(Roeskva, thank you. Glad you enjoyed Rosha's story.
Akaylah, aw, nice new name. Thanks.
MuseUrania, thanks, yeah, the show seemed to forget about her, but she lives in fan fiction.

A minor note, because I'm a dork, if you've read New Life, the music box mentioned here is suppose to be the same one mentioned there.)

Part 10, Gete

-1906, Planet Rire-

A sixteen year old Gete smiled as his sister lectured him about putting his shoes on the table. He responded by hitting his heel on the top so that more mud would fall.

"Is that any way for the future Lord of Ringkeeper to act?"

"Yes."

"Are you prepared for tomorrow?"

"To ride out and spend more time with my betrothed." Something he wasn't looking forward to.

"Tala is beautiful."

"Yes, she's beautiful." Gete replied, clearly annoyed. She was. He wouldn't deny that. She was elegant and dainty, as women were supposed to be. Her dark hair was always woven into intricate weaves on top of her head. Her eyes were dark, enticing many other noble men. Her skin didn't seem to have one blemish. She was always dressed with layers of delicate fabric, made to enhance her form while hiding skin.

None of that changed the fact that she was female. He had already learned and accepted that he preferred males. It was his secret. People would say it was a sign of weakness. Gete didn't believe it, but he knew he had to keep quiet about it. Sons were disowned over such things. He knew his father would do the same. He'd lose everything: his title, his land, his land, the family name, and the love and protection of his family.

"The only girl. I can't imagine," his sister said.

"That's because our parents gave you six sisters." Gete took his feet off the table and leaned closer. "Seven sisters and five brothers. My family is too large."

"Be glad I'm female. Otherwise, I'd be the future Lord of Ringkeeper."

Gete stood up. "I am." He began leaving.

"Where are you going?"

"To study." He left the room, and he headed to his room. He found the books he was to read and fiddled through them before picking one. He was going to be tested after his trip, and he wanted to be ready.

The next morning, Gete took his horse and rode away. The trip itself would take a few days, and many guards came with him. He took his time getting there, enjoying the ride. He wasn't in a hurry to see Tala. However, he was expected to arrive on a certain day, and he couldn't be late. As he arrived at the city, a messenger rode ahead to announce him.

Arriving at the estate, he went to meet his future father-in-law. "Lord Tel."

"Lord Gete. I trust your journey was safe."

"It was, my lord."

"We thought you'd arrive this morning. If you cannot command a horse to ride quicker, how do you expect to command a city?"

Gete was annoyed. Once his father retired, he'd outrank his father-in-law. His daughter was marrying up, and the arrogant man seemed to forget that at times. "It seems to be an error on the part of the messenger," Gete replied, knowing the runner worked under Tel. "I arrived as I planned."

"Send the horse away and come see my daughter," Tel replied as he gestured to the stable boy.

"I'll put the horse in," Gete replied.

"Your horse will be treated well."

"Like my message?" Gete asked before giving the horse a kick and riding off. He headed for the stables, wanting a reason to delay the meeting. He found a stall for the horse. He began brushing the stallion when he heard someone come in. He turned and saw what must have been one of Tala's brothers.

"You are the one marrying my sister?"

He was handsome. A masculine version of Tala. Gete smiled. "I am Lord Gete."

"I am Tovol."

"No lord?"

"Why bother? I am the last of nine sons. What will I inherit? A title alone means nothing."

"Then you have no family?"

"A wife. Naldel of Meadowside" he replied with disapproval. "A wife with many brothers, so I cannot even hope to inherit her city, pathetic as that city may be."

Gete noticed the bitterness in his voice. "I am sure you will find some sort of future." He began heading out, and he was followed. "Do I have a shadow?"

"You cannot be alone with my sister. It would be improper."

"Your father sent you."

"Perhaps I volunteered."

"I get the impression you do not care about what is proper or not." He didn't mind someone looking like Tovol following him around. He had a couple guards he took everywhere for similar reasons.

"You think you know me already?" Tovol smiled.

"I'm figuring it out." Gete smiled in return, but that faded when they were approached.

"Lord Gete." Tala smiled and did a small curtsy.

Gete put on a happy face. "The Lady Tala is as beautiful as ever."

