Chapter 21

Chapter Twenty-One - And More Bondings

Jim once again stood at the podium before the assembled guests waiting for the bonding to start. This was the last of the weddings. He felt that this might be the best part of being a Captain; marrying couples would love one another. Certainly better than diplomatic dinners and having to deal with those who ogle his sexy mate. Only he got to do that! He winced a little at Spock’s reminder to stay focused. Oh how he hated getting his mate even a little mad at him. He knew that he had changed a lot since this had all started and now that he was a submissive, he looked more to his mate for guidance. At least it really didn’t affect his running of the ship and being a Captain. He would say it did temper his wild streak and he was much more wary of his cheeky comments. Diplomatic dinners would not be fun if he had to sit through one after a spanking.

He smiled at the sight of Kor and Suran stepping before him decked out in Klingon garb. Both wearing armor and weapons. They looked like they were going to go to war. He lifted his hands and those assembled quieted down and the ceremony started.

“We are here today to join Kor and Suran as one. Marriage is more than joining two people or even two clans. It is joining two hearts and two souls into one. To have a family together and to grow old together. To share your triumphs and your failures. It is above all a sacred thing and never to be entered into lightly. We give them blessing. You are the star of each other’s night, you are the brightness of every morning, you are the story of each guest, you are the report of every land. No evil shall befall you, on hill nor bank, in field or valley, on mountain or in glen. Neither above, nor below, neither in sea, nor on shore, in skies above, nor in the depths. You are the kernel of each other’s hearts, you are the face of one another's sun, you are the harp of your shared music, you are the crown of each other’s company. Now it is time to state your vows. Kor, please take Suran’s hands in yours and state your vows.”

Kor roughly cleared his throat. With the words that Jim had spoken over them, his heart warmed and he felt the emotions of those touched in the room. The love he felt for Suran swelled and flowed through their joined minds. When he spoke, his voice came out low and gravelly. “I pledge my love to you, and everything that I own. I promise you the first bite of my meat and the first sip from my cup. I pledge that your name will always be the name I cry aloud in the dead of night.

I promise to honor you above all others. Our love is never-ending, and we will remain, forevermore, equals in our marriage. This is my wedding vow to you. I will love your forever.”

Suran’s eyes teared up at the emotion that was weighing the words spoken to him by his dominant. He pushed his love back to this man that owned every inch of him. He and their children were his world. To him they were no longer Klingon and Romulan, they were Bastans and joined together forever.

Jim could feel the emotion pouring off the two standing before him. He smiled and gently spoke. “Suran, now state your vows to your dominant.”

Suran cleared his throat a couple times before the words came out. “I pledge my love to you, and everything that I own. I promise you the first bite of my meat and the first sip from my cup. I pledge that your name will always be the name I cry aloud in the dead of night. I promise to honor you above all others. Our love is never-ending, and we will remain, forevermore, equals in our marriage. This is my wedding vow to you. I now stand before you not as a Romulan but as your devoted mate. I love you, my dominant.”

At this point even Jim became a little choked up at the strong emotions. He sent his love to his mate through their bond and felt it returned. He could hear the gentle weeping of some of the guests at the poignant emotion coming from grooms. “You may now kiss your submissive.” Jim said softly.

Kor leaned down and gently cupped Suran’s cheek. He pressed his lips to his beautiful submissives and a gentle and soft kiss. He could hear clapping from those assembled to help him celebrate this day. He pulled back and smiled at his weepy mate. “I love you.” He whispered.

“And I you.”

“And now stands before you, Kor and Suran Goradh. May they enjoy many long and happy years.”

The clapping grew louder and the couple turned and embraced each other. Today was a day that they would never forget, it was up there along with the birth of their two children.

**********

Excitement stirred in the hearts of the six Bastans and the one Betazoid that was gathered along with other guests for the last naming. They all knew that after this last ceremony, the Ruling Council members would be leaving the following week back to Betazed. Jim was so excited that he practically vibrated with it. Spock was sending soothing thoughts to try and calm his mate. Omal threw a wink at Jim as he stood this one last time to perform the Ceremony of Naming, “We gather today to bless these children, a new life that has become part of our world. We gather today to name these children. To call a thing by name is to give it power, and so today we shall give these children a gift. We will welcome them into our hearts and lives and bless them with a name of their own.”

Kor stood forward and spoke, “To be a parent is to love and nurture, to lead a child to be a good person. It is to guide them along the right path and to both teach them and learn from them. It is to rein them in, and to give them wings. It is to smile at their joy, and weep at their pain. It is to walk beside them, and then one day allow them to walk alone. To be a parent is a great gift we have given ourselves. and the greatest responsibility we shall ever have.”

Omal then turn to the appointed godparents of the children, and asked, “You stand beside us, for the love of these children. Will you tell the gods who you are?”

Both Merrok and Korath responded at the same time, “We are Merrok and Korath Lhaihtrha, chosen to be Guardians for this children.”

Omal spoke again, “Do you know what it is to be a child's Guardian?”

They again responded at the same time, “It is to love and nurture, to show guidance and counsel. It is to help the child make choices should they need assistance. It is to be a second di’ranov and ri’nanov and to be there when called upon.”

Omal then placed the two babies on the table that had been set up for the ceremony. He took some oil and traced and symbol on their foreheads, reciting, “May the gods keep these children pure and perfect, and let anything that is negative stay far beyond their world. May you always have good fortune, may you always have good health, may you always be joyful, and may you always have love in your heart.”  He then used the oil to place a symbol on their chests and then recited, “You are known to the gods and to us as Chavek Goradh and Shiarrael Goradh.

These are your names, and they are powerful. Bear your names with honor, and may the gods bless you on this and every day. I honor you, Chavek and Shiarrael Goradh.” Omal then lifted a ceremonial cup to pass around, Kor and Suran picked up the children and walked around presenting them to the guests. Each one placed a kiss on their cheeks and offered well wishes and blessings.

Omal spoke the last verse to finish the ceremony as the cup reached the godparents and they took a sip each, “Welcome, Chavek and Shiarrael, to our family and to our hearts. Your parents love you, and we thank them for giving you the gift of life. We ask the Gods to watch over you, Chavek and Shiarrael, and over your vav and Sos, and we wish your family love and light.”

He took the cup back from Merrok and Korath and took a sip. He placed it on the table before him and bowed over it. The ceremony was now finished and the children officially named, the guests stood and started giving their well wishes to the new parents and godparents. The Bastans breathed out a happy sigh, soon those greedy fools would be gone and off the ship.

Klingon translation:

Vav - father

Sos - mother

Romulan translation:

di’ranov - father

ri’nanov - mother