tea filled the kitchen. Soval quietly scooped the tea into a bowl, the small mound of leafy green matcha stood out drastically against the dark brown glaze used on the bowl. With a bamboo spoon between his fingers he continued to measure the proper amount of the fine tea. Earth had a large number of teas, while they weren't as potinent as Vulcan ones, he did enjoy a cup of Matcha.

He looked over his shoulder to see Nick pulling out several mugs, his hands making quick work of flipping them through the air and catching them with ease. Ambassador Soval watched curiously as he pulled several mugs, "So, the tree was for her huh?" asked the designer as he placed the five mugs in a row. Three of them were light blue and two were navy in color, all of them with the Idic on the side. The golden pyramid stood out starkly against the navy base of the two mugs, it's silver moon over hanging it with the bright bronze sun over its top dwarfed the rest of the design.

Soval was silent as he watched Nick crack open a can of cocoa and with a silver measuring spoon added a small amount to an empty glass jar. His brows lifted as he watched the young man scrap a few spoon fulls of sugar out of a canister, he wasn't even aware he had such things in his kitchen, he knew he didn't have chocolate but the sugar wasn't his either. Nick smiled as he grabbed another canister, the smell of cinnamon erupted as he opened the metal canister. "Yes," he replied slowly, he was more curious about what the human was doing.

Nick nodded as he added a pinch of cinnamon to each mug and then reached for a small brown bottle. There was a crack as the binding between the cap and the lip of the bottle was broken with the mere twist of the wrist. Vanilla wafted through the air, when coupled with the cocoa and cinnamon it produced a rather unusual scent, it was intoxicating to say the least. "Hey, I won't judge, she seemed to genuinely like them," he said with another shrug as he snatched an orange from the fruit bowl on the counter behind him, reaching for it blindly with accuracy as though he always knew it had been there. The small orange orb flew over Nicks shoulder and into his waiting palm, he had tossed it with such ease the man reminded Soval of a Terran Bartender from one of the Admiral's many events.

"From the way she acted when she first saw them, I could tell she hadn't seen a fully trimmed tree in a while," he stated. Nicks nimble fingers picked up a metal grader, Soval had seen all sorts of strange things humans did with their food, but this wasn't something he had seen, it was complex for, what he assumed to be, a drink. The designer quickly rubbed the rind of the orange against the grater to produce orange shavings. With ease these shavings were swept into two of the jar he had been throwing all these ingredients into.

A clap filled the room as he clapped his hands together and rubbed them, clearly they were sticky after handling the fruit, "She may not be accustomed to your scale," he commented as he added hot water to his own brown bowl.

A laugh filled the room; it was broad, and oddly jolly. Soval paused as he listened to the deep sound reverberate off the walls, "True, true. I did create two fabulous nine footers for you. If only I could put them in the Consulate," he mused. Soval was about to say something when he noticed another canister appear from seemingly no where. He began to wonder just where all of these items were coming from, because he didn't recognize a single one of them. Once again he was adding a fine white powder to the jar.

Chocolate brown eyes watched curiously as Nick set the spoon aside. The designer flipped the lid in his fingers before placing it on the mouth of the jar and spinning it on. "Perhaps next year, I would have to ask the rest of my staff if it would offend," he stated. Nick nodded as he secured the lid to the jar and tossed it in the air so it flipped before beginning to shake it. Soval watched the contents begin to blend together as Nick shook it like a silver cocktail shaker.

"Perhaps," Nick echoed as he finished blending all the spices, "I hope you don't mind, I wanted one for the road," he said with a grin. The Ambassador was even more confused as the young man twisted the lid off the jar and began distributing it's contents between two mugs, one light blue and the other navy. "She's been through a great deal," he remarked, "She looked tired."

The Vulcan Ambassador hummed in accord as he picked up the bamboo whisk and began to blend the fine tea and hot water. "It has been taxing, she is still adjusting to our ways," he stated, "You seem to notice a great deal about her." Nicholas smiled crookedly, his lips sweeping up as he did so and a knowing gleam settled in his eyes. "Oh?" he asked, "Here I was reading you." The designer closed his eyes as he picked up the same kettle that Soval had been using to add water to the two mugs.