"Thank you, my lord. I was hoping we could go horseback riding, but I see your horse is already away."

"If your father does not mind, we could ride. We have your brother to shadow us."

"A shadow you will not notice," Tovol added, though that was discovered to be a lie. During the ride, he began moving his horse before Gete's.

Gete had no choice to do the same. He couldn't be outdone by the ninth son of Tel. Bit by bit, the horses were ordered to go faster, and it didn't take long before they were galloping. The path narrowed, and Gete drove his horse to get ahead. He gave a victory laugh as his stallion took first. He followed the path, but realized Tovol disappeared. Suddenly the man was ahead, coming off a rougher but straighter path. The road ended by the side of a steep cliff, and Gete was annoyed. "You cheated!" he yelled as soon as the horses had stopped.

"I never prevented you from taking the other path."

"I didn't know about it."

Tovol smiled. "Then we shall have a rematch. I know of another path-"

"With another shortcut I do not know about? Perhaps we should have a rematch in Ringkeeper."

"Am I invited then?"

"Your sister comes to marry me in a few months." Gete looked around. "We seem to have lost her."

Tovol eased down his horse. "Then we shall wait for her."

Gete did the same. "She has not lost us?"

Tovol moved closer, closer than most would. His arm brushed against Gete's causing his skin to shiver. "You sounds almost...hopeful."

Gete felt as if the other man's eyes lingered over him. He wasn't sure if he was imagining it or not. "No. Of course not."

"We could always continue racing." His tone was hard to read.

"I..."

Tovol leaned in closer. "You've lost your words." He smiled, and the moment lingered. Suddenly, the sound of hooves filled the air, and he pulled away.

Gete's heart fluttered, and though he didn't know it, the tips of his ears were red. "Lady Tala."

She came around the corner. "You ride quickly, my lord."

"Y-yes." Gete cleared his throat and stood straighter. "Perhaps we should head back."

"You can meet all my brothers and sisters." She smiled and turned her horse.

Gete couldn't bring himself to look at Tovol as he got back on his horse, but he stole glances on the ride back.

Over the next few days, Tovol's behavior was the same. Gete couldn't bring himself to be alone with him, but Tovol managed to find ways. Each time, he stood closer than he should, and he made many accidentally brushes against Gete that left shivering skin. It left him both excited and afraid.

Finally, as he packed, Gete suddenly found himself alone with Tovol. "Come to bid be a farewell?"

"I was thinking about our upcoming race."

"Before the wedding."

"I believe I can come sooner...if I am invited."

Gete's mind whirled. "You... You should see the home...since Tala will be living there. Give your approval."

"See if you will give her a proper home."

"Y-yes."

He leaned in. "Soon then."

"Yes. Of-of course."

Tovol pulled away. "I will see you soon then."

Gete's mind screamed. "Soon." He wanted the other man close again, but he was too afraid to do anything himself. His breath seemed caught as he watched the other man leave. "Tovol?"

"Yes?" The man grinned as he turned back.

"When are you expected?"

His eyes looked disappointed, but it flashed by so quickly, Gete wasn't sure. "I'll send word beforehand." He left the room.

-Two Months Later-

Gete paced in his room. Two weeks ago he had gotten word that Tovol was coming today. Now he was nervous. He wondered if he had truly imagined everything. Maybe it had even all been a dream.

A servant entered the room. "He has arrived."

"Thank you." Gete swiftly moved down the steps. He went outside, and he waited by the Great Ring that their town was named for.

Tovol arrived on the same horse he had raced on. He stopped and got off the stallion. "Lord Gete."

"Lord Tovol."

He looked in to the ring. "The very thing that makes your city so famous."

"The reason we are favored by the king."

Tovol was clearly impressed with it, and he moved up the steps. "The first to deal with traders. Have you ever met any?"

"My father usually deals with offworlders."

Tovol looked back to him. "I would have thought the king would have wanted this in his castle."

"A king once built a castle around it...a few thousand years ago. The castle fell when the travelers were not traders, but invaders...Jaffa. They killed him, and his kingdom fell. Our king and his ancestors have not made the same mistake." Gete looked to the ring. "My ancestors were ordered to watch over it, but we have also learned. That is why it is in our yard, not our home."

