Jack smiled as he watched his lover sitting with the Iskat children, learning a game from them. They had been among the people for the past two weeks, healing, and forgiving each other. Arkaya had spoken truthfully in that they had both been welcomed with open arms. In fact, their official welcome feast was tonight, now that Daniel was able to move a little easier.
Daniel had finally sent him away to help gather wood for the bonfire. Two weeks of Jack's constant pampering had started to rattle a few nerves. He had agreed to go, on the condition that Daniel stayed tucked nicely into bed.
As if. He hadn't even bothered going back to their lodge, knowing he'd find Daniel if he wandered around the village long enough. Now, as he stood back to watch his beautiful lover laugh and play, he couldn't help but think of everything that had brought them here.
The guilt of hurting his lover so bad hadn't completely gone, he didn't think it ever really would. But the ever present picture in his mind of the love, faith and trust in Daniel's eyes would also never leave him. He had been given a huge gift that filled him with awe, and humbled him at the same time.
He knew it couldn't have been easy for Daniel to show it all to him, to expose his vulnerable soul. Everyday, he thanked whatever higher power there might be for it. He knew it would have come, in time. But he couldn't help but think that these Trials had done them more good than harm. They had come together, closer than ever, because of them.
For the first time since it's inception, their relationship had a chance to grow, and flourish without the necessity of keeping it a secret, or without the judgmental eyes of the world one them. Even the Iskat accepted it.
Smiling, he approached his lover, trying to look stern, but knew he had failed when Daniel beamed a grin at him. Just because he could, Jack bent down and kissed his partner, much to the giggles of the children. They had tried to hold back on the PDA's when they were around the village, but Arkaya had sternly informed them that nothing was kept from their children. If the good things in life were hidden, she had said, how would the children learn?
"Jack," Daniel greeted softly, still a little shy about their open displays.
"Daniel," Jack returned. "The Chief wants to know if you're feeling up to a visit from him?"
Daniel blushed, and tried to rise to his feet. His side still hurt whenever he moved too quickly, and the process of getting up or down was a slow one. He was grateful when Jack didn't argue, but merely helped him carefully stand.
"I'll go to him, unless there was a special reason he wanted to visit in our lodge?" he asked, not wanting to insult their hosts. A lot had been accepted and forgiven during their time here, and now he felt comfortable with the Iskat. Though, they, too, tended to coddle him and treat him as though he were fragile.
Jack shook his head, and gently hooked his arm around Daniel's waist. "No, he just didn't think you could make the trip across the village twice in one day. I told him you'd say you were fine, and insist on coming to him. Though, just for the record, I happen to agree with him."
Daniel chuckled, then sighed. "I'm not fragile, Jack. We've had worse injuries out in the field."
Jack snorted. "Okay, like that was something I wanted to think about. Seriously, Danny, you need to let me know if you're not up to something. We still have a long way to go, and set backs in your recovery won't help us get there."
"I know. I just... I hate this. I feel like ever since we got together, you've had to take care of me. I hate being dependent, you know that. First it was Christmas, then that bug at the SGC, then the extended recovery, then the Trial of Past, and now this. I'm just so sick and tired of needing," Daniel spat.
Jack stood, stunned. Where had all this come from? And then he understood. Daniel was not up to making both trips, and he knew it. It had brought back everything else. They stopped and he turned his lover toward him, taking a firm grip of Daniel's shoulders.
"Damnit, Daniel. Do you really think that? That you haven't carried your weight? I've told you before, yeah, I could have survived without you, but in no way would it have been as comfortable. You even taught me a few things about general survival. You're the one thinking our way through this. Do you think I could have survived this Trial if I had been by myself? You brought me back! Christ, Danny. You're the one keeping us going! Besides, even if you won't listen to all that, there's a more important fact here that you're missing."
"What's that?" Daniel asked, automatically dismissing Jack's list of his contributions.
"I love you! I live and breathe because of you, for you. You may not like it, but here it is. I will spend the rest of my life taking care of you, protecting you. I'm gonna make you laugh, and cry, love me and hate me in equal measures. It's the way it works. And you want to know what the best part is?"
