Thank you so much for your reviews, for following. Here we go with the next hope you'll like.
.
Chapter Two
.
New Athos
.
Teyla shifted nervously from one foot to the other. Now that they had reached New Athos she actually was getting a little nervous. Only three months had passed, but so much had changed in that short time and she had never felt this disconnected from her people before, not even when they had been in Michael's grasp.
Her transition from leader to ambassador had been a slow but steady process and it had taken some getting used to. Her choosing an Athosian mate had halted the process, but Michael's abduction, her becoming a mother and her separation from Kanaan had changed that again.
Her priorities had changed not only towards her team as she had once told John, but also towards her people. Now her priorities had changed once more. Her new role made her like Woolsey - a representative of Atlantis and therefore for Earth.
She hadn't been required to do much after their return. Her people barely treated with others anymore and only went to their best friends or asked what Atlantis could do. Halling did most of the trades. He was their leader now and also represented them in the Coalition.
She was still Athosian and a Pegasus native, but she knew that one day she would leave this all behind and return to the home of her new family, Earth.
For many months she had been on New Athos only sporadically to see if her people needed something and always had returned home before nightfall, to spent time with her son and almost always with John as well.
Kanaan's angered words had put her at odds with her people and she sometimes wondered if more felt like him. If they too felt that Atlantis and John were to blame for what had happened and in the end if they blamed her. She had been a part in the decisions as much as John had.
Since their rescue, John had posted one or two of his teams on New Athos to keep them safe. She had been moved to learn that two teams had requested to be left behind to help. The Athosians were valued friends. That was the reason she hoped they would come. They could live a new and safe life, but she also feared that they didn't want to come.
To distract herself she concentrated on John, Ronon and Torren on the other side of the ready room.
John was currently zipping his tac vest and clipping his P-90 on while Torren was curiously studying him from Ronon's shoulders. Every now and then the boy called out to get John's attention.
John would look up then and make a funny face at him. Teyla knew that Torren also called John in the hope he would take him, but she knew John wouldn't. He didn't want to carry the boy with a P-90 strapped to his chest. Where he could easily grab at it or put it in his mouth.
They almost had gotten into a fight earlier when John had put his P-90 to the side, intent on leaving it behind, but Teyla had been insistent on him wearing his full gear. To be prepared for anything. The memories of her return with Jennifer still too fresh.
John had quickly carved in, despite the fact that Teyla had been totally insane. The Daedalus was in orbit and would stay for the time being. There were also more than enough weapons close to the camp. But that realization had only hit later.
So now TJ was hitching a ride with Ronon.
Teyla moved over to them and John smiled at her, letting her know that he was not angry about her irrational behavior from before. She would have to make it up to him tonight, she decided.
XOXOXOXOXO
Teyla felt the familiar pull of the transporter and then looked into many happy faces. Her focus was momentarily pulled to Torren. Lately he hadn't been very comfortable when he was among strangers and to her chagrin the Athosians had become strangers to him as she always left him with John. From her vantage point she saw him clutching at Ronon, his face careful. He shyly looked around and then concentrated on John who was being hugged by an overjoyed Jinto, the surprise at being jumped by the boy obvious on John's face.
Over her connection she also felt John's worry too. Jinto was not the only child swarming John as he had always been there for them telling stories, bringing toys or teaching games and his discomfort at being armed like he was sent another flash of guilt passing through her.
Her attention was drawn from John when Halling stepped close to her.
"It is good to see you well," he greeted lowering his head to meet hers. "I see you decided to bring your son, too." They parted and Teyla looked up smiling. Halling had often complained that she had not brought Torren with her. She had used many excuses, but she was sure he knew the real reason why she had not brought Torren.
"It is good to see you well too, old friend," she answered, taking in the familiar faces of her people now mingling with the Lanteans, greeting each other.
She looked at Torren before looking back at Halling. "Yes, John convinced me that it was safe to do so." Teyla's gaze settled on John again who was greeting Captain Singer, the leader of those that had stayed behind. After a moment he handed the Captain his P-90, his relief at getting rid of his usually welcomed gear reaching her.
