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Posted March 14, 2023, 4:58 p.m. by Civilian Urg’tohn, Son of the House of Duroc (Klingon Warrior) (James Sinclair)

Posted by Civilian Jal’na of House Duroc (Head of Physical Therapy - Sacred Heart Hospital) in tlhIngan tIq

Posted by Civilian Urg’tohn, Son of the House of Duroc (Klingon Warrior) in tlhIngan tIq

Posted by Civilian Jal’na of House Duroc (Head of Physical Therapy - Sacred Heart Hospital) in tlhIngan tIq
Posted by… suppressed (26) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Jal’na stood beside Urg’tohn waiting for the shuttle from the IKS Gohl to dock. She wore a simple high necked dress in subdued earth tones. She kept her hands firmly by her sides resisting the urge to flex them. Would Lord Noggra come himself? Perhaps out of respect for Urg and their alliance? She didn’t know. She had of course contacted her parents and asked them to come, but she didn’t know if they would leave their Q’onoS. Perhaps her brother might.

Jal’na was nervous, she would admit to herself, though her outward demeanor would not hint at such. Though Urg had an uncanny way of seeing inside her and speaking what he saw. It had been a week that she would never forget. Guards and staff and ground cars and she still had yet to chose an aide. If she could avoid it, she would. Then there was shopping for clothes she didn’t need but was told she did, and the auction and the medalion she couldn’t quite get used to, and what happened when Urg put it on her. She didn’t think about that though. Jal’na thought she would go crazy if she did.

Apparently she had ‘training’ and armor and weapons to ‘look forward to’. Of course the only thing she cared about in all of this, Urg was her husband. That made all the rest worth it. There had been very little work for the exceptional PT this week. She was ready to return to being Dr Jal’na, but she would never be just Jal’na again. From now on she was Jal’na, wife of Urg’tohn, Lord Duroc, and even though she never wished for such she was also Lady Duroc.

Jal’na, bride of Urg

Urg stood next to her, watching the shuttle approach the massive shuttlebay of the IKS Kvaar’ton. He was dressed in his usual House armor and cloak, and he looked down at his wife. “Relax, my bride. It is not you who should be nervous.” and he chuckled a low rumble of a chuckle.

Jal’na’s mouth twitched in a smile. Who would have thought Urg was the type to use endearments? “You have nothing to be nervous about. Lord Noggra was pleased. No one he sent would nay say Lord Noggra or you. Unless he sent Yemil. And then he is probably hoping he offends you and you kill him.” Yemil was impressed with himself and the limited power he only thought he had. Jal’na had deflated his ego on more than one occasion.

“Well I would certainly hate to disappoint such a valuable ally…” Urg mumbled.

Jal’na glanced up at him, “Urg, I was joking.”

The shuttle came through the field separating ship from space and slowly settled on the deck.

Urg, Lord Duroc

The sound of the door seals releasing sent a loud hiss through the shuttle bay. The door lowered and two guards in House Noggra armor stepped out to either side. Jal’na recognized one of them, Vec. She was surprised by the twinge of homesickness the sight if that crest and armor brought. Their eyes flicked across the bay and landed in Urg. Fists slammed to chests and Vec called back into the shuttle and the sound if heavily booted steps on deck plating echoed.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Urg nodded and stepped forward just a little. He looked back at Jal’na and then reached back and took her hand and pulled her forward to his side. “Never stand behind me. You are my wife, not a ceremony piece.” and his eyes locked on the hatch.

Urg, Lord Duroc

She was going to have to figure out how to anticipate when he was going to do things, like move. “I am right here, beside you, Husband. I am sure however you are more than capable of handling anything that comes out that hatch on your own.”

The first figure through was Lord Noggra. Then there was a scuffle? Vex looked inside the shuttle and then shrugged slightly. Three men came down the ramp carrying barrels of Bloodwine and grins on their faces.

A woman’s voice, “Get your hand off of me you toothless old fool! I may be old but I’m not feeble yet!”

To which there was a deep reply that sounded like the voice had spent too many years breathing in smoke. “Then prove it.” There were slow but determined foot steps, and bigger quickly hidden grins.

Jal’na was too stunned to feel anything else about the conversation. Her parents had come.

