“So, this is ‘the forge’, huh?” Jim asked as they wandered around an ancient area of Vulcan that Spock had brought him to the morning after their arrival. Not that anything on Vulcan wasn’t ancient. Everything seemed to be thousands if not millions of years.
Spock had briefly explained on the way to Vulcan that Vulcan children were generally informally bonded. Sort of an engagement bond, though most often Vulcans referred to their betrothal as spouses.
Spock was supposed to have been bonded but the other family changed their mind before the official ceremony.
Anyway, apparently, according to what Spock told him, somewhat shyly and with obvious embarrassment, Vulcans came to this area to officially mate at the appointed time. It was all more than a little strange in Jim’s opinion, which of course he kept to himself. He didn’t want to offend Spock or any of the other Vulcans, especially Sarek.
“It is.” Spock looked uncomfortable, and not because of the excessive heat, which certainly was making Jim uncomfortable.
“What’s wrong?” Jim wondered.
“It merely occurred to me that my showing you this might give you the wrong impression.”
Jim smiled faintly. “And what would that be?”
“That I intended to pressure you into something you are not prepared for. May never be ready for.”
Jim didn’t respond immediately, instead he walked around the area with stone arches and a rather enormous gong. “What’s this for?”
“The Vulcan male strikes it to begin the ceremony.”
“Ah.” Jim touched it. “All the elders don’t watch, do they?”
“Certainly not. Once the bond itself has been established, the elders depart, and the couple continue the rest of what is required.”
“Mm. Required,” he murmured.
“You did ask to see this area,” Spock said somewhat stiffly.
“I wanted to, yes. I’m just…taking it all in. Based on what you’ve said or maybe what you’ve not said, I’m guessing you are intending to establish that you don’t want to pressure me into a bond with you.”
Spock hesitated but then nodded. “I am aware that it is not something entirely acceptable to others outside of Vulcan.”
“Did your mom bond with your dad?”
“She did.”
“And she doesn’t seem worse for wear.”
“I would urge you not to treat the matter lightly, Jim.”
Jim snorted. “Well, as of this moment, you haven’t even asked me, so I’m not sure how I am supposed to take it seriously, Spock. I’m not a delicate flower, I can assure you of that. And there aren’t any misunderstandings between us and I don’t feel pressured to do anything since you haven’t asked.”
“Jim—”
“This is cool, well hot really, but can we go back to you parents house? It’s really hot out here and I think I’m getting burned.”
Spock looked instantly contrite. “I am sorry. I didn’t even think.”
He smiled and touched Spock’s arm. “It’s fine, all right? But let’s go back. I’m also kind of hungry.”
Spock nodded. “You have not yet had breakfast. I have appropriate Human food to your liking programmed in the replicators.”
They turned from the ceremonial forge and began to make their way back toward Sarek’s and Amanda’s house.