Daniel flushed, and nodded. Jack moved one hand to cup the uninjured side of Daniel's face, stroking his thumb over the smooth cheek as he smiled and continued. "It's knowing you do the same for me. You keep me centered when I get lost in myself, and your voice of reason, of passion, protect me, keep me sane."
"I love you too, Jack. I think that's why I've forgiven the Iskat for what they did. I can say that now. Not exactly with ease, but it's getting easier every time I do. I still think you deserve better, someone not so screwed up. After everything we've been through on this planet, after all you've seen, you're still here. Even after I lost you for a moment, you came back to me."
Jack kissed his lover soundly. "Always will, Danny. Always."
Daniel shook himself. It was so easy to get lost in Jack. "Come on, let's go back to the lodge. I'm afraid I'm not up to both trips. We'll just have to show the Chief the hospitality of our meager lodge."
Jack smiled. "Just make more of that tea, and he'll be eating out of your hand. Ah! Don't try to deny it! I know you cooked up a batch as your contribution to the Feast tonight. I've been smelling it all morning. Even Arkaya has been nosing around our lodge."
"Then I'm proud of you for staying out of it," Daniel chuckled. "It's not much, but I'm not exactly up to going out with the hunting party. Speaking of which, I thought you were going?"
"I am. We're leaving around noon their time. I just wanted to make sure you were okay, and settled. Then I have to go back to the Central Lodge to prepare with the other hunters. Some kind of ritual that blesses our weapons," Jack answered, helping Daniel duck into their lodge, which was really just a large tent.
"Take notes," Daniel requested. "Grab the wine, will you? I suspect Chief Tomar will be here soon."
Daniel sat back and watched as Jack moved around their residence, comfortable and completely at ease as he set up for their guest. They had been trading their skills for whatever they needed, or wanted. Arkaya had insisted on giving them their own lodging, probably because she was sick of Jack's constant questions on Daniel's health.
Here, as back in the cabin, and on the road, they had fallen into a domestic routine. It was easy, relaxing, and for a moment, Daniel allowed himself to wonder what it would be like to stay. To remain where they were accepted, and could be open about their feelings for each other. He knew they could have easily been happy here, with the simple lives they now led.
It was a selfish moment, though. He knew Teal'c and Sam were home, worrying about them, mourning them, perhaps. It had been a long time since they'd been transported here. He'd stopped keeping track of the days as they passed, and Jack had stopped asking after the first three weeks.
Despite the dangers around them, he and Jack had found a kind of quiet peace on this planet. Daniel realized, then, how much he would miss it when they returned to their normal lives. There was a part of him that believed he would lose Jack when they re-entered the chaos that met them daily back on Earth.
"Danny, are you okay?" Jack asked. Daniel blinked, realizing that his lover was crouched in front of him, concerned brown eyes questioning, seeking. Daniel tried to give him a smile, but failed miserably.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking. Got lost in my head for a minute."
"You want to talk about it?" Jack asked, relieved to hear it wasn't pain that had painted his lover's face with tears.
Daniel shook his head. "Not today. Maybe some day. For now, we have a guest coming, and you have to get ready for the ritual, of which I want copious amounts of notes," he threatened, managing a small smile that bettered his last attempt.
Jack kept his crouch, searching those clear blue eyes, and then nodding. "I'm here, you know."
"Thank you. Love you." Daniel punctuated his statement with a deep kiss, before letting Jack go. "Now, get up before your knees mutiny."
"Actually, that's something I've been meaning to talk to you about. Have you noticed anything different about yourself lately?" Jack asked as he stood, and moved away.
Daniel frowned, thinking about it. He didn't think so, but then, his state of health hadn't exactly been stellar when they'd arrived. There was nothing but for him to improve. Although, now that Jack had mentioned it. "Headaches."
"Headaches?"
"Yeah. Since we got closer to the valley, I haven't had a migraine. It's weird thing to notice, but I've lived with them almost all my life. It's easier to notice when they stop, than it is when they start. And I haven't had one in weeks. Why, what did you notice?" Daniel asked.
