Series: Stargate Atlantis

Theme: Drama/Romance

Characters: Main cast

Rating/Warning: PG-13/Mild violence

Summary: The King and Queen of Tamere return home, but what consequences will it have for John's team.

Bue and Norena

John paused to admire his handy work. He tilted his knee to the side for a better view. It wasn't one of his best, but as far as he was concerned it was pretty damned close. He glanced over at Rodney and then back to the stick figure with a bubble head, angry eyes and wrinkled mouth. Yup, that's Rodney. Adding the finishing touch, he wrote Meredith above the figure's head and grinned.

"John?"

He whipped his head around and looked up guiltily.

"Yeah?"

"What are you doing?"

John smiled innocently.

"Nothing."

Teyla arched a brow. He was most definitely up to something.

"Rodney has adjusted the scanner to compensate for the interference coming from the atmosphere. He says that there is a city two miles north of our location. We are ready to go."

John rose from the fallen log on which he sat and tossed a small twig into the bushes. Teyla glanced down at the etchings in the dirt and then back up at him. They shared a smile.

"Are you two coming or not?!"

They both turned to find Rodney glaring at them impatiently, his eyes angry and his mouth twisted in a smirk. John and Teyla shared another look before bursting into laughter.

Tamera, like many planets that they'd visited, was fairly small, but what it lacked in size it made up in beauty. The tropical planet's mountainous terrain, lush greenery, sparkling white beaches, and crystal clears waters were breathtaking. The only thing that could be considered negative was the strange energy readings that came from the atmosphere. It made if difficult for the Ancient scanner to detect life signs and caused heavy static on the personal communicators.

The team crested the third hill of their two mile hike and as Rodney predicted homes could be seen scattered throughout the valley below. The small stone structures continued for another mile or so ending on the outskirts of a large city surrounded by a high wall. They smiled and waved in greeting as they passed villagers who paused from their chores to watch the team's procession down the hill. At the bottom they were met by two armed men; the taller stepped forward and smiled.

"Welcome to Tamere. I am Leland, chief of the Outskirts Patrol and this is Devon, my Second."

John returned the greeting and introduced his teammates.

"We are explorers seeking friendship and trade."

Leland nodded. "If it is trade you seek than I shall take you to Kane. He is Keeper of all Tamere."

Leland spoke briefly with Devon, then turn back to John. He gestured to the path ahead of him.

"This way please."

They followed Leland through the village and into the city gates and were not surprised to find it bustling with people. Farmers, butchers, bakers, and all manner of tradesmen displayed goods to be bartered or purchased.

The small group continued through the busy streets toward a building that Leland referred to as the Manor. John looked up at the huge palace and shook his head. Manor, my eye. It was a monstrous piece of architecture that looked very familiar and yet very strange. He could see details in its design that hinted at Egyptian, Greek and Roman influences. From the columns that stood guard on each side of the staircase leading up to the front door, to high arched ceilings of a long hall, littered with white marble statues. It was like walking through a museum.

Leland paused at the end of the hall in front of an entrance with two gigantic gold and ivory doors. He spoke briefly with the guard and then continued into the next room. The team followed and stared around the thrown room in awe. Its sheer size alone was astounding, but combined with its décor no words could adequately describe its beauty. The room was square in shape with a ceiling the reached some forty feet high. Along the left and right walls were large windows, draped in purple and gold cloth, that allow cool air and sunlight to flow throughout. Massive columns, covered in hieroglyphs, sat four in a row on each side of a purple carpet that stretched from the entryway to the foot of a stairwell on the far side of the room. The stairwell led up to a ten foot high platform on which sat two thrones, also made of gold and ivory. At the base of the stairwell, on the left hand side, sat an older gentleman at a small table. He looked up from his writings and rose from his seat as they approached.

"Good morrow, Leland." He nodded at the team. "I see we have guests."

Leland quickly returned Kane's greeting and made the necessary introductions. He also explained the purpose of their visit. Kane smiled.

"Than, I most happily welcome you to Tamere." He glanced at their weapons. "You appear to be more advanced than us in some ways. I am not sure that we will be able to offer you anything of interest, but please feel free to look around and participate in today's festivities."