The Vulcan stared, "Me?" he asked after a moment, now he was confused. Nick nodded as he picked up a short whisk; he really had to know where he kept all these things. "Yes, you. The Vulcan who wants nothing to do with Christmas, the man who hates winter, and honestly isn't even invited to most winter events," stated Nicholas. He knew he wasn't, yet he had no idea how Nicholas knew, it wasn't something most noticed. Soval had always been careful not to give too much away.

He disliked the holiday, and yet this year, this year he was attempting to understand it. "I do not hate winter," Soval stated sternly. Nicholas rolled his eyes and stated, "Yeah you do, Scrooge." Scrooge… he had heard the reference but didn't understand it. He made a mental note to Suran to ask him to look it up, or he would simply ask Kate. "Look, it's a nice gift and all, I'm just saying next time you could get her a gift that made her really smile and you too," said Nick as he finished whisking the two drinks.

Soval picked up the bowl and began pouring it's contents into each of the mugs. "I did," he replied, "I was waiting to give it to her." Nick's hands came to a rest on the counter as green eyes narrowed, glaring at him as though he had somehow committed larceny. He then leaned back and crossed his arms, his green eyes looked down his nose as he tapped his foot impatiently. "Really?" he asked skeptically.

The Ambassador picked up the three mugs and replied, "Yes, and it's none of your concern." He didn't like the way he was being spoken to, Nick was over stepping his bounds and he didn't care how clever the designer was he wasn't about to allow such behavior to continue. Nick chuckled and leaned on the palm of his hand, his green eyes danced as he smiled smugly, "Oh? Is this gift strictly for her or for you?" he asked. Soval rounded quickly and narrowed his eyes.

"I told you it was none of your concern," Soval state harshly. Nick chuckled and winked at him, "She's a beautiful girl, I just want to make sure your intentions are… pure," he replied, now the gleam was growing to the point Soval was clutching the mugs stiffly. It would only take a little more pressure and he would end up shattering them. "They are, I just want to see her smile. That's it," he ground out. Nick relaxed and hummed, "So you do have a motive," he mused.

It was taking Soval everything he had not to snap at the arrogant designer. Nick picked up the two mugs and gave him a knowing smile, "I won't tell anyone that you care for her. Besides, I think it's sweet that you are giving her Christmas," he said, "It shows how much you love her." Nick did a slight twirl before leaving the room, his hips swaying and in that moment the Ambassador understood what it meant to be "hot to trot".

The Vulcan glared daggers at the designer, before it registered what he had just been told. Love? He loved her? Soval stared off in realization; he had done something for her that would be interoperated as love. He shook his head in an attempt to usher such a notion away. Perhaps, it was love for her as though she were his own. A paternal love that had began after he had watched her shed tears for her father, and his best friend. It was preposterous that he could see something beyond such a bond, only he knew there was something else there. Something he had been suppressing.

Soval hiss with irritation as he looked where the designer had been standing. There was no way he loved her that way… at least he didn't think so. He saw nothing wrong with attempting to right all of his wrongs, to see her smile freely as she had once had, to make one simple wish, no matter how ludicrous it was, come true. Kate had been alone for the past 5 years, alone and fighting to live. She had hardened and lost pieces of herself that had been precious and irreplaceable. It was selfish for him to desire to see her smile, for it made him feel joy and warmth, two emotions in which a Vulcan was to never indulge in.

Chocolate brown eyes fell on the tea and he sighed, he was going to have to meditate on this, for tonight his goal was simple, make her smile and feel wanted. That was it. Soval walked into the living room and placed the mugs on the table. He watched as Kate drank the concotion Nick had produced she was practically purring with delight. The young blonde was wrapped in a heavy blanket, her legs curled under her, nursing a mug. Her face seemed to glow thanks to the light of the fire in the hearth. Her blue eyes were twinkling with joy, they were no longer a bleak gray but a vivid crystal clear sky blue, just like the Admiral's. Her long blonde hair was free and fell about her in loose trendles, something that a Human would call a halo. Her cheeks were a little red, and there on her lips was the one thing he wished would never leave, they were curled up delicately and her lips arched, a soft and welcoming smile.

There wasn't a hint of sadness in her eyes, she was truly happy. Soval watched her keenly as warmth blossomed in his chest, it started small, only to grow into something more intense. The Ambassador's shoulders fell slightly as he exhaled, she was happy. He had made her happy, and somehow that was the best feeling of all. To make this girl who lost everything happy.

