FIC: Journey of Love Part 2
Part 2
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Journey of Love
Chapter Five
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Marcus and Neroon, or anyone else from
Babylon 5.
Authors notes: Rated PG-13 Contains slash: two males in a romantic/sexual (although not explicit) relationship. If this offends you please turn back now.
As I walked to the side of the room to hang up my cloak and vest I overheard a few whispered comments about my relationship with the Alit but chose to ignore them. This approach became impossible however when a few seconds later I overheard the beginnings of a conversation between two of Neroon’s elite guards, who I later found out were named Gaspar and Dayanelle, regarding Neroon and myself.
“Did you hear that the human slept with the Alit last night?”
“That’s not surprising. He probably bribed Neroon with personal favors before. How else could he have remained alive fighting against a warrior of the Alit’s caliber? What does surprise me however, is that Neroon would be so foolish as to appoint his catamite as a bodyguard, and then expect us to obey him.”
“He must be handling the Alit’s ‘pike’ skillfully to have Neroon so-”
I was so angry I could barely see straight. That they would be so deluded as to think that I was whoring myself to Neroon, and that Neroon was so stupid as to let me, absolutely pissed me off. Before he could finish that derogatory sentence, I had my pike extended and his legs swept out from under him.
“Would you care to repeat that?” I questioned the guard now laid out on the floor as I aimed my pike at Gaspar’s head.
I assumed, incorrectly as it so happens, that the fact I was temporarily in charge of their unit would belatedly occur to them. So imagine my surprise when Gaspar simply glared at me then twisted my knee backwards with his leg, causing me to fall on my ass. This was a grave miscalculation on his part, which I’m sure he realized later. If I hadn’t been angry before, they could bet I was furious now. As I regained my equilibrium and stood up I found myself faced with two Minbari warriors ready to take me apart in front of Neroon and his crew. Perhaps I would have found a more diplomatic solution if what happened next hadn’t happened. I was only planning on talking some sense into them with my pike for visual emphasis but, as I looked towards Neroon with a raised eyebrow to gage his reaction, I was hit full force in the back of the head by Dayanelle’s pike. I fell face-forward, my head impacted with the deck and my pike went rolling out of my hand. Hearing a few suppressed laughs I couldn’t help the growl that came out of my mouth as I forced myself back up into a kneeling position, carefully keeping my face blank.
“Marcus catch.” Neroon said as he threw my pike back at me, which I deftly caught one-handed. His damn eyes were twinkling again and he looked like he was trying his hardest not to laugh. What the hell does he find so funny! My glare only served to amuse him further and Neroon made a ‘go ahead’ gesture with his hands toward Gaspar and Dayanelle, who were standing in battle-ready stances behind me.
Without waiting for me to regain my focus they both attacked. I managed to parry each of their attacks with ease, and it became readily apparent that they were nowhere near Neroon’s level of skill, nor mine for that matter. By this point, my anger had cooled considerably and I was simply playing with them. They both realized this at the same time because after a few minutes they attacked simultaneously hoping to catch me off guard. Before they knew what was happening, Dayanelle and Gaspar lay battered and bruised at my feet with my pike level with their skulls.
“Now would you care to repeat your comments, gentlemen?” I asked in a deathly quiet voice.
“Um…no..” Dayanelle stuttered out a reply unnerved by the sudden quiet in the gym where previously there had been Minbari cheering them on.
“No what?” I snarled at them keeping up my menacing persona.
“No. Anla’shoc Cole.” Dayanelle said as he stood and bowed, quickly followed by Gaspar.
“I will not hold myself back next time gentlemen should I hear that kind of discussion again. Is that understood?” I asked, projecting my voice to include everyone in the room, although I continued glaring at Gaspar and Dayanelle.
“Yes sir.” The two elite guards responded standing at attention in front of me. What surprised me was that every officer in the gym also stood at attention, with the exception of Neroon. I didn’t acknowledge how the show of respect affected me however, and kept up my staid disciplinarian act.
“Good. Now if you will excuse me, I believe I promised the Alit I would spar with him.” I said only then relaxing my posture, which up until that moment had still been tense. The Minbari who had been cheering during the fight, mostly for my opponents, stepped back to a respectful distance and cleared a path as I approached.
I caught site of Neroon leaning against the wall where the staffs and knives hung. He did not seem concerned in the slightest that I started a fight on his ship, in fact he was smirking as if he was privy to some joke the rest of us weren’t aware of.
“Remind me not to get you angry when you have a pike within reach.”
I snorted disbelievingly. “Like you have anything to worry about.”
“True.” Neroon capitulated, trying his best to sound humble and failing miserably.
“You’re arrogant for a Minbari.”
“And you’re stubborn for a human. Besides, it’s not arrogance if it is the truth.” Neroon bantered back.
“Are you so straight-forward about your weaknesses as well?” I asked trying to change the subject, while thoroughly curious about the answer.
“Are you?” He asked instead of answering the question.
“Perhaps we should continue this discourse at a later time, you did want to spar after all.” I reminded him. “Besides the gym is not the place for such a personal discussion.”
“Very well. But we will finish this later.” he said as he led the way to the nearest mat which was now vacant, with his denn’bok in his hand.
