Chapter Text
“Major Kira, I wasn’t expecting you.” Ziyal smiled.
“I was heading to services at the shrine and thought you might want to accompany me.” Kira smiled a little. She had been doing her best to help the young woman get acclimated to the station.
"I don't know. My mother tried to teach me about the Prophets, and it would be nice to learn more, but maybe you could teach me when they're not holding service?”
“I'd be happy to.” Kira smiled. “They're not going to test you, though. You just listen quietly.”
“It's just, I don't know how welcome I'd be.” She lifted a hand to stroke her ocular ridges.
“You're half-Bajoran, and you're with me. Your genetics aren't your fault.”
“And you'll kick the ass of anyone who tries to yell at me?” Ziyal chuckled.
“Maybe not a Ranjen, but I'll definitely make them regret it.” Kira grinned. “Is that a yes?”
“I’ve always appreciated your honesty. I'll give it a shot.” Ziyal replied, making Kira grin again.
At the shrine a few people gave Ziyal second and third glances, but Kira glared them into submission, arm around Ziyal protectively. When the service started the whispers stopped. The Ranjen spoke about patience, Kira could see Ziyal looking at her in her peripheral vision as she reacted to the words.
After the service Kira told Ziyal that she wanted to speak to the Ranjen, and Ziyal could accompany her or not, whatever she wanted.
“I'd like to join you.”
“Alright.”
“-don't know what she's thinking.” One of the other shrine-goers whispered audibly, glancing at the pair.
“I was thinking that half-Bajoran children deserve to learn about the Prophets.” Kira replied loudly. The temple cleared out rapidly.
“Ah, Major Kira and guest. What I can help you with?” The Ranjen smiled as they approached her.
“I just wanted to thank you for what you said about patience. It's clearly something I'm still working on.” Kira smiled.
“I’ll pray for the Prophets to give you strength.”
“Ranjen Wida, this is my friend Tora Ziyal.” Kira introduced.
“A pleasure to meet you, Tora.” She smiled as she took Ziyal's hand. “Would you mind if I read your pagh?”
“Um.” Ziyal looked to Kira.
“It's like your soul. Accessed through your left ear. Doesn't hurt. Much.” She explained. Ranjen Wida chuckled.
“I'll do my best to be painless.” She promised.
“It's good to know about yourself, right?” Ziyal smiled nervously, tail stiff.
“A wise philosophy.” Ranjen Wida smiled as she grasped Ziyal's ear. “Oh, surprisingly strong.” She commented a second later as she let go.
“What does that mean?”
“It means, like your friend Kira, you're not one to back down from something.”
“Thank you Ranjen.” Ziyal smiled.
“Thank you for allowing me to indulge my curiosity. Can I expect you here next week, Tora?”
“I think so, yes.”
“I look forward to it.” Ranjen Wida smiled in response.
“I'm glad you enjoyed it.” Kira smiled as they walked along the Promenade.
“Thank you for standing up for me.”
“Of course. Those people need to focus on their relationship with the Prophets, not anyone else's.”
“Do you think Ranjen Wida's next lecture will pertain to me?”
“It's possible. Did you want me to ask her not to speak about you?”
“No, I don't want to overstep or anything.”
The next week at the shrine no-one said anything to or about Kira or Ziyal. Kira hoped that eventually Ziyal would be accepted into their faith community, but knew it would take time.