Posted by Civilian Urg’tohn, Son of the House of Duroc (Klingon Warrior) in Batarael, Day 1- Gather

Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Batarael, Day 1- Gather

Posted by Civilian Jal’na of House Duroc (Head of Physical Therapy - Sacred Heart Hospital) in Batarael, Day 1- Gather
Posted by… suppressed (22) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Collecting herself after the memorial, Eela felt steady enough to put out the invite, and if she were honest, she was really looking forward to Batarael again.

---

~To my friends~

Batarael is an important holiday for Haliians. It is not just a calendar new year, but a personal and spiritual new year. It acts as a time to connect, reflect and reset. Each day has a theme and the First Day is Gather. Traditionally, friends and family gather to share a meal.

As you all know, my daughter and her family are here to celebrate with me, and I am also joined by my friend Roger, and as a surprise to me, my son Jourin and his partner Sibu. For First Day, Caridee and I are hosting an open house evening at my place. We’re cooking a bunch of traditional Haliian food, but we welcome any who attend to bring a dish they love to share with everyone. The festivities start at 1800 hours and there will be the traditional singing of the Horath at 1830 to kick things off officially.

It’s been a difficult time for many and I assure you no one is obligated to attend. But if you feel up for it, drop by for as long as you like and come find out first hand that Hallians know how to throw a party.

Security will be understandably tighter, especially given all the potential attendees, so apologies in advance for the nuisance.

~Yours in friendship, Eela~

Eela sent the invite to everyone in her group of close friends, which when you included her and Kenzo’s assistants, plus Eela’s family made for a pretty large group. She had no expectations that everyone would attend, but she was looking forward to spending time with people in both a happier physical and emotional setting

---

Eela had only worked the morning and started cooking with Dee before she took a mid-afternoon nap to bolster her energy levels. They had started cooking and decorating the night before and now she pulled over the step ladder to adjust the colourful sheer fabric hanging from the ceiling of the dining room.

“Get down!” Sinna said, hand planted on her hips. The Trill housekeeper looked up at the woman who was more than just her employer. Like many in Eela’s life, Sinna had a vested interest in making sure the woman had everything she needed, even if that sometimes was a sharp reminder that she was being stupid.

Eela scoffed. “I’m just fixing it. My back is fine.”

“Down, now. I’ll handle it, you go deal with the patio,” Elz said.

“Oh, you’ve been told!” Roger said with a laugh as he carried a large box out to the patio.

She climbed down and gave Sinna a withering look before heading out to finish setting up outside.

The penthouse had been transformed. Gone were the neutral tones and everything was replaced or added to with jewel tones. The ceilings of all the public spaces were draped with sheer fabrics in different colours and both interior and exterior spaces were set with metalwork lanterns of glass candle holders, with the addition of stringe of lgihts out on the patio along with heaters in case the chill set in as the night progressed. Both the patio and dining room were set up so people could sit together and eat where they liked with no formal seating. The living room and breakfast nook ere set to be comfy lounge spaces for conversation, and she had tucked all her work away so the office was open. People were free to browse the books or find a quiet place if they needed a minute. Only Eela’s room and the guest room (that Roger was using) were closed. Even her workout room with the fractal painting was open.

A bit before she expected anyone to arrive, Eela went and changed into a formal caftan style dress that was fitted only at the waist and had wide sheer sleeves. It was blue and black with stripes of silver woven through it, accentuating her hair. Midnight blue satin sheru with silver beading were on her feet, providing support and comfort on the floors. Her hair hung in waves with just the sides pulled up into a braid and her the dria hung in the centre of her forehead.

The place smelled of roasted dishes and sweet treats. They were setting a buffet up in the dining room and there were ample drinks, both alcoholic and non alcoholic available. In fact, Eela’s liquor cabinet in the dining room was open and the sideboard set up so people could make their own drinks. A non-alcoholic punch bowl and water were also set out with ice.