All the other warriors stopped practicing to watch us spar. At first I was a nervous wreck and could barely defend myself with everyone else looking on. Eventually however, when it became readily apparent to me that Neroon wasn’t planning on attacking me during the spar, and once I got used to the staring, I relaxed my tight stance somewhat. Neroon seemed to notice immediately the release of tension in my stance because he gestured to me as if to say ‘can we begin now?’
Rather than just defending myself I began to attack as well, no longer worried about our audience and my own insecurities. This kept up for a good twenty minutes without either one of us gaining an advantage. It got to the point where the spar became more of a seemingly well-choreographed dance than a fight. For once the tension between Neroon and I wasn’t stifling, and I could even being in his company without having to sensor my reactions. Without either of us realizing it, we were encompassed in our own little world, only aware of each other….strike…counterstrike…thrust….block….parry….and on, and on. One move after another in a seemingly endless pattern.
I was so caught up in Neroon’s movements I did not realize his crew were watching us with such great interest. I had assumed they were waiting for me to make a fool of myself. It is confusing how Neroon has a tendency to aggravate me at the least opportune times, seemingly with very little effort, yet at other times, such as this one, I am more comfortable with him than I can remember being in the distant past. Although we were both concentrating on finding an opening in the others defense, we still found time to tease each other as well.
I knew, whatever I said to the contrary, that Neroon would win eventually. It wasn’t because he was any more skilled than I was, although that is up for debate, but simply a matter of endurance and strength. If he had been a less accomplished warrior the strength discrepancy wouldn’t have made much of a difference. Since we are both well-trained with the denn’bok however, Neroon’s minbari physiology came into play and helped to tip the battle in his favor the longer it went on. This is why I wasn’t terribly surprised when after thirty-seven minutes I found myself lying on my back with Neroon kneeling over me with his pike across my throat in emphasis. He would have been intimidating if he hadn’t been smiling down at me.
“Do you yield?”
“I don’t have much choice do I?” I grumbled good-naturedly.
“At least you realized it this time, and you don’t even have any cracked ribs to show for it.” Neroon acknowledged as he gave me a hand up to my feet. I may have been offended if he didn’t seem so relaxed and jovial.
Once we were both standing we were surrounded by cheering Minbari, seemingly in awe of our demonstration. Quite surprisingly I was getting complimented almost as much as Neroon, even by some of those I had heard earlier gossiping. Once the throng of warriors abated somewhat Neroon and I headed back to his quarters for a shower and dinner.
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After a hot bath which helped to sooth my sore muscles, I made my way into the kitchen to find Neroon cooking dinner. I couldn’t help gape in surprise.
“My being able to cook surprises you.” Neroon commented questioningly.
“Yes. I just figured you would have someone who would cook for you.”
“I could if I wished to, but I enjoy preparing my own meals. It relaxes me after a particularly trying day.”
“I didn’t know that.” I responded still fairly shocked, although I’m still not sure quite why.
“There is much you don’t know about me Marcus.” Neroon reminded me after placing fresh steamed vegetables over what looked like fish on the grill. “Although over dinner we could attempt to rectify that. Besides, there is much I do not know about you either.”
“I would like that.” I said still unnerved by Neroon’s unexpectedly casual actions. Since I have never seen Neroon act anything less than the fully in-control warrior, his competence and obvious joy cooking flustered me greatly. Perhaps it was because we were in his quarters, I am not sure, but as we sat down to eat he relaxed fully and dropped a few of his defensive walls that he keeps in place around his subordinates. In response muscles that I wasn’t aware were taunt relaxed, and for the first time since I met Neroon I wasn’t intimidated by his charismatic presence.
For the next few minutes we ate in silence and alternately glanced at each other then at our plates. I was trying to think of a neutral topic of conversation to break the nearly oppressive silence when Neroon beat me to it.
“How long have you been stationed on Babylon 5?”
“Close to a year now.” I answered while mentally going over significant events of the past year.
“It must be difficult to keep the peace from a diplomatic standpoint, with such a diverse gathering of species living there.” He commented returning me to the topic at hand.
“True, but then that is more Sheridan’s problem.” I pointed out logically.
“You mean to tell me that you have never gotten involved in station politics? I find that hard to believe.”
“Not precisely, merely that I’m not a diplomat and I tend to solve problems using a more direct route.” Thinking of the men Lennier and I laid out in the barroom brawl a few months ago still brings a smile to my face.
“I sense a story.” Neroon said curiously, folding his hands on the table top and inclining his head waiting for me to begin.
I told him of my wary respect and eventual friendship with Lennier and somehow mentioned Stephen during the retelling. Which in turn, lead to a story on my undercover assignment on Mars with him as a married couple. Neroon got great amusement from that particular anecdote. After an awkward silence, he began telling me of his parents and childhood.
“You mean to tell me that your mother was religious caste?” I asked in shock.
“This surprises you?” He queried.
“Yes. Last I saw you, you seemingly held disdain for the religious caste.”
“Not all of the religious caste, only Delenn.” Neroon corrected while carefully watching my reaction. “I did not believe that she could fill the role of Entil’zha effectively and that she would tear the Minbari people apart, as she did with the dissolution of the Grey Council. While I still do not like her, and probably never will, I have come to respect her leadership qualities. I also knew that she only wants what is best for our people. We have come a long way in making peace between us.”
