The setting sun over the eastern part of the ancestral city captivated the attention of local Athosian leader, Teyla Emmagan. After a long day of fighting her once allies, the Genii, a moment of peace was needed in order to restore her to a calm state. Especially since the situation with Lieutenant Colonel Sheppard's capture had upset her more than she thought it would. Leaning over the railing of balcony, Teyla sighed and thought about how her life would be without the childish Lieutenant Colonel. The only conclusion that she came to was that it would be an unhappy one.
Even though Teyla has known John for a short time, compared to that of her people, he had become an integral part of her life. He has been the only constant in her life, supporting her in decisions as well as protecting her from unwise ones. Teyla didn't know what she would do without him. It saddened her that one day he would be taken away from her, If not from the Genii, then by his superiors.
The sun had finally set, leaving the twinkling stars in the sky for Teyla's view. It was quite beautiful, if Teyla stared hard enough she could see shapes. Rodney said that they were constellations and that he would have to name them soon.
"They are beautiful, aren't they." A voice from behind Teyla said. Smiling, Teyla wiped the stray tears from her eyes before giving the man behind her, her full attention.
"Yes, they are beautiful. Rodney says that he will name them someday, like the stars in your galaxy." Teyla felt John's presence as he stood beside her, leaning over the rail and shrugging his shoulders.
"McKay feel's the need to label everything. I, on the other hand, think that the stars are amazing without a name. You know… untouched by people."
Teyla smiled, something that she couldn't stop doing around John. "Yes John, I know exactly what you mean. My people too, believe that the wilderness is something to be cherished. It was created that way for a reason but I don't believe that naming a planet, or star in this case, qualifies as being touched by humans."
"I know, I just thought that I'd share my…philosophy on the subject."
"Really?" Teyla asked incredulously. She didn't believe a word that John said, particularly since he tilted his head to the side. He always did it when he was thinking of a quick answer that was not necessarily the truth.
"Yes, I do have my moments."
"I never doubted that Colonel." Taking a deep breath Teyla continued, "But I do wonder why you have chosen to grace me with you presence. Not that I don't appreciate it, It's just that Dr. Keller specifically said that you were to remain in bed for the remaining of the week."
"Yea, but she's no Carson. Keller folds like a deck of cards when under pressure." John immediately regretted speaking Carson's name. Not too long ago the doctor was killed because of an exploding tumor. Only situations like that could occur on Atlantis. John has been able to deal with Carson's death without much sorrow, thanks to his military training, but Teyla has not. At the mention of his name Teyla's body would always become ridged like it is now.
"Teyla, everything is fine. I'm sure that Beckett has moved on to a …better place." John wanted to kick himself because he didn't have the ability to be as insightful in circumstances such as this. He knew that Teyla needed comfort but he didn't know how to supply it.
John removed the tear that slowly fell down Teyla's smooth brown cheek with a stroke of his thumb. He couldn't stand to see Teyla in such a state and Teyla detested being in one. Breathing deeply the Athosian Leader calmed herself down and reluctantly stepped away from John's embrace.
"I am sure you are right John, Dr. Carson is faring much better than we are at the moment but I still miss him greatly. You and he both are the first people that I've befriended on Atlantis. It is just hard to allow a bond like that to pass." Teyla looked into John's hazel eyes and read the worry in them and felt immediately guilty. "I believe I should retire for the night if I am to visit new Athos in the mourning."
Sheppard grabbed Teyla's hand preventing her from leaving for just a moment. "Teyla, you know that as long as I am here that you will always have a friend." The woman in question smiled before patting the lieutenant Colonel's hand as if to say 'I know.' Before walking away and leaving John on the balcony, staring after her.