Jal’na, surprised daughter

Urg stepped forward. He foregoed the standard salute when meeting a Lord of the Klingon Council and instead walked up and slammed his hands down on the older Klingon’s shoulders. “Gr’then! It has been far too long my friend. Welcome!” Lord Noggra had braced himself for the gesture, but still he stepped back a bit. Noggra was no small Klingon, and stories of his battle prowess werr still spoken in the halls of rhe noble houses. He looked up slightly at Urg and smiled. “Urg. I am very glad you still draw breath. Each day we do not hear of your demise is a day I laugh at the gods.” He looked past Urg and then stepped past him.

He walked up to Jal’na and looked at her with an appraising eye. He then smiled a knowing smile and slowly, deliberately… set his fist on his heart. “Lady Jal’na of House Duroc. It is my most wonderful honor to see you again… and as the First Lady of House Duroc. I know you will bring great honor upon your house. And to…” and he turned and gestured with an arm., “… your parents.”

Urg, Lord Duroc / Lord Noggra

Jal’na felt that salute all the way to her heart. She returned the salute with a genuine smile that would look like a snarl to others. “Thank you, Lord Noggra. I am deeply honored you have come to celebrate with us.” Her gaze followed his arm, “and quite in awe you got them on a ship.”

Two Klingons stepped off the short shuttle ramp. An older man with grey in his beard and his hair. He stood straight and was attempting to steady the older woman next to him without her knowing he was. Which was a dismal failure as she kept tossing irritated looks at him. The woman had white streaks in her hair and the same cranial ridges as Jal’na. She walked with a noticeable stiffness and limp in her hip. Jal’na moved toward them.

The old woman scanned the House Duroc faces without a pause. Her eyes landed briefly in Urg before moving on and finally spotting Jal’na. When Jal’na reached her, she grabbed her by the shoulders and glared at her for a long moment. Then she placed her hands on both of Jal’na’s cheeks and pulled her down, pressing their ridges together. “My daughter.”

After a long moment she let Jal’na go to be replaced by the older man. “Father.” He grunted with a nod and then hugged her. “Come, I will i troduce you.” She turned, walking to Urg’s side and smiling at him before turning back to her parents. “This is Urg’tohn, Lord Duroc, my husband. Urg, my father and mother, Ch’rath and Gayra Sherko.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Her mother saluted him easily and right away. She may not know her daughter’s inner most thoughts, but she knew Jal’na was a strong, out spoken, determined woman who made no decision lightly. Her father saluted as well, easily and with respect, but like all fathers he reserved the right to judge later.

Urg glared at the two older Klingons for a moment, towering over them. Then slowly and with great solemnity, Lord Duroc lowered himself to one knee before them so that they didn’t need strain their necks looking up. Even on one knee, Urg was eye level with them. “Your daughter has brought great honor to House Duroc… and to me. That you raised such a strong female so driven to pursue her own goals is a testament to the tenacity of her parents- ” and he looked at Lord Noggra, “- and the House that raised her.” He stood up and looked down at them and said “We will speak soon. Lady Duroc and I have something we wish you to consider.” He looked at the assembled Houses and party’s and yelled “Come! We drink and then we go to the surface! Welcome to our House!”

Urg, Lord Duroc

There were cheers at the pronouncement. Drinks and celebration were always welcome. Jal’na knee Urg was looking forward to the vintage of bloodwine Lord Noggra had brought. Ch’rath looked intrigued by Duroc’s statement but said nothing. Gayra was perturbed when Jal’na took her hand and slipped it onto her arm. A very quiet conversation between mother and daughter ensued. “How long has your hip been troublesome?” “Do not berate me. I am old, you just haven’t seen it. With you away it is easy to avoid your lectures.” Jal’na gave her a look, “Well you are here now, and cannot avoid it. You must try to take longer steps and let the muscles stretch.”

The old woman looked around, “Guards Jal’na, even on his ship? Are they really necessary?” There was concern but no doubt as to her safety. Klingon culture was dangerous after all. Jal’na grinned, “No, not here. They are House Duroc’s honor guard. They wish to make a positive impression on the parents of Lady Duroc.” Gayra eyed her daughter, “You are happy as such? I admit I couldn’t quite believe it when you told us. Even with Lord Noggra’s assurance that he had spoken to Lord Duroc himself.” Jal’na rumbled in her throat, “I am happy to be his wife and honored by whatever responsibilities that entails. Now stop changing the subject. Do not turn your foot in. That twists your knee and in turn your hip. You will only make it worse.” Jal’na grinned as her mother made a dissatisfied growl. “We will drink and discuss your hip later.”

