The 12 Days

On the sixth day of our courtship I awoke to the chiming of my door. Once more I found myself cursing the person who ever invented that blasted chime. I scrambled up and sleepily ran a hand through my hair as I stumbled to answer the door.

"Marcus," My two new mother's greeted me as they entered my small quarters.

"What are you two doing here?" I asked as I sat down at the table.

"Why your Mother N'ghk and I," spoke my first mother Fry'iea. "would like to spend the day with you."

"With me?" I asked. "Aren't you two needed for the peace negotiations going on between your caste and the Religious caste?" I asked, for I was sure my first father Swarde had mentioned something to the effect of them having to start negotiations between the two castes sometime today.

"Yes and no," answered my second mother N'ghk. "Yes, we are needed and no we are not going."

"Your fathers and your Future Mate ," Spoke Fry'iea. "know our feelings and our opinions for the negotiations going on between the two castes and therefore your Mother and I both feel that we would not be needed there."

"Both of us," N'ghk spoke. "have given over our rights so that they may begin the peace talks without us. This will give your mother and I time to spend the day with you," she said as she placed a plate filled with Minbari food in front of me.

"Now eat," She said as she placed a cup of tea next to my huge breakfast.

"But I have meetings today with people who may not welcome the fact that you might recognize them."

"All of your 'business' meetings have been cancelled or given to other rangers who will take care of them."

"CANCELLED!" I exclaimed.

"Please do close your mouth, Marcus." N'ghk said as she placed more food on my plate. "It is not polite to talk with your mouth full."

I immediately closed my mouth and finished chewing while Fry'iea finished talking. "Yes your Mother and I both were able to persuade Delenn that you were to be given... how you humans say it..."

"Give him a day off?" N'ghk supplied for her.

"Yes," Fry'iea smiled as she agreed with my other mother. "Give you a day off."

"So on this day off," N'ghk once more put more food on my growing plate of food. " Your Mother and I would like to get to know our son."

"Where he lives."

"Who his friends are?"

"To simply spend the day getting to know our son." They said at the same time.

Mentally I groaned and wondered what I did to Jeffery Sinclair/ Valen to deserve this.

So that was how I spent my day. Giving my two mothers a tour of the station showing them Neroon's first three gifts to me in the gardens of Babylon 5. I thought it best not to show them his third gift to me for that was special and it would always remain between us. Telling them about myself. Showing them vids of my late brother William, along with my real parents. Being fed and having them listen to stories of my childhood.

In the end it was the most enjoyable day off that I have had in a long time.

By the end of the day as they were leaving the chime to my quarters rang again. I opened it up and found on the floor a small wrapped package. I picked it up and began to read the note out loud to my mothers.

"Dearest Marcus,

My love.
Neroon.

"Well," N'ghk spoke. "What is it?"

I unwrapped the package and then I couldn't help but start laughing. For inside this package where six pink marshmallow peeps.

Well at least I could eat theses. I thought with a smile as I showed my mother's Neroon's gift. I quickly began explaining the concept of Marshmallow peeps and how to eat them to my new parents. I couldn't help but wonder what Neroon would do for our seventh day of courting.

On the seventh day of courting I woke up to a screaming Captain Sheridan.

"MARCUS COLE, GET YOUR BUTT IN HERE AND I MEAN NOW!"

So with that lovely wake up call I quickly dashed around dressing while I mentally tried to figure out what I was in trouble for this time.

I quickly made my way to his office and hoped that by the time I made it there then he would have calmed down some.

I pressed the chime and heard him call for me to enter.

"You bellowed Sir?" I teasingly asked as I sat down.

"Yes, I did. Michael says that you are to blame for this," He pointed to the screen and there on the screen were seven pink S'wakles with red and green bows tied around their necks swimming in the stations Olympic-sized pool.

"Dearest Marcus," Sheridan read from the note in his hand.

"We were unable to find for you Swans a swimming, however, we did find these lovely pink S'wakles for you. I am pleased with them. I even put the traditional colors of ribbon around their necks for you. I hope you are pleased with these gifts. Your parents and I will meet you tonight for dinner. Love, Neroon."

I watched as Sheridan placed the note down on his desk and then looked at me and waited.

I cleared my throat and found my hands to be suddenly very interesting. "I supposed that you are waiting for an explanation?"

"Yes, Marcus. An explanation on why Babylon 5 is suddenly turning into a zoo instead of Earth's last hope for peace."

So I explained it to him. From the Warrior Caste Council giving Neroon permission to court me to my current status of having parents and Neroon's strange gifts.

He was silent for a while as he took in what I had told him then he spoke, "Okay, Let me see if I have this straight. Now the council of the Warrior Cast has given Neroon permission to court you without your consent. Delenn says, there is nothing she can do because the Council considers you as one of their own children. You now have five parents and Neroon has promised to court you for 12 days according to Human tradition and is giving you strange gifts that are also according to human tradition. Have I missed anything?"

"Just the peace treaty that is being worked out because they believe I am Id'Minbari."

"The peace treaty?"

"Yes, it seems that since I am Anla'shoc that I am under the Religious Caste. Well since the Warrior Caste believe that I am Id'minbari that the soul I carry is of Warrior Caste and because of this they believe that it is a sign from Valen to seek peace with the Religious Caste."

"Do you have any idea what Human tradition that Neroon is trying to court you by that involves strange gifts for 12 days?"

"None, Sir and that's the thing that is bothering me the most. I have been trying to rack my brains for days since this thing started and I still keep coming up blank."

