Teyla wakes up stiff and sore. She had decided to sit beside John all night and rest her head by his, but once she saw that the color in his face was back she decided to let him sleep in and do her morning workout.
About a half an hour later, John wakes up and notices that Teyla is gone, but figures that she is doing her morning routine. He sees Charise and asks her to sit down at the kitchen table. He stares down his hands as he tries to choose his words carefully.
"Ok. I want to ask you some questions, but I need you to not get overly excited," he says nervously.
Charise looks confused, but agrees to do what John asks, "What is it John?"
He pauses and slowly lifts his eyes to her, "How did your husband ask you to marry him?"
Charise struggles to keep her happiness in check. She knew it would only be a matter of time before the two of them would finally give in and even though her face didn't show any expressions, her eyes did. John can't help but to smirk slightly at her effort.
"Well, it was very simple. He came to my parents house and asked them if they would mind if we were to wed," she says plainly.
John scrunches his face, "That's it? No romantic jesters?"
Charise looks at him confused, "I do not understand."
"On my world, most men ask with some kind of romantic way. Like hiding an engagement ring in her drink or dessert, fancy dinner or something like that," he tries to explain.
"I am sorry. This has been the ways of our people for as long as I can remember. I suppose that we can help you with whatever you wish to do," she replies earnestly.
"No… no, it's ok. I was just wondering," he says nervously. He pauses. "What about the wedding itself… I mean Tomis and Teera are getting married. What should I expect?"
Charise smiles, "It is a very lovely ceremony. Both of them will come to the elder, they will each have a cloak on that will cover their garments until their vows are complete. Then it will be followed by a two day celebration."
John sits there and doesn't know what to say at first, "A cloak, why?"
"When the couple walks up to the elder, they come as two separate beings and once they are united, the cloak is shed and they are considered to be one now," she tries clarify.
"And a two day celebration? Doesn't the couple get to go on a honeymoon and be alone?" he asks innocently.
"A honey…." Charise says inquisitively.
"A honeymoon. Where I come from, couples leave for about a week to spend time alone… away from everyone," he answers.
"I am sorry again, John. After the couple is married and the celebration is over, they just go to their new homes," she says apologetically.
"That's ok," John starts. "I'll think of something."
"I am sure whatever you do, Teyla will be happy," she reassures him.
John smiles brightly, "I'm sure you're right."
John is about to get up until he remembers, "What about what they wear?"
"Oh, that is simple. They wear what their parents before them wore for their marriage ceremony," she responds quickly.
John looks uncomfortable, "That's not going to work for us though."
Charise smiles widely, "Do not worry, John. We will help you. That I am sure."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
During the course of the next couple of weeks, the villagers are rushing to prepare for Tomis and Teera's wedding. Their house is finished early and now they excitedly wait for them to move in after the ceremony. John takes his turn to go on the hunting trip and they bring back plenty of game for the celebration.
A few women are secretly making garments for John and Teyla for their wedding. Some of the villagers had asked about the attire on their worlds and decide to try to make clothes similar to what they have described.
The day finally arrives for Tomis and Teera. The village square is beautifully decorated with colorful fabrics and flowers. Benches are set up for everyone else to sit on.
As the ceremony begins, they all watch as Tomis comes in cloaked from the right side of the elder and Teera from the left. After their vows are exchanged, Teera's mother pulls off Teera's cloak and Tomis's father does the same for Tomis. The whole village cheer after the elder announces that they are now one.
The celebration is wonderful and John occasionally would smile at an already beaming Teyla and say, "Our turn is next." Which then was followed by a passionate kiss and Teyla snuggle is closer to him.
As the night grew later, people began to retire to their homes and start up the celebration again the very next morning. Teyla and John dance throughout the day and are having a grand time. The day didn't seem long enough and the celebration finally came to an end. Everyone congratulates the newlyweds with hugs and kisses before the elder gives one last announcement of the night.
The elder motions for Charise to stand next to him and for John and Teyla to come forward, "I am happy to say that we will be having another marriage fairly soon."
The villagers cheer for John and Teyla.
The elder continues, "I know traditionally we make a new home for our couples, but in some cases, when some of us get too old to live by ourselves, we pass our homes to a family member."
The villagers nod in agreement.
Charise speaks up, "But this time, and it has been agreed with the family, that John and Teyla have my home. I will be taking Teera's old room."
Once again the people rejoice. John and Teyla are flabbergasted, but are also touched by her jester. The people gather around and rejoice even more. The night couldn't have ended any better.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The day has finally arrived. It is John and Teyla's wedding. The two are extremely nervous and barely get to see each other in the morning before they are whisked away to separate homes. John and Teyla have not even seen what they are going to be wearing and that makes them even more nervous.
For John's garment, the women fashioned a shirt similar to a grandfather shirt, but without a top button around the neck and a little higher collar. It is a light cream color with soft gold embroidery around the collar and cuffs. The pants were almost a hazel green color and it accents his eyes. John is moved beyond words.
Teyla is overwhelmed when she sees her gown that is brings her to tears. The top of her dress is fashioned to be similar to the Athosian tops she would normally where. The fabric is a soft golden color. It has one wide shoulder strap on the right side of the top. The top is covered with a fine lace that is the same light cream color as John's shirt and you can see the golden fabric underneath it peer through. The top is also cropped short enough to show Teyla's midriff. Her skirt is made to be separate from her top. It is made with the cream color fabric and is embellished by gold embroidery on the waistline and hem.
Finally, they are cloaked and brought in front of the elder. Even under Teyla's hood, he can see her glowing face and she can see his brilliant smile. They say their vows in loving tones and the honor of removing their cloaks are given to Charise and to the elder, himself.
Teyla's smile widens as she sees how handsome John looks and his mouth gapes open with awe when he sees how stunning she is. They are announced that they are now one and everyone quickly congratulates them with hugs and kisses.
At the first free chance, John brings Teyla to a quiet corner of the square and kisses her deeply and passionately. He steps back to admire her attire as he rests his hands on her exposed torso.
His face is glowing with delight, "You look absolutely gorgeous Mrs. Sheppard."
Teyla gets all giddy at the sound of her new name. Even though it is not a custom for the villagers, she knew it is John's and she accepts whole-heartedly.
The day moves quickly; it is getting late and the sun is starting to set. A swarm of villagers ambush and blindfold them. They lift them up on a wagon and they can her some of the people giggling. Tomis rests his hand on their shoulder and reassures them that they will be happily surprised.
The wagon finally stops and they are led to an area that seems dark and quiet. The blindfolds are now taken off and they find themselves in the little old cabin. The room is filled with candlelight, a bigger bed was made and many baskets of food are laid out.
Tomis and Teera embrace John and Teyla, "We hope you enjoy your honey…moon. Feel free to come see us any time, but take as long as you want." They leave with smiles on their faces and close the door behind them.
John and Teyla are truly speechless as they take in the whole room.
John grabs Teyla by her waist and whispers to her, "I love you, Mrs. Sheppard."
"And I love you too, Mr. Sheppard," she replies and gives him a loving kiss.