She turned her gaze to him, "Thank you, for tonight," she said genuinely, her sincerity never leaving her. Soval nodded in acknowledgement and slowly turned his attention to the clock on the mantel, he hadn't selected it, apparently Nick had in an attempt to make the room feel more comfortable for a human. Suran and Kuvak were quiet for a moment, the silence was comforting and oddly it was as though not a word had to be said between them. Kate leaned over and slowly placed her mug on the table before slipping out from under the black throw, which was something he usually curled up in when reading alone on the sofa.

Kate quickly got up and held her hands up, "Stay there, and don't move," she commanded before dashing out of the room. Soval watched her curiously as Kuvak asked, "What does she intend to do?" and Suran looked just as confused. Apparently he wasn't the only one up to something. Kate's steps were light as she re entered the room, Nick was leaning against the wall and grinned. Soval wondered if somehow she had managed to conspire with the decorator, which was impossible since he had truly been selected from a pool of 30 others.

She appeared again with the black duffle she had carried with her, she was wearing the deep red hat he had given her and her smile grew even larger. She was opening the bag as the three Vulcans watched her curiously. The young woman pulled out three boxes that were wrapped in Silver, Gray and bright blue paper. Their edges were crisp and the curl of the ribbon seemed natural. Atop each package was an expertly tied bow, it's loops were tight but whimsical, they remembed him of the bow that had been her hair so long ago. Black and tan tags hung from each of them as she walked over to Suran first.

The Vulcan watched curiously as she held out the silver package to him, "Merry Christmas Suran," she said with a grin. Suran's eyes widened as he slowly accepted the gift, he looked from the box to her and whispered, "Young T'Sai, I haven't gotten you anything," he sounded rather distraught at her gesture of kindness. Kate shook her head, her blonde curls swaying as she did so.

"No you did," she said simply.

Suran was even more confused as she twisted her hands before her, "You invited me for Christmas, helped me give out gifts, and showed me that I'm welcome," she said softly, "You gave me a family." The eyes of Kuvak widened at this statement, "I didn't have to go to a cold house, I wasn't alone," she added as she smiled nervously, still wringing her hands as she did so. Suran placed the box to the side and smiled a little, "Come here young T'Sai," he said as he held his arms open for her.

Kate stared at him hesitantly, as though she were contemplating if this were a trap. "I know we don't touch, but it is Christmas and I think tonight we can indulge you," he said gently. Kate slowly leaned forward and hugged the Vulcan. She felt his large hands on her back and warmth wrap her in a cocoon of safety, one she never hoped to loose. After a moment he released her and tore the paper off the package, she had given him a long wool scarf, he had complained continuously about the cold and he chuckled. She had given him something to amend that. "Thank you, Kate," said Suran warmly as he ran his fingers over the dark green scarf, it was soft and made of lambs wool. It certainly wasn't cheap and he could tell it would last for quite some time.

She turned her attention to the minister and walked over to him with the gray box in hand. "Minister Kuvak, I know you hardily know me, but I felt that it wouldn't be fair to not give you a gift on this day," she said as she held out a smaller square box to him. Kuvak slowly untied the ribbon before pulling off the paper. With ease he removed the lid and stared at the contents. Nestled in white paper was a green orb, he slowly pulled it out to learn it was jade. Gray eyes widened as he looked at the jade orb, it was the highest quality he had seen and one of the most beautiful carvings. It was a series of well detailed hallowed orbs nestled inside one another. He stared at the vines and flowers as he looked at it in the light. Each piece was free to move and he noticed an ornate stone stand which came with it. The craftsmen had done a spectacular job with it.

"It's 250 years old, created by a master crafts men, he used water to carve it," Kate explained. Kuvak's eyes widened in shock as he looked to the girl, 250 years wasn't much to a Vulcan but for a human that was several lifetimes, "I can't accept this," he gently stated, "This is too much." Kate shook her head and replied, "It's better off with you, I know you like intricate things. Besides, I think you can take better care of it than I can."