“That’s good. I wouldn’t want to have to get between you two again.” I stated seriously, making it clear I would get involved if necessary. Neroon seemed about to start brooding about the Denn’sha and I really didn’t want to deal with a morose Minbari, especially after such a pleasurable day.
“I don’t think my ego could survive it.” I added as an afterthought, getting an amused snort out of Neroon in the process. The conversation through out the rest of dinner was light-weight and for the most part inconsequential. After we finished eating and cleaning up, getting ready for bed wasn’t such a production as it was the previous night. We were both sound asleep in no time.
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We landed on Minbar at 1300 the next day. I escorted Neroon to the meeting hall where the high-ranking Minbari delegates were waiting to welcome him to the temple at Thadean, where the Right of Ascension was to take place. Once we entered the meeting hall, the six clan leaders stood up from the table where they had been sitting, and made their way to Neroon and his entourage.
While Neroon was greeting his fellow warriors, I was busy keeping track of where everyone in the room was and guarding Neroon’s welfare. Although Shamar, Maiko and two other of Neroon’s Elite Guard were in the vicinity, I didn’t drop my guard at all. The only one who could tell I wasn’t as relaxed as my casual posture alluded to was Neroon, and that was only because he was doing the exact same thing only with more aplomb. After observing the hall for hidden dangers I drew my attention to the gathering of Minbari in front of me. Just in time as it so happens because Neroon began to introduce me to his clan contemporaries. The warmth of the welcome I got from these men was greatly varied and ranged from open dislike to curiosity about my presence. I took this all in stride and was personable to everyone I talked to.
After the preliminary meet-and-greet session was over, Neroon decided that he would join his guards and myself in a once-over of the temple grounds. I guess it’s a good idea for Neroon to know the lay of the land, but I would have felt better if I knew the grounds were secure first. The perimeter check did not go as badly as I had feared, and for once Neroon kept his mouth shut. The first time I ordered two guards to check a barely maintained garden path, they looked towards Neroon for conformation. When he didn’t respond they followed my orders by default. After that, there were no further problems about leadership. As we covered more ground we came across a ledge above the temple dais, a rarely used pathway, an opening in the courtyard near the meditation area and a wooded area across from the temple entrance; all perfect positions to stage an attack. It was decided that when Neroon was outdoors he would have three guards, including myself, because the perimeter wasn’t overly secure and easily susceptible to physical attack.
As we made our was back to the main complex an aide of Eedeer’s, the delegate of the Wind Dancer clan, intercepted us.
“Eedeer requests a meeting with you when it is convenient.”
“Tell him that I will stop by before dinner this afternoon, around 1500 hours.” Neroon responded giving himself enough time to get settled in and clean up a bit from the walk.
Neroon’s quarters were surprisingly spacious and I can only assume he must have called ahead to inform the Chancellor that I would be staying with him. After finding two surveillance bugs in the room after a thorough investigation, we began to unpack our belongings. I took the first bedroom off the living room because if someone were to attack they would have to go through me first and hopefully Neroon would be up by then. Although with the way he sleeps I would doubt it.
His suite connected to mine through a joint bathroom and consisted of a cozy sitting room and a larger bedroom. Unfortunately to Neroon’s dismay there was little room in the kitchenette for cooking. I guess that the Minbari thought preparing his own food was beneath the Alit’s standards. Needless to say Neroon wasn’t happy with the arrangements. I basically told him to suck it up because he was only going to be here for a week, after which time he could cook as much as he wanted. The only response I got was an unhappy grumble as Neroon inventoried the kitchen supplies and food available.
While he was busy cursing all the culinary gods he knew, plus a few he made up for good measure, I spent my time reading over a dossier on the Right of Ascension. If you asked me it was an awful lot of time-consuming drama just to give Neroon a navy blue cloak and uniform. An hour and a half later I had just finished the 67 page article as Neroon made his way out of the bedroom, cloak fastened and uniform crisp and creased to perfection. He looked the embodiment of what a Minbari warrior should be, which was probably his intention. Before I could get up to accompany him, I was halted by Neroon’s hand resting on my shoulder.
“You can’t come with me for this meeting. Eedeer would be insulted if I didn’t trust him enough to come on my own.” Neroon explained while I glared at him from my seated position.
“Well he’ll just have to deal with it. I am not about to-”
“Marcus.” Neroon interrupted in an aggravated tone of voice.
“Neroon.” I stubbornly replied, just as annoyed. “You are the one who wanted me here because you weren’t sure if you could trust your own people. Now you want me to trust Eedeer. Have you forgotten that I’m your bodyguard, not your guest?”
“I’m not asking you to trust Eedeer, but rather to trust me. It may surprise you but, I have managed to survive without your help for over 67 cycles. I believe I can manage to stay alive for an hour or so until I see you again.” Neroon reminded me gently, although still with a hint of sarcasm.
“Alright. I’ll be here when you get back…. Just don’t get yourself killed.” I said watching with concern as Neroon walked out the door.