Halling followed Teyla's gaze and the Colonel looked up at the same moment. "Hey, Halling," he called over the crowd with a wave of his hand.
Halling returned the greeting, chuckling deep in his throat.
It took some time until the group finally dispersed and everyone returned to their tasks.
John's debriefing of his men consisted of a single question. He asked if everything was all right and when he received positive nods in return he gave a curt nod to Teyla and left Lorne to handle the full debriefing, while he and Ronon joined the children as John had brought new toys and games from Earth.
Teyla turned to Halling again.
"We have been gone quite some time. Is everyone alright?" she asked.
"We were very blessed the last months," he said smiling. "Our numbers are growing again. Come, let us walk and I shall show you. Many are in the fields as today is the last day of our harvest."
Teyla nodded and followed Halling, who led her through the camp. People were busy all around them and Teyla realized that most of the Lanteans had started to help with whatever task their Athosian friends were completing.
Her people would truly return home. She wondered when they had started to get this close and realized once more how apart her live had become over the past year from that of her people.
As Halling led her past the tents Teyla realized that there weren't as many as she thought there should be. Between some, boxes and bags were stacked.
"You are packing," Teyla exclaimed stopping to look around.
Halling nodded. "We have decided to leave. Even though our numbers grow, too few are old enough to really work in the fields," he explained. "Many feel uncomfortable here too. This never really was our home."
"I understand," she said feeling a stab that they had decided without her. "Where do you plan to go?"
"If Mr Woolsey's offer still stands, we would prefer to leave with you. Otherwise we have the offer to stay with the Jaranu," Halling answered.
"That will not be necessary. Mr Woolsey sent me to talk to you about the Athosion moving to the mainland," she returned a little relieved.
"We would not be welcome to live in the city?" Halling asked, disappointment swinging in his voice.
"Of course you would be," Teyla quickly added, surprised at the request. "We just thought you would prefer living with the others on the mainland."
"What others?"
Teyla blinked at Halling, she had been so distracted and confused about all the changes, but now she realized that he had no idea of the new situation. "Oh, that was what I wanted to tell you too," she started. "Atlantis is to become a constant partner in Pegasus, therefore more people have returned with us, even families. The city is now located within view of the mainland and Colonel Carter and Dr. McKay have found a way to transport people from the mainland to the city and back again, much like they move around the city, which gives you access to the stargate too."
"So we could go freely even through the gate?"
"Yes," Teyla nodded. "There still will be some rules Mr. Woolsey wishes to discuss with you."
"You could have discussed the rules with him." Halling said and Teyla smiled. Maybe she was not that out of touch.
Teyla shook her head. "I no longer speak for all Athosians. You have been our leader for a long time. Their trust lies with your judgment."
Halling looked uncomfortable. "It is not that they do not trust you."
"There is no need to explain. As you told me when we discussed the possibility of our people moving back to Atlantis, my place is there."
Halling nodded.
"So we would not live alone on the mainland?" he asked after a moment wanting the conversation to return to their original topic.
"You would not," Teyla chuckled. "Several of the new citizens are farmers; they are planning to settle on the mainland."
"Can the city really support so many?"
Teyla nodded again. "We have been very lucky and found what we need to truly plan for a long time of living here. The new planet is way out of the Wraith paths, but we still will be able to defend ourselves if need be."
Halling couldn't help but feel happy at what Teyla told him. He had worried for the last few months if they had a place with Atlantis and now it looked like they had made sure they had not only a place, but a home as well.
"The Harvest Celebration is tonight. Will you stay for the night this time?" he asked when they moved on and reached the edge of the camp.
"I will talk to John. We had planned to return to the Daedalus tonight, but I am sure he will agree to stay," Teyla answered smiling.
Halling looked at her curiously, not missing the fact that whenever Teyla referred to Colonel Sheppard today, she had chosen to use his first name. Had something happened between the two?