Kuvak looked at the orb and then back to her bright blue eyes, "Thank you, young T'Sai," he said earnestly, "I will treasure it, in fact I know just where to put it." Kate stared at him in confusion as he smiled a little, "My office on my desk. I'm sure it will look very nice there, a little reminded of how ingenuities Humans are and just how generous they can be." A smile broke across her lips as Soval mentally slapped himself. Kuvak had learned a few lessons from Humans and from that statement he was going to use them to inspire future reformations on Vulcan.

To have an item on the desk of the Minister of Vulcan was an honor, especially a gift. Soval noticed how the Minister turned it over in his hands before placing it in the box. Before he even realized it the young woman was before him. In her waiting hands was the last box, "This is yours," she said softly. Soval stared at the bright blue paper, before slowly collecting it. "I wasn't sure what to get you, and then I remembered something," she said as he untied the black bow and allowed the ribbon to fall to the floor. His fingers swept over the expertly wrapped package, before pulling at one of the folds.

The paper was removed with little strain, and he stared at a beautiful rosewood box in his hands. It was slightly heavy and he noticed the beautiful carvings covering it. His breath caught as he opened it. Resting inside the box was a black and white checkered board, with a vivid green trim. The board was marble and lined up, standing at attention were black and white marble chess pieces, his eyes widened. He knew this set; he had played with it three times a week.

Soval swept his fingers over the pieces tenderly, he never thought he would see it again, it had been seven years since he used the set. "I know its second hand, but I couldn't think of anyone else who deserved it," she said cautiously, "If you don't like it, I can put it back." Soval shook his head as he placed the chess set on the table before him, "It's a wonderful gift. I will treasure it," he said softly as he looked at the chess set, it was Admiral Forrest's set. The very same set he had been taught to play by the Admiral himself years ago. It was two days after the party where he first met Kate.

Unknowingly Kate, had given him so much more than a Chess Set, she had given him a memory, and trusted him enough to guard it. This was her father's set, and guaranteed she had learned on it, "Thank you," he said softly. His lips curled of their own volition, a smile sweeping across his usually stoic features. He held a hand up and said, "Now you must wait, and close your eyes," he commanded with a smirk.

Kate looked baffled for a moment, "It's a surprise," he said simply. She complied after a moment and he rushed off to collect his gift to her. His robes whispering as he did so.

~*CW*~

The Ambassador had decided to give her gifts, none of the others were and she wondered off hand if it was simply because she worked for him. She kept her eyes closed and waited patiently, she could hear the rapid whispers of both Suran and Kuvak in Vulcan, apparently she wasn't the only one who had gifts. The smell of spices and wood caressed her nose and she knew he was standing before her. "Hold out your hands," he commanded softly. Kate as he instructed and she felt something rather heavy placed in them. "Open," he continued.

Kate did so and looked at him in confusion before looking at the black bag, a large golden bow had been tied to one of the handles and her eyes widened in recognition. "Is this?" she asked as she knelt on the floor before the coffee table and placed the case on top. Quickly she unzipped it, her hands paused before she finally lifted the lid. Nestled in black velvet waiting patently was the most beautiful sight, a brilliant red brown body of a violin. It's bridge was a pristine white, her neck dark brown and her body had been shined. "It's not the same as yours, I couldn't find yours. I hope this will suffice," he stated. Kate was confused ss he saw a sheet of paper in front of her. Soval held it out delicately when her eyes fell on it she gasped. "Y-You bought me a Strad?" she stammered.

Soval nodded, his gaze never left her, "Yes, I spent the day making sure it was authentic, you now own Morini. I was informed the violin had been missing for a great deal of time," he replied. Kate gently swept her fingers over it's body, "Sir, I can't this is too much," she whispered. He had a feeling she would object, it wasn't a cheap instrument, even though his privet account viewed it's price as a mere trifle in comparison to the other things he had purchased.

The Ambassador slowly knelt on the floor before her and responded, "Of course you can. I should have stayed on earth to help you, but I didn't. I left you here, alone." His eyes fell on the violin before her, he remembered asking to hear the shop keeper play it, and the large number of times it was played that day by seventeen different experts. He wasn't satisfied with the review of only one. If he was going to buy the violin, he was going to buy THE VIOLIN, and not a forgery. He could remember the slight sparkle in her voice as she was played and ached to hear Kate's music shine.