"Maybe if we go through the list of gifts he has given you we might find a clue there, Marcus, I have no problems with you being courted but I do have problems when my station is starting to turn into a zoo. If we can find what human tradition that Neroon is courting you by then we might be better prepared for the next gifts."

"Thank you, Captain, for understanding. Like you I would like to find what tradition that the Minbari are using so I will better understand Neroon's gifts to me."

"Okay Marcus, Let's start with the first day. What did Neroon give you on the first day?" and so we began. We went through the first and second day however when we got to the third day. I once more found my hands to be very interesting.

"Marcus?"

"Yes, Captain?"

"What did Neroon give to you on the third day?"

"You know, Captain, your office has some very interesting décor in it."

"Marcus! I am quickly losing my patience here."

I mumbled my answer. "What did you say?"

"He kissed me on our third day. My gift for that day was three French kisses."

Sheridan smiled at me as he wrote down what I said and we continued until we got to today.

Then he looked at the list and began to speak, "Let's see if we have this straight. On the First day of your courtship. Neroon gave you a P'rtrdge bird and a Faerty tree, The second day, two baby turtles. The third day, three French kisses. On the fourth day, Four calling parents and four Cal'yg birds. On the fifth day it was five golden rings. On the sixth day, it was six marshmallow peeps. Today it is Seven pink S'wakles swimming in the stations pool. Does any of this sound familiar to you at all?"

"No and that's the problem none of it rings any bells to me."

"The five golden rings sounds familiar to me. How does that song go?" Sheridan asked as he began humming a tune to Marcus.

"Marcus, did your mother ever sing to you The 12 days of Christmas?

"No, her favorite was Good King Wenceslas. She said it reminded her of home more then any other Christmas song. Why?"

"Well my Mom's was the 12 days of Christmas. I remember as a child how my dad for 12 days would go out and buy her some trinket that represented that day and give it to her. Marcus I believe that the Minbari have come across that song and think that it is the proper way to court a Human.

"Bloody Hell, how does the blasted song go?"

"I will send you the lyrics to it this afternoon. I just hope that Neroon won't go try and find a cow to milk tomorrow. That is what the eighth day is supposed to be. Eight maids a milking."

"Well, I am sorry about the pool, Captain and I will try to keep Neroon courtship gifts to as minimal as possible but I won't promise anything."

"Give it your best try, Marcus."

"It's a good thing that I love him or I would have kicked him in the butt on the first day."

"Do you? Do you Marcus, love him?"

"Yes, Captain. With all of my heart I love him. I just didn't realize it until the fourth day. When he gave me something that I hadn't had in a long time. He gave me a family. When he gave me that I knew then that I had fallen completely head over heals in love with him. It just took the fourth day for me to realize it."

Sheridan smiled up at me as he spoke once more, "Don't worry about where to put your seventh gift today Marcus. I just happen to know of a pond in the Babylon 5 gardens that needs Seven pink S'wakles."

"Thank you, Captain and thank you for understanding and for solving the mystery for me."

"You're welcome Marcus. Now go for I think if I remember correctly Neroon mentioned that you and your new parents were meeting for dinner tonight."

I smiled and nodded my head in agreement and then dashed off to my beloved. As I made my way back to my quarters I found myself looking forward to seeing what Neroon and his warriors would come up with eight maids a milking.

On my eight day of my courtship with Neroon. I found myself laughing over the strange lyrics to this silly song. I mean really by the end of this song the person being courted would have moved to a zoo in order to keep all of these gifts. Good thing that I've donated most of mine to the Babylon 5 gardens. I've only kept two of the four Cal'yg birds. I've found their sweet music very restful and plus it keeps me dreaming of my beloved Minbari warrior. I ,of course, kept the French kisses. Neroon and I have found that continuing our education about them will be a good learning experience to us in the future. I keep the five golden rings given to me by my new parents in a small box that I have kept with me wherever I go. It is where I keep my personal memories of the family I have lost and now of the family that I am gaining. The six marshmallow peeps have been used as an educational tool with my parents and I sitting together and learning to eat them. It was a very interesting and funny experience for me to see five strong Minbari warriors learn to eat pink marshmallow peeps. I think they liked them for I have found my single Father De'kahrt and my two new mothers going to the shop that Neroon went to and buying more.

Sheridan kept his promise of putting the seven pink S'wakles in a pond that is part of the Babylon 5 gardens. I hear that the strange birds are quickly becoming a tourist attraction for the station.

So now on my eighth day, I sit and wonder what Neroon will do for the eight maids a milking.

The soft chime brought me from my thoughts of my lover and milking. I arose and answered the door to see my three fathers.

"Marcus," came the booming voice of my single father De'kahrt. "We have come to spend the day with you."

"Huh?" I was afraid to ask but I had a sudden feeling that this was another day off granted to me by Delenn to spend time with my new family.

"Your meetings," spoke my first father, Swarde. " have all been cancelled or given over to other Anla'shoc for the day. We as you humans say.... have given you another day off."

I let out a reluctant sigh as I somehow was glad that I didn't ask. Instead however I asked a more terrifying question.

"So what would you like to do on this day with me?" I asked them as I motioned for them to sit.

"We," spoke Mid'ry, my second father. "Have spoken and we have agreed that we would like to spend the day in.... what you humans call... work out rooms.."

"Work out room? Oh you mean the gym."