Eela originally had thought to hire a couple servers to help, even though she and Dee had the food covered, but given the intrusions in her home lately, she mentally couldn’t handle strangers in her home. So Sinna had offered to stay for the evening and help where she was needed. Eela had been reluctant to ask more of the woman who already ensured her home was functional and that Eela had food to eat. But she had conceded that it would be hard to be the host for so many people and make sure every detail was handled. But between the group of them in the home, it would be doable.

Eela took a moment to step onto the patio and take a deep breath, steadying herself. The patio was lush ad lovely and she had noted earlier that the Dash’s flower seedlings were doing very well.

Then people began to arrive. Cort and Elema showed up promptly and Kian brought up Alais who was entranced by the all the candlelight (which fortunately were not all real, lest they had an accident and burnt the place down), but the lights were warm and the lanterns cast patterns onto surfaces.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Sharah arrived promptly. The earlier she arrived the less people, and then she could gracefully step out when it became too much. She didn’t know anything about Haliian customs. So she wore her headband, but she had not turned it on. She didn’t want the interference from it to disrupt anyone else’s enjoyment. Sharah was nervous, she always was around unknown telepaths. They tended to be the most critical of her lack of control. She hid it well behind her professional mask and deep where other empaths wouldn’t be able to sense it either. Well at least not with just a casual passing.

She was let in through the door after passing through security. Sharah was glad to see that that was still in place. The CCDA officers gave her a grin and a wink that had her laughing to herself before the door closed behind her.

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

While there was happy energy in the penthouse, there was also an underlying calm present.

The first to appear was small and scurried on all fours towards the new arrival. Alais saw Sharah and stopped, promptly sat, and grinned. She was followed by Eela who chuckled and called out in her native tongue. Seeing Sharah, Eela beamed. “Good evening, Sharah. I’m so glad you came!” she said as she stepped around Alais to greet her friend. She didn’t reach out to hug her, mindful of letting Sharah dictate contact, but her body language was open and at ease, certainly a change in recent days.

Sharah grinned and wiggled her fingers at Alais. Sharah always loved children. Their thoughts and emotions were so simple and pure. She adored them, but as much as she did she would never have her own. Sharah smiled at Eela and gave her the hug she wanted. Sharah was used to giving to people what they wanted and expected. It made things easier despite the momentarily discomfort.

Eela hugged her, exuding happiness at seeing her friend. Tonight was special and she was excited to share this part of herself and her culture with people again.

“Alais has decided to be the welcome committee, which works great for the moment since she seems content to go no farther than the foyer… at least for the moment,” Eela said with a chuckle.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“Try again.” a voice said from down the hallway. “I had to get her away from the turbolift doors not twenty minutes ago.” Karilan said with a chuckle and stepped into view. They were dressed in a jewel-toned pantsuit with a tasteful silk scarf wrapped around their neck. Their bald head almost glistened, and there was a hint of the scent of jasmine and cedar that accompanied them. Karilan smiled at Sharah and said “Dr. Fayth, so good to see you again. And in wholly better circumstances.”

Karilan Massat, Owner - Quill and Parchment Bookstore

Eela smiled at Karilan, grateful for their frequent presence. It wasn’t that they had made anything official, but as they had been this last while, they didn’t define their relationship nor its parameters. All she knew was that Karilan spent more time here than they did at their own apartment, and they shared her bed on the nights when they were here. She was soothed by having such a lovely presence beside her and it had made the grieving process easier.

Sharah felt the next presence approaching before they heard or saw Karilan. She smiled, “Just Sharah, please. It is good to see you as well.” Sharah looked back down at Alais, “She is quite good at her self-appointed job.” She imagined Jal’na would be wholly enraptured by the tiny girl.

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Eela laughed. “Yes, she is taking Oed by storm it seems. Take a baby to one gala with a myriad of people and all she wants is more. She’s in a long line of women in our family with the same trait, so she comes by it honestly.”

“Come on in and make yourself at home. Cort and Elema are also here,” Eela said, stepping away from the foyer and turning to see what Alais would do. The infant had a gleam in her eye that made her seem mischievous. “You know, people are going to start calling you Koonita as well if you keep this up,” she said seriously to Alais, who just grinned in response.