As it turned out the meeting with Eedeer lasted longer than expected so I ended up meeting Neroon at dinner with everyone else. When he entered the room all conversation came to an abrupt halt. Considering that, for the most part with few possible exceptions, the clans only barely tolerate each other this was a massive show of respect for the Alit. Once everyone settled down the dinner went rather well. Leaders from various clans were discussing the particulars of the ceremony with Neroon and I was content to watch.
I hadn’t realized until then how comfortable he was with his fellow warriors. On the station Neroon seemed staid and overly proud, bordering on arrogant. Here, he was still a warrior proud of his accomplishments, but the arrogance was missing. I was rendered out of my thoughts by uproarious laughter to my left hand side.
“Come on Neroon. You mean to tell me that once you become Satai again you have no plans to overthrow Delenn?” Gustier asked in between laughing.
“That is exactly what I am saying.” Neroon replied somberly, which was enough to get the other delegates attention. They stopped talking and listened to the Alit, Gustier however paid no mind to those around him.
“You would have vast support if you wanted to oust that human-loving fool Delenn. She has no business being Entil’zha, as well you know.”
Before I could get up to defend Delenn’s honor, Neroon placed a firm hand on my upper-thigh keeping me in place. Glaring in Neroon’s direction I tried to stand only to once again be restrained. I only calmed down somewhat due to Neroon’s fingers rubbing soothing circles on my thigh. During this mini-revolt that only we were privy to, we both kept our expressions carefully blank. Once I finally sat back in my chair and Neroon was convinced I wasn’t about to attack Gustier, he turned his attention to the Minbari sitting at the table.
“If you had not noticed you are in the presence of a human Anla’shoc, who just so happens to be here at my invitation. Please remember that fact in the future when you feel the need to insult both the Entil'zha and humans in his presence. Also, I suggest you remember who you are speaking to when you address me. Are we understood?” Neroon stated in a very controlled tone, keeping his voice conversational, addressing everyone not just Gustier. He only resumed eating after getting a nod from each and every Minbari delegate.
“I didn’t think you cared if any of them were disrespectful towards Delenn.” I commented after dinner resumed, thoroughly confused by Neroon’s actions.
“I did not.” Neroon answered. Still not knowing what to think I merely raised an eyebrow questioningly. “I do, however, care if people disrespect you.”
Not having the vaguest idea of how to respond I stayed silent, ignoring the pleasure I got from his words. Throughout the rest of the meal I couldn’t seem to stop myself from staring at him. If Neroon did in fact notice my perusal he didn‘t mention it.
Staring at the ceiling of my room later that night, I tried to convince myself that I didn’t miss Neroon’s warmth beside me as I slept, nor that I cared if he was concerned about my feelings. Unfortunately, I couldn’t convince myself of either.
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The next six days passed much like the first on did, with all but two exceptions. Neroon convinced the elders to stock the kitchen with food so that Neroon could cook us dinned each night. Over the delicious food we would talk many different things ranging from his thoughts on the religious caste and becoming the leader of the Warrior Caste, to the Shadow’s attack on my home and how I still felt guilty and responsible about my brother’s death.
By the time the six days were over we had each discussed topics with each other that we had never thought to even mention before to others. I talked about the fact that I have never slept with anyone before, and Neroon mentioned that he wasn’t sure if he was up to the responsibility of becoming Satai once again, considering the mess he made of it last time.
During that particular dinner, feeling so comfortable in each other’s presence at this point, we both managed to laugh at our extreme insecurities and make the other feel better simply by being there. After dinner we would continue to sleep separately, each of us refusing to feel bereft, while during the day we got into the habit of taking an hour to walk in the garden. Sometimes we would spar instead, and once we even took a leisurely swim in the nearby pond. During this time we both relaxed and enjoyed ourselves, confident in the guards ability to make sure we stayed safe.
That is how seven days after our arrival, we found ourselves walking through the gardens on our way to the courtyard where we usually spar. So involved in our current conversation that neither of us noticed anything amiss until it was too late.
“But don’t you want a family?” Neroon questioned me.
“Of course I do, but if I sleep with someone I want to be in love, hopefully spend the rest of my life with them.” I tried to explain feeling my cheeks heat with embarrassment. “I’ve had plenty of opportunities for casual flings, but none of them would have made me happy…. You probably think I’m naïve, huh?”
“Not at all. In fact I think it takes great strength of character to be able to stay chaste for this long. When you do find someone who you love, I am sure it will be well worth the wait.” Neroon commented gently, smiling at me trying to ease my embarrassment.
For some reason that comment caused my toes to curl and I couldn’t get the pictures of Neroon and I in a loving embrace out of my mind. I was sure I was smiling a truly idiotic grin in his direction, but he didn’t seem to mind overly much, and if my face was red he ignored it.
Before I could ask him what he wanted in a family he collapsed, and before I could take more than a few steps in his direction I felt a sharp pain in my neck. Woozily I tried to get to Neroon but I was so dizzy that I only managed to fall in a graceless heap at his feet.
“Neroon.” I whispered, and with the last of my strength I placed a gentle hand on his face in an effort to wake him up. My last thought before I fell unconscious was that he looked peaceful, like he was sleeping.