Tovol looked at it for a moment before turning to him. "We have a race to settle."

"I'll send for my horse." Gete gestured to a servant who left.

"Good. I'm looking forward to beating you again."

"Perhaps you should use a fresh stallion."

"I'll trust my own. He's up for a race." The man reached over and tenderly rubbed his horse's neck. I was sure not to rush him, and he has rested enough.

Gete gave a nod, and soon his horse was there. He gestured where they'd be heading before getting on his horse. They soon arrived at a near forest. "The path is easy enough to follow. It goes to a lake that sits in the middle of the forest.

"The lake is our goal?"

"Yes."

Tovol smiled. "Tell me when we start."

"All right...now!"

The horses were ordered to run. Gete tried to get up ahead, but they was even. The lake was coming up. Gete kept his pace, then urged his horse faster. He took the lead and managed to keep it until the horse was partway into the lake.

Tovol laughed as he caught up. "Enjoying the water?"

Gete steered his horse out of the water and climbed down. "Yes." The legs of his pants were soaked, but he wasn't going to admit that it bothered him.

"I was expecting you to disappear on some hidden path."

"I don't cheat. I..." Gete trailed off as Tovol was close enough. "Uh... Well, do you..." He stopped, and he felt the slightest brush against his lips. It left a vibration, and he couldn't move. "T-Tovol."

Tovol leaned in and kissed him.

Gete closed his eyes, unable to move at first. He slowly moved his hands up Tovol's sides.

Bliss.

His skin tingled as Tovol pulled away. Not wanting this to end, he pulled the other man forward. His fingers worked into Tovol's hair, and the man returned the favor, leaving trails of fire across his skin. When they were finished, Gete could barely breathe. He looked up to Tovol. "My first kiss."

"Really? You are-" He gave a small kiss. "-very-" Another small kiss. "-good."

"Thank you." He almost whispered. "How long will you be staying?" He continued brushing his fingers through Tovol's hair. Look, but don't touch. That's how had been been. Gete never wanted to live like that again.

"I'm not entirely sure." Tovol leaned and breathed hot air on Gete's neck and ear. He whispered, "Long enough to show you many other things we can do together."

Gete felt his breath leave again. "O...kay."

Tovol smiled.

As the days passed, Gete enjoyed every moment alone with Tovol. Already, they were plotting ways for Tovol to return, though Gete was saddened that Tovol's wife would be coming next time.

Time passed too quickly. The day of the wedding arrived. Gete paced in his room.

"You look well enough," Tovol assured.

"I have to dance. I hate dancing."

"I think that's the least of your worries."

Gete looked to him. "Right. Tonight."

Tovol gave Gete herbs. "Make a tea from these. Don't let anyone see you."

"Thank you." Gete took the herbs and hid them.

"The main thing Tala wants tonight is gentleness." Tovol smiled. "I know you can be gentle."

"You are sure?"

"I overheard her talking with my sisters." Tovol chuckled, though he blushed a bit. "I left quickly when I realized what they were talking about."

Gete leaned into him. "Well, you suffered for my knowledge."

Tovol hugged him. "After today, I will not have much reason to come."

"I've been thinking about that." Gete looked up to him. "Soon, my father will want me to pick advisors."

"I'm sure he expects you to pick your brothers."

"Part of the reason I'm marrying your sister is to keep good relations between our cities. Picking you as an advisor is another way that cannot be argued."

Tovol smiled, and his hug tightened. "Oh Gete!" It was more than he had ever hoped for.

"I love you," Gete blurted, then suddenly blushed.

Tovol stilled, then smiled. "I love you too." He kissed him. "Now go out and marry my sister."

Gete nodded and began leaving.

"Wait."

Gete turned back.

"There is something. Naldel just told me this morning. You should know... She's pregnant."

Gete frowned. It was probably insane, but he felt jealous. "Congratulations." He realized that he too easily let himself forget about the wife.

"I would like our children to be close."

Gete smiled. "That would be nice." He was jealous, no matter how foolish it was. He'd be having his own children. They had no other choice. "I would like that." He left, knowing Tovol was going to stay behind a few minutes before following. Rituals to hide they were together were forming. They both had to be careful.

