Disclaimer: The story's mine, so are all original charachters, but unfortunately the Stargate and Sam and Daniel aren't. :-(

A/N: Thank you for your reviews mamapranayama (first reviewer :-D) WhiteElfElder (hope you enjoy this bit too) and Catty (as you have fed Ella I will feed you) Great to have you reviewing my story, hope you enjoy

--

Life

Chapter 2

Daniel was strangely quiet at lunch that day. They'd been offered shelter at the home of the Father and the Son, who resided with, not surprisingly, the Mother and the Daughter.

He hardly spoke a word throughout the meal. He kept shooting concerned glances in Sam's direction, completely unaware that she was doing the same, both feeling unable to say anything in the presence of the Family and Ai'ri. He resolved instead to speak to her when they were alone.

Ai'ri, to Daniel's right, noticed too.

"Doctor Jackson," she murmured. He flashed her a smile. "Daniel," he corrected.

Ai'ri smiled back. "You are very quiet, Danile."

"I've just got a couple of things on my mind." Daniel took a bite of the steak the Mother's maid had placed in front of him, and refrained from commenting on its remarkable similarities to chicken. "Really, it's nothing to worry about."

"It is unlike you."

Daniel gave the young woman an odd look. "How can you know that? We've only just met."

"You talked all the way back from the Ring, and Colonel Carter is clearly concerned for you. What is it that is so wrong?"

"Oh, it's just, it's nothing."

"Of course, Danile. Forgive my intrusion."

Daniel smiled at her and continued to eat.

"You should tell her how you feel," Ai'ri said a minute later.

"What?"

"Colonel Carter," she said simply.

"Oh, yes, you should tell her," the Daughter, aged about seventeen, agreed from Ai'ri's other side. "It is always for the best. True love is always there, but cannot be found until feelings have been shared."

"But I don't," Daniel began. "I don't feel anything like that."

"You do, Danile. Do you know what my name Ai'ri means? It means 'sharing souls'. I can see into your soul, Danile – I have been trained to the sixth level of meditation."

"And I, too, have been trained," the Daughter said. "I am of the study of the heart. I can see that you love her. I have not observed Colonel Carter as closely, but I believe she feels the same for you."

"No! No," Daniel repeated, offering a concerned Sam a reassuring smile. "Sam's engaged," he told the two women. "She's getting married soon – to another man. Not to me."

"Then you should tell her before it is too late," the Daughter said.

--

vv Ella's feeling a little better thanks to mamaprayana, WhiteElfElder and Catty, but she still needs to be fed... what happens when you click her?? vv