“Don’t worry, I have an eye on her too,” Roger said appearing in the dinning room. “Caridee has shooed me from the kitchen.”

Eela smiled at him, radiating warmth and gratitude. “So long as someone has eyes on her, we should be fine. Though that doesn’t preclude trouble.” Eela turned to Sharah. “I have something to show you and then I think we have a bunch of food ready to go onto the table.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Sharah nodded, “Of course. I know the food smells delicious.”

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Eela smiled and gestured for her to follow to the left as she moved down the hallway filled with books and her photo gallery wall. The doors to the workout room and her office were both open, and it was the office she stepped into, walking right past the kitchen where people had gathered. “I don’t think you’ve seen this space before, certainly not since the renovations Karilan spear-headed,” she said, stopping in the middle. “Picture just plain walls and windows, a solid floor, and a big desk on the right wall.” A new desk was in the corner, giving her work options that supported her back. “Dr. Erasus suggested the standing desk and was correct that I could get one to go with the decor.”

The two interior walls were filled with more of the same recessed bookcases as in the hallway, but at least one of them had a biometric lock on it. The windows still let in light, but had floor to ceiling transparent bookcases with a rolling ladder and track to get to the higher shelves. There were small cubes around the room on the walls, also transparent, where pieces of importance were singled out and displayed. A framed handwritten poem was inside one of the transparent cubes on the wall behind her desk.

But perhaps the most eye catching part was the spiral staircase that led down to a reading nook with more books and a cozy chair.

Eela stepped over and rested a hand on the railing, peering down. “When it’s not in use, I can have a transparent floor covering block the opening so I can walk over it. Karilan also set it up to not only be a safe room, but the stairs are on tracks, so if I’m having a bad back day, they’ll carry me up no problem,” she said, beaming.

“You are quite lucky to know Karilan then. This is a wonderful sanctuary for you,” Sharah said, taking in the area.

“It’s a quiet space. A nice refuge if someone needs a place to step away.” Eela’s expression softened into one of deep care. “You are welcome to use it tonight if you find yourself in need of it.” She gestured with her head to the rest of the apartment. “Haliian parties are known to get a little rowdy, though I’m not sure how much we need to worry with this crowd. Unless Yavia comes, in which case, with her and I together, we’re all doomed,” she said with a laugh. Yavia definitely met the definition of a koonita.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“That is a kind offer, Eela.” Sharah knee she wouldn’t use it. As touching as the gesture was, if Sharah became overwhelmed, this space wouldn’t help. She would have to choose to go home.

She laughed quietly, “Yes, Tavia is a trouble maker. She won’t be able to make it tonight though. She’s at the hospital tonight.” She wasn’t supposed to be, but something more pressing had come up. There was no stopping Yavia from going in.

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

“Another time then,” Eela said with a warm smile. She moved over to her desk, which was clear except for two boxes. One was square and about 10 cms high, and the one atop was a smaller cube. “These are for you. I meant to bring them over for you earlier but then well, things happened…” she said with a wave of her hand. “You can leave it here until you leave and feel free to just come on in and take it with you.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“Eela, you didn’t need to do that, but thank you.” Sharah smiled and picked them up, curiously, but set them back down. “I’ll leave them here for now. Shall we? I don’t want to keep you from the rests of your guests.”

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

The larger box had a bit of weight to it but the little box was quite light. Eela gave a nod and stepped backwards towards the hall. “Dee’s spouse Kian is here already, but, uh, surprise, surprise, my son and his partner arrived yesterday.” She raised her brows even as she felt that thread of joy poke its head up briefly. Sharah was one fo the few of her friends here whom she had spoken of about her estrangement with Jourin and how Cory’s influence played a role in it. “We’re in the ‘so happy to see you but let’s tread lightly phase,” she said with a snort. Oh there were a lot of issues to be delved into, but not today. Today was about celebrating the holiday together.

In the hall, Eela turned left into the kitchen where Caridee was stirring a pan. Her daughter looked over her shoulder. “Just about done. Shall I put it in the serving dish?”