He was found by one of his brothers. "Ready to get married?"

Gete nodded. "Yes."

-Six Months Later, 1907-

Gete hurried down the halls. It had been a busy week. His father had told him he'd be retiring soon. Gete would be taking over, and that meant a great deal of studying. He also learned his wife was pregnant. Now, he was heading over to Tovol, who was waiting in a hall while his wife gave birth.

Tovol was pacing in the hall, and he rushed over. "Gete!" His voice quivered, and his eyes were red. He hugged him, not caring who saw.

"What happened?"

Tovol pulled away and closed his eyes. "They're gone. They..." His voice faltered, and he went to his knees.

Gete saw a servant nearby. "Leave us." He looked down to Tovol. "Your family?"

"Something was wrong. They said she bled too much, and the baby. My baby!" He shook his head. "They wouldn't let me... They took it away, and I can't even see it! I don't know if it's a boy or girl." He looked to Gete. "How can I name my child if I...if I don't know?"

Gete knelt down to be on the same level. "Give it a name that could be either."

Tovol sniffled. "I... Nal."

"Nal is good." He paused briefly. "Have you seen Naldel?"

He looked down. "I haven't been able to go in to the room." He looked back to Gete. "I love her. Not the same way I love you, but I do love her."

"Let's see her. I'll go with you."

Tovol nodded, and they stood. Tovol made his way into the room, and he found his wife on the bed. He ordered the servants away before laying next to her. "Naldel... I'm sorry. I wasn't the best husband. I ignored you in a ways a wife should not be ignored. You never knew the reason. You'll learn it now." He glanced to Gete. "We were good friends though. I enjoyed all of our talks." He sniffled. "Our baby is named Nal. I hope you approve."

Gete sat down and waited. He listened to Tovol talk for a while. When he was done, he approached Gete. "She started out as an obligation, but she became a friend."

"A good friend."

"Yes, but... I will never remarry."

"You father will not approve."

"I don't care." He shook his head. "I did what I had to do for him. It's done. No more wives." He knelt down since Gete was still sitting. "Your children will be my children."

Gete took his hand. "We'll be sure to tell them about Nal."

Tovol sniffled as he nodded. "They would have been like siblings."

"They'll need a place to visit Nal."

Tovol shook his head. "Children who are stillborn are never given graves."

"Do you want Nal to have a grave?" Gete watched Tovol nod. Gete gave him a quick and soft kiss. "Then we'll have one for it."

"Thank you."

-Three Years Later, 1910-

Gete was playing with his son in the yard. He set the boy down and smiled as he toddled over to him. "You are getting big!"

"Daddy!"

"Little Gete." Gete lifted him up and hugged him.

"Lake?"

"Not today." The lake where Gete had received his first kiss had become special to him and Tovol. They often took little Gete with them, and the boy loved the water.

"Fish?"

"Not today." Gete smiled.

Suddenly the Great Ring began making noise. Gete looked over and called for the nearest servant. "Take him away," he ordered.

"Daddy?" Little Gete questioned as he was taken away.

"Daddy will see you later," Gete called out. They hadn't been attacked in many centuries, but the fear was still there. Gete moved farther away, ready to run if it was needed. People came through, and he recognized the clothes. "Tok'ra."

It was two men, and they walked down the steps. They were each carrying large bags. One was a friendly elderly man. The other one looked a few years younger than Gete, though that didn't mean much with a Tok'ra. He also looked mean, and unfortunately, he was the one to speak. "Who is in charge?"

The voice and tone made Gete want to run the other way. He stepped closer. "That would be me. I am Lord Gete." He tried to sound lordy.

"I am Malek." He gestured to the elder man. "This is Aldwin."

"We've come to trade," Aldwin informed.

"We'll-we'll go to the main hall." Gete gestured to the nearest servants to set thing up.

"You are nervous." Malek sounded almost amused.

"No."

Malek looked over him in disbelief. "Very well. Show us to the main hall."

Gete left, and they followed. He felt like every move was being analyzed. He was glad when they finally reached the hall, and he could sit. "What do you wish to trade for?"