Jal’na, bossy daughter

Urg led them deep into the Kvaar’ton and to a large dining room. As they entered, over a hundred House Duroc members of a few dozen species stood and banged their fists on their chests three times in a row. Urg smiled and looked at Noggra and Jal’na’s parents. “I present to you House Duroc’s best.” Noggra stepped past Urg and cast an appraising eye across the crowd in silence. He nodded slightly and said “So it is true… you do allow non-Klingons to hold positions of honor in your house.” and he looked at Urg. Urg looked at Noggra and said “I allow those who earn positions of honor to have them, and only as long as they prove worthy. Species doesn’t matter as much as loyalty and ability.” Noggra looked at him for a long moment. What Urg said was a slap in the face to some of the core tenants of Klingon culture and society. The mere utterance of such words could be ruled as justifiable cause for Urg’s murder. Noggra smiled. “Purity of House is a sickness. It breeds laziness and stupidity.” He rested a hand on Urg’s shoulder. “I am proud of you, my friend.” The implication of Noggra’s words were not lost on Urg, who mirrored the gesture and nodded. After a moment, he dropped his hand and yelled out “Drink! Today is a celebration!” and the crowd erupted in cheers. He looked at Jal’na and smiled. “Today is about us.” and planted a teeth-grinding kiss on her.

Urg, Lord Duroc

Ch’rath and Gayra listened, but if Duroc’s words and Noggra’s affirmation surprised them, they were too loyal to show it. In truth it was not surprising at all. Ch’rath had served Noggra loyally for many years and knew the essence of the man. There were thunderous cheers from both houses as Jal’na kissed him just as fiercely. Room was made for Noggra’s people and casks of bloodwine were placed about the room and the lids were cracked open. Gayra exchanged a look with Lord Noggra who grinned. He was not fool enough to deny a mother when it came to her child. It was an honor he was willing to give her to allow her the first toast from his house. She walked over to a barrel and dipped a mug into the drink. She turned, holding it up staring at Jal’na. “Today is a glorious day to drink in honor of my daughter and her husband,” her eyes landed on Urg, “and my new son.” She downed the entire mug and slammed it down to more cheers and a rush for the barrels. Jal’na grinned ferally at Urg. “I think my mother finds you charming.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

He grinned at her and said “She is no fool,then. Come… let’s us drink, wife.” He walked with her and picked up two mugs and filled them, handing one to her. “To the glory of both our Houses!” and the roar that accompanied the toast shook the ship.

Some time later, bags and barrels were loaded 9na larger shuttle and House Noggra and Lord and Lady Duroc were taken to the surface and to the House Duroc embassy. After everyone was shown their quarters, Urg and Jal’na waited for her parents in the conferemce room.

Urg, Lord Duroc

Jal’na sat beside him, occasionally drinking from her cup. She wasn’t sure how her parents would take the request. Of course she hadn’t expected them to travel to Oed either, so she really couldn’t speculate. They had grown older over the years, which was expected, but they were still her parents. It was good to see them and Lord Noggra as well. He had always been supportive and patient. His respect meant a great deal to her. “You have known Lord Noggra for some time?”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Urg nodded but his eyes remained fixed on the door. “Almost two years now. I met him when I went into the High Council chamber the first time.” That was a story every Klingon knew. Urg and his two brothers walked into the Council and Urg threw a sack at the base of rhe Chancellor’s dias and eleven heads rolled onto the floor; House Juuv’s Lord and his elite guards. The Brothers had demanded their House be reinstated and provided proof of not only lying their claim and House Juuv’s betrayal all those millenia ago; but of the existence of rhe Builder and his relationship to none other than Khaless. Their actions almost started a civil war. And had it not been for several smaller but important Houses lending their support to House Duroc, it would have. House Noggra was one. Lord Noggra had personally reviewed the aim and rhe evidence and sided with Urg.

Urg, Lord Duroc

Jal’na had heard the story, second hand, all the way here on Oed. It had all seemed a distant issue to her then. She remembered thinking how strange it was that those brothers had been on her new home, but she had known nothing of it. Perhaps not so strange though, Jal’na had kept to herself, done her work, and stayed out of Klingon issues. She had made a new family with the staff at Sacred Heart and lived out her very simple life, avoiding the volatile politics of Q’onoS. She had felt it did not concern her. Fate had a sense of humor. “You must tell me your stories, Urg, and those of Kvaar’ton. I should know them.”