"My knees. You're right. The closer we got to the valley, the less they bothered me. Crouching in front of you, right now- not even a twinge. And do you notice that these elders are not only really, really old, but none of them are senile? They've all still got their wits about them," Jack noted.
"It could be just in their genetic makeup to age gracefully," Daniel pointed out.
"That doesn't explain us. I think you'll find you're healing faster than you normally do, too. The gash on your shoulder is almost nothing more than a scar, most of the bruising is already gone. And I've seen you with broken ribs before. It takes more than a week for you to regain mobility."
"Arkaya says they're cracked, not broken." Daniel stuck out his tongue to emphasize his point.
"Stick that tongue out again and I'll find a use for it!" Jack threatened with a smile. "And I don't care what she says. They were broken. Anyway. It seems to be environmental. Maybe worth bringing back a science team..." Jack trailed off.
"What is it?"
"I don't care what it is. I don't want to bring a science team here. I don't want this world to mesh with ours. Maybe, just for once, we can leave this planet untouched," Jack answered. Daniel nodded, understanding.
A scratching at the door brought them both out their thoughts as Jack moved the tent flap back to reveal Chief Tomar. Daniel moved to stand as he entered, but Tomar waved him back down.
"Sit, Daniel. There is no need to stand on ceremony."
"Thank you, Chief Tomar. Would you be seated? Would you like some wine?" Daniel offered. Tomar nodded, and Jack moved quickly to pour some for both the Chief and Daniel.
As he deposited Daniel's glass at his elbow, he gave Tomar a slight bow. "If you will excuse me, Chief, I must depart."
Tomar smiled. "Ah yes. You are joining the hunting party as your contribution to tonight's feast? I wish you luck."
"Thank you." Jack leaned over and gave Daniel a kiss. "And you take it easy until tonight," he instructed his lover.
"Have fun, Jack, but be careful."
Jack smiled at him, then left.
"You are lucky, Daniel. I cannot imagine a love strong enough to break the bonds of the White Bane," Tomar said over the rim of his cup. They were bone cups, much like the ones Daniel himself had made, but their designs were far more intricate.
"Yes, I am. I must apologize for you having to come to me, Chief Tomar," Daniel apologized politely, though he knew that if it broken any social rules, Tomar would not have done it.
"Please, Daniel, call me Tomar. It is an unspoken rule amongst my people that when I visit their lodges, I merely a simple man, come to visit with friends. It allows me a small break from my responsibilities as Chief," Tomar explained.
Daniel nodded. "I understand. Jack, too, is two people bound in one. The Colonel, er, our team leader, and the man, Jack, my lover. He and I both understand the necessity of having the two roles remain one, but separate as well."
"Jack is a warrior, then?" Tomar asked.
"A great one," Daniel replied proudly. "And a good leader."
"And, yet, you defeated him in battle. Does that make you a warrior as well?"
Daniel smiled, carefully considering his answer before deciding on the honest truth. "I am a simple scholar, Tomar. Not a warrior. Jack did not truly want to be victorious over me, or I would have been dead the minute I was pushed into the ring."
"I am sorry to bring up such unpleasantness. I will not apologize for the right performed, as it is our way. But I will apologize for the pleasure we took in it," Tomar said earnestly.
Daniel waved his hand, dismissing it. "I have found peace with the Iskat, Tomar. It is done. Let us speak of far more pleasant topics. Your niece has been very helpful in teaching me your lore and history. I thank you for letting me use her as a guide."
Tomar chuckled. "I did not let her do anything, Daniel. The women of the Iskat are strong willed and stubborn at best, impossible at worst. She has enjoyed learning of your own culture as well. I think she had one day hoped to be Arkaya's apprentice."
"Will she not be? She has a good memory, and an ear for detail which I envy. I would think Granya to be perfect."
"Arkaya is a mystery to me. She chose long ago not to take an apprentice. Since your arrival, some have taken that to mean that it will be you who finally end the cycle."