"If you wish, I could talk to Mr. Woolsey about you moving back to the city right away. How soon can you be ready to move?" Teyla asked, interrupting Halling's train of thoughts.
"We are ready."
"I will return to the Daedalus and make the call then."
"Halling?" a voice called and Teyla chuckled.
"Go, I will find my way around," she told him.
Halling nodded and left.
XOXOXOXOXO
They were here.
He couldn't believe it.
He could feel them and the connection that they always had shared, but now they had found each other and had formed a new bond which intensified the connection.
They were happy, so happy.
Now they came to shove it in his face, though they didn't know he was here.
Soon he would be back and he would destroy their happiness as they had destroyed his.
This time he would win and they would not be able to stop him.
XOXOXOXOXO
Teyla settled at the camp fire, watching the busy preparations around her. It was late evening and for the past hours, after returning from her conference with Mr. Woolsey, she had taken another look around, greeting her people and talking to them or helping when asked. She had hoped to find Kanaan to talk to him too, but he was nowhere to be seen and she started to wonder if he evaded her on purpose.
She searched the flock of children to see what the others were doing, but only found Ronon amongst them.
She searched further and finally found her two men sitting under a tree, playing quietly on a blanket. From the look she could tell that Torren was about to give up and take a nap. There had been too much excitement over the past hours and his usual nap time had come and gone. She was surprised he still was this content even though she could feel how tired he was by now. The past hours had left her a little exhausted, too.
Her gaze settled on John. She was glad to have John with her as he had taken care of their son and she hadn't needed to worry for his safety. Following her thoughts she realized that John had a great influence of her feeling safe. She was sure that without him she would not have brought Torren.
"I talked to everyone. We will be ready to leave tomorrow with you," Halling said, settling next to Teyla and pulling her from her musings. "Is that acceptable?"
"Yes," she answered "If you could accept to stay in the city for a couple of days, until everything is ready to settle on the mainland."
"We will not mind."
"Colonel Caldwell offered to transport everything that is not needed immediately and would need to go to the mainland anyway."
Halling grinned. "I will announce that later. The others should return soon and we will complete the final preparations for the celebration. We put up some tents for you and the others."
"I will see who will share later."
They fell silent and Halling watched Teyla's focus turn back to Colonel Sheppard and her son. They watched the two playing, after a little while the boy stood up and climbed on Sheppard's lap where he snuggled against the man. Halling watched the Colonel rummage in a bag and pull out a blanket and an item he had never seen before. The Colonel handed the thing to Torren and the boy popped it in his mouth.
"Jella has a crib in her tent, if the Colonel wants to put your son down."
Teyla turned to Halling. "John does not mind holding Torren. He will only take a nap anyway and maybe John will, too," she stated amused.
Halling nodded and Teyla returned her focus to John and Torren while Halling kept studying her.
"Did everyone agree to move back?" she asked into the silence, looking back at Halling.
Halling shook his head no. "But for now, everyone will come."
Teyla inclined her head. "Everyone has to choose for themselves," she said, though it hurt her to think that some of their people would leave.
"Most will come," he paused, watching the Colonel adjusting a now sleeping Torren. "I know I already said it, but I am glad you decided to bring your son today"
Teyla's face lit up when she quickly looked at the pair under the tree again.
Halling wondered if it just was because of her son or also because of the man holding him. He hadn't missed the changes when she talked about the Colonel or looked at him. But that wasn't all, there was more to it. Halling wondered what could have happened in the short time they had been away.
He decided to broach the topic that had been on his mind for the past hour.
"Do you think it wise for Torren to get so attached to just one man?"
Teyla tilted her head to look at Halling, her face unreadable.
"Kanaan has made it very clear that he does not want to be a father to Torren," she simply said not elaborating.
"Lilya has taken it upon her to help Kanaan," Halling told off hand. "She has managed to bring some of his former self back already."
Teyla couldn't help smirk. Lilya was not of her people and something of her bothered Teyla. The woman seemed nice enough and Teyla even felt sorry for her as her husband had died due to the effects of Michael's experiments on him, leaving her alone and pregnant. Teyla sighed. If Kanaan chose her so be it.