There was a knock on the door and after being bade to enter the door opened and her parents entered. Her mother looked about curiously, saw Jal’na watching her and her gait adjusted slightly to limp less. Jal’na smirked as her mother attempted to avoid a lecture from her daughter later. Her father looked about, taking in the architecture and craftsmanship of the building and furniture with a knowing eye, as they made their way toward them.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Urg stood and gestured to the chairs opposite he and Jal’na. “Come. Sit. Drink? Food? Anything you wish. It will never be said House Duroc does not treat it’s guests well.” and he chuckled. He looked down at Jal’na and the back at her parents.

Ch’rath glanced at his wife as she sat, “Raktajino would be welcome.” He sat beside Gayra, stoic as ever. Nothing ever seemed to ruffle her father. Whether that was true or not, Jal’na didn’t know, but that was how she remembered him.

Urg ordered the drinks and waited until the tray had been brought in. He poured a cup for everyone himself.

Taking a seat, Urg set his hands flat on the table in front of him. “I will not do you the disservice of wasting your time. I… we… want you to stay on Oed. Stay near to Jal’na and myself. I want to know how to make that a reality.”

Urg, Lord Duroc

Ch’rath looked at his wife and then at Duroc before looking at his daughter for a long silent moment. Then he shook his head, his gaze falling on Urg again. “Lord Duroc, it is a welcome request, but I have served Lord Noggra my whole life. He has been exceptionally good to my family. I am nearing the age where I will no longer be able to serve as myself, only through the training of others, but I am not there yet. My wife is comfortable in our home,” here he took Gayra’s hand for a moment. “I built it on the shore of the Lake of Lusor with my own hands. We made promises and I gave her my vows of honor in that house.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Urg nodded and said “I understand that. And I am not asking you to join House Duroc. House Noggra is a fine house, made finer by the both of you in it. What I am asking is for you to come here and be close to us as we, your daughter and I, create this life together. Be near your grandchildren. Teach them of House Noggra and its history as well. And I will move your home here. Every stone, every brick. I will secure you your own land. And I will ensure it is where water will one day flow.”

Lord Duroc

It was a generous offer. “I cannot leave my duties without Lord Noggra’s permission.” He missed his daughter, and the prospect to watch their family grow was beyond tempting. But he had made Gayra a promise to grow old with her in the house he had built, in the home she had made. Only she could make this decision, she was, after all, the one who vowed to never set foot off Q’onoS’s soil, but she had come.

“I cannot leave Kliw. She has been a good daughter to me, an excellent mate for your brother, and a loyal sister to you, Jal’na. Not now, I won’t.” Gayra held Jal’na’s gaze. “What happened?” Her mother turned her head and spit, “House Konjah.” Her father put a hand on her mother’s shoulder. “Lord Noggra took care of it.”

Jal’na shared her mother’s sentiment. Kliw was from a smaller family of House Konjah, but they had a long line of warriors, and Konjah had a long history of wanting to keep their blood ‘pure.’ Jal’na could imagine what they had done. “Then bring her and D’amash here.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Urg roared with laughter. “Konjah?!” and then he too spit. “May the demons take their seed and use it for dice.” The insult was strong; the fact it came from a Lord more so. “Bring them here, too. Konjah knows better than to do anything against those under my protection.” He looked at Gayra and said “And as this Kliw is my sister by being married to my wife’s brother, they both fall under my protection. Bring your family here, Mother. Your friends. Anyone who wishes to travel with you. Be it ten or ten thousand, I do not care. You will come here, your home will come here, and you will live out your days with all of your family… old and new. And if House Konjah doesn’t like it?” and the fire appeared in his eyes and his teeth ground together. “Let them come and tell me so. I dare them.”

Urg, Lord Duroc

“They are never quite so direct.” Jal’na commented. Usually D’amash kept any contact to himself. It was usually directed at him anyway. “What did they do this time?”

Her father snarled, “They sent your brother an extremely rich ‘compensation’ to atone for their dishonor in Kliw being barren. He could have the riches if he would return her.” Her father’s fist slammed the table.

Jal’na’s chest rumbled angrily. She had long believed that Kliw’s barreness was Konjah’s fault. They were mean and cruel, Jal’na had seen the evidence when she first met Kliw. Sending her back, not that D’amash would, would be a death sentence. “Bring them here. There is more than enough work for D’amash and father. Kliw will find acceptance here, and not just within these walls. It would be good for her.”