The darkness soon closed in around me and I knew no more.
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Journey of Love
Chapter Five
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Marcus and Neroon, or anyone else from
Babylon 5.
Authors notes: Rated PG-13 Contains slash: two males in a romantic/sexual (although not explicit) relationship. If this offends you please turn back now.
As I walked to the side of the room to hang up my cloak and vest I overheard a few whispered comments about my relationship with the Alit but chose to ignore them. This approach became impossible however when a few seconds later I overheard the beginnings of a conversation between two of Neroon’s elite guards, who I later found out were named Gaspar and Dayanelle, regarding Neroon and myself.
“Did you hear that the human slept with the Alit last night?”
“That’s not surprising. He probably bribed Neroon with personal favors before. How else could he have remained alive fighting against a warrior of the Alit’s caliber? What does surprise me however, is that Neroon would be so foolish as to appoint his catamite as a bodyguard, and then expect us to obey him.”
“He must be handling the Alit’s ‘pike’ skillfully to have Neroon so-”
I was so angry I could barely see straight. That they would be so deluded as to think that I was whoring myself to Neroon, and that Neroon was so stupid as to let me, absolutely pissed me off. Before he could finish that derogatory sentence, I had my pike extended and his legs swept out from under him.
“Would you care to repeat that?” I questioned the guard now laid out on the floor as I aimed my pike at Gaspar’s head.
I assumed, incorrectly as it so happens, that the fact I was temporarily in charge of their unit would belatedly occur to them. So imagine my surprise when Gaspar simply glared at me then twisted my knee backwards with his leg, causing me to fall on my ass. This was a grave miscalculation on his part, which I’m sure he realized later. If I hadn’t been angry before, they could bet I was furious now. As I regained my equilibrium and stood up I found myself faced with two Minbari warriors ready to take me apart in front of Neroon and his crew. Perhaps I would have found a more diplomatic solution if what happened next hadn’t happened. I was only planning on talking some sense into them with my pike for visual emphasis but, as I looked towards Neroon with a raised eyebrow to gage his reaction, I was hit full force in the back of the head by Dayanelle’s pike. I fell face-forward, my head impacted with the deck and my pike went rolling out of my hand. Hearing a few suppressed laughs I couldn’t help the growl that came out of my mouth as I forced myself back up into a kneeling position, carefully keeping my face blank.
“Marcus catch.” Neroon said as he threw my pike back at me, which I deftly caught one-handed. His damn eyes were twinkling again and he looked like he was trying his hardest not to laugh. What the hell does he find so funny! My glare only served to amuse him further and Neroon made a ‘go ahead’ gesture with his hands toward Gaspar and Dayanelle, who were standing in battle-ready stances behind me.
Without waiting for me to regain my focus they both attacked. I managed to parry each of their attacks with ease, and it became readily apparent that they were nowhere near Neroon’s level of skill, nor mine for that matter. By this point, my anger had cooled considerably and I was simply playing with them. They both realized this at the same time because after a few minutes they attacked simultaneously hoping to catch me off guard. Before they knew what was happening, Dayanelle and Gaspar lay battered and bruised at my feet with my pike level with their skulls.
“Now would you care to repeat your comments, gentlemen?” I asked in a deathly quiet voice.
“Um…no..” Dayanelle stuttered out a reply unnerved by the sudden quiet in the gym where previously there had been Minbari cheering them on.
“No what?” I snarled at them keeping up my menacing persona.
“No. Anla’shoc Cole.” Dayanelle said as he stood and bowed, quickly followed by Gaspar.
“I will not hold myself back next time gentlemen should I hear that kind of discussion again. Is that understood?” I asked, projecting my voice to include everyone in the room, although I continued glaring at Gaspar and Dayanelle.
“Yes sir.” The two elite guards responded standing at attention in front of me. What surprised me was that every officer in the gym also stood at attention, with the exception of Neroon. I didn’t acknowledge how the show of respect affected me however, and kept up my staid disciplinarian act.
“Good. Now if you will excuse me, I believe I promised the Alit I would spar with him.” I said only then relaxing my posture, which up until that moment had still been tense. The Minbari who had been cheering during the fight, mostly for my opponents, stepped back to a respectful distance and cleared a path as I approached.
I caught site of Neroon leaning against the wall where the staffs and knives hung. He did not seem concerned in the slightest that I started a fight on his ship, in fact he was smirking as if he was privy to some joke the rest of us weren’t aware of.
“Remind me not to get you angry when you have a pike within reach.”
I snorted disbelievingly. “Like you have anything to worry about.”
“True.” Neroon capitulated, trying his best to sound humble and failing miserably.
“You’re arrogant for a Minbari.”
“And you’re stubborn for a human. Besides, it’s not arrogance if it is the truth.” Neroon bantered back.
“Are you so straight-forward about your weaknesses as well?” I asked trying to change the subject, while thoroughly curious about the answer.
“Are you?” He asked instead of answering the question.
“Perhaps we should continue this discourse at a later time, you did want to spar after all.” I reminded him. “Besides the gym is not the place for such a personal discussion.”
“Very well. But we will finish this later.” he said as he led the way to the nearest mat which was now vacant, with his denn’bok in his hand.