"Yes, the gym," my single father, De'kahrt stated while the rest of my fathers nodded in agreement.

"What would you like to do in the gym?"

"We," Spoke Swarde. "your fathers and I have heard from Neroon and our spies of your skills as a warrior."

Mental note, I thought as I began the makings of tea for my fathers. Need to get a hold of those blasted reports and see what exaggerations were in them. Then find out the names of the spies so I can send them thank you notes.

"We," spoke De'kahrt. " Would like to see these skills in action. To see the combination of Human skills with Minbari skills."

"To exchange," explained Mid'ry. "Warrior techniques and get to know you at the same time."

"We feel," Swarde stated. "that this exchange of methods will be beneficial to the Caste and to you, our son."

"What about the negotiations between the two castes?" Even though I knew the answer I still felt I had to ask.

Swarde smiled as I handed him his cup of tea. "We have given over our rights to your mothers and feel that they will handle the negotiations between the two castes well."

"Okay," I answered. "So were would you like to begin?"

"We've," answered Mid'ry. "always have been taught to begin at the beginning. So we would like to know about your first warrior teachers."

"What methods were you first taught and at what age?" De'kahrt asked.

"Did you find yourself able to adapt to those new skills easier or did you have difficulty in learning the Warrior ways of the Humans?" Swarde asked.

So the first of that morning was spent with me talking and telling them of my history as a warrior. What techniques were taught to me and how I have adapted them with Minbari training. Then the rest of the day was spent in the gym with each of us showing off our skills as a warrior. To say that my fathers were proud and pleased with me by the end of the day would be an understatement.

When we arrived back at my quarters I was surprised to find eight Minbari servants holding trays with a glass of milk on each tray along with a chocolate chip cookie.

The first Minbari servant came forward with a note and handed it to me.

"Dearest Marcus," I read it aloud to my three fathers.

"My warriors and I do not know what a Maid is but from what we have learned is that a Maid is a like our servant. Therefore they are from the worker caste. These servants are my very own and I have explained to them what they are to do. Once we are mated they will be your servants as well. So on our eighth day of courting, I give you eight Minbari warrior servants with eight trays that each have a glass of milk in them. I am assured by your friend Mister Garibaldi that the best way to drink this thing you humans call milk is with what we were told are chocolate chip cookies. I hope that you will like them as I am pleased with this gift. My sister, Sarhkat. is working on your next gift for me. She says that we will both be pleased with it. Till tomorrow, Love Neroon."

So I smiled as I offered to my three fathers their first taste of milk and taught them the fine art of dunking a cookie into a glass of milk.

I couldn't wait to see what Neroon's sister was doing for us on our ninth day of courting.

On the ninth day of my courtship Neroon and I were going to go out on our very first date together.

His sister, Sarhkat was going to be giving me my ninth gift in our courtship. She had mentioned something about trying to find nine women dancing and then she left.

When I asked Neroon what she was talking about he just smiled lovingly down at me, pulled me close to him and began to kiss me. As soon as he kissed me my questions went flying out of my mind and all I could even think about concentrating on was the feel of his warm lips against mine.

Now as I dress for our first date I find myself looking over the list Sheridan had given me. I couldn't help but wonder what Sarhkat was going to do when she found her nine ladies a dancing.

As I finished putting on my ranger pin with shaking fingers. I couldn't help but be nervous about Neroon's and mine first date. As I went to answer the chime I couldn't but send up a wish that I wouldn't embarrass myself on our date.

I couldn't help but let out a pleased sigh at the handsome Minbari standing at my door. Neroon was dressed in his complete warrior uniform. Looking formal as ever but from the love shining from his eyes he looked less formidable to me and I found myself wishing that our first date would be held inside my quarters with just the two of us so we could study more French kissing.

He offered his hand and I placed mine into his. He lifted it up and placed a kiss on it.

"Marcus," he whispered over my hand and moved his arm around my waist to pull me closer to him.

"Beloved," I whispered back as I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him in for our very first kiss on our very first date.

"Do you?" he asked as he gently pulled away from our kiss.

"Yes," I smiled shyly up at him. "Yes, Neroon. I am in love with you," I said with more confidence then I have ever felt before.

He seemed pleased and proud of my answer as he took my hand in his and led me down the corridor to the staterooms where Sarhkat was going to give me my ninth gift.

The doors opened as we entered the room and I was surprised to see Sheridan and Delenn standing to one side of the room while Michael, Stephan and Susan were on the other side.

"Marcus," Susan called out as she happily came to great me. Out of all of my friends with the exception of Delenn, if Will and I had a baby sister, then Susan would be it. She reminded me the most of my mother with her temper and confidence in her position.

"Congratulations," she whispered in my ear as she hugged me tightly. "Don't worry about a thing, Marcus." she said as she pulled back from her hug. "Your mothers and I have talked and we have come to an agreement about your wedding. It should be the event of the century."

"Wedding? What wedding" I asked.

"Why your and Neroon's wedding of course," she answered and somehow I knew I shouldn't have asked that question.

"It is going to such a beautiful wedding," she continued as she pulled Neroon into a surprise hug.

I just couldn't help but sigh as I watched her leave and Neroon tugged me in the direction of the chairs. My mother once told me that there would be days like this but she never said anything about them turning into weeks.

Somehow with my two mothers and Susan working on my wedding I couldn't help but wish for a nice private ceremony with just Neroon, me and a judge. Somehow I just knew that my wedding was going to anything but small.