"As far as I am aware they do enjoy each other's company, but neither is seeking a long term agreement," Halling told her misinterpreting her mood.
"Kanaan is free to choose whoever he wants to be with," she stated. "We have made our decisions and I hope he will find the same happiness I have."
Teyla turned to Halling.
"I know we have not been gone that long, but things have changed." Teyla looked at John and Halling followed her gaze to see that the Colonel was looking right back at her as if he knew they talked about something concerning him. His face showed an openness Halling had never seen in the man before. "I do not mind for Torren to get attached to his chosen father and the man that means more to me than words can say."
At her words, Halling saw the Colonel start to smile as if he had heard her. Halling looked back at Teyla, her eyes shining with love.
Halling was not sure what to say. He was surprised and elated, but also worried about how Kanaan would take the news. He had made quite some progress and Halling had started to think he might realize he had made a mistake and rethink his decision.
For many years Halling had thought that Teyla might harbor deeper feelings for the Colonel and he for her, but then she had chosen Kanaan. He had felt it was a mismatch, but still they had conceived a child. That now would be raised by Teyla and her new partner.
"May the ancestors bless your bond," he said touching her head once more.
"Do you plan on having a bonding ceremony?" he asked curious to find out how serious they were about the relationship.
"John and I already had a bonding ceremony which means we are married according to Earth law."
"Oh," he said starting to smile. "You do owe us a celebration though."
"I will tell John, we will figure out what to do."
"Let us go over, I wish to congratulate him as well."
Teyla chuckled and the two walked over to her family.
XOXOXOXOXO
He kept in the shadows.
Not wanting to be seen yet.
But he knew his time would come soon very soon.
He had watched them for some time now and was not sure what to feel.
He had taken his place, his family.
XOXOXOXOXO
Teyla stroked her hand over Torren's head and placed a soft kiss on his forehead, before making sure he was tucked in safely. It was very late and outside the celebration was still in full swing.
John had returned to their tent quite some time ago to put Torren down who had stayed up longer than usual after his very late nap.
Everyone had believed that John would return, but she had known that he would not. He would not leave their son unwatched.
To her chagrin she hadn't been able to find Kanaan, but she couldn't help it. She and John were sharing a tent so it was pretty obvious that the two were now together.
Teyla turned and walked back to the tent entrance and sealed the opening. She knew it was not really necessary, but her sleep would be more restful as would John's. She stealthily moved to the mountain of furs and blankets making up their bed, shedding most of her clothes on a pile next to John's.
"Hey," he mumbled when she slipped under the blankets next to him. He pulled her close. "I missed you today," he mumbled not fully awake yet.
His hands started to travel her mostly nude body. He nuzzled her neck before searching her mouth. He grew more and more alert with each kiss and Teyla willingly complied. Glad that her plan worked and he had reacted as hoped feeling her skin.
"You did not drink wine?" she asked surprised.
"Thought I could use the night, while everyone else was drunk and distracted," he whispered against her cheek.
"That was a very good idea."
"Humhmm," he purred busying himself with freeing Teyla from her few remaining clothes as she helped him out of his.
Teyla was grateful that they had chosen to sleep on the floor as their movements would have created unmistakable sounds on one of the wood beds as evidence of their doings.
There lovemaking was slow and intense as they were trying to keep as quiet as possible, well aware of the thinness of the tent walls. By the time they held each other, blissfully content and sated, the celebration was nearing its end and people were on their way home.
John snuggled his nose deeper in Teyla's neck and with a content sigh closed his eyes, drifting off in an exhausted sleep following Teyla already sleeping contently in his arms.
The next morning started as pleasantly as the night before had ended. It was still very early and there was barely a sound to hear as most were still asleep.
The day would bring many changes and Teyla couldn't help being happy her people would move to Atlantis and she would be with them as long as she and John were in Pegasus.
.
If you like let me know.