All the other warriors stopped practicing to watch us spar. At first I was a nervous wreck and could barely defend myself with everyone else looking on. Eventually however, when it became readily apparent to me that Neroon wasn’t planning on attacking me during the spar, and once I got used to the staring, I relaxed my tight stance somewhat. Neroon seemed to notice immediately the release of tension in my stance because he gestured to me as if to say ‘can we begin now?’
Rather than just defending myself I began to attack as well, no longer worried about our audience and my own insecurities. This kept up for a good twenty minutes without either one of us gaining an advantage. It got to the point where the spar became more of a seemingly well-choreographed dance than a fight. For once the tension between Neroon and I wasn’t stifling, and I could even being in his company without having to sensor my reactions. Without either of us realizing it, we were encompassed in our own little world, only aware of each other….strike…counterstrike…thrust….block….parry….and on, and on. One move after another in a seemingly endless pattern.
I was so caught up in Neroon’s movements I did not realize his crew were watching us with such great interest. I had assumed they were waiting for me to make a fool of myself. It is confusing how Neroon has a tendency to aggravate me at the least opportune times, seemingly with very little effort, yet at other times, such as this one, I am more comfortable with him than I can remember being in the distant past. Although we were both concentrating on finding an opening in the others defense, we still found time to tease each other as well.
I knew, whatever I said to the contrary, that Neroon would win eventually. It wasn’t because he was any more skilled than I was, although that is up for debate, but simply a matter of endurance and strength. If he had been a less accomplished warrior the strength discrepancy wouldn’t have made much of a difference. Since we are both well-trained with the denn’bok however, Neroon’s minbari physiology came into play and helped to tip the battle in his favor the longer it went on. This is why I wasn’t terribly surprised when after thirty-seven minutes I found myself lying on my back with Neroon kneeling over me with his pike across my throat in emphasis. He would have been intimidating if he hadn’t been smiling down at me.
“Do you yield?”
“I don’t have much choice do I?” I grumbled good-naturedly.
“At least you realized it this time, and you don’t even have any cracked ribs to show for it.” Neroon acknowledged as he gave me a hand up to my feet. I may have been offended if he didn’t seem so relaxed and jovial.
Once we were both standing we were surrounded by cheering Minbari, seemingly in awe of our demonstration. Quite surprisingly I was getting complimented almost as much as Neroon, even by some of those I had heard earlier gossiping. Once the throng of warriors abated somewhat Neroon and I headed back to his quarters for a shower and dinner.
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After a hot bath which helped to sooth my sore muscles, I made my way into the kitchen to find Neroon cooking dinner. I couldn’t help gape in surprise.
“My being able to cook surprises you.” Neroon commented questioningly.
“Yes. I just figured you would have someone who would cook for you.”
“I could if I wished to, but I enjoy preparing my own meals. It relaxes me after a particularly trying day.”
“I didn’t know that.” I responded still fairly shocked, although I’m still not sure quite why.
“There is much you don’t know about me Marcus.” Neroon reminded me after placing fresh steamed vegetables over what looked like fish on the grill. “Although over dinner we could attempt to rectify that. Besides, there is much I do not know about you either.”
“I would like that.” I said still unnerved by Neroon’s unexpectedly casual actions. Since I have never seen Neroon act anything less than the fully in-control warrior, his competence and obvious joy cooking flustered me greatly. Perhaps it was because we were in his quarters, I am not sure, but as we sat down to eat he relaxed fully and dropped a few of his defensive walls that he keeps in place around his subordinates. In response muscles that I wasn’t aware were taunt relaxed, and for the first time since I met Neroon I wasn’t intimidated by his charismatic presence.
For the next few minutes we ate in silence and alternately glanced at each other then at our plates. I was trying to think of a neutral topic of conversation to break the nearly oppressive silence when Neroon beat me to it.
“How long have you been stationed on Babylon 5?”
“Close to a year now.” I answered while mentally going over significant events of the past year.
“It must be difficult to keep the peace from a diplomatic standpoint, with such a diverse gathering of species living there.” He commented returning me to the topic at hand.
“True, but then that is more Sheridan’s problem.” I pointed out logically.
“You mean to tell me that you have never gotten involved in station politics? I find that hard to believe.”
“Not precisely, merely that I’m not a diplomat and I tend to solve problems using a more direct route.” Thinking of the men Lennier and I laid out in the barroom brawl a few months ago still brings a smile to my face.
“I sense a story.” Neroon said curiously, folding his hands on the table top and inclining his head waiting for me to begin.
I told him of my wary respect and eventual friendship with Lennier and somehow mentioned Stephen during the retelling. Which in turn, lead to a story on my undercover assignment on Mars with him as a married couple. Neroon got great amusement from that particular anecdote. After an awkward silence, he began telling me of his parents and childhood.
“You mean to tell me that your mother was religious caste?” I asked in shock.
“This surprises you?” He queried.
“Yes. Last I saw you, you seemingly held disdain for the religious caste.”
“Not all of the religious caste, only Delenn.” Neroon corrected while carefully watching my reaction. “I did not believe that she could fill the role of Entil’zha effectively and that she would tear the Minbari people apart, as she did with the dissolution of the Grey Council. While I still do not like her, and probably never will, I have come to respect her leadership qualities. I also knew that she only wants what is best for our people. We have come a long way in making peace between us.”