I smiled as I sat and watched Sarhkat and her nine ladies enter our room. I recognized Fry'iea, N'ghk and Winlea however the rest I did not know.

The room darkened as Sarhkat came forward to speak, "According to human tradition on the Ninth day Marcus is to be given nine ladies dancing. We have combined Human tradition with Minbari tradition and have come up with a gift that we believe everyone will like and approve of," She smiled at me and then bowed toward Delenn and to her brother.

"This dance is called the Creation of the Warrior Clans. It is traditionally performed by the female Warriors of the five clans to honor the Goddess of War, Aerstia. She who gave birth to the Warrior clans by blessing the Great Warrior Kal'va and his brothers and sisters with many warriors during the dark days of Minbar. The Great Warrior Kal'va took her blessing and with his brothers and sisters began and named the five clans that are now part of the Warrior Caste."

I watched as she unrolled ancient scroll in her hands as she began to read out loud to us.

"Out of the darkness the Warrior Goddess, Aerstia blessed us with the gift of fire." I saw my first mother, Fry'iea come in and begin a fire dance. Her lighted dennbok danced among the darkness as if it was a beacon beckoning forth it's children.

The golden sparkles flickered in the sky. She was followed by two woman answering her call and soon there were three dennboks on fire floating about in a beautiful but deadly dance of fire.

"Aerstia saw this and thought the fire was good but she needed to spread the fire of War across the land of Minbar. In order for her to do this she gave the Fire a companion. She gave birth to the Wind."

Suddenly the room was filled with the sound of wind raising in the air. I watched amazed as Winlea and two of her companions came out with swords raised.Attached to the swords were long, glowing ribbons floating in the air.

I was amazed as Winlea and Fry'iea soon began to combine their dancing steps like they were made for each other.

The room was now filled with flying fiery dennboks and the clashing of swords forming an intricate dance.

"Aerstia," spoke Sarhkat once more. "was pleased with this. However, now she wanted to bring fear into the hearts of the enemies of Minbar. In order to bring fear she brought forth darkness that crossed face of Minbar. Darkness that caused fear into the hearts of the enemy. Darkness that walked across the land. The Darkness was called Night."

I watched as a lone warrior entered our room dressed all in black with a hood coving its face and soon the dark hooded figure began to dance with the fiery dennbok dancers and the sword dancers.

"However, the Night was soon left alone as fire and wind quickly spread across the face of Minbar and began exploring the universe. Night turned to her mother and asked for companions to keep it company while Fire and Wind were away."

I watched as the Fire and Wind dancers quickly moved to the other side of the room leaving the dark warrior standing alone on the floor.

"Aerstia saw this and agreed with her child. Soon she gave birth to the Stars and the Moon. Night was filled with happiness and quickly began to play with her new sisters."

I watched as two warriors entered the room now. One was holding a bag of gold dust while the other was holding a ball of white light. Soon the Star dancer began to dance with the Moon dancer. The Night dancer quickly followed them around the room.

"Soon the Fire and Wind came back to Minbar. They saw their sister Night dancing with their new Sisters, the Star and the Moon. Quickly they joined in the fun and soon Minbar was filled with the Goddess Aerstia's children playing among the land."

Suddenly the room was filled with fire and wind as the fire and wind dancers came back onto the floor and began dancing among the crowd.

"This," Suddenly the dancing stopped and the lights slowly came on. "is the beginning of the Five Warrior Clans of Minbar. The Fire Walkers," Fry'iea stepped forward and bowed to us. "The Shamed Wind Swords," Winlea came forward and kneeled with her sword in her hand before me. "The Night Walkers Clan," The hooded figure came before me as Winlea went back to stand with the rest of the dancers. I watched as the hooded figure bowed toward me then rise up and removed her hood. I smiled down and returned the bow to my second Mother, N'ghk . "The Star Riders clan," An older Minbari woman came forward to bow to me but first she bowed to Neroon. She looked familiar to me. However, I don't remember meeting her before. Neroon obviously knew her for when he was done bowing he motioned her forward. "Marcus, I would like for you to meet my Mother. Na'hkti." I bowed low before as I spoke, "Welcome Mother of Neroon. I am honored by your presence here."

She smiled kindly towards me and bowed to me, "We will talk later, young Marcus," She replied.

"The Moon Shields," I bowed to another female Minbari that I didn't know. Neroon also motioned her forward. "This is Lenira, she is the daughter of your second father Mid'ry's daughter and now your sister."

"Welcome ,brother "Lenira said in her soft spoken voice. "We are honored to have you in our clan and welcome you with open arms."

I bowed to her and said, " Thank you, Lenira for the warm welcome."

She smiled kindly to me as she turned and went back to the dancers.

"These are The Five Warrior Clans of Minbar. The Children of the Great Warrior Kal'va who was blessed by the Warrior Goddess Aerstia.The Warrior Clans soon became one and formed The Warrior Caste. Welcome you, Marcus Cole in to our caste," Sarhkat said as she closed her ancent scroll and bowed low to me.

I felt the need to thank them for this wonderful gift and so I began to speak, "Thank you all for giving me this wonderful gift. I am very pleased and honored that you thought to share it with me and my friends." I bowed thankfully to the dancers, then to my parents and then to Delenn. Neroon stood and offered his hand for me to take. I took it with pride as we made our way out of the room and back to my quarters.

As he kissed me goodnight in front of my door I found that I couldn't help but look forward to what tomorrow would bring on our tenth day of our courtship. Then I lost all train of thought as Neroon's kiss deepened with pleasure.