“Yes, please. We can start taking things out I think,” Eela said.

Wearing an apron over her black caftan, the silky looking material had thin stripes of metallic gold thread. “Hello, Sharah!” Dee said, radiating contentment as she helped prepare some of the traditional dishes. Next to her was Kian, who was quietly laying out cut fruits on a platter. He smiled and nodded at Fayth.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Meanwhile, Cort and Elema were sitting at the causal dining table by the windows. Cort smiled. “Welcome to the festivities. We tried to help but got shooed away and told to mingle. Apparently they’ve been cooking for the last day.”

“With this amount of food, we could probably feed the top five levels of the Tower,” Elema said with a laugh.

Cort Belanger, Executive Assistant to Lt. Gov.

Sharah grinned, “Well it’s good the cooking is done. No one wants me in the kitchen. Though I’m happy to help it get eaten,” she laughed quietly.

[A short while later] the lift doors opened and the sound of many heavy foot steps could be heard. Sharah could easily feel Jal’na’s irritation at whatever restrictions her guards were attempting to put on her. “If you wish to celebrate at the welcome of Lt Gov Dasca then do so. Otherwise you can go in there, like always, and watch with her security. Otherwise. Leave. Me. Be.” The words growled out in a way Sharah had never heard from the peaceful caring Klingon woman. Sharah smirked. She knew the secret, but she wouldn’t tell anyone.

You didn’t have to be telepathic to know the guards were debating what they should do and whether they would live or not afterwards. Jal’na took several deep breaths and walked through the slightly open door. This was a celebration, and by Kvaar’ton, she was going to enjoy it.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Eela was carrying a tray of food to the long table in the dining room, where all the chairs had been moved out on the patio for extra seating and ease of serving the food.

She set the tray down and smiled as she approached Jal’na and gently gripped her arms. “Hello, my friend. Welcome to our celebration. I’m so glad you could come.”

Jal’na smiled. “Eela,” she returned the grip. “I’m glad I could come. It’s nice to get away and do something fun for a change. How are you my friend?”

The smile on her face and in her eyes was sincere. “Better. I’ve been looking forward to tonight for so long, and after everything I think it’s much needed.”

Not far after Jal’na arrived, Astrid made her way through security without complaint. In comparison to a Klingon, she was a dainty and elegant feather, but such a comparison wasn’t fair to the amazing woman Jal’na was and the strong willed and capable woman Astrid was. She drifted in through the door in a dark blue caftan with a flurry of colorful flowers embroidered throughout its length. It was fitted to her waist like Eela’s but unlike Eela, the sleeves were cuffed at her wrist with delicate fabric covered buttons. Her sandals were red suede and her dark hair was up in an intricate knot.

She moved just inside the doorway and let her eyes take in the splendor and color that now decorated Eela’s home. It was an incredible transformation from the muted and calm version before. Astrid had studied a little of the Halaiian culture before coming. Having never been to one of these kinds of celebrations, she hoped she had dressed appropriately and was able to do the right thing at the right time.

Rousseau, HotJ

Jal’na turned a smiled at Astrid. “Astrid, I’m glad to see you here. It is quite festive isn’t it?”

Astrid smiled warmly and nodded, enjoying the splendor of colors and festive atmosphere.

OOC: Edited the timeline by request.
IC:
“Astrid! Welcome,” Eela greeted, sweeping her newest friend into a hug, her ease and lightness rather apparent.

“There’s food in the dining room,” she said, sweeping her hand towards to open space behind them. “And out on the patio is a drinks station. Please help yourselves and we’ll be getting the festivities officially started soon. She paused and then smiled as the music in the background changed to something rhythmic that had a bright stringed instrument overlaid and was quite fun, upbeat.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

“Thank you so much for inviting me. Do not let me keep you from the things you feel you must do. We can catch up later.”

Eela nodded. Just a couple more things and then I can relax a bit,” Eela said with a laugh as she moved off back towards the kitchen.

Sharah found Jal’na and walked over giving her a knowing smile, and then laughed as Jal’na glared at her.