Teyla inquired.

"Festivities?"

He nodded.

"Yes. Today is the twentieth anniversary of King Bue and Queen Norena's marriage. There will be games, music and treats throughout the day and this eve we will have a great feast."

Teyla grinned in anticipation.

"We are honored."

Rodney butted in.

"Would it be possible for us to meet with the King and Queen?"

Kane's smile fell.

"Unfortunately not. I apologize if my words caused you confusion, but the King and Queen both passed away many years ago."

John glared at Rodney and then turned to Kane.

"I am sorry."

Kane waved his hand.

"Think nothing of it. Many have asked that very question. They always wish to know why we celebrate a King and Queen who are no more." He gestured to the room. "Tamere has not always been so fortunate, but under the rule of King Bue everything changed. He was a good king; fair, generous, but swift to meet out punishment when necessary. He was the body of Tamere and Queen Norena was its heart. She was all that was beauty and kindness."

Kane sighed.

"Forgive me."

Teyla smiled.

"On the contrary, I greatly wish to hear more of your king and queen."

Kane bowed his head to her.

"And so you shall, but for now I must turn you over to my assistant Erwin. He will show you the Manor and introduce you to the merchants of the city and this eve I shall be at your leisure."

The team met with Erwin, who showed them a place to store their gear. He gave them a tour of the Manor, recounting much of its history, before taking them back out into the city. They talked with many merchants, who were more than happy for a chance to meet with the new visitors. It was a little after noon when Erwin led them back to the Manor. There they ate lunch and were given clothes to wear for the festivities and feast.

Teyla glanced at her reflection in the mirror. She turned left and then right, watching as the light weight material of her dress floated around her body and settled into place. It was a beautiful gown of deep green that dipped low in the front and tied at the shoulders and waist with gold rope. With her hair twisted up and held in place with gold combs and matching golden hoops dangling from her ears, she looked elegant. Teyla smiled at her reflection one last time before sitting on the bed and slipping on her sandals. She'd just finished when a knock sounded on the door. She stepped out into the hall and blushed from Ronon's raised brows, Rodney's slack jaw, and John's wolf whistle. Teyla noted their clothing, which was very similar only varying in colors and detail. They each wore white undershirts with high collared, long sleeve tunics that flowed to the floor. There were slits on both sides from hip to ankle and when they walked the pants worn underneath could be seen. John wore a grey tunic with black pants, Ronon's were tan and brown, and Rodney wore a sky blue tunic with navy pants. John smiled at her.

"You look very nice."

Teyla's blush deepened as she returned the compliment.

"As do you."

She turned to Ronon and Rodney, including them as well.

"As do all of you."

Rodney smirked.

"If you two are done mooning over each other, can we go now? I think I saw a table for tasting desserts and want to get there before it's all gone."

Ronon rolled his eyes and John laughed. Teyla looked back and forth between the two.

"We do have a bit of time until the feast and Erwin did say we were free to enjoy the festivities?"

John smirked. Leave it to McKay to want food after lunch and before dinner. He shook his head in exasperation.

"Lead the way, Rodney"

They wondered around the city for hours, taking in the sights, sampling wine and competing in games. John won a scarf in a juggling competition, which he gave to Teyla, Ronon won a silver coin in a game of strength, and Teyla won a basket of food in a knife throwing contest, which she shared with her teammates. They headed back to the Manor just before six, giving themselves an hour to relax and refresh before the feast. Erwin arrived a few minutes before then to escort them to the banquet room. It was another large room that had been richly decorated for the celebration. In its center sat twenty tables arranged in five squares of four. Each square was stationed one inside the other and steadily grew smaller until they reached the center, which contained a fire pit. The tables were adequately spaced allowing diners and servants to move about freely.

The team joined Kane at the center of one of the lager tables; it was designated as a place of honor. Teyla and John sat on his right and Rodney and Ronon his left. After the holy man said a quick prayer of thanks, the feast began.