On the tenth day of my courtship with Neroon. I received a visit from my future mother in law, Na'hkti.

She smiled and motioned for me to sit down as she began to pour us tea. "So tell me ,young Marcus, do you love my son?

Well at least she gets straight to the point. No waiting for grass to grow under her feet. "Yes, Na'hkti." I love your son very much."

She seemed pleased with my answer as she poured me another cup of tea. "Long ago my mother gave me a bit of advice when my first child was born. She said, 'Never hold your child back. Let them be free to grow and be what ever they wanted to be. Never tell them who they should love but accept that who ever they love as the greatest gift that is ever given out.' Marcus. I have been beside myself forever hoping that Neroon would one day find his true love. I had almost given up hope that he would never marry. Little did I know that his other half was a human. A enemy of our species. A human who carried a Minbari soul. Not just any soul mind you, but a soul of a Minbari warrior. As I look at you now I find myself pleased with his choice. Be assured that I will not cause you any trouble in your marriage with my son. For I am pleased with you and welcome you into our house." With that she smiled at me and placed a soft kiss on my forehead.

"Now I must go for your Mate is waiting outside of your door with your tenth present," With that she kissed my cheek and then turned to leave as my beloved along with my five Minbari parents entered.

Neroon bowed to his mother and then kissed her cheek before she left with two of his warriors to guard her. He then turned to me and motioned for me to sit down while my parents stood on the other side of the room to watch us.

"It is tradition by the Warrior Caste that when a couple are courting that they should set one day aside to get to know their mate better. This tradition is called Gtk'yu and was started many cycles ago when mates where chosen by the parents and not the child. I have chosen you, however, your parents believe that you need to be given the chance to get to know me so that you know you are making the right choice in a Mate."

I watched as he paused to sit down and pull a list from his robe. "According to your Human tradition you are to receive ten lords a leaping. However, Marcus, I am of the Warrior Caste and the last time I checked we do not ... how you say...leap. Nor do we have lords to leap for you. However on this day of Gtk'yu I have chosen ten questions to ask you and you can ask me ten questions about anything that you would like to know about me. There are no lies allowed during the questioning period. Only the truth is allowed and the knowledge of your mate. No secrets are allowed to leave this room and all the answers to the questions remain in this room. Do you accept this gift from me. The gift of knowing who your mate is?"

I reached out, touched his hand and smiled, "Yes, Neroon, I do accept this gift from you. I am glad that my parents have thought of it. For I can think of no better gift then the knowledge of one's true love."

He smiled and looked very pleased with my answer and then took the list out as he spoke once more, "Then let us begin."

"Question one: Where were you born?"

I smiled as I sat back and answered his questions. "I was born on Arisa colony. Where were you born, Neroon?"

"I was born out side of Yed'ore on our family estate."

"Question two: What are your favorite vids."

Hmm, "I like Shakespeare, King Arthur and his knights, Robin Hood, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Tolkien. For Minbari vids, I like the History of Minbar, Tee'la, and the collective works of the Great Warrior Mar'se. What about you, Neroon. What are your favorite vids?"

He smiled at me and touched my hand. "I also like the collective works of The Great Warrior Mar'se and would like to discuss them with you. I also like Tee'la, However I find the history of Minbar to be rather boring since it was all I studied when I was in school. I find the Mythology of Minbar tobe more fascinating. I would like to share with you the myths of the Warrior Caste. I believe you will find the myths of the Warrior Goddess Aerstia and her lover J'xir, the God of Peace ,to be fascinating." He smiled as he sexually leered at me. I had a feeling that these tales would be very steamy and enlightening when he did show them to me. "As for human vids," he continued. "I am studying this human called Alexander The Great. I find him to be an enlighting Warrior and I am wondering if he is like you and carries a Minbari soul inside of him. I am looking forward to you sharing your vids of this Shakespeare, King Arthur, Robin Hood, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Tolkien."

"What is your favorite smell, is my third question?" He continued.

Hmm ,I had to think about that one. "What is my favorite smell? I think my favorite smell is the smell of eggs and bacon being cooked in the morning. That is a human breakfast," I quickly explained to my beloved's confusion. What is yours?" I asked when he smiled at me.

"My favorite smell is the smell of you, Marcus. For when we fought Denn'sha I could smell your human sweat and I can smell it even now. It smells sweet and comforting to me." I couldn't help but blush as I shyly looked away from him.

"What is the worst feeling in the world," he continued with his questions.

"The loss of my family and realizing that I had no control over the situation." I answered as I thought of my parents and my brother. "What is yours?" I asked

"Being told to stand down at the Battle of the Line during the Earth-Minbari war. Nothing against you, my beloved. But the Gray council never gave us an explanation, they just told us to stand down that the war was over. We were left with no explanation. They told us nothing. It wasn't until later when I became Satai that the real reason was revealed to me and even then I didn't believe it. Until I met a certain ranger and fell in love with him." He finished as he looked at me and raised my hand to his lips for a brief kiss.

"What is the best feeling in the world," he whispered his fifth question to me as he placed another kiss on my hand.

"Having someone tell me that they love me. You?" I asked as I looked deeply into his eyes and moved closer for a kiss.

"Hearing you tell me that you love me," he replied as he pulled me into a kiss filled with passion and love.

The loud clearing of throats filled the room breaking us apart. I couldn't hide my blush as I tried to hide my face inside his cloak.