Ch’rath and Gayra exchanged a look. “We will discuss it.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Urg stood and went to the comms terminal. He jabbed a black fingernail hard into the interface and then looked back at Ch’rath and Gayra, then looked back and jabbed some more. Finally, he took a deep breath and returned to the table.

“They would be more than welcome. And if children are what they yearn for, there are many refugees that come to Oed. Many are children who have lost their parents. I’m sure that your son and daughter would bring much honor to them and their house helping those in need.”

Urg, Lord Duroc

Jal’na watched Urg get up and smash at the comms. What was he up to?

Gayra nodded, “It takes more than blood to make a family.” But that was something D’amash and Kliw would have to discuss.

She knew however that ‘We will discuss it,’ was her father’s way of saying yes before he knew if he could manage it. “Father why don’t you both go see the grounds. I think you will both appreciate and enjoy the effort.” She knew the grounds would be a welcome reminder of home for them. It would help. Jal’na grinned, “And the walk will be good for her hip.”

Her father laughed as her mother glared at her, “Jal’na I came to celebrate your marriage nit be berated by you.” He helped her stand and led her out of the room as she muttered about telling childhood stories about her daughter. Jal’na put her hand over Urg’s. “They will come, I think.” She was quite surprised by that. “If my mother agrees, my father will.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

“Good” Urg said. “They will be happy here, I think.” He looked at her and said “Will them.being here make you happy?”

Urg, Lord Duroc

“It has been many years since I have had them near. If they are happy here, then I am happy that they are.” Jal’na looked at him. “Oed is my home, this,” she nodded to indicate the building and people, “is my House, I do work that matters. More than all of that you are my husband, my mate, I am happy even if they are not here.”

Jal’na, wife of Urg

Urg smiled at her. “I am happy to have you by my side, Jal’na of House Duroc. And know that no matter where I am, I am always with you.” He kissed her and then stood up. “Now… while your parents tour the grounds… we should start getting ready for tonight.” and suddenly his demeanor shifted. “Oh no… Jal… I forgot. I have brough dishonor on the house.” and his eyes went wide.

“I didn’t invite Hyrushi… the Governor.”

Urg, Lord Duroc, Hey- I had Some Things On My Plate Alright?

The shortening of her name caught her attention for a moment, until he claimed he had brought dishonor to them. Not possible. Then she gave him a serene look. “Then I suggest you go take care of that now. You have certainly been busy enough in the last week. What is it humans say, better late than never. A man as busy as the governor can understand, surely.” Jal’na got up from the table. In all honesty she had only though to invite Eela because she was a good friend, not because of her position within the colony. She had not even considered Hyrushi, she didn’t know him at all. She really had no idea what she was doing. She grinned, “I won’t kiss you, so that you do not get distracted before you leave.”

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Urg looked at her and said “I am lucky to have you.” and then he tuned and left.

It was some time later that Urg found Jal’na and her parents in the gardens on the grounds of the embassy. He walked up to them and said “So tell me what you think of our grounds. We have struggled to maintain it at times, but the House is proud of them and the people of Oed seem to like it as well.”

Urg, Lord Duroc

They were standing on the bridge over the large pond. Ch’rath nodded with a grunt of approval. “They are most impressive. I have not seen Leatherleaf Tongue since I was a child. I had thought it had all died out or close to it. It is good to see it oreserved here.” He nodded to the farther up the bridge where Gayra and Jal’n were standing. “My daughter is quite shrewd. My wife says your gardens are just like home. She barely knows the difference. With your gardens to look at she could never miss home.” He chuckled, “As long as Lord Noggra does not require my presence, I think we will accept your offer, Lord Duroc. Gayra will not want to leave Jal’na after being with her again.”

Ch’rath

“Urg… you will call me Urg. I am your daughter’s mate and husband. We are now family. Our Houses are allied, and our blood will soon be shared.” He set his hand on Ch’rath’s shoulder and said “I will bring your home here immediately. You will overseen it’s restoration here on Oed. Until then, you will stay here in our home.” He looked around at the gardens and said “Do you want your home here? On the grounds? I would ask that you help tend to it, of course… but we could put your home right there, overlooking the pond.”

Urg, Lord Duroc


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