It was a selfish desire on his part, to desire to hear her create magic with the draw of a bow. He just wanted to hear the same sound he had that one night so long ago. He knew that she wasn't going to sound as impeccable tonight as she had then, she was out of practice, but with time, with time he was certain she would.

Kate hesitantly freed Morini from her case and held her up to the light, she was tender as she positioned it under her chin. Her fingers slipped over the fingerboard and into place. She slowly drew the bow over the strings and adjusted the pegs, only now did the Ambassador learn she had perfect pitch as well. He had always believed she had an electric tuner, and now he knew the truth. Her gift was rare and precious, far more than any normal gift, she had perfect pitch a trait only a handful possessed.

Kate looked over the group and asked, "What should I play?" The three Vulcans stared at her, as did Nick. None of them thought she would be taking requests, "What ever you want," said Soval simply, he just wanted to hear her draw the bow. The young woman nodded as she lifted the bow and gently drew it across the strings. The sound was far better than the student violin he had heard her play when she first started. It was lighter, and oddly deeper, there was a layer to this sound, it was enchanting. He listened to the simple swell of notes as she drew the bow slowly over the strings.

Unlike the first time he had heard her, this one where he could hear the wings of a butterfly, this was entirely different. Soval stared at the young woman, the sound had grown into something far more magestic, over those precious years she had matured and even her playing had changed. She sounded as though she were flying through the sky, showing them the world, they weren't on the breeze, they had become it. He could feel the longing to caress the earth, the desire to flow and ebb like a river, to break away from restraint.

As she drew in intensity there was a rush, his eyes slid closed as he was tossed into a world of desire, drive and unrestrained need. He had never felt this, this rush of life, as though is she were forced to contain it she would burst. A quick march, approaching a finish, which he hoped would allow her to find what she sought. The sound soared as she trilled on the final notes, allowing them to hang in the air.

No matter how different it sounded, he knew in that moment it was still her. She was still the violinist, the one who had made him realize just how beautiful humans were. Kate lowered her bow and looked at him with tears in her eyes. Soval was confused, he hadn't meant to upset her, "I've upset you?" he asked swiftly, mentally he began to berate himself for not thinking about her emotions.

Kate shook her head as she swept her tears away with the side of her index finger, "No, you," she paused as though she were looking for the words, "You have given me so many beautiful things." The Ambassador arched a brow at this comment and watched as she placed the violin on the table as well as the bow. "You don't even like this holiday, and yet, you went and had trees put up. You decorated your house," she began, "You put on a silly elf hat and distributed gifts to kids, along with your friends."

Soval felt the tips of his ears heat, and he had a feeling they were turning green as he attempted to hide his embarrassment, "You invited me here so I didn't have to spend Christmas alone, and then," she smiled, "Then you give me a Stradivarius and expect nothing in return." Tears fell freely down her cheeks, she was smiling brightly and her hands were clasped before her. Soval was utterly confused at this point, she was happy and sad at the same time. Emotions always confused him, and now he began to wonder if this was normal.

"You're crying," said Soval incredulously.

Kate laughed, the sound rang like bells through the room, it was sweet and melodic just as beautiful as her playing. "Yes, because you've made me that happy. These aren't tears of sadness, but happiness," she replied. With little warning he felt a pair of slender arms wrap around him, her soft form against his as she clutched him to her. He stiffened for a moment, she never touched them, she knew they didn't like it, and yet she hugged him. He didn't think she even liked him enough to show this level of affection toward him. Soval felt his cheeks heat up as well as the tips of his ears, embarrassment flooded him as he felt her joy and happiness vibrating through him.

"Thank you so very much Ambassador," she whispered into his neck. Her scent wrapped around him, it was soothing. He ignored the other Vulcans in the room, he wasn't the Ambassador right now, he was Soval, just Soval, a man who wanted to apologize for not being there and wanted more than anything to see her smile and now laugh. Yes, he wanted to hear that sweet sound again.

Soval wrapped his arms around her and held her close, enjoying her warmth, and something Vulcans rarely received, affection. He closed his eyes and whispered, "You're welcome, Ginneve," he whispered. He felt her soft blonde hair ghost against his cheek as he basked in this moment, where she didn't fear showing him affection. "I miss my dad," she whispered softly, and the Vulcan could feel something damp against his chest, she was crying. Soval hummed in accord before whispering, "I miss him as well. I especially miss that card he would send me every year. The one you helped in selecting."