However I couldn't help the pleased smile that crossed my face as I watched my beloved try to gather himself together before he asked his next question. "Did you sleep with a stuffed animal when your were a child?" he asked.

I blushed as I remembered the toy, "A stuffed teddy bear that was once my mother's when she was a child. And you?"

"A stuffed dennbok I had as a child."

"Do you have any bad habits?" he asked as one of his fingers began to play with my hair.

"Yes," I said as I rubbed my finger across his cheek. "I have been told many times that I am way too stubborn for my own good. I refuse to quit anything once I have started it no matter how stupid it was." I brushed my finger across his lips as I remembered our first meeting. " Do have any bad habits?" I asked him I took his hand in mine and placed a kiss on it.

"Yes, I have been told by many that I am quick to anger and that once my good opinion of someone is lost it is lost forever."

"I only ask this question simply because I would like to know you better and not because I am jealous of your past... have you ever been in love?"

I sighed as I looked up at him, "Not until I met you have I ever known what love felt like. And you." I was afraid of his answer for fear that there might have been someone else that he loved before he met me.

However, he reassured me when he lifted my hand up to his lips and placed a kiss on it, "Never have I ever felt love until the day I met you and felt my soul call out to yours."

"Now ,Marcus, I know my next question is a bit personal but I would like to know your answer. Are you a virgin?"

I blushed when he asked me this question, "Yes. Are you?" I shyly asked him.

He looked pleased with my answer. However when I asked him my question he looked saddened for a moment. "Oh my beloved Marcus , if I had known then that I would meet you I think I would have been proud to remain a virgin. However, I am not. I lost it years ago when I thought I would never find my one true love. Are you angry with me for not waiting for you?"

I place my finger on his lips and softly spoke, "Hush, do not be ashamed for not waiting for me. I understand. I'm just glad that there will be one of us in this relationship that will have some experience in knowing what to do."

"Finally my last question of the Gtk'yu. Do you still love me?"

I smiled up at him and wrapped my arms around his neck as I whispered my answer, "With all of my heart I love you more now than ever before. And you? Do you still love me?"

"Forever and always, Marcus, you will have my love to hold in your hands," He leaned down and sealed his vow with a kiss filled with love and passion.

I think I heard Fry'iea tell the rest of my parents to quickly turn their backs for a moment. However once Neroon began to deepen our kiss I found I couldn't concentrate on anything else after that.

On my eleventh day of our courtship I was walking down the corridor to pay Garibaldi a visit when I overheard my beloved speaking. I quickly hid behind the corner to see what my beloved was up too and what did it have to do with Garibaldi.

"Yes a pipe, Mister Garibaldi. What is a Pipe?"

"A pipe? Why do you want to know what a pipe is?"

"Well it is for Marcus. It is his eleventh day of courting and according to human tradition I am supposed to give him eleven pipers piping. However, When I ask the shopkeepers they act like they have never heard these pipers and piping. So as a friend of Marcus I ask you in the hopes that you might know what a pipe is."

"A pipe... Hmmm.. What is a pipe?" I peeped around the corner and watched a mischievous look cross Garibaldi's face. Suddenly the look was gone as he began to look one way and the next. Then he motioned Neroon to get closer.

"A pipe is.." I couldn't hear the rest because he began to whispered in Neroon's ear. I felt a sudden pang of jealousy as I watch my lover's eyes darken in passion at the now dead Mister Garibaldi's words. Yep as soon as I found out what Neroon wants with a pipe I am going kill Mister Garibaldi. How dare he whisper passionate words into my lover's ear.

"No!" Neroon softly exclaimed. "Well.. you humans do surprise us. So that is what a pipe is. Just for your information the Minbari call it Blw'Jb. And you are sure that Marcus will like this... Blw'Jb for a gift. "

"Very certain."

"Thank You for your help, Mister Garibaldi. Now I must find Marcus to give him his gift."

I hid again behind the corner and put aside my deathly thoughts of Mister Garibaldi and prepared to follow my lover back to my quarters.

As we neared my quarters I quickly grabbed my lover and pushed him inside my room and up against the wall.

"Never!" I hissed low and near his ear. "I want to never again see Garibaldi or anyone else whispering passionate words into your ears. Do you hear me, Neroon?" I angrily asked my lover as I pushed him higher up the wall. I watched as a smile cross his lips and his eyes darkened with passion as I brought him back down to roughly kiss him.

I moaned when he wrapped his strong arms around me and our kiss turned from anger to love and forgiveness.

"So sorry," I crooned near his ear. "I'm so sorry for loosing my temper but just the very thought of anyone touching you sends me into a jealous rage. Forgive me?" I asked as I looked up into his dark eyes.

He smiled down at me and gently touched my face with his hand, "Marcus, my beloved. You have no idea how pleased I am of the thought of you being jealous for me. This touches me greatly. It also makes me want to extract the same promise that you asked of me." With that he roughly turned me around and pushed me against the wall as he whispered roughly near my ear. "Never do I want to see Susan Ivanova touch you or anyone else touch you ever again."

"Agreed," I roughly answered as I pulled him down for a kiss to seal our agreements. Suddenly he was kneeling before me as his strong hands began undoing my pants.

"Now I was talking to Mister Garibaldi about pipers and what they were. In my society we call them Blw'Jb." I groaned as I realized what he was suddenly talking about. My beloved Neroon was going to suck me for my eleventh gift. My last thought was that if I died now I would die a very happy man.

