Title: Unstated

Author: Psalm 136

Rating: K+

Genre: Angst, romance.

Summary: Tag to Common Ground. As Ladon left Atlantis to return to his homeworld, he had the inkling that he wasn't just leaving a leader behind; he was leaving behind a woman about to become a widow.

Disclaimer: Stargate Atlantis belong to TPTB, not moi.

Author's Notes: It was 12:47 AM when this struck me; I was watching Common Ground, and I couldn't help but notice how affected Elizabeth was by John's capture.

"I didn't do this for you."

Ladon Radim glanced back over his shoulder at Elizabeth Weir, wondering what her words meant. Yes, Sheppard was one of her people, but there was something in the way her throat seemed to be choked up that betrayed her. She was a diplomat, and she didn't show her emotions. Yet, he could see the tears wetting her eyes.

"Nevertheless, I'll be in touch the moment I have the information you need." It was the least he could say to her for not sending him to be the one fed upon. Ladon doubted Kolya would have actually sent Sheppard back, and he was sure Dr. Weir knew that as well, but she had saved him. It was an act he could never have expected from one of his own, yet this woman he had deeply betrayed was offering him some form of cold kindness.

As Ladon turned back to step through the event horizon of the Stargate, he suddenly felt as though he was leaving a grieving widow behind.