Kate pulled back and stared at him in shock, her eyes wide as she did so, "You? He asked me to help pick a card for you?" she asked curiously. Soval nodded, she had every single year, and each year as she grew older so did the choice in card. "I wanted to send the card for a few years, but I never learned who received it," she whispered in awe. The entire time she had been with the recipient of the one special card her father cared about, and didn't know. Soval placed his hands on her forearms, and Kate broke into a smile of delight, "So I didn't let him down after all."

A chuckle was heard in the room and the pair looked over to Suran, "No you didn't, in fact, I'm sure he's proud of you," the gray haired Vulcan said with a grin as he picked up the scarf. Kate instantly blushed and he had a feeling it was because she realized just who she hugged. He suppressed the urge to chuckle at her expression.

~*CW*~

A faint green flush swept across the cheeks and delicately pointed tips of the Vulcan Ambassador. Kate smiled even wider, he did look rather endearing when he blushed. The entire evening had been a wonderful gift, the best gift she had received in a long time. Now she knew who received that special card, she had no intention of sending one every year though, now she intended to spend every year with him. After all, it was probably one of the greatest gifts she could receive and give, family.

She looked over at Nick, who had been oddly silent. When she had first seen him she had pegged him as a chatter box with no care in the world. Yet there he was smiling softly and watching the scene before him, oddly his eyes had gained a bit of a spark, the kind that she swore was reserved for Sprites. Nick's gaze met hers and he winked. His lips curling as he did so, it was playful and honestly reminded her of one of those classic film stars, who flirted with anything that moved.

The brunette slipped a hand through his hair, only causing it to become messier. His hair honestly looked as though all he did was run his fingers through it all day. Then again he had spent the day among Vulcans designing a Christmas tree, she could only imagine the stress he had been under. After all the Ambassador was never easy, nope he was the definition of a challenge, not that she minded. After all he did have his moments.

As Nick looked to the clock, his green eyes widening and he pushed away from the wall, "Well it's been fun, but I have to take care of something," he said as he placed the mug on the side table. Kate froze and ever occupant of the room turned their attention to Nick.

Soval stared at the designer, who had arrogantly accused him of not caring enough to get her a gift, and was now leaving before seeing it. "Why?" asked Kate curiously. Nick pointed to the clock on the mantel, it was five minutes to midnight. "I'm afraid I really must be off," he stated, "My business is time sensitive." Soval rose from his seat and gestured for the designer to follow him, "Please, I will compensate you before you go." Nick shook his head and said, "Nah, don't worry about it. Just send it to the shop, Suran has my business card with the address."

With little warning Nick was walking across the room, and heading into the foyer, the Ambassador followed with Kuvak and Suran in tow. "Is it acceptable for him to deliver payment tomorrow?" he asked. Nick turned around and stared at him in confusion, "On Christmas Day? How about we deal with it the 26th?" he asked. The Ambassador nodded as Suran retrieved the man's coat. It was black with white fir trim inside it. He looked more like a Russian Czar in it, without the facial hair.

The Ambassador nodded as he watched Nick fasten the clasps on his coat. "That is agreeable, and we will speak of next year as well," he decided. Perhaps I wasn't such a bad idea to put a tree in the consulate, especially with all the humans that walked through that time of year. He just had to make sure it was Nick who designed it. "The trees are both fakes, so don't worry about them too much," Nick stated, "You don't have to return them either since you seem interested in having them again next year."

Suran nodded and quickly opened the door for Nick; a fresh layer of snow was falling. The powder blew into the foyer and Soval watched as Nick popped up his collar and wrapped a scarf around himself. "Good night, Ambassador, and Minister," said Nick with a smile. Soval nodded and replied, "Good night, live long and prosper."

Without much more time Nick was leaving the building, disappearing into the snow. Kate looked at the Ambassador, "Snow," she breathed as she was about to run out into the courtyard. Soval glared at her and said, "Get your jacket," sternly, he knew he sounded as though he were speaking to a child. Kate rolled her eyes and huffed mockingly before opening the closet. "Huh?" she asked as she sifted through it. Her jacket wasn't there. It was then she remembered that she had worn it into the living room. The Minister was standing with Suran in the foyer, "Careful," he cautioned as Kate rushed into the other room.

