471: The First Thread Begins the Unravel

by Vol Tryst
80815.00
Concurrent with Scars

-=The Tryst Residence, Betazed=-


Vol was in and out of his chambers, entertaining guests and greeting more as they arrived. Some were familiar faces from what felt like eons ago, others needed a refresher of some kind. Usually in the form of story which his father provided telepathically.

Currently, Vol had retreated for the last time into his room. He was standing on a pedestal with his feet spread shoulder-width apart and his arms extended to either side.

Mr. Noon was going over his body with a brush and a kind of make-up designed for the pale tone that was Betazoid skin. Vol was far from perfect, and had some imperfections to hide here and there.

Touch-ups to his hair were made, and Valerie insisted that there be some brow plucking as well.

Vol was not particular muscular, being that he wasn’t all that into physical exercise. All the recreational swimming from his youth, however, granted him a lean build. His high metabolism, gave him a frame with very little bulk. Although, his body was not muscularly defined, toned, and his lack of body hair made him appear even more pale, and he appeared quite average for a male, Vol didn’t care too much. He grew up accepting his body the way it was, and being happy in his own skin.

Mr. Noon moved from blemish to scar, to birthmark, and it was in this process Vol had to explain the surgical scar on his skull.

He had told his parents about the outcome, and the attack made upon him in one his first missions on the Sera, but now he had to go into more detail. Tholt and Valerie were scared for their son, but were assured that everything was ok.

*You’re saying that the function of the device was reversed?* Tholt thought to both his wife and son.

*More like made to work the way it had been intended. From inhibit, to enhance.*

*So, in theory…* Tholt began, but Vol stopped his proud father short.

*In theory, yes. But I’ve not experienced any heightening in my abilities, I’m just the way I was. I’d have it no other way.* Vol smiled and Mr. Noon finished his work.

*They’ll be no dangers like that since you’ll be remaining here from now on, I assure you.* Tholt had meant the comment to be reassuring, a joke in a sense. As soon as he thought the words, he sensed the joy in Vol dissipate suddenly.

“Stop that.” Said Valerie and she approached Vol to rub his bare shoulder. “You know this is hard for him.”

Her ex-husband rolled his eyes as clarified his comment.

*Vol knows staying here is best.* But for the first time since Vol had returned home, Tholt wasn’t sure that such were the sentiments of his youngest boy.

*Best for whom, Father?* Vol’s head had lowered, and he did not notice the sharp glare his mother gave his father.

“See to it everyone makes their way down to the dock. We’re ready here. Ask Siter to help you.”

Vol didn’t exchange another word, he just sighed as his father left the room to find Siter. Vol thought about all he was undertaking in the next couple of minutes, and his mother lifted his chin so that he may stare at her.

“Do it for you.”

*It’s not my choice. I did not work so hard to stay on Betazed mother, I did so that I can do what I'm doing. Now, I'm expected to give it up just as it's truly beginning.* Vol stepped off his platform and away from his mother.

Valerie stood in silence, and for the first time thought about the wrong they may be doing. But he had made it appear like he wanted nothing else. So if he said nothing to stop it, Valerie couldn’t think of anyone else who would.

“Weddings shouldn’t go well simply for the sake of appearance.” Valerie whispered more to herself, as she sighed, feeling defeated.

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Ensign Vol Tryst
Ship's Counselor
USS Serendipity/Alchemy