“That’s good. I wouldn’t want to have to get between you two again.” I stated seriously, making it clear I would get involved if necessary. Neroon seemed about to start brooding about the Denn’sha and I really didn’t want to deal with a morose Minbari, especially after such a pleasurable day.
“I don’t think my ego could survive it.” I added as an afterthought, getting an amused snort out of Neroon in the process. The conversation through out the rest of dinner was light-weight and for the most part inconsequential. After we finished eating and cleaning up, getting ready for bed wasn’t such a production as it was the previous night. We were both sound asleep in no time.
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We landed on Minbar at 1300 the next day. I escorted Neroon to the meeting hall where the high-ranking Minbari delegates were waiting to welcome him to the temple at Thadean, where the Right of Ascension was to take place. Once we entered the meeting hall, the six clan leaders stood up from the table where they had been sitting, and made their way to Neroon and his entourage.
While Neroon was greeting his fellow warriors, I was busy keeping track of where everyone in the room was and guarding Neroon’s welfare. Although Shamar, Maiko and two other of Neroon’s Elite Guard were in the vicinity, I didn’t drop my guard at all. The only one who could tell I wasn’t as relaxed as my casual posture alluded to was Neroon, and that was only because he was doing the exact same thing only with more aplomb. After observing the hall for hidden dangers I drew my attention to the gathering of Minbari in front of me. Just in time as it so happens because Neroon began to introduce me to his clan contemporaries. The warmth of the welcome I got from these men was greatly varied and ranged from open dislike to curiosity about my presence. I took this all in stride and was personable to everyone I talked to.
After the preliminary meet-and-greet session was over, Neroon decided that he would join his guards and myself in a once-over of the temple grounds. I guess it’s a good idea for Neroon to know the lay of the land, but I would have felt better if I knew the grounds were secure first. The perimeter check did not go as badly as I had feared, and for once Neroon kept his mouth shut. The first time I ordered two guards to check a barely maintained garden path, they looked towards Neroon for conformation. When he didn’t respond they followed my orders by default. After that, there were no further problems about leadership. As we covered more ground we came across a ledge above the temple dais, a rarely used pathway, an opening in the courtyard near the meditation area and a wooded area across from the temple entrance; all perfect positions to stage an attack. It was decided that when Neroon was outdoors he would have three guards, including myself, because the perimeter wasn’t overly secure and easily susceptible to physical attack.
As we made our was back to the main complex an aide of Eedeer’s, the delegate of the Wind Dancer clan, intercepted us.
“Eedeer requests a meeting with you when it is convenient.”
“Tell him that I will stop by before dinner this afternoon, around 1500 hours.” Neroon responded giving himself enough time to get settled in and clean up a bit from the walk.
Neroon’s quarters were surprisingly spacious and I can only assume he must have called ahead to inform the Chancellor that I would be staying with him. After finding two surveillance bugs in the room after a thorough investigation, we began to unpack our belongings. I took the first bedroom off the living room because if someone were to attack they would have to go through me first and hopefully Neroon would be up by then. Although with the way he sleeps I would doubt it.
His suite connected to mine through a joint bathroom and consisted of a cozy sitting room and a larger bedroom. Unfortunately to Neroon’s dismay there was little room in the kitchenette for cooking. I guess that the Minbari thought preparing his own food was beneath the Alit’s standards. Needless to say Neroon wasn’t happy with the arrangements. I basically told him to suck it up because he was only going to be here for a week, after which time he could cook as much as he wanted. The only response I got was an unhappy grumble as Neroon inventoried the kitchen supplies and food available.
While he was busy cursing all the culinary gods he knew, plus a few he made up for good measure, I spent my time reading over a dossier on the Right of Ascension. If you asked me it was an awful lot of time-consuming drama just to give Neroon a navy blue cloak and uniform. An hour and a half later I had just finished the 67 page article as Neroon made his way out of the bedroom, cloak fastened and uniform crisp and creased to perfection. He looked the embodiment of what a Minbari warrior should be, which was probably his intention. Before I could get up to accompany him, I was halted by Neroon’s hand resting on my shoulder.
“You can’t come with me for this meeting. Eedeer would be insulted if I didn’t trust him enough to come on my own.” Neroon explained while I glared at him from my seated position.
“Well he’ll just have to deal with it. I am not about to-”
“Marcus.” Neroon interrupted in an aggravated tone of voice.
“Neroon.” I stubbornly replied, just as annoyed. “You are the one who wanted me here because you weren’t sure if you could trust your own people. Now you want me to trust Eedeer. Have you forgotten that I’m your bodyguard, not your guest?”
“I’m not asking you to trust Eedeer, but rather to trust me. It may surprise you but, I have managed to survive without your help for over 67 cycles. I believe I can manage to stay alive for an hour or so until I see you again.” Neroon reminded me gently, although still with a hint of sarcasm.
“Alright. I’ll be here when you get back…. Just don’t get yourself killed.” I said watching with concern as Neroon walked out the door.