Teyla and Kane discussed the history and commerce of Tamere in great detail. They also spoke of Atlantis and the possibility of the two cities conducting trade. As the night grew late and the air cooled, a servant lit the fire pit for warmth. A few moments later the holy man returned followed by a man and woman. Kane turned to his guests.

"Teyla, John, this is the ceremony that I mentioned to you before; the Reawakening. Olin shall call upon the spirits of the King Bue and his queen. If they chose to, they will walk the land again through Tanya and her husband Able. Watch and you will see."

Rodney rolled his eyes. He didn't believe one word of the hocus pocus that Kane was feeding to his teammates. He was surprised that they could listen to that crap and keep a straight face. Spirits and boogiemen walking the Earth, or whatever, in human form…. Are you kidding me? Rodney sighed and watched as the so called holy man sprinkled something into the fire. The flames leaped high into the air and a large cloud of smoke rose to the ceiling. Rodney waved his hand in front of his face and coughed. This was ridiculous! They were more likely to die of smoke inhalation than to see the king and queen of Tamere return. The holy man began to chant nonsense. He pulled out a golden scepter that was engraved with hieroglyphics and topped with the biggest emerald that he'd ever seen in his life. Olin now had Rodney's full attention. He sprinkled more herbs into the fire and another cloud of smoke filled the air. But this time, instead of dissipating, the cloud moved towards Tanya and Able. The room grew silent as it hovered over the couple. It slowly divided in two and moved around the room in opposite directions, as if inspecting the occupants. Rodney shrank down in his chair as one moved overhead. His stomach knotted in fear. This couldn't be good. He watched in horror as the clouds hovered over Teyla and John. Both suddenly rose as if pulled from their seats. They inhaled sharply, consuming the smoke through their mouths and nostrils, before collapsing to the floor. Kane gasped and the room erupted into chaos.

Ronon paced back and forth. He glanced at the doors that led to the bedroom where Teyla and John had been taken. Kane, Olin, a doctor by the name of Seth and an old woman named Dana were seeing to them. He looked at Rodney, who sat on a small bench in the hallway. He still had the same dazed expression on his face. Ronon continued his pacing. The ceremony had gone terribly wrong. Kane had told them that many visitors had witnessed the Reawakening and nothing like this had ever occurred. He was just as shocked as they at what happened. Ronon didn't really care. As soon as Teyla and John came out of that room they were heading back to Atlantis. Kane had assured him that they were alive and that the doctor would see to them. He'd said that they would be out shortly. That had been twenty minutes ago. Ronon didn't know what the hell was taking so long, but his patience was wearing thin. If they didn't appear in the next ten minutes, he was going in; guards or no guards.

The doors opened and Rodney shot to his feet. First two guards exited the room, followed by Kane, Olin, Seth, and Dana. The resigned looks on their faces didn't put Ronon at ease. John and Teyla come out next followed by more security. The transformation of the two was stunning. Gone was John's swagger and easy going grin. He held himself upright and his face was very serious. John's grey tunic was also gone. It had been replaced by a sleeveless one made of purple silk; both the collar and neckline were decorated in jewels. His head and upper arms were wrapped in bands of gold leaf, and he wore two bejeweled rings on his left hand, which carried the Tamerian scepter. Teyla's green dress was gone as well. She now wore a white strapless gown with a long flowing train. Her hair had been curled and captured in a net that matched the gold leaf bands that covered her head and upper arms. The only other jewelry she wore was a large diamond ring on her finger. But the most surprising change of all was her face. Teyla's eyes were traced with black liner, giving them a more exotic look, and her lips shimmered with a soft pink gloss. Her usual stoic expression was gone, replaced by a softness that added to her beauty. The love and adoration on her face was clear to see as her eyes watched John. Rodney shifted, feeling slightly embarrassed. Having seen more than enough, he went to Teyla and grabbed her arm.

"Come on, let's go."

He was so surprised when someone grabbed him by the throat, that he released her. Rodney clawed at the hand that was cutting off his air supply and looked up at his assailant. The look of rage that covered John's face as he tightened his grip, froze Rodney with terror.