Then all thought was lost as I felt my lover's warm mouth gently touch the crown of my straining cock.

The hot moistness of his mouth descended onto my shaft, enveloping me with heat and I shuddered. But then his tongue lapped at my crown and I found my hands on his head, gently touching and rubbing up and down his bone crest. Causing Neroon to pull back and gasp at the sensations that I was creating in him. He leaned back in again. But this time he grabbed my hands and forced them back against the wall. I moaned out loud as I watched him run a tongue over the crimson head to drink in a tear of fluid. He chuckled around me and the vibration spread throughout my body until I could no longer hold back from thrusting up into that haven of warmth. He sucked a little more, his fingers finding the sac between my legs and gently rolling the two balls held safe there.

He continued sucking till I could hold back no more and I came with a loud cry of his name.

"NEROOOON!" and suddenly fell into his welcoming arms.

I awoke later with his arms still around me. He smiled down at me as his hand brush back a strand of hair. "So Marcus are you ready for your second piping?" he asked with a lustful gaze.

"Well," I said as my finger caressed his bonecrest causing him to shiver in pleasure. "I say that of all my gifts that you have given me I think I will need ten more of them to really appreciate the importance of this gift."

He chuckled and wrapped his strong arms around me and pulled me on top of him, "I love you, Marcus Cole. " He whispered as he pulled me down for a long passionate kiss.