Blue eyes narrowed as she looked about the room rapidly, looking for any sign of her old and worn jacket. She looked behind the large sofa and plush arm chairs only to find it on the floor by the tree, "How did it get there?" she asked as she reached down to pick it up. As she gripped the stiff fabric her eyes fell on four packages wrapped in green and red paper, with glistening golden bows. Her eyes narrowed as she sat on the floor before the tree and pulled one of the boxes out, they hadn't been there when Kessil and Shran had visited, and they weren't there when they had left either.

Her fingers swept over the glossy bright red paper, and elegant golden satin bow, tied expertly at the top. Written in neat and rather loopy script was Kate Forrest. She flipped the tag over and read a note that had been scribbled on the back, Enjoy your family. Your father would be proud. SC. Blue eyes widened to be the size of saucers, "Ambassador?" she called. Soval slipped into the room and stared at her quizzically. "Did you put these under the tree?" she asked.

Soval slowly got on her level and stared at another package his name, full name in Vulcan script, was written on the tag. His brows furrowed as he collected the package. He flipped the tag over and whispered, "No, and I know it wasn't the Minister or Suran, they didn't have time to shop. They weren't there a second ago, in fact, I'm certain they weren't as Nick left." He pulled the other packages out and said, "This is for the Minister, and there is one for Suran."

Just as he did so he noticed T'Vok had walked in, she was carrying a bright silver box with a white and gold bow, "Osu?" she asked. Soval shook his head and she read the tag, "Who is SC?" she asked curiously. Kate paused, they were all from the same person. "No," she whispered. She ignored the Ambassador and tore into the box, her eyes widening as she did so, nestled inside was a stack of sheet music and a photo of her and her father. "How?" she asked as she pulled the image out and then looked through the pages, they were all first presses and very difficult to find.

The Ambassador ripped the paper away from his box, only to find a photo of himself with Suran and Kate. He paused, the photo was new and it was on a holographic imager. Resting near it was a note, it was simple. He froze and stared at the image, there was even more space on the holodisk. It was impossible, he would have seen a camera, and that image had been taken while they were hugging. There wasn't a camera in sight.

"This is impossible," Soval stated, his voice was stern but the expression on his face spoke volumes of disbelief. Kate huffed and was about to say something when she heard it. The ring of sleigh bells, she and Soval looked at one another and instantly she knew she hadn't been imagining it.

There was a rush as Kate stumbled out the door, slipping into her father's old jacket as she did so. The chill sweeping over her face, and she could see her breathe. The Minister following curiously, his robes sweeping across the snow, and she watched as Suran wrapped the scarf around his neck. T'Vok was standing in her silk pants with her robe pulled tightly around her person. Soval stepped out into the snow last, his hair was ruffled by a gust of wind. The sound of sleigh bells filled the air as they all looked up.

"Suran, what was the designer's name?" asked Soval as he turned his attention to his aid. The Vulcan was staring at the sky skeptically, before he reached into his robes and pulled out a business card. It was a black card with silver curls on the side.

Nick Class

Suran held the card out to Soval, and the Ambassador flipped it over several times. Kate looked over at it and asked, "Class?" Soval nodded, it was then Kate realized something, she smiled as she held her hand out for the card. Soval quirked a brow as he held it out to her. "Class is very close to… no, no, that's impossible," she whispered and looked at Soval who was staring at her as though she had lost it. Then a look of uncertainty swept across his face.

"Isn't it?" she asked skeptically.

Soval stared up at the sky and all four Vulcans did the same, none of them were willing to speak. It was impossible, it had to be. Yet, they could hear the ring of sleigh bells and off in the distance Kate swore she heard a full and jolly laugh, echoing in the night air.

Resting on the floor just under the tree was the holodisk as well as an envelope and a small velvet box. The contents of the envelope seemed to glow in the soft lights of the Christmas tree. In black ink, the simple phrase was written…

Just so you can continue to see her smile all year round. Happiness is a beautiful thing. just remember to keep granting her wishes, after all the magic of the season never truly fades.

Believe in the Magic.

Merry Christmas, Soval.

S.C.

P.s. Use the small velvet box next year; I'm sure you'll need it.

14