"We trade for the same thing every time we come. If you did any research, you would know that."

Gete suddenly felt very small. "Food."

"In exchange for cloth and gold."

"We have a variety of food that you can take." He had an idea of what they wanted, the basics. He was always interested in gold, but the cloth was special. He didn't know if they traded it from someone else or made it themselves, but it had a better weave than anything on his planet.

Malek took cloth out of his bag and set it down. He began rattling on about what they wanted. Aldwin left the table, leaving his bag with Malek. Aldwin went around to the wall, and he picked up a music box on a shelf. He opened it and listened. "This is nice music."

"Aldwin, pay attention," Malek ordered.

"You are the trader. I'm here to keep you company." Aldwin set the music box down and returned to the table.

Malek continued, and Gete did his best to keep up. They began haggling while Aldwin kept quiet. Gete was nervous, but he couldn't let that get a bad deal. His father would be hearing of this, and he couldn't disappoint him. He kept that in the back of his mind the entire time.

Finally, it was all settled. Everything was exchanged, and Gete felt relieved and tired.

"How much is the music box?" Aldwin asked while Malek packed.

"Two gold pieces."

Aldwin paid them.

"What is your host's name? If you do not mind the question." Gete wouldn't have had the nervous to ask Malek.

"Rorm, and that is Amb."

Malek glanced to Aldwin.

Gete wondered if Amb was nicer than Malek. "Hello hosts."

Rorm took control to give a reply. Amb remained hidden, and Malek went on his way to the Great Ring. Gete followed, and it was quiet. He felt nervous, wondering if his father would think he traded too much away. He watched them leave, and he quickly went to find his son. He found Tala was with them.

"How was the trade?" she asked.

"I think I did well, but my father may have another opinion."

Tala smiled and kissed him. "I think you did well."

Gete smiled. "Thank you."

-Six Years Later, 1916-

Tovol leaned in towards Gete while they watched three children play. "How did you get my sister to agree to not come."

"I told her they needed time with their uncle."

Tovol smiled. "Our children are beautiful."

Gete smiled. "They are. Ow!" Gete slapped his arm.

"What happened?"

"I was bit." Gete looked closer. "Some bug."

"Maybe you killed it."

"Maybe." Gete began itching.

"Leave it alone."

Gete sighed.

-Three Days Later-

"I hate bugs." Gete closed his eyes as his doctor examined him.

"Had the medicines helped?"

"He's gotten worse," Tala answered. "You need to help him." Her voice was firm. "Now he has patches."

"Patches?"

Gete showed his arm where he had bitten. It was covered in patches of red skin. "They are painful."

"Oh. I see." There was recognition in his voice.

"What is it?"

"You have crawled skin."

"I cannot."

"I apologize, my lord, but I believe-"

"People don't survive that," Gete said firmly as his wife began crying. "Therefore I cannot have it."

"My lord."

Gete turned to his wife. "Get rid of him, and find a doctor who knows what he is doing."

The next day, a new doctor was there. "You have crawled skin."

Gete felt less sure now.

"I can ease the pain, but that is about all I can do."

"I hate bugs."

"I apologize, my lord."

"How long do I have?"

"You may have a week, but you may have a month."

Gete felt cold. "Uh." He had no idea how to respond to that. Tala went to the bed and cuddled to him.

"I will prepare medicines for you, my lord." The doctor waited until he was dismissed before leaving.

Gete was quiet for several minutes. "We need to tell the children."

"We will."

"They need a guardian." He knew the traditions. He had to pick a male to take care of them. Otherwise, Tala would have to marry. He didn't trust who she might marry. A new husband might kill the children and make his own.

"One of your brothers?"

"They already have children."

"You don't trust them?"

"I don't know."

Tala kissed him.

"Tovol. He's the only choice." Gete shook his head, still unable to believe all of this. "He needs to be here."

"I'll send for him."

Gete settled as she left. She returned a few minutes and sat on the bed. "The children."

"We'll tell them soon."

A few minutes passed before Tovol rushed in. "Lord Gete." He was proper with Tala in the room.

Gete looked to his wife. "Can you check on the children while we talk?" He waited until she left before turning to Tovol. "Uh..."