As it turned out the meeting with Eedeer lasted longer than expected so I ended up meeting Neroon at dinner with everyone else. When he entered the room all conversation came to an abrupt halt. Considering that, for the most part with few possible exceptions, the clans only barely tolerate each other this was a massive show of respect for the Alit. Once everyone settled down the dinner went rather well. Leaders from various clans were discussing the particulars of the ceremony with Neroon and I was content to watch.
I hadn’t realized until then how comfortable he was with his fellow warriors. On the station Neroon seemed staid and overly proud, bordering on arrogant. Here, he was still a warrior proud of his accomplishments, but the arrogance was missing. I was rendered out of my thoughts by uproarious laughter to my left hand side.
“Come on Neroon. You mean to tell me that once you become Satai again you have no plans to overthrow Delenn?” Gustier asked in between laughing.
“That is exactly what I am saying.” Neroon replied somberly, which was enough to get the other delegates attention. They stopped talking and listened to the Alit, Gustier however paid no mind to those around him.
“You would have vast support if you wanted to oust that human-loving fool Delenn. She has no business being Entil’zha, as well you know.”
Before I could get up to defend Delenn’s honor, Neroon placed a firm hand on my upper-thigh keeping me in place. Glaring in Neroon’s direction I tried to stand only to once again be restrained. I only calmed down somewhat due to Neroon’s fingers rubbing soothing circles on my thigh. During this mini-revolt that only we were privy to, we both kept our expressions carefully blank. Once I finally sat back in my chair and Neroon was convinced I wasn’t about to attack Gustier, he turned his attention to the Minbari sitting at the table.
“If you had not noticed you are in the presence of a human Anla’shoc, who just so happens to be here at my invitation. Please remember that fact in the future when you feel the need to insult both the Entil'zha and humans in his presence. Also, I suggest you remember who you are speaking to when you address me. Are we understood?” Neroon stated in a very controlled tone, keeping his voice conversational, addressing everyone not just Gustier. He only resumed eating after getting a nod from each and every Minbari delegate.
“I didn’t think you cared if any of them were disrespectful towards Delenn.” I commented after dinner resumed, thoroughly confused by Neroon’s actions.
“I did not.” Neroon answered. Still not knowing what to think I merely raised an eyebrow questioningly. “I do, however, care if people disrespect you.”
Not having the vaguest idea of how to respond I stayed silent, ignoring the pleasure I got from his words. Throughout the rest of the meal I couldn’t seem to stop myself from staring at him. If Neroon did in fact notice my perusal he didn‘t mention it.
Staring at the ceiling of my room later that night, I tried to convince myself that I didn’t miss Neroon’s warmth beside me as I slept, nor that I cared if he was concerned about my feelings. Unfortunately, I couldn’t convince myself of either.
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The next six days passed much like the first on did, with all but two exceptions. Neroon convinced the elders to stock the kitchen with food so that Neroon could cook us dinned each night. Over the delicious food we would talk many different things ranging from his thoughts on the religious caste and becoming the leader of the Warrior Caste, to the Shadow’s attack on my home and how I still felt guilty and responsible about my brother’s death.
By the time the six days were over we had each discussed topics with each other that we had never thought to even mention before to others. I talked about the fact that I have never slept with anyone before, and Neroon mentioned that he wasn’t sure if he was up to the responsibility of becoming Satai once again, considering the mess he made of it last time.
During that particular dinner, feeling so comfortable in each other’s presence at this point, we both managed to laugh at our extreme insecurities and make the other feel better simply by being there. After dinner we would continue to sleep separately, each of us refusing to feel bereft, while during the day we got into the habit of taking an hour to walk in the garden. Sometimes we would spar instead, and once we even took a leisurely swim in the nearby pond. During this time we both relaxed and enjoyed ourselves, confident in the guards ability to make sure we stayed safe.
That is how seven days after our arrival, we found ourselves walking through the gardens on our way to the courtyard where we usually spar. So involved in our current conversation that neither of us noticed anything amiss until it was too late.
“But don’t you want a family?” Neroon questioned me.
“Of course I do, but if I sleep with someone I want to be in love, hopefully spend the rest of my life with them.” I tried to explain feeling my cheeks heat with embarrassment. “I’ve had plenty of opportunities for casual flings, but none of them would have made me happy…. You probably think I’m naïve, huh?”
“Not at all. In fact I think it takes great strength of character to be able to stay chaste for this long. When you do find someone who you love, I am sure it will be well worth the wait.” Neroon commented gently, smiling at me trying to ease my embarrassment.
For some reason that comment caused my toes to curl and I couldn’t get the pictures of Neroon and I in a loving embrace out of my mind. I was sure I was smiling a truly idiotic grin in his direction, but he didn’t seem to mind overly much, and if my face was red he ignored it.
Before I could ask him what he wanted in a family he collapsed, and before I could take more than a few steps in his direction I felt a sharp pain in my neck. Woozily I tried to get to Neroon but I was so dizzy that I only managed to fall in a graceless heap at his feet.
“Neroon.” I whispered, and with the last of my strength I placed a gentle hand on his face in an effort to wake him up. My last thought before I fell unconscious was that he looked peaceful, like he was sleeping.
The darkness soon closed in around me and I knew no more.