Bue glared down at the funny looking man who had dared to touch his queen.

"I should kill you for your insolence."

He heard the scuffle to his left as the tall man with long braids tried to come to his friend's aide, but the guards quickly subdued him. They would both be punished.

"Sire!"

Kane hurried forward.

"Please show them mercy. They are strangers to our lands and are ignorant of our laws. They mean you no harm."

Bue shoved Norena's assailant to the floor and glanced at the man with braids. He was still now that his companion had been freed.

"Guards, give them five lashes each and let them spend the night in confinement."

The guards lifted Rodney from the floor and pulled Ronon behind them down the hall. Norena placed a hand on Bue's shoulder. He glanced down at his beautiful wife and smiled.

"Are you hurt?"

She shook her head.

"I am in perfect health husband. He caused me no harm, merely surprise."

She titled her head.

"Could you not find it in your heart to forgo the lashes, just this once?"

Bue sighed, if he wasn't in such as good from finally making Norena his bride, he'd probably ignore her, but he wanted nothing to mar this happy occasion. So he relented.

"Guards!"

The men stopped and turned, awaiting word from their lord.

"Place them in confinement for one night. At daybreak escort them to the gate, allow them to go home and disable the controls."

He turned to Norena.

"We shall have two weeks of peace."

The guards bowed and continued down the hall, soon disappearing from sight.

"Kane."

The Keeper looked at King Bue.

"Yes, sire?"

Bue glanced at him over his shoulder.

"The queen and I shall retire and we do not wish to be disturbed. Is that understood?"

Kane bowed his head.

"As you wish it, my lord."

He watched as the king and queen's entourage followed them down the hall and turned off to another corridor. He wished Olin and Seth and good eve and hurried to the prison cells low within the Manor. Luckily, because they were so rarely used, they were kept clean and smelled of fresh hay. Kane found Rodney and Ronon in the first cell. McKay sighed in relief.

"Thank goodness. I thought you were actually going to leave us here to rot."

Rodney pulled impatiently on the cell door.

"Have you found a way to fix John and Teyla?"

Kane looked at Ronon, who remained quiet in the back of the cell, and then at Rodney.

"I am sorry, but I have no intention of helping you escape. King Bue's word is law." Rodney frowned at him.

"That's not your king, that's John Sheppard in a silly outfit."

Kane shook his head.

"Never the less, our king uses his body to communicate with us, I will never betray him. I am sorry. Your friends are good people. We never meant for any of this to happen. Just be assured knowing that as long as they live, they will have the best of everything we have to offer."

Ronon pushed off of the far wall and approached the gate.

"What do you mean 'as long as they live'?"

Kane sighed.

"I told you before that our king and queen had died, but I never told you how or why. Many years ago King Bue had a reputation of being well admired by women which he enjoyed greatly. But all of that changed when he met Norena. Unfortunately, she was aware of his reputation and refused his first proposal of marriage. Determined, he spent six months courting her and twenty years ago today they were married. Their wedded bliss lasted for three months and two days. First, Norena accused King Bue of cheating and two days later he strangled her to death, but not before she stabbed him with a poisoned dagger. It's happened every time they've returned and no matter how hard we work to prevent the inevitable, we fail."

Norena rested her head on Bue's chest. She gazed beyond the balcony at the stars in the sky. Thousands of them twinkled brightly, giving the night a magical quality. She gently brushed her fingertips across Bue's stomach and smiled when she felt his heart beat faster. He flexed, stretching his body muscles and slowly opened his eyes. Norena lifted her head and grinned down at him.

"Good eve, sire. Did you rest well?"

Bue gazed at her face in the moonlight; her curls tumbled wildly around her shoulders. She was exquisite and she was finally his. He cupped the back of her head and brought their lips together in a passionate kiss. Bue rolled Norena onto her back and nestled comfortably between her thighs.

"Yes wife, I am very well rested."

She sighed in pleasure as he trailed kisses down her neck.

"Do you want for anything husband?"

Bue lifted his head and gazed into her eyes. Norena watched as his eyes darkened with desire.

"I want you, my queen. I only want you."