"I love you, too, Neroon" I whispered as our lips touched and we continued our education of piping.

~~~~~

Michael Garibaldi was minding his own business that night when suddenly out of nowhere he was attacked and pushed up against the wall of the corridor facing one angry and deadly Ranger.

"Never again, Mister Garibaldi, do I want to catch you whispering sweet nothings into My MATE'S ear." Marcus stated as his denn'bok was pushed against Garibaldi's windpipe for a crushing blow.

"If I ever see you doing it again believe me I will not hesitate to kill you where you stand. Do we understand each other?"

"Gasp,gurgle," Michael quickly nodded his head and watched as Marcus slowly smiled at him.

"Good." Marcus quickly retracted his dennbok. "Well come on ,pal, let's go give you a thank you drink for telling Neroon the true meaning behind the word 'piping'. While we are at it we will drink to my mate also. It isn't everyday that your best friend is going to be mated to a Minbari now is it?" With that thought in mind Marcus swung his arm over Garibaldi's shoulders as they went in hunt of Stephen to drink to Marcus' health.

The twelfth day of my courtship with Neroon was going to be my last day of the courtship. This was the day that I would pass judgment on the Wind Swords clan and would tell my parents and Delenn of my decision. The day when Neroon will propose to me. The day that will change the rest of my life. To say that I was scared to death of the choices being made would be an understatement. But what is life without a little excitement involved in it.

So first things first. My meeting with my first father, Swarde and Winlea to pass judgment on their clan. I have asked Neroon to be with me. I haven't told him my decision yet regarding the Wind Sword clan but I have a feeling that he might know what I am going to say to them and I believe that he will agree with it.

The door slides open for me as I enter and there kneeling before me on their hands and knees is my first father, Swarde and Winlea.

I clear my throat and Swarde is the only one who look up at me while Neroon takes a hold of my hand to give me comfort and support.

"I have thought long and hard on this and I have come to a decision. To erase the shame that your former Clan leader has done to me and my people, I will grant your clan and only your clan the protection of my life. To become my personal guards and advisers once Neroon and I are mated. Neroon and I have talked of children and once we go through the procedure I will need someone to guard and protect the children. Your clan is the only clan that I will trust with my life and that of the children. Do you accept this choice?"

I smiled at the shocked looks on Swarde and Winlea's face for surely they were expecting the worse. Whatever the worst was I didn't want to think about it. But the Wind Sword clan was the perfect choice in protecting my life and the lives of the children.

"We are honored by your choice and will gladly accept it. We will protect your life once you are mated with Neroon. Thank you for such a wise decision," Swarde said as he and Winlea stood up and bowed to us.

"A very smart and wise move, Marcus," Neroon said as we turned to leave. He raised my hand to his lips as he whispered, "I am very proud of you, Am'Sheal" then he pulled me close and kissed me.

I moaned against his warm and loving lips and would have continued soaking up his affection for me if it weren't for someone clearing their throat.

I let go of a depressed sigh for when I turned I around I saw Lennier standing by.

"It is time for you meeting with Entil'Zha Delenn." I sighed and kissed Neroon one last time.

"Marcus, do not forget that your last gift will be in the meeting room," Neroon said as his finger brushed my cheek one last time before he left me to follow Lennier.

He led me to Delenn's quarters and we entered. She motioned for me to sit down and began to pour me a cup of tea.

"Marcus, I am as always pleased to see you."

"Thank you Delenn."

"You have come to me to tell me your choice in the matter of your new parents and the Anla'shoc."

"Yes, Entil'Zha Delenn. Delenn, I have been a member of the Rangers for five years now and I have never ever regretted my choice. Now, however, I find I am being given another choice. A choice that I would like to explore in greater depth. Delenn, I would like to spend time with my new parents. Get to know them as they have taken the time to know me."

Silence filled the room as Delenn sipped her tea and thought over what I said.

As she put her cup down on the glass table she finally looked up at Marcus. "To say that I am pleased with your choice would be wrong. However, I do understand your choice, Marcus and I have prepared for it. Your parents and I have finished the peace negotiations and we are both very please with them. There is a condition to the treaty however. An exchange of men. I will exchange my best Anla'shoc and they in turn will exchange their best warrior. This warrior and the ranger will act as liaisons for our two castes. The exchange will last four of your human years and two of Minbari cycles. When the time is up we will once more choose our two best for another exchange among our caste. Marcus you are my first choice for the exchange. We... that to say that both castes are pleased with the outcome of this."

Then she stood and opened her arms to me and I walked into her hug. "Marcus," She said as she pulled back from our hug. "Always remember that you are the best of the Anla'shoc. That you are Id'Minbari and that no matter what happens in this life that you have made the right choices. I think that I speak for Jeffery Sinclair if he were here now. We are both very proud of you and I know that I will miss seeing and having my friend near by." With that she placed a soft kiss on my forehead. "Be well Marcus and know that you will always have Valen's blessing on you."

"Thank you, Delenn," I said as I returned her hug and bowed one last time to her.

I turned and left her quarters and headed for the main meeting room where Neroon had asked me to meet him there for his gift. I found myself looking forward to it because I couldn't wait to see what Neroon would come up with 12 drummers drumming.

The door slid open and there in sitting in a circle in the center of the floor were twelve warrior holding drums in front of them. In the center of the circle stood my beloved, Neroon.

Fry'iea and N'ghk came and both welcomed me with a hug. Then they stood back as soon as a slow drumming beat began. In the center Neroon began to move to the seductively slow beat.

"This," said Fry'iea. "Is the Mating dance that tradition dictates must be done once a Mate has been chosen. The Warrior who has chosen a Mate must step into the drumming circle and begin a dance of seduction in hopes that the Mate he has chosen will also step inside the circle and choose him also. This dance has been performed for many cycles and will continue to be used after we have gone on.

I watched as my lover began a slow sinuous dance to the beat of the drums and soon the beat began to pick up pace.

I gasped as I watch Neroon begin to take off his cloak to the faster beat. Soon his shirt came off and he was dancing with his arms open wide to the moving throbbing beat of the drums.

I couldn't help myself as I watched my lover dance for me. As I watched his glistening chest I felt my mouth go dry and soon I found myself walking nearer to the drum circle.

He lustily leered at me as he began to undo his pants. I gulped as I found my eyes frozen as he seductively took them off in a flourish.

I think I began to drool when my eyes fell upon my now naked lover as he danced to fast pace beat of the drums.

He held out his hands toward me motioning me to come to him. To join him in this dance of seduction. I found that I could not say no to him for I felt the seductive beats of the drums move through me.

Without even knowing it I found myself moving into the circle and soon dancing seductively with my naked Minbari lover.

My cloths falling off where his hands touched and cressed my body. Till I was also naked before him and moving to the seductive beats of the drums.

Suddenly the beating of the drums stopped and I heard my first father's voice call out. "Marcus Cole of the Anla'shoc and Warrior Caste have you answered Neroon of the Star Rider's clan call for a mate?" Swarde asked me.

Without even thinking about it I reached for Neroon's hand and placed it in mine. "Yes," I answered proudly. "I. Marcus Cole of the Anla' shoc and now Warrior Caste. Do proudly accept Neroon of the Star Riders clan as my mate."

Swarde nodded and then he turned to look at Neroon. "Neroon of the Star Rider's clan do you accept Marcus Cole of the Anla'shoc and Warrior Caste as mate for life?"

"Yes I do accept him as a mate."

"Very well then let it be known through out the clans, the Castes and Minbar that Neroon and Marcus Cole have agreed to be mated for life." With that the drums began to beat loudly and faster and soon Neroon took a hold of my hand, raised it in the air and then wrapped his arm around my waist and moved me into another dance of seduction.

"So does this mean that there won't be a wedding?," Susan spook softly as she, Michael and Stephan stepped inside the room to see what all the noise was about.

Fry'iea smiled at the beautiful young human warrior and touched her hand. "No, Susan. This is only the .... how you say ... engagement ceremony. For our son and his chosen mate. We will still have the wedding to look forward to and I believe that it will be a wedding to end all weddings. For it will be a true love wedding."

Susan smiled at the beautiful Minbari woman and returned her touch and watched as a naked Marcus and Neroon continued their dance of seduction.

Marcus pulled his lover close to him and whispered, "I love you, Neroon."

"I love you, Marcus. So very much, " Neroon replied to his beloved mate as he pulled him close for a kiss filled with love and passion.

~~~~~

"John, what are you humming?" Delenn asked her lover as he pulled her into his lap.

"A song that my mother used to sing to me. I think that your people have heard it and think that it is the proper way to court a human."

"Really and what is this song called?" She asked her lover as she brushed her hand through his hair.

"I'm thinking of renaming it the 'The 12 Minbari Days of Courting." He replied with a teasing smile. It goes something like this," Soon John's rich voice filled the room they were in singing the new lyrics to "The 12 Minbari Days of Courting."

"On the first day of my Minbari Courting my true love gave to me, One P'rtrdge bird and a Faerty tree, Two Baby turtles, Three French Kisses, Four Calling Minbari Parents with Cal'yg Birds, Five Golden Rings, Six Pink Marshmellow Peeps, Seven Pink S'wakles a swimming in a Olympic sized pool, Eight Minbari Servents with glasses of milk and chocolate chip cookies, Nine Minbari Ladies dancing, Ten questions asked, eleven Blw'Jbs most happily given and AN ENGAGEMENT MINBARI STRIPTEASE...!"