"The first doctor was right." Tovol looked sick.

"Yes."

"Gete." He hurried over and hugged him. "No."

"I'm sorry I was bitten."

"It's my fault. I wanted to see them play."

"I would have been outside anyway."

Tovol cuddled to him.

"Tovol, I need you to take care of them."

"What?"

"Our children. I don't know what my brothers would do with them."

"They are your brothers."

"Men have killed nephews so that their children would inherit. Even if they cannot do that, they might send them away...make them disappear, but us." He touched the side of Tovol's face. "You'll take care of our children." He wiped away tears. "Tala will be returning soon. She shouldn't see you crying over me."

Tovol kissed him before nodding. "No more tears." He wiped them away.

Arraignments were made, and many people told Gete he was making the wrong choice, his father, each brother, each sister, and many others. He was firm in his decision though, but Tala took the backlash. They became convinced she had put the idea in Gete's head. Gete felt bad. No one said anything to her, but they had become colder towards her.

One day though, she was happy. She was practically dragging a strange woman into the bedroom. "Gete!" Another stranger, a male, was right behind them.

Tovol was there, and since his sister didn't knock, he was glad he was just sitting on a chair by the bed.

"A Tok'ra!" Tala exclaimed.

"I cannot trade now," Gete replied.

"No, they need a host." She practically shoved the Tok'ra at him.

The Tok'ra glanced to Tala before looking to Gete. "I am a Tok'ra. My name is Selmak. One of the Tok'ra, Aldwin, is in need of a new host."

"Aldwin? He was the nice one."

The male Tok'ra moved closer. "His host has lived all his years, and he does not have much time left."

Selmak gestured. "This is Martouf."

"He'll live then?" Tovol asked.

"It depends on his condition," Selmak answered before looking to Gete. "Do you want to be a host?"

Gete frowned in worry. "How does it...get in?"

"Aldwin will burrow through your mouth and wrap about your spinal cord." She watched Gete's expression get more and more worried. "The pain will be eased quickly, and it is well worth your life. The question is, do you want to be a host, to become a Tok'ra?"

"Our lives are dangerous," Martouf added. "However, your lifespan is doubled, you will have access to Aldwin's knowledge, constant companionship, and-"

"Doubled?" Gete asked.

"More than doubled, actually. Rorm, Aldwin's current host, is 198 years old." He watched Gete's eyes widen. "Do you wish to become a host?"

Gete looked from Tala to Tovol. What they wanted was clear. "Yes."

Tala hugged her husband. "Gete!"

"I will not be able to live here anymore. Tovol will still be taking the children."

"I know, but you'll live." She smiled as tears fell. "My husband. You'll be safe."

"Can you walk?" Selmak asked.

"Yes."

Gete stood up with Tovol's help. He and Tala helped Gete to the Great Ring.

"The travel might make you sick," Martouf informed as he helped Gete up the steps.

Gete gave a nod as he stepped through. He nearly fell once he reached the other side, but Martouf held him up. "Thank you."

"We are not too far away." Martouf let himself be leaned on, and they walked for a few minutes before he spoke again. "Does your wife know?"

"Know what?"

"About you and that other man."

Gete nearly fell again, but Selmak grabbed him. "What?" He was more worried about them knowing he liked men than the affair itself.

"I'm sorry. It's not my concern."

"How did you know?"

"Humans are easy to read," Selmak answered.

Gete was quiet after that, quietly worring. Soon he was brought below, and he was taken to Aldwin. Rorm was in control, and the man was more interested in reading. He looked up to Gete afterwards. "I wanted to finish the book before I died."

"Does it end well?"

"Yes. Now come."

Gete moved closer. "At least we met once before. You said 'hello.'"

Rorm smiled. "We did. Are you ready?"

"I am."

-Present-

Gete smiled. "As I knew he would, Tovol proved my family wrong. My family is still in charge of Ringkeeper. They still don't know truth about us."

"We're just friends when we visit," Amb added with a smile.

"What about your people?" Daniel asked.

"They do not care, so we can be honest."

Daniel smiled before looking to Freya. "Will we be hearing your story?"

"Another day." She saw he was disappointed. "Do not worry. We hare time."

to be continued...