The Varrin Steps were illuminated by the morning light as the parties of the previous day were presented by the judgment of dawn. Vor’aq eyes were looking at the sun that was raising from the mountain’s view. These people were traditional on time. He abides the rules because there was too much at stake in this mission, but he rather wanted to rip out the enemy’s throat that dared to mock his house.

“Calm seas bring calm waves, your behavior shall reflect that upon others”

Wisdom from his late father, words he shall not forget that easily. Vor’aq attention was drawn to the top of the stairs, seeing Orun standing there with his wooden staff.

Orun eyes looked from Vor’aq that was accused to the accusing force. “Jora Vesk, accuses Vor’aq Qabhi of house Qabhi from the Klingon Empire to forbidden grips of dishonor during traditional combat.” He waves his hand to a holographic displayed in red that shows the grips, measured and recorded of yesterday combat. “Swear by the Accord”

Noticing the agitation from W’ekras as he taps her shoulder in response to ease her temper while stepping forward. “I, Lord Vor’aq Qabhi of House Qabhi in service of the Klingon Empire speak truthful in the Accord”  He places his hands in front of him, a traditional gesture of posing no threat.

The Vraxiri man steps forward, smirk at Vor’aq and looking at Orun calm posture “I, Jora Vesk of Batch Kareth speak truthful in the Accord”

Taking a deep breath, Orun nods to them both “Let it be heard, be written in stone and blood that they swear by the Accords in truthful testimony” He nods to the scribe that writes down the records for this court session and looked back to continue “To yield, means no edge hooks, grips limited to approved holds. Let us review”.

The holographic image changes to the game of yesterday, two warriors fiercely focused on the combat before them. The crowd sees a match that took barely 4 minutes, slow down. These fights are sacred to these people, abuse of their ways is not just losing the competition. But their trust for any diplomatic advancement.

Jora points out, “There it is, technical, deliberate footwork and trickery at the kill-line. This disarms was forbidden action!”  The crowd looked confused, not able to see it. But a Toral partisan narrows his eyes and raises his hand, “False warrior!” This agitation gave the crowd unrest.

A low growl came from W’ekras “There was no dishonor in this combat, the challenger lost his weapon and was forced to yield!” The crowd got split between against Vor’aq and in defense of him.

A few taps on the ground by the wooden staff of Orun demanded silent from everyone. The people calm down as they look at the judge calm demeanor. By the Accord, I do not see any dishonor, the yesterday’s grip was within tolerance. Therefore, this match is solidified and Vor’aq Qabhi is the winner of this round.” The warrior wanted to intervene as he raises slightly his staff, “You know our ways, my word is final. Accept your lost and try again in a different stadium” Seeing Jora back off, almost immediately.

The scribe nods to the judge and seals the ruling on the tablet, the crowd noise tilts towards the approval as Jora fumes but bows to the seal in forced acceptance. Lursaen, a Toral herald, shrugs at the failed attempted to chase these Klingons out. But the next event would have more at stake.

Council platform

“And here you stand again, but with good news” Varrek stated looking up from his desk to the Klingons in front of him “It seems you have made already enemies on this world, which is impressive”

Vor’aq shrugs, “Allies to our Chancellor are not keen on our arrival here, we are here to prove ourselves in the most honorable way. I stand by my words, we are here to train, to exchange and perhaps come to terms of treaties that benefit both our people”.

A hum comes from the Warlord as he taps the desk looking at Vor’aq “I will agree to K’tadh offer that the off-worlders be fighting only in the sanctioned slots, any escalation goes to the composite trials later in the festival. This way our traditions won’t be in harms way, no delays for further courts and we shall have a new Warlord of Warlords”.

J’esord smiled in agreement to these words of wisdom as he looked at the scribe,“ Bind this evenly and loudly so that every off-worlder be treated the same way” The scribe gave a brief nod.

“We assure you, our steel obeys the Accord, Warlord”  Vor’aq spoke calmly and dismissed himself and his team from the podium. Walking down the stairs back into the festival that was ongoing. The rumors started to circulate in favorable position of House Qabhi. They obey the law, the tradition and still win. A single provocation is ignored by the members of House Qabhi.

Until, Baro looked at Vor’aq after receiving orbital news “My lord, Krellek’s flagship, IKS Khor’tek is in orbit. They are cycling orbit to ground communications.” Entering the market areas as no one really pays attention to them.

A smile softly appears on Vor’aq face, “Let them come, their winds might be strong but we are the true storm here. Prepare the Hor’Cha for any kind of scenario. We have combat rites to win”.