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Jal’na did glare at her. “You’ve known the whole time haven’t you?” The Klingon lady sighed and set a hand on Sharah’s shoulder. “I’m not mad. I suppose Yavia knows and has already told everyone.” Jal’na missed her friends. She missed the late nights, ice cream, and wine. The laughter and the ease. She should have told them all before hand, but it was just so nice to have such a precious secret with just Urg.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Sharah shook her head, “If she dies, she hasn’t even hunted at it. She would never spoil it for you.”

The Chief Justice looked from Sharah to Jal’na and back again. She felt confusion and let it show on her face, not understanding what was passing between them. “Knows what?” She asked with a light smile, wanting to be in on this tidbit of information.

Rousseau, HotJ

Jal’na’s gaze flew to Astrid, not having realized she was so close. She gave Sharah a critical eye. Had she set her up?

Sharah laughed at the look on Jal’na’s face. She held up her hands, “I didn’t say a word.” She looked toward the incoming squeal a moment before it was uttered.

“No, you did not,” Jal’na glowered but Sharah wasn’t intimidated.

At that point there was a squeal again and a tiny laugh as Alais sped-crawled towards the trio of women, though her eyes here firmly on the door. Clearly the baby was determined to see what was beyond the door that people kept appearing from.

~Eela & Co.

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO

Jal’na scooped Alais up into her arms and tucked her against her hip. “Oh no. There will be no grand escapes for you, little one.” Jal’na looked around and back at the would be escapee, “Maybe you need a body guard.”

Alais squealed and let out a giggle as her escape was thwarted.

Astrid gave the child a happy smile, grinning at the mischievous and adventurous nature of a baby.

She smiled at Astrid. The first friend she had made as Lady Duroc. She wished Urg was here to share the news, but she knew he would not mind. “You mustn’t say a word, Astrid. Urg and I have not said anything, yet.” She bounced Alais on her hip as she looked around to ensure no one else was nearby. “We are expecting our first child in a few months.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Jal’nas smile was genuine and obviously filled with some secret joy. For her part, Astrid was honored that it seemed she would be let in on a secret shared with only a special few. Jal’na and Urg had become treasured friends for the Chief Justice. Astrid leaned in conspiratorially, also taking a look around to make sure that for the moment, the secret would only be between the two of them.

Her mouth opened in a wide “O” of surprise and then a massive smile of excitement and joy for her friends and their good luck in conceiving so soon.

Suddenly, a tall man Shara would recognize as Eela’s friend, Roger, appeared at the other end of the dining room, a few metres away, shaking his head. “She’s faster than she lets on,” he said, his eyes alight with amusement. “But I see she is in capable hands.”

Alais clapped her hands. “Bah, da, do!” she said, her wispy dark curls floating about her head.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Astrid turned her attention to the tiny human again and let her finger be encircled by the child’s small hand. There was a pang deep in her thinking about the idea of children. While she was immeasurably happy for her friend, she desired this for herself as well and had thus far not found the right person to create a family with. Letting that go for the moment, she looked up at Jal’na with a joyful smile. “I am so happy for your both.”

“Hand.” a deep and foreboding voice said as a shadow fell over the small group. Urg’tohn, Son of The Builder, Chosen of Kvaar’ton, Lord of House Duroc and Member of the Klingon High Council has ducked out of the lift and- somewhat unsettlingly- approached the group without being noticed. A massive black nailed hand scooped the child up from his wife and he let the small one sit in his hand like a kind of chair; long, thick fingers acting as a seat back. He lifted her to his scarred and grim face… and he grinned, something that caused most to recoil in either fright or aversion. “Well hello, small one. You are excited to see the world, are you? Good. Explorers are amazing individuals.”

Urg’tohn, Lord Duroc

“Indeed they are.” She said looking up at her friend as his shadow announced his presence to them. She was surprised at the contrast of large hand to tiny human and marveled that Urg would be an excellent father. For a Klingon, his perspectives were very positive wrapped in strength and a brusk nature.

Rousseau, HotJ