Daniel leaned forward a little, interested. "Do you know what's ahead?"
Tomar shook his head. "I am sorry, but I do not. The Trial of Truth has never been passed. Your journey could be over once you leave the Valley, or you could remain here for years. I do not know."
"Have none of your own people attempted to seek out the treasure?"
Tomar looked at Daniel thoughtfully, and then nodded to himself, as though coming to a decision. "There is a story passed down since the beginning of our people. I will tell it to you."
A frightened man stood at the edge of a cave, marveling in what his eyes beheld. It was beautiful, and he thought to take it to his mate. As he moved forward to take the object, two glowing gods appeared in front of it.
"What do you seek?" They asked him.
"To possess such beauty, for my mate." He answered them.
"I am Ratash, and this, my mate, Tryon. Do you believe yourself worthy of its possession?" Ratash asked.
"I am," replied the man.
"And if we say you cannot have it?" Tryon asked.
"Then I will return with my warriors and we will take it."
The man watched as the two Guardians moved to surround him. The man felt a searing pain on his arm, and when it was gone, its place was a mark, a circle with a two lines through it. Angry, the man flung out his arm to strike back at the gods.
"Why have you done this?" he demanded.
"You are not worthy to possess this treasure. But by admitting your intentions honestly, you are worthy to aid in its protection. Go, now. You will travel for many days until you reach a deep valley. There, you will make your home. You will pass on the Trial of Truth to those who come to seeking what they do not understand. Your line will forever bear this mark, and each will know the truth of their duty."
"And if I do not wish it? Should my people come to take from you what you will not give us?" the man demanded.
"Your people will never be able to again see this cave. Any who try will wander, forever lost. Now go, and take your mate to the safety of the valley, where your people will prosper, but will always remember their duty to us."
The man had no choice but to leave. For many, many days they traveled, finally finding the valley. His people settled, and the man soon forgot his pledge to the gods. Life was good, simple, until, the birth of his second daughter. On her arm, was a mark that matched his own.
And it was then that he was forced to tell his mate of the bargain he had made. Furious, his mate left to challenge the gods. She was never seen again."
Tomar finished the story sadly. "There have been some who have tried. None have ever returned. Arkaya is the last of her line. Perhaps, in some way, she knew you would come. Perhaps not. Only she speaks to the Spirits, the Guardians."
"Why did she never mate?" Daniel asked, caught up.
"She fell madly in love with a man foolish enough to love her in return. She kept the secret of her line well, until the day she was Called to fulfill her destiny, and he his. Their duties weighed on them, and responsibility came first for both. It was not long before they had established separate lodgings. They remained good friends, but their love, once of legends, had now withered away. They had sacrificed it for their duties to the people."
"It was you, wasn't it?" Daniel guessed, seeing the sad smile on Tomar's face.
"Love must be nourished, young friend. It is not something to be taken for granted. It is not possible to know the future, to know what may happen tomorrow. Love should never be put on hold. It is very easy to wake up one day and realize that you let something so precious slip away."
Tomar sighed, and Daniel could hear years of regret in it. He blinked back his own tears, saddened by the tale. What would he do if he ever lost Jack? He offered Tomar the only comfort he could.
"Sometimes, Tomar, it takes the security of that precious friendship to realize that nothing has ever really changed," he replied honestly.
Tomar blinked at him, and then laughed. "Perhaps, Daniel, you are not so young. I sense a wisdom in you beyond your few years."
They sat in companionable silence for a while before Tomar looked outside and saw the sun's low position.
"It is time for me to prepare for our feast tonight, and you will need some rest. There will be a great many festivities, which you and Jack will be expected to join in on," Tomar announced as he stood to leave.
"Thank you, Tomar, for your visit, and for the talk," Daniel replied.
Tomar nodded and left. Daniel rose slowly and made his way to the bed, feeling a little drowsy. He closed his eyes and lay there, thinking about everything he had heard today. There were often many truths in legends and lore. They often started off as lessons, and years of exaggeration turned them into fables. Perhaps there was more